---CHAPTER X: BLOOD (Part 1)---

(((Italy's PoV)))

The only thing I remember vividly, 

to the point I can't breathe,

is when we first came here.

Even while everyone was trying to think of 

a way to escape,

I did nothing to help... 

I had to be protected like an idiot...

Meanwhile, everyone else was getting hurt.

And I was alone.

One after the other,

they lost their lives right before my eyes.

----

***flashblack***

((Japan and Italy in the Piano room - Japan's death))

"Huhu

...I'm sorry. It looks like this is the end for me." Japan croaked out, barely able to move.

"D-Don't say that! Wait just a minute! I'll make bandages out of this flag and stop the bleeding!" I told him, tears running down my cheek.

Japan did his best effort to shake his head, "No... no, it's hopeless. There is no time. Please, just leave me here and go to the others. Fortunately, they've forgotten...that I came here. Please, leave me..."

"Of course I can't do that! Just--I'll make bandages right now! Please!" I frantically tried to search my pockets for at least a piece of cloth.

"Italy."

"Wh-what?"

"You don't have your white flag any more, do you? You have already used all of it to make bandages for everyone else." Japan said. He knows... He knows that..but...

"No! I-I do!! L-Look! I just made it! I'll help you right now!!

... No, Japan!! I'll do anything!! I'll do anything!!! Just hold on a little longer!" I was pleading him with all I could muster. I just... This...This isn't happening...

Japan actually gave me a small smile. "Italy, you are very kind. But even though my eyes are dulled, I know that you are lying.

It is so

... frustrating.

Til the end, I wanted us to get

...out... together......" At that...Japan gave his last breath.

---====----====-----

***LOST JAPAN***

----====---=====----

((Fireplace room with Prussia, Italy, Russia, France, China - Russia, France, China's death))

"Sorry. This is where I fall." China accepted, clutching his bloodied arm.

Russia spoke up, his voice almost cracking, "I'm glad we could make... a new breach, at least."

"Come now, Italy, don't cry; just go. If you stay here, that monster is going to show up again." France told me, his once bragged-about clothing now bathed in blood.

I shook my head, "But--"

"...Prussia, will you take care of Italy? He's fast on his feet, but it's hard to fight that monster." France cut in.

Prussia placed a hand on my shoulder, "I know. I'll do it."

I noticed Frenchman slowly closed his eyes upon hearing that, "France?" 

".....Quickly. Don't let our efforts be in vain. Really, you're so slow on the uptake." Russia said.

China nodded weakly, "If you stay here, you're only going to get in the way. Just get away, quickly."

"Let's go, Italy. Let's get out of here." Prussia told me, pulling me to the door. I was very hesitant, but eventually followed him. I overheard them as I was outside, in front of the door.

"You really are perfect for the role of villain."

"You're quite the actor, yourself."

"I have to find... Japan... quickly.While I got all sluggish here... I forgot again..."

"... China?

......Haa... Even in this place...I'm all alone yet again..." 

---===---

***LOST RUSSIA, FRANCE, CHINA***

--====---

((Third floor room -- Italy, America, England, Canada -- America, Canada, and England's death))

"Yeah, we'll be fine, so just get out of here and get us reinforcements or something." America said, patting my back.

I turned to him and spoke, "Wait! In the meantime, even you will get hurt beyond help?"

America shook his head, "It's fine. Besides, I want to do these two a favour and stay with them."

"America..." My gaze trailed over to England and Canada's bodies laid on the bed, bloody and bruised. I waited for a few moments to see if their chests would rise and fall...but it didn't. They weren't moving at all.

The American turned to follow my gaze and froze for a moment. America clenched his fists and breathed deeply, "...Haaa

... No, that isn't it. They can't hear me any more, so I'll tell you in all honesty...

I want to stay with them. Til my last moment.

Because they're both very important to me."

"And because you're going to... protect me?" I asked softly, guilt stabbing me violently.

America didn't look fazed at all. He even gave his signature grin and gave me a thumbs up. "Haha! Yeah. Even though I can't even move any more. But I'm not making a mistake. And I regret nothing."

My eyes widened at his statement.

The American staggered a bit as he walked over to the bedside, and caressed both England and Canada's heads. I saw his eyes started to water, but he turned to me and spoke softly, "Go for it. I wish you luck." 

---====---

***LOST AMERICA, ENGLAND AND CANADA***

---=====---

((Basement room with Prussia, Germany, Italy - Prussia and Germany's death))

"We got back the key." Prussia told me as he was leaning on the wall for support from the fatigue and the wounds he tried to endure.

Tears started streaming down my cheeks. "Hey, stop crying.We risked our lives and went through so much trouble to get it back. You should be happier." Germany told me softly.

"Why did you lie...? You said you were only going to take a look around..." I choked out.

The blonde German looked away, but spoke, "Ah, yes. Well

... it's probably for the same reason you didn't tell us that everyone else is dead."

I was taken aback by his words. "You knew??!"

Prussia gave a light chuckle upon listening to us. "Hahah! 

... Well... now, West, why don't we take a little rest? I'm really tired."

Germany turned to his older brother and nodded. "You're right, Prussia. You can go ahead; I'll catch up with you."

"Why?! No! I can't do this any more! I'm staying with you!!" I exclaimed.

Germany finally looked at me straight in the eyes and spoke weakly, "Anyone who... disobeys... will run... ten laps"

Prussia slowly slumped his arms to his sides."...... Look... if you don't... hurry up...he'll keep adding even more."

I started shaking, not wanting to accept what was happening before my very eyes.  

"Fine! I'll run!! I'll run ten laps! I'll run as many laps as you want! But I'll run away! 

And then Germany...

... will have to run

... to catch me..."

Suddenly, I noticed Prussia limply hung his head down.

"Prussi---"

Before I could even try to call out to Prussia...I also saw Germany close his eyes slowly and give...his final breath. 

"Ger...ma...ny..." 

---====----===---

***LOST PRUSSIA AND GERMANY***

---========-----==

Even when I followed different paths, no matter what I did, they still left me.

If only I hadn't heard those rumours...

If only I hadn't told America.

No, this is no good. I just have to try harder.

What was I supposed to say next, again? Whose life was going to be in danger next, again? What... do I have to do next?

How many more times will I be allowed to make mistakes?

How many more times will I have to tell the same lies?

How many more times will I have to watch my friends die?

I made them so many promises. But when we met next, they had forgotten all about them. We had finally learnt to get along, but when we met next, they were all back to normal.

I don't want them to forget, though. What can I do? What do I have to do? How can I get them all out of here?

Haaa... It's hopeless. It feels like my head is going to burst...

I want to try harder... and harder... but... I'm so very tired... 

===~*~*~*~*~*~*End of Flashback~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~===

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Reader's PoV=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Wiping sweat off my forehead and brushing out my (h/c) locks from my face, I turned the knob and stepped outside of the bathroom.

Suddenly, from the corner of my eye, I saw someone leaning on the wall beside me, his arms crossed.

"Ciao, ragazza."

I turned to the man who called out to me. Out of all the Italians that could have possibly said that...it just had to be the worst.

"Luciano..." I spoke softly.

His magenta coloured orbs hinted a glint of bloody murder looming over me. Though, his expression looked blank, which scared me more. For a while, he did not speak at all. It looked more like he was thinking of something deeply. Was he planning on how he's going to kill me...? I pray that that's not the case. 

He suddenly gave a small chuckle and then spoke, "Heh. I've gotta hand it to you, ragazza... You've got some nerve trying to escape and head over to those First Player bastardos."

I looked down, the feeling of defeat was starting to sink in.

"Hmm? Does this mean that you've become heartless, after all? Mama and Papa not that important to you?~" he asked me, his tone almost playful, but gave me a stab of throbbing guilt.

Turning to face him, I spoke, "No...No...That's not it at all. I would never want my parents to be harmed in any way...but... but...I can't just leave...Italy and the others... Luciano...I... I won't tell them about you guys... Just please...let me see them..."

"Fine." he said simply.

Not expecting him to answer like that, I raised an eyebrow and repeated what he said, "...'Fine'...?"

"That's right, ragazza. I will allow you to go meet with your First Player friends. We won't hurt your parents for doing that, either." the auburn haired Italian told me.

I took a step back and stared at him.

"...What's the catch?" I asked.

Once again, his magenta coloured orbs lit up with a strange glint in them. He chuckled, a bit louder this time. "Amazing. Sometimes, you make me feel like I'm talking to a total airhead. But there are really times  you actually prove yourself otherwise. Si. There is a catch...."

Tilting my head, I ushered him to continue.

"I will allow you to go meet with your First Player friends, without us having to hurt your parents at all....but if....and only if...

...you help us retrieve something vital."

My eyebrows furrowed, trying to think of what could possibly be needed by these Second Players. I tried coming up with possible items, but it all seemed to be unnecessary....what could it be? Giving up, I inquired, "...Retrieve what?"

"....It's some sort of metal piece."

Crossing my arms, I gave him a look of disbelief. "Luciano...how could I possibly look for something like that if you're just going to give me that vague description."

"Ah. No no no, ragazza~ You won't have a problem finding it."

"Uh-huh. Then tell me where I can get it for you and get this over with..."

He gave a smirk and spoke, "Simple. It's in the hands of those First Players. Currently, I heard it's held by the German First Player. He probably got it from my useless counterpart. It's easy, ragazza. Just take the metal piece and give it back to us, after that, you're free to do whatever you want. You could be on our side, or you could be on theirs. Since I know you'll probably choose the First Player's side, let me tell you this...They're the dying team here. Saying that, you'd still probably go along with them. But we won't care anymore...as long as you give us the what we need."

After hearing and analyzing what he just said, I felt something was off.

"This...metal piece...won't the First Players need it, too? I mean, if they took it with them...it's gotta be important..." I told him slowly.

Luciano clicked his tongue. "You're an airhead, again, ragazza. Siiii. Of course, it's fucking important. Why do you think I'd have you take that from them?!"

Upon realising this, I started to shake my head. "No...then....Then that means I'll... That means I'll have to betray them...?"

"Si. That's exactly what it means."

I looked away. What should I do? If I accept Luciano's offer...I'd be able to go check on the First Players and maybe even help them out...and keep my parents safe at the same time....but at the same time.....I'd be taking part in Luciano's plan for the downfall of the First Players. That metal piece might even turn out to be one of those items necessary to leave the mansion... But...if I don't accept....what? I'll just stay at that unknown room without doing anything at all? .....I can't do that either.

How am I supposed to deal with this?

This wasn't part of the original game at all. Not knowing what the possible consequences are to the next steps I'll take...makes me feel so...vulnerable.

I don't have a checkpoint. I can't save before making a decision. I can't restart this game or reload this game.

....Because this isn't a game.

This isn't the game I thought I knew. This is for real. This is my reality.

And as it is to me and to many...

....reality is scary.

"........But.....they'll get mad at me for taking away something that could've been of use them....They'll get mad....at me...." I stated, my eyes starting to water.

Luciano turned around, not facing me, and spoke darkly. "Si. But that is no longer my problem, ragazza."

Should I?

Should I not?

What is the answer? 

If I decide now...I'll probably regret this later on... 

...but it's just like how it usually is when we make decisions, right?

So....?

".......So, ragazza? Will you accept or will you not? Time is ticking away."

I blinked hard to prevent tears from trickling down my cheeks. Gathering enough courage to make a final and firm decision, I spoke up.

"Alright..... I'll do it."

Silence fell upon us for a moment before Luciano spoke, "Hm. Then, it's settled. Check your phone."

I was confused for a while, but followed his order. Carefully pulling out my phone from my pocket, I looked at the screen:

---

1 TEXT MSG

Ciao. 

---

"You have received my text message, si? Save that number. I might call you every now and then or give you a message, when I do that update me on whether or not you have retrieved the item. The rest of the details are to follow." he said monotonously.

Even though he couldn't see me, I nodded anyway.

Luciano slowly turned to me and spoke, "You may go, now, raga--"

Before he even got to finish that sentence, the door a few steps behind him slammed open. From it, a large, gray monster emerged.

"L-Luciano..! Behind you!" I exclaimed.

The monster suddenly lunged towards us, but Luciano moved swiftly enough to get us out of the way. We somehow stumbled down on the floor, a few feet away from the creature. "T-Thanks." I said shakily.

"Che. These fucking creatures started acting up crazy ever since their main model got eliminated by that First Player." Luciano spat out, obviously irritated by the monster. He turned to me and spoke, "The First Players are somewhere on the second floor. Just get what we need. Go."

"What about you? That monster's dangerous!" I told him.

He gave a sarcastic laugh and a smirk. "Ragazza, you well know that I'm  the dangerous one here."

Somehow, even if it was uncalled for in this circumstance, I found myself giggling at his statement. I started walking away at a safe distance from Luciano and the creature.

In a split second, their fight began. Luciano started throwing his knives skillfully at the grey monster. The monster gets hit, but manages to retaliates. The fight was going well in favour of Luciano...but then, the monster pulls up a fast one and hits the auburn haired Italian's side. It seems as though Luciano was critically hurt.

"Ugghh..." he coughed out.

"Luciano!!!" I yelled. Panicking, I waved my hand in front of me to check if I could monitor his stats. ...And I could. I saw his HP bar was dangerously low.

Rummaging through my bag quickly, I took a swiss knife and two riceballs. I ran closer to where they were.

Not really as trained with knives as Luciano, I tried my best to at least hit the monster with my weapon. 

"Take this!" I called out as I threw the swiss knife at the creature. Miraculously, I hit its forehead, causing the Thing to recoil a little.

Luciano approached me. "You....you hit it.... but what the heck are you doing?"

"Saving your ass. Now, here, eat this." I told him, handing him the two riceballs.

He gave me a confused and almost sounded irritated. "I appreciate you hitting it a bit, but now is not the fucking time for a picnic."

"No, you idiot. Just eat it. You know that I know how this game works. Now, eat the freaking riceballs already!" I ordered him. He was irritably hesitant, but started munching on it anyway. As soon as he finished it, I checked his HP bar on the screen. It went back to full after he ate the two riceballs as I have told him.

".......What...." he muttered under his breath.

I grabbed his shoulders to make him face the direction where the monster was starting to walk. "Yes. Cool. I know. It's going to be on active attack mode later, so you better work your knife-throwing prowess there." I said.

Out of nowhere, he suddenly had more knives in between his fingers. How the hell does he do that? I backed up a bit and watched as Luciano started attacking the monster with his switchblades, with his newly regained strength, he was able to hit with increased precision and accuracy. The creature gave its attacks here and there, but he was able to dodge it. After several exchanges of hits, I noticed Luciano looking fatigued. 

"....Luciano!! Are you alright? Can you still fight?" I asked him in a worried tone.

He was silent for a few moments when he answered slowly, "....Si."

With one final hit against the monster, the Thing finally disappears.

I hurriedly rushed over to Luciano, who leaned against the wall, panting and his eyes closed.

 Seeing that he was fine overall, I breathed a sigh of relief. "You're okay. That's a relief. I thought the monster was going to give another critical attack a while back. Good thing you quickly evaded it." 

He didn't say anything.

Uncomfortable with the silence, I took a few steps back. What am I doing? For a second there, I was like all friendly with Luciano. Goodness, he must be completely irritated.

"Why?" he asked in a low voice.

I creased my forehead. "Huh?"

He opened his eyes and grabbed both my shoulders. "Why didn't you leave? Why did you stay here and help me? 

Why...were you showing concern...? I don't understand you at all!" he said in a frustrated voice.

Bravely, I raised my hands over the tan Italian's cheeks and pinched them.

"For a murderous, knife-throwing, smart guy...you're pretty slow on this. Of course I couldn't leave! I saw you got hit by that grey alien-like monster. I had to do something! I can't just leave you there! What if something happened?...." I answered.

His frustrated look worsened. "That's the thing! Did you ever think that it would have been more advantageous to you if you just left me there to get injured or to get hurt? Why did you--"

"I care. You idiot... I told you, even before I met you guys in real life, I was actually a fan of the 2Ps. Sure, you guys have been total asshats kidnapping me and my parents and trying to get rid of the 1Ps...but I really think that it can still be worked out! We have words. We can use them. I want to leave this mansion...without anyone have to lose their life. I don't want anyone of us to die here. First Players, Second Players, my parents--anyone! Sometimes, I don't understand it myself, either. But... I just... I just...think that if things are going to be settled...it shouldn't be here. You can still have a life better than this...if you just---"

"Enough." Luciano cut me off.

I let go of him, as he did of me. "Luciano..."

He turned away from me and spoke monotonously, "It's time for you to go there, ragazza. Don't forget our deal."

"Lu--"

"Go!"

Hesitantly, I turned around and headed over to the stairs. Before I turned to the corridor to my left, I sneaked a peek back to where that auburn haired Italian stood.

There I saw that Luciano was still there, leaning on the wall, thinking deeply.