Hey everyone! I'm sooo sorry for the delay! But I finally got chapter 16 up!

This is my most popular story, and I'm glad for the fans...and every single review helps me by inspireing me to write even more.

However, i've noticed that my other stories aren't getting ANY love. *sob So please give my other stories some love :o

ANYWAYS, onto the info on this chapter. I've been trying to write more into the actual character personalities...but I need to make one thing clear.

I have only watched the JAPANESE version of Hetalia.

This being said, I will make it clear on WHY I use "Doitsu" and "Nihon". I prefer the Japanese version. Why? If you listen closely, the Japanese version actually has NATURAL ACCENTS (for example: England actually SOUNDS brittish according to my mom and a few other people) Granted, I don't use the japanese terms often, but I WILL USE THEM. If you have a problem with it, that's YOUR problem. It just sounds natural to me.

Also, I am not fluent in Italian, or Spanish, or German...or any other language other than English. If I make a mistake, then it's cuz I'm not fluent and I'm using google translate -shot- But I am trying to put more of their own languages in this, because I just feel that they'd switch to their native languages in a time like this.

On the title: 'One Problem After Another' came from how the chapter starts off with a problem...and ends with a different problem.

I feel like I'm writing too much in Italy's point of view, so next chapter will be in Japan's point of view...or maybe England's...I dunno.

Alrighty, I hope you all enjoy this chapter, I certianly enjoyed staying up for two nights writing it o.o


Rewind the Hands of Time
Chapter 16: Italy - One Problem After Another

"Bullshit."

Somehow, during all the commotion, the issue with beds came up, and it became apparent that there would not be enough beds to go around.

"Why does it have to be with you?" Romano was saying, no screaming, and I mentally hit myself. "You're fucking kidding me!"

"T-that's why I'm saying...I should be with Germany..." I muttered, wincing slightly away from his voice, it was starting to scare me.

"Wait, you've got to be kidding me!" Germany looked a little surprised. "I-I object!"

"Er...Japan, what's going on?" I heard Prussia's voice, and flicked my eyes over to look. He still looked a little pale.

"I'm truly sorry for calling you back..." Japan muttered, sighing. "But as you can see, I can't handle this alone. I've tried to talk reason into them..."

"ohononon...I'm telling you, mine is open~" France spread his arms, and I shivered, for some reason, I didn't like that thought. "I would give Italy a warm welcome...physically speaking."

"...what are they talking about, Japan?" Prussia asked, inching away from France.

"Maybe we...should pair up with...our family?" Canada offered, and then paled at what he had just said. "Oh...but if it's to be together all the time..."

"If it were a sister...then I'd only be a...little reluctant, but with a brother..." England shivered. America made a coughing sound.

"That'd be torture! It's just too weird!" America exclaimed, waving his hands frantically. I watched as Japan ducked in order to not be hit.

"Well...I could do with just a blanket." Spain spoke up. "I could lay it over the table and sleep there...It'd make a perfect cot!"

"Eh? Cot?" Prussia looked confused.

"Yes, since...everyone is already exhausted, we began to prepare the beds..." Japan explained, and sighed again. "But then we realized there weren't enough beds for everyone...and ended up arguing about who would sleep where."

"Ooooh" realization seemed to dawn on Prussia. "Well, those beds that West made aaaare pretty comfortable." he sighed. "So you were worried everyone was going to fight over them...right?" Japan nodded.

"It's not so bad if the smaller ones slept together, da?" Russia said smiling and leaning over China. "Like Japan and China..." I bristled at this.

"Stop leaning over and peeking at me-aru!" China exclaimed, quickly moving away as Russia gave a laugh. "You're so damn lewd!"

"All right, all right!" Germany yelled, getting everyone's attention. He put his head in his hands. "Tomorrow I'll make two more beds...first thing...Can't you at least endure this for one night?"

I watched as everyone seemed to nod, no one really wanted to go against Germany. I couldn't help but smile. This was great! I quickly flung my arms around Romany

"Ne, I want a double bed then! That way mi and Fratello can sleep together~" I exclaimed, smiling. "It's been ages since I last saw you~"

"You saw me this morning!" Romano bit back, scowling. I pouted slightly, feeling my face draw in slightly.

"Not really..." I muttered, his voice suddenly barely a whisper. I couldn't help but remember the countless amount of loops I'd been through. Romano twitched slightly then gave in with a groan, seeming to think the same thing.

"Oh~ How unusual." France said with a smile. "You don't usually give in so quickly Romano."

"Shut the hell up!"

"Hehe, that's why I'll sleep with Germany tonight!" I exclaimed, causing Germany to pale slightly. "Then you can have a bed all to yourself, Fratello! Oh wait...Spain..."

"Wait a minute!" Germany exclaimed. "Why do I have to sleep with you?"

Japan raised a timid hand, not really wanting to get in the middle of the conversation.

"I'll...just sleep on the floor. If I lay a blanket down, it'll be just like a futon..." Japan muttered, and Prussia grinned.

"Can't we all just sleep on the floor until West makes more beds?" Prussia offered, and everything went silent for a moment.

"...Oh yeah!" America exclaimed. "Let's just go to sleep already! England, I'll take care of the beds, so give me a hand!" he grabbed England's wrist and started pulling him over to the beds.

"Huh? Wait, stop pulling me you git!" England exclaimed, trying to wrestle his arm out of the other's grip.

"Drufufufufufu~" America laughed.

While we were waiting for America to finish the beds, something occurred to me, and I reached out, gripping my brother's hand. Everyone was talking amongst themselves...and really didn't notice.

"What the he-" Romano started to say, then saw my face, and any hostility he had faded. "...Veneziano?"

"...Y-you..." I started to say, and looked down, noticing I was shaking and quickly stopped myself. "...You won't let me...forget...again, right?" Forgetting was scary...not knowing the faces around me...

"...yeah. I won't let you forget." There was a hand on my head out of nowhere, and I looked up at my brother. He wasn't looking at me, and his face was twisted in a scowl, but his eyes were soft. I smiled.

"Thanks..."

It didn't take long for the beds to be stacked aside and the blankets laid out. Japan instructed America how to lay them out, and when they were finally correct, we all crawled in. I quickly claimed a spot next to Germany and Romano. Spain was on Romano's other side, and Japan and china were on Germany's other side. America, Russia, France, England and Prussia were below us, their heads facing ours.

Suddenly I remembered...I remembered what happened when I slept. Everything would leave me if I slept. But...I was...with everyone now. I was with them, and they wouldn't let me forget, right. Romano promised...he...I could re...lax...

Darkness...Silence...

I was standing in pitch darkness...Where was I? No...wait...I think the more important question was...Who was I?

"Italy." A voice echoed through the darkness, startling me.

"Wh-who's there?" I asked, and then noticed my voice was scratchy. I raised a hand to my throat in confusion.

"...Italy." The voice said again, sounding a bit sad. I tilted my head to the side. That sounded familiar. Really familiar...

"Italy?" I asked, feeling my brow furrow. "...Italy...Who's that again?" I thought and thought... "I should know this...I...wait...Italy...Italy...that's...that's me, right?" I asked this seemingly disembodied voice. It didn't answer me.

"Are you all right?" The voice asked me, seeming to avoid my question. Odd, this voice sounded familiar too. "Are...you suffering?" It seemed...so familiar...and so concerned with my wellbeing.

"I..." I started to say. "I know this voice...I know it...who...who is it?" I asked myself, wracking my brain.

"...You can still go on, right Italia?" The voice...it...

"That voice...I'm sure I..." I started to say again. I happened upon a memory...a flash of black cloak, a broom...m-my younger self? "W-Wait! That...that can't be...Y-you're-" I felt dizzy suddenly, as if someone was shaking me.

"Don't worry Italia...just hang on a little longer..." The voice tried to sooth me.

"W-Wait...I...Sh..." I couldn't piece a sentence...let alone a word together...

"-y...aly!...Italy! Italia!"

My eyes snapped open, reflex causing me to sit straight up. There were hands on my shoulders, and I squirmed, panic setting in. Where was I? Who held me? What did they want?

"Calm down Italy! Calm down!" a gruff voice exclaimed and I tried to calm myself, looking over at the person who held me. It was a blonde... "There...Are you alright? You were having a nightmare..." His face was twisted in concern. Italy? Did he mean me?

"...me?" I asked timidly, feeling my face twist in confusion. His face creased even more.

"a-ah...Italy?" he asked, and I blinked. There was that name again... "Have you lost your memories again?" I was silent for a moment, and it didn't take long for me to gain my bearings, to remember the important things.

"..Oh." I muttered; blinking a few times, then shaking my head a few times, I locked eyes with him. "N-no. I...I'm fine, Mr. Germany." For some reason that didn't...sound right.

"You..." Germany looked surprised, and I looked away, fiddling with my hands in my lap.

"...I'm defenseless...when I sleep..." I explained. "...slowly...my memories...they slip away. I tried not to fall asleep...I'm sorry..." I felt sheepish, telling him this, like I would get scolded for going to sleep. To my surprise, he took my face in his hands, forcing me to look at him.

"No. You have to sleep." he said sternly, and I let out a whimper as his hands brushed against one of the many wounds on me. "If it's because of that, it's okay to sleep. It can't be good for you...if you only have memories of the events in this house..." I blinked at him...he didn't understand...

"But I...I mean..." I started; I wanted to explain...to explain that it wasn't memories of this house that left me. "Mr. Germany...I mean..." It was the memories of before this house...the most precious memories...But I couldn't...I couldn't say it...for some reason. So I laughed. I let out a strained laugh and shook my head a few times, making him let go. "What am I saying? I'm sorry...I'm sorry. I've got it all sorted out now, Germany." I said, giving him a smile.

"I-I see..." He still looked worried, causing a frown to come on to my face for a second.

"I'll go wash my face...it's all sticky now. You can go back to sleep, Germany..." I said, smiling again. Then I looked at him for a moment. "Ne...It was your voice that I heard in my dream...wasn't it?" He looked confused at that last part, so I took it as a no.

"I don't really get it..." He muttered, then shrugged, lying back down. "But if you're all right, then I'm going to sleep. Wake me if anything happens."

"Ve~ Sir, yes sir!" I exclaimed, saluting him. He let out a chuckle, and rolled over. Quietly, as not to disturb my brother, I got up and stumbled my way to the bathroom. Why couldn't I tell Germany the truth? Was it because I didn't want to worry him? I wanted to tell him so bad...

"See? Just as I said, wasn't it?"

I froze, my hand hovering over the door knob to the bathroom. A voice? From the bathroom?

"...Yeah, but he woke up. Anyways...he will work for us until he dies. You know that we have no such...service as compromise, da?"

Wait...that...was Russia! Quickly I flung the door open, and Russia turned around, looking shocked.

"...Italy..." he muttered, his violet eyes wide.

"R-Russia?" I stuttered; l couldn't believe what he had said.

"How unusual for you to eavesdrop!" Russia exclaimed, seemingly recovering from his shock. I watched him warily. "Oh...but you're all sweaty. You came to wash your face, da?"

"...Who were you talking to?" I asked shakily. "You...said some disturbing things..." I winced back as Russia's face suddenly got dark.

"It's none of your business who I talk to on the phone, da?" he asked, smiling. "I'd appreciate it if you could leave me alone."

I was silent. What...did that mean? I didn't understand. Russia couldn't be behind this...it just wasn't possible. He had...died too...

"Do you have something to hide?" I asked, trying to be brave. Russia's face faltered a bit, he seemed to be surprised that I would try to go up against him.

"...You did too, remember?" he replied, and I winced back. "You never told us anything."

"But tha-"

"I'm free to decide how I deal with my own chess pieces." Russia said, leaving no room for me to counter. "Oh...but...this isn't very useful...I have to find the next piece quickly..." he brushed past me, going back towards the beds.

"R-Russia!" I exclaimed, panic setting in once again. He turned to look at me, and I could have sworn his eyes were soft.

"...go wash your face already." he muttered and disappeared around the corner. I faltered. Just...what...

I let out a sigh and walked over to the sink and ran the water, cupping my hands so that the clear liquid pooled in my hands. I stared at it for a moment, then splashed my face with it. It felt good...and cold. I opened my eyes and let out a muffled squeal.

The water was red.

I immediately backpedaled, pressing myself against the wall. My entire body shook and I had to work to get myself calmed down. It...that couldn't have happened. Carefully I inched forward, peaking down in the sink. The water was clear.

"What..." I asked myself, putting my head in my hands. I...I was going insane. That didn't happen to sane people...I shook my head, and quickly washed up, and went back to everyone. Russia was already snoring, and I couldn't help but frown at him before crawling back into my spot. I didn't realize that I had woken Romano up...

"nn...what...the hell, where were you?" he asked sleepily, staring at me with half open hazel eyes.

"Ve...I..." I started to say, trying to look him in the eyes. "...I had to go to the bathroom...sorry..." I knew he wouldn't buy it...

"...whatever...just..." he yawned and I looked at him in surprise."...stay put..." He rolled over.

"...Fratello?" I asked, and when he didn't answer, I assumed he was asleep. He must have been tired, not to question me like that...I let out a sigh, and sat there, waiting for everyone to wake up in the morning.

When people started to stir, I laid down; careful not to put my head on the pillow, and feigned sleep...I knew they'd be upset if they realized I hadn't slept. It didn't' take long for Germany to shake me 'awake' and I let out a fake yawn, sitting up and rubbing my eyes. I noticed the worried looks, but I tried my best to ignore them. Austria called a little later, informing everyone that those...things were out there too. I knew they could leave the mansion...but...I hadn't realized the gravity of that situation until now. Everyone else was outside...and they had never fought those things before...

"Well, then..." Japan started to say, looking around the table. I let out a yawn, and rubbed my eyes some more. The fatigue was starting to get to me. "Now that we can contact the outside world, we need someone to stay here..."

"Ve...like a control tower?" I asked, and Japan smiled, nodding.

"Incidentally, it seems that the monsters can also go outside...Those out there are in for a hard fight." Germany said, shaking his head. "When Austria called, he informed us that they have dispersed and will take care of it all at once." He let out a sigh. "The whole world has gathered here..." He looked at me. "In other words, we are united with the whole world right now."

"What should we do-aru?" China asked, and everyone went silent. I poked my fingers together.

"I..." I started to say, and everyone suddenly looked at me. I fidgeted under their gaze. "I want to search for the metal pieces. I think I hid one somewhere on the second floor...can we search for it, and then go to the fourth floor?" I asked.

"Oh!" America suddenly exclaimed. "I remember that one! It's the one you and I hid that one time, right?" he asked and I nodded slowly. That was quite a while ago...quite a few loops ago... America noticed the looks he got. "I saw it when we broke that clock."

"What the bloody hell?" England exclaimed, standing. "You should have told us yesterday!" I watched America pale slightly, and I looked away, knowing his answer.

"...It'd...have been a little dangerous if I'd told you all yesterday." he muttered, suddenly looking away from everyone. "I...won't say who too, though."

"You mean...one of us would have died, right?" France asked, and America nodded sharply. "In that case, who can go get the metal piece?"

"I'll go then~" Spain offered, smiling. "If you tell me where it is, I'll go get it...alone."

"hell, no bastard! I'll go too." Romano exclaimed, glaring at Spain. Spain looked a little sheepish. "Veneziano, what's the chance of that thing appearing?" Everyone went silent, and I searched what was left of my memory in order to find the answer. After a moment I sighed.

"...one hundred percent." I said sadly, looking away. I wasn't expecting Romano to outright laugh.

"Hah! Bring it on!" he exclaimed, cracking his knuckles. "Never underestimate the country of the Mafia." He seemed ready...and it made me smile.

"I'm coming with you." I said, and everyone looked at me in surprise. I made my face stony. "If possible...we should go in few numbers." Everyone was silent, as if me wanting to go surprised them. Why were they so surprised?

"Do you mind if one more goes?" Germany asked, coming up to stand next to me. I thought about it for a moment.

"...I don't think it'd be a problem...but no more..." I said, and he nodded.

"Then I'm coming with you. It's not far from here, and I can request reinforcements if anything comes up..." Germany said, then turned and gave the remaining a certain look. "And I'd be grateful if they came running to us right away."

"Five people will be too much, da?" Russia asked, and I winced away from him. I remembered last night..."All right. We'll be ready to leave right away. Prussia will get in touch with those outside, da?"

"Alright, kesesese. England and Canada...you'll help me!" Prussia exclaimed, grinning. That was good; he seemed to be doing better.

"Ne...America..." I started to say, and he turned to me. I started to say something, but it died in my throat...he seemed to get the gist of what I wanted though.

"It's the room opposite of the fireplace room, remember?" he asked, and I hesitantly nodded, starting to remember.

"U-under the carpet, right?" I asked, and he nodded. I grinned, proud of myself. I turned, and watched everyone getting ready to leave. It occurred to me to check the journal, and I did so...I needed to make sure there weren't any more spells to learn. Sure enough there was a new spell.

'I figure out a spell to revive someone. It's called Genovese, but it takes a bit out of me to do, just like Pescatore...' I supposed it was good that I had checked. I had forgotten that one...but then again, I had forgotten a lot of things.

"Here." I looked up and saw Germany handing Romano an assault rifle. "You can use this since you neglected to bring a weapon."

"W-why the hell would I want to use one of your weapons?" Romano exclaimed, turning away. I watched as Spain happily put his Ax together.

"You should take it Roma~" Spain said smiling. "He's right. You didn't bring anything to defend yourself with, though Boss could protect you~"

"...Asshole." Romano muttered, but snatched the gun out of Germany's hands. I let out a giggle, shaking my head as Germany explained how to take care of said weapon. I approached them and stood next to Germany, smiling a bit.

"...Are we ready?" Germany asked, and I nodded immediately. Spain nodded shortly, and my brother merely gave a grunt to signify that he was ready as well. "Right, let's go.

The walk there was silent. I was sandwiched in between Germany and Romano, and I couldn't help but shiver at the feel of the house. In the room...I had forgotten how cold it was. It was a quick walk, and we were there by the time I realized it. Germany stood by the door as we searched the room. Spain checked the bookcases, Romano checked the cupboards, and I carefully checked around the TV.

"Damnit, where the hell is it?" Romano asked, and I frowned.

"It's not over here~" Spain called, and stood for a moment, and started walking forward.

"Kya!" I exclaimed, feeling my foot catch on something under the carpet. I fell flat on my face, and turned, seeing a bulge in the carpet. "Oh..."

"Veneziano! Are you alright?" Romano was suddenly by my side, pulling me up. I nodded spacily.

"Y-yeah..." I muttered, bending back down and reaching under the carpet. I felt around for a moment, before my hand grasped the piece of metal that I had hidden. "...I hid it here. That's...odd. I don't..." I paused, pulling it out. "I don't remember that at all..."

"It's alright..." Germany said softly, as I put the piece in my pocket with my journal.

"Oi, Veneziano..." Romano muttered, and I turned to him. "Where's the monster going to come from again?"

"Oh...er..." I muttered, and then hesitantly pointed upwards. "I think it co-" I didn't get a chance to finish, for the monster fell from above, crashing into the floor.

"HOLY SHIT" Romano exclaimed, diving out of the way, I wavered, almost falling off my feet as the thing straightened itself.

"Geeze...this thing's ugly~" Spain muttered, a strained smile on his face.

"Agreed." Germany muttered as the thing suddenly launched itself forward...

Towards Me.

"OH HELL NO!" Romano suddenly exclaimed, locking his assault rifle and letting loose. "You lay one HAND on my little brother, and I'll destroy you, god damn bastard!" I quickly moved out of the way, hiding behind Romano as he had to reload his rifle.

"...I don't think it has hands, Fratello..." I muttered.

"Shut up." Romano replied, shoving some magazines in my hands. "You'll give me ammo when I need it, got it?"

"Si~" I said, happily, watching as Germany let loose with his whip. He quickly jumped backwards as the monster tried to counter. I frowned, my grip tightening on the ammo I held, as well as my journal. "Vongole" I muttered under my breath, using the spell to give Germany a bit of extra speed.

The monster let out a tone, and turned its sights on Spain.

"YoU...WOn't...ESc...aPe..." it muttered, almost seeming to grin as vine like energy shot towards Spain.

"Watch out Spain!" I exclaimed, causing him to pale a bit, and try to jump back. He wasn't fast enough and was thrown aside by the hit. He hit the wall and fell...and didn't move for a moment. Then he let out a groan and pushed himself up.

"Oi, that was painful..." he muttered, bending down and picking his ax up from where it fell.

"You better be alright, bastard." Romano said, taking aim at the monster and firing a nice round of bullets right into the beast. The monster let out a roar, before launching itself forward and grabbing the nearest thing.

Me.

"KYA!" I screamed, fighting against its arm as the claws cut into my shoulder.

"Veneziano!"
"Italia!"
"Ita!"

There was a chorus of shouts, and a flurry of attacks...and suddenly I was free. It had happened so fast I wasn't...sure what had happened.

"Veneziano, can you hear me?"

I looked up, blinking a few times as I tried to focus on Romano.

"Y-yeah..." I answered, my voice stuttering. I was...dizzy all of a sudden.

"Damn bastard!" he exclaimed, glaring at the monster. He looked back down at me. "Get a grip!" he said, lightly shaking my other shoulder. I shook my head.

"...'m dizzy..." I muttered, reaching a hand to put on my head.

"Then stay put." was all Romano said before launching himself back into battle. I tried to focus, but it was hard. What had that thing done to me? I shook my head again.

"A-ah...w-what did it say? oh..." I muttered to myself, trying to focus enough to cast. "G-Genovese..." For a moment, nothing happened, and I thought I had failed...but the ground lit up around me weakly, and I felt my dizziness fading. The thing...that monster had poisoned me! I looked up, glaring slightly at it as it looked a bit triumphant.

"DiE!" it exclaimed, seeming to notice that I had cured myself. I heard the tone, and scrambled to my feet.

"Move!" I exclaimed, and at once, Germany heeded my call, jumping backwards. Romano and Spain were slower, and I felt the wave of energy zapping darkness overtake me. I let out a gasp, and stumbled, hearing Spain and Romano do the same. Once it passed, I regained myself, huffing slightly.

"I'll sink you with one hit~" Spain was exclaiming, attacking with his ax. There was a flash of power behind it, and when it was done, he jumped back, giving a strained laugh. "Or I would if I was still in my pirate days~"

"Idiot." Romano muttered, bending down and grabbing one of the magazines that I had dropped. He loaded quickly, and fired, but had to jump back as the monster tried to swipe at him. Germany darted in and attacked with his whip, jumping backwards as it countered. I turned and looked at everyone, noticing how they were panting. My grip on my journal tightened slightly and I took a breath, letting the ground beneath me light up.

"Pescatore~" I exclaimed, Romano and Spain turning to look at me. I felt the energy leave and attach itself to the others, healing them just enough. I let out a pant, shaking my head.

"Veneziano...when...did you learn that?" Romano asked, but I had no time to answer. The monster seemed angry that I had healed my friends...and attacked

"DiE!"

This time, they didn't need to be told to move. I turned, to flee...but I stumbled as the wave hit. I couldn't help but let out a whimper as I hit the ground, my vision blurring. I barely heard the others call out, barely felt someone grab my arm and pull me away. I was dazed...my vision blurry. I barely turned my head as I was propped up on the other side of the couch, seeing Spain in much the same condition as I was.

"f...fusoso..." Spain laughed, dazed. "he...hits hard..." I barely heard him, blinking dazedly at him. When I opened my eyes again, he was gone, and I could hear him attacking. I tried to get up, and managed to stand right as it disappeared.

"You..." Germany was huffing, and through my blurred vision I saw Spain sway a bit.

"I thought it was going to come from the door..." he muttered, shaking his head. "Not from above."

"M-Mi dispiace..." I muttered, stumbling forward. "H-he'll come from above."

"Now it's too late!" Romano exclaimed, glaring at me. I was slowly getting my bearings back. "You should have said that before it appeared, you bastard!" He looked ready to say something else, but I merely blinked at him. I didn't understand why he was so angry...I did point...didn't I? He seemed to notice how...out of touch I was at the moment and huffed, looking away. "Anyways, let's go to the fourth floor...quickly!" He turned and started to walk out.

"I...I said I was sorry!" I exclaimed, feeling tears prickle my eyes. "O-oh...don't go ahead on your own Fratello!" I started forward, stumbling. "It's...It's dangerous!" I fell, my legs not able to support me moving that fast after such an attack. There was suddenly an arm around me.

"Calm down Italia." It was Germany and I let out a sigh. "That last attack got you pretty good, just take it slow."

"...right..."

I didn't go slow though, because it didn't take long for my energy to come back. Or...maybe it was adrenaline. Whichever it was, I quickly caught up to my brother, and we both led the way to the fourth floor. Once in the right room, I went immediately to the bookcase that covered the keyhole. Letting out a grunt, I started pushing it aside.

"Whoa, Italy, shouldn't one of us do that?" Spain asked, looking a bit worried. "I mean...your shoulder and all..."

"I'm fine." I replied, pushing it all the way aside, revealing the key-wait...that...creature wasn't supposed to be there...

"E-eh? What's that?" Spain asked, and everyone immediately crowded around.

"...was...that here before?" I asked...looking...confused. I was confused, this...this wasn't right...I reached forward and grabbed the creature that was seemingly stuck in the keyhole. It looked up at me with sad eyes as I tried to pull it out. I pulled and pulled and out of nowhere, there was a shooting pain in my arm, forcing me to let go. I winced, and held my shoulder. "Wh-what are we going to do? I can't get it out..."

CRASH

The little creature let out such a loud noise that it almost gave me a heart attack.

"KYAH!" backpedaled a few feet, eyes wide, arms withdrawn.

"H-hey, are you alright, Italia?" Germany asked, his voice shaking a bit. So I wasn't the only one that surprised. "Did it attack you?"

"Ve..." I put a hand on my chest, wincing slightly at how fast my heart was going. "I'm fine...I think." I took a moment to calm down. "But...that sound...it came from this." The creature let out another sound, causing me to jump again. "k-kya..."

"What?" Spain asked, blinking. "That sound...maybe it's hungry? Why don't we feed it?" After another sound, I backed away from it.

"Hungry? Does that sound like a rumbling stomach to you?" Romano exclaimed, and I had to agree. But still...I looked at it, and couldn't help but feel pity for it. It looked so sad...and it also looked in pain. I approached it again, reaching out a hand to place on it.

"...It looks so pitiful..." I muttered sadly. "Maybe it really is hungry? Maybe it'll come out if we feed it?" I rubbed the creature gently. "But...I don't' have any food..." The creature seemed to like me rubbing it, and I couldn't help but smile at it.

"We could ask the others to bring some food." Germany offered, then turned to Romano. "Try calling them."

"What?" Romano asked, and I looked over my bloody shoulder at him. "You're still talking about it being hungry? God damnit, I can't believe this..."

The creature let out another sound, this one different, almost like a purr.

"A-ah...it made a different noise..." I exclaimed, and Germany looked over.

"Now that sounded like an empty stomach" he said, and gave Romano a look.

"Yeah yeah, whatever, damn potato bastard." Romano muttered, crossing his arms. I let out a giggle.

"It's kinda cute~" I muttered, before digging in my pocket for my cell. I guess it was up to me to call them.