---CHAPTER XI: Take Us Back (Part 4)---



///Reader's PoV///

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In the place where I stood was a grass field. It would have looked beautiful, but the entire atmosphere felt sullen. Probably because it was raining, but it wasn't pouring too hard.

"...'Where was I?' and 'What am I doing here?'..." I wondered.

Then, I thought of something that could give me an answer: I tried pinching myself...and felt no pain.

....Ah, yes. So this is a dream, after all.

Finally understanding what kind of situation I was in, I began to wander across the field. It was raining, but I didn't care. It's not like I'll get sick; this is just a dream. While I was walking, though, I felt my clothes grow heavy. Maybe it was because my common sense was still working, making my brain think that of course, my clothes will get soaked from the raindrops that landed on me. When I looked at my clothes, I noticed something strange.

I was wearing a black formal dress, along with black lace gloves and shoes to match. My whole outfit practically screamed, 'mourning'.

......Mourning?

Upon the assessment of that thought, I walked further through the field. I trudged along, feeling the moist soil against my shoes. I felt bothered by the noise it made, but my mind swayed from it...for I noticed that I was approaching a large group of people.

These people had very familiar faces. Some were looking down whilst wiping tears from their eyes, others looked like they were choked up in sobs and the rest just stood there silently, but looked as sorrowful as everyone were. As I edged closer to them, I saw it.

I saw a long, white coffin.

My heart started to pound as I grew nervous. Would it be okay for me to see...?

Then, I looked around at the people present, they were also wearing black outfits. I'm a part of this, too? ....I'm...grieving with them...too...?

Taking a deep breath, I slowly stepped forward and peered over the coffin.

"......No....I.....I remember this.....I remember...." I softly muttered, my eyes widening. 

This....this dream.....is....a memory...

My hands clenched the edge of the pure white coffin before me. Suddenly, I felt someone tap my shoulder and spoke in a familiar voice, "....(Name), sweetie..."

I closed my eyes and turned around, not wanting to confirm my theory. When I opened my eyes and met that person's gaze, I shivered.

"...You're..."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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A few moments later, I woke up, sweat trickling on my forehead. I realised I was already inside the saferoom, lying on one of the comfy beds. After stretching a little, I sat up on the edge of the bed and looked around.




"Oh, (Name)...you're finally awake, that's a relief." a soft voice said. I turned my head to see Canada, handing me a small towel. "Thanks..." I said, using the towel to wipe my face.




The blonde haired Canadian gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "Have you rested well? Is there anything you need?" he asked.




"Yeah, I've gotten the sleep I need, thanks. I'm alright, I don't need anything right now." I told him.




He then pointed over at the tables across the room. The rest of the countries were sitting over there, looking like they were having a discussion of some sort. "Then let's head over there, eh? You're an important part of our meeting." Canada told me. I shifted nervously from my seat. 




They were going to ask about so many things, and I'll have to explain mountains of my experiences, encounters, and information....most particularly about the Second Players. Though...there's nothing to be afraid of now. Yeah..... that's right. ....I don't need to hold anything back about the 2Ps anymore...



I clenched my fists and nodded in determination. "Yeah...let's go."



As Canada and I walked towards the others, I started to hear their conversations.




"I'm sorry. I guess I lost more memories than I thought." Italy said, looking down.


Japan shook his head, "No, that was good enough.The rest is our job."


"Still... don't you feel kind of weird to think that you could die?" England asked, creasing his forehead.


France raised an eyebrow. "As if we were the same as humans, you mean? Maybe we exist as humans in this place..."


"You're right. My body doesn't carry the weight of my nation...Even though I don't look any different..." China agreed, scanning his own features.


Their heads suddenly turned to me as they noticed me approach them. There a was a small silence that filled the room, I didn't like it, so I tried to start, "....I uhm....so...how should I start this?...What to say...?"


"...What your heart tells you to say, fille." France smiled at me reassuringly.


I smiled back at him and looked at the rest of the countries around me. Their eyes softened as I met their gazes. They nodded, motioning me to speak. At that, I have made up my mind. It was time to tell them all that I have to and want to say.


"......First......I'm sorry... I'm sorry I lied. I'm sorry I didn't tell you guys about Second Players...I'm sorry...I really am..." I told them, feeling really guilty about what I've done.


Japan cupped his chin and spoke, "At first, I admit that I was really angered  when I found out that you were somehow working for them...but when I realised that you didn't do it without a reason...I slowly understood. From what we've gathered from the scenes that occurred before us...you were made to act against us...because you...thought they held your parents captive?"


"...Yeah...I thought they had my parents hostage. I didn't want to play along with their game when I first met them here, but then...well...they tricked me into it by using my parents... I was a complete idiot." I grit my teeth, feeling the anger boil up inside me again.


China shook his head. "You weren't an idiot, aru. Anyone would have acted that way if it was their family, too. We understand. I mean, we can't blame you for wanting to save your loved ones, your parents."


"Thanks... That's just it. They knew that anyone with a heart would act that way...that's probably why the Second Players did it...so that they could take advantage." I told them, frowning.


Spain stood up from his seat and turned to me, facing me. "Chica, these 'Second Players'...are you referring to....'the other us'?" he asked.


"...Yes. In the world where I'm from, you guys...are called the 'First Players' or '1Ps'...the so-called, 'originals'. The 'other yous'...are referred to as 'Second Players' or '2Ps'...your alternately coloured mirror images, with personalities with a deep contrast from yours." I explained.


Germany nodded in understanding. "I see... These Second Players, then...they're... They were really the ones responsible for leading us to this mansion?"


"From...From what I've heard...yes. They didn't state how...but they did admit that it was according to their plan that you guys be brought to this mansion..." I recalled.


Italy's eyes started to open wide. "V-Ve...they did....then...then..." he rambled, walking over to me, as if wanting me to give him the answer.


"It wasn't really your fault, Italy." I told him, giving his arm a light squeeze. Tears formed in his eyes as he placed an arm to cover his face. He felt a bit shaken by the revelation, seeking refuge beside his older brother.


Romano gave a look of disbelief. "That means...those bastardos were just fcking playing with us and made my fratello believe it was all his damn fault??!!!"


".....I guess they did... Well, they...they said...it was for revenge. They said it was because you guys banished them." I said, rubbing my elbow nervously.


England looked away and spoke in disgust, "They deserved to be banished. All they know is how to kill and cause chaos. Of course we had to have them away. "


My eyes widened at England's statement. Well, if the 2Ps have hatred towards the 1Ps...the feeling's mutual. But...why do I sense something different?


"We don't need them in this world, dudette. They're a danger to everyone, to anyone. We know because we know them. ...They were...mistakes. Something we regret. Something we don't need to see again. Something we should never have others know of." America shrugged and frowned.


Japan faced me and had a weird expression on his face. A face of pure annoyance at the thought of the Second Players. "Hai. They were meant to be kept away somewhere secluded. If they weren't, they would have probably caused...more wars. That's why it's necessary for us to banish them. They're monsters. Mistakes."


By this time, my thoughts became clouded. What's going on? Why are the 1Ps acting like that? I mean, the Second Players' bad sides are dominant, that's true. They're liars; murderous, and manipulative, too. I'm still very angry about what they've done, as well...but...


"...Monsters? Mistakes? Uhm, isn't that going a bit too far?... Well, uh, aren't they...well the same kind of being as you guys are?" I asked.


France gasped. "Fille! Don't put us in the same class as those...filth. They're nowhere near us."


"W-What? But, uhm ah...did they try talking it out to you guys before? Did you guys even try to sort things out first before considering the banishing thing? You guys did, right?" I looked back and forth at the countries, they all had irritated looks. It wasn't for me....it was for the thought of their 2Ps. It's like they absolutely loathe just speaking of their counterparts. This is odd. I've never seen the First Players act like this. 


Prussia furrowed his eyebrows. "Even the thought of considering such thing would be useless, frau. They'd never listen. Ever since they had blood drop on their hands, they craved for it every minute, every second. They're evil. They'd never listen to reason. They're just as what the others have said: mistakes."


"...So you guys didn't..." I muttered under my breath. There was something very wrong. Why do I feel like the 1Ps are exaggerating it too much? It's true the nature of the 2Ps are like that...but they can listen to reason...they can...some can even change their hearts at their will... But...


Japan gave my head a gentle pat. "Sorry, (Name)-chan...this isn't really a pleasant subject for us to have. But, we're more concerned about you, actually.  Are you really alright now? I heard you have spent some time with them and..." he trailed off but paused when he noticed something on my face. He brought his hand to gently caress a part of my cheek. "....this...scar....Did they give this to you...?"


"...Y-Yeah...but it's just a small cut...Other than that, they never tried to hurt me at all..." I said, looking away and stepping back a little. 


Canada looked up at me. "Hmm...It's possible they thought that if they did try to hurt you, it'd make you avoid them even more? I mean, they could've planned out to gain your trust first to make things easier for them or something..."


"...Oh. I...I've never thought of it that way..." I let out. That's a sound argument. They've deceived me enough by saying they have my parents, so it is really possible for them to fool me into thinking they'd never hurt me even after I work with them... That...could be it... That's...probably it, right...?


Prussia walked up to me and broke me from my thoughts by placing an arm over my shoulder. "Don't worry about those...'Second Players' anymore, frau. When we meet them again, we'll take care of it. They need to pay for causing you so much trouble."


"I-I guess... I don't want to think about them right now, too... I feel like getting a headache doing so..." I told him. Though, by that I meant...I feel very confused about something. Something just feels a little off... but I think it's best to take it off my thoughts for now. My mind deserves some peace.


America stepped forward and gave me a thumbs up. "That's right, dudette! The HERO is here for you!" he said, then gestured at the other countries and continued, "...the hero and all of my support! HAHAHA!"


"Thanks. I'm happy you guys are here." I said, smiling.




Russia stared blankly and spoke, "Ah...before I forget...I have to ask something," the tall Russian man turned to a certain Northern Italian. "...Italy...have you met up with these...'Second Players' before, like in a timeloop or something...?"


"Ve...I'm sorry...but no matter how hard I try...I just can't seem to recall anything about meeting them in this mansion... All I remember would be the timeloops...with the ten of us...along with our current timeloop which has...thirteen..." Italy answered.


Germany tilted his head. "Hmm. Maybe you really haven't encountered them in the mansion before...or maybe you must have forgotten about it? It's alright, we don't expect you to piece every memory together just like that. Take your time."


"Forgotten...maybe? Mhhmm... I'll do my best in recalling. Thanks, Germany." the Northern Italian said, giving a small smile.


Japan turned to the two and spoke, "Well, it's very comforting to see that we are all patching things up. I feel like we've all formed a very special bond of some sort."


"...'We'...? You mean...uhm...I'm...I'm included...?" I asked shyly.


England turned to me and smiled. "Of course, love. We've been through a lot, and ever since we met you...you've played an important part alongside us. You belong, you're included...don't make anything else make you think otherwise." he told me. The rest of the countries gave approving nods and smiled, as well.


"...Thanks.....I....I love you guys...hahaha..." I said softly, my lips trembling a bit. Even after everything, I still belong...with them... I feel my whole being fill with warmth. It's surreal, feeling belongingness with...Hetalia characters. I sigh happily.



Italy ran his fingers through his hair. "Ve~ An atmosphere like this feels so nice. I wish times like these would last forever.... I wonder if I'll forget again? I don't want that... I don't want to forget our newly found bond."


"Italy..." Germany gave a concerned look.


Spain nodded. "Yeah. Isn't there anything we can do here?"


After a long pause, America snapped his fingers and stood up. "......Oh! I know!"


"Wh-what? What are you talking about?" Canada asked, confused.


America grinned and spoke excitedly, "Let's form an alliance! A testimony of our new bond, without any relation to the Allies or the Axis or even the neutral nations, but to all of us who are here!"


"Ooh, sounds interesting. I approve." Prussia said, nodding.


Japan looks over to the others. "I am of the same opinion as America. Let's do it. Did we form an alliance before?
"


Romano shook his head. "No, not as far as I know... I approve, too." 


"....Uhm, wait..." I said, raising my hand.


America turned to me. "Hmm? What is it, dudette? You don't want to?"


"Well, it's not that I don't want to...It's just that...I'm not a country, remember?" I frowned, crossing my arms.


China raised his overly long sleeves. "Aiyah. We almost forgot about that fact, aru..."


"Ah! Then you could just represent a country! I mean, you are from another dimension, so it's okay, right?" America said.


I furrowed my brows and sighed. "Mhhm... I guess that's true. Alright, then I approve of the alliance."


"Hahaha! OK! I won't accept objections! After all that trouble, we should write it down in a document! Erm, we can keep it simple!" America told everyone.


I tapped the energetic American's shoulder. "Uhm, I have a few bond papers in bag, would that do?" I asked him.


"Yeah! That's perfect." he replied. 


I hurriedly went over to the bed I slept on and found my bag below it. Opening my bag, I cringed noticing it wasn't organised at all. I better fix these up later, for now... I rummaged through my bag to look for my notebook. When I found it, I flipped it open and saw a few pieces of bond paper inserted in between. I also took a few pens with me.

Taking two pieces of paper and the pens, a closed my bag and headed back to the tables. "Are two pieces of paper enough?" I asked.


"Si. That will do, bella. Grazie." Italy said, smiling.


I handed the papers and the pens to Germany and went back to my seat. "Hmm. Well, first of all...believe in one another. Help one another. Rely on one another. Also, escape all together. That's all!" he said as he wrote.


"I like it; it's so easy to understand. An alliance among nations like that is pretty interesting!" Spain beamed.


America nodded. "There! Now we just have to sign it." he said, reaching for a pen.


"Oh, c-can you wait a moment, please?" Russia asked.


China raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

"Sorry, I'm really going to put a wet blanket on it, but we're nations, and we're arbitrarily going to form an alliance with so many nations... It doesn't feel right..." the Russian man said, frowning a little.


England creased his forehead. "But our signatures will only be valid inside this house, right?"


"Yeah, that's the problem, forming an alliance here. I mean, we don't know who might get their hands on it.

We'll leave it in this strange place where God-knows-who might see it..." Russia explained.


Germany cupped his chin and stared at the document. "I see... You have a point. Even if we exist as humans right now, it doesn't change the fact that we are nations."


"So, we really can't make an alliance..." Italy said in a depressed tone.


Russia became a bit guilty and looked around him. "I-I'm sorry. I'd want to form an alliance, too, if I could! But we have to think of the nations we bear on our shoulders..."


"If... If possible, I also want to form an alliance, and stay like this..." France said, clutching his arms.


Japan stared down at the table wistfully. "To be human, even if only in this place..."



"....Well, why not?" I spoke up.


The countries turned to me with confused looks.

I suddenly felt a little shy when I noticed their attention was directed to me, but I continued. "Why not...form an alliance as a human--like me? I know nations and humans may differ in various ways...but we can still form an alliance together.

Instead of me pretending to represent a country, why can't we all...form an alliance as people...as humans...?"


"What...do you exactly mean by that, frau?" Prussia asked.


"Let's sign this paper as the humans that I am and you guys  are now. In other words, you guys could come up with human names for yourselves and sign with them..." I explained.


Canada smiled and nodded. "I see! If anyone else sees it, they won't understand it, because it's not signed with nation names!"


"But what about you, love?" England asked me as I met his gaze.


I paused for a moment and looked up in thought. "I guess I'll sign it with my nickname, that way, it'll be different?"


"A human name, not Romano...Hmm, sounds good. What do you think, Veneziano?" Romano inquired, turning to his younger brother.


Italy nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I approve! If we do that,we can all form an alliance!" he turned to face me and continued, "Even with the bella here!"


"Th-Thanks." I said, happy that they like the idea. It's just as it was in the game...but now that I'm actually a part of it...it feels a whole lot better.



America took a pen and thought for a moment. "I'll be... let's see... Al... er...Alfred F. Jones, I guess!" he said as he wrote on the paper. He then passed it to his brother, who was beside him.


"Matthew Williams." Canada said softly as he wrote. 


After Canada signed, China took the paper and exclaimed as he wrote. "Wang Yao!"


"Gilbert Beilschmidt! How's that? Pretty awesome, huh?!" Prussia said in a proud voice as he signed.


France flipped his hair and signed on the paper. "Then I'll be Francis Bonnefoy."


"I think I'll be Ivan Braginsky." Russia said after thinking for a moment.


Spain reached for the paper and began signing whilst announcing his name. "I'll be Antonio Fernandez Carriedo. Oh, there isn't enough space..." he said, noticing that his name was too long.


"All right, I've got it! I'm Arthur Kirkland!" England exclaimed as he reached for the paper.


When it was Germany's turn, he still couldn't think of a name. "Th-then I'll be... Ludwig. This is kind of awkward." he said in embarrassed tone.


"Can I be... Lovino Vargas?" Romano asked as he stared at the paper in front of him.


Italy nodded happily. Yup! Then I'll be...Feliciano! Feliciano Vargas!"


"Then I am... Honda Kiku." Japan said as he wrote his name. He then handed it over to me.


I gave a small smile as I received the paper. I started to grow nervous.. this is really happening. I took a deep breath and signed the paper. 

"...And I'm (Nickname) (Last Name)".


I handed the paper over to America after signing. He inspected the paper and looked around him. "All right, everyone signed! That makes this vow absolute!Right, Kiku?" he said, turning to Japan.


"What? Oh--are you talking to me? Er... Indeed!We must all abide by it, Arthur!" Japan said.


America shook his head. "... No, my name is Alfred...Arthur is England..."


"O-Oh! I-I'm sorry! My memory these days..." Japan apologised, clutching his head.


Italy turned to face his friend. "Germany was Lutz? Louis?"


"Lutz! That's hilarious! It makes him sound like a completely different guy! Right, Lutz?" Prussia laughed.


I flinched when I heard the name "Lutz". It's the name of Germany's Second Player... The 2Ps...are they...going to go after me? I don't need to worry about my parents anymore because...they're actually outside the mansion. I'm still mad at the 2Ps for lying to me. To think...that I was starting to think they were just misunderstood and a bit crazy... Where are they...?


Germany facepalmed. "Can you please stop smirking and taunting me?!"


"Ahaha! This is pretty awkward...But I'm sure that these names will never change, no matter what." Russia chuckled.


Canada nodded. "That's right.With this, even after we get out of this house, we can still continue to be bound to this alliance as humans..."


"Yeah..." I agreed.


Japan clapped his hands to gain our attention. "All right, everyone, be quiet, please! Stop calling each other's names for fun. Looking over the document closely--"


"What is it now?! It's fine, isn't it? Your name is almost the same as your nation name!" England interrupted.


Japan looked at England and scolded. "Be quiet, Alfred!"


"Bwahaha! That's the second time he got your name wrong! Ow, my stomach hurts!" Prussia said, clutching his stomach from all the laughing.


Germany just groaned. "... I'm surrounded by children..."


Italy looked at him and spoke, "But you know..." 


"Hm?" Germany tilted his head, motioning Italy to continue.


Italy smiled. "It's been so long since it was this noisy and fun~This is fun, isn't it, Louis?"


"... Yes, it is." Germany said, smiling as he saw his friend looking so happy.


I watched the countries noisily bicker, talk, and laugh with one another. It's the kind of peace that helps you feel so at ease in situations like these. I smiled at the thought of these nation dorks. 


They've been so good to me. I may have done things to break their trust, but they still found the heart to understand me and allowed me to mend the trust I broke.


.....Is it still possible for me to do the same and understand the 2Ps?


Everything I said to them earlier....it was brought about by the swirling emotions bottled in me....in the heat of the moment... I said what I thought was meant to be said... 


....but now that I think about it, I still don't have the whole story with me. I still need to know what really happened between the First Players and the Second Players before....




.....and then.....




....and then....?





I don't know....



I'm still mad at the 2Ps, really I am...but there are just some things that I need to piece together. Maybe if I do that, I could answer that thing that has been bothering me for a while.


"Ow! ... ugh..." Prussia suddenly clutched his chest.


I immediately rushed over to him. "Prussia? What's wrong?"


"Hm? Oh... nothing." he said, shaking his head. He then pointed at the bathroom and continued, "I'll go take a bath. I guess I'm a little tired." 


I pat his back gently before he left. "Alright...but if there's anything wrong, you can tell me."

"Thanks, frau." he said before closing the bathroom door behind him.




////Prussia's Awesome PoV////



*bathroom*



"....What the hell? My heart shouldn't be beating this fast...!" I exclaimed, hearing my own heartbeat pound really loud and beating abnormally fast.


Am I going to... die?


God dammit! Well, fuck it! As if I'd let myself die!



I still have to protect my people...and my brother!



Suddenly, I heard the door behind me being knocked on.



"Prussia! Prussia!" I heard a voice. It was Japan's.


I turned around, still not opening the door. "Y-yeah?! What do you want?!"


"I'm sorry, but you have to come back, quickly! The others are--" Japan got cut off by loud shouting outside. I couldn't understand what they were yelling about, but I could sense it was quite a commotion.


I creased my forehead. "What's wrong?!"


"Quickly, please! I can't handle this on my own! Please!" Japan pleaded.



There's seems to be some sort of disturbance, outside? I don't know...but it sounds serious...and they're in need of the AWESOMENESS that is ME.

"H-hold on! I'm coming!"


======================


What follows will show you a summary of the past 11 chapters of "HetaOni (Hetalia x Reader x 2P! Hetalia)" , and a preview of what will happen...


Do you want to read it, or do you wish to go directly to  chapter 12? 


>>I'll read the summary!  (COMING SOON)
>>Let me go to Chapter 12! (COMING SOON)