Choose Your Player
Chapter Five: Wrapped With A Scarf Made To Comfort
***xxxXxxx***
"I believe that Japan said that they were taking him to a spare room... Isn't that right, Germany?" Ludwig merely nodded his head at the Italian's inquiry. He was still upset with Gilbert and refused to speak to the albino directly. That was how the blonde naturally responded to being very angry. Feliciano smiled in pity for Prussia, who was now at the tail of the party with a scowl and large purple bruise adorning his face. They were about to make their way up the stairs when Russia and Japan came into view from the second floor's hallway. It was now that they noticed England sitting on a floral love seat, holding his left shoulder carefully.
"Oh! Look, Japan, our friends are back. You happened to miss all of the fun!"
"Did something happen?" Italy proceeded to ask as he began to climb the stairs.
"'Did something happen?', he asks!" Russia chuckled in amusement and glanced over to Japan. "We were only now just attacked by China."
"Why are people attacking one another!?" Spain shouted in bewilderment.
"It was the jar." Ivan explained. "Like it said, we should watch out for reflections of ourselves. Basically, China was possessed by an evil that dwelt deep within himself." Japan stepped forward, subconsciously raising his arms to make a point.
"From what he was saying to me, I understood that it was an alternate version of himself. He spoke of me defying him, betraying his trust. It was honestly frightening to see him in such a state."
"That was why we locked him in windowless room." Alfred furrowed his brow, uneasiness setting in. He bit his lip as a question slowly ate away at him. It eventually grew to the point where it bubbled up inside of him and overflowed from his lips.
"If- If it's like the jar said, then will we all be possessed by evil counterparts?" America and Italy both simultaneously shuddered at the thought.
"What!? I don't even-!" Antonio sat down on the stairs, speechless and running his hand through his hair. France went to him and rubbed the Spaniards back in assurance. It was then that they explained everything to the newcomers. During this explanation, Japan returned to England's side in order to aid him in dressing his wounds.
"What do you think of all that has happened, Italy-san?" Japan worked with the dressings, making small talk as he went. Feli looked up from the pile of clothing he had just retrieved, mild curiosity peaking his interest.
"Why are you asking me that, Kiku?"
"Well, seeing as we were both dragged into this situation some-what unwillingly,... I was curious. Germany-san and me were the ones most involved in the infiltration plan, but you... Are you angry at us for pulling you along?" Italy paused and went wide eyed, a nervous smile playing at his lips. He laughed awkwardly then rubbed the back of his neck.
"No; actually, I am a tiny bit glad that we are all in this together..." Kiku was surprised to hear this.
"Really? You do not hate us?"
"Japan, you know I could never hate you or Germany!" He waved his hands as if to say, "forget the notion" as Japan smiled warmly. England, who sat in front of them, awakened from his stupor and chuckled painfully. Arthur was so aware of his surroundings that he managed to whisper to Feliciano.
"If I were you, I would be absolutely livid." Suddenly, Romano could be heard from the kitchen, shouting curses left and right. While they had been working on England, the rest of their party had relocated. The only distinguishable word was the name, Prussia. They must have been informed of the albino's mistake with the gate.
"Look, if I knew, I wouldn't have closed it! Lud, you know that!" Gilbert was desperately pleading with his brother. However, Ludwig's anger continued to fester as he loomed in the corner.
"So, if we cannot open the gate from the inside, how are we ever going to get out of here?" Spain asked the one question that had been hanging over each and every one of them. After almost twenty minutes of complete silence, Germany finally decided to state his opinion.
"According to what I am hearing, it seems apparent that there is a time difference between the outside world and this property. Roughly a half of a day here equals three outside the gate. Does that not sound correct, Antonio?" Spain nodded solemnly from his seat, resting his face in his hands and leaning on his knees with his elbows. Emerald eyes peered out from within tan fingers, a sigh passing his lips.
"Enough of this depressing conversation! Does the British ******* have any edible food, or are we going to starve to death!?" Romano stormed in towards the main area for food preparation, dragging out pots and pans from various cabinets and creating a horrendous racket.
"For once, I actually have to agree with you." And with having Germany say that, everyone decided to make the work go faster by helping Southern Italy. As for the little group with England, Japan, along with the assistance of Italy, proceeded in carrying the wounded nation by the shoulders to where he could rest and refuel as well as hopefully not touch the food. Once the grueling task of placing Arthur at the head chair was completed, Italy sighed and rubbed at his aching muscles. Even if it only lasted for a couple of minutes, his previous activity had been extremely taxing on his arms.
"Fratello,...!" The Northern Italian whined as he followed his brother, who weaved between various stoves as he worked around the other countries darting around the room. "What are you making? I'm absolutely starving!" He peered into one of the pots currently boiling beside him.
"Lay off and leave me the **** alone! Here; have this for now!" Lovino shoved a fat loaf of bread into his mouth just to shut him up. "Now, get out of here, moron!" Feliciano retreated from the war zone that was his brother's cooking and began wandering as he munched on his treat. Fresh from the oven and lightly lathered with garlic, it was just enough of a distraction that he did not notice where his feet was taking him. The rain that had seemed almost endless that morning had quickly dissipated, leaving behind dripping leaves and a peppering of clouds to linger forlornly. A sweet ballad of a song bird and the babbling of a nearby fountain eased Italy's troubled mind. He forgot about how they could not escape from this place, how the mightiest nations in the world had been subdued by fear of not each other but themselves. Veneziano smiled as he passed a large barn created for horse steads, but the whining inside caused to him to stop in his tracks. A gasp escaped his lips as he spotted a chocolate brown mare thrashing about in alarm. Years of riding horses had taught him to approach her carefully so as not to rile the beast further. With cautious steps and a gentle whisper, he managed to greet her properly. Once in front of the animal, he made eye contact and allowed his fingertips to graze across her hide and wisp into her ebony mane.
"Hello, Bella." Like his touches, his voice was kind. Sweet and as rich as honey, the sound of Italy's voice lulled the beast into a trance. Its harsh movements against the corral ceased, and this somehow calmed the other horses as well. What had been utter panic now fell into a quiet stupor. Almost like a mother to her child, North Italy managed to calm the livestock with a sweet lullaby from his homeland. As he continued to stroke the creature's mane, he considered the horses possibly helping with an escape. However, the thought quickly dispelled. He could never stand to put something or someone unwillingly in danger. Only but a few hours ago had England been subjugated to this pit of fire's flames. Never would he consciously expose a living thing to such torture. If an almost immortal being such as a nation could be attacked so severely, he did not want to imagine passing through the barrier with and ordinary horse.
Suddenly, the wind began to stir. Feliciano looked out the door and up to the sky. The storm was returning and along with it a bitterly cold breeze. A large hand then encased his shoulder, and he nearly jumped out of his skin as a scream tore from his lips.
xXx
When all seemed to return to a brief sense of normality, something just had to go awry. Everyone had sat down and eaten as planned. Once finished, however, a loud banging could be heard from the upstairs, startling the entire room.
"Is that China-san? You did lock it up tight; ne, Russia-san? Russia-san?" Japan looked about for the tall winter nation, but he was not seated among them. "Where did he go? Has anyone seen, Russia-san?"
"He was here just ten minutes ago." Alfred answered from across the table. Germany then frowned and placed a finger to his lips, deep in thought. After a moment to mull it over, Ludwig spoke. "Now that I think about it, both him and my bruder have not been present for several minutes now."
"Germany-san, you do not think that they went to check on China; do you?"
"Let's only hope that Prussia did not royally screw up again."
xXx
As Russia had said earlier, China's unconscious body had been abandoned in a spare closet. However, the door now rattled and banged against its frame, the captor inside desperate to be released. It ultimately fell upon Japan to grasp the knob and turn the key, he had pulled from his pocket, in the lock. With a look back for confirmation and several nods in return, Kiku opened the door. As soon as it was unlatched, China fell to the floor before them. He was breathing heavily, perspiration condensing upon his brow. Stray hair clung to the side of his face, and he heaved as he placed a foot forward to help in pushing himself up. Disheveled as he may have appeared, what consumed the ancient nation the most was anger.
"What the **** possessed you to lock me in a broom closet!?" It was not surprising to hear him ask this, but Japan still desired for him to calm down.
"China-san, I-!"
"You what!?" The words spewed out of China like the eruption of a fiery hot volcano. He was furious and rightly so. "What on earth could you have been thinking to do such a thing!?"
"China-san, you were possessed!" At this, China paused paused for a brief moment but returned two seconds later with righteous fury.
"'Possessed'!? What has gotten into you to believe such heinous thoughts? You are the one possessed!"
"No, Yao, Japan speaks the truth!"
"England..!?" The entirety of people occupying the hall turned their heads in order to see Britain. He stood before them, grasping at his shoulder and glaring menacingly at the oriental.
"You were not yourself, attacking us without a single thought. Look; this is what you did to me." He removed his hand to reveal fresh bandages beginning to splotch with blood.
"England, your wound..."
"I am fine, Germany. This is but a flesh wound. I have experienced far worse over the years." China shook his head back and forth, refusing to accept the truth.
"I do not understand. Why would I-?" He looked down in shame, rubbing his hands through his hair.
"So he does not remember what happened?" Antonio inquired.
"Wait! When did Spain get here? And Romano as well?" China began freaking out a little, his leg raising into the air as he looked at each of them. Germany then sighed in annoyance.
"It appears that you have not retained any memories of the occurrence this morning prior. We will explain on our way to find Italy and the others who are missing."
"Italy has vanished? Just what exactly happened while I was out of it?" They began to follow Ludwig back down to the main landing.
"Trust me; it is a long story..."
xXx
Before he could yell for his comrades, Feliciano was deprived of the chance. A large warm hand covered his mouth and a low voice shushed him. He became frozen to the spot he was standing and attempted not to hyperventilate.
"Do not worry, my friend; it is only I." Italy's brow furrowed from confusion; he was familiar with that voice, but... it was different somehow. The person released Veneziano, turning him so that they could look each other in the eye as he did so. Feli gasped at the sight before him.
"Ivan?" Russia, chuckling merrily to himself, smiled warmly at the brunette. "You... What happened to you?"
"Oh,...! I suppose you are referring to my hair?" Since the last time Italy had seen him- not even twenty minutes ago -, Russia's appearance had changed drastically. His once lilac irises had morphed into that of burgundy, and his hair was now dyed a red umber. "This is what I look like in my own universe."
"Universe...!? What are you talking about? Wai- Wait... Are you one of them!?" Feliciano began freaking out again, backing away from the alternate Russia. "Are you going to kill me...!?" The Italian held up his hands in surrender and began whimpering as tears threatened to fall.
"нет, comrade, I will not harm you in the slightest. You may call me Nikolai or Nik if you prefer." At hearing this, Veneziano paused in brief thought. Could he trust anything this person had to say?
"I honestly do not know what to think..." Italy admitted.
"You have every right to feel that way... Do you mind me asking your human name?"
"I guess it would be alright... My name is Feliciano Vargas."
"Feli, it is nice to meet you. Perhaps we could go get something to eat? You have not eaten this morning. Am I not correct?"
"You are, but... how ever did you know?" Italy wiped away his tears and looked back up at Nikolai out of confusion.
"If you really want to know,... I will tell you." They began walking back towards the mansion. "We on the other side have been discussing the current situation we are under. Believe it or not, we are almost exact reflections of yourselves. The only difference is our world views and personalities." Feli gasped in surprise, speechless. "Where I am from, violence plays a major part in each of the countries, those like your brother and me not being excluded. We are only different in the aspect of crime being less apparent in our homelands. That is why we have chosen to go against our allies and form a force of our own. The members consist of America, France, Romano, Germany, Prussia, and myself. Our sole objective is to assist you in your cause." Italy swallowed thickly and widened his eyes in admiration. "The other countries- however -want nothing more than to see your downfall." A shiver ran down the Italian's spine as Nikolai decided to stop them both with a raised hand. "But do not worry, Италия; we will never allow it to come to that." The reflection of Russia smiled as he patted Northern Italy's shoulder. In response, Veneziano nodded to himself in reassurance.
"Well, at least you are on our side. To know that all alternate versions of us were out to kill us and it would be only us fighting this battle would have been torture." He chuckled as he placed his hands onto the winter nation's, that remained on his own shoulder. Closing his eyes, he added, "Thank you, Nik, for giving me hope." Nikolai nodded then gestured for them both to go inside. Complying to his new ally's request, Italy began walking and looked back to Nikolai, who soon followed him.
xXx
It was then that the hunt for Northern Italy commenced. The entire ordeal, however, sent each country into a tizzy; Feliciano Vargas was nowhere to be had. Everyone separated in order to cover more ground. Some gathered into groups while others chose to go solo. England was meant to be resting but refused such care and forced America to allow him to tag along.
"You know that Germany and the others will yell again if they see that you are up and about." Alfred warned.
"Stuff it." Arthur walked ahead of his former colony, now rebelling against the nation who was currently treating him as a child. "I am older than you by far! Have you forgotten that I raised you!? Even before that, I had been familiar with my own body and what it can and cannot tolerate for thousands of years! Believe me; I know my own limitations, America! I will heal in due time!"
xXx
Meanwhile, in the lowest parts of the household, France had decided to explore the basements. Glancing in each room and nook big enough to hide the rather small man, the Frenchman called out for the brunette.
"Italy! Can you hear me? Are you hiding down here?" Even with his persistent calling, there was no given answer. "Where on earth could he be?" Francis absently scratched his beard out of confusion. At that moment, he happened to glance ahead of him. There was a door he had not noticed in the few minutes he had been down there. Curious, he decided to inspect the room. Pushing the sturdy, heavy door inward, it was revealed to be a wine cellar. He marveled at the sheer collection before him, surprised to have made such a discovery. "Who would have imagined that England, above all people, would preserve this much wine? I thought that I would find tea and ale before this!" He grinned from ear to ear, pulling a bottle from a nearby rack. Francis grabbed an opener and uncorked it. he sighed in ecstasy as he read the label and sniffed the bottle's content. France preferred to have a glass to pour the beverage into, but he thought it rude to be drinking in front of the others considering their current situation. It would not hurt to have just a taste; would it? He glanced at the entrance way then took a tiny sip. Yet another sigh. One more sip, and he licked his lips. This was the good stuff. France then took a swig and giggled, feeling like a kid in a candy store. Closing the door, he did not notice it lock from the outside, too enthralled with the idea of taking yet another drink.
xXx
"What is that awful racket?" Britain's ears caught onto a hint of music and a peculiar set of bleeps and bloops in the air as he and America departed the building and entered the courtyard.
"What are you talking about, man?" As they neared the fountain, the sound grew ever louder.
"You cannot claim not to hear it, America. It is too bloody loud! If your ears are possibly blocking it out, then I implore you to invest in a hearing aid!" Arthur was quickly losing his temper, as per usual.
"Wait a second, Iggy!" He held up his hand to get England's attention. "Do you hear that?"
"Did you not just listen to a bloody word I said!?" Alfred held up his index finger to his lips, infuriating the Briton. "Do not shush me!" Again, America motioned for him to shut up. Both countries crept across the gravel, mindful of the crunching of their own boots.
"No way...! That sounds like-!" America gasped.
"Alfred, what is it?" The Englishman whispered. "Wait! What on earth are you doing!?" Alfred jumped out from the bush they had been hiding behind, releasing a war cry.
"Who said you could use my game boy!?" Before Arthur knew what was happening, America had tackled a poor individual sitting on the stone bench in front of them. England face palmed then looked up to see just who had taken the brunt of America's fury. It looked like they had discovered Prussia if he had aged a few years and grew his hair out. Dark circles laid dormant under his eyes as he peered up from his gaming device with a dull expression. "Ew! Dude, have you neglected to wash yourself for the past month!?" America sat and immediately covered his nose in disgust, tears in his eyes.
"Um... Alfred, are you not more concerned with the way Prussia looks right now?" Alfred looked to him.
"No. Why should I be?"
"Are you so oblivious and full of yourself that you can miss something so painfully obvious!?"
xXx
As Italy and Russia ate the heated up leftovers from the other countries meals, arguing could be heard from the parlor. Intrigued, the two of them decided to investigate. Everyone had gathered once more to discuss who now stood in the middle of the room. From seeing him, Italy could immediately determine that he was an alternate version of Prussia. Pushing into the crowd, he argued for them to stop.
"Please wait! He's one of the good guys!"
***xxxXxxx***
(A.N.)
I AM NOT DEAD! AFTER MONTHS AND MONTHS ON END OF TRYING TO FINISH THIS CHAPTER, I DID IT! \(*o*)/ And, yay for 3,550 words! It has been really hard since Baltimore Comic Con. Getting back into art and writing after cutting off all projects completely for the sake of finishing a contest entry really takes a lot out of you! For some reason, this story has always been hard to write for. Maybe it is the fact that I wrote this story on a whim. It began just with the scene of America going to visit England. At the time, I had no idea why. Now, it has morphed into this catastrophe! XD At least I have the next couple of chapters planned out completely, so hopefully they will be easier to write.
I also decided to include a few phrases from my other stories in this. For instance, at one point, the nations call the 2ps "reflections of ourselves". This hints to my other 2p story that I chose to discontinue, "Reflection of Myself". I also wrote a line where Italy says, "we are all in this together". This refers to the title of the sequel for "Notice Me" that I have been working on for a year named "All Together Now".
Also, I have a very funny story to go along with the last chapter. In chapter four, the entire group was split into two groups. In the chapter, I outright said who went with who. The characters forgot about Canada because the author forgot about Canada! I NEVER forget about him, and now I feel so bad! D: But, you do have to admit that it was funny! :D
~Ame-chan777