Hello, my lovelies!

So, I've got up another chapter for you all! I do hope you enjoy this one! Like, there is actually some crazy stuff in this one! Woo!

Anywho, do enjoy!

More coming soon!

Hetalia (c) Hidekaz Himaruya

Don't Lean On Me (c) Bringmemisery

Chapter 8 - Could Things Get Worse?

Arthur set his messenger bag onto the floor before he placed his keys onto one of the hooks that hung upon the wall. He approached his desk in the corner of the living room and pulled onto one of the drawers. After a few moments of fiddling with it he managed to yank it open, but the force caused the small picture frame on top to topple over. He sighed as he plucked it up. The glass was chipped at the bottom left corner, but no other damage seemed to occur.

He studied the frame for a moment. Within it was a picture of the frog (Francis, of course – he was the first to the left), the ant (Antonio; the right), and Gilbert (he didn't have a degrading nickname just yet; the center). They had given him that picture close to a year and a half before. According to them that day had been both exciting and confusing . . . whatever that means Arthur could only guess.

The stories those three came up with never did add up one hundred percent.

He replaced the frame to its original spot when footsteps from upstairs caused him to turn. He noticed Peter walking down the steps, Alfred trailing behind him.

It was a bit early for Alfred to be home.

"Alfred?" Arthur called out as he loosened his necktie.

The American turned his head, "Sup, dude. Didn't realize you got home already."

"Wasn't expecting you, either," He looked down to the now open drawer, "did you not have classes today?"

"I totes did, but like, my last one got cancelled. So I came home."

"That's surprising," Arthur pulled out a few loose papers, "It's a bit early in the term to be cancelling classes, is it not?"

"That's what I was thinkin'," Alfred made his way to the kitchen.

Peter came running out – his hand buried in a bag of cookies. His eyes met Arthur's, and his face flushed. He turned around and disappeared within the kitchen.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "Apparently neither of you noticed my arriving here."

Alfred laughed, "Nah, we had no idea, dude. What time is it?"

Arthur glanced at his wrist watch, "Half past one."

The American blinked a few times, and remained silent.

Arthur sighed once more, "It is One-Thirty."

"Oh!" Alfred grinned, "Why didn't ya say that earlier?"

Arthur forced in a breath, "Did not think I needed to clarify myself."

Peter returned once more from the kitchen, this time empty-handed.

"Peter," Arthur questioned, "how many of those biscuits did you eat?"

". . . Three," Peter replied as his eyes fell.

"Are you planning on eating more this evening?"

Peter shook his head.

Arthur reached into his pocket and pulled out a roll of golden star stickers, "If you keep your promise, I'll give you a gold star."

Peter's eyes shot up, a wide grin formed on his face, "I promise!"

Arthur pulled off one star as he approached his brother, and stuck it in the middle of his forehead.

The child laughed a few times before darting back up the stairs.

"Dude," Alfred said, "did you just bribe him with a sticker?"

"When you live with him for as long as I have," Arthur looked at him, "you have to make him happy in order for him to listen. If a gold star gets him to do just that, then I see no error in it."

"Dude, you're treating him like a dog."

"No, I am trying to correct his ways," Arthur peeled off another star as he made his way over to Alfred.

He then stuck it to the American's forehead as well, "See? No harm done. Just a simple token of praise."

Alfred crossed his eyes as he rubbed the star, "Still sounds weird, man."

Arthur shrugged, "Funny. I thought you of all people would like a shiny gold star."

"Nah, it's cool. But it still sounds like training Fido."

"The day you have children, you'll understand my motives."

A moment later a light knock came from the door. Arthur tilted his head, then made his way over. He unlocked the door, and pulled it open. Before him stood Lovino – a stern look on his face.

"Lovino," Arthur rose an eyebrow, "what are you doing here?"

"Is Antonio here?" The Italian asked as he crossed his arms.

"No, not at all. Why do you ask?"

"He's not answering his phone. I stopped by his place, but he's not there. So I figured he came here."

"Of all places, why would you think of coming here?"

Lovino's eyes drifted behind Arthur, "what the hell is on his head?"

Arthur turned around and found Alfred standing behind him.

"Do you bloody mind?"

The American shook his head, "Wouldn't Tony be like, at Gil's or somethin'?"

"How the hell should I know?" Lovino rolled his eyes, "If he's not here, then I'm leaving."

For a moment Arthur was about to let him leave; however, a sudden spark flashed in his mind. He thought back to the other day about how convinced Antonio was about this other side to Lovino he had yet to see. It was quite obvious that the Italian was worried about him, so maybe there was something that was over looked.

What better way of seeing if that was true or not than this very moment?

He might not get another chance like this later.

"Lovino?" Arthur asked, "Care to come inside?"

Lovino scrunched his nose, "The hell would I want to come in for?"

"Oh, you know," Arthur reached for his arm, "just a friendly gesture."

Lovino looked down to Arthur's hand, "why are you being so inviting all of a sudden? I thought you were annoyed of my presence?"

Arthur wrinkled his eyebrows, "Annoyed? I haven't any idea where you came up with that."

"Don't play dumb," Lovino rolled his eyes, "I can see it every time you're around. You don't like me, so don't pretend you do."

Arthur scratched the side of his nose, "Never have I stated that in my life. If anything I would think that you'd be more annoyed with me, at least."

Lovino's eyes locked onto Arthur's, "So, you're saying that you are not annoyed?"

Arthur shook his head, "I really don't see why I would be. After all, I call Antonio my friend, and he's the most annoying person I've met. You don't even fall close to that man. So to answer your question, no. I am not annoyed of you. But I would also like to know you better. Mostly because Antonio is always saying how nice of a person you are."

Lovino stood in silence for a moment before responding, "Antonio talks about me?"

Arthur nodded, his curiosity rising, "Almost every day. But due to the fact that I hardly even know you, I haven't even the slightest clue to your full personality."

Lovino laughed, "Believe me, I'm nothing special. I'm just some guy he knows. . ."

Arthur felt the air get heavy. He knew that Lovino wanted to leave, but Arthur felt that he needed to speak with him.

Arthur flashed a quick smile, "Please, do come inside."

Lovino looked past him, then a moment later he nodded and stepped inside.

Arthur hadn't though that that would have been so easy, but now he had to figure out whether Antonio is making half of his stories up or was being true.

He noticed Lovino scan around the room, his eyes glowing as he stared from one painting on the wall to another.

Interesting.

He must have an eye for art.

Arthur walked over to him, "those are quite old, actually."

Lovino nodded, "I can tell."

"Do you paint?"

"Not at all," Lovino looked over to him, "I suck at anything that artistic, but mio fratello? He's very good at art. Like, he's really good."

Arthur studied the Italian. Antonio had mentioned before that he had a habit of comparing himself to his brothers, or even other people in general.

"Care for a drink?" Arthur asked.

Lovino shook his head as he continued to look around the walls.

This man . . . he was interesting.

Arthur cleared his throat, "For what reason are you looking for Antonio, exactly?"

"It's not really your damned business," Lovino smiled, "I just need to find him."

Arthur brought his hand to his chin, "Well, maybe if you told me, I might be able to aid you in your findings?"

"Dude," Alfred's voice called, "don't go on bribing him too!"

Arthur laughed, "Oh, I wouldn't do that to him."

"You're a terrible liar," Lovino shook his head, "and I don't know what Antonio has been telling you about me, but you should just ignore him. I swear, that man is worse sober than he is drunk."

Both Arthur and Lovino laughed for a moment, but were silenced when a loud scream came from upstairs. Arthur's eyes flashed up. Adrenaline kicked in, and he bolted up the stairs. He had made it to the top step when Peter jumped into his arms. Had Arthur not been paying close attention, the two of them could have tumbled down.

"What happened," Arthur asked, his heart pounding.

"He was in my room," Peter cried.

"Who?"

"The scary thing!"

Arthur glanced down the hall, his eyes locked onto the small figure that stood before Peter's room. The child's eyes drilled though Arthur's core, almost as if he were trying to look though him.

Arthur clutched onto his brother as he ran down the stairs. He looked over his shoulder, and found the child standing at the top – his hollow eyes continued to pierce through Arthur.

"What the hell are you running from?" Lovino furrowed his brows.

Arthur shot another look back at the child, then to Lovino, "you wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Dude," Alfred muttered, "he looks pissed off."

"It," Arthur retorted, "Peter, what did it want?"

"I dunno," Peter wiped tears from his eyes, "I just went back to my room and he popped up out of nowhere. I don't want to play his games, brother."

"No one is," Arthur looked once more to the stairs.

The child continued to stand there – watching his every move. It were as if it was the child's duty to keep an eye on him. Of course, that would be ridiculous, but that was the least of Arthur's worries.

How stupid of him to bring Lovino in at this time!

He can't see it there!

Arthur looked over to his keys that hung onto the wall, then shifted his eyes over to Alfred. He noticed the American's eyes were on the keys as well before drifting to Arthur's.

They were on the same page.

Arthur handed Peter to Alfred.

"Arthur?" Peter asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm going to handle this," Arthur turned to Lovino, "I understand that you haven't the slightest idea what is happening, but I need you to trust me."

Lovino snorted, "Trust you?"

"That's what I said," Arthur took a step forward.

The child's eyes seemed to grow wider.

What irritated the child Arthur did not know, but he did know that if he didn't get it under control it could get very violent. Very fast.

Arthur took another step closer. His heart ready to fly from his chest. He held up his arm for but a second when an immense screech brought his hands to his ears.

It was unlike any noise from that of a human or even an animal.

Arthur squinted as he looked up to find the child that now stood about ten feet away.

The child gave a wide smile, which caused Arthur to look over his shoulder. He found both Lovino and Alfred as they struggled to open the front door. He watched them pull to no avail. Then he looked back at the smiling child.

"Oh, Arthur," the child laughed, "how can they play my game without being here? That would be too easy!"

"Listen here," Arthur barked, "I am unsure what your purpose is here, but you need to understand that this is my house! And you are to leave this house immediately!"

The child laughed once more, "You're a silly man! Of course I know it's 'your' house, but you'll not rid me that easily."

"Unlock that damned door this instant!"

The child shook his head, "can't tell me what to do."

"If you do not behave," Arthur lifted his hand, "I will force you to comply."

The child smile, "Not if you can't find me!"

A moment later the child vanished and the windows throughout the house shut one-by-one. It wasn't long before the entire structure had fallen into shadows. It was almost unbelievable how dark the house became in broad day-light. It were as if the sun had been cast out of the sky.

Arthur took a breath, and manifested a ball of light within his hand. He approached the others that still stood by the door.

"Are you all alright?" He asked.

"Dude," Alfred replied, "w-why is he back?"

"It never leaves. It just stays quiet until it gets bored."

"What the hell is going on?" Lovino demanded, "First, you want me to come in, and now you're talking to the air and it's dark?"

"Lovino," Arthur replied, "I am telling you that you would not believe me if I told you. It is rather hard to explain, but trust me."

"How the hell am I supposed to do that?"

Arthur sighed, "I don't know, but just do it. Alfred, the three of you stay put and try opening this blasted door. I'm going to go find it, and destroy it."

"Dude, that totally doesn't sound safe."

"Just trust me," Arthur said as he started to leave the group.

His stomach knotted up as he searched around the bottom floor.

He searched the living room: nothing.

His study: nothing.

The guest room: nothing.

The kitchen: nothing.

The bathroom: nothing.

He searched the entire bottom floor and found nothing at all. Which meant that the child must be upstairs somewhere.

This game was foolish, but the sooner he found it the faster he can rid of it.

Arthur stopped besides his desk, the light from his hand illuminated the top. His eyes fell upon that frame which, once again, had toppled over. He reached for it with his free hand and held it. That chip from earlier had now grown into a rather large streak. However, its trail was . . . abnormal.

From the left corner, it trailed around Francis, straight through Gil, then around Antonio to the top right corner.

The child's laugh echoed throughout the room.

"Arthur," the echo called, "where is Gil at? I'm sure he'd play with me!"

Arthur placed the frame down, then bolted up the stairs. Once he reached the top, he found Flying Mint Bunny laying on the floor.

"Mint Bunny!" He called out as he fell beside his friend.

"Arthur?" Mint Bunny looked up, "It pushed me over."

"Stay here," Arthur scanned the dark hall, "I'm going to find it."

He stood up and walked over to his own bedroom. He pushed open the door and searched.

Under the bed.

In the closet.

In the bathroom.

Once more, he was empty-handed.

He walked over to his door when his cell phone vibrated in his pocket.

Was that thing calling him?

He pulled out his cellphone, and he noticed Allistor's name flash on the screen.

"What is it," Arthur answered.

"Wee baby brother! How are ye?"

"I am very busy at the moment," Arthur entered the hallway.

"Ahh. Sorry to catch ye at a bad time. How's that little beasty problem of yers?"

"Funny that you ask," Arthur walked to Peter's door, "It's getting out of hand."

"Hah! Oh, brother, ye still can't handle it?"

"You would not be laughing if you were here!" Arthur opened Peter's door and searched.

"Ahh, true. Tell ye what. I'm gonna help ye out, 'cause I love ye I'm gonna fly out there and help with yer beasty!"

"That isn't necessary," Arthur sighed as he found nothing.

"Too bad! I'm comin' anyways! And I'll fix yer little beasty right up!"

"I guess there isn't any swaying you," Arthur walked over to Alfred's room, "do as you please."

"Haha! Well, wee brother, see ye soon!"

The line cut off as Arthur opened the door. He scanned the room, but again found nothing. He ran his fingers through his hair as he tried to think of any other place that thing could be at. Then it occurred to him – he hadn't checked the bathroom up here.

He left Alfred's room, and a loud crash from downstairs made him jump. He rushed over to the staircase.

"What happened?" He cried out.

"Dude," Alfred called, "I think he threw something at me!"

"Don't anger it! I think I've almost found it!"

Arthur walked over to the bathroom that was across the way from Alfred's door, but stopped.

Alfred said it threw something. . .

If it's up here . . . how. . .

Arthur's eyes widened as he ran back to the stairs. As he darted down he could hear his furniture scraping the wooden floor. He heard Peter scream as Lovino began to swear and pound at the door.

Arthur ran over to his desk and looked below – his gaze met with a pair of glowing red eyes.

He was then pushed back a few feet, which almost caused him to trip over a coffee table. He gathered his footing and looked back at those red eyes.

"I found you!" Arthur shouted, "I win!"

A sudden growl filled the room, which caused the walls to tremble. Then one-by-one the lights in the house flashed on, and blew out. Arthur ran back to the group and found Peter curled up against the wall, his face was covered by his knees.

Arthur grabbed his brother and held onto him, and then all of the windows and doors opened.

Light filled the entire house, and everything grew quiet.

Arthur felt his brother quiver in his arms.

"It's alright, Peter," He assured him, "it's gone."

Arthur felt a pull on his shoulder. He looked back and locked eyes with Lovino.

"W-what the hell was that?" the Italian stammered.

"Take no notice—"

"No," Lovino shouted, "you have a fucking demon in here!"

"No," Arthur held onto Peter a bit tighter, "It's just a lost spirit. It's gone now though."

"You're an idiot," Lovino yelled, "that was a 'lost spirit' to you? You're on something if you believe that was a damned 'lost spirit'!"

Arthur forced a laugh as he scanned the room.

Of course, he knew what it was.

But he couldn't admit to it – not with Peter there.

Arthur looked down at his brother, "Peter?"

Peter looked up as he continued, "how about we ring up Tino and see if you can stay there for the night? I want to be entirely sure that thing is gone."

"But, what about you?" Peter wiped another tear away.

"Worry not of me. I want you safe," He looked over to Alfred whose face grew red.

"Did you hit yourself," Arthur questioned.

Alfred rubbed his cheek, "I'm tellin' you it hit me."

"You probably angered it."

"It was scaring Peter," Alfred crossed his arms, "what did you want me to do? Ignore it?"

"Yes! That's exactly what I want you to do!"

"Well, I can't, Art. If you've got some crap going down, I'm not gonna just stand here like an idiot. Can't we like, burn sage or something."

"You can," Lovino agreed, "but you might piss it off more. I suggest you hire a priest. Get him to cleanse the damn place."

Arthur looked down at Peter, "Allistor called."

"Big brother?" Peter's eyes lit up.

"Yes, he says he's going to come out soon and help me get rid of it."

"Allistor's coming?" Alfred asked, "Dude, I haven't seen him in like, forever."

"Yes, well he rang me up when I was looking for the rodent. He says he wants to help out, and I do hope that he can. This is starting to get a tad ridiculous."

"Is he a priest?" Lovino asked.

"No," Arthur sighed, "but he knows a few more ticks than I do. Maybe his aid will be of use to us. Hopefully. But until then, Peter, I am going to ring up Tino. I don't want you here until Allistor arrives."

"But how long will that be?" Peter tilted his head.

"I am not sure, but soon enough."

It was then that Arthur heard his name being called from outside. A moment passed before he recognized that it was two different voices calling to him.

He released Peter as he walked over to the opened front door. In the front he saw Francis' car in the driveway – both he and Antonio approached him.

Arthur groaned, "What is it, you two?"

"Arturo," Antonio yelled, "you need to come see this!"

Arthur almost ignored him when his stomach knotted again. There was something off about that tone of voice.

It wasn't Antonio's usual oh look I found something cool kind of tone – it was . . .

Oh, was worried the right word to use?

Arthur stepped outside and came up to them.

"What is it?" He asked, almost not wanting the answer.

Antonio's eyes were wide as he pointed past him, "Mirar."

Arthur looked over his shoulder. To the left of the house was a pile of yellow birds all stacked onto each other at least a foot deep. Feathers littered the lawn where they were lain. Not one of them moved. Above the pile was a large window that looked into the front room. However, there was something written upon the glass.

Arthur's heart skipped as he read the messy red words:

I'm sure he'll play fair.