---CHAPTER X: BLOOD (Part 5)---

~~~Reader's PoV~~~

"(Name)...

(Name)...

(Name)...uhm, please wake up."

I felt my eyes slowly flutter open to see violet orbs gazing down on me. As my vision adjusted to the light, I realised that it was Canada. 

"(Name), sorry to disturb your sleep, but I just wanted to let you know that we're back in the saferoom. Ah, but you may continue your sleep on the beds over there, eh?" the blonde haired Canadian said.

Looking at my current position, I became a little bit flustered. I realised that Canada was still carrying me in his arms. "O-Oh my! Thanks, Canada. You can put me down now..sorry for the bother." I told him.

He gently let me steady myself to stand on the wooden flooring of the room. "You're welcome. And no, it was not a bother at all. You looked really tired, so I'm glad you were able to take a break even for a while. You...were able to rest, right?"

"Yeah...why do you ask?" I tilted my head.

Canada furrowed his brows slightly and cupped his chin. "Well....you were sort of...sleep talking a while back."

"Wh-What?! I...didn't say anything inappropriate or anything.....did I?" I asked nervously.

He gave a soft chuckle and spoke, "No no. Just things like, 'mansion', 'time', 'cupcakes'..."

"....Ah...maybe I was getting a bit hungry from all the searching around the mansion and stuff ehehe..." I reasoned awkwardly.

Canada suddenly snapped his fingers and and faced me, "I remember some more you said....ah, what was it..? ...'hide-and-seek'--"

"--I-I think it was from my childhood memories or something. I, uh, tend to dream about those sometimes..." I told him, starting to cringe at the recollection of the dream I had just a while back.

The Canadian nodded at my explanation. He was about to walk over to the other side of the room when he turned around and spoke to me again. "......I also remember you saying,'I'm sorry' in your sleep... Why, is there something bothering you, (Name)?" he asked me in a worried tone.

My eyes widened at that. "N-No... I...I think I dreamt about uhm...eating cupcakes that weren't mine?" I told him, shrugging.

He seemed to not buy my reason, but his eyes softened. "Alright. Sorry for being too nosy. Just remember that I'm here if you need me." he told me, walking over to the tables on the other side of the room.

Just then, I saw Japan walking inside the room. It seems that Canada went ahead of them to get me here sooner. My gaze followed the slim Japanese man as he walked over to his Northern Italian friend.

"We're back, Italy..." Japan said in a low voice.

Italy turned around to face the person who spoke to him, "Oh, you're back. Hello, er... Japan!"

"Italy... Thank God

...You seem to be doing a little better. As does your memory." Japan smiled and gave a sigh of relief.

Italy scratched the back of his head and spoke, "Yeah. Sorry for all the trouble. I still don't remember everything, but...things are falling into place." he pointed at his older brother who was a few steps away from them and continued, "I talked a lot with my brother... so I've started to remember things little by little."

Remembering something, I made my way over to the two and excused Japan.

"Japan..." I started. 

He looked at me and spoke, "Ah, (Name)-chan...are you feeling alright now?" 

"Yes, thanks... I just remembered that now is the right time to talk to him about the letter." I told him, rubbing my elbow.

He nodded in agreement. "I see...but I need you to help me in doing that, alright?"

"M-Me? You don't need me... I wasn't originally part of this, remember? I just want to guide you guys to the extent of what I can do. I know you can do the rest." I said timidly.

Japan shook his head. "I understand that you were not originally part of this so-called, 'game'...but you are now, (Name)-chan. You have indeed been helping us quite a lot and we're thankful. We do need you." he said, giving a warm smile.

I fell silent for a while.

Why?

...Because after having him say that... I felt something.

Guilt.

"B-But...what if...What if I wasn't able to help you guys at all? What if...what if there would come a time when I have the chance to run away or save myself--and choose to do so...? What if...what if... what if I became a burden to you guys, instead? I mean, I don't even belong here! ...Would you still...need someone like me?" I asked him, my lips slightly trembling.

Usually, Japan would pause for a few moments to think through what he would say next, but surprisingly, he answered the question immediately, "Yes."

"....Wha......Why?"

He placed a hand on my shoulder and looked at me. "(Name)-chan... You are here with us. We've already been through a lot together with everyone. Even in an unlikely place like this, we have made such...a special bond. The kind that we will all cherish together. All of us here care for one another--and that includes you. We care for you-- to the point that we would be happy for you to get out of this mansion even without us. You would never be a burden to us at all. You're our friend. We will all get out of this mansion together. When that happens, the bonds we have made here would not sever. We may be from different worlds, but we're here in this mansion as one. We all belong." 

"J-Japan....Thank you..." I said, sniffling and pulling the Japanese man into a tight hug. He felt a bit embarassed at first, since he was not used to contact like this other than from Italy's old self...but he also felt comfort so he returned the hug and pat my head gently. "There there...." he tried to soothe me. After a few moments, he spoke again, "I think I know what to tell Italy now." I looked at him and nodded with a small smile on my face.

Suddenly, before I was able to break the hug from Japan, I felt someone pull us apart. "Heeyy! Why are you hugging Japan, dudette?!" he exclaimed, pouting.

I laughed a bit at this and answered, "I, uhm, missed him?" 

"And not me?" the American gasped. China went beside and and pointed to himself, "Or me, aru?"

It was really funny to see how these guys acted childishly, so I went along with it. "I missed all of you!" I said, giving them a quick bear hug.

After that bit, I turned to Japan again and nodded at him, signalling him that it's time for us to give a certain North Italian a special letter. The both of us went to far side of the room and approached him.

"Italy, do you have a minute?" Japan asked him.

Italy nodded. "Yeah, sure."

Japan pulled out a white envelope from his pocket and showed it to his friend. "You see, (Name)-chan and I have been holding on to a letter addressed to you. Read it out loud, please.

"For me?" he asked, tilting his head in puzzlement.

I sat beside him and spoke, "Yes. Do you remember what happened in this mansion?"

"... Yeah, about half of it, I guess. But I'm still a little scared..." he answered.

Nodding in understanding, I spoke once more, "All the more reason for you to read it.  Ah, I am aware that you guys already know that I'm not from this world, right?"

"S-Si..." he said softly.

Japan passed me the envelope for me to hand over to Italy. "I know the content of this letter and I'm sure you'll find it helpful."

Italy gazed down and opened the letter. "... It's my... handwriting.........

To the me who lives at some point in time

...and who isn't alone-----"

=*=*=*=*=

To the me who lives at some point in time and who isn't alone,

Once again, I made some mistakes, and also some progress.

Meanwhile, I finally, but slowly, began to learn---

---to rely on my friends.

I was constantly afraid that everyone would blame me for dragging them into this, and that they would hate me, or be appalled at me, or get mad at me, and leave me...

But then I was told that I had the wrong idea.

They were very mad at me. It hurt so much. Not that they hit me, but it really hurt.

I finally figured it out, but I can't pass this memory on to my next self. 

Unfortunately, I'll lose my life yet again.

That's why I'm writing a letter. Say thanks to England.

And tell them the truth. I'm sure they'll get mad, but it's not that they hate you or think you're a pain.

Why didn't you rely on your friends sooner? What are friends for?

That's what they told me, and that's what they're going to tell you, too.

I'm sure I'll cry. And then... and then...

=*=*=*=*=*=*=

"Italy." Japan suddenly spoke.

Italy looked up to face him, "What?"

"I've been thinking all this time, wondering what we're going to do now... What do you want to do?" Japan asked him.

Italy furrowed his brows and thought out loud, "Er... investigate some place, or..."

Japan shook his head. "No, no, I meant once we get out of here. I've talked about this with Russia, about how we should have a party at my house or something like that."

"At your house? That sounds like fun!" Italy smiled at the thought.

"I also have to work till late, so everyone should arrive late at night..." Japan paused for a while and suddenly turned to me and asked, "Ah..you will join us, too, right, (Name)-chan?"

I raised an eyebrow at his invitation. "W-What? Uhm, I don't know if I'll be allowed  to...." I said nervously, then thought for a moment and chuckled. "Pffft. Aww heck. Sure, why not? As long as you guys pick me up and send me home at agreed times~" 

Japan nodded. "We will take care of everything. Do not worry, we'd never do anything bad to you." he smiled and continued, "Ah...I'm sure we'd all be tired by that time, so I think we should sleep soon afterwards on that day.

I have a kitchen garden. I could get up earlier than usual the following morning and go there to pick vegetables."

"Hey! That's a nice idea! I'll try to get up early and help you, too!" America exclaimed, walking over to us.

Japan gave a soft chuckle. "Huhu, thank you. When we come back from the garden, we will make breakfast."

"That's my cue! America can wake up those who are still sleeping!" China said as he approached us.

"Yes. And then... well... maybe we could all go out somewhere?" Japan wondered.

Prussia made his way towards us and suggested, "Let's go to the---watcha call it---the amusement park or something!"

"Well, I suppose I can refrain from hitting on everyone at least for that occasion. Ohohonhon~ I mean, the belle fille over here is enough for me~" France said, placing an arm around my shoulder. I giggled a bit, but asked him nicely to take his arm off me. He obeyed, which I appreciated. He doesn't force himself on people like others think him to.

Japan cupped his chin, "I'm sure a day or two won't be enough. Oh, yes, we could go shopping."

"Yes! I suppose I'll take a look at the suits!" England said. I nodded in agreement, "Well, it's been a while since I wore new clothing." I commented, looking at my days old clothes I haven't changed from since I got in the mansion.

"I want some clothes to wear while I'm at Japan's place. What was it called, again? Yukata? Let's all buy one!" Russia smiled childishly. He even faced me and spoke, "It'd also be nice to see you wearing a yukata, (Name)~" 

"Hahaha. That's kind of you, thanks! I haven't worn one before, so I'll look forward to seeing all of us wear one." I told him.

Japan looked at us, "I can hardly wait. And when we go back to my house, we'll all have a banquet."

"With a lot of food from all over the world! Let's see, what should I make...?" Canada wondered softly.

Italy twiddled his thumbs and spoke, "Um, well, I'll... make... pasta and pizza..."

Germany went over to our side. "I'll contribute with beer and wurst."

Spain gave a big smile and exclaimed excitedly, "And then we'll all sleep together in a huddle!"

"Uhhhhh.........Yeah! Sure, why not?" I said, laughing. I am so dead.

Japan noticed me and spoke, "Don't worry, I'll lay out the futons in the other room. You can go to sleep whenever and wherever you like."

"Oh! Oh! I could show you guys the episodes of 'Hetalia'! You know, the anime you guys are characters in from our world!" I told them excitedly.

America bounced over to me and exclaimed, "Eh?! Really? I would love to see that!"

"Yeah! I have the complete episodes of it from Season 1 to 5. Including extra episodes!" I told him proudly. 

"Sounds interesting. Hmm... what should we bring as a gift? Maybe we should send it beforehand, don't you think, Veneziano?" Romano asked his younger brother.

Italy beamed and nodded. "Yeah! We'll bring the best ingredients--lots of them!"

"Oh! I'll bring (favourite food)." I told them, getting into it, too.

Germany spoke up in a low voice, "I'll bring the beer."

"But you already said that, Germany!" I giggled, nudging him with my elbows.

The blonde German became a bit flustered, not noticing he had said his favourite drink earlier. "Oh. Right." he said in an embarrassed tone, but smiled.

"There's nothing wrong with more beer!" Prussia defended. We all began laughing and giggling, enjoying the conversation.

Japan was chuckling, as well. Then he turned to Italy, "It'll be fun. Really fun. That's why, Italy..."

"Yeah?" he asked curiously.

Japan placed a hand on Italy's shoulder and spoke in a serious, yet soft tone. "That's why we all have to escape. With everyone who is here, without losing a single person."

At that, Italy's eyes...opened as he spoke, "... Yeah.

Yeah..."

=*=*=*=*=

I'm sure I'll cry. And then... and then... 

Look around yourself.

=*=*=*=*=

The Northern Italian fell silent and slowly looked at all of the people gathered around him.

=

"Ah, that's right. I---

I have many... friends.

This close to me all this time..." I heard him mutter quietly and looked down to his hands.

"Italy? Why are you looking down? Do you still feel unwell?" Japan asked in a worried tone.

Italy shook his head and smiled. "No, I'm fine. There's something I... want to tell you--"

Suddenly, we heard a loud ringing of a cellphone.

"Aaaargh!! Damn it!! What are we going to do, Romano?!" Spain suddenly panicked and turned to the Southern Italian beside him.

Romano raised an eyebrow, "Wh-what the hell are you going on about?"

"I forgot to tell Austria and the others that we found Ita..." he answered meekly, scratching his head. Romano just glared at him.

France tilted his head and asked his friend, "Euh, quoi, is he coming, too? Wait,'the others'? You mean..."

"Almost everyone who came to the world meeting." Romano answered monotonously.

Spain chuckled. "Romano threw a fit back there. He was really desperate to save his brother, you know. I'd never seen Romano being that honest before!"

Romano felt like one of his veins popped and retorted in an irritated tone, "Shut the fuck up, bastardo!! What's wrong with swallowing my pride to save my brother?!"

"Yeah! You're right, Brother Dearest!" Prussia nodded in agreement, placing an arm over his younger bruder, Germany's shoulders.

Italy's eyes softened as he turned to his older brother, "Romano... thank you."

"I just want you to come back... I don't want you to go through that again." Romano told him in a concerned tone.

Russia pulled out his phone. "Since we fixed the time quite a bit, our phones also work at least a little, right?"

"Good timing! I'm sure we'll be able to hear their angry voices even from here." China teased.

America joined in on the teasing. "All right! We'll all watch Spain get an earful of it!"

"Oh, God. Romano, can't you answer it instead?" Spain pleaded.

Romano just crossed his arms and huffed. "Just answer it already."

"Okay." the Spaniard pouted as he answered it, setting it to speakerphone.

~

"H-Hi, long time no see." Spain said nervously.

A familiar voice was heard through the phone, "Yes. Long time."

"H-How are you?" Spain asked.

The person on the other line spoke monotonously, "I'm fine, thank you."

Beads of sweat started to form on Spain's face. "Well, um... I'm really sorry. I forgot to call you, huh? I was with Romano and... er...um..."

"Yes, yes. There are a mountain of things I want to say to you. Or a lot more than a mountain, actually...

When Romano didn't contact us, I was worried sick, you fool!" the person reprimanded. As soon as he said the words, 'you fool', it clicked to me that the person talking was without a doubt, Austria.

Spain turned to Romano with a confused look on his face, "Huh?! Roma?"

"... Idiot." Romano rolled his eyes.

"Italy, you can hear me, can't you? Come down for a bit. Look outside from the window." Austria said.

Italy's forehead creased, but he answered, "What? Oh, o-okay."

"Wait, don't go by yourself! Let's all go together." Canada said.

England stopped Italy and spoke, "Hold on. Don't walk in the front. You're being targeted, aren't you? Come behind me."

"Yeah. Let's go quickly, or else he won't stop bitching. Then again, I don't think he'll be able to see us very well with those bars, anyway." Prussia told us.

=-=-=

While we were on our way out of the saferoom, I felt something vibrate in my pocket. My phone. I waited for them to walk ahead of me so that I could have a little distance from them and then opened my phone.

<1 MSG

Ciao, ragazza. Do you already have what we asked for?>

My eyes widened upon reading the text. For a while there, I almost forgot all about it... My heart sank instantly. Taking a deep breath, I replied to his text:

<Sorry. I don't have it yet. I'm having a hard time.>

After sending him my reply, I was surprised that he was able to text me back so quickly.

<1 MSG

Hmm. I see. We're going to need it soon, so hurry up.>

'Need it soon'? What does he mean by that? If he gets it and uses it as soon as he does--will he set my parents free afterwards? I replied to his text:

<Will you release them once I get it for you?>

A few seconds after I sent him the text, he replied:

<1 MSG

Who?>

My brows furrowed at his text, what is up with him? He knows what I mean. I replied:

<My parents, obviously.>

Looking up from my phone, I noticed that Italy and the others are already farther ahead, so I started walking slowly over to them, still looking at my phone. Then it received another text:

<1 MSG

Ah. Si.>

I wasn't going to reply anymore and was about to place my phone back in my pocket when it vibrated again.

<1 MSG

By the way, ragazza... Are you feeling ill?>

Raising my eyebrows in confusion, I texted back:

<What? No...why?>

I was already turning to the corridor to my left, when I received a reply a minute later:

<1 MSG

Nothing. I just thought you were because I saw you being carried by that blonde First Player who looks similar to that Mattheiu.>

I am starting to become utterly confused as to why Luciano would ask something like that, so trying to be brave, I texted back:

<....Why do you ask?>

I was walking down the hall now. Halfway there, I received a reply:

1 MSG

<........Concerned, maybe?>

Now that. That text made my eyes grow wider than it ever had been throughout my whole stay here in this mansion. I was made to stop dead in my tracks after reading his text. WHAT. Is this really Luciano Vargas? 

Although I suddenly remembered that I did tell him that I cared about him. He must be returning the favour...

I chuckled to myself. The Luciano Vargas is actually concerned about little ol' me. I was about to think about it sarcastically, but something inside me told me that he was genuine about what he said.

Maybe it's not too late to talk to him out of this whole mess, after all, hmm?

Maybe...maybe there's still...time...to change this...game...

==outside 2nd floor lower right corridor window==

I placed my phone back in my pocket and hurried over to the others, since I could here them already talking loudly.

I arrived there just in time to hear France say, "H-Hey, you don't have to go that far---"

"Huh? What? What are you looking at, France?" Italy asked.

Austria's voice was heard through the phone once more, "Italy. I've heard of what you've done to some extent. Not very laudable, was it?"

Italy bit his lip, "I-I'm sorry... But I--just---"

"You're far from being a fool! You're an outright idiot! Do you have any idea how worried Romano was?!" Austria scolded him.

Germany creased his forehead and spoke, "H-hey, you don't have to go that far--"

"Nooo! Keep talking! Hey, Italy! Take a look out the window!" Prussia cut in.

Italy gave a worried look and walked towards the window.

"Ugh. I knew it; they're mad at me. Well, of course... it's my fault..." I heard him murmur.

His expression suddenly changed when he looked down through the window. "Oh!"

I went towards the other window beside him and saw such an incredible scene.

More Hetalia characters.

Hetalia characters galore, baby.

I felt so amazed to see more countries in real life. Everyone was there, Austria, Hungary, Belarus, Ukraine, South Korea....

"Everyone..." I hear Italy say softly.

Austria spoke through the phone once more, "Italy!"

"Y-Yes?!" Italy asked nervously.

"I don't approve of your idea to try to solve everything on your own.

However...

You really did your best." Austria said in a comforting tone.

Italy couldn't help but gasp in surprise. Praise wasn't what he was expecting.

"The whole world has come to help you, but unfortunately, we couldn't find a way to get in. We'll have to support you from outside, however frustrating this may be."

England went beside me and peered through the window, as well. "Whoa! Those over there are the Nordics...and... over there are..."

"Ukraine... and even Belarus!" Russia exclaimed.

Italy looked at us. "Everyone..."

"Amazing. We really have to get out all together." America beamed.

Italy went over to Japan and tugged his white sleeve. "I..."

"Yes?" Japan asked, tilting his head.

Italy gave a teary-eyed smile. "I'm all un-alone."

Austria heard this through the phone and spoke, "Indeed! You should broaden your horizons! Also, you should come home soon. The cakes are getting cold!

First you have to come out safe and sound.We're also doing everything we can here. It's rather uncanny, everyone agreeing so much with one another."

"It's a unity warning." China said playfully.

America laughed. "Haha! It's true. We can never get anything done together when we have a meeting, and yet now we've started working together."

"Well, of course! Even though we fight and don't get along... we're all fellow nations...." Spain said, then walking over to me and placing an arm over my shoulder and continued, ".......and citizen, right, chica?" he winked. I couldn't help but giggle and nod at his statement.

"You're right." Canada agreed.

"..... Yeah." Italy said.

"I still haven't got some of my memories back. Still, I can already... answer their most important questions." he thought quietly.

Italy turns around and faces us.

"Guys, sorry for making you wait." Italy apologised.

Romano walked over to his brother, "Veneziano..."

"I'll tell you everything. Everything I remember." he told us in a serious tone.

Germany's sky blue eyes softened, "Italy..."

He gave his German friend a reassuring smile and spoke, "I'll tell you everything from the very beginning, so this could take quite a while. Still, I want you to listen." 

"It's about time! Go ahead and tell us already, and don't hold anything back!" China told him.

America crossed his arms and smiled, "It'll be a quiz..."

"I've been waiting to hear that, Italy!" Prussia cheered.

Japan nodded and ushered Italy to go on. "Please, do tell. We want to know the extent of it."

"Thank you.

Let's see

... It all began shortly before the world meeting." Italy said slowly.

I happened to overhear some rumours...and that's when the clock hands began to move...