Italy stepped towards the clock, its gentle ticking matching his quickly beating heart.
"Remember we will escape this mansion. . .all of us," Japan said, his gaze lingering on Italy.
Germany remained silent, mentally preparing himself for everyone's confusion which would arise as soon as Italy broke the clock.
America adjusted his glasses and gripped Britain's hand tighter.
"America. . ." Britain began, but America cut him off.
"Sh. This is a big moment for the Axis, so be patient. After we break this clock, we'll find some magic so you can get your vision back."
Britain nodded faintly and squeezed America's hand, "I. . .always knew you were a good little brother."
The eleven other nations formed a circle around Italy, each taking a deep breath.
"Alright Italy. I think we're ready," China said, glancing around at the others.
Russia nodded, as did Spain and France.
Canada gave Italy an attempt at a half-grin but it did nothing to reassure the nervous country.
"Veneziano," Romano stepped from his spot on the edge of the circle and reached for his younger brother's shoulder in support.
Italy suddenly spun around to face his elder, "I have to do this alone! Everyone else had been strong and fought. I've only run from That Thing and left my friends behind."
His face was a mask, hiding his true feelings deep beneath some emotional armor that was darn near impossible to break.
"N-no, Italy. . ."
Everyone, surprised by Germany's sudden interjection, stepped closer.
Germany, seeming to realize the pressure was on him now, continued: "You've been fighting just as hard, if not harder than the rest of us! You didn't give up even though you knew that That Thing was after you!"
Prussia closed his eyes and patted Germany roughly on the back, "Kesesese West! You're getting old!"
Germany didn't respond, but in truth, he'd been grateful for his brother's comment even if it wasn't the least bit supportive.
In the silence, Italy felt himself smile for the first time since he had re-entered the mansion for the third time.
"Veh~! Doitsu!"
The Italian leapt into Germany's arms, and the strong German hugged him, "I-Italy. . ."
He was shocked at first, but then his face softened, "Thank you. . .Italy. . ."
Japan was still uneasy about Italy's sudden change. For a moment, the pasta-lover had been dwelling on how he'd been such a burden, but then he had grown so warm towards Germany. . .
"'Tis all very strange. . ." Japan murmured thoughtfully.
China patted him on the shoulder, "What's that?"
"N-nothing." Japan stammered a quick reply to the eldest country.
China was definitely suspicious, but (to Japan's relief) he left without questioning.
"Italy is acting awfully strange, wouldn't you say, Japan?"
Startled by the sudden voice behind him, Japan spun around, flustered.
"Hai, hai. I'm sorry, I didn't see you there, France."
France glanced off and spoke his thoughts aloud, "I know. Its hard to concentrate whenever Italy gets this way. Even I am uncomfortable. And to think, I'm not even a part of the Axis. I cannot imagine what it mush be like for you."
Japan nodded in agreement, "Yes. It is very hard for me and harder for Germany. Prussia seems to be mainly focused on watching over his younger brother, but I can tell that he is just as concerned for Italy as the rest of us."
France brushed his long, golden locks over his shoulder, deep in thought.
He stood and in a commanding tone said: "Alright, we need to accomplish a few things before That Thing shows up again."
"We need to get some magic to get England's vision back," Canada whispered.
America nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I'll go with him. . . and Canada," America looked to his brother, "If you want to go too. . .?"
Canada adjusted his glasses and sniffled, "Sure."
France suddenly stood and took Canada's hand, "I'll join you as well. You'll need some beauty in that group, after all!"
Britain smiled despite their current situation, "That's our France."
The other countries found themselves smiling as well.
"So you four are one group, leaving the eight of us to split up," Spain said.
"Veneziano, you go with Japan, Germany, and Prussia," Romano ordered.
Japan nodded, "Hai. We'll go now."
The first group left in search of magic.
"Oh Prussia, I'd like to speak with you for a moment," Spain said, catching his friend by the shoulder.
Prussia nodded, "Wait for me outside, West."
Now, only China, Russia, Spain, and Romano remained.
"Prussia. . ." Romano acknowledged the country with a curt nod.
Prussia raised an eyebrow, "Yeah what?"
". . .Take care of Germany, okay?" Romano was holding something back, it was obvious by his tone.
"Is there something else you'd like? I mean. . .anything else you wanna tell me?" Prussia asked, seeing straight through Romano's tone.
Romano blinked in surprise, "I. . .could you…would you…mind looking after Veneziano for me?"
Prussia headed towards the door and suddenly turned back to Romano, "Sure. Don't worry about Italy. . .he's in good hands."
Prussia's tone was confident and he moved in a way that showed that he was sure of himself.
Romano closed his eyes and feeling more at peace, responded, "Thank you, Prussia."
China stood and ran his fingers through his stringy brown hair, pulling it back into a ponytail. Spain glanced around after Prussia left, "Well, that leaves the four of us."
Russia straightened his scarf and spoke, "Should we go in search of supplies like the Axis?"
Romano nodded, "Lets go and see if we can't find any more keys to the locked rooms on the next floor. I have a hunch that there may be important things behind those doors."
"True. . .if only. . .if only we could open them. . ." China whispered his thoughts aloud, rubbing his chin.
"We ought get going soon though, That Thing might show up again," Spain said, nervously fingering the sword at his hip that Romano had given to him so long ago.
The weapon was old and unfit for Romano, thus it was going to be trashed but Spain had gladly accepted it and had always thought highly of the weapon since.
A small orb of light suddenly materialized between the four nations.
"What the hell?" Romano leapt back and drew a pistol from his belt.
The four countries tensed and drew their weapons.
"YoU wOn'T eScApE."
China whipped his wok up, "It may appear that That Thing has found us."
Russia's expression darkened, "It would appear so. . ."
"DIE!" The alien suddenly released a channel of energy, knocking all the nations to their knees.
In the next instant, That Thing was gone.
Spain was the first to rise, "Is everybody alright?"
China answered for everyone, "Yes. But that energy. . .could we use it to restore Opium's vision?"
"Seems valid," Romano grunted.
Russia nodded, "We better find them then."
Romano leapt up, "Well since England's virtually useless due to his lack of magic or sight, we should stop screwing around and find them!"
The others nodded and they left the room in search of America and his group.
"I'll go first," America volunteered, placing his hand on door knob to the bedroom.
"Step aside."
America blinked in surprise but still didn't move, "What the heck, France? I'm the her-"
". . .America. . ."
Canada rushed to Britain's side, "Don't speak! We'll get your vision back really soon okay?"
"America. . .stop being the hero. . .for once."
"E-England. . ." America hesitantly took his hand from the knob and stepped sideways so that France could get to the door.
"Thank you. Don't worry America, my gorgeous-ness won't get in the way of you being the hero," France said with a perverted grin.
"For the first time ever, I'm glad you're here, France," Britain said.
France grinned and turned back to his neighboring country, "Don't forget, you never answered my question from before."
Britain's face showed his confusion.
"Are we getting married or not?"
America and Canada traded glances.
Canada leaned over and whispered into America's ear, "I don't think England only lost his vision. . .he lost his sanity!"
America nodded, "Yeah. We better do somethin' quick before England marries that d-"
"Eh you guys, can we go ahead and look for the magic now?" Canada asked, quietly.
France and Britain continued their conversation, ignoring Canada completely.
The North American country sighed, "I nearly forgot, I'm always forgotten."
He turned to America, "Would you like to do the honors, bro?"
America nodded, "Hey you! Are ya' just gonna sit on your lazy asses or get up and help? Don't you wanna escape?"
France and Britain fell silent.
America felt bad for being so stern, but it was for their survival.
"Yes. . .I want to escape. . ." Britain answered.
"Then get to it!" Shouted America, keeping his stern voice steady.
The four countries stepped forward and swung open the door.
Standing there was. . .
"Oh Mary! Its found us!"
Prussia crept to look over Japan's shoulder at the golden key that was lying on the piano.
"What do you think it unlocks?" Germany asked.
But from his tone, Prussia could tell that the country was disinterested and was still dazed from earlier.
Italy was panicking too, constantly looking around even though it was just the four of them in the room.
Prussia thought for a moment. . .and then he realized.
"In the first time loop, Italy had come to this room only to watch Japan be killed by That Thing. So I suppose. . .he's afraid that it may happen again. . . ?"
Bam Bam!
Japan spun around towards the door to the room, "Did you hear that?"
Germany lifted a rifle from a concealed place on his back, "It sounds like America's revolver."
"They're in trouble! We need to help them!" Screamed Italy, panicking even more now.
Prussia lifted the key from the piano, " What do you unlock. . . ?"
Japan glanced around the three other nations, "We need to go and help America-san and his group. If you think about it, the only useful one is America-san. England-san, well, he's not exactly at his best right now. France-san, his charms may not work on That Thing since it isn't human. Canada-san, well, his maple syrup and that polar bear (Kumajiro-san) may not be enough to defend against That Thing, considering how strong it has been getting lately."
Germany nodded, "I agree."
"We'll all go," Prussia said, confidently.
Italy pulled out his white flag and nodded.
Japan smiled, "We need to stick together. The only way that we can escape this place is through team work."
Prussia grinned, "Kesesese! That's right! For that to happen, we gotta help our Allied friends!"
Germany opened the door leading out into the hallway, "Shall we?"
Japan nodded, "Hai."
He pulled out his katana and sped down the hallway, Germany only a stride behind.
Italy was slower, and Prussia cut down his speed to stay beside the pasta-loving country.
"Hey Italy, ya' know we're all gonna get outta here alive, don't you? I mean, there are twelve of us and one of That Thing. There's no way that we can't win! Not as long as we work together, right?"
Prussia's voice was full of confidence and Italy figured that the older nation's pure willpower would get him out of the mansion.
Italy nodded, "Thank you, Prussia."
Prussia grinned, "Sure thing!"
"What's going on?" Demanded Prussia, once he and Italy arrived at the scene.
America was on one knee shoveling some bullets into his gun while Japan and Germany were fighting off the alien.
"That Thing showed up while we were lookin' for magic," Canada gestured to the alien.
"Right. Okay."
Prussia leapt towards the alien and drew his sword in a moment while still airborne. The sword, the one he had used so long ago when he was with Hungary, was old yet very powerful and in the hands of the Teutonic Knight, was deadly.
"Hi-YA!" Prussia jabbed the alien, or he should've except, he suddenly collapsed.
"S-shit, I can't move!" Germany complained.
Apparently not only was Prussia affected, but as were Germany, Japan, America, and France.
"Is. . .this. . .the end?" Canada whispered, sounding terrified.
Italy sniffled, "N-no! This can't be the end! We're so close!"
Britain clutched his head and ran a hand through his sandy-blonde hair, "D-damn. I wanted my vision back before I died. . ."
Italy clutched Ryuuzu no Ko's journal to his chest and felt tears well up in his eyes.
"I-I don't want it to end like this! The first time, everyone died before my eyes and even though I escaped, I was all alone! I want. . .I want us all to live!"
He was bawling uncontrollably now, he was clutching the book to his chest; he had an idea.
Italy slowly lifted the journal into the air, "G-Give me what I want most: Take us somewhere safe!"
Spain and Romano were followed closely by China and Russia, as the four raced down the hallway searching for America and his group.
"This magic sure is strange," China remarked, switching the lump of magic into his other hand.
Russia nodded and loosened his grip on his water pipe, "I agree."
"Opium will need this quickly," China reminded the two nations in front of him.
A miniscule orb of light began to form in front of them and the four countries came to a sudden halt.
"Oh crap! That Thing is after this magic! I swear its true!" Romano said, springing back behind Spain.
Spain grimaced, "Ready your weapons. We may be up against That Thing earlier than I thought."
"Opium will have to wait," China grumbled.
The light began to expand and the four nations tensed.
Instantly, it was extinguished and standing before Spain, were eight very lucky countries.
"W-What happened?" China asked Italy, who was the only country still conscious.
"We need to get them to the Safe Room. I'll explain then," Italy replied, taking a serious tone with the eldest country.
Russia and the others nodded but then the nation, loosening his scarf, inquired, "But uh, question. How do the five of us, carry the seven of them?"
Spain tapped his chin, "Aha, I was just wondering the same thing."
Someone grunted.
:Did you-?" Romano whispered.
China nodded, "Sh. I think its. . .America."
Sure enough, America sat up and adjusted his glasses, "England?"
China smiled, "Even though America has become an adult, he's still dependant upon Opium. Its so cute."
Russia, stepping closer to the Asian nation, hummed in agreement, "I wish I had a sibling who depended on me. . ."
China, baffled, turned to the ominous country, "Um. . .Russia?"
"Hm?"
"Don't you have two sisters who depend on you?"
Russia adjusted his scarf and shook his head, "They don't count."
China, confused, just nodded and decided that it was better not to ask questions. After all, Russia had been successful as a country so whatever methods he'd been using were working and China didn't want that to change.
"So. . .now we have six and six," Italy said, taking an unexpectedly commanding tone.
The others were instantly on edge, sensing Italy's unnatural change again.
Canada blinked and sat up, "Did something happen?"
"Grab a country, we're heading to the Safe Room," America said, hastily lifting Britain into his arms.
Canada stood and took France up, "I'm obligated to help my Big Brother."
America smiled and nodded, "As am I."
Russia took Germany, while China took Japan.
Spain leaned down and dragged Prussia upwards, "Sorry Amigo, don't get mad at me for dragging you around. . .you're the one who eats too many potatoes."
"Kesesese, Spain! I can carry my own damn weight, and potatoes are an important part of the Prussian diet. Potatoes make Prussians awesome!"
Spain shrugged, "Alright then, boss."
With that, he simply released his grip on the bigger nation and Prussia crashed to the ground.
"D-damn. Okay maybe I need a little help. Hey Spain. . .I seem to be lacking potato fuel. . .wanna give me a hand?" Prussia asked.
Spain smiled, "Mi amigo, you are such an idiot sometimes. But yeah, I'll help ya'."
With the twelve countries reunited, they headed towards the Safe Room to discuss their discoveries and devise a new plan.
"A-America?"
America glanced down at Britain, "Yeah its me. I'm impressed, even though you can't see. . .you still knew it was me."
Britain, who's eyes had remained closed for a long while (they were useless when open anyway, so. . .) smiled, "There are a number of things about you that are unforgettable. Your fuzzy jacket that you always wear over your uniform and your nasty scent of hamburgers, are only a couple."
America nodded, "That makes sense. . .I guess."
"Is. . .everyone okay?" Asked the British nation.
"Yeah. Canada's got France, China has Japan, Russia's got Germany, and Spain is helpin' Prussia. Everyone else is a-okay," The North American country answered.
Britain nodded and sighed in relief, "That's splendid news. And. . .thank you, America."
Japan and China had brewed up some herbal tea for everyone and America felt as though it was Gatorade, and had completely boosted his energy. As a result, he was as hyped up as ever and shoving hamburgers down his throat.
"Gee, thanks Japan," Germany mumbled, sipping his tea and then slicking his blonde hair back into its normal position.
Now, the twelve countries sat around a square table, each side sitting three nations.
Japan Italy Germany
Russia, Britain, China Canada, America, Romano
France Prussia Spain
"Let's get down to business," began America, in his 'I'm the Hero' voice.
Japan nodded, "I agree with America-san."
"I can't see," Britain said, matter-of-factly.
China gasped, "Oh crap! I almost forgot!"
He tugged the lump of magic from his pocket and handed it to the country next to him. "Sorry 'bout that. Its just, last time I saw you, you were barely conscious and I though that it may be a bad idea to give it to you then so I just waited."
America took of his glasses abruptly, and rubbed his eyes.
"Are you. . .are you ready to see again, England?"
His voice was full of thanks towards China; America was genuinely pleased at the information that Britain would get his sight back in only moments.
Britain gave a small nod, "I-I believe so."
He kept his eyes closed and held the magic in his palm, murmuring what sounded like a spell.
Afterwards, Britain slowly opened his eyes but remained silent.
America's smile faded; this was not the reaction he'd been expecting.
"E-England?"
Britain rubbed his eyes and blinked several times in a rather rapid fashion.
But upon hearing his name, he stopped and glanced up towards the direction in which America's voice was coming from.
The North American nation lifted two fingers, "Hey England. . .do you. . .do you know how many fingers I am holdin' up?"
Everyone was holding his breath.
This was it.
Britain squinted across the table at his younger brother.
"T-Two. . .?" His voice was meek and lacked confidence.
Upon hearing no reply, Britain answered more confidently, "Two. Two fingers."
America shook his head, "You can't see. . .can you. . .?"
"The magic wasn't enough," Britain answered, truthfully.
America leapt up so quickly that his chair fell back and clattered loudly against the stone floor.
"Stop it brother, you're makin' a mistake."
Canada had also stood and now addressed America. This was the first time that Canada had ever stood up to anyone, let alone his brother (who was also the world's most daring arguer and impulsive freak.)
"No I'm not! I have to find more magic for England!"
"Ameri-"
"Shut up England! I know that you gave your sight for me. So for you. . .I will give my life!"
Canada lifted his hand from the table and whipped it across his brother's face.
"You. . .idiot! You honestly think that if you gave yourself over to That Thing that Britain's vision would just magically be restored?"
America blinked.
Everyone else, seeming to recognize that this was not their fight, remained silent and seated.
The two North American brothers stared at each other for a long while. In that time, Britain rose and stood in front of the steel door that was the only means of exit or entrance.
In anger, America yanked his pistol from the pouch at his hip and pointed it towards Canada, "Shut up and move."
Canada lifted his hands in surrender and slowly backed away, terrified of his brother's reaction.
"America! Stop it! What you're doing is wrong! Stop trying to be the hero!" Shouted France, getting into the argument for Canada's sake.
The dark hero turned to France and pointed the gun at him, "Shut up, Frenchie. Don't act so innocent. You were going to take advantage of England due to his lack of magic and his lack of vision."
France gasped and was speechless for a moment.
When he spoke again, his voice was devoid of emotion, but at the same time, it was coming from deep within his heart: "America. . .you don't understand my relationship with England. I doubt England does himself, but I know that I would never hurt him or take advantage of his disability. Though we've fought since the day we were born, that doesn't change the fact that I still have respect for him."
America twitched and pointed the gun towards the French Country, "Just shut up. You suck at lyin,' France."
All the other nations stood as well, coming to France's defense.
America, not knowing to whom he should point his gun, turned and raced towards the door.
In his way, stood Britain.
"I'll ask you once, England, please move."
Britain flung his arms outward, "I've got no plan, and no weapons worth a damn so by God, shoot me if you want. Just remember that I'm standing in your way, America."
A salty drop slid down America's cheek and he wiped it away angrily with the back of his hand, keeping the other hand pointing the gun at Britain.
". . .Move. . .England."
America's voice was rock-hard and Italy cautiously stepped closer towards the pair. He, having already seen this happen in one of the previous time loops, knew what was coming.
Not once did America's gun move; it stayed pointed towards Britain's heart. One shot and Britain would be gone forever. Germany glanced sideways at Italy and watched as the pizza-lover was nodding as America and Britain spoke.
"Italy! What are you nodding about?" Germany asked, edging closer to his Axis friend.
Italy leaned close to Germany and into his ear whispered: "This happened before. I can't try to intervene but England-san will be grateful in a few moments when I-oh hang on Germany."
". . .You idiot!"
America pulled the trigger.
"ENGLAND!" Italy leapt forward and shoved the older nation out of harm's way.
"Italy!" Germany lunged but stopped upon seeing what the nations had done.
America, who had seized the chance to escape, sprinted out into the hallway.
Britain's shoulder had been pierced by the bullet and the blood had already seeped through the nation's hunter-green uniform.
"H-he. . .shot. . .me. . ." Britain's voice shook with disbelief.
"E-England. . .are you. . .still all in one piece. . .?" Italy fell to his knees beside where Britain was sitting up against the wall beside the door.
Tears were falling down the pasta-lover's face and Germany bent down beside the two of them, "We'll be back, England-san."
Britain nodded, "Thank you."
"Alright," Germany stood to his full height and took control of the situation, "This is the plan. I want Russia, China, France, and Canada to come with me and find America. Spain, Prussia, Romano, go to the kitchen and get some more supplies for food. I think that if we can get America calmed down that would be the first step. . .and maybe you should makes some hamburgers while the others are searching. . .?"
They all nodded and Germany left with his party as Romano left with his. Now only Italy, Britain, and Japan remained.
"Hey Japan. . .?"
Japan glanced towards Britain, "Hm?"
"C-Can you. . .follow America and make sure he doesn't. . .do. . .anything stupid?" Britain asked, coughing loudly.
Japan lifted his katana and nodded, "Hai, hai."
With that, the Asian country left without another word and left Italy and Britain alone in the Safe Room.
Italy sighed and wrapped his cowlick around his index finger, absentmindedly.
Britain fingered the edge of his uniform, acting distracted.
"Um. . .Ita-chan?"
Italy took his finger from his hair and glanced at Britain, "Yeah?"
Britain clutched his injured shoulder and winced suddenly. When he looked back at Italy, their was pain in his eyes and he willed it to retreat.
"We. . .can use the Journal to repair your arm. . ." Italy whispered, scooting closer to the British nation.
Britain's eyes lit up with recognition, "Can it do that?"
Italy shrugged and nodded, "Well yes. I'm sure it has other restrictions but yeah, it can fix your arm."
Britain bowed his head and closed his eyes, "I would much appreciate that, Ita."
Italy nodded and carefully took the Journal from where it rested about his heart within his sea-blue uniform. He stood and closed his eyes, raising the Journal skyward: "Give me what I want most. . .repair England's shoulder!"
When Italy reopened his eyes and shoved the Journal back into his uniform, he met Britain's grateful olive-green gaze.
"Ita-kun. . .thank you."
Italy smiled, "Veh~ We have to work together to get out of the mansion, so you need to be as strong as the rest of the nations!"
Britain smiled slightly and nodded, "Yes. . .thank you."
"So now we can go and stop America, we can convince him that what he's trying is wrong and that-"
"Italy. . ."
The pizza-lover glanced down at the British nation, "Hm?"
"Can the Journal. . .can it. . .restore my vision?" Britain inquired, timidly.
He turned away from Italy, seeming embarrassed by the question.
Italy's shocked expression softened, "Probably. But. . .there's only one way to find out. And that would be. . .trying it!"
Britain blinked and a tiny sliver of hope shown on the nation's face.
Italy retrieved the Journal from within his uniform and lifted it to the sky, "Give me what I want most. . .restore England's vision!"
After a few moments, Britain opened his eyes and blinked.
Italy clutched the Journal to his chest and lifted three fingers, "England-san, how many fingers am I hold-"
"Three. Now put the Journal away, we've got a nation to catch!" Britain said, standing and straightening his wrinkled uniform.
Italy nodded, "Right!"