So here's the next revamped chapter! I'm surprised, this chapter was originally...oh...14 thousand words, and this version is now 18 thousand words. Each chapter has increased in word length, and I'm rather proud of it.
Also, ironically...I finish this chapter 2 days after I end my second semester at college. I finished the original chapter just after I finished school last year.
Japan is still slightly OOC, I know this, and I'm going back to chapters 4, 5, and 6, because apparently my spell check didn't catch the grammar mistakes as well. *glares evilly at spell check*
Anyways, I would really really appreciate it if you all left some comments in the review box. I love getting reviews~
ORIGINAL AUTHOR COMMENTS
Hello everyone! I finally did it! Chapter Seven is HEEERE!
It took me longer because of school. I finally finished the year, but god, my head is killing me.
I had trouble writing this chapter, and Japan may seem a little...OOC but you must keep in mind what's happening around him, and too him.
As usual, I kept most of the original dialogue. I redid a little bit, but most of it is the same. I really hope I did okay on this, it took me a long time, and I'm not exactly sure I'm happy with it. Ah well, nothing I can do except rewrite it...and that's something I'm NOT going to do for a while.
So far, longest chapter. 14 thousand words. I'm happy with that. I knew this chapter would be loooong, and it was.
Anyways. ENJOOOY!
Chapter Seven: Japan - Loosing Allies
It was a silent walk to the basement, with England leading and myself coming up the rear. I was not really focused on where I was going, more focused on what I had seen, and the thoughts going through my head. What was the possibility...that what I had seen would come true?
High. Quite high, I figured, calculating the probability in my head. Eighty Five percent was very high. Being good with numbers was at times a curse, and this was one of those times as I redid the calculations in my head.
My recalculation came to Ninety Two Percent. I was officially scared.
"...Japan?" England suddenly said from next to me, and I jumped a bit, blinking up at him in surprise. I hadn't even realized we had gotten to the basement door...
"A-ah...Gomen. I was...just thinking about something." I replied quickly. "I didn't mean to zone out like that..." He nodded.
"Well, we're at the basement. Don't you have the key?" England asked, frowning a bit, and I shook my head.
"Iie. Doitsu has the key, remember?" I said, and he looked over at Germany. The taller man nodded, pulling out the key from a pocket. I frowned a bit, noticing that Italy was already by the door, watching me.
"Promise me...you'll live..."
I was forced to look away from him, else I be reminded of the scenes before, and focused on Germany as he slid the key into the lock and opened the door.
"That is not foreboding at all..." Russia muttered at the flight of stairs the door revealed...leading directly into pitch darkness. I frowned as everyone started down the stairs and winced as I tried to keep up with them. I managed too, but it was painful. I let out a huff once we got to the bottom...only to find two doors. Instantly I made my way over to the furthest door.
"I'll check this room out." I called over my shoulder, surprised when I found Italy following me.
"I'm coming with you~" he said cheerfully, and England turned to look at us.
"Just be careful..." England said and I nodded absently, holding the door open so Italy could dart in. I made my way inside, and gave a hiss when the door closed behind me, putting the entire room into darkness.
"Kuso..." I cursed, fumbling for the light switch.
"...so dark..." Italy muttered, then let out a whimper as I found the switch and flipped it. I found myself in a plain little storage room, and I frowned.
"...Looks like its empty..." I muttered, shaking my head. "What a wa-"
"There's something on the table." Italy said shortly, pointing, and I turned. Sure enough, there was a rather large rusted key and I made my way over to pick it up.
"Ah...this is heavy. You have a good eye Ita-kun...I wonder what it's for..." I wondered to myself, weighting the thick iron in my hand, trying to ignore the strain in my voice.
"...Hey...Nihon?" Italy suddenly asked, and I blinked before turning slowly to look at him.
"Yes? What is it?" I asked, frowning as I tried to make eye contact with him. I couldn't do it...every time I got close...instead of seeing his eyes like they normally were, all I saw was the amber hued eyes wide and glazed...completely empty as that claw protruded from his che-
"You've been brooding about something for a while." he said suddenly, and my eyes snapped to him. This time, I saw the real him, the one that was living and breathing in front of me and I couldn't help but let out a sigh.
"...have I?" I asked after a moment. I tried to be vague, to try and make sure that Italy wouldn't poke into the matter more...but it didn't work.
"Are you hung up on something?" he asked, taking a step forward in worry. "You've been odd since we broke the last clock..." I frowned and turned away from him. So he had noticed. That was perfect. How was I supposed to go about this? Honestly how could I look at him straight in the face after what I had seen? I took a few breaths to calm myself before I answered.
"...No. I'm fine." I said, turning to look at him. I noticed he was trembling, and I frowned. He normally only shook like that when he was scared...so what was he so scared about right now? "What about you? You're shaking a little."
"What? Really?" he looked surprised, his amber eyes darting down to his hands and a frown gracing his face. "...Isn't...it just your...imagination?" He offered, refusing to look up at me. I frowned, wondering why he would say something like that when it was obvious he was shaking like a leaf. I tilted my head a little, watching him.
"...Hontoni?" I offered, and he frowned a bit. His hands calmed a bit in their shakes, but they still shook. He turned his head up to look at me, and I felt my frown deepen slightly at the look of almost...desperation in his eyes.
"U-Um...Listen..." his voice stuttered, and he looked away again, wringing his hands together nervously. "If you saw anything...it was a lie. You shouldn't worry about it." I felt confused. Could Italy read the atmosphere just as well as I could? That had to be it, there wasn't any other way he would have been able to know that I had begun to doubt things. I shifted my weight a little bit.
"...Shouldn't I think things through first?" I asked, placing a hand on my chin in thought. "This confusion...these flashes...could they be a hint? I was only trying to thi-"
"NON!"
Italy's raised voice shocked me so much I took a few jumbled steps backwards. I felt a pain in my side as I came in contact with the edge of the table, but I dismissed it in favor for the more pressing matter. In all my years of knowing Italy, I had never heard his voice take such a forceful...almost angry tone.
"I...Ita-kun?" I asked, looking at him with wide eyes. His face was twisted in hysteria; a combination of anger, fear, and...regret? His entire body shook with emotion.
"Lasci perdere!" he exclaimed, clenching his fists at his side. "Forget it right now! Don't even think about those strange things!" His body shook with a violent shiver, as if he were trying to contain himself, his emotions. Italy gave a choked mutter, before spinning on his heel and rushed out of the room, the door slamming behind him. I could hear the muffled shouts of surprise from the others as I stood by myself...alone in that room.
"I...Italy..." I stuttered, mostly to myself. I could do little more than stare at the thick wood of the door as if it would open and he would return, crying because he knew he had upset me. I still couldn't wrap my mind around his actions...what...why was he acting like this? He had never ever acted like this. I shook my head, forcing my eyes away from the wood and to the room around me. I had to make sure that there wasn't...what? It was hard to focus, I couldn't...I shook my head and opened the door. There was no way I would be able to focus on finding clues.
"Japan..." I blinked up at the sound of my name and found everyone staring at me.
"Italia just stormed off..." Germany muttered, his blue eyes narrowing. "I've never seen him like that."
"I'm just as confused as you are, Doitsu-san." I replied, shaking my head.
"What the bloody hell happened?" England asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice, masked by worry.
"I'm not sure." I said, frowning. "He asked me if something was wrong, and I replied, telling him that I was merely trying to think things through." I placed a hand to my chin, shaking my head. "However, when I said that...he yelled at me and stormed off..."
"His actions have been confusing me lately..." England muttered, crossing his arms and looking off to the side. I nodded slowly.
"Vhat ever the reason, ve should catch up to him." Germany muttered, shaking his head and taking off through the other door at a brisk pace. I quickly followed.
"Yes, we don't want him getting into trouble." I replied, pushing the black door open as I walked through. I frowned, finding myself in a rather white hallway...
"Aiyah..." China started to say, and I knew he was about to complain about something. "What is with this place? Every wall is white-aru." I frowned, keeping my attention ahead of me as we turned a corner, keeping a tight lock on my emotional mask. I almost let out a sigh of relief as Italy came into view, looking in two different directions as if he were lost, or had forgotten the way.
"There you are, Italia!" Germany called out, annoyance hinting in his voice and the younger boy let out a yelp, turning quickly.
"M-Mi dispiace! I didn't mean to run off!" he stuttered, tears in his eyes as Germany kept that brisk pace towards him. Italy let out a cry as Germany collided the palm of his hand to the back of the Italian's head. "Ve...I really didn't mean too!"
"...Just don't do it again." Germany muttered after a moment, letting out a sigh and looking away from the smaller nation. I felt a smile come onto my face, remembering how well they had always worked together.
"I won't~" Italy exclaimed, smiling widely.
"Now that situation is over, which way do we go?" Russia asked after a moment of silence, and I looked at our location. Everyone shrugged, doing the same, before England frowned.
"Let's try this way." England muttered, and we turned to move down it, walking as if we were only a single person. We entered a plain white room, the only splash of color...if it could be called color...was the black furniture that littered the room. I must have made a face, for China let out a stifled laugh.
"What a funny face-aru!" he exclaimed, causing England to look back at the two of us with a confused look. I frowned.
"...This house has very poor taste in decoration." I muttered back, watching as everyone crowded into the room. Italy moved off to the side to let the rest of the people into the room and I shook my head as I placed a hand on the back of one of the couches.
"I must agree with Japan on this..." England said under his breath, wandering over to the corner. I figured I might as well make use of the couch while I was here, moving to sit down on it. China sat down next to me hard, causing me to bounce a little bit. I gave him a glare before letting out a sigh and leaning my head back.
I needed to take a small break. All of this running around, fighting...I hadn't done it in so long that It was very tiring. It was taking its toll on all of us, but I knew...I was holding back everyone else. For some reason the wounds that I had received were not healing like they should, the one on my leg being particularly bad. I was the most injured, so I was already slow...this memory confusion had just slowed me down even further. I was still trying to figure it out...the chances of that scene actually happening was frightening, I couldn't answer why I had that gut feeling in the pit of my stomach...
"...Kuso...I won't get any rest like this..." I muttered, lifting my head and scowling at myself. My brain just wouldn't calm down.
"...why?" China asked, and I saw his face twisted in confusion. I forced my scowl up into a frown, thinking for a moment before I replied.
"...my leg." I spun a small white lie, not wanting to worry him. "It won't quit throbbing under the bandages. Hopefully we'll get out of here soon and get it some proper care." He frowned, seeming to buy it, and let out a sigh. He looked as though he was about to rep-
Thud.
I looked up at the noise, frowning a bit deeper. Italy had tripped over his own shoes once again, and had fallen against the wall. I could see England getting onto the boy, who looked really apologetic, but I didn't focus on that. What I focused on was the sound that had issued forth when he had fallen...and how hollow it had sounded, as if there was a space behind the wall.
"...That sounds..." I muttered, slowly getting to my feet as Italy backed off a few feet from the wall. "Does anyone else think that it sounded hollow?" England frowned, leaning forward and examining the wall. He ran his hands down the side of the wall, before stopping at a spot.
"There's a cut in the paper here." He muttered, pulling at the rip just enough for everyone to see. "I'll tear it off." Before anyone could say anything, he began pulling the wallpaper off, and I frowned at the disrespect of the house itself.
Riiiiiip
I winced a bit at the sound, watching as Italy soon joined in, helping pull the paper off. I shook my head a bit as the paper revealed a rather large door. I frowned a bit.
"Ah...there really was something behind there..." I muttered, my voice hinting at surprise, despite the fact that I was far from it.
"There's something weird about it though..." England muttered, and I made my way over, inspecting it.
"Oh. It's a sliding door." I replied, sliding it open to indicate my point. England made a sound as if he should have known that, frowning a bit. I gave him a small smile.
"I wonder where it leads..." Canada suddenly spoke up, appearing next to England. I suppressed a laugh as England let out a stifled scream.
"Bloody hell!" he exclaimed, placing a hand on his chest and glaring at Canada. "Are you seriously trying to give me a heart attack?!"
"N-No!" Canada replied, frowning as his grip tightened on his bear. "Y-You just haven't noticed me..." At this, England looked a little flustered, looking away quickly.
"W-Whatever." England brushed the other off, looking over at the door. "We should proceed with care..."
"I'll go check it o-" I started to say, stepping forward with my bad leg. I must not have been able to hide the wince that sprung to my face for England raised a hand.
"No. Let me." England interjected, frowning at me and lowering his hand.
"Now...Igirisu-san...I am-" I started to say again, but he shook his head, interrupting me once again.
"You're the one hurt the most here, Japan." England said, motioning to the leg I was favoring. "You've put yourself in danger enough, it's only logical that one of us go instead." I frowned, opening my mouth to say something. "That limp of yours is getting steadily worse, Japan. You may have been able to hide it earlier, but it's gotten to the point where you can't. You need to rest."
"England's right!" Italy suddenly said, not giving me room to argue. I turned to look at him, my eyes narrowing slightly as he avoided eye contact with me. I let out a sigh, shaking my head and turning away.
"...very well." I muttered, bowing my head in defeat. England nodded and disappeared into the door, sliding it shut behind him. For a moment, I stared at the door, before letting out another sigh and making my way back to the couch I had sat on earlier. China was still there, but he quickly got up and sat down on the other couch. I must have looked upset, because China gave me an odd look.
"You sure you're alright, Japan?" a voice said from above me and I turned my head upwards. It was Germany, staring down at me, his blue eyes slightly narrowed. I gave him a soft smile to try to put him at ease, but I knew that he would not be eased. He was very good at reading people, though he tried to hide that ability.
"Yes. I'm fine." I replied, but I knew he did not believe me. His frown deepened slightly but he nodded after a moment, looking away and back to Italy. I lowered my head, watching the rest of the nations loitering around. Italy flittered around the doors, giving them nervous glances as Germany watched him closely. Russia and Canada were looking on a small bookshelf, and China sat across from me, looking almost bored.
"Very vell..." Germany suddenly said, and I turned my attention back to him. "You should at least try to rest." he didn't look at me, and quickly walked off towards where Italy was. I watched him go, and couldn't help smile at thinking about the two of them. It was ironic that Italy was even still around, but it was purely the fact that Germany had that ability of reading people. If he hadn't have had that ability, then I would not have been surprised if he had ended the poor nation's life all those years ago. I frowned a bit at thinking that, it was a rather unsettling thought to think of all those years without the cheerful nation, so I pushed it out of my mind and leaned my head back. Germany was right, I needed to take a small breather, but it was so hard to get myself to relax...
I let out a sigh, and focused myself a little harder. It was a simple trick that I had learned from China when I was younger. By focusing just enough, I could force my body to relax. The simple term for it was meditation, and if one knew how, it was rather easy to pull off. I managed to push myself into that state rather quickly and easily...
"Ve..." Italy moved to sit down next to Japan, but China raised a hand to stop him.
"Don't. He's meditating." China muttered, keeping his voice low. Italy frowned a bit, but nodded.
"He's really worn out...isn't he..." Canada muttered, and Germany nodded.
"Ja. He's been through the most fights of us." Germany replied, shaking his head.
"He believes he has most stamina, da?" Russia asked, making Italy frown more as Japan's head bobbed slightly.
"Let's keep our voices down-aru...I think he might be falling asleep..."
"Is it even safe for us to do that?" Canada asked, frowning. "What if we're attacked?"
"Then ve vill vake him up." Germany said, his voice leaving no room for argument, watching Japan's head bob a bit more before falling to rest on his chest. "For now, ve let him rest...He needs it." The door slid open, and England stepped back in frowning.
"I couldn't fi-"
"Be quiet Yāpiàn!" China whispered hoarsely and England closed his mouth. His face twisted into confusion.
"...Rude, but might I ask w-" England's green eyes caught sight of Japan and realization hit him. "...oh. I'll just wait until he wakes up then. Must need it if he managed to fall asleep..."
The next thing I knew, there was a hand laying itself on my shoulder, instantly causing red flags to go off in my head. My reflexes moved on their own, drawing Tachi from its sheath and attacked before my eyes had even opened. Steel met Steel.
"Aiya!" I looked up to find the steel that my blade had met was China's sword. "What are you attacking me for?!" I blinked a few times before hastily sheathing my sword.
"A-ah..gomen..." I muttered, looking away sheepishly. My eyes caught sight of England, and I frowned a bit. When had he returned? "Igirisu-san...did you find anything?"
"No." England replied, shaking his head a few times before leveling me with those green eyes of his. "What about you? Do you feel better after that nap you had?" I blinked at him in confusion.
"...nap?" I asked, feeling my face twist in confusion. China crossed his arms, giving me a worried look.
"You fell asleep." China explained. "I noticed you were trying to meditate, so I told everyone to be quiet, but..." I frowned, turning away.
"I see." I muttered, cutting him off. Russia gave me a smile, waving his hand a little bit.
"So you feel better, da?" the larger nation asked, and I frowned a little more, nodding slowly.
"...Yes, surprisingly." I replied, admitting that it was true...that I did feel a little better. The rest had done me good. Still, we needed to focus on other things. "We should continue on though."
"Yeah..." England seemed to deflate a bit. "All I found behind that door was another door...at it was locked from the other side. The only other way to go is the other door outside this room." I stood, frowning as I tested how much weight I could place on my leg.
"Very well. Let's go." I said, and we turned and made our way out of the room. I found the limp in my leg was not as noticeable. I smiled a little, looking over my shoulder just enough to see the people behind me.
Who knew something like this would bring the superpowers of the world together like this. That was my line of thought as we made our way down the hallway and opened the other door. I frowned, letting out a sigh as we were met with another hallway. I vaguely found myself wondering just how been this place was. With all this walking, it had to be huge...
"Is this a dining room-aru?" China asked, and I raised my head, instantly frowning deeper.
"...more...black furniture." I grumbled, taking in the black chairs and table.
"I'm starting to get sick of the color black..." England muttered, shaking his head. "There's a door over there, I'll check it out." I let out a sigh as he disappeared through the door, shaking my head. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a bookcase and made my way over, fingering the spines of the books. I pulled one off the shelf and flipped it open, skimming the pages.
"...You really enjoy books, eh Japan?" someone voiced, and I jumped a little, turning my head to look at who had walked up beside me. It was Canada, and I blinked widely at him for a moment, stunned at not hearing him approach.
"A-ah...hai. I do." I replied, composing myself. I smiled a little, fingering the book I had taken off the shelf for a moment before placing it back on the shelf. "However, these books are not the kind I'm usually interested. Half of them either don't have titles or have nothing written in them." Canada frowned a bit, and almost looked as if he was about to say something.
"Bloody hell..." came England's voice and the both of us turned to the Brit. He was returning, shaking his head in bewilderment. "I found the other side of that door that was locked...I unlocked it, but still..." he muttered, scratching his head. "It's like we're going in bloody circles!"
"In this place, I believe anything is possible." I replied, frowning and making my way over. Canada followed behind. "Everything that we least expect to happen has a high probability of really happening."
"I agree." England muttered after a second. "We should keep moving. There's another door past here, so we'll check it out together. I don't feel comfortable leaving everyone behind." We nodded and made our way through the door, walking down the hallway.
And was stopped by a row of iron bars.
"...Bloody hell, what kind of people lived her before?!" England asked, reaching forward and grasping the bars. He let out a string of curses as he tugged at them. Russia reached forward as well, fingering the bars before tugging on them. He looked mildly surprised as he pulled his hand away.
"...good iron." was all the colder nation said, and turned to look at us.
"What are we going to do now-aru?" China asked, frowning with his sleeve on his chin. I frowned a bit, thinking it over. How were we going to continue on? I reached forward myself, fingering the iron and frowned a little more. Tachi was able to cut many things, but with such strong solid bars, Tachi would break.
"...there's a padlock."
I turned my head to look at who had spoken, frowning a bit. It had been Italy, and he was pointing. I followed his finger, and sure enough there was a rather large padlock stuck to the bars. Upon closer examination I found that much of the set of bars were connected to a door. My mind went back to the key that I had found and I reached into my pocket to pull it out.
"I suppose I could try the key that me a-"
"You found a key and didn't tell us?!" England suddenly exclaimed and I turned quickly, taking a few steps backwards due to his raised voice.
"I-I..." I stuttered, too surprised to make a coherent sentence. Almost instantly, Italy seemed to bristle, taking a step forward.
"It's not his fault!" Italy exclaimed, stunning England into silence. "Nihon was exhausted!" It took a second for England to respond, blinking at Italy with wide green eyes.
"O...Okay..." England raised his hands in submission, giving the nation an odd look, as did everyone else. Italy noticed right away, his face flushing in embarrassment.
"a-ah! Mi Dispiace! I did it again!" He nearly whined, tearing up a bit. "I'm soooorrry" I let out a sigh, pulling the key out of my pocket completely as I composed myself.
"In any case, here." I said, handing it over to England. "The main reason I did not tell you was because it was so rusted I did not think it went to anything." England took it from me and turned it over in his hand, frowning. After a moment, he handed it over to Russia.
"Do you think it will fit the lock?" England asked and Russia took it, smiling.
"Will not have choice." the burly nation said and shoved the key into the lock with a loud clang. I felt myself wince, hoping that the man hadn't just broken the lock and stranded us...but to my surprise, the door creaked open, the metal bars scratching against the tiled floor. My face scrunched up even more, the sound hurting my ears. "See? Way is open now." I shook my head slightly at the man as I moved through the door way, making my way down the hallway and frowning at the split up ahead.
"Which way should we go?" Canada suddenly asked, earning a scowl from England as the man looked down one hallway then the other.
"I...don't know..." England said, shaking his head. Russia pointed one way.
"Perhaps we should go left, da?" the larger man suggested and I turned my head to look down that way. After a moment, I shrugged.
"That's alright with me." I said, stepping towards the left hallway. "We can check the other way afterwards." I came face to face with a door turning down the hall, and frowned before pushing it open.
"N-N-Nani?!"
I found myself taking several steps backwards in surprise at what I found in the room. It was almost like a prison, iron bars lining half of the room as if to keep something in. However, it wasn't the bars themselves that startled me, but what was behind those bars; the forms of America, France and Prussia. France sat against the wall, rubbing his arm and frowning at it, Prussia was snoring in the corner, not far away from France, and America was pacing, not able to stay sitting still, but at my exclamation, America turned on his heel, a look of surprise and happiness on his face.
"Japan! It's you!" He exclaimed as the others moved into the room. "And everyone else! What are you doing here?" I opened my mouth to answer, but England beat me to it, pushing his way forward with a snarl.
"We're the ones who should be asking that you fool! We were worr-er...wondering where you were!" his face heated up and he crossed his arms, looking away "What the bloody hell have you been doing?!" By then, France had raised his head and gave a roll of his eyes, getting to his feet and nudging Prussia with his foot.
"Anyways, could you please open this door?" France asked, waving a hand airily. "We can't open it from the inside, you see~" He pulled on the bars for emphasis, and I made my way over, inspecting it. I frowned after a moment.
"Ah, yes. Of course." I replied, pulling the latch to where it was open and pushed the door to where the others could come out. I propped the door open and turned back to the others.
"Phew~" America let out a rather exasperated sigh, and grinned. "Thanks! That was a great place to take refuge in, but then we couldn't get out...We were waiting for you guys to get here!" he said happily, bouncing a bit. I shook my head a bit, turning to Prussia and frowning as China berated America. Germany was also looking at his brother.
"Anyvay, Bruder, vhat vere you doing here, again?" Germany asked, frowning, and the albino scowled.
"You guys vouldn't vake up!" he exclaimed, crossing his arms. "I had a hard time after that, it's a miracle I'm still alive." I frowned, feeling my eyes narrow slightly. I did not need that mental image...
"Puroisen-san," I started to say, and his red eyes turned to me. He seemed a little confused at my expression, so I tried to even it out. "You were gone when we woke up. Did you encounter that thing again?"
"Oh that." His face twisted and he turned to glare at France. "Vhen I vas having fun keeping vatch, someone suddenly started pounding on the door." His eyes narrowed. "Vhen I opened it, I found it vas him." He jabbed his finger in France's direction, making the blonde smile.
"His face was a une œuvre d'art~ France said airily, probably referring to the look of surprise on Prussia's face. Prussia scowled at that. "But he came out swinging his sword at me, and I got a little injured..." He said this pointedly and raised his arm, where the sleeve was torn. I could see a bandage showing through the ripped fabric. Prussia puffed his cheeks a little bit.
"Aww, come on..." Prussia whined, frowning "I said I vas sorry! It vas just a little flesh wound, anyvays!" France shook his head a bit
"Anyways, while you three snored away, we were exchanging some information..." France started to say, but got interrupted by Prussia. I suppressed a wince as the man started talking.
"That monster came out of fucking novhere!" Prussia exclaimed, balling his hand into a fist. "I vasn't ready to fight, and my sword vasn't sharp enough...ve got injured." I felt my eyes narrow again, and I clenched my jaw just a bit. "Ve vere in big trouble, but vaking you guys up vould have only made things vorse...So ve fought in the hallvay...but ve vere at a disadvantage. Ve ran away to the first floor..."
"And then, before we knew it..." France waved his hand again, glaring at Prussia out of the corner of his eye. "That monster was there ahead of us, attacking Amérique. We tried to sneak away behind it's back, but then that fool waved his hands saying 'Hey~ Over Here~!' with a huge grin." His glare turned to America who grinned. "We were dragged into another fight..."
"I couldn't fight it on my own!" America exclaimed, waving his hands in front of him defensively. I let out another sigh, and shook my head. I felt eyes on me and I raised my head, finding Prussia looking at me with serious look. I turned away, focusing on America. "What's the matter?! I just thought we'd have three times more chances to beat i-"
"So since ve veren't ready to fight..." Prussia interrupted, shooting a red-hued glare at America that silenced the fool "Ve couldn't fight, and ve ended up running away to this place. Ve took refuge in this cell, but then ve couldn't open it from the inside." His voice died off in a grumble and he crossed his arms in a pout. "So ve had no choice but to vait for you to show up." I crossed my arms a bit, thinking this information over. I felt eyes on me once again, and found that it was both Prussia and America. I frowned a bit, and avoided eye contact with either of them.
"...You okay Japan?" Prussia suddenly asked, and I blinked at him. I felt my face twist into a scowl. "You look quite stress-"
"I'm fine." I replied shortly, causing his eyes to widen slightly. I was sick of people asking me that.
"Ve need to explain to them vhat is going on." Germany suddenly said, and I turned to look at him. Anything to stop looking at Prussia "Vhy don't ve split into two groups?"
"B-But..." Italy started to say, frowning and raising a hand.
"Indeed." I interrupted, I was sick of this place, and my nerves were getting shot. Italy frowned at me. "Their injuries aren't that severe, either. I'll keep looking around the basement."
"Non! Nihon, you can't!" Italy exclaimed, and I rounded on him with a glare that caused him to whimper slightly.
"Quite frankly I am sick and tired of people asking me if I'm okay." I said icily, the younger nation shrinking back from me. I could feel the stares on my back. "I am fine. I can take care of myself. If I could not, then I would not still be here, now would I, Italy?" I used his full name, getting the point across that I was not in the mood to hear his complaints. He nodded after a moment.
"...mi dispiace, Nihon..." he muttered, looking down at his shoes. There was a moment of silence before some decided to speak.
"...England and I will stay to lecture America." Canada spoke up, and England turned to the blonde, giving him an odd look before shrugging.
"I have some things to tell them, too." Germany spoke up, crossing his arms. America pouted for a moment, before grinning.
"Then I'm going with Japan!" he exclaimed, reaching forward and grabbing my arm. I felt the hair on the back of my neck bristle and I had to resist the urge to rip my arm out of his grip and smack the nation.
"Weren't you listening-aru?" China exclaimed as I carefully pulled America's hand off of my arm. "We're going to explain to you what's going on, so you have to stay." America gave a pout.
"Aww, do I have too?" America whined, turning his head to me. I blinked slowly at those blue eyes. "Japan can explain it to me, can't you Japan?" He looked so hopeful, but he was so slow. I let out a sigh. This would give me an opportunity to talk with him...
"Very well." I replied, earning a look of surprise from Canada. "I would be glad to do it. Well, we'll go look around."
"I'm coming with you!" Italy suddenly exclaimed, taking a step forward. I frowned at him, noticing he was clutching that book of his again.
"Iie. We'll be fine." I replied, giving him a look and waving a hand dismissively. He shrunk back a bit, his eyes narrowed slightly. "We'll just go look around and return. Kanada-san, Igirisu-san, I'll lecture him on your behalf." America seemed to deflate a bit, and I could see him pouting out of the corner of my eye. I felt the corner of my mouth lift slightly in amusement.
"Give him a good earful." Canada said, giving me a grin, and I returned it with a small smile, turning to the door of the room.
"No...Wait." England suddenly spoke up, and I turned to look at him over my shoulder. "I'm coming with you."
"...d-demo..." I stuttered, slightly taken back with this.
"There's something that's been bothering me. I just want to check it out." He took a few steps forward, looking as if he was pleading with me. I faltered a bit more. "Please..." Yes, he was begging now. There was no way I could argue with that...I gave a sigh.
"I see..." I muttered under my breath before nodding. "You may come along, then. We'll be back in about 15 minutes. Ja ne." I turned and walked to the door, opening it and holding it open for the two western nations before letting it close.
"...Japan..." I heard Italy mutter, and I felt the urge to turn back, to ask why he had used my full name...but I didn't and the door closed; separating us from the others. I frowned a bit as England moved ahead of me with America almost skipping at his heels.
"Let's check this hallway out, since we didn't get a chance too." England muttered, giving an odd look to America as I nodded in agreement, following behind the men. I scowled at finding myself in another white room with black furniture. I gave a grumble, moving towards the bookcase, and stood there for a moment. I picked one book off the shelf and looked at it, frowning when I found some sort of circle on it. I flipped it open and thumbed through the pages as England came to stand next to me. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye and found him scowling.
"Igirisu-san? Is something wrong?" I asked and he turned to me for a moment before looking back to the books.
"...There's...something about this room that bothers me." he replied, putting a hand to his chin. I frowned a bit and opened my mouth to say something
"Oi! There's a hidden door over here!" America suddenly interrupted, and I turned to look at him, finding him disappear through a sliding door. I felt the blood leave my face and I gave a grumble.
"...I guess I can look at this later..." England muttered under his breath and I nodded.
"Hai. Let's hurry before America puts himself in danger." I replied and made my way over to the door. I peeked down and found a long dark stone staircase. I wrinkled my nose at the musky odor creeping up from the darkness and felt myself frown when I realized there was no railing to the stairs.
"You going to be able to go down these?" England asked from beside me and I glanced at him to see him looking at me with worry in those green eyes of his. I scowled, feeling myself bristle a bit.
"Yes." I replied shortly, earning a scowl. "Please quit asking me that." I stepped down the stairs, hiding the winces that threatened to come upon my face, but as we went down, it got darker and darker, until I could no longer see where I was placing my foot.
"Gah...Bloody hell, its dark down here. Do you have anything to light the way with?" England asked after a moment.
"Ah, yes. Let me stop for a moment, I don't want you running into me." I replied, and I heard him stop. I paused as well, digging into my pocket to fish out the matches I had stowed in my pocket. "My group found some matches earlier; I can use one to light our way if you wish."
"Please do." England said, and I could almost hear the frown in his voice. "I can't even see my bloody hand."
"Very well." I replied, lighting the match. The sudden brightness made me wince, and I lowered my hand a bit.
"Much Better." England muttered, stepping down and looking at me. I looked back up and nodded. "Let's hurry before it burns out." I stepped down the stairs, hearing him behind me as I tried to hurry as fast as I could without giving away that I was in pain. Ironically, just as we set foot on the bottom of the stairs, rejoining with America, I was forced to drop the match lest I burn my fingers. America took my arm and tugged it.
"There's a light up ahead!" he exclaimed, and I frowned in the darkness, squinting my eyes a bit. Sure enough, there was some light. I felt myself sigh.
"Let's make for that." I said, before carefully taking America's hand and peeling it away from my arm. "Please respect my personal boundaries, Beikoku-san."
"Okay!" America replied, and I could hear him bouncing in place. I couldn't help but frown a little more.
"...How many sodas did you have before the World Meeting?" I asked, making my way forward as he followed behind.
"Uh...six?" came the hesitant reply, and I gave a loud sigh.
"No wonder you're so bloody hyper." England muttered, turning a corner and I followed, blinking at the brightness. There was sudden daylight coming from above, and I turned my face upward. I could hear the wind, and it made me smile. I looked down at the rock wall that barred our path and blinked in surprise.
"...This rope ladder..." I muttered, reaching forward and fingering the rope of the ladder. "It's frayed...but it seems sturdy enough." I looked up, and took a deep breath. I could smell the fresh air, it was so refreshing. I couldn't help but think about going home and taking a long soak in the hotsp-no. That brought back the flashes from the scene of Prussia's death. I couldn't help but frown and shake my head, trying to clear my mind of the images.
"We got it!" England exclaimed, and I turned to look at him. He was grinning, staring up at the sky above. "I can even see the trees outside! We can finally get out!"
"Thank goodness." I replied, and he turned to me. The happiness on his face was contagious and I found myself smiling as well. "We should call the others here as quickly as possible." I turned my back to the fresh air, and started making my way forward, but England darted ahead of me.
"I'll go ahead!" he called over his shoulder as he disappeared into the darkness.
"Ah...Igirisu-san..." I raised a hand as if to stop him, but he was already long gone, I let out a sigh, and dropped my hand, taking a final breath of fresh air and turned to America.
"Let's go then." I said, and took a few steps forward. I wondered vaguely what we were going to do after this. It felt like we'd been in this place forever, and I was ready to be done with it.
"...Hold on, Japan."
I froze, the tone in America's voice holding something I rarely heard from him; seriousness. I waited, barely looking over my shoulder at him.
"I haven't asked you why you brought me along yet." he muttered, taking a step forward. I let a smile onto my face. So he had caught on that I had wanted to talk to him, but wasn't going to start the conversation. That was good; he was getting better at reading the atmosphere.
"Oh?" I asked, turning my body to where I was looking at him, leveling him with a calm smile. "...You've grown sharper." America grinned a bit.
"I've been...reading the atmosphere a lot today." He said, crossing his arms. "Thanks to that, I got what you meant right away."
"Have you?" I asked, my smile growing, and he nodded. "Then...I think this talk will be quite nice."
"Hn. Just don't make me bored." He muttered, frowning a bit. I gave him a smile.
"Oh, it won't be boring. It's important though...and..." I felt the smile slip from my face and his blue eyes narrowed slightly. I turned away from him, gritting my teeth. "It is very...hard for me to explain..." There was suddenly a hand on my shoulder, and I tensed, looking up. America was looking down at me, his face twisted in worry and his blue eyes looking at me over the top of his glasses.
"Is it that bad?" he asked, and I let out a sigh.
"Hai. Time is warped around this place, trapping us here." I replied, and he frowned, letting go of my shoulder.
"That explains how you got here...but..." He muttered, and then paused, taking in the bandage showing on my leg and crossed his arms. "..those injuries..."
"Me, Prussia, Italy, and Germany have been here for at least a day and a half, if not more." I said, using full titles to get his attention away from my leg. "In order to fix the flow of time, we must break seemingly randomly placed clocks." I let out a grumble and his face twisted into confusion.
"Clocks?" America asked, frowning a bit. "Why clocks of all things?" I shook my head a few times; frowning as well as I remembered what happened.
"I don't know, but..." I let out a sigh, and placed a hand to my head, trying to stop the flood of images. "When we break them...ano...it's so hard to explain..."
"Try." America persisted, and I lowered my hand with a glare. He gave me a scowl, but softened it slightly as I took a shaky breath.
"...you remember something that you know for a fact did not happen. However, it feels so real that you are left confused, not knowing if it was real or a lie." I tried to explain, but I could tell by the look on his face that it had gone right over his head. I gave a sigh as he made a confused noise.
"...Huh?" he finally asked, and I shook my head.
"I mean...You remember something each time you break the clock." I said carefully and he crossed his arms again.
"Remember? What do you mean?" he asked again and I frowned. I would have to give an example...great.
"Ah...I'll...I'll give you an example." I replied, frowning. "When I broke one of the clocks, I remembered finding Prussia in one of the rooms upstairs."
"...okay?"
"Which really did happen...but...when I remembered it...something was different." I felt the color fade from my face as I spoke. "Something happened that hadn't happened before."
"...Really?" America asked, frowning. "What was different?"
"Well...when I found Prussia...I had walked in, and locked the door behind me because I feared an attack." I explained, blinking up at him. "Demo...in the memory that I received from the clock...I did not lock the door."
"...such a little detail!" America exclaimed, giving a laugh that died in his throat when I looked away from him, my face twisted into a scowl.
"...with such a disastrous result..." I said softly, not trusting my voice. I didn't trust myself to look at him.
"What...do you mean?" he asked, his voice wavering a little. I shook my head slowly, feeling my hands ball into fists.
"...that...that thing came in..." I replied, focusing my attention on the rocks in front of me. "...it...it attacked us...and...and..."
"Japan...you're shaking." America suddenly said, and I looked down at my hands, finding them trembling. I grumbled, tightening them even more and wringing them together. America placed a firm hand over my trembling ones, helping stop their shakes and I turned away from him. For once the young nation was patient, waiting for me to continue once I had composed myself. I let out a shaky breath.
"...Prussia did not make it in the memory." I said softly, refusing to look up at America. I felt his hand leave mine.
"...W-what?" he asked, his voice shaking. I lifted my head, watching him take a few steps away and nodded slowly, then shook my head.
"...Prussia isn't the only one..." I said softly. "In another...memory that I received from breaking the clock, it was...different. It was a room that I had...never been in."
"...but if it's supposed to be a memory, then shouldn't it be a room you've been in?" America asked softly and I turned to look at him.
"That's...That's what confuses me so much about it." I said, feeling my face scrunch up. "It was only me, Italy, Germany and Prussia...standing in a small room. From the memory, I got the feeling that we had been running from something. Germany was complaining about how he hated this kind of stuff, then said how the monster would pick us off one by one." I paused, taking a breath. "Prussia got angry...and I told him that it was okay, that it was understandable that he felt that way..." My voice died, and I frowned. I tried to get it to come back, again and again, but I found I couldn't continue.
"And...then?" America pressured just enough, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself and steel my emotions just enough for me to continue. After a moment I felt that I could.
"...Italy began to act weird." I nearly had to choke up. "He...he said something about getting out of here, a-and not to look back...and...for some reason...t-to make time..." I heard my voice crack, and I turned away from America, knowing that my face was scrunching up in an attempt to keep my emotions in check. "b-But...before w-we got the chance to ask what th-that meant...the monster...knocked down the do-door behind him..." I felt myself tremble and heard America shuffle slightly. I turned to look at him out of the corner of my eye and found his face almost devoid of color.
"Oh god..." he muttered in disbelief as the pieces linked together in his head. "And...and you...you saw..."
"I...Indeed..." I muttered, lifting a hand to my face. I could still feel everything hitting me, still see the claw through Italy's chest. "I...he...he was killed...right before us...and we could do nothing..."
"...why haven't you said anything..." America asked, reaching forward but not touching me.
"...no one has asked..." I muttered under my breath. "They only ask if I am all right, not what I have seen."
"...Well..." I turned to America, seeing him looking off to the side thinking. I felt panic welling up in me.
"...What if it's true, Beikoku-san?" I asked, taking a shaky step forward. "Wh-What if...we get to that room...what if that happens?! What if Italy really does die...wh-what will we do..." I heard my voice die and felt my entire body shaking...but then there were hands on my shoulders, steadying me.
"We won't let that happen." America said, his voice soft but serious. I blinked up at him in surprise. "I'll think of something...anything. I...I won't let that happen. As the hero, I must not let one of my comrades die." I let out a sigh, feeling relieved. The determination in his voice let me know that he would do everything in his power to stop that event from happening if it started too.
"H-Hai..." I stuttered and composed myself. He slowly let go, giving me a grin. "We should...get back to Igirisu-san...I pray that it's just a trap to confuse us..." I muttered the last part under my breath and America bounced a bit on his toes.
"Yups!" he exclaimed and I shook my head slowly, feeling a smile coming to my face.
"You really are...hyper..." I muttered, making my way back to the stairs. I found myself fumbling in the darkness, lighting another match to light the way, but could only keep up the pace for a little while. I found myself annoyed at myself, at being unable to stop lagging behind. America darted up the stair ahead of me, almost throwing open the sliding door and causing me to wince due to the light.
"Hey you two!" England's voice rang out, and I dusted myself off, looking up at him and closing the door behind me as America bounced over to him. "What took you so long?" I blinked at the happy look on his face.
"Did something happen?" I asked slowly, making my way over to where he was standing next to the bookcase. He was holding that book I had picked up earlier, with the weird circle on it. He placed the book on the shelf and grinned at us.
"You could say that!" he exclaimed, crossing his arms. "Next time, I won't be such a burden anymore!"
"What...you weren't a burden before?" America asked, frowning. England glared at him, huffing slightly. America shrugged. "Well, if you say so..."
"Now I can easily stop that guy." England said, waving his hands as if to convince us. I blinked, intrigued. He looked proud of himself, and I knew that he often boasted about being 'magically inclined' as he put it, but had never really believed him..."Though...only for a few seconds..." his voice suddenly faltered, and I frowned. "Well...okay...about two seconds...really."
"Two...seconds?" America asked, an underlying tone in his voice that seemed to go right over England's head. I heard it though, and turned to look at him for a moment, before turning to England with look of confusion on my face.
"W-what?" England stuttered, his face twisted in disbelief. "If I can replenish my magic a little more, it can be longer-"
"Ah, no-" I said, cutting him off. I waved my hand sheepishly. "I didn't...er...how can I put this..."
"Oh!" America suddenly exclaimed, reaching past me to point at something on the shelf. "Isn't that one of those clocks? On the shelf?" I followed his finger and felt the blood rush out of my face.
"I...see..." I heard my voice crack. "It certainly is one..." England heard the crack and looked over at me, then followed America's finger.
"Hm?" England reached forward to pick up the clock and I saw a bit of electricity spark between his finger and the clock. He pulled away, frowning. "Bloody hell...this clock is working with my magic!" he exclaimed, reaching forward again and picking it up.
"How...?" I asked, and he shrugged at me, turning the clock over in his hands and I watched confusion fly over his face.
"...Monitum..." he muttered under his breath, chewing the bottom of his lip in through.
"Anyway, can you break it now?" America asked cheerfully and I nearly gave myself whiplash turning my head to look at him so quickly. He gave me a sheepish look. "If I don't go through that even once, I won't know how to deal with it."
"You-" England started to say, a hesitant look on his face before he scowled. "Well, then I'll just sit back and laugh at you being all confused!" he crossed his arms and I felt panic welling in the pit of my stomach.
"Please...don't fight..." I muttered, causing them to look at me. The look of worry must have gotten to England and he lowered his hands, looking a bit sheepish. "Besides...we have already found an exit. There's no need to break the clock."
"Aww, but I wanted to experience it!" America exclaimed, pouting. "It's not every day one can do that thing...Can't I just try it once? Pretty Please?" I opened my mouth to object, but England beat me to it, his face twisted in what appeared to be annoyance.
And it was not the answer that I wished to hear.
"Bloody hell..." He grumbled, pulling a book out of his bag and opening it as he set the clock on a table. "I'll break it then! Just don't come crying to me later!" I let out a sigh, shaking my head. There was no way to convince him otherwise now.
"Ah...wait..." I muttered, causing England to look at me. "If we must break the clock, at least let me prop myself up. I do not want to fall over like the past few times." England nodded slowly, a look of hesitation passing by his face as I moved over to the other side of the table. I pushed myself up against the table and took a breath before nodding over to England, who huffed slightly and muttered something under his breath.
The clock shattered, pieces settling on the table in a heap. I frowned, gripping the side of the table in anticipa-
It was quite suddenly very dark, and damp. I couldn't place where I was, the musty smell making me wrinkle my nose.
"Aah, ve can finally escape!" that hoarse voice could only belong to Prussia, and I felt myself turn to look at him. "At long last..." Beside him was Italy, and shortly ahead of us was Germany.
"...Si..." Italy said, a frown upon his face.
"You're too slow." Germany said, waving a hand as he walked ahead of us. "I'll just go ahead." He disappeared into the darkness, and I frowned.
"I wish the others had come too." I found myself muttering, a hint of sadness in my voice. "Demo...they really like adventures."
"...Si..." Italy repeated, and I shook my head lightly. I could see the daylight filtering in ahead of me, and I let out a sigh. We were about to turn to go down the tunnel...when Germany let out a strangled yell that made my blood curl.
"Doitsu!" Italy instantly called out, darting forward and disappearing around the corner.
"Vhat happened?" Prussia called out, frowning when he got no answer. "Did you fall over?" He gave me a grin as I shook my head at the joke.
"Let's go." I said, and he nodded, making our way towards the source of the scream.
Scriiitch I frowned as Prussia darted forward, leaving me behind.
"Mein Gott!" Prussia exclaimed, and I felt panic welling up within me, and I moved around the corner as fast as I could, stopping short at what I saw.
Germany was sprawled on the ground, holding his arm. I could smell the coppery scent of blood, and it wasn't hard to discern that his arm was bleeding. However, it wasn't the fact that Germany was on the ground that horrified me, but what was in front of him.
The monster stood, towering over all of us, its head nearly touching the roof of the cavern. I could barely see its face, but from what I could see, it looked smug, as if congratulating itself on cornering us. My eyes focused behind it, trying to ignore the sense of strength that I got from it, and saw that it had burnt the ladder, only a small remaining few sprigs of rope hung at the top of the wall.
"J-Japan! Bruder...Run! Quickly!" Germany shouted, turning his head towards us but keeping his sights on the monster. Italy took a few steps forward, and I focused on him. His face was almost devoid of color, tears in his eyes.
"...Dio...Perché?" Italy muttered, shaking his head and tightening his grip on the book in his grip, then he paled even more, a look of shock coming onto his face. "ah! America and the others!" I grabbed his shoulder and pushed him back towards the stairs
"Go! Quickly!" I exclaimed and he nodded, darting into the darkness. I heard him hit the stairs at a run, calling at the top of his lungs for the others.
"Vhat are you standing there for, Japan?" Prussia suddenly said, taking a few steps towards me. I scowled a bit. "Let's go! Vest, come on! Quickly!"
"Verdammt!" Germany exclaimed, rolling out of the way as the monster slammed a claw down where he had been sitting a moment before. He got to his feet and took off at a run. "Just vhen ve'd finally found an exit!" As soon as he was on his feet, I turned and took off at a run as well. I ran blindly, groping clumsily at the wall to lead myself. I could hear the thudding footsteps of the monster, and Germany's heavy booted footsteps as I nearly tripped at hitting the stairs. I hadn't even taken two steps up them when there was a thud followed by a shout. Instantly I turned, jumping down the stairs and started forward to help Germany up.
No...Don't...
The monster beat me to him, slamming a hand down next to him as he tried to get up. He gave a strangled curse as the thing grabbed him, lifting him up by his throat.
"Germany!" I called out, feeling my body launch itself forward.
Not him...
Crack.
The noise echoed through the small space and I felt myself freeze, my eyes widen as I watched Germany go completely limp. His struggles to get free stopped with a strangled gurgle and the monster gave a noise before dropping him. There was a bodily thud as Germany hit the ground and limply rolled as the monster kicked him to the side.
He was dead, his eyes completely blank, staring straight ahead at me. They almost...looked accusingly at me...as if it was my fault...no. I couldn't...no! This shouldn't be!
"I...IIE!" I felt myself snarl, and launch forward, my sword drawn. This would not happen! This couldn't be, there had to be something! This had to be a trick...but why hadn't...why hadn't I alerted Prussia? Would it have ended di-
Suddenly I was on my feet, running again. I had no control over myself, and I could hear Germany's booted feet hitting the ground behind me. He was alive...I almost sighed with relief...but skid to a stop as I heard the thud of him hitting the ground. It was the same...
"Puroisen! Matte!" I felt myself call out, causing Prussia to turn on his heel with a confused look. "Germany's fallen!" Prussia's face twisted and he took off at a run.
"Vest!" Prussia called out as he passed me.
"Just go!" Germany called out. "Don't come back!" It was too late, and I heard Prussia skid to a halt next to Germany. I took off at a run, to help them as I caught a glimpse of light reflecting off of Prussia's sword. "Verdammt! My foot got caught in a vine-" I got to them, falling to my knees to help Germany tug his leg free.
"Vhat the hell?!" Prussia exclaimed, getting in a defensive stature in front of the two of us. "Vhy can't anything go right for us? Just vhen ve vere finally going to get out too..." The monster seemed to falter a few yards ahead, as if not expecting all of us to be in one spot.
"Bruder! Nein!" Germany called out, pausing to scream at his brother. "Just run!" The monster gained itself again, starting back towards us and Prussia shook his head a few times, looking over his shoulder at us.
"And vhat if everyone else is dead, and ve're the only ones still alive?" he asked angrily, a snarl on his face as he faced the monster. "You two go back and get Italia. I'll take care of this!" With that the monster was on him, reaching forward to swipe him away. Prussia countered and knocked the claw away, launching himself forward in a blast of anger. His anger took a physical form, light exploding from his sword with a crack that sounded like thunder. I felt Germany's leg give, and looked down to find it free of whatever had held it. I took his arm and pulled him to his feet, and started running, hoping...praying that he was behind me.
"Verdammt!" I heard Prussia yell. "Go to fucking hell you ba-ACK" I turned on my heel in time to see Prussia go flying past me, slamming into the wall with a sickening crack. He let out a cough as he fell forward, hitting the ground with a thud. I felt myself frozen, and could feel Germany beside me the same way. Prussia attempted to get up once, glancing up at us. It looked as though he formed words before his red eyes widened and he fell into a fit of coughs, blood spilling onto the ground in front of him.
"B-Bruder..." Germany stuttered, and Prussia lifted his head once again, as if trying to grin before he fell forward, and did not move. All at once, Germany turned and growled lowly. "Scheißkerl!" He launched himself towards the monster
"Iie! Germany!" I called out, reaching forward to pull him back, but it was too late. The monster was too close by then, and Germany went straight forward into a claw, the sharp edges ripping through the top of the man's chest as if it were butter. Blood splattered everywhere, and my vision was dyed red. No...this...couldn't...why? We were countries...nations...but here...here it didn't matter. We were people who could not die, but here...we could. We...We were human.
This wasn't right...this couldn't be right. I had to be able to do something...I had too! This couldn't happen, not this way.
"Vhat the fuck, man?" My eyes snapped open, and I found myself in front of the monster, Prussia beside me with his hands clenched at his side. I could see the burnt ladder behind the monster...this point. I felt my hand clench up..
Wait. My hand...I unclenched it, then re-clenched it. I could move.
"Go! Get out!" Germany called out, and I focused on him. He was still getting to his feet, the monster about to hit him. I scowled, and forced myself forward, my sword raised.
"Sorera o gai wa nai yo!" I felt the monster's claw hit my sword and I retaliated, a string of curses far more powerful that I had ever pulled out knocking the creature backwards.
"Japan, vhat the hell are you doing?!" Prussia nearly yelled, I could hear the anger in his voice. I turned my head to look at him over my shoulder, taking in him pulling Germany to his feet.
"Iku!" I called out, and Italy took a step forward, his face twisting in panic. "I'll hold it o-" I did not get a chance to finish. My concentration had been split from watching the monster, and it moved far faster than I had ever seen it move. It struck me in the side, slicing my uniform open and sending me spiraling into the wall.
I felt something crack and pain exploded as I hit the wall, sending black spots over my vision as I felt my body slump to the ground. I tried to move, to get up but I found that I could not; my arms would not support my weight.
"Japan!" I heard Germany call out, and I managed to lift my head to look up at him. His face was twisted in panic, and I saw the monster let out a growl, feeling the power pull off of it in waves.
"I knew it." Italy's voice suddenly spoke up. I struggled to lift my head again, to look in his direction, letting out a gasp as I attempted. I vaguely saw the monster turn its attention back to me, seeming to assess my situation before letting out what could have been a demented chuckle as I focused my sights on Italy. My vision kept blurring, but I could make out the basics of his face. It was twisted in sorrow, tears streaming down his cheeks but...he was...smiling. "Japan...Germany...Prussia..." He shook his head a few times, his grip tightening on the book. "I'm so sorry...It looks like we couldn't make it again...It's gotten stronger than in the beginning..." My mind was so strained, I couldn't focus much on what he was saying, but..."I...I can't...I can't do this alone anymore..."
"I-Italia?" Prussia's voice wavered, and I saw him turn to look at the ginger. Italy shook his head, his face twisting in something akin to anger. The monster turned away from me, having assessed that I would not be getting up again. I felt my strength waver, opening my mouth, but giving a rather hoarse cough instead of the words I wanted to say.
"Mi dispiace..." Italy muttered as the monster leveled its demented gaze onto him. The monster gave a growl and started towards him...but he didn't move. My vision dimmed a bit, and I blinked, trying to force myself to focus.
"Trottel!" Germany cursed out as the monster rushed forward, gaining speed with its claw raised; aimed to kill Italy. I made a strangled gasp, the beginnings of a warning dying before it had a chance to even form, even as my vision blurred once again.
Then the monster stopped, letting out a growl of anger as it looked at what was now attached to its claw.
Germany. The man had pushed himself in the way of the monster, stopping the claw from hitting Italy...but by doing so, he had sacrificed himself. Italy's uniform was stained red, the claw mere inches away from his face as it protruded from Germany. The man raised his hand weakly, pushing Italy away.
"führen Sie...Narr..." The monster let out a snarl and tossed Germany to the side and sliced, and I watched as Germany's head rolled off his shoulders and the monster seeming to glare as the rest of his body hit the wall. Italy did not move, his eyes wide and horrified.
"B-Bruder..." Prussia called out, before snarling in anger and launching himself at the monster. In the blink of an eye, I saw Prussia go flying one way, and his arm go the other way. Italy let out a choked sob as the monster turned its attention back to him. With a satisfied grunt, the monster merely slashed its claw forward, and connected with the top of Italy's chest and throat, slicing him open like butter. I heard him make a strangled cry of pain before he fell.
He was dead before he hit the ground.
My vision dimmed completely, and I found myself reeling over what I had seen. How...How could so many different scenarios end so horribly? Every single one of them, almost everyone had died. If I thought of something...I would only be shown another possible future...I would be shown the worst end possible, no matter what choice I made. I was at a complete loss at what to do, if there was even anything to do.
"Japan? Are you all right?"
My eyes snapped open, and I let out a sigh of relief at finding myself back in the room with England and America. I was not being showed another scenario...I felt something grip my shoulder a little tighter, and I looked down to find England's hand on it. I frowned, not knowing when he put it there, and looked up at him to find both him and America looking at me with worry.
"...Hai." I replied, and I was glad that my voice was steady. America nodded before crossing his arms over his chest.
"That wasn't as much fun as I thought it'd be..." America muttered, and I turned to him. He looked slightly pale, and I frowned, wondering what he had seen. "...um...so, which one is real again?" England gave a heavy sigh, shaking his head slowly.
"Try to sort it out on the way back." He explained, turning away towards the door. "If you still can't figure it out, ask Germany. He seems to be immune for some reason."
"Right...by the way, England..." America took a step forward as England turned his head to him, and raised a hand. "You...look unfocused. Mind telling me how many fingers I'm holding up?" I felt confusion well up in me as America held up two fingers. I watched England's face twist into confusion.
"Eh?" England asked before shaking his head. "Two fingers, you idiot. Come on, we don't have time for such nonsense." the blonde brushed America's hand away and started walking towards the door. I moved to join them but felt myself waver, my strength fail for a moment. I reached out and grabbed the wall, steadying myself and chewed on the bottom of my lip. I did not truly want to face the others yet. I could still see their forms in front of me, variously cut up and...dead. I could still feel the pain in my back...What was I going to do...what...
"You coming Japan?!" America suddenly called, and I lifted my head, seeing his head peak around the corner with a grin.
"A-ah, yes. Sorry." I replied as his grin faded into a frown. I hurried over and he nodded slowly as he let me catch up. We moved to catch up to England, who was already down the hallway and opening the door, disappearing inside. America sped up; opening the door and holding it open for me.
"Ah, thank yo-"
"Nihon! Are you okay?!" I was interrupted by Italy, who grabbed my shoulders and looked at me with such panic in his face. I pushed his hands away, frowning.
"I'm fine, Ita-kun." I replied, and he nodded slowly, shuffling away a few steps.
"On a better note, I found an exit!" America exclaimed, and England snarled a bit.
"You found? Try we found." England chided and slammed his hand against America's head.
"Yikes!" America winced a bit, rubbing the back of his head. "...that hurt!" Russia shuffled forward a few feet, a smile on his face as he moved to stand next to Italy.
"Oh, you found exit?" the man asked, and I saw Italy frown a bit out of the corner of my eye. I decided to keep my mouth closed, fearing that I would break down if I said anything.
"Yeah!" England grinned, and it was slightly calming to see him so excited about something. "We can finally escape. Come on, let's get out of here...this place creeps me out." Italy took a few steps towards the door, and I frowned when no one else seemed to follow. He noticed, and turned back to look at everyone.
"...Shouldn't...we hurry?" the ginger-haired nation asked, blinking at everyone. America scoffed, and I watched the color drain slowly from Italy's face.
"We secured an exit, so why should we have to leave now?" America asked, grinning as his blonde hair bounced a bit with his movements. "I want to explore a little! All I've seen is the basement...I want to see the rest of the place!" After a moment, Canada shook his head slowly, putting a hand on the bridge of his nose.
"...Germany, please go ahead with the others..." Canada said slowly, frowning and lowering his hand. Germany frowned.
"But ve should all-"
"When my brother is like this, nothing can stop him..." Canada interrupted. "Trust me, I know." Germany let out a sigh at this, and nodded his head.
"Vell, ve still have to make sure that the rope isn't rotten..." Germany muttered, putting a hand on his chin in thought. "Ve'll go ahead, just to make sure there isn't a probl-"
"I'm splitting up too-aru." China suddenly said, and I turned to look at him in slight horror. He gave a sheepish smile. "I saw some medicine that I'd never seen before. I want it-aru." I shook my head, but chose not to say anything. I felt my face twist into a scowl and I turned it away as everyone started to make their way out of the room. I didn't want people worrying about me...but...
"Japan." Prussia suddenly said loud enough for everyone to hear and I jumped a bit, turning to look at him. "Stay back. I vant to have a vord with you." I glanced back at everyone.
"But what about..." I started to say, but he cut me off.
"The others can vait for us in the other room." the albino replied, frowning. Germany stared at Prussia for a moment before nodding and grabbing Italy's arm and leading the boy out after everyone.
"Very well..." I muttered, watching the door close as Italy was drug out. As soon as the door was closed, Prussia took a step forward, trying to grin but failing.
"Vhat's eating you, Japan?" he asked, and I frowned, chewing the bottom of my lip.
"...What do you mean?" I asked, narrowing my eyes a bit. Prussia was silent for a moment before leaning up against the wall, crossing his arms.
"I haven't been through it yet...but...you see things, don't you?" I felt my face twist into confusion at what he said, and he paused, frowning, before clarifying. "Vhen the clocks break." I winced unconsciously, and I could see a flash of worry pass over his face.
"...I..." I started to say, but faltered. What was I to say? How...
"C'mon! Spit it out!" Prussia took a step forward, and I frowned, wincing again. This pressure was getting too much for me to handle...
"...Gomen ne..." I apologized almost immediately, but found myself at confused as to why I had. "...I...was trying not...to show it..." Prussia uncrossed his arms, worry making itself known on his face as he closed the distance between the two of us.
"...You can tell me the details later." he said, laying a hand on my shoulder. I let out a sigh, not having the energy to brush his hand away. "Just tell me the important stuff." I blinked up at him before looking away and fidgeting with my hands. How would I even begin to explain? No, the better question was how had Prussia seen through my facade?
"I...I don't..." I started to say, and shook my head a few times.
"You need to say something, Japan." Prussia said seriously, laying his other hand on my shoulder and forcing me to look at him. "I vasn't the only one to notice, you know. For it to show so plainly on your face..." he left it hanging and I looked down at my feet.
"...I'm...not sure what it means..." I started again, and out of nowhere, I couldn't stop. "If I...If I make a choice, I'll lose someone...and if I follow a different path to save them, I...I end up losing someone else..." I turned my head up to look at him, and found his face twisted in surprise. I pushed away from him and turned away. "I've...I've tried so many different options...turned the possibilities over in my head...but it was no use...I...the more I tried, the stronger it was..." I felt my shoulders shake, my hands grip the sides of my arms and it was only then that I realized that I was crying. Quickly I raised my hand and whipped my face. "I don't...I can't do this alone anymore...I just...Watashi wa kore wa dekinai" I slipped into my own language, and turned my head away so that he would not see my face.
"Alleine?" Prussia suddenly asked, and I turned to him in confusion. His face was creased in a frown. "If you can't defeat it on your own, then how did you do it up until now?" I blinked at him.
"...When...it was necessary to fight?" I muttered, looking down and thinking it over. "I...defeated it with Ita-kun, and Doitsu-san...and with you...and I also fought alongside Rokoku-san and Chūgoku-san..." I stopped, not understanding his question. Prussia shook his head.
"Vhy did you stop there?" he asked, and my face twisted in confusion.
"I...I'm sorry..." I answered immediately and Prussia let out a sigh, crossing his arms as he leveled me with those red eyes of his.
"You've tried several options, Ja?" he asked, and I nodded slowly. "But...did you talk to anyone about it before you tried them?" I blinked
"Talked...to someone?" I echoed and Prussia scoffed.
"Do you really think you can come up with a solution all on your own when this fight involves so many people?" He asked, and I faltered.
"...Oh..." was the only thing I could come up with to say. I hadn't thought of it that way before, and I felt confused as to why I hadn't.
"You should have said something before!" Prussia exclaimed, placing his sword on his shoulder with a grin. "But I'm glad you told me. Kesese~ Now no one vill have to die!" He spun on his heel and walked past me, heading to the door. I stood there for a moment, staring at the place where he had stood, not understanding what he meant by that. Did he really think that just because I had said something...that everyone...everyone would be okay? That...That was impossible!
"N-Nani? Ch-Chotto Matte Puroisen!" I turned, calling out after him. He stopped and turned to me with a slightly annoyed look.
"Vhat? I'm sleepy!" he pouted, but then gave me a grin. "I spent all night keeping vatch, remember? C'mon! Let's go already!"
"Iie! Listen to me!" I exclaimed, shaking my head rapidly. He quieted, looking at me in confusion. "I-If we go to that place...Doitsu-san...he'll...ah, I mean...you would be risking your own life...Ita-kun would be too..."
"State your opinion precisely and concisely." Prussia stated, and I blinked at him. "You think too much." he gave a laugh. "That's vhy you're forgetting something very simple!"
"Something...simple..." I stood there, stunned slightly. I was forgetting something? I shook my head a few times, to try to clear it, but I got nothing.
"First off, remember one thing: Vhen you're that vorried about stuff, you should tell people!" Prussia said, his voice soft, yet commanding. "You have to let us work together, and give yourself some breathing space. It's no good if you overload yourself." He turned back to the door, placing his hand on it and looking back at me with a grin. "If you remember something else, I'll give you extra points! Let me know when you remember~"
And then he was gone, the door swinging shut behind him. I stood there for a moment, my mind turning over the many possibilities of what could happen. I looked down; finding my hands shaking and I clenched them tightly, trying to calm them. The possibilities...so many different possibilities, and so many different ways that the monster...that...Thing...
"It's...stronger now, Puroisen-san..." I muttered, even though he had left the room. "It's gotten progressively stronger. Demo...what...can I possibly do? What...can we do?" I lifted my head to look at the ceiling and then drew Tachi out of its sheath. I stared at its blade, and frowned at it...frowned at my reflection in the metal. The distorted image showed a shaking nation with a pale face. Was that really me?
No, I had to stop thinking this way. I sheathed my sword and made my way to the door. I had to catch up to Prussia...quickly. I could only deal with the events to come as they came...and hope...wish...pray that we all made it through, that the things I had seen were only tricks. I opened the door and found that everyone had already disappeared. I made my way forward at a jog, hiding the wince that wished to make itself known on my face as I passed Russia. He gave me a tilt of his head as I passed him and made for the door to the tunnel. I nearly ran into it, opening it and starting down the stairs as fast as I could. I couldn't be too late...I coul-
"Gah! I-itai..." I muttered, stumbling as I hit the bottom in a heap.
"There you are Japan!" I heard Prussia exclaim from somewhere next to me.
"A-ah...yes, Sorry. I tripped." I stuttered, and felt him reach down and pull me to my feet. I patted myself off, even though I couldn't see much, turning my head to see a darkened blue blur that I could only describe to be Prussia. I saw the blurred forms of Italy and Germany ahead of me.
"Aah..." Prussia let out a sigh from next to me. "Ve can finally escape! At long last..."
"Si." Italy said, turning to face us. I could barely see in the darkness, but what I could make out looked to be a sheepish grin on his face. "I just wish the others had come too."
"You all are too slow." Germany called out, striding deeper into the darkness, about to turn the corner. "I'll just go ahead."
"D-Doitsu-san..." I called out, but couldn't get my voice to work much more than that. There was no time left, he would fall, and I could not stop him. I was positive that our enemy had grown stronger as well...I could still feel the pain in my back...I had fought it...and lo-
Wait.
Something clicked in my mind. It was small, but as I thought about it, I realized it was a very big concept. Yes...Our enemy was definitely stronger. Each time it had gotten stronger, I remembered the feeling of my back...colliding with the wall with such force...Whenever I had glimpsed the next vision, it's strength and speed had increased greatly...
But it wasn't just that monster...
Germany's blood curling scream jolted me out of my train of thought, and I watched Italy jump almost a foot into the air.
"Ah! Germany!" Italy called out, panicked enough to use the man's full name. He darted forward, and I felt my hand go to grip my sword's hilt.
"Vhat happened?" Prussia asked, nearly laughing. He got no answer, and took a step forward. I looked over at him and found his grin had faltered. "Did...you fall over?" I moved my foot just enough to get his attention and he looked over at me. His face twisted slightly at seeing mine.
"...Iku." I muttered, and he nodded, suddenly running forward. I hesitated for a single moment.
It wasn't just the monster that had gotten stronger.
I remembered letting loose that string of attacks...that I hadn't known I knew, and I remember seeing that blinding attack that Prussia had let loose...as far as I knew he did not know how to do that...so that had to mean that we had also gotten stronger. If that was true...then perhaps...perhaps we had a chance.
No. We did have a chance. I nodded to myself. We had a chance, we definitely had a chance, and I would fight for it. Drawing my sword, I moved forward, around the corner and just as before, I came face to face with the scene I had come to know so well.
Germany, on the ground, was holding his bleeding arm as he glared up at the monster in front of him. I focused briefly on the burning ladder behind the creature before leveling the monster in a glare.
"...There it is." I muttered to myself as Germany scrambled to get to his feet.
"J-Japan, Bruder...Run, quickly!" Germany called out in panic, rolling to the side as the monster tried to slam its clawed fist into him. Italy instantly darted forward, grabbing his arm as the monster attempted to pull its fist out of the ground.
"Ve...Let's go, quickly!" the ginger haired nation said, his voice cracking as Germany stumbled to his feet. "I'm worried about the oth-"
"Kessesse!" Prussia let out a laugh, and I turned to see him with his sword over his shoulder, grinning at the scene before him. For a moment, I thought he had lost his mind...and it seemed that Germany thought the same as he got to his feet with Italy's help. "I see now...This is vhat you meant."
"Come on!" Germany said gruffly, pushing Prussia towards the door with his good hand. "Just run!"
"Tutti insieme!" Italy suddenly said, and I turned to look at him, finding his face twisted in confusion and horror. "That's it, if we run, we can still make it!" He grabbed Germany's arm, and started pulling him towards the stairs.
"J-Ja..." Germany faltered a bit, letting himself be pulled as Prussia quickly joined them. After a second I watched Italy let go and dart ahead. I hesitated just a moment. I knew...I was faster...I could...no. I...
"Japan!" Prussia suddenly called out, panic in his voice. I frowned, turning and darting towards them. Did he honestly believe that I would sacrifice myself this time? Any other day...I would, but this day was different. This day, I had seen what would happen, and I was planning on getting out of this hellish nightmare alive. Each step I took I mentally counted the seconds down in my head.
Three...two...one...Now!
"Gah!" As if on cue, Germany fell. He hit the ground and I skidded to a stop, forcing the wince that flared up on my face from the wound on my ankle...
"Puroisen! Matte!" I called out instantly, and the other turned on his heel. "Germany has fallen over something!" Italy froze as well, blinking back with wide eyes.
"Vest!" Prussia called back, taking a step forward.
"Verdammt!" Germany cursed. "Vhy here of all places...Go! I can't get this vine off, so just leave me behind!"
"Non! Doitsu!" Italy called out and darted back towards the fallen man. Prussia passed me by, grinning.
"Oi, Japan, you got the answer yet?" he asked as he passed, almost under his breath. I turned to watch him, my eyes narrowing slightly as he jumped right over Germany and sliced the monster with his sword just as it was about to attack him. A huge thunderous attack issued forth and I looked away, blinded momentarily. When I could see again, Prussia was staring at his sword. Slowly he grinned.
"Bruder!" Germany was looking up at his brother in confusion and shock, but he quickly hid it, almost snarling. "Vhy? I told you to go! Go!"
"Oi, Vest." Prussia said, looking over his shoulder at him "Is this really the time to vipe the floor?" Italy fell to his knees beside Germany, his hands hovering over Germany's shoulder, close but not touching. The boy was completely distraught and scared, but...he refused to leave Germany's side.
"...Mi Dispiace..." he muttered softly, and then gave Germany a watery smile. "Are you okay, Germany?"
"...Italia..." the German muttered, looking surprised at both the fact that Italy was still standing there, and that he had used his full name. My feet instantly started moving towards them, I knew that I could not let them do this on their own.
That had been my mistake.
I had been trying to solve everything on my own, to keep others out of harm's way when they were involved anyways. It was my own narrowed-mindedness that was what got us defeated. I had been blind to my own allies, and I cursed myself, knowing that if Prussia had not made me realize this, we would be dead.
I came to a stop next to Prussia, and he turned; hearing me approach. I caught his face twisted in slight hope, and I could not help the smile that came onto my face...His face twisted a bit more, almost in a grin that held a twinge of wariness in it; I suppose I looked a little angry.
"Koreha no watashi kotaedesu." I stated, leveling Tachi with the Monster in front of me. "The enemy is definitely stronger than before..." I hesitated, and he frowned a bit. "However, it is the same for us. Together, forces joined, we can defeat it!"
"Vell done!" Prussia exclaimed, and I narrowed my eyes at the monster in front of me. I would not take my eyes off of it...not this time.
"Idioten!" Germany nearly screamed as Italy pulled him to his feet. "Vhy did you come back?!"
"You reaaaally vant to know vhy I came back? Because-" Prussia asked, turning to look at him. It was then that the monster made its move.
"Soto o miru!" I exclaimed, and he turned quickly, blocking the attack with his sword. He winced a little from its strength.
"I...can't think of a reason not to help mein kleinen Bruder!" Prussia said, pushing the monster back.
"...Prussia..." Germany muttered, and I readied myself, watching the monster. After a moment, the man nodded. "Right. Let's go." he unhooked his whip from his belt and out of the corner of my eye, I watched Italy pull that book from his breast pocket. He opened it, following some of the lines before muttering something under his breath. The area around him lit up for a moment, and Prussia darted forward, rushing the monster. It was slow to react, but it still reacted; letting out a tone that was all too familiar. I turned to dart away, but I did not move fast enough. I felt my body shudder as the dark black and blue colors over took my vision, my strength leaving me and I was vaguely aware of a cry that left my throat...
"Japan! Prussia!" I heard Germany call out, and I stumbled, trying to gain my footing. I shook my head a few times, inspecting myself. I was still on my feet.
"Daijōbu!" I called out, not thinking to switch languages as Prussia let loose a set of quite...colorful words. I clicked my tongue a few times, watching Prussia trying to get to his feet. This angered me, and I flicked my sword before charging the monster, attacking over and over, each attack more powerful, mini curses charging themselves into the blade. I wasn't thinking much, and it didn't take long for the monster to get annoyed, knocking me away into the wall. I landed on my side with a cough, propping myself up and shaking my head.
Ironically, that attack might have saved my life, for at that moment Prussia let loose that thunderous bright attack that he had used earlier. I was blinded momentarily, left to stumble to my feet, blinking away the stars that now clouded my vision.
"Sorry Japan!" Prussia called out as my vision cleared. "Didn't mean to almost get ya!"
"Don't do it again." I almost snarled, giving him a glare and he returned it with a sheepish grin.
"Right-o!" He replied, almost dancing aside as the monster tried to strike him. "Italia! Vhat are you doing looking through that book of yours?!" I turned my head to look at Italy, keeping one eye on the monster. "This is a batt-Yikes!"
"...un momento..." I heard the boy mutter, and I turned my head completely to the monster. It had heard Prussia...it had understood what the albino had said, and was now...Italy wasn't paying attention...
"Italy, Look out!" I called out, instantly darting forward and grabbing his arm; pulling him out of the way just as the monster took a swipe at him. We ended up sprawled awkwardly against the wall; fighting in such a confined space was so troubling.
"ah...th-thanks...sorry..." Italy muttered, and I looked down at him. He seemed slightly shaken, almost frozen, and I bent down to pick up the book that he had dropped.
Loop 7 Day 2
I managed to find the key to the basement today. It was in the safe. Why it was there, I don't really know, but...if it's true...it'll soon be over.
This book is so odd, passages appear and disappear at odd times, and if I don't check it, then I might miss something. Today I read it, and there was a new ability. It's called Pescatore...and according to the book, it's very powerful. It'll take up a lot of my energy, but at the same time, it'll heal me and my friends. I can't use it more than once...maybe twice at max. I can only use it in emergencies.
Perhaps we'll be able to get out this time. I hope so...I'm starting to find myself more and more confused. I can't seem to remember certain things that happened in the past, it's all blurring together, and even the events in this horrid place are blurring.
I can't sleep anymore. If I do...I'll lose myself...I'll loo-
Italy snatched it out of my hand, and I blinked, looking up at him in confusion. He was smiling.
"Thanks again, Nihon~" He said happily, and I faltered.
"A-ah, yes...but...what..." I started to ask about the book. It couldn't be a bible...a diary? He did not let me ask, instead he darted forward a few steps, and looked down at the book for a single moment.
"Pescatore!" He shouted, and the area around him lit up with a bright white light, forcing me to shield my eyes. Blinking away the stars from my vision, I focused on Italy, noticing that he was staring at the book as if he wasn't expecting what had happened. I blinked, realization sinking in that my leg no longer hurt. I resisted the urge to look at it, instead blinking at Italy in slight shock.
"H-How..." I stuttered, and his head snapped up to me, the color draining from his face.
"Japan, look out!" the boy called out and I turned, dodging nimbly to the side and letting loose a quickly charged dismissal curse for a counter.
"Verdammt!" Germany cursed, lashing out with his whip. I came to a stop, watching the leather piece wrap around the monster's upper arm and entangling it for a moment...but only a moment. With a single movement of its arm, it sent Germany flying, crashing into me and sending us both against the cavern wall.
"I...Itai..." was all I could say, the bulky man on top of me squeezing the air out of my lungs.
"ficken Mistkerl!" Germany exclaimed, pushing off me and charging at the thing. I let out a cough, getting to my feet and rubbing my shoulder. I shook my head and stepped forward, charging my blade with curse after curse, stringing my attacks together with a skill I had almost forgotten I had. It had been so long since I had attacked so seriously...so fluidly.
"Japan, get out of the way for a sec!" Prussia called out and I darted backwards at his call. He let out another one of those thundering attacks from his sword before I heard a thud. When I turned my head, I felt the color drain out of my face at seeing the albino on one knee, huffing as he tried to get his breath back. "Scheiße...I think I'm out of strength..."
"Then get back!" I called out, finding my voice laced with slight desperation. He nodded, picking himself up clumsily to stand to the side and out of the way of the monster's claws. This angered me, and I raised my sword, forcing a dismissal into its blade. Out of the corner I could see Italy's knees shaking, and he raised a hand to wipe his forehead. I remembered the passage I had glimpsed when I had picked his book up.
I can't use it more than once...maybe twice at max. I can only use it in emergencies.
I couldn't help but let out a snarl, feeling my anger rise. This monster...this...thing was forcing us to use every last bit of our strength. As my anger rose, I forced this energy into Tachi, but even then, I could feel my strength waning. I knew that this would be the last attack that I could do for a while; and with a shout I launched myself forward. The dismissal exploded, its power double that of its usual might, but at a cost. As soon as I had attacked, had darted back I felt my legs give out from under me and I fell to my knees.
"Japan!" Germany called out for a moment, and I raised my head, giving him a weak smile. He gave a shout and attacked; the leather of his whip cracking multiple times until finally, the monster flew backwards, crashing into the wall. Germany let out a huff, the snarl still present on his face as I got to my feet clumsily.
"Yes, It recoiled a little!" I exclaimed as Prussia let out a huff.
"Let's get out of here" he scoffed a bit, grabbing Germany's arm and pulling it a bit to get his attention. "Ve can't defeat it yet!"
"I told you!" I almost snarled, and Prussia gave me a sheepish grin. I shook my head for a moment, turning my body towards the stairs. "Still, let's go." I heard the other's start to run as well.
"Italia? You look pale, are you all right?" Germany's voice suddenly asked, and I turned my head to look over my shoulder at the younger nation. Indeed, Italy did look pale, as if he had witnessed something similar to what I had seen in the visions before. But there was a frown on his face, and he looked at Germany out of the corner of his eye before responding.
"I'm fine." He replied shortly, almost snappingly. "Let's go back." He didn't let anyone ponder on his tone, pushing me a little to get me to move faster. I frowned but nodded, speeding my pace up just a bit. With my leg no longer in pain, I could move much faster, and I hit the steps at a run, taking them almost two at a time.
We had made it. We had gotten past that scene with everyone intact and it made me almost giddy. So giddy that I barely saw where I was going, nearly running right into Russia in the hallway. I heard everyone skid to a halt behind me, struggling to catch their breath.
"Oh. You're back." the cold nation muttered, smiling before seeing our faces. "What is matter?"
"We...can't use that exit anymore." I explained, huffing slightly. I moved to go past him. "It's been burnt out, and that monster is after us, so we must run!"
"I see..." Russia said, and I heard the dark tone in it from where I was near the door. "Good thing we bumped into each other, da? Others should be back soon..." he muttered, and as if on cue, the door in front of me opened, France poking his head out with a pale face.
"So we can't use it anymore?" he asked, and I nodded as he pushed the door open for us to file through. I passed by at a run, a feeling of dread settling itself in my stomach. "Too bad...Let's just get away then." I filed into the next room, finding China fiddling with a bottle next to a cabinet.
"Long story short. Exit gone, run now. "Prussia said, grabbing China's arm as the man gave a shout of surprise. He didn't ask questions, placing the bottle in his pocket as he was drug and wrenching his arm out of Prussia's grip. I didn't even realize that as we ran down the hallway, we had passed Canada completely by. It was Italy who probably saved the poor nation.
"Canada! Come on! We gotta run, the Thing is after us and it took away the exit!" the ginger haired nation called out, and I turned my head just a bit.
"I-I see. That's too bad..." Canada muttered softly, turning on his heel and jogging to catch up with us. "Let's hurry then. America and England are in the room up ahead." Prussia reached the door first, and held it open as we all filed in one by one. I stopped by the door, placing my hands on my knees as I tried to get my breath back.
"Bloody hell, what is going on here?" England exclaimed, snapping closed the book he was holding.
"Yeah...What's goin'on?" America slurred, and Prussia was the one to answer.
"Ve got ambushed!" Prussia exclaimed. "The exit's gone, and ve barely got avay!"
"You...You can't be serious!" England sounded confused and slightly panicked, and I took a breath, looking up. I found myself in a small white room that looked oddly familiar, and the first thing I really noticed was that Italy had taken up standing in front of the other door. Almost instantly a feeling of ice cold dread settled in the pit of my stomach...
"Lock the door!" China suddenly exclaimed, causing me to jump a bit, and look at him. Then I looked over at the door, feeling the color drain from my face.
"H-Hai!" I stuttered, pushing myself into a standing position. I turned to the door and flipped the lock with ease, leaning up against it before moving to stand in between Italy and Germany. I let out a sigh of relief, thanking whatever god there was for letting us get away from that thing.
"Wow..." America muttered under his breath, and I turned to look at him standing on the other side of Italy. "So now we're all assembled in this tiny room..." I took in the look on his face, and for once, couldn't read him.
"Verdammt!" Germany suddenly exclaimed, and my attention jolted over to him. "Even though ve're all together here, our situation hasn't gotten any better!" I blinked at him, finding that line strikingly familiar. "Now ve're locked up in here, and that thing is after our asses!"
"Vest, don't be so pessimistic." Prussia said with a sigh, crossing his arms. "Vhat matters is that ve're alive. Besides, vith so many nations missing...someone's bound to notice and come rescue us!" I felt a frown come onto my face. This was so...familiar. It was as if I was forgetting something...something that was of extreme importance...
"Besides, we still need to connect the time we spend here with the outside world." China said, and I turned to him. "We have to keep breaking the clocks that we find-aru." I felt the color drain from my face.
"Ah...really?" I asked, hearing my voice stutter.
"That is best short-cut, da?" Russia asked, giving a smile, before frowning. "Except we will need strength back. We are quite tired, da?" Everyone fell silent at this. "Not from fighting enemy, but from running away."
"Maybe...escaping really is impossible..." Germany stuttered, causing the cold feeling in my stomach to get worse. I wracked my brain, trying to figure out what I was forgetting, raising a hand to my head in thought. "And now...now ve're probably going to get eaten one by one! That's vhat I vould do...if I vere that...that Thing!"
This...this situation. It was so familiar. I had heard all of this before. It had been...from one of those false memories...or was it? Which...which memory had it been? Germany had said that...then Prussia had gotten mad at him...but...after that? What happened...what happened after that?
"That's enough Vest!" Prussia exclaimed, as if on cue. He took a few steps forward, and grabbed Germany's tie, pulling his face closer. "Ve only lost one vay out! There are still many other vays!" I blinked at the two, at Germany's sheepish face.
"Bruder...Tut mir leid..." the younger of the two muttered, letting out a sigh. "Thank you...for vhat you did earlier. This time, I intend to make it up to you for saving me. I'm sorry I vas a burden." I heard Prussia let out a laugh, letting go of Germany's tie, and that same feeling got increasingly worse by the second. Why couldn't I remember? What...what was it that I was forgetting...I knew...I had been here, in this room before, but...I couldn't remember what had happened. I remembered the little argument between Germany and his brother, but after that...it was as if it was blocked, as if I had blocked it for some reason. Did that mean...something was going to happen? I needed to remember...
I heard a footstep. It was a single step, and it had echoed in the room, and I looked up to find it had been Italy. I took in his appearance, and found that he was gripping that book in his hands so tightly that his knuckles were beginning to turn white. His face was almost completely stony, so forced that it obviously wasn't natural the smile that he put on.
"Germany..." he started to say, but then his voice faltered, and I felt the color drain from my face. He hardly ever used Germany's full name...and the tone in his voice...It put the strain on me to remember the things that I had forgotten. "But...Germany, it's okay..."
"Nein." Germany stated, causing Italy to falter, taking a step back. Germany frowned, shaking his head slowly. "If I can't protect my allies and friends when I have the chance, then my training vas pointless. At the very least, I shouldn't be a burden to you." Germany let out a sigh, before smiling at Italy, and the smaller nation looked confused. "I'm sorry to you, too Italia. You've been fighting so well...without running away...I'm proud."
"Che cosa?" Italy asked, blinking a few times in surprise. His face twisted in confusion, as if he wasn't sure about what he was doing. "...Oh...uh...grazie..." he looked off to the side, his face twisting in an unknown emotion and I took a step forward. This wasn't...no... He turned back, giving a smile as his eyes scanned the people in front of him. "B-But you know...I think you can definitely get out now. You see, this is the first time that..." his voice died a bit, and he bit his lip.
"First time for what-aru?" China asked, tilting his head. France looked concern, taking a step forward, but at that, Italy took a step backwards, shaking his head.
"...What's wrong, Italie?" France asked as Italy's face twisted into an expression of sadness.
"Per favore...If...If you get out...just...just keep running." Italy muttered, and it was then that I noticed he was shaking; his entire body trembling like a leaf. But his face...his face held such an emotionless look that sent a pain through my stomach. "No matter what...don't look back...Don't forget about me...Please, don't blame me...Don't cry...and..." He paused for a moment.
It was what he said next that made everything I heard stop.
"...make time..."
I barely heard Canada speak. That line, those two single words triggered the flood of images in my head. This was...no..no, no, no! After that line...
"IIE!" I heard myself scream, barely seeing the others jump at it as I launched myself forward. I had to...do something, anything; I could not let that happen! That couldn't...Italy blinked a few times at me as if confused by my actions.
I was not fast enough. The door behind Italy bowed inward for a moment, before slamming off its hinges with a loud crash. The confused look melted off of Italy's face, replaced by a small smile, his grip on the book in his hand loosening slightly. It was as if he was...accepting this fate...
Just like in the vision I had, the thing that had supposed to have been fake, false, and just a trick...the monster emerged from the darkness beyond the door, it's hand gripping the door frame and sliding down a bit. This time, however, it did not stain the wood red.
"Wha..." I heard England stutter, and a few other voices. I tried to make it...I tried...
"Italy!" I heard my voice call out again, hearing the desperation in it. I had to make it...I had too; I couldn't let it get him.
"...It was scary...pero...pero...it was fun." Italy muttered, his face breaking out in a smile, even though his face was already stained with tears.
"Italia!" Germany called out, and I saw him launch himself towards the smaller nation as well.
But it would be too late. We wouldn't make it, I knew it...I had seen it...and I could only watch in horror as the monster raised its claw to strike my friend through the chest, just like it had in my vision.
And I could not look away as the monster launched its arm forward with unbelievable speed to end Italy's life.
LEGEND
une œuvre d'art- work of art (french)
Amérique - america (french)
Beikoku - America (japanese)
Monitum - Warning - Latin
Perché? - Why (italian)
Verdammt - Damn (German)
Matte - wait (Japanese)
Scheißkerl - Bastard (German)
Sorera o gai wa nai yo! - You will not hurt them (Japanese)
Iku - Go (japanese)
Trottel - moron/idiot (German)
führen Sie Narr - Run you fool (german)
Watashi wa kore wa dekinai - I can not do this (Japanese)
Alleine - Alone (German)
tutti insieme - All together (Italian)
Koreha no watashi kotaedesu. - This is my answer (Japanese)
mein kleinen Bruder - My little brother (German)
Un momento - One moment (Italian)
ficken Mistkerl - Fucking bastard (German)
Che cosa? - What? (Italian)
Italie - Italy (french)
