Don't Lean On Me

by Bringmemisery

"You Can't Escape The Game." You never truly know what you have until you lose it. Gil never really took that into much consideration - neither did his two best friends. The three of them lived everyday taking almost everything for granted. But it wasn't until a sudden turn of events that they began to realize that their lives could all be in grave danger.

18. Wunderwelt

Hello, my lovelies!
So I'm just gonna say this: this thing is FAR from over!
Enjoy!

Hetalia (c) Hidekaz Himaruya

Don't Lean On Me (c) Bringmemisery

---

Chapter 17 – Wunderwelt

As soon as the engine started, Gil pulled out of the driveway. Though that black car was a few yards away, he darted after it.

Go, Awesome Mobile, go!

"Gil," Ludwig asked, "what are we doing?"

"Chasing those bozos, what do you think?"

"Should we have gone alone, though?"

"So what, we wait around and lose them? Not happening."

"Gil, slow down!"

Gil ignored him as he blew through a stop. Lucky for them the intersection had been clear. He continued to stare at that car ahead of them.

Did he know what he was doing?

No, not exactly.

Did he know what he'd do if he caught up with the car?

No, but he figured he might just roll with it.

Of course he knew how dangerous this was, but he couldn't risk losing that car. Two of those men took off before he could stop them. This was his one chance to get them before they were history. Though his brain struggled to grasp the entire situation back at Antonio's.

What was José doing there, anyways?

Why were he, Antonio, and pretty much everyone else there so ticked off?

Better yet, why had José attacked him back at that cabin behind Arthur's house?

Had it not have been for that odd makeshift bandage wrapped around José's hand, Gil would have shrugged the entire thing off. But Gil saw it, and events from that night had flooded his mind. And sure, José and one guy got taken away, but those other two had to be in that car just ahead of him.

"Gil!" Ludwig shouted, "Are you listening to me?"

"Do you want an honest answer?"

"Gil, this is stupid. We could get hurt doing this!"

"I know!" Gil grunted, "But what if we lose these guys and then someone else gets hurt?"

"Gil, I understand what you're saying, but you have to understand that we don't have any sort of protection!"

"Course we do! We've got the Awesome Mobile!"

"Listen to what I'm saying, dammit! Pull over!"

"Not happening," Gil said as he saw that car make a sharp turn to the right, "Scheiße, I think they finally realized I'm following them."

"Gilbert, your damn car is red!"

"Hey, I don't criticize your car," Gil yanked the wheel as he pushed down on the accelerator.

"My car isn't red! Gil, listen to me, this is a bad idea!"

"Bro, trust me," Gil looked to his brother for a quick moment, "We will be fine!"

"How can you be so sure?"

"Just listen to your big bro for once, will ya?"

"It's hard to do that when you're being reckless, Gilbert!"

Gil grunted as he noticed someone in the back seat of the car look out the rear window. He grit his teeth as he pushed the accelerator once more. He didn't even want to know how fast he was going. He just wanted to reach them.

The car once more made a sharp turn, but this time to the left. Gil followed right after, but his vision blurred as he rode off in the direction of the setting sun.

Was it really getting late?

"Hey, bro," Gil laughed as he pulled down his visor.

"What is it now?"

"Remember that one thing we would say a lot?"

"Gil, you have to be more specific than that."

"About the sun," Gil smiled, "remember?"

"Gil, now's not the time—"

"When you're tired and at your least," Gil smirked, "Just remember that the sun will always rise in the east."

"Gil," Ludwig sighed.

"C'mon, you know the rest!"

Ludwig groaned, "And when you're down and not your best, just remember that same sun will always set in the west."

"Good job, West! Kesesese!" Gil grinned.

"You're stupid," Ludwig laughed.

Gil laughed as well as he looked out the Driver's side window. There was a silver car beside him, the windows were too dark to see through. He looked straight ahead for a moment, but then realized that they were on a two-way road.

Why was that car on the wrong side?

Gil shot to the window again, and noticed theirs was being rolled down. A man looked at him with a smile on his face. Then he pulled out what looked like a rifle, and Gil immediately stepped on the brake. Both he and Lud lurched forward.

"Gil," Ludwig yelled, "what the hell was that for?"

Gil watched as that silver car started to turn around. His heart beat raced as he stomped onto the accelerator. His hands clutched the steering wheel as his car swerved past the silver one.

"Gil!"

"Ja?"

"What the hell was that about?"

"Fast and Furious, bro!"

"Gilbert!"

Gil looked in the rear view mirror, and noticed the silver car trail after them. Ahead of him he could still see that Nissan, and a few cars on the opposite side of the road. There didn't seem to be any other road to pull off and turn back around, so he was stuck where he was.

"For the last damn time, Gilbert!"

"Ja?"

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing, bro!"

"Don't pull that crap! Is that car following us?"

"Probably."

"What do you mean, 'probably'?"

"Just that. Probably."

"Why are we being followed?"

Gil shrugged as he looked in the rear view again, "Probably 'cause we're following their friend."

"That's it. I'm calling the police. I should have done this sooner."

Gil looked around the road, but still couldn't find another one to pull out on. As he looked past the Nissan, he could see a few more cars. A bit farther down he found a Metro Station. A few yards past the station he could see an intersection. If it worked out just right, he could turn out and make a U-turn.

As the Station inched closer, Gil noticed that silver car riding him. His heart skipped as he tried to pick up the speed, but the more he sped up the more they did too.

Gil looked over to his brother who was on the phone, then back to the Nissan. The Station had to be less than five minutes away.

Just hold them for a bit longer.

Then to Gil's dismay he could see a train coming in on the horizon. That means the gate would come down, and he'd be really stuck between these two psychos. He frantically looked around the road for any other way, then his car jolted forward. Then again, and again.

They were trying to run him off the road!

Gil sped up again, but he could hear the train's horn blare on. Then the Nissan before him slammed their brakes, and Gil's car was going to smash right into it.

"Gil!" Lud yelled as Gil stomped on the brake.

The car slid a bit to the left, then it was slammed from the back. Gil's forehead smacked against the steering wheel, and his vision darkened for a few moments. He felt the car spin a few times before another violent push caused his head to slam against the window.

A sudden immense pain consumed his leg, then he couldn't hear or feel anything for a few moments. Then he could hear his heart pound in his ears. His head started to throb as he tried to force open his eyes. Once he opened them, he looked ahead and saw what looked like an upside down tree trunk.

He shook his head as he felt blood rush to his cheeks.

The car must have rolled over.

"Lud," he muttered as he tried to unbuckle his seat belt, "Lud?"

He looked over, but found the passenger seat empty. His heart jumped as he tried to yank off the seat belt. He jerked himself free and he pushed open the door, then he pulled himself out of the car. He remained on the ground for a moment before he managed to sit up. He rubbed his head as he looked around.

There were no cars on the road, and the Station looked deserted.

He forced himself to his feet, but then fell to the floor. Another sharp pain coursed through his leg. He slowly pulled himself up as he continued to look around.

"Ludwig!" He called out, but there was no answer.

His breathes started to quicken as he tried to look for even one person.

"Ludwig!"

He managed to get to his feet after a few more attempts. He spun around, but every direction was as abandoned as the first. His hands started to shake as he limped over to the station.

Where was his brother?

Where was anyone?

He reached the front of the Station, but still found no one.

"H-hello?" His voice echoed, "Someone?"

He took in a breath as he trudged back to his car. Then he gently sat onto the ground, and pulled his knees to his chest. His leg throbbed, and his head pulsed. His gaze caught sight glass scattered about the ground, and then he looked up and saw his baby dented in on a few places.

"Just you and me, Awesome Mobile," he forced a laugh as his body trembled, "What the hell is going on?"

He sat in silence for a moment and his body continued to shake.

"That's it," Tears filled his eyes, "I get it now. I . . . No, no, that can't be! I'm the awesome Gil! I-I'm not . . ."

He bit his lip as he buried his face.

On the bright side his brother wasn't here.

On the flip side he was alone . . .

Then the ground below him started to shake. His head shot up as the shakes grew more violent. He tried to get to his feet, but he fell onto his back. He rolled over to his stomach as the shakes continued to grow. He got onto his hands and knees, and looked around. He noticed large cracks form upon the Station, and then he watched as the entire structure collapsed.

He blinked in confusion as he felt something sticky slither onto his hands. He looked down and he found what looked like liquefied tree bark. He lifted his head and the tree that had been in front of his car slithered down into a sticky heap.

He shook his hands and once more he tried to get up. To his surprise he managed to get to his feet, but the floor rumbled on. He tried to walk away but was distracted by the massive flames that had now consumed his car. He staggered backward as he felt his feet sink into the ground. His heart rate increased as he struggled to pull out his feet. His leg felt as if it were on fire.

He started for the main road but he was halted by an eerie, familiar screech.

No, no, no, no, no, no!

He somehow managed to pull his feet from the ground as he stepped upon the road. He turned around and where the Station had once stood he saw it.

Its dark eyes were locked on his.

"What do you want?" Gil's voice shook.

The creature titled its head, and a wide smile spread across its face.

"Gil," It growled, "I want you!"

It launched at Gil, but all he could think to do was shut his eyes and he shield himself with his arms. He was certain his leg was broken – there would be no way to outrun the thing. He continued to stand there, but everything seemed to stop. The ground ceased to sway, and he hadn't felt . . . anything. He didn't feel his body being taken over, and he didn't feel any more pain.

He opened his eyes and removed his arms. No longer was he by the Station. Instead he was outside of Francis' café. He furrowed his eyebrows as he scratched the back of neck.

"Are you alright?" A male's voice startled him.

He turned around, but he didn't see anyone. Instead he saw an animal, a wolf to be precise. Its yellow eyes were on him, its black tail swayed against the pavement.

Gil looked around the deserted area, then back at the wolf.

"Mein gott," He put his hand on his head, "I'm losing my mind."

"This world does that," the voice said again.

Gil looked down at the wolf, "There's no way."

"What?" The wolf replied, "For a beast to speak?"

Gil's eyes widened, ". . . Ja . . ."

"Don't worry, I won't bite."

Gil closed his eyes, "What the hell is wrong with me?"

"Don't be so hard on yourself. I'm telling you this place messes you up."

Gil opened his left eye, "This place?"

The wolf nodded, "This place is a labyrinth, and it will eat you alive if you're not careful."

"Right," Gil looked around, "well, talking wolf-man—"

"Please, call me Cain."

"Cain . . . where did bird-man go?"

Cain laughed, "he's gone for now, don't worry."

"Where'd he go?"

Cain shrugged, "could be anywhere, really."

"That's exactly what I needed to hear."

Cain laughed, "Like I said, he's gone. He doesn't normally venture in this area, so you should be safe here."

Gil looked to the café behind him, "so, what exactly is this place."

"Wonderland, Nirvana, Hell. Whatever you feel like calling it, really."

Gil turned to him, "you've lost me."

"This world falls entirely in its own realm. Its rules are its own, yet there isn't a soul to regulate them. Or at least there isn't a soul bored enough to do such a thing."

Gil frowned, "I'm still lost."

"I'm sure you are," Cain laughed, "and there really is a lot to explain in such little time."

"What do you mean?"

"Your time here is limited, Gilbert. You need to return to your family and friends."

Gil squinted his eyes, "how do you know my name?"

"Again, a lot of things to explain, but so little time. Here!" Cain started to walk, "come with me. I'll try to explain what I can."

Gil looked at him before he took a reluctant step. As he planted his foot down, there was no pain. He took a few more steps, and it still remained painless.

"Don't worry," Cain said, "your injuries are taken care of."

"How is that possible?"

Cain peered over his shoulder, "Anything is possible, here."

Gil scratched his head as he continued after the creature. As they walked, he stared at all the buildings surrounding them. Every little detail was the same as they should be, but he couldn't understand how this was some other place.

"Hey, Cain?" He found himself asking.

"Yes, Gilbert?"

"You can just call me Gil."

"As you wish."

Gil crossed his arms, "anyways, how come this place looks like this?"

"This world can appear anyway you see fit."

"Meaning?"

"Meaning you can change the area to your liking. But you may only do so if you stay here long enough."

"How long exactly would that be?"

"A week at most."

"That's it?"

"Don't get too excited," Cain looked up at him, "this place isn't suited for the weak hearted. This place is a catastrophe, an abysmal wasteland. Most that come here lose their sanity within the first five minutes."

"You seem pretty fine to me."

"That's because I am not a weak soul. As well, I've mastered all this world has to offer."

"Oh, yeah?" Gil smirked, "how do you suppose?"

Cain smiled, "I can change the date, the time, the place. I can conjure anything my mind wills. I can get from point A to point B without any detection. This world is my playpen, and I am an overbearing child."

"So, I take it you learned to talk here?"

Cain laughed, "Oh, no. I've always done – oh! You're asking because of my form, aren't you? I chose to stay this way for . . . undercover purposes. I don't look like this on a regular basis, I assure you."

"So what," Gil titled his head, "you're just some regular guy, then?"

"You could say that. To be entirely honest, I don't remember what my original self looks like any longer, so I take any form I see fit. For example," Cain stopped, "I can change into you."

Gil looked over his shoulder and before him stood . . . well, himself!

"W-what the hell?" He stammered.

Cain laughed, "I'm telling you, it is easy. Would I say it's worth staying in the godforsaken cage? Well, no, but it can come in handy here."

"This is freaking blowing my mind, bro."

"I'm sure," Cain said as he reverted back into the wolf, "but you did ask, so I had to show."

"Well, thanks, I guess."

"Of course," Cain pressed on.

As he followed Gil noticed them approach one of the nearby hospital buildings.

"Bro, what are we doing here?"

"Right," Cain turned around, "I'm helping you back home."

"I don't . . . live in a hospital."

Cain laughed again, "Of course you don't! But as of late, you are inside here. So I'm helping you get back to your body."

Gil's eyes widened, "So I am . . . dead?"

Cain shook his head, "Not exactly. It's more like your soul and body split apart. Back home you're comatose, and your soul was pulled here."

"So this place is like Limbo?"

"If you want to call it that," Cain walked inside the hospital, "then be my guest."

Gil followed after and looked around the empty waiting room. It was eerie, and almost felt unwelcoming.

"Cain, how come you're trying to help me, exactly?"

"You've gotten yourself in some major problems recently, Gil. Most of which you really should not have been stuck in in the first place. But now that you are where you are, I figured I might as well try aiding you and your friends."

"But, why? I mean, we're pretty much strangers. So what exactly would you be gaining in this?"

Cain turned down one of the hallways, "let's just say that I am tired of helpless people being dragged into this terrible place and never making it back out."

Gil looked around the empty hall, "so, how many people are here?"

Cain sighed, "Besides myself, not very many. Eventually the souls here get so lost they just disappear. Or they become a mindless beast like your friend we ditched earlier. It's very unfortunate, to be honest."

"I bet," Gil noticed Cain stop before a closed door, "so, how come you're still here? You don't seem as bad as you're making every other creature here seem."

"Like I said earlier, I am stronger willed than most that are dragged here."

"Can I ask something else?"

"Of course."

Gil looked at the door, "how exactly do people even get dragged into this place?"

Cain looked past him, "Oh, that's hard to explain. One would need to pull another in. I've never done it myself, so I am not too sure how it's done."

"Thought you said you mastered everything here," Gil smirked.

Cain met his eyes, "Dragging someone to this place is wrong, Gil. I would never purposely trap someone here. I'd much rather assist them out. But enough chatter, dear friend. Your family is waiting for you in there."

Gil looked at the door again, "They're behind there?"

"Well, you are. They didn't get stuck here like you did."

Gil reached for the doorknob, but stopped, "Hey, Cain?"

"Yes?"

"Do you know who dragged me here, and why?"

Cain remained silent for a moment before he replied, "That I do not know."

"I see," Gil pulled open the door, and he found his body lying upon a hospital bed.

His bangs were crusted with dry blood. There were a number of small scratches upon his face. His lower lip was busted and bruised. His heart monitor beat at a very slow pace. His skin was even paler than it should be.

All in all, he looked like crap.

Then he gave a quick laugh, "Is this what an out-of-body experience feels like?"

"Pretty close," Cain replied, "Well, Gil, this is where our meeting ends. It was a pleasure meeting your acquaintance."

Gil looked over his shoulder, "Yeah, you too."

Cain turned down the hall, but stopped, "Gil?"

"Yeah?"

"As rude as this may sound, don't come back here. Whatever you do."

Gil laughed, "Sure, bro. I'm not really planning on coming back."

"Good," Cain started away, "But if you were to come back, feel free to find me."

Gil watched as Cain rounded a corner and vanished. He forced another laugh as he looked back at his unconscious body, and sighed.

††††

Gil opened his eyes and was blinded by the bright ceiling lights. He shielded his eyes as he groaned.

"Amigo?"

Gil blinked a few times when Antonio's head covered the bright lights above.

"Sup?" Gil smiled.

Antonio wrapped his arms around Gil's neck, "Dios mio, Gil. I thought you'd never wake up!"

"What's that mean?" He threw an arm around his friend.

"Gil," Antonio pulled away, "You've been unconscious for a really long time!"

"Nah," Gil laughed, "It's only been a few minutes."

"No, amigo. I'm being serious. You've been out for a few hours. We were all getting really worried that you'd be stuck like this."

Gil grinned, "Oh, come on! I think you all forget you're talking about the awesome Gil! I overcome everything!"

Antonio smiled, but Gil could see the worry in the Spaniard's eyes. It didn't suit him.

"How late is it, bro?"

"Two in the morning."

"What?" Gil sat up, "how? It wasn't even dark yet!"

"Amigo, you were out for a long time."

"No way," Gil put his hand on his forehead.

"Hey, so how are you feeling?"

"Fine, actually."

"No pain anywhere?"

"Not at all," Gil looked at his hands, then he shot his head toward his friend, "Where's Lud?"

"In the waiting room, I think," Antonio looked up, "I don't think he wanted to leave until you woke up."

"He's okay? Nothing is wrong with my brother?"

Antonio shook his head, "He said he bumped his head a little, pero he's fine overall. You're the only one that had serious problems."

"Good," Gil sighed, "Anyone else here?"

"Arturo and Frankie should still be. Your hermano, y feli, y Lov . . ."

Gil noticed his friend's eyes fall to the floor, "Tonio, what's wrong?"

Antonio laughed, "Damn bastards. I can't believe they would do something like this."

"Toni," Gil furrowed his eyebrows, "what's wrong?"

Antonio shrugged.

"No, tell me," Gil clutched onto the bed sheet, "What's wrong?"

"Damn losers shot Lov—"

"Is he okay?" Gil tried to jump out of the bed, but Antonio pushed him back down.

"He's fine!" Antonio yelled, "He just got shot in the arm."

"They were caught, right? Please tell me those guys are locked up!"

Antonio sighed, "No, one of them got away."

"One? Okay, well, what about the other one?"

"The other one didn't make it."

"What do you mean by that?"

"The little black car ran right into a train, amigo."

Gil's eyes widened, "Wait, are you saying their dead?"

Antonio nodded, "apparently after you guys got hit, their car went right into the path of a train. The police are trying to figure out if it was on purpose, or if karma got them that fast."

"And the other one got away?"

Antonio nodded again.

Gil snorted, "Wonderful. You're sure Lov is fine?"

"Yeah, he's fine. Scared the hell out of both of us, though, but he's fine."

"Well, that's good news."

There came a light knock upon the door, and it was pushed open. Lizzie walked inside, and her eyes widened as they met Gil's

"Hallo, Prinzessin," he smiled.

She whimpered as she approached him.

"Gilbert Beilschmidt," She said as she grabbed his hand, "you are going to give me so many gray hairs."

"Vergib mir, Prinzessin," Gil squeezed her hand, "I never meant to do this to you."

"I know," She gave a small smile.

"Señorita," Antonio pulled a chair behind her, "Sit down. I know how tired you are."

"Thank you, Antonio," She sat as she took his hand as well, "You should sit too, my dear."

"Gracias, bonita, pero I'm about to leave. If you two need me, I'm going to go check up on Lovi."

As he left the room, Lizzie started to stroke the side of Gil's head.

He placed his hand upon hers and smiled, "Liz? You okay?"

She nodded, "I am now."

Gil forced a laughed, "What's that mean?"

"You scared me, stupid. I- we weren't sure you were going to wake up again . . ."

"Liz, I'm the awesome Gil!"

"Stop that," Lizzie squeezed his hand again, "you're not invincible, you know?"

"I know," Gil replied as he wiggled his toes.

"Gil?" Lizzie placed her hand on his cheek, "what were you thinking going after those men? What were you planning on doing?"

"To be honest," he sighed, "I don't really know. I was just pissed off, and I just wanted those guys to get what was coming to them."

"Gil, revenge is never the answer. You're allowing yourself to stoop to their level."

Gil pouted, "Don't lecture me, I'm fragile."

"No," She poked his nose, "you're stupid. Don't ever do that again, do you hear me?"

Gil nodded, "Loud and clear, Prinzessin. Loud and clear."