Don't Wake Me Up

A/N: I was listening to this song from Mew Mew Power (English of Tokyo Mew Mew) and thought "Hey, I can picture Hetaoni with this". I don't know how or why, but half way through this I didn't like how it turned out. It got… weird. So I'll take any suggestions on how to fix this. Plus I'm sure there are some errors in the Hetaoni story because I haven't played the game in forever. This was meant to be the first rewind. Enjoy.

Warnings: a very sad Italy but other than that, nothing that I can find.

The alarm clock's beeping pierced through the silence like a sharp knife. Italy was awake in an instant, amber eyes shooting open wide, bolting upright while clenching the bedspread with knuckles white. He must have made some sound waking, though he was too panicked to realize he had screamed. His throat burned and his head hurt from screaming. Now he just tried to get enough air in, his mind whirling as tears flowed down his face. He gripped his arms, hugging himself as his mind replayed those events, not yet realizing he was in his bed, still in his night clothes. His eyes slammed closed as he shook his head.

"GERMANY! JAPAN! PRUSSIA! EVERYONE!" he screamed, as if he would be answered.

They're dead. They're dead. They're…

No… Italy looked down at his clothes. A sleeveless shirt and shorts… not his blue uniform he wore to that meeting. Not the blue uniform splattered with the blood of his friends and fellow nations.

Take us back.

Take us back.

Take us back.

A… dream? Italy began laughing. Of course it was! Silly Italy! That mansion didn't exist. The monster didn't exist. No one died. Italy wiped his tears, feeling giddy. He would have to tell Japan all about it, Germany too. Though, Germany would scold him about allowing America to talk him into watching too many horror movies.

I know that, you're out there

Italy glanced at the calendar he'd hastily put on the wall when he arrived here. Ah! Today was a meeting. That's why he was in an unfamiliar place. This room was his hotel room. The meeting was in Japan's house this time. He'd tell his friends about his dream today. If he hurried… Italy glanced at the alarm clock… he could get there early and take his time! Italy smiled broadly as he jumped out of bed. He didn't see the corner of the book poking out from under the pillow. He would be early! Germany would be proud of him! He normally was scolded for getting there late or just in time.

I can hear you calling

Italy hastily put on his blue military uniform. He had many but he liked this one the best. Today many of the nations were dressing formally in uniforms. Something about pictures. Italy liked taking pictures. Mainly because he got to smile his brightest smile. Some nations didn't smile for photos but he enjoyed trying to get them to. Especially Germany. Eventually Italy would prod him enough to get that awkward smile he was used to. As if Germany didn't know how. He did, but few nations were able to see it. Italy was one of the lucky ones. He liked his friend's real smile. Italy quickly grabbed a comb and combed out the mussed state of his bed head until his auburn hair sat normally on his head, curl bouncing out as usual. Maybe if he hurried he could walk with Germany to the meeting place. He knew he should call Germany's room ahead of time but surely Germany wouldn't mind a surprise visit! He could already imagine Germany's yell as he tackled him right as he opens the door. After all, what was a greeting for Germany without a surprise leap-hug?

I've dreamed a million dreams since we first met

Oh! That's right! Italy patted his pockets, one after another as he searched. Where did he put it? Germany would get angry if he forgot his cell phone today too. Just in case he wandered away during a break and needed directions back. Italy didn't usually get into trouble but Germany liked the idea that he could keep in touch with him just in case. I have such a nice friend in Germany, Italy thought to himself. Oh! Italy rushed over to his bed. He had put it under his pillow, didn't he? Yes! So that if he slept through his alarm clock, the cell phone's vibrating ringer would wake him up anyway. Italy was very clever, contrary to what a lot of the other nations thought of him.

Italy lifted up the pillow, calling out an "ahah!" as he did so. He dropped it when he saw the eerily familiar black book sitting ominously next to his cell phone. He backed up, eyes wide. Bile rose in his throat and he slapped his hands over his mouth. No. No. Why? That was-That was the book in his dream. The one he found. It looked so much like a bible. It only missed a cross and it would be easily mistaken for one. The dream instantly came crashing back into Italy's mind. No. Not a dream. It wasn't a dream. It was real. A real nightmare. He remembered seeing Canada's body first. So much blood. He could almost hear America's confused voice as he stood in disbelief. Nations didn't die. America's scream as he realized that Canada wouldn't revive, no matter how many hours he waited. One by one others followed. Horrified by the images… the memories… Italy saw each nation fall after that. America, England, China, Russia, Japan, Prussia, and…

Italy let out a scream as he remembered the image of Germany's wounded body leaning against his older brother's. They sat against the wall, no longer able to stand from the fight. He remembered their urging. Run, Italy. Run away. It was too late for them. But he could still get out. He was fast enough. And… he did. Italy ran to the bathroom, barely able to wrench the door open before he vomited into the toilet. He left them! He was so scared that he ran away! All because of that broken look Germany gave him and the pleading. Germany! Germany actually begging him to run?! Something made him just run.

Italy sobbed, leaning against the wall. How could he have just left them? Was it really fear? Or had it been because Germany told him to. Germany knew everything, Italy had thought this once. So if he knew there was no way to win… But there was a way. Italy slowly pulled himself back together. He stood up, wobbling on his feet as he walked back into the room. His form swayed as he walked back to the bed. He grabbed the book and slowly turned to look at the calendar. Every day was crossed out up until today, where it had been circled in red to mark the meeting day. Romano made sure he crossed each out without missing a day. He claimed that it was to make sure he himself wouldn't be blamed if Italy missed a day and didn't show up for a meeting. But Italy knew his brother did care despite implying the opposite. So that meant…

Italy opened the book. He frowned, sinking down to sit on the bed. His finger traced the elegant handwriting. Veniciano Italy. His name… signed in the front of the book.

Take us back.

Italy hiccupped. He remembered. He remembered making it out. He'd run the entire way out and crossed over the gate. The line the creature couldn't cross. It shrieked from the other side, clawing at the air as it tried to get him. The last one. The survivor. It was savage. It was starving. It had fed on so many before them. Humans. But never nations. Nothing else would ever sate its hunger like they had. Italy's head had swum with so many emotions. Terror, devastation, loss, anger and hysteria. He was out. He was free. But his friends were not. They were dead. He had signed this contract so that he could go back. That's what he had demanded. He yelled at the creature. Take us back. Take him back to the beginning; give him the chance to change it all. If the monster caught him, that was it. The monster seemed to be so mindless… but it wasn't.

Italy remembered how the monster simply stopped fighting. It stood, staring at him. Italy knew it could grant his wish. He didn't think it would. Why would it give up its meals? Why would it give him the chance to take them away for good? Was it the fear that Italy would follow through with his threat to destroy this place with bombers? No. it wasn't afraid. It laughed at him. It wanted him to struggle. It wanted to taste the nations again. It allowed Italy to go back into the mansion. To find the book and sign the contract. To find the clock and turn the hands back. The world had grown dark as he finished. That had been when he woke up. Back on the day of the meeting. Afterwards they would journey there, to the mansion. Because of the rumor…

The rumor! Italy jumped up. It had been him that had heard of the rumor and told his friends. It had been him that had told his friends then invited America, who then invited everyone else. So if he didn't tell them! They couldn't go! Italy grinned at the book. That was easy! He could outsmart it. Italy threw the book across the room. Italy felt giddy. All solved…

yoU caNoT EscApE

Italy paled as he heard those words. He felt his knees go weak as his eyes went wide, tears filling them. Of course that wouldn't work would it? The creature would find a way. His eyes darted around. Did it follow him here, to make sure he brought the nations back? Of course not telling anyone wouldn't work. He had told everyone about it already. Yesterday. During the first part of the meeting. Prussia insisted on it when Germany refused to join them. There was no avoiding it. It would happen. So how could he change that terrible fate?

A banging on the door sent Italy under the bed. He let out a shriek and curled into a ball in his hiding place. Go away! Go away! Italy covered his head with his arms. He didn't want this to happen again! He didn't want his friends to die and he didn't want to die either! He wished he had never overheard that rumor!

"ITALY! Open this door! I will not allow you to be late again!"

Italy uncovered his head.

"GERMANY!" he cried happily.

Italy scrambled out from under the bed. He would warn Germany! Germany could think of a way out! He always could make great plans…

Italy froze, his hand on the door knob. But Germany's plan hadn't worked before. He had died. He and Prussia had died. They almost made it out. His plan almost worked. But it didn't. Italy shook his head. No. He couldn't doubt Germany.

And you came along and taught me how to be strong

Germany was strong! He could do it. They could do it! Together! He, Germany and Japan could! Germany had tried so hard to make Italy strong too. There was nothing they couldn't do if they tried.

Nothing's ever going to be right if I'm wrong

Italy swung open the door and launched himself at the tall blond nation. Germany seemed to have expected this and was prepared for the impact. For it was like running into a brick wall, completely unmoving. Italy didn't care. Upon sight, Italy lost it completely. Germany was there! Germany was alive and unharmed. He wasn't lying against a wall, bleeding as he approached death. Italy locked his arms around his friend, ignoring the indignant sputters and orders for him to release him. It was wonderful! So wonderful! He could almost forget the awful future that could happen that evening.

Italy heard Prussia's signature laugh, sounding like "kesesesese". Prussia was alive too! Italy quickly grabbed the older nation and pulled him into the hug, making it a group hug. Prussia must have found it odd, as Italy would have given him a hug all his own. But he made no comment on it, instead choosing to comment on how cute Italy was being this morning.

Don't wake me up

Italy didn't care if this was a beautiful dream right then. He cried shamelessly into Germany's green coat. His hold on the blond nation and the pale haired former nation was like steel. As if they could vanish at any moment.

"Italy! What has gotten into you!" Germany sputtered.

Italy felt the larger nation relax a small amount.

"Was? Why are you crying?" Germany asked, surprised.

"Italy's crying?! Why? Tell me right now, Ita! I, the awesome Prussia, will make it pay!" Prussia added in, his voice louder.

And tell me none of it's true

"You died! Everyone died! We went to the mansion and a big monster trapped us there! It killed us each one by one until I was left alone! But when I got out, it made a deal with me! So I came back so that no one will die! But it won't let us not come! Oh Germany! I don't know how to keep it from happening!" Italy rushed out.

Germany and Prussia were silent as Italy sobbed. Germany sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation.

"Italy." He started, his tone already scolding, "You were dreaming. I told you not to watch America's scary movies. Look what's happened. None of that happened."

Italy pushed away from Germany, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Wh-what? No! But it happened! I swear it did!" Italy cried out.

Prussia patted Italy on the head. He smiled confidently. Italy felt his stomach drop, as if he had swallowed a bunch of heavy rocks.

"Don't worry Ita. Everyone is safe. There's no monster trying to get you or anyone else! Even if there was I could easily take it out with my awesomeness!" Prussia said.

Italy's eyes dropped to the floor.

"You… don't believe me…? Do you…?" he said.

They didn't believe him! But he was telling the truth! But… it did sound farfetched. Like a made up story.

"Look here, Italy. It was a dream. Nothing more. Stop being so childish this instant. If you are so afraid, you can stay here. I know my bruder will drag me along… unfortunately." Germany said.

Prussia crossed his arms and stuck his tongue out at his brother. Germany muttered how immature he was being for someone who was supposed to be the elder brother. Italy just stood there trembling. They were still going?! He had to stop them! He had to go too! They can't remember what happened! He had to prove to them… The book! Italy held up the book.

"It did happen! I have proof! I signed this book as a contract to the monster. In return I would be brought back to the time before we went to the mansion! See! See!" Italy said.

Germany sighed and took the book. Italy clenched his fists as he waited. Germany's face revealed nothing as he opened the book and flipped through the pages. Prussia stood on tip toe, trying to look at the book as well. Germany snapped the book closed.

Don't wake me up

"Italy, this book is blank. Now wake up and stop this nonsense! We have a meeting to go to and at this rate we will be late!" Germany said, handing the book back.

Italy gaped, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. He quickly opened the book. But there was his signature! As clear as day! How could they not see it! It was the first page!

"Jeez, Ita. If you're not feeling well, maybe you shouldn't go to the meeting. I bet you have a fever. West always has weird dreams when he has fevers." Prussia said, reaching a hand out to put it on Italy's forehead.

"Nein! Italy is just fine! We are all going to the meeting now! And nein, I do not have weird dreams when I have a fever!" Germany said angrily.

Germany quickly grabbed Italy's arm and began dragging him away. Italy allowed it, still feeling as if in a daze. He couldn't believe it. His only hope. Germany couldn't come up with a plan if he didn't believe him! Prussia didn't even believe him. This was all his fault. If he hadn't been so slow while they were exploring the town a few days ago, he'd have never overheard the conversation the rumor was mentioned in. The only way Germany would believe him would be going to the mansion and experiencing it again. Italy found himself crying again.

To live in a world without you

Italy couldn't do it. What if Germany just died again? Italy would just… die. He couldn't imagine a world without his friends.

"Cheer up, Ita. Everything will be just fine. You'll see. Just have a little faith. There's no way any of us could be defeated by some silly monster." Prussia said.

Don't wake me up!

"We're too awesome for that! Why, remember how strong we were in the past wars? We kicked ass! Together, nothing can stand in our way!" Prussia said, punching the air.

Germany resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He also resisted the urge to correct his brother and remind him that they hadn't won those wars. They lost. But he didn't want to discourage Italy. He seemed to perk up a bit from those words.

Don't wake me up!

Italy wondered. Would that work? Yes… yes it might. If he could convince everyone to work together right after they were trapped, no one would die! They could band together and find a way to kill the monster!

"Is that true, Germany?"

Unless to tell me this dream is real

Germany sighed.

"Ja, Italy. It's true." He said.

Germany couldn't help but feel a little relieved as Italy perked up. A sad Italy… now that was unnatural. Seeing that was like seeing the end of the world. He never wanted to see Italy like that. Italy beamed. He began swinging his arm, swinging Germany's in turn. Yes, they were friends and could do anything. Now all he needed was to convince the allies. That would be difficult. They didn't exactly trust him after World War two after all. Italy felt better. That would be a dream he could eagerly work for. He would make it real.

Omake:

"Veh… Germany? I forgot my phone." Italy announced.

Germany stopped.

"ITALY!" he began scolding.

For some reason, it made Italy smile. He wondered if he should start running now. He bet Germany wouldn't catch him if he did. He'd keep running and running… Germany would be chasing him all day! That thought made him laugh. That laugh made Germany smack him upside the head.

"Owie! Germany is so mean!"

Translations:

Nein = no

Bruder = Brother

Was = What

Ja = yes

Omake = Extra bit put at the end of a story by the author (I'd seen this word thrown around and finally looked it up. How did I do?)