Hey everyone. This is the Revamp of Chapter 6, one of the hardest chapters to write. Really, you don't know how hard it was to write this. I cried. I really did. In class. IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS I SAT HERE AND BAWLED LIKE A BABY so you better enjoy this chapter. Still, I knew I had to write it. So here it is.
I'm a lot happier with this chapter this time around. There are a lot more details, and I included the language key at the bottom. If you run across something that you don't know, first check the context clues. If you still can't figure it out, look at the bottom of the page~
ORIGINAL AUTHORS COMMENTS
Hey everyone! Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out, but it was long. Chapter Seven will be even longer.
I struggled with this chapter. Since it's from japan's point of view, He had to had bad feelings, but...it was difficult with the flashbacks. There may come a time where I redo this chapter. I don't know. I'm not...the happiest with it.
Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter. It hurt my hands to write it.
Chapter 6: Memory Confusion - Japan
"What...is wrong with you guys...?" I heard Canada ask, and I glanced over to him from my spot against the wall. I couldn't blame him, I was completely confused myself. Hadn't I come here with America? I was...certain that I had...but...something in me doubted that. I couldn't be that forgetful, could I? Surely not...
"A-Am I wrong?" Italy started to say, looking completely lost. "J-Japan...you came here with us...didn't you?" I frowned. Had I? I couldn't remember correctly...
"Maybe correcting time caused some sort of disturbance..."Germany muttered and I winced, bringing my hand back up to my head. All this thinking made my head hurt.
"Rìběn, do you remember fighting with me and Èluósī?" China asked hesitantly, and I turned my head to look at him, frowning.
"I am not that forgetful yet, you know." I muttered, and it was enough to get a light laugh from Russia.
"You two are so old~" the burly nation said airily, waving his hand a little bit. China's eyes didn't leave me, and it made me a little uncomfortable.
"You failed to mention Pǔlǔshì then, too." China muttered, his frown deepening as he fiddled with his sleeve. "I thought you had simply forgotten...but you've been acting odd ever since."
"I came here with America...I know that much..." Canada said softly, and I looked over at him. He shook his head in confusion. "But...this is weird..."
"Blimey...I came here with you, didn't I Japan?" England asked, and I could do nothing but blink back at him.
"I...ano...I'm not sure...I..." I stuttered, unable to form coherent thoughts. I shook my head, bringing my hand back to my head. "My...mind is all muddled..."
"Perché succede questo?" Italy suddenly asked, startling me slightly. "This isn't suppo-guh..." His voice died when I turned to look at him, and he bit his lip. "N-never mind..."
"What is it, Ita-kun? Did you...think of something?" I asked, but all he gave me was a shake of the head as he looked away. I frowned a bit, finding the action a little off.
"Whatever the case, we must break clock in room." Russia said spacily, and I nodded slowly. "It should be in corner, da?"
"Hai, where we found the others. I'll do it." I muttered, and I watched Italy take a step forward as I pushed myself off the wall. I ignored him, making my way over to the corner dresser, to dig for the clock. I placed my foot wrong, and winced before pushing the pain away and picking through the piles of cloth. "Following the pattern it should be...here..." The other clocks had been hidden under layer and layer of blankets to muffle it's noise, but even then, it didn't take me long to find it. I let out a noise of triumph when my fingers grasped the metal of the clock. "Ah. I knew it would be here." I held the clock in my hand, frowning at how loud the ticking noise was now. "Despite the memory issues that everyone seems to have...and the worry that is eating at me...I still believe we should break it as soon as possible."
Without a second thought, I drew Tachi from its sheath and tossed the clock into the air. I had always had good aim, and sliced the device in half with one swipe. I turned to make my way back to the others, the halves of the clock hitting the ground with a rather loud noise. Italy turned his head at the noise, and smiled when he saw I was coming back.
"Soko. Only one le-"
I felt my voice die in the back of my throat, and I stumbled; suddenly unable to support my own weight. Vaguely I saw Italy's face twist in panic before everything went dark. My mind went almost completely blank, like I was stuck in-between consciousness...I couldn't form a coherent thought...
"Here! It's here!" a voice penetrated the darkness, and I found myself able to focus on it. It was...familiar. "Just like the rumor said!"
My eyes managed to open, and I found myself...standing outside. I was in front of the mansion staring up at its stark walls. I felt confusion bubble in me...hadn't I just been in the mansion? How did I get outside?
"Oi, America." another voice said, and I felt myself turn. Wait...I didn't tell myself to turn...I was doing it without...what was this? "Keep it down, will you?" My eyes focused on England. Wait, did he say America? Wasn't...he missing?
"I'm not doing anything wrong!" America exclaimed, almost bouncing on his heels. This was...it had to be..."Right, Japan?"
Had I really come here with America and England? This...scenario...it had to be right...I had come here with them...and we were going too...too...what? No...Something was off...it didn't feel right...
I blinked, and that was all it took. A simple blink. When my eyes focused again, I was still outside the manor...but something was different. Someone walked in front of me, and I frowned mentally. Prussia?
"Iz this it?" Prussia asked me, looking at me with those red eyes as if he didn't believe me. "Are Vest and Italia really in this place?"
"Indeed." I felt myself say, before sighing. I was...talking without my permission...what on earth was this? How had I gotten out...
"...You're thinking that this sucks, aren't you?" Prussia asked suddenly, giving me a grin. I felt myself flounder a bit.
"I-I am not!" I replied, but on the inside I was completely confused. Had I come with Prussia? We...had come to get Germany and Italy...because they had come...and then we...no. This memory was wrong. Something was wrong about it. I closed my eyes in frustration, my head starting to throb.
"So this is the haunted mansion that Amérique told us about?" That was France...I opened my eyes, and found myself once again in front of the manor. France seemed to be looking up at the manor in boredom.
"That's right-aru!" China suddenly exclaimed, and I felt myself frown. "Let's hide before they get here, and give them a fright!"
"Chūgoku-san..." I felt myself sigh and shake my head. "Even if they didn't do the same to get back at you, and it wasn't this particular mansion...you should be a little more reasonable..."
"Qí xiànzài huò cóng wèi!" China exclaimed again, frowning. His head turned and mine did as well. "You guys get ready! He's coming this way with Italy!" Sure enough, I could see a blond mop of hair coming up the road. I let out a sigh, turning to France as he frowned.
"Wouldn't it be nicer if we just made something to eat together?" he asked softly as he moved to join China. I gave a nod, and sighed.
"Definitely..."
All these scenarios felt...so real. How could I tell which one was right? Was this one right? Why were there so many...perhaps...this one was right? It had to-no. It was wrong. Something...was wrong about it...no...maybe it really wa-no. It's wrong. This wasn't what happened. I know I didn't come here with China. But...if this wasn't right, which one was?
I blinked again, feeling annoyance well up in me.
"It clearly looks like something is about to come out of it, though." I was suddenly saying, standing next to Canada with Russia and Prussia ahead of me.
"That's true~" Russia said almost happily. "They really in this place?" Who was he talking about? Was it Germany? Or...perhaps it was Italy...Was Italy in there? I couldn't remember...
"You go ahead and get in, Russia." Prussia muttered, and waved his hand. "Me and Japan are gonna chill here and vait for you." Well...Germany wasn't the one in there.
"Awww...You're so mean!" Russia pouted, sticking his lip out at Prussia. "Come. If three of us go in, we can give them quite a scare."
"Um..." Canada let out a mutter from beside me. "Aren't you forgetting someone?" My head turned on its own to look at him.
"Puroisen-san, Rokoku-san." I felt myself say as I turned back to look at them. They looked over their shoulder at me. "Please feel free to go ahead." I said politely pulling a sake set from my kimono. "Kanada-san and I will wait for you here while we have some tea."
Memories pushed into my head of going in and giving Germany a fright, but then got trapped in the ma-no...wait...Germany...came with who? Who had Germany come with? No...this one...this one was wrong too. This...this wasn't me. I wasn't like this. I wouldn't let them go in alone...would I? I was different than that...
I felt so dizzy. My mind...was reeling. This...this changing had to stop. My mind...my head...Everything was spinning out of control. It was all...muddled together and I just...I couldn't handle too much more of this. Why...
"...Ve~"
Th-That sound...was that Italy?
"It's really here!"
"I thought it was just a rumor..." That was my voice...I was talking...this...this conversation..."Though I never thought we would actually find it. Odd that the windows are barred..."
I opened my eyes and stared up at the manor in front of me. Sure enough, there was Italy in front of me. He turned his head and smiled at those behind him, his curl bouncing slightly. This memory. This memory was right. I...knew it. I could tell...somehow, this one was the right one.
"It has such a desolate feel..." that was Prussia's voice, and I felt myself turn my head. He gave a grin as he stared up at the walls, and laughed as he crossed his arms. "Kesesese, not bad~"
"I don't think it's very intere-" Germany's voice faded, and my vision darkened. I suddenly felt so...so tired. My body wouldn't respond to my actions, my will...and I felt as if I was just...drifting...it was rather peaceful...
"Nihon!" Was...that a voice? My mind was so sluggish..."Destare!" That...that was Italy, wasn't it? It was definitely Italy...but...when...when had I fallen asleep?
"Is he okay?" That was...was Canada, right? My brain...slowly it was starting to work again, and I was able to piece together what had happened. I felt exhausted...overloaded from all those different scenes. Each one was blurring together, and I found myself having difficulty even grasping that one memory. The one that I knew to be true...the only one that had Italy in it.
"It happened right after he sliced that bloody clock." That was England's voice now...but...had I broken a clock? Ah...yes...that was true. I had broken the clock in this room. "Do you think it's connected?" But how...had I fallen...
"Japan!" That was Italy's voice...and he had called me something other than Nihon. The panic in his voice was unnerving, and I could feel arms grabbing my shoulders, shaking me. "...per favore...wake up. I'm...I'm begging you..."
I couldn't stand that tone in his voice, and forced my eyes to open. I found myself propped up against the wall, with everyone standing around me. Many of their faces held worry, but they all had confusion written in them. I felt the hands leave my shoulders, and rather suddenly Italy's arms were wrapped around me.
"Japan! You're awake! I'm so happy!" Italy cried out, burying his face in my shoulder. I felt myself tense up as he did this.
"I-I-Italy!" I stuttered, my eyes widening as I felt something wet soak through the material of my military uniform. Was...he crying? China let out a snicker, and I made a note in the back of my mind to reprimand him later. "P-Please Get off!" Italy let out a sniffle, before pushing himself away and wiping away the tears that had formed in his eyes.
"M-Mi dispiace..." he muttered sheepishly and I took a deep breath to gain my bearings. Using the wall, I got to my feet slowly, looking up at the people around me.
"You okay now, Rìběn?" China asked, his face creased in a frown. I nodded slowly.
"Hai...What happened?" I asked, letting go of the wall for a moment. Wrong move, for a wave of dizziness hit me, forcing me to hold my head. I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"You...suddenly collapsed." England said, and I turned my face to him. It was his hand on my shoulder to steady me. I frowned. "Are...you going to be okay?" I gave a short nod.
"H-Hai...I'll...I'll be okay." I muttered, and gave everyone a reassuring smile. "It's passed whatever it was." Germany frowned at me for a moment, before nodding slowly.
"...As I vas saying before Japan collapsed." Germany said hesitantly, and I focused my attention on him. "I think this piece of paper might be a hint to some sort of passage, it may lead us outside."
"Nani?" I asked, blinking at him in confusion. When had that happened? When had our focus from finding...finding America...France and...and...Prussia! Yes, that's who I was missing. I wanted to smile a little in triumph at finally remembering who was really truly missing, but I kept myself in check. "Now our...priority is deciphering that...password?"
"Da~" Russia said cheerfully, giving me a nod. "Seems like everyone decided that other problem was too difficult. Decided to open safe to find out what's inside..." I felt myself frown as Russia spoke, wondering how on earth the others could just...throw away their friends like that just to figure out what was on a piece of paper. I questioned the moral values of the western nations sometimes...I really did. "and then give finding others careful thought."
"Qí." China suddenly said, frowning while he rested his sleeve on his chin. I felt my mind wander, wondering about why China had that particular habit...he'd had it ever since I could remember...Odd. After collapsing like that, my mind couldn't seem to focus on one thing..."Someone's phone should ring one more time, shouldn't it?" My mind wandered again...
"Bloody Hell!" England's shout startled me to attention, and I looked over at him to see that he had slammed his fist into the wall. I blinked at him in surprise. "How the bloody hell can our phones even get calls if we're out of range?!" he asked, his face twisted in a snarl. "We don't even know who it is who's calling us. Blimey, can we really blindly trust the hints they give us?"
I frowned, knowing that England had a point. Could we trust whoever it was giving us these hints? The person behind it could very well be leading us into some sort of trap...I placed a hand to my chin in thought, what did we have to gain from trusting this person? We didn't know them...however, it was the only lead that we had. We would be lost if we didn't follow the clues. I let out a sigh, turning my attention to those around me. They seemed to be thinking the same thing, their faces furrowed in thought.
Except Italy.
He was standing off next to the door, clutching that book to his chest as he swayed on his heels. His face was twisted in an unusual expression...I couldn't really understand it. It was...pained, but...happy?
"Ve...I'm getting a little hungry..." the younger nation muttered, and it seemed to click. I watched Germany turn to him and frown.
"Vhat are you looking like that for?" the German asked, and shook his head lightly. "You have to toughen up. Be strong." I turned my attention back to Italy and found a very strange look on his face as Germany turned away. It almost looked scornful, upset...as if Italy thought Germany didn't know the whole story...but it was gone in an instant, as Germany's cell phone began vibrating against his whip. The man jumped a bit, not expecting it.
"There it is. Germany, if you please?" Canada asked politely, and I smiled a bit. Canada was always so polite, he reminded me of myself often. Perhaps that was why I often preferred him over is loud brother.
"J-Ja, Understood." Germany stuttered a bit, pulling the phone out. "I'll...answer it now." He flipped it open, but didn't even bother to say hello. He didn't really need too, for the piano note sounded quickly. The phone went dead not a second afterwards.
"...It was a piano after all..." I muttered, blinking a few times as though I hadn't expected it.
"Da~" Russia replied, smiling. "Now, we put notes together, da?"
I nodded, and let out a sigh. I turned my attention to the people in front of me, my skill at reading auras taking over. I had even taught America how to do it...or at least tried too. As I scanned my eyes over the crowed in front of me, something hit me out of nowhere.
Deception.
I felt myself frown as I scanned everyone again. It wasn't exactly deception...but something very similar, and the air was just about saturated with it. How had I not noticed it before? But who...who could it be? The air had become so saturated with this that I couldn't tell. Germany? No...that was impossible. He wouldn't do something like that...Perhaps it was Russia. I could never truly read Russia...
My attention landed to Italy, and I noticed he was not looking at everyone else. Instead he had his head down and was frowning. I shifted my weight a little to get a better look and found that his attention was focused on the book in his hands, and he had gotten out a pencil and was...writing in it? I frowned a bit, making my way over and placing a hand on the book to pull it down and get his attention.
"Ita-kun?" I asked, peering down at the book. He pulled it away before I could see anything, closing it and sticking it away in his breast pocket with a frown.
"Oh. Mi dispiace Nihon~" he said cheerfully, the frown gone from his face. "The not that I got was la. What about you Doitsu?" I turned to Germany trying to catch his eye, but the man wasn't paying attention.
"Ve just heard the note si." Germany said slowly, looking down in thought.
"I got re." England spoke up, then turned to Russia, who wasn't paying any attention. China nudged the taller man in the side, who looked down at everyone in surprise.
"What note did you hear, Rokoku-san?" I asked, and he frowned at me a bit.
"Note I heard?" he asked, then seemed to think about it for a moment. He smiled. "It was...sol...I think." His smile turned slightly sheepish. "I'm not best with music." I nodded in understanding.
"So the notes are si, re, sol, and la..." England muttered, and there was silence.
"Why don't we take a look at the keyboard!" Italy said, almost excitedly. "They're music notes, right?"
"Ah...yes." I realized he was right, so everyone moved over to the piano. We stood there for...I don't really know how long. None of us had clue what this puzzle was. So many colors, so many different numbers all mashed together on a single keyboard.
"Oh!" I jumped a little at the shout, having spaced off just enough to forget where I was. I turned to look for the source, and found it to be Canada, looking down at the keyboard with a grin. "I've got it! I think I know how to solve this!"
"Che cosa?" Italy asked, his voice a mirror of disbelief. I blinked at him, and his face was one of shock...as if he couldn't really believe that Canada had really figured it out. After a moment though, he seemed to force a smile. "I'm so relieved~" I stared at him for a moment, trying to read his specific aura. He noticed me looking at me, and frowned before turning his amber eyes away, and that same feeling of deception hit me. Italy...was lying? Or...was he hiding something from us...but why? What reason would Italy have to lie to anyone?
"It's actually a very simple password." Canada was saying, forcing my attention away from Italy. He took the pieces of paper and laid them on the piano. "You see...first, we got the notes over the phone. These notes." He quickly pressed down four keys, imitating the notes that we had heard over the phone.
"Sōda ne..." I muttered, frowning as I watched him.
"So...it's...four two six nine?" England asked, looking a bit confused.
"No, not yet." he said, and reached up to grab the pieces of paper. "Look at the paper. There are four squares in total. Yellow, red, green and blue." I looked over his shoulder to watch him point to each of the squares. "Each square matches the color of one of the keys." He pointed to each colored number in turn. "Only one key. Only one number. So...if you put them in with that particular order..." He dug in his pocket. "Shoot...I need a pen..." I reached into my own pocket and pulled one out, handing it to him.
"Here." I said, and he smiled as he took it. Canada looked at the squares one last time, then the keys, and wrote down the numbers in the squares.
"See?" he asked, holding the completed code for everyone to see. "The code is Five, two, nine, four."
"I see..." China muttered, and I let out a twitch. Why in the world was everyone saying that? "That's amazing!"
"Vhen you put it that vay..." Germany muttered, frowning. "It is rather simple. Vell, then. Let's head to that safe." Everyone gave a nod, and slowly made their way out the door. I followed, slower than everyone. I winced as I put the weight on the leg with the gash on it. Though I had rested it the night before, it had started to hurt again from all the running and fighting I had been doing. I let out a hiss and paused just outside the door, leaning up against the wall next to it.
"...So they solved it after all..."
I blinked, and peeked my head back into the room, finding Italy standing with his back to the door. He was just standing there, stareing at the piano.
"Odd. I thought I'd done everything right." the younger nation muttered, tilting his head. "But I guess it was no use after all...perhaps...I shouldn't have given...them a hint?" I saw his face reflected in the wood, and I felt a pain in my heart. His face was twisted in such pain that I wondered how it hadn't reflected on his face before. What did he mean by a hint? It couldn't be...He couldn't be the one behind this. There was no way that Italy was the one. The happy nation was just not capable of something like this. "Pero...no. Never mind. I'm sure this is the right thing to do." He heaved a huge sigh, and placed his hand on the piano's black wood. "'m not making...any mistakes, right? Right. I'm not making a mistake. I'm not making a mistake at all!" He seemed to be trying to convince himself of this...and I wanted to approach, but...the aura of the room was dim and dark, I just couldn't make myself move. "P-Pero...I...I wonder if...Japan will get mad at me..." he used my name instead of that nickname and I winced. He slowly took his hand off the piano and took a step back, and let out a laugh. It was such a dry laugh...as if it had no feeling what so ever in it, and it was something I had never heard from him. I watched him lift his head up to the ceiling, and turn just enough for me to see his face. A smile broke out on his face, hauntingly sad and pained yet...happy at the same time. "We're almost there..."
I frowned, turning and making my way to the stairs. Almost to what? This new development was confusing me. I just couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that Italy could be behind something like this. It just didn't make any sense.
"...Nihon?" Italy's voice scared me and I turned to look at him quickly. He was frowning at me. "Are you okay? You've been taking longer and longer to go down the stairs..." I blinked up at his face, trying to find any hint of deception...but there was none. I thought about saying something about it to him, but surely if he wanted to tell us, he would...so I smiled at him.
"I'm...just a little stiff, Ita-kun." I replied, and his face twisted into worry. "The rest that we took last night really helped, so don't worry." He gave a hesitant nod as I continued making my way down the stairs.
"At least let me help you..." Italy muttered, and pushed himself next to me, taking my arm. I frowned a bit, but didn't push away, letting him help me down the stairs to where the others were waiting.
"I was wondering where you two were." England muttered, and I gave him a weak smile.
"Gomen. I was having a little difficulty going down the stairs." I replied, and Germany frowned a bit.
"Ah. That's right." England seemed to nod a bit, before frowning. "What happened to your leg anyways?"
"...That monster has some sort of vine like energy that cut into my skin and clothing. I did not move away fast enough and it caught my leg..." I trailed off, hoping he got my point. He did.
"Ah..." He looked slightly unnerved as Canada shifted his polar bear in his arms.
"Well, at least you're okay now, right?" Canada asked hopefully, and I nodded.
"Hai. Now...the room with the safe..." I muttered, turning my head to the nation beside me. "...Where is it, Italia-kun?" I hoped he would tell us what was bothering him soon. He looked a bit surprised at being called out.
"It's in the room past the kitchen..." Italy muttered, then leveled Germany with a smile. "Germany can lead the way, right Doitsu?"
"Hn...I suppose I could..." Germany muttered, frowning as he stood there. Then he motioned with his hand. "Ja. This way." He led everyone down the hall towards the kitchen. Everyone was silent as we walked, trying to make sure we didn't make much noise. Italy still had not left my side, refusing to let me walk on my own. Germany opened the door and moved aside to let everyone else in, and we all crowded around the safe as Canada bent down and put the combination in. I glanced over at Italy, and noticed his face was twisted in worry...as if he was hoping that Canada wasn't right. Canada was right, and he let out a triumphant shout as the safe door swung open. He peered through the opening and frowned.
"...it's another key..." Canada muttered, reaching in and pulling it out. He stood slowly. "Why would a key be in a safe?" He handed it to me and I turned it over in my hand. It had a thick laminated tag attached to it, and I turned the tag over.
"It says 'Study'...any idea where that would be?" I asked, and everyone thought for a moment before shaking their head. I frowned, and looked everyone in turn...then noticed that Italy wasn't paying attention. Instead the ginger haired nation was staring at the safe door with a frown. "...what about you, Italia-kun. Do you know where the study is?"
"Hm? Oh...uh...I think it's in the tatami bedroom." He muttered off handedly, as if not really paying attention. I watched everyone's head turn to him, and my own face twist in a frown. He seemed to notice the attention, and blinked...the color draining from his face slowly.
"Eh? How do you know that-aru?" China asked, tilting his head.
"W-Well...it's either that room or the ba-room in the hallway..." Italy stuttered, as if trying to explain himself. "A-And since we've opened all the doors on the second, third, and fourth floor..."
"I suppose that makes sense." England said, and frowned, going back over to the door and opening it. "I'll lead then."
Once again, we were walking, but this time, Italy did not stay by my side. He hung back, watching me closely as I limped along. We made it to the tatami room in no time, despite the fact that I was unable to move very fast, and I couldn't help but give a small smile at the familiar scene. My smile turned into a frown as I sensed someone looking at me, and I turned to see that it was China. He gave me a frown then sighed.
"Something about this place just makes me miss home-aru..." he muttered, tugging at his sleeve with that nervous habit of his. I gave him a short nod.
"Indeed..." I muttered, making my way into the room further. Germany motioned to the other side of the room where there had been a door.
"The door is over there." Germany said, and I made my way over. I hadn't given the key back, so I was the one to unlock the door, sliding the key into the lock with ease and turning the handle to open it. We made our way inside, and I stood off to the side. Frowning at the amount of books in the room. This place was definitely a study...with a single bookcase and a small desk and table...
"Well this was a bust." I jumped a bit at Canada's sudden voicing, and frowned at him a bit. He gave a sheepish smile.
"Agreed." Germany agreed, giving a sigh. England made his way inside further, frowning.
"Might as well check it out." England said, fingering the books. "Something might just be hidden." I leaned up against the wall, watching everyone do their own thing. England stood next to Canada...both of which checking the books one by one. Germany stood off to the side, keeping a close eye on everyone as they worked. Italy stood close to Germany...but closer to the door, as if he was ready to run at a moment's notice. I supposed it was natural for the boy...even I felt like I could run at any moment if I had too. I frowned a bit, taking the pressure off my leg as I looked over to China and Russia, who were by the desk.
"What a puzzle-aru..." China muttered, placing his sleeve on his chin in thought. He moved a couple of papers that were scattered on the table, and shook his head. I frowned a bit more, and pushed myself off the wall.
"Nani?" I asked, making my way over.
"Papers say same thing in different languages." Russia explained, motioning to the various scraps of paper on the desk. I reached down, shifting through some of them. Modoru. Huíqù. páo̱ píso̱. wracać. gå tillbaka. They all read the same thing. They all translated into the same thing: Go Back. I moved another piece of paper, and stopped short.
"Tornare." That word...That was Italian...and it was in...
"Ah-hah!" China's shout of triumph jolted from my thought process.
"N-Nani?" I stuttered, noticing that China was under the table.
"Èluósī suggested that I look under the table for clues..." China said as I watched him stick his hand up under the table. "And I found this switch-aru! Hang on...I'll press it..." With a click sound, the switch was pushed and there was a rumble.
"Bloody hell!" England exclaimed, and I looked over, to see the bookcase moving aside, revealing a door. I frowned, making my way over. Why on earth would a switch move a bookcase? No, I believe the appropriate question was why a door was behind a bookcase in the first place.
"Should we go in?" Canada asked tentatively, putting a hand on his chin.
"Ve have no choice. " Germany said gruffly, causing me to nod. "If ve don't, then ve have no leads."
"I agree." I replied, but frowned. "Demo...let's proceed with caution."
England gave a nod and grasped the door handle, pulling it open slowly. The room itself wasn't...exactly what was expected. It was such a small room, damp and dark with no windows. The electricity didn't seem to run very well in this area of the house, as the lights kept flickering every once in a while, revealing iron bars in front of us. It almost looked as if it were a dungeon, and the door closed behind us on its own. The lights seemed to flicker for a moment, earning a whimper from Italy before turning back on. As the lights turned the room back into light, there was a glint on the other side of the bars, and I frowned.
"Ano. There's a key over on the other side..." I muttered, pointing. Germany frowned and opened the gate, walking over and picking it up.
"...Says basement." he muttered as he made his way back, turning the key over in his hands.
"The basement?" Russia asked, smiling. "Must be other door on this floor."
"First, let's find that bloody clock." England replied, almost off-handedly. I nodded as Italy moved to open the door.
"Hai...We sho-"
"KYAAAAAH" Italy let out such a blood curling scream, and slammed the door closed. There was a sound as he locked the door, refusing to move from the spot.
"Vas zum Teufel?" Germany exclaimed, raising a hand to his ear at the scream. Italy turned his head to look at everyone and I saw exactly how pale he had become.
"...th-th-the..." Italy stuttered and shook his head. "n-not...non...s-safe..." I heard the door knob shaking from the way that Italy was almost vibrating in fear.
"Nani? What is the matter, Italia-kun?" I asked, and he shook his head again.
"I...I...th-th...the...th-thing..." was his reply, and i couldn't help but frown.
"...it found us again..." Canada muttered, and I looked back at everyone. They were all thinking the same thing, and I felt my frown deepen. "How does it know where we are? Is it physic?!"
"It doesn't matter." I muttered, shaking my head slowly. "I'll distract it so you all may find the clock." All at once, Italy let go of the door handle and gripped my arm, pulling me away from the door.
"Non! You're injured Nihon! Yo-"
"Italy." I said shortly, narrowing my eyes slightly. "Let go." I hadn't meant for my voice to be as icy as it was, I didn't want to upset him more...but I had no choice. He let go slowly with a whimper, and I gave a sigh. "Compared to everyone else, I'm the best choice." He opened his mouth to say something but I placed my hand on the top of his head, silencing him. "Daijōbu. I remember that promise." I hated the look on his face...but he accepted what I said and nodded slowly. I took my hand a way and turned my head to look at everyone else. "I'll return as soon as I lose it."
"Be careful, Rìběn..." China muttered, and I nodded shortly as Italy moved out of the way. I let out a sigh, closing my eyes for a moment as I rested my hand on the door's handle. I would have to move fast, but slow enough to keep its attention. Subtly I put weight on my leg, and found that it wasn't hurting as bad, and I gave a smirk as I snapped my eyes opened and quickly darted out the door.
"Kotchi!" I exclaimed, but didn't bother to turn my head. There was a thud and I knew it was following me. Every once in a while I would exclaim something, just to get it to catch up a little. The turns that I took blurred together and I wasn't really sure how long I had ran until I lost the creature. I collapsed into a heap in the library on the first floor, huffing and leaning up against the wall. I shifted, hissing at the amount of pain in my leg. I lifted the pants leg and grumbled a bit. The fabric that Italy had put on the wound this morning was not a deep dark read. Well, that was just lovely. I gave a growl, and pushed myself to my feet. I needed to get back to the others before that thing appeared again. So I made my way, limping towards the room that I knew that they were in, steeling myself before I walked in.
"Oh. You're back." China muttered as I closed the door behind me. "Are you okay? Sorry that you had to go through that..."
"On the contrary..." I waved him off as Italy approached me. I motioned for the younger nation to wait for a moment, and he frowned. "I'm the one who should apologize for making you deal with this. I managed to escape quite easily...however..." I turned my head to look at Italy. "I will most likely need another bandage on my leg. All that running has opened up the gash on my leg."
"I wish it had been me though..." Italy muttered, almost to himself before perking up and nodding quickly. "But you're really fast too, Nihon!" he said almost happily as he took out some loth and tore it.
"You did very well." Canada said, and I dipped my head in thanks. He gave a smile. "And we found the clock!"
"The key goes to basement, da?" Russia asked, giving a small frown and Germany nodded slowly. "Before we go, we need to settle memory confusion." I gave a frown and slid down the wall so that Italy would be able to re-bandage my leg. I watched the younger nation frown a bit.
"Questo è male, Nihon." Italy suddenly muttered softly, and I narrowed my eyes a bit. "It won't quit bleeding..."
"Once I get it cleaned and properly bandaged, it will be fine." I replied, keeping my voice low as I focused on Germany. "I just keep reopening it."
"Ja. Ve'll settle this similar to the Vorld Conference." Germany said, his voice leaving little room for argument. "Each one of you has three minutes. If you have something to say, raise your hand."
"Er...can I go first then?" England asked, hesitantly raising his hand. Germany gave a short nod. "Okay...I don't think it's just me, but...did any of you notice something when we broke the clocks?"
"...You noticed too-aru?" China spoke up, and I frowned. So I was not the only one who had those...flashes? "Then it wasn't just my imagination..."
"We get false memories when we break clock?" Russia asked, tilting his head. I turned to look back at Germany and found he looked confused. I let out a sigh as I shook my head, focusing my attention back on Italy.
"R-Really?" Germany asked, and I noticed that Italy was frowning.
"Italia-kun? Is everything okay?" I asked softly and he blinked up at me. For a moment, his frown deepened, then it vanished completely, and he gave me a smile.
"I'm just worried about you, that's all!"
"When we broke the clock in the piano room..." Canada muttered, rearranging the polar bear in his arms a bit. "I got memories of coming here with Japan instead of America...but..." I frowned, remembering that I had also gotten memories of coming here with Canada instead of Italy.
"Da." Russia said, smiling again. "Our memories are tangled. Let's try to remember how we started."
"Well, it started at the World conference." England said, frowning a bit. "We were all gathered in a single place, including America, France, and Prussia."
"Right. There's no doubt about where we started." I replied, nodding. Italy tightened the bandage just a bit, and then I smiled at him, getting to my feet slowly. "So America had heard rumors about this mansion and had said he wanted to come...to see what it was like."
"When the meeting ended..." Canada muttered, his head down. "We had nothing better to do. America ended up dragging me along with Russia, China, France, and England with him."
"We invited Japan-aru." China spoke up, looking over at me. I nodded. "But he didn't want too. That's why I sent him a message right before we got to the mansion."
"Ja. Vhen Italy saw that message; he began to say that he vanted to come, too." Germany said, crossing his arms. "And the three of us came here, along with mein bruder."
"...si..." Italy muttered, standing beside me.
"But..." England started to say. "..I also...have different memories. I remember coming with America and Japan, but it was China that got separated instead of France."
"...Maybe we're getting confused..." Italy offered, tilting his head a bit. "...there are several mixed up memories...we don't know which is which...and it makes us draw the wrong conclusions." I blinked at Italy in surprise. It was very insightful for the younger nation.
"That is good idea..." Russia replied, nodding. "False memories get mixed to hide truth. We get confused. We do not know what is what. Once one suspects something, everything becomes suspicious." Everyone fell silent at that, contemplating that. Both Russia and Italy had brought up very good points. I had been so confused at the time. I had just wanted to understand what was going on...and even now, just thinking about it made my head hurt.
"Well then!" Italy suddenly said cheerfully. "That means that from now on, whenever we break a clock, we'll get a lot of false memories. But we shouldn't believe any of them!"
"If they bring confusion..." I muttered to myself, unable to push down the pit in my stomach. "Right. I think we must dismiss those fake memories."
"What a bother-aru." China let out an exasperated grumble from the other side of the room, putting his sleeve on his chin. "Also we have to be ready to get these strange memories."
"Ja. If you can dismiss them vithout vorrying about them." Germany said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the clock and setting it on the ground. "You should definitely do so." He set his boot over the clock taking a breath. "Anyvay I'm going to break this clock. If you get those strange memories, just forget them right away. Do not forget vhom you came here vith or how you came to be here now." I suppressed a chuckle, shaking my head as I shifted to lean up against the wall. I did not want it to end up like the last time, where I had fallen.
"Y-Yeah. If we don't break it...time won't go back to normal." England stuttered, frowning. He shook his head. "We have to break it as soon as possible."
"All right then." Germany nodded, and brought his foot down upon the clock, effectively shattering it into pieces. I waited, as did everyone else...but it seemed that nothing was going to happen.
"Well that was un-" England had started to say when it hit me out of nowhere. His voice faded off and my vision darkened. I remembered more than once, I had been caught in the undertow of the ocean. This felt so much like it...this...floundering in darkness, unable to move too much.
I forced my eyes open. None of this was real. It wasn't real.
I found myself on what looked to be the third floor, in front of a door. My hand slid a key into the lock and turned it...opening the door and closing it behind me. I had gone into a bedroom that had two beds, a table and a bookshelf. I felt myself relax a bit, smiling at the bookshelf as I made my way over. I felt a bit at home...not much, but a bit, as I picked up a book off the shelf and flipped through it, placing the key on the shelf beside me.
There was a sound of shuffling on the other side of the room, and I felt the hair on the back of my neck raise slightly. I turned as fast as I could, Tachi drawn and the beginnings of a curse already forming among the blade. I had looked when I came in...The monster couldn't be in the room with me. I inched forward in the room, and managed to catch a glimpse of silver between the two beds. Was that...well, I only knew one person with silver hair, and I stepped forward, lowering my blade and letting the curse dissipate. I got rather close before my foot snagged a loose board, filling the room with a rather loud creak.
Instantly, the other was on alert.
"Eh?! Vho's there?!" He called out, revealing with that nasally voice, it was in fact Prussia. He turned quickly, drawing that odd sword of his and causing me to take a few steps back so I would not be cut.
"I-Iie! Puroisen!" I exclaimed, putting my hands up in defense. "C-Calm down!" It took a second for Prussia to realize that it was just me, and he lowered his sword, giving me a look of sheepishness. I let out a sigh of relief, lowering my hands.
"Oh? It's you, Japan?" he asked, and grinned at me. He sat his sword down and nearly collapsed on the bed. I took in the pallor of his skin, and frowned. "S-Sorry..."
That's right...this is when I first found Prussia. I couldn't feel a difference so far...but still...I couldn't stand the feeling that something was off...
"Keessee...vhat did you do to your kimono?" Prussia asked, and I watched his eyes widen slightly at the damage. I frowned, turning my body to where he couldn't see the bandages.
"I was attacked." I stated, shaking my head slowly. "I managed to fight it off, but it has an odd energy attack that ripped my kimono to shreds." I trailed off, placing a hand on my chin in thought. "I need to get my military uniform from Germany when I get the chance." I stood, giving Prussia a smile. "There is also a mochi on the fourth floor. It's stuck in a hole, and I couldn't get it out. I thought Germany might be able too, but again, he claims he is too hungry to move. That's how this whole...food thing started." Prussia nodded slowly, standing.
"All right! Then le-" His voice died almost immediately and I looked at him in confusion.
"Nani? What's the matter?" I asked, but he shushed me with a flick of his hand.
"Don't you hear that?" he asked softly. I focused, but could not tell what he was talking about.
"Nani?"
"Something's...getting closer..." he muttered, his red eyes on the door of the room. I forced myself to focus harder, and then I heard it.
Thunk. Thunk. Thunk. Footsteps...and not friendly ones. Prussia opened his mouth to say something else, but he didn't get the chance. The door bowed inward...
And snapped open, slamming against the wall on its hinges.
"...T-That's..." I started to say, my eyes widening. This wasn't supposed to happen...How did it come I-oh...the lock...The monster launched itself at me, not letting me do much of anything. I had no time to dodge, to move, to even think. I was frozen where I stood, surprise and fear coursing through me...I couldn't even bring my sword up to block.
Was I done for?
"Vatch out!"
Suddenly I was rolling over bed, feeling hands shove me away roughly. I hit the wall with a cough, stunned. I shook my head, trying to gain my bearings...And then I heard it. It was almost like a sound a sponge made when you squeezed the water out, and I jerked my head up...my eyes widening.
"P-Prussia!" I felt myself call out, taking in the scene. The albino had pushed me out of the way, leaving himself open to attack. The monster's claw went right through Prussia, completely through his shoulder, dyeing the back of the bed completely red.
"S-Son of a..." Prussia screamed, cursing loudly in German as he pushed the monster off of him. He raised his sword in a fit of rage, and effectively slashed the creature in half. It dissolved within seconds, and Prussia fell to his knees with a gasp of pain.
"ow...Scheiße...this is bad..." Prussia muttered, grasping the bleeding wound clumsily. Within seconds I was on my feet and collapsing next to him.
"Ch-Chotto Matte!" I exclaimed, panicking and ripping the sleeves off my kimono. I tried to clot the wound, but the sleeves were not enough. "I'll stop the bleeding..." I grabbed the first thing I could think of, the white sheets next to me. I quickly used Tachi's blade to cut the fabric and rolled it up in a ball.
"No, it's okay..." Prussia suddenly muttered, wincing as he placed a hand sloppily on mine. I looked up at him with wide eyes to see him giving me a lopsided grin. I let out a snarl, pressing the sheets down on top of the wound in his shoulder. Kuso...if I couldn't get it to stop..."I'm...I'm a nation...I von't die..." He gave me a laugh, shaking his entire body slightly and looked at me with those red eyes of his. I felt the rest of the color drain from my face as I noticed that those eyes were dimming slowly. "Ah...but...I'm not...not a nation...anymore, am I?" He asked, looking down at my arms. "I...I told...you that..." I frowned, putting pressure on the wound. I would not let him die...not like this. He gave a gasp of pain, and tried to push my hands away.
"I-Iie!" I exclaimed, and he stopped, blinking up at me in almost shock. "I'll call Germany!" I could feel the tears forming in my eyes, and I could tell by the look on his face, he knew how serious I was being. I rarely ever called Prussia and Germany by their names... "Please...this isn't the time for jokes..." I pushed down harder and he squinted his eyes closed in pain. He was silent for a moment, and I tried my best to clot the wound...but the sheets were slowly turning redder and redder.
"...Hey...Japan?" Prussia's voice caught my attention, and I blinked down at his face. He was looking up at me...but it seemed that he didn't really truly see me. I felt my voice get caught in my throat. "...are...are Vest...and Ita...all right?" His voice was so soft...the softest I had ever heard come out of his mouth. I blinked at him, then down at the sheets.
I realized it wouldn't work.
I lifted my hands from the sheet, and he let out a grunt. I looked down at the sheet, then at my hands. Both were stained a bright red, and clenched my fists. The monster had attacked, and he had saved me...he had...it would have been me...I felt my shoulders shake as I clenched my eyes closed. I needed to compose myself...I couldn't let him...
"Hai." I muttered in reply, opening my eyes to look at him. My voice...was surprisingly calm, and I was...glad. "Both have already left the mansion." I watched as his face broke into a sloppy grin. "W-We'll go home too. G-Germany and Italy are waiting for us..." I was lying to him...and by the look on his face, he knew that...but...he went with it.
"Kessee! Ack..." He let out a laugh that quickly changed into a cough and a groan, and I reached over, wipeing a bit of blood off his face. He smiled at me. "Ja...V-Ve'll...ve'll all go to your house..." his voice faded a bit, and he leaned his head backwards, closing his eyes." and...and v-ve'll go to...the hot...hot...springs..."
"H-Hai...we will." I muttered.
"...I..Ita...loves the...hot...springs..." Prussia's voice died completely, and I could not help but watch his head roll to the side. I sat there for a moment; fighting the tears in my eyes...I could feel them running down my face. I raised my hand to wipe them away. This...this was my fault. It was all my fault...I had forgotten...to lock the door. I reached forward, placing my hand on Prussia's neck, desperately feeling for a pulse. There was none, and I heard some sort of noise leave my throat. If I had only locked the door...then Prussia...this wouldn't have...
No.
This couldn't be correct. It was fake. It had to be. This memory...Prussia was alive, as far as I knew. This hadn't happened, because I had locked the door. We had still fought the monster, but it had been in the hallway. This memory was false!
The pain in my heart from watching this suddenly moved to my head, nearly blinding me. My vision darkened, and my mind, overloaded from the scene, decided that it didn't want to work anymore. I wanted to know...why this was happening. What did this have to do with any of our current situation? But it was so hard to focus on things...
"Verdammt!" Germany's voice almost screamed, and my eyes snapped open. I wasn't...I wasn't in the bedroom anymore...nor was I back in the study...This room...was new. I had never been in this room...thought it looked really familiar. It was small, with white brick walls and two doors. I scanned the room, and nearly fainted from shock. Prussia was standing there, completely alive, though looking a little worse for wear...and he was staring at Germany who was in front of me. Germany's uniform was torn, especially his sleeves. I turned my head a little bit, and found Italy standing off to the side, clutching that book I had become accustomed to seeing him with to his chest. I frowned a bit, noticing that his uniform was torn and slightly bloodied. "Even though the four of us got together, the situation hasn't gotten any better!" Germany exclaimed, and I could hear the panic in his voice. I was confused...weren't we supposed to see memories of things that had already happened? "Ve're still trapped here, and that fucking monster is after our asses!"
"Vest, don't be so pessimistic." Prussia said offhandedly, waving his hand and shifting his weight. "Someone vill eventually notice that the nations are missing...they'll come to help u-"
"V-Ve'll be eaten one by one!" Germany's voice cracked as he interrupted his brother. His shoulders shook. "That's...that's vhat I'd do, if I vere that thing!" I shook my head, turning to look at Italy. Normally, by now, Italy would have tried to calm everyone down by making some sort of joke or waving his flag...but he was silent, staring. However, there was something...off about the way he was standing, as if he was fighting internally with himself. His face twisted a bit as he watched us in such a collected manner I was wondering if it truly was Italy.
"That's enough, Vest!" Prussia exclaimed, and I turned my head to look. Germany shrunk back a bit at being yelled at, and I frowned. "There are still many other vays to get out of here!" Prussia very rarely got annoyed with his brother, but he was now, and I could tell by the look on his face.
"...Tut mir leid..." Germany apologized, wringing his hands together. I felt pity welling up in my stomach. "I...I know I shouldn't think like that...but...I feel as though I'm on a battlefield." He paused, and shook his head. "Though...if I vas in one, I vould have been able to keep myself together and protect you...I vant...to change that..."
"You cannot help it." I felt myself say, shaking my head. "You hate this kind of thing. It's understanda-" I paused, as I saw Italy take a step forward, his face set in determination.
"Germany." Italy said, and it was a statement instead of a question. He seemed to falter, almost wincing back as Germany looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.
"Vhat is it Italia?" Germany asked, and Italy opened his mouth to answer. He shook his head, giving a smile.
"It's...its okay." He faltered a bit, the smile on his face vanishing for a moment before coming back. "You'll...be okay. You'll...You'll be able to get out this time." Italy went silent for a moment, turning his head down and looking at his feet. "And...And if you get out...you have to run straight ahead." His voice was so flat, so serious, I felt confused, felt myself taking a step forward. "...Don't ever look back. No matter what...you can't look back...and...and make time fo-"
The ginger haired nation was cut short as the door behind him bowed in in almost slow motion, slamming off its hinges with a loud bang. Slowly, Italy raised his head to look each one of us in the eyes...and I was struck by how...glazed they were. It was so much like what I had seen in Prussia's eyes before...No...I couldn't...
Out of the darkness emerged the monster, its hand gripping the door frame and sliding down a bit, staining the white wood red. Its claws had become bloodied, and I couldn't help but stare at the monster in shock.
"I-Italy!" I heard myself exclaim as Italy gave a rather bright smile. He opened his eyes, staring only at Germany as I drew my sword.
"...promettimi, Doitsu..." I wasn't fast enough...I wasn't...
"Italia!" Germany called out, his face whiter than the walls around us. Italy's face evened out just a bit, he seemed...content...
"...promettimi...you'll..." I needed to move faster, I had to stop that monster! I had to stop it from raising its claw, launching itself forward.
No. I didn't...I didn't want to watch this. I wanted to close my eyes...I needed too...But I couldn't. I couldn't control my body, and found myself launching forward in a futile attempt to stop this...this memory from happening. It couldn't...couldn't end like this.
"Promise me...you'll live..." I heard his voice mutter, and then it happened. The monster's claw struck him from behind, going completely through his chest. I had gotten relatively close, and I felt the blood splatter on my face and clothes...and I could do nothing but watch as the look on his face changed from being content, too filled with pain. His eyes widened in shock, as if he hadn't been expecting such pain...before they faded...the light behind them dimming...
No...I...I couldn't...this...
"Japan!" I heard a voice...it was familiar...but...that couldn't be...It sounded like Italy's voice...but he was...in front of me...slumped over and hanging off the monster's claw. The monster let out what could only be described as a triumphant laugh before tossing Italy's body to the side. "Nihon! Stai bene?!" My vision blurred, but I couldn't get the image of Italy's body slamming against the wall limply, his eyes staring straight ahead blankly...
My vision cleared after a moment, and I found myself up against the wall in the study. Everyone was crowded around me, bent down as if something were wrong. I blinked a bit, trying to figure out what had happened. Hadn't I just been...no...oh no...I-Italy...an-and Prussia...they...I could practically feel the color draining from my face as I blinked at everyone around me, and caught sight of that blue uniform...
"Italy!" I gasped out, reaching forward uncharacteristically. I hadn't realized that I had done it until I felt my hand grasp the boy around the shoulder. I just needed to know...needed to know that he was real, that what I saw wasn't...I had to know...
"Ahi!" Italy exclaimed, wincing at my grip. "Perché mi di presa così forte?!" He twisted his face in worry. "What's wrong?!"
"Japan!" Canada was suddenly there, peeling my fingers off of Italy's shoulder. I blinked widely at him, and he frowned. "Don't you remember what we said about the clocks?" He pulled my arms away from Italy, who winced and rubbed his shoulder, and my arms fell to my side limply.
"...oh..." was the only thing I could muster from my dry throat. After a moment, I raised a hand to my head. It was starting to hurt...I needed to forget what I had seen...but it was hard. How could I forget something like that? How could I forget watching Prussia and Italy die right before me? Still...I had to at least appear that I had forgotten...
"I...gomen...I'm fine. I remember." I muttered, shaking my head and taking a deep breath.
"You get a lot more memories than the rest of us-aru." China said, and I looked over to see him frowning at me. "They're more intense than ours...too..."
"Are you sure you're alright?" England asked, taking a step forward and bending down a bit to my level. "Do you need to rest a little?" I watched his green eyes flicker down to the wound on my leg and I frowned, shaking my head.
"Iie. I'm sorry." I replied, forcing a smile onto my face. I looked at everyone, but avoided making eye contact with Italy. I just couldn't bring myself to do that...not yet. "I was just confused. You all...seem to be fine though..."
"Nothing happened to me." Germany replied, frowning as he waved a hand dismissively. "To tell the truth, I haven't' gotten any confusing memories so far...I haven't been confused at all" His face twisted in confusion, despite what he had said. "Maybe...I've just been exempted?" Canada let out a shy laugh.
"I'm so jealous!" Canada shook his head. "In my case, it was so-so. I remembered running with Italy, and then coming with only America."
"Wǒ yě." China said, frowning a bit before smiling. "But once I calmed down, I realized it was nothing but nonsense-aru! It was easy to forget." England crossed his arms, thinking.
"When it happens...it's like you wake up from a dream." He muttered, and I nodded absently. It was hard to think, I could feel that Italy was staring at me, and it made it really hard to concentrate on what England was saying. "When we wake up, we have trouble separating dream from reality...but once we calm down, our judgment comes back. The first thing we have to do is calm down."
I frowned, trying to focus. I wanted to know if anyone else had seen something like I had...no, I wouldn't tell them what I had seen exactly...but the fact that I had seen a room that I had never been in.
"Ano...Did you...see any rooms other than the one's we've been in so far?" I asked hesitantly, but all I got in response was frowns and shakes of their heads.
"Nope." Russia said, smiling as he looked down at me. "I've gotten many memories, but all have been about rooms we've been in."
"Did...something happen to make you worry?" Italy asked, and I looked at him for a moment, before having to turn away from him. I couldn't...I couldn't look at him without seeing his broken...bloody body hitting the wall and falling to the ground.
"...iie." I said after a moment, frowning. I was composed on the outside, but in utter turmoil on the inside. I knew we had agreed that the scenes we got after breaking a clock were false...but that...that had felt so real. They were meant to confuse...make us less capable of discernment...and it was working.
"Okay. Are your watches correct?" England asked, and I absently looked down at my own, nodding slowly. "Then let's go to the basement." Everyone started moving to the door, but Italy stopped me.
"Japan?" he voiced, and I stopped short, turning slightly. I blinked at him, finding it hard to think correctly. I had been shown so many different scenes, like a movie, and I wasn't really sure what was real anymore. I knew that we had said the flashes were fake, but something...something in me told me that this wasn't right. That...they were more than fake. But if that was true...then that would mean...that room existed, and that meant...that...Italy would...
"...Italy." I muttered, hearing my voice falter a bit. What could I say to make him tell me what was going on.
"Si? What's...wrong?" He asked, tilting his head to the side in worry. I opened my mouth to answer.
"Are you-" I stopped, trying to figure out what to say. It was hard...I had to think of a way to ask him without scaring him away. "Are you...hurt somewhere?" The way I worded it caught Italy off guard, and he blinked at me, his face faltering just enough.
"No. I'm not hurt at all." It had taken him a minute to respond, and his voice was flat. I picked up instantly on the lie that was hidden within the words. His hesitation just elaborated on the lie that he had woven...but even then, I forced a smile onto my face. If he wouldn't say anything...then neither would I.
"I see. I'm sorry for asking such a strange question." I said, and Italy did nothing but nod slowly. He looked a little unnerved as he pushed past me.
"I'm...going to the basement..." He muttered as he left the room. As soon as he was gone, I frowned, and turned to China and Canada who were still in the room.
"Aiya...I know this isn't really important..." China started to say, crossing his arms over his chest. "But I really wish I could rest somewhere without having to worry-aru." Canada nodded, letting out a sigh.
"I agree. I'm so fatigued; I just wish I could lie down for a bit..." Canada muttered, shifting the polar bear in his arms to make it a little more comfortable. China let out a grumble and opened the door.
"You coming, Rìběn?" China asked as Canada walked out the door. I waved a hand at him.
"In a moment..." I said softly, and he nodded. I needed to stand here, on my own, and try to figure out things. We had to be very careful...but what if we were completely wrong?
"...What if these memories are real?" I asked aloud, staring at the ceiling. "If these memories have or will happen, what can we do?" I frowned, wondering if these memories that we received were some sort of sign. Was one of the former occupants of this house trying to tell me what could happen if I did something wrong? Normally I didn't think things like that could be real, but...in this case...
I turned my body to look at the door, and frowned, wondering what was going to happen. If I wasn't careful...would Italy really die like that? Would Prussia die? Who else would I see die? I was so shaken by what I had seen...but I needed to steel myself so that the others wouldn't worry. This was something only I was seeing...so there must be a reason for it.
Still...I couldn't help but wonder...what else this place had in store for us.
Language Key
Rìběn: Japan
Èluósī: Russia
Pǔlǔshì: Prussia
Perché succede questo?: Why is this happening?
Amérique: America
Qí xiànzài huò cóng wèi: It's now or never!
Rokoku: Russia
destare: Wake up
Mi dispiace: I'm sorry
Qí: Wait..
Sōda ne...: You're right.
Was zum Teufel?: what the hell?
Daijōbu: It's okay.
Questo è male: this is bad
Scheiße: Shit.
Tut mir leid: I'm sorry.
Stai bene?: Are you okay?
Ahi: Ouch!
Perché mi di presa così forte?!:Why are you gripping me so hard?!
Wǒ yě: Me too.
