Chapter 2. The Cosplayers

I awoke with a start, ears alert and my grip once more tight on the knife. For a brief moment I wondered what had awoken me from the restless sleep of unconsciousness. But then I heard it – the doorknob rattling – someone was trying to get inside….

My head snapped up and I could feel the dribble of cold sweat trickling down behind my glasses as panic bubbled inside me. Had that been the monster? Had it returned in hopes of finishing me off? Then just as suddenly as it had begun, it stopped.

"It's rocked…"

The knife almost fell out my grip from the shock of the voice muffled from outside the bathroom door. Had that been… a human?

My jaw clenched tightly and I could feel the thrumming of my heart bouncing around in my chest while I steadied myself, grasping onto the wall as I made my way to the door. I tried to comprehend and come up with a logical explanation for the voice, but each one was the same: Was it truly a human being outside this door? Had that accented voice not been a human male I heard?

Ear pressed lightly against the doorframe, I could hear the footsteps that were beginning to fade away and I realized that they were too light to have been made from the heavy set weight of that monster.

Despite it I knew deep inside I didn't really wish to leave the safety of this place, this small haven which had protected me, but my fingers had already unlocked the door and my hopeful curiosity had won over my cautious fear. The door creaked open and I peeked out, careful to keep myself hidden and ready for escape should I be wrong.

Eyes widening and mouth agape, I stared. There moving down the hall was the visage of a slim formed man, his kimono sleeves fluttering and his sandals clacking hollowly against the yellowed wooden flooring. A human being… this man was not part of my imagination, was he?

My heart fluttered with hope as I swept away from the bathroom I had been residing in for the past hours, calling out to the man with a reaching hand. I just couldn't believe it – A human being – an actual human being.

I was so excited that I had barely even thought to wonder of how he had entered the building – Had the door not been locked – how had he gotten inside? All red-flaring signs of suspicion were brushed away. This was a human being! What more did I need? Then black haired man, Asian I realized, spun around but did not appear as eager at the sight of me as I was of him. In fact his brown and eerily empty eyes narrowed as he frowned, taking a defensive step away from me.

My mouth dropped open in shock and I tried to speak, to plead to him, but no sound had come, only the tiny whimpers and shuddering breaths from deep in my throat. What was he doing? Why was he moving away? I cleared my throat and tried again. "I… I please…"

The man though hadn't wavered and he kept the same wary look upon me even as I rested my other hand onto the handle of the pocket knife – realization suddenly struck and I lowered the blade. He thought I was trying to attack him. "N-no this I… a monster – please I just…"

I was trembling from the sheer force of my desperation, vision blurring thanks to the hot tears spilling down my face. One hand rested heavily against the base of my neck while the other pressed against my chest, chin tucked in as I sobbed.

What a sight I must be to him though, a mysterious female blubbering and sobbing, trying to justify the knife held in hand, dark brown curls wild and unkempt, glassy eyes hooded with tears and clothes so tarnished and crumpled that one could tell I had been in a skirmish.

I must look like a madwoman whom had finally reached a point of no return. No wonder he looked so wary, his eyes cautious and stance tense.

"A monster…"

He must have not seen the monster and for a moment I wondered if he would believe me. But who would believe such nonsense? Who would believe such nightmares derived only from books and movies?

It was like something was fighting inside me though, a piece that wished to crumple to the ground and forget about life and yet at the same time shout out and plead for the heavens to believe – anyone…. It didn't matter, just someone –

A warm hand suddenly settled upon my shoulder and I looked up, startled at the touch. The man inclined his head and stared at me before continuing on down the hall. I couldn't understand what had happened and so I was frozen in place, blinking rapidly as I watched the man go and almost turn the corner, but then he looked back and beckoned me to follow him.

For a moment I hesitated, wondering if it was such a good idea to follow a man I just met. But he was the only other human being I had seen and I didn't want to be alone. Quickly I sprinted after him and trailed silently behind. He was a quiet man and wouldn't look at me, eyes set in front and seemingly unaware of the nervousness settling in my shoulders as I wrung my hands together.

I wasn't sure where he was leading me towards. We had even passed by the entrance, and while I couldn't help but glance over and wonder if it would open since the Asian man was in the manor as well, I continued to follow after the man and into what seemed to be a foyer.

To the right were a single cabinet, a tatami rug, and sitting chairs. To the left was the kitchen portion of the room. The quite man turned towards the kitchen, passing the piled bags, circled around the granite counter top where I couldn't help but notice a neat pile of broken shards near the sink, before aiming for the china cabinet.

Following timidly behind I ignored the black-haired male's determination in searching through the china cabinet, instead I observed what the kitchen had to offer. There was one single sink and a faucet bent beyond repair, some storing cabinets filled with an assortment of bottles. Cabinets filled with rusted and barely useable cooking utensils and a refrigerator. Though one peek inside told me I'd probably die from just a single touch of the… food left behind.

There was also a door but, as curious as I was, hadn't tried the knob. The Asian male had distracted me as he bustled about with cleaning a single glass cup, making his way around the counter and towards the faucet. He jerked to a halt when he realized the faucet was practically useless.

Did he wish for water? I wondered, nibbling on my lip as I watched him. He seemed a bit frustrated and deep in thought that he hadn't even noticed he was fiddling with the cup while glancing over to the open doorway that would lead back into the halls. Did he really want water that badly? Did he not understand that this was an abandoned manor?

Suddenly, the male sighed and turned his attention back to me. "Do you need water?"

I pulled back in surprise, startled by the question. He had been looking for a cup so as to give me water? Had that been why he had asked me to follow him? I swallowed heavily and I noticed that my throat was a fair bit swollen and dry. I had been so frightened for my life though and very confused by the male that I hadn't even noticed. But now that he mentioned – it was the only thing that I had my attention on now.

Though I truly doubted there was any water in this place – was this building not abandoned? If I remember correctly Mireya had said this place was abandoned. Why would the faucet, pipes, or anything water based work? Actually that brought up the question as to why the electricity worked….

Shaking my head, I settled my gaze downwards, "N-no, I'm… I'm alright…um…" There was a click and my eyes drew back upwards, watching as the Asian male settled the cup on the counter with a nod. He was frowning though before he suddenly settled into a polite smile.

"I see." He said before inclining his head in greeting, "What is your name, miss?"

"U-uh, Na-Natalie…" I trailed off and pondered if I should shake his hand. But quickly shook off the thought and simply settled with repeating myself. "Natalie – and… and yours…?"

The man seemed to pause, staring back at me with a silent gaze. He was hesitating and he knew it when the tense silence filled the air even heavier than before. Then he spoke, "…I do not have a human name. But I am carred Japan."

I blanched immediately at his words, brows furrowing and eyes unfocused. Was he joking? Pulling my leg? The man though didn't add on to his words, seemingly at ease with being named after a country, perhaps his own country at that. The Asian man was completely indifferent to my plight of doubt, his smile polite and eyes cloudy with no gesture of amusement.

Was the Asian man an actor or perhaps a little touched in the head? I bit my lip while my shoulders tucked themselves in, trying to think on why the man called himself Japan. I didn't know the man enough though, to be sure of anything but…. But perhaps he was a cosplayer? Hetalia was the first to come in mind. Scrutinizing the male from beneath my bangs I noticed the way the man stood, spoke, and appearance held much similarity to the personified nation of that anime.

Then another thought came to me: perhaps the man simply did not trust me.

I had held a pocket knife in hand when we had met, brandished towards his person, appearance wild and eyes cloudy – obviously not fully there. I had even pleaded with him about a monster. But the Asian man hadn't even mentioned it, hadn't even shown a sign of having seen the monster, his movements very calm and leisured. He wasn't even demanding how or why I was in the manor or if I even knew a way out.

I wondered if perhaps I had imagined the monster but as if to contradict me, my side suddenly twanged with pain. It couldn't have been my imagination… but the man… Japan as he wished to be called… he hadn't mentioned anything. He hadn't even given me his name… he did not trust me.

I hesitated though of calling out his bluff. What would he do if I said I didn't believe him? Would he leave me? I knew that there weren't many places to go in a locked manor, but I still worried – the image of the monster was forever imprinted in my mind – I didn't wish to be alone. Or would he attack me – perhaps he already had lost his mind – I turned my gaze away from the Asian man and knew that I couldn't call him out on the name.

I couldn't call out the bluff even if the niggling heaviness in my stomach – a single doubt – settled inside me. I just – I don't want to be alone…. It was the only thing keeping me from saying anything and while I was sure that the Asian man did not trust me, Japan had allowed me to follow him.

It was a quiet endeavor, neither of us speaking. The only sound passing between us was the creaking of the walls as the wind battered outside, the flip-flap of his kimono, and the shuffling of our feet echoing against the floor.

It was quite disheartening actually, but I wondered why Japan hadn't tried the entrance way. He had only given it a passing glance before continuing on up the stairs. Perhaps it was locked for him too? But I didn't dwell on it for long. I was very on edge, heart pounding and hands clammy as we ascended up the steps. The floorboards would creak and moan as we moved up them, not really helping my nerves that were once again piling up.

One we hit the top of the stairs Japan paused, taking in the layout of the new floor. He sighed and called out, "Itary-kun? Doitsu-san! Prussia-san!" I frowned and followed after the Asian man. Perhaps he was touched in the head… though hopefully a devoted cosplayer, like his friends seemed to be if Japan was calling them by the country names.

Still as I glanced around, following after Japan as he opened door after door, a frustrated sigh escaping him when all he found inside unlocked ones were bedrooms, a sense of familiarity began to settle into my bones. It wasn't the fact I held brief memories of having been here with my cousin, but something more and it was a bit frustrating because it was there – at the tip of my tongue.

I just couldn't seem to grasp it and deep inside my heart I knew it was something important.

I bit my lip and glanced up towards Japan, head cocked and brows furrowed. "Hey, Japan –." He glanced over at me and I froze. His eyes were narrowed and I could see the tension settled in his shoulders. He was definitely not happy. "…Sir? Um how did you enter the um…place?"

He sighed and looked at another set of stairs ascending up another floor. "My companions… one of them wished to come here. But I did not wish to reave him by himserf, so I and two others forrowed after him." Japan shook his head and turned down a corner. "What of you, Natarie-san –?" Japan yelped as he nearly fell flat on his face, stumbling and catching himself on the wall.

"J-Japan! A- ar-are you alright?" I looked down to see what had possibly caused him to trip and I was surprised to find out that it was a whip. A whip of all things!

"H-Hai, I am fine. But what…?" He trailed off and with an unfocused gaze he took the whip from me, "Sore wa…its Germany's whip…" The color seemed to drain away from Japan's already pale skin. He rubbed at his brow and immediately began searching the halls once more, tucking the whip into one of his kimono sleeves. "Doitsu-san!"

"Doitsu-san? Come out, Germany!" Japan called out, retracing his steps and checking the bedrooms once more. I tried calling out for Germany as well, looking through other bedrooms before following after Japan to one last door. It was the bedroom near the stairs and it was then that Japan paused. "Doitsu…san?"

He hesitantly walked in and I noticed that the curtains at the far corner seemed to be moving. There were no windows in this room though, no wind to have caused such an event; was… someone hiding – was it Japan's friend? Germany perhaps, hiding behind there?

I nibbled my lip and stood to the side while Japan gripped the curtains and pulled them back in one swift movement. Japan exhaled in relief and took a step back, allowing me to see a figure curled up in the closet. I examined the sleek haired man as Japan knelt down, trying to get the attention of the other male before him.

"Doitsu-kun…? Where are the others…?"

It was a little strange actually, to see a male of this guy's stature and size with electric blue eyes, trembling and afraid. An unusual sight but I wondered if perhaps the male – Germany as Japan called him – had also seen the monster. I gulped and clutched tighter on the pocket knife, finding comfort on the warm object in hand.

If even a man of this guy's stature was afraid….

"Perhaps I shourd get you something to drink…? Water, ne? That wourd surery herp." Japan nodded and hauled himself back to his feet, backing away but never taking his eyes off of Germany. I nibbled on my lip and gazed back towards Germany pondering if I should stay with the blonde. Perhaps I could stay with him instead and maybe even try to convince him to tell me what he was so afraid of?

I just had to make sure….

"Japan…?"

The Asian man jerked his head up, eyes wide and dazed as if having forgotten I was in the room as well. He swallowed and rubbed down his kimono, trying to recompose himself. "Natarie-san – do you know if the bathroom sink works?"

"I… I'm not sure, I hadn't checked." I muttered. "Um… is it alright if I stay with uh, Germany?"

Japan blinked and slowly nodded, glancing back towards the blonde with worried eyes. "Perhaps it is best…. To carm him… I'rr return shortry." Japan muttered, inching out the door and leaving me behind with Germany.

I listened closely as Japan's footsteps faded away before turning to the shaken blonde. He certainly pulled off the cosplay pretty well, I noted, scrutinizing the military uniform he wore. Perhaps they were really devoted cosplayers

I sighed and sank down in front of the German. "…Germany, right…? I'm sure that isn't your actual name."

There was no indication that he had heard me.

"You two, Japan and your other friends – Italy and Prussia… are cosplayers, right? That's kinda nice…" I nibbled my lip. He still wouldn't respond. "…Germany… what did you see?"

The male shuddered and turned his cloudy eyes towards the wall. "It was tall wasn't it? Gray… a monster…" Germany whimpered and turned further away from me. I suddenly felt guilty and it was only then when he shut his eyes did I see what I was doing.

I turned my gaze away gaze from the shaken male and I began to wonder what I was even trying to prove. The man couldn't even speak and he was obviously terrified. So why was I drudging up unwanted memories?

I had seen that monster hours and hours before but those hours had given me enough time to come to terms with what I had seen. The fact I had passed out in the bathroom as well had allowed me to calm down, my own body giving me enough mercy to not dream as I laid there.

It was of course an added benefit that Japan had been the next living being I had seen. His strange attitude, uncharacteristically quiet and calm, had healed me further until I had come back to a semi-rational state.

But Germany had just seen it, hadn't he – and he still seemed to be reliving that moment. "How terrible…" I scolded myself, moving away from the man. I shouldn't even be speaking to him. I wasn't calming him; I wasn't even aiming for that.

My jaw clenched and I spun around to glare at the door. But Japan hadn't even been wary as he moved around the first and second floor, as if a monster never existed.

Though while I felt guilty for Germany's reaction, it had brought back my resolution to what I had seen and experienced. The monster was real and a brief tap to my side, realizing that it was probably bruised, only fuelled the idea of the monster.

A sudden cold settled over me and I worried if Japan could defend himself. Did he even have a weapon? Would the whip help the Asian man escape? I fiddled with my pocket knife and I wondered if I should allow Japan to have it whenever he wandered the hallways. Surely he would be able to use it more than I would and perhaps then he would tru –

Ping….

I glanced over towards Germany. He hadn't reacted and he hadn't even moved from the closet. I frowned and then I heard the sound again. It was echoing down the hall and into the room, picking up a pace that began to remind me much of –

"The piano…?"

I flipped the blade open and hesitantly stepped forward towards the door. I truly doubted that the monster would care about a piano, so who was upstairs? Could it be Japan – no, he was fetching water for Germany; he wouldn't pause to play with a piano. From what I had already seen of the Asian man, he was much too serious and determined to do idle things, and especially not with Germany in his current state.

Could it be… my cousin? Could it be Mireya? I tuned out Germany's shaking, my attention now completely entranced upon the piano playing somewhere from above. Mireya… The very thought caused me to slip quietly out from the room and towards the stairs. It felt like I was being urged on when the piano became clearer and clearer with each step up the stairs.

My heart was pounding erratically as I placed one single hand on the doorframe, listening intently to the music being played just beyond the door. As I listened I knew that it couldn't be the monster; it would have crushed the grand piano with its size, I was sure. Besides, why would it be the monster? No monster could play the piano like this….

It had to be a human being, something smaller than the monster and with hands that could actually reach the key notes. Mireya…. The thought of her once more urged me on and I exhaled a deep sigh, dropping my hand down to the doorknob – turned it – and pushed the door open.

As soon as I did the music halted to an unnatural silence and I wondered if I had startled her. But then I froze, shocked into silence at not whom was standing at the piano but… the lack of who that should have been there. There was no one there, not a single soul aside from myself stiffened in the middle of the doorway.

"N-no… that…" I shook my head and stepped back, clutching tightly onto the pocket knife as I tried to make sense of this new phenomena. It wasn't just the lack of a person though that had caused me to shudder and tremble, eyes wide in denial and mouth dry as I whimpered and wheezed.

The room – the wrecked room I had awoken in, had even stumbled around in confusion just hours before – it was perfectly clean. There were no overthrown cabinets and no ripped apart books. It was as if it had never been destroyed to begin with.

"But it was just…"

A shudder ran down my spine, swallowing through the lump now deep in my throat. The monster wouldn't take the time to clean that room and as otherworldly as it was… Everything was too precise and neat, careful and exact that it had to be the work of another human being. It had to be! Though who would do it?

Germany couldn't have done so, neither would Japan, Mireya didn't really care for cleaning – who would take the time to do this? Even the books which had been ripped apart were now neatly tucked and filled with pages. That would take more than an hour or two.

But then I wondered: who was playing the piano? There was absolutely no place to hide in the bland and neat room. There wasn't even enough enclosure underneath the piano to hide underneath it. Plus there was only one exit….

A monster… trapped inside a mansion… and now a ghost?

Inching away from the room I tried to think. But the more I thought, the more I realized that this manor was no good. There was a monster roaming these halls for Pete's Sake! Then the fact I – we – couldn't leave the manor and then this –.

Things like this and that shouldn't happen. It was illogical and improbable, but here it was, right in front of my eyes. The very image of the monster as well that was so deeply imprinted in my mind, and as brief as the encounter had been, was also pressing into me. It was taunting me, teasing me, and causing me to believe I was seeing shadows in the corner of my eyes.

But every time I turned my head, I saw nothing. Not another soul and certainly no monster.

Creak….

My heart skipped and I quickly raised the blade up, prepared to defend myself for an attack. It took me a moment of panting and gasping for air before I realized that the sound had come from around the corner. Hesitantly shuffling my way over, I peeked around the wall. There were stairs leading further up and a single barrel left to the side of it, but at the end of it was a door.

Was that where the sound had come from?

I struggled to listen and I was startled to catch the sound of a living being moving around just beyond that other door. Slowly, I moved closer and as I did so I was certain that whoever it was could hear the erratic noise of my heart and hear the deep breathing I tried to control. I was so certain that any moment too that the door would burst open and I would be attacked, but then I was in front of the door, and still no such thing had happened.

Leaning in and pressing my ear as closely as I could without making noise, I listened, trying to pin point what could be the cause of the noise. It was footsteps and they were light and seemed to echo against the floor beds like tiny feet. The weight of this person was much too light to be the cause of the monster, I realized.

A ghost…. The very thought caused me to shudder and I quickly shook off the thought. No, not even a ghost could pitter patter around. The mystery of who could be behind that door was itching down to my fingers though, curiosity spiking deep within my bones.

I had all but forgotten that Germany was downstairs and probably still quaking in fear, or that Japan had no idea I had wandered off. I had even forgotten the panic I had just a few moments ago when I had peeked into the piano room, preoccupied with wanting to know the mystery as I rested my hand on the cold metal handle of the door.

My body became still and my breath hitched as I tried to open the door. It wouldn't open and the movement inside the room had come to a standstill. Had they been startled – frightened even – with the thought of it being the monster?

Nibbling on my lip I knocked lightly on the doorframe, flinching when the sound seemed to be louder than expected. Hesitantly, I called out, "H-hello?" After I had done so I almost immediately scolded myself. What if the person wasn't a friendly character? What if they would attack me? But then no sound came still.

I pressed my ear against the door again. I could faintly hear the sound of someone breathing, and as quiet as it was, there was someone there. But I wondered why they hadn't responded. Did they simply not trust me to be human or were they too scared to move?

I didn't know what to do so I tried the first thing to come to mind. "…Mireya? Is that you?" I paused. There was still no reaction or movement other than the soft and steady breathing. "…Italy?" The breathing seemed to have stopped all together. "...Japan is looking for you... and Germany is downstairs in a room…."

I continued to listen but no other noise wished to occur, at least none that would tell me there was anyone in the room anymore. Or… was there even a person there to begin with? I shuddered and moved away. Then as time caught up I suddenly realized that Japan was probably now figuring out I was not in the room.

Dammit, and I had told him I would stay with Germany. Just as I was about to leave, I hesitated and looked back at the door. If it was Italy then – "…I'll… I'll come back, I promise."

As I made my way back to the room Germany resided in, I had not heard the creaking of a door opening. I hadn't even noticed the tired eyes shining with familiarity, peeking from the now open door, as they watched me disappear around the corner. Nor had I heard the soft muttering as I descended down the stairs, frantic to return to Japan and Germany that I had blocked out the very sound.

"E 'iniziato, non è vero?"

As I jogged I quickly closed the blade and stuck it back into my pocket. I had to return as quickly as I could before Japan – as I turned the corner though I spotted Japan just making his way onto the last step of the stairs. He seemed startled to see me, almost dropping the glass of dubious water which contained a murky and gray subcolor to it.

Then his eyes narrowed and his lips pinched into a thin frown. He didn't look happy. He knew I had wandered off, and his eyes spoke volumes of different thoughts, and I was sure each one was causing him to frown further and further.

"What are you doing outside of the room?"

Japan's voice was sharp and double-edged, not at all the polite tone as it had been when he had spoken to me in the kitchen or even stiffly relaxed when he had left to get water for Germany. I tried to think of a lie, something that could justify what I had been doing, a sudden defensiveness rising up within my chest.

"I – I just..." I trailed off. His gaze was cutting into me, daring me to lie to him and immideatly I knew I couldn't.

What had I been doing? I had wandered off and even when I knew a monster was lurking about the manor! Even if Japan didn't know about the monster, it wasn't an excuse to have just left Germany... not in his state.

"Prease, just get into the room. I'rr tark with you rater." I slunked off into the room, shoulders hunched and feeling much like a scolded child as Japan followed behind. The door clicked shut and though it was not slammed, I still flinched.

I knew I had fucked up. He had trusted me to stay with Germany and I hadn't. I had forgotten complelty about the blonde when the piano began to play, so determined to find out the cause of it, that I had left the ashen skinned male behind.

I curled up onto the bed and didn't watch as Japan tried to coax Germany from his dazed state.

"Doitsu-san, I brought you some water. Prease drink and carm down."

There was a moment of silence and the sound of someone drinking. "...Is this really vater?" Germany's voice was much different from Japan's, deeper and scratchy though that might be because he needed more water.

"Judging by it's color?" Japan inquired, "Probabry."

"I...see. Anyvays... es tut mir leid for falling apart like that...I feel much better, thank you." A moments hesitation. "And the Mädchen? Is she alright?"

"Hai, she...is aright. Her name is Natarie-san." Japan answered. He seemed to want to steer the conversation away from me. "It is good to see you werr again, Doitsu-san. Do you know where the others are?"

"I...I'm not sure." Germany stuttered. "A-At any rate, we ran for our lives –." I took a moment of pride of having been correct. He had seen the monster. Then reality set in further and I fell back into a simpering depression. It was just more reason to not have wandered alone like I had been doing. "And those two vent in different direction, I think..." His voice faded, as if he wasn't sure of what he was saying.

"Sorry, just... just give me a moment to pull myself together..."

"Very werr then. Natarie-san and I sharr go rook for them. Try to get some rest, okay?" I glanced up at the sound of my name. He still wanted me to go around with him? I frowned and pushed back my glasses, well of course he would. Japan wouldn't trust me again to look after his friend, not when I left him behind like I did.

"...Sorry..." Germany said after a moment, appearing upset with himself. Then he brightened slightly, digging in his pocket and pulling something out of it. "Here...vhen I was running I tripped over it. Almost killed me and I didn't have the time to see what it went to... but maybe it can be of help to you both...unlike me."

"It is fine Doitsu-san..." Japan trailed off when Germany shook his head.

"I vant to help...but..."

"No need, we wirr be fine.." Japan assured him, turning the object in his hand. It seemed to be an aged silver blade key with funny curves and branches here and there. Another glance and I noticed that there appeared to be a thin note tied into the bow.

"I can't even valk straight... I'd only be in the way." Germany muttered dejectedly, glancing behind him and into the dark closest. Even as he said this though he appeared almost relieved at not having to follow Japan and I.

"Thank you Doitsu-san, this might actuarry herp to open one of these doors. Natarie-san, ikimashou." Japan said, tucking the tiny key into his kimono sleeve. He then paused mid-turn. "Ah wait... Germany, your whip. I found it earrier."

After handing back Germany his whip Japan examined the little note once more before leading us back down to the first floor. He once again didn't seem keen on speaking to me, barely giving me a second glance as he pondered which hallway and which door he should check first that the key would open.

I didn't blame him for not talking to me, in fact I didn't really wish to talk to him either. He then turned down the hall leading towards the foyer-kitchen and suddenly spoke. "What were you doing, Natarie-san? I had trusted that you wourd stay in that room."

I flinched and gazed down. I had actually been hoping he wouldn't bring it up because while the silence was stiffling, not having to face the reality of my stupidity was a much better alternative. But even as I swallowed, I couldn't stop the words that answered him. "I... I heard the piano and I thought –."

"The piano? Upstairs?" Japan questioned, pausing in front of the locked door with the key in hand.

"Y-Yes. I thought that my co –."

"Upstairs... what were you thinking?" Japan turned around and sent a demanding gaze at me, hand pressed against the doorframe. "I wourd have thought that you wourd be more cautious what with that – that thing in this manor, but instead you did the exact opposite!"

"Look, I thought it was – wait..." I trailed off, brows furrowing before realization suddenly hit me. "You've seen it – the monster?" Japan did not answer. "You did! Why didn't you say anything!"

"No, the question is: why did you reave the room when you know that thing is out there? For Kami-sama's sake, that courd have werr been a trap and you wourd have farren right into it! Did you not think when you reft Germany?"

I was suddenly filled with a burning anger and my jaw tightened as I forced myself to not shout at the Asian male. I understood that what I had done was absolutely stupid but he couldn't fault me when I had one goal in mind, one hope in mind. Japan was practically doing the same thing – searching for Italy and Prussia, and having been searching for Germany as well. Who did he think he was?

He didn't have to be so annoyed. He didn't know me so what would it have mattered to him if I had dissapeared.

"Of course I was... Of course I was thinking – but you can't give me that look when you're practically doing the same thing! Wandering this damn place, doing the same thing I had been doing when I went upstairs: searching for my companion. My cousin. For all I knew it could have even been Italy! What then, huh?" I hissed, straining to calm myself.

He couldn't fault me for that. He couldn't fault me for my hope, yes I knew it was a very stupid idea, but... It's possible, isn't it? Japan, if having been in my position, would have done the very same thing. He would have thought it was a human being – a living human and normal being –

"And?" Japan inquired, pushing the key in the lock and opening the door. "Obviousry since you had come back arone... it wasn't. Neither Itary-kun nor your cousin, not even Prussia-san."

I wilted as I watched Japan enter into the library, muttering a dejected, "No..." underneath my breath as I followed after him.

Upon entering the library, I raised up my head and gazed about in wonder. I was taken in by the magnificence of the library, while the room was dimly lit and the air cold, I couldn't help but be in awe. I was an avid reader by nature and this was now heaven on Earth.

Shelves upon shelves were lining the room with various assortments of books. I took a step forward and ran my fingers along the spines one by one in wonder. There were no titles and there was not a speck of dust on them. However when I tugged one out and glanced into the back of the shelves I spotted thick layers of dust. I licked my lips and held tightly onto the book. Someone was cleaning them from the outside to make it appear clean.

I looked over towards Japan whom was moving around the single desk, seemingly at ease while leafing through the papers and books littering the desk. He wasn't even aware of the strange discovery of what I had found, but instead of informing him, I swallowed and had instead pulled my attention to the book I peeked into.

I frowned and found most of the pages were blank and any writing it did have was sloppily written, mostly of names from what I could tell, at least… I tilted my head, nose wrinkled and brows furrowed. I think it was names….

Sighing, I tried for a book in the bottom, crouching down as I picked out what appeared to be a small journal. It's cover was very beautiful, red and designed with flowers, it appeared to be of lilies readying to bloom. Opening it though was much the same as the other book. Blank and or scribbled illegibly.

Where they all like this, I wondered.

But just as I was about to slide it back in its place I noticed a tiny yellowed page peeking out. It was completely out of place between the white pages. I quickly tugged out the peace of paper and untangled it from it's frantic folding.

There were words, sloppily and messily written but at least more legible than the scribbles of the other books. I scrutinized the writing and slowly I began to mouth the words written.

If you are reading this, then it means I am dead. I would like to advice you that we as well had searched every last corner of this manor, trying to find a way of escape. But it's not happening. No matter how much we struggled, only further misery awaited us. Why? It should have never come to this; this place should have –

There seemed to be a layer of ink scribbled on part of the note. A fine and thick layer that caused what should have been a full page to shorten considerably. I tried to scratch it out, but it was so imprinted into the paper that it had only dirtied my finger. I continued reading despite this.

But I was an idiot, a fool of the highest order because it's where they wait. But…I'm sure… you already know that – don't you?

I mostly used Google translate so the meaning in English might be more rough sketched for the Italian. Though I do know a few German words so most of it should be alright. XD And for the record I am trying to keep to the nations accents, mostly for Japan and Germany, I probably won't do it for Italy though when he comes around. Lord knows those "a" endings will murder me!

Italian: E 'iniziato, non è vero? English: It has started, hasn't it?

German: Es tut mir leid English: I am sorry

German: Mädchen English: Girl

Japanese (Romaji): ikimashou English: Let's go