"Should we. . .should we go to the annex?" Asked Canada, lifting the key up to the light overhead, admiring its craftsmanship.
"No. I don't think that we should," Russia said, confidently.
China's forehead was creased due to his troubled thoughts, "I agree too, -aru. Do you remember what Italy said?"
"He said we shouldn't go. Even if the key to the front door is up there," Spain stated.
America, France, and Britain were sitting and being unusually quiet; actually paying attention to what everyone else said before firing their opinions out.
Germany and Japan had managed to get Italy to go and talk with them privately in the hallway outside of the Safe Room, where the other nations were holding their meeting.
"Italy knows the most about this stuff so I think we should listen to what he said," Prussia pointed out, sounding oddly logical in this situation.
Romano was the next to speak, filling the silence, "As southern Italy, I have to say. . . Veneziano is right when he says that its too risky to go up there. The alien army is just as strong as That Thing. We should become stronger before we fight them."
"I can already tell that this will be difficult and require a lot of our strength to get that key to escape," France said, leaping into the conversation suddenly.
For once, Britain nodded in agreement, "I say, that is a wise observation, friend."
America took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes tiredly, still refraining from speaking.
"What time's it?" He asked, yawning.
Canada shrugged, "Eh, sorry Bro, the time's screwed, remember?"
America blinked and suddenly nodded slowly, "Oh yeah. Looks like I'm forgettin' things, ha-ha."
Romano suddenly glared at America, "Don't say stuff like that! We really do forget stuff, ya' know! Especially Veneziano!"
America sighed, "Sorry Bruh. I'm just ex-hausted."
Britain hummed in agreement, "Now that you mention it, I am tired also. . ."
China loosened his collar, "Hm, yes -aru. I am also quite lacking of energy."
"Should we call the Axis back in here and call it a night, everyone?" Asked Canada, already moving towards the door to summon the three Axis nations.
Russia nodded, "I believe so."
Canada gave a backwards thumbs-up in acknowledgement and opened the door to call the countries back inside.
The others climbed warily into their beds without further ado.
"Wait. Who is keeping watch for the first shift?" Questioned Germany, tiredly fluffing his pillow.
Russia, who still hadn't gotten into his bed answered, "Oh. That would be China and me."
"What -aru? Why me?" Demanded China, complaining loudly.
"China, dude! Would ya' mind keepin' it down? Other nations are tryin' to get some sleep, bruh," grumbled America, pulling the covers over his head in annoyance.
China mumbled something incomprehensible before climbing out of bed and pulling his silky brown hair back into a ponytail.
"Thanks China," Whispered Britain, removing his shoes carefully and slipping under the covers.
China snorted, making no other attempt at a comment to the European nation.
Russia smiled and sat peacefully beside the Asian country.
"So China. . ." began the northern European.
China scooted a little ways away, "What are you doing -aru?"
Russia scooted closer.
"Ack, I feel like you're Belarus-ing me, -aru!" China complained, fidgeting.
Russia stopped moving and glanced sideways at the Asian, "Bela. . .?"
"Oh. . ."
China, seeming to realize what he'd just said, blushed in embarrassment.
"Well I was walking with America one day and we decided that Belarus-ing is a form of stalking. And since your sister is madly in love with you and won't seem to leave you alone. . .well. . .she's kind of like a stalker."
He explained hastily.
Russia closed his eyes and smiled creepily, "Ah. I see now. So you're simply comparing yourself to me. That is a funny thing because I was just thinking-"
"Well that's great and all, Russia, I mean really great, but uh. . .did you just hear that noise?"
Russia blinked in confusion, "What noise?"
China began rocking back and forth, "I'm done for! I'm going nuts like America!"
"China-san, what's all the commotion about?"
China and Russia fell dead silent.
"China-san?"
China answered, his wok in hand and he was ready to attack, "Who's there?"
"China-san, its only me, Japan."
The shorter Asian country stepped from the darkness to come and sit down beside his elder.
China breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh gee, I thought you were some ghost or one of Opium's make-believe friends. . ."
In the dimly lit room, Japan smiled, "England-san does have some interesting beliefs. . . The last time he visited my house, he said he kept hearing little kids laughing. It was actually really creepy."
China gasped, "Oh! That is creepy -aru!"
Russia remained silent and didn't even so much as glance over at Japan.
"Oh hello there, Russia-san. I did not see you there, my apologies," Whispered Japan bowed in sincere apology.
Russia sighed, "Well I'm going to get to the bed now. The two of you can keep watch."
China raised an eyebrow but didn't protest, "Alright then, Russia. Good night."
The European nation loosened his scarf and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Japan and China alone.
"What do you think of all this, Japan?"
Japan glanced up at China, "I'm sorry. I do not understand what you are asking."
China bit his lip and ran his fingers through his messy brown hair.
"What I mean is. . .how do you feel? What do you think about all this stuff?" China's voice was shaking as he asked the younger country.
Japan sat silently for a few moments before continuing, "This is getting complicated. We know how to escape. We know the location of the key and we have Italy-kun to tell us what will happen in the future."
China sighed and nodded slowly, "I see what you mean. . .we can't lose."
Japan glared over at China, "No. That's not what I am saying, China-san. Even with all these advantages, we are not as strong as the enemy. The enemy is far more powerful, and they have power that we cannot begin to comprehend."
China rubbed his forehead, sighing several times and wrinkling his brow warily.
"Its rather unfortunate. We know how everything will end, but we are powerless against it," Japan said, shaking his head.
China leapt up, "No, wait! We can use the other nations!"
Japan blinked in confusion, "I'm sorry, I don't understand, China-san. . ."
China was grinning and in a loud, triumphant voice responded, "We can use the other nations!"
China's commotion brought everyone awake and Britain was the first to complain, "For god's sake China, what the bloody hell are you doing, waking us all up this late?"
China turned to look into the darkness.
America clumsily made his way to hit the switch, turning the lights on.
"The other nations. . ." China mumbled.
The other countries had risen to their feet and stood beside their beds, all silently wondering what he was thinking.
China waved his hands apologetically and stammered to explain, "I was just discussing with Japan how we can escape. . .and though we have many advantages, the enemy is far more stronger than us. But just think. . .if we could find a way to get the other nations inside the mansion to help us, maybe we could win!"
Romano suddenly collapsed, his body slamming into the wall that he'd been leaning upon.
"R-Romano!" Spain pulled the young Italian country into his arms, "Are you okay?"
Beads of sweat materialized on the nation's brow, and he began gasping for air, curling closer to Spain.
Spain faced the other countries, his face was plastered with fear.
"W-What's happening?" Demanded Canada, who was nervously clutching onto America's arm.
Italy reached out for Germany's arm, his hand just barely catching the cloth near the bigger nation's elbow, "Doistu!"
Germany spun around, "I-Italy?"
The pasta-lover collapsed, his ethereal body knocking hard against the wooden floor.
"Italy! ITALY!" Germany pulled the Italian up into his arms and shifted the smaller nation onto his bed.
". . .I'm scared, -aru!" China complained, stepping closer to Russia.
Russia leaned down and into the Asian's ear whispered, "Don't worry, China. I'll protect you."
For the moment, China was grateful for the ominous nation's support.
"ITALY!" Germany was still shouting the younger country's name, frantically.
Japan calmly paced over to where his two Axis friends were. He lifted Italy's wrist and felt the pulse.
"He is fine. . .his pulse is strong. But I do wonder. . .why did he suddenly fall unconscious?" Japan whispered to the gathered nations.
"I say, people only pass out like this when they have infected wounds, right?" Britain mused aloud.
Germany spun around to the other European, "What?"
Prussia nodded, "Aye, West. Did Italy get hurt at all that you can remember?"
Britain's eyes suddenly widened, "It's the Journal. . ."
Germany growled, "Speak up, England!"
Britain waved his hands for silence, "The Journal. It must consume the energy within Italy, which is why he must be so hesitant to use it. . ."
Germany squeezed his eyes shut and gripped Italy's hand in his tighter, "Why didn't you tell me. . .Italy?"
He shook his head in deep regret, kneeling beside the bed where his younger friend laid, silent and pale.
"R-Romano. . .?" Spain's quiet voice was the only thing breaking the silence that had fallen over the twelve countries.
Romano was sweating a lot and Spain bit a nail, nervously.
"First Romano, then Italy. . .who's next?" China said, sitting closer to Russia.
Japan was pacing the room, trying to come up with a logical explanation.
"Wait a moment. . ." The others glanced up at Japan as he stopped walking suddenly.
"Do you remember when Romano said that he was also part of Italy?"
The others nodded.
China raised an eyebrow, "Yes, but what are you getting at, Japan?"
Japan tapped his chin before answering, "Just think. We were considering the fact that Italy collapsed due to the lack of power that he had. But don't forget, Romano gets some of Italy's memories. So it would make sense for him to take some of the damage too, right?"
Britain blinked, "I say, that makes perfect sense, Japan!"
The Asian hummed in agreement, "However, neither of them should have been out for this long. There is obviously something else going on."
America adjusted his glasses, "Whatever it is, its happenin' to Ita, which is makin' Romano stay k. "
Germany hadn't spoken since, and he was still clutching his Italian friend's hand with a deadly grip.
"Italy."
The pasta-lover grunted.
"Italy."
The nation turned over and ignored the voice.
"Italy. . ."
Italy blinked, "Veh~? Its dark. . ."
"Yes, Italy. It is."
"Who's there?" Italy demanded, feeling terror close in steadily, he was about to panic when-
"Italy, I need your help. And you need mine."
Italy stopped and suddenly relaxed, feeling like someone offering help was the best thing he'd heard since he'd re-entered the mansion for the third time.
"But first, I need you to make a wish."
Italy blinked in confusion, "A wish?" he echoed.
"Yes. I want to help you. But right now, I'm too small. Make a wish that I'm bigger, so that I may assist you," He commanded.
Italy shivered and nodded, "Alright then. . .Give me what I want most. . .let this country grow!"
The country, or whoever it was, sighed in relief, "Thank you, Italia."
Italy gasped, "I-Italia. . .? No one's called me that since. . ."
"Italia. . .Its me. . ." The nation's voice was calm and full of affection.
"Holy Rome?"