--Chapter XV: Annexe (Part 2)--

///Third Person PoV///

"America~! If you don't come out soon, you'll get hot flashes~" Italy told his American friend. They were inside the bathroom. Italy was able to finish bathing before America did, so Italy waited outside his friend's cubicle.

After a moment of silence between them, America spoke, "Hey, Italy can I ask you something about the early time loops?"

"What? Y-yeah, sure..." Italy answered uncertainly.

America lowered his voice a bit. "Was there a time when only England died?"

"-Yes, there was. Since he's really powerful, he would do all he could, but there was a time when he used too much power. And then..." the Italian trailed off.

Furrowing his brows, America asked, "And even then, you went back in time?"

"Yes, because my goal was to get everyone to escape. I couldn't lose a single one of you." Italy told him.

Upon hearing that, America's eyes widened. "Why did you go back? You hate England, don't you? Why would you go back for someone you hate? Not only England. You're afraid of Russia, too. You went through a lot in the past, didn't you? Why would you go so far for their sake-"

"Oh, come to think of it...I think I hardly feel hatred for them." Italy said, shaking his head.

"What?"

"I may often find them unlikable, or scary or unpleasant, but I can't say I've even really hated them. So, even though I often find then scary or unpleasant, I don't hate them."

"Even if we can all get out of here, I'm sure one day you'll have a fight with one of us." America said in a depressed tone.

Italy smiled. "That's right, it's a burden that we nations carry, so it's only natural~"

"And yet you're going to help us?" America asked.

Italy nodded. "I've thought about it. What if we escape and go home and I have a fight with...America for example. A fight so big that we can never make amends."

"We definitely can't say that would never happen." the American said, sighing.

"Yeah. So, if it came to that, suppose you got caught in a situation like this we're in again?"

"Uh-huh."

"In that case, I think I would forget all about our fight and do my best to help you. Like I'm doing right now."

America couldn't think of anything to say. It was almost unbelievable.

"If I can do something about it, I will help. Because we're all fellow nations. We fight each other, we help each other, and together we can do what we wouldn't be able to do if we were alone.

Now I understand this. If I helped you and you asked me, 'But weren't we fighting?' I'd remember. But then, it wouldn't matter anymore.

If we got out and fight again...if something like this happens again, I'll help you. It would be hard to do that as Italy, but as Feliciano, I'd would definitely help you..." Italy said with all sincerity.

America couldn't help but chuckle. "...You're amazing."

"What about you, America?" Italy asked.

"What?"

"Do you hate me or England? I don't hate you. That's why I've been working so hard to help you. Are you any different?"

America shook his head. "No...I don't...hate you...I've been through a lot with both of you, but in the end, we're fellow nations, so we have to stick together. Just like you've been doing for us for far."

"That's right. Let's work together~" Italy beamed.

America was glad Italy wasn't able to see him...frowning. "If I were to follow your example...Italy, I'm sure you'd disagree. But I'm sorry. I really can't allow this to happen. I don't plan on breaking my promise. If...that memory is true, I-"

His trail of thought was cut when he heard the main door of the bathroom creak open.

"Hm? What's wrong with America? Why hasn't he come out yet?" Germany questioned.

Italy grinned. "Oh, hi, Germany! Say, do you like me and America?"

"What? What are you talking about?" Germany asked, giving a confused look.

Chuckling, Italy started, "Well, you see..."

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

///Reader's PoV///

Bzzzt. Bzzzt.

I just fell asleep...only to be woken up again. Ugh, why.

Stirring slightly, I fluttered open my eyes. I was lying on a bed in the saferoom. Ever since the whole messed up time from the second time loop, so many things have been going on in my head that it felt like it was giving me a migraine. I need my rest, dammit. ...Oh great, I'm starting to sound like Romano. Mhhmm....Why did my phone have to choose to vibrate now, when I wanted to rest? Seriously. ........Wait. Wait. Wait.

Wait just a second...

My phone vibrated? Did I get a text?

Without getting up from the bed, I rolled to the other side to get hold of my phone. Unlocking it, the screen displayed a text message:

=-=-=

From: /Luciano/

To: /Name/

Ragazza, we need to talk.

=-=-=

"What?" I gasped in confusion.

Lifting my blanket a bit, I looked at the 1Ps to see if they heard me. They didn't. Well, considering that we were in a quite a distance from me, they couldn't have. That...and it seems like they were also having a discussion of their own. Probably about what finding a way out or something, or maybe even about all the world meetings that they've probably missed already. Either way, it's not really my business, so it'd be best for me not to pry.

Because my business happens to be something else.

Hiding under the covers again, I frowned. "What do they want from me now?" I wondered.

"...Well, there's no harm in replying, I guess..." I muttered to myself as I typed out a reply.

=-=-=

To: /Luciano/

From:/Name/

Talk about what, Luciano?

=-=-=

A few seconds after I sent the text, I received a short reply:

=-=-=

From: /Luciano/

To:/Name/

About you.

=-=-=

I felt my face heat up a bit upon reading his reply. What did he mean by that?? I shook my head a bit to recollect myself. Okay...I have no idea where he's going with this.

=-=-=

To: /Luciano/

From:/Name/

Err...What do you mean by that?

=-=-=

I shifted nervously, clutching the blanket a little. It took him a minute or so, but he replied:

=-=-=

From: /Luciano/

To: /Name/

Well... A little birdie told me that it seems like you're becoming quite troubled about this whole...predicament.... Is it true?

=-=-=

What?! How...how does he know?! Don't tell me....that there's a 2P hiding inside the saferoom or something! ...No...I don't think that's the case...but then....

Taking a deep breath, I texted him back:

=-=-=

To: /Luciano/

From:/Name/

Okay...first off...

How the hell did you even know about that?

Second...

...Yeah, this whole thing is...starting to make me crazy.

=-=-=

A few moments later, I received a text:

=-=-=

From: /Luciano/

From:/Name/

It doesn't matter, really. I just know.

Now...how about I tell you something that could lift your spirits?

=-=-=

I raised an eyebrow as I finished reading his reply. I am both suspicious...and somehow eager to find out what he was going to tell me.

=-=-=

To: /Luciano/

From:/Name/

Hmm...and what would that be?

=-=-=

Minutes later, Luciano still hasn't replied. I placed my phone beside my pillow. My hands were sweaty, so I wiped them off on my shirt. That's when I realised that I haven't really taken a bath in a while. Omg.

Well, since Luciano's taking his sweet time to reply, I might as well take a bath. Lifting the blanket off me and getting up from the bed, I brushed my disheveled hair a bit. Putting on my shoes and swinging my bag behind my shoulder, I made me way towards the 1Ps who were gathered around a long wooden table.

As soon as they saw me approaching them, they sort of...quieted down, or actually, stopped their whole discussion. I kinda felt a bit bad for disturbing them.

"Oh, uhm, don't mind me... I was just going to say that I was going to take a bath for a while. Just letting you know, just in case you look for me or something. Are all of the showers/tubs occupied?" I asked them shyly.

They were a bit silent for a while, when Japan looked at me and spoke, "No, I believe there's one or two available. Germany, Italy, and America are in there, but don't worry, there's a lock for each cubicle."

"Ah, thanks!" I smiled, heading for the bathroom.

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

As I was about to turn the knob of the bathroom door, it suddenly swung open from the other side.

"Ciao, bella!~" Italy said, greeting me with a hug.

I smiled. Well, at least he's in a good mood. "Hello, Italy. Just finished taking a bath?"

"Si! Germany, America and I are already done. You've got the whole place to yourself..." Italy told me. ".....That is, if you want me to accompany you~" he winked.

Giggling, I shook my head. He is definitely Italian. "No, thanks for the offer, though."

Behind him, Germany and America appeared. "Oh. Hallo, frau." Germany said.

"Hello, Germany." I greeted back, then peered over at the uncharacteristically quiet American. "Hey...America...are you okay now?"

"...Huh? W-Well...yeah... Thanks for asking, dudette." he gave a small smile.

The three then exited the bathroom and headed over to where the others were, leaving me to proceed with my own activities. I went over to the far left cubicle and locked the door.

=*=*=*=*=*=

"Uwaa....This is actually really, really, relaxing...." I said to myself, as I was enjoying myself in the tub. I splashed water on my face to get a refreshing feeling from the cool liquid. I've been in here for quite a while now, but as far as I remember, this time's supposed to be sort of a break for everyone...so they hopefully won't mind me relaxing a bit here.

Several minutes later, I felt like my fingers were starting to get pruny, so I decided it was time to get out of the tub. I dried myself off with one towel and wrapped another one around my body. Walking over to my bag that was settled on the dry floor, I searched for new clothes. I picked a (f/c) hoodie and denim pants.

"Huh? Hold on...where's my--"

Before I could finish my sentence, or even put on my new set of clothes, I heard a knock on the door.

"Uhmm...yeah? What is it?" I asked, readjusting my towel nervously. If this was the BTT about to pull a prank on me or something, I swear...

After a moment, the person on the other side of the door spoke softly, "O-Oh, uhm...(Name)? Sorry to bother you...but Kumakichi here told me that your phone had been buzzing for quite a while..."

That voice...Canada? Err, who's Kumakichi? .....

OH.

I placed my new set of clothes on top of my bag and darted for the door. "Kumajiro???" I exclaimed as I opened the door and saw Canada holding a big fluffy polar bear.

"Ooohh! I can't believe I haven't noticed him the whole time! He's so flufffeehh!" I squealed.

Canada was looking away for some reason, but spoke, "Y-You can hold him if you want, eh?"

"Really? I'd love to!" I said, hugging the white polar bear.

Kumajiro looked pretty comfortable in my arms and snuggled closer to me. I felt like I was hugging a big fluffball. Oh. I am.

Looking up at me, Kumajiro spoke, "Phone."

"Oh! Right...er..how did you know that my phone was buzzin'?" I asked.

Canada hesitantly faced me and answered, "Well, when I told Kumajiro to take a nap on a bed, he ended up sleeping on yours. But then after a few moments, he complained to me that he couldn't sleep because your phone kept vibrating. So, we thought you'd want to know."

"Ah, I see. Thanks! Sorry about your nap, Kumajiro." I said.

The polar bear shook his head and snuggled closer to me again, "It's okay."

"W-Well, I'm gonna be done here soon, so...here ya go." I said as I handed back Kumajiro to Canada.

Stiffening a bit, Canada reached out his arms for the polar bear. "A-Ah, yeah..."

"Oh man...hahaha!" I laughed.

Raising an eyebrow at me, Canada asked, "What is it?"

"Now I've got some bear fur on me." I said, pointing out the white strands of polar bear hair on me.

Canada blushed. Wait, what? Why?

Then I suddenly remembered that I was just wearing a towel. Feeling my face heat up and facepalming at the same time, I spoke, "O-Oops! S-Sorry! It slipped my mind that I was, er, uhm, yeah. This."

"N-No, it's f-fine...It was my fault for disturbing you, eh." Canada told me.

I shook my head. "You weren't disturbing, honest. It was actually thoughtful of you...two to inform me about my phone. Thanks again!"

"R-Right, uhm, you're welcome. Well, we'll leave you be now." Canada said as he started walking away to exit the bathroom.

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

///Canada's PoV///

I breathed a sigh of relief as I heard her lock the cubicle. This is all Kumasaboro's fault... Okay...maybe it wasn't his fault....

Maybe I should blame Francis for this...it's his fault that I reacted like that when I saw (Name)! ....Okay......it was a good point...but it wasn't technically his fault.

Closing the main bathroom door behind me, Kumasachi looked up at me and spoke, "Hm? Why didn't you join her?"

"Eh?! Join her?" I creased my forehead.

My polar bear fluffed up his arms on my sleeves. "Join her in taking a bath! You have some of my bear fur on you, too."

"K-Kumajiki! It-It doesn't work like that!" I said, reddening at the thought.

Suddenly the polar bear just stared at me in silence for a moment.

"....Who are you?"

Rolling my eyes, I answered.

"I'm Canada."

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

///Reader's PoV///

After Part 2 (but a quicker version) of my bath, I exited the bathroom. The guys were kind of scattered about now. Adjusting my hoodie, I made my way back to the bed to get my phone. It was probably Luciano who texted me. Hey, he was the one who taking so long to reply.

Picking up my phone, I looked at the screen.

(2) Text Messages

(1) Missed Call

I checked my texts first.

=-=-=

From: /Luciano/

From:/Name/

We all agreed that maybe it was possible for us to call a temporary truce with the First Players. We could even...talk, just like how you suggested. Reply back their answer as soon as they've decided among themselves whether to accept our offer or not.

=-=-=

I froze. What's up with them? This is...probably a trap? Or is it? Maybe?

What if they really did want to call a truce. Even if it was temporary, it's still a truce...it could end up into getting along completely, right??

It's a gamble, but I want to do it.

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

"Uhmm....I...I need to tell you guys something..." I said loud enough for all of them to hear me.

England walked away from the kitchen and tilted his head. "What is it, love?"

"....Believe it or not...The Second Players want to call a temporary truce with you guys. They even want to talk to you guys about something." I told them.

Their facial expressions were of mixed emotions. Curious, skeptical, disbelieving, and all that. After a few moments of silence, Romano spoke up, "You do know that that's probably a trap, right? It's pretty obvious."

"I agree with Romano, frau. They probably set this up against us." Prussia said.

Frowning, I sighed. "Yeah...Okay, I must admit that it does sound suspicious..." I clenched my fist. "...but what if they were serious? This could help solve all your misunderstandings!"

They looked at each other for a while, then, weird as it looks, I saw most of them smile.

"Very well, then. Tell them that we'll try it out." France said.

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

I sort of felt both elated in uneasy when I heard them agree on meeting up with the 2Ps again. It's like, I'm glad that they're possibly talk...in civil terms (hopefully)...but I'm also nervous about what will happen. I mean, I seriously think that the 2Ps have an ulterior motive on this. What if they just plan to have bloodshed during the whole thing? But then...I can't just assume that they will (even though...there's...a big possibility...)...and the 1Ps seems like they also want to try talking to them....so why not, right?

=-=-=

To: /Luciano/

From:/Name/

They agreed!

=-=-=

Waiting for a reply after that felt like forever. Okay...maybe just 2 mins.

=-=-=

From: /Luciano/

To:/Name/

Ah. Good, well, tell them to head to the second floor, the lower hallway. We'll be waiting there. You need to be present, too. Got it?

=-=-=

Oh? Why do I need to be there? Don't they want to talk this out themselves?

Ah, well I am a bit intrigued as to what really happened between them...so I guess it'd be good if I go with them, too. I just hope it doesn't end up in a fight.

Looking up from my phone, I faced the others and spoke, "Guys, they said that they're at the lower hallway of the second floor."

They exchanged glances and then nodded. One by one, they began walking out the door. I walked across the room to fetch my bag, after placing the straps over my shoulders, I saw that almost all of them went ahead. France was the last one to walk out, turning to face me, he spoke, "Alright. We'll be back soon, jeune fille."

"Whoa, wait! I need to be there, too!" I exclaimed, approaching him.

The Frenchman shook his head and raised a hand, as if telling me to stop-which made me confused, so I did. "Non. You'll be staying here." he told me.

"W-What?! I can't. I need to be there with you guys! They even said so!" I said, feeling a little outraged.

France kept his stance. "All the more reason for us to keep you away from them. You're staying here, it's what the others and I agreed on. (Name), it's dangerous."

"And WHAT is so DANGEROUS about TALKING?!" I snapped, clenching my fists tightly.

What is he trying to say?! That I can't take whatever the outcome of their discussion will be? Aw hell no. If they're going to sort it out, then good. If they suddenly end up fighting, then that's fine with me. I saw it coming. It's not like I'll allow myself to get hurt! I'm smart enough to know that. I can handle it. It's the 1Ps and 2Ps, after all. I understand.

...What I don't understand is why they'd treat me like this.

I know. I know that it's probably because they don't want me to get hurt...but it's not like I'd put myself in danger. If they end up battling against each other, then I'd be able to help them! I mean, I can see their status, if they're in a critical state or not. I can help. I can... Besides....

"....I belong, don't I?" I asked softly, my voice almost cracking.

France was just silent, but I can see the dichotomy in his eyes. "(Name)...I..."

I took a step forward, to get closer...but France shook his head.

"(Name), please forgive us for this." he said as he quickly walked out the door and slammed it shut. I rushed towards it to follow him, but it seems he was still leaning on the other side.

Banging my hand on the door, I exclaimed. "France! France, let me out of here!!"

"I'm sorry." he said from the other side.

-click-

As I heard that, I tried turning the knob. It won't budge.

Locked.

In my frustration, I kicked the door. Not a smart move. It just made my foot hurt a little.

"What the fck are they thinking?! I can't believe them!" I said to myself, reaching for the phone.

Looking at my screen, I noticed the other notifications. I completely forgot about them. I also saw that I received a text that was just from a few moments ago. Of course, I opened the older one.

(2) Messages

=-=-=

From: /Unregistered/

To:/Name/

Poppet, they're going to

=-=-=

"Going to what??" I said as I read the text. This is most definitely Ollie. But why was the text cut?

Thinking that the remaining unread text was still from Oliver, I opened the text:

=-=-=

From: /Unregistered/

To:/Name/

(Name), it's Canada. God, I hope you'll read this.

The others are planning something. Something that's far from making things end up to good. I'm playing along with them for now, because I don't have anyone else to side with me...but I think you will. So please, as soon as we get here with the others...help me stop them. Please. They won't listen to me...but I know they'll listen to you.

=-=-=

I stared at the text for a moment, feeling the emotions drain from me.

The other 1Ps...are planning what? Hold on-don't tell me they're going to start a fight?! That can't be! They're the 1Ps! They should be the ones who were to think...rationally.... The sane ones.....

But just because they're 1Ps...doesn't mean they can be good...all the time.

I've thought about that before... If it was possible for a 2P to act for good....then it was possible for a 1P to....

Gulping, I turned to face the door and gave out a heavy breath.

"I need to stop them...before the madness kills them all."

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

///Third Person PoV///

"Where's the ragazza?"

In the lower hallway of the second floor, two groups were across each other:

The First Players...and the Second Players.

They were all there. 12 countries...and their alternatively coloured counterparts.

"She doesn't need to be here." the American told them coldly.

The Canadian beside him gave a troubled look. "W-Why isn't she...?" he whispered.

"...It's for the best." France said in a low voice.

Luciano clicked his tongue. "Look, idiotas. We were here to talk about that girl."

"Oh? Are you sure you weren't just using that as an excuse to get to kill us?" England asked, sarcasm noted.

Lutz let out a grunt. "Hmph. As much as we would want, this idiot here convinced us to take care of that girl first before you bastards."

"...You were planning on killing her, aru?!" China exclaimed angrily.

Stepping forward, Oliver looked at the First Players. "...No. No we weren't. Quite the opposite, actually....but...." he suddenly turned to Luciano, "...can't we just take her back without erasing her memories...?" Oliver said, his voice cracking.

"What? Memories?" Japan asked, creasing his forehead.

Flavio faced him and spoke, "If you value the little bella...then give her to us."

"Do you think we're that stupid to believe you?!" Germany said.

"V-Ve...Wh-Why are doing this? What are you guys going to do to her?" Italy asked, eyes watering up from fear.

Allen just gave him a blank stare. "Send her back."

"We can't trust you to do any shit, let alone get the ragazza. Do you bastardos have any idea how unbelievable what you all are saying?" Romano spat out.

Matthieu rolled his eyes. "Do you guys have any idea how damn difficult it is for us to keep ourselves from attacking all of you right now?"

"Well, it's not difficult for us." Spain chuckled.

The 1Ps suddenly looked at each other and nodded, in a heartbeat...they charged towards the 2Ps.

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

///Reader's PoV///

I looked around the room to find anything that could help me get the door open, but to no avail. I kept twisting and turning the damn knob...but it just won't budge. Heck-I even tried picklocking it using a hairpin....

...ah, but this wasn't like some sort of action movie or something...and I've got no hidden skill like that....so that was out of the question, too...

"Argh, dammit... It's not like I could just magically get the key from them!" I said sarcastically, waving my hand in front of me to humour myself.

OH.

A menu screen appeared in front of me. ...And it was then that my fears were confirmed. I saw the list of the 1Ps and the status of their health...and it was starting to decrease.

What's going on?! Did they really...?

I couldn't make the screen show me their battle, nor their dialogues...so I decided to look for anything else. That was when I saw the inventory.

The inventory had all the items that we've collected so far...and the last item caught my eye.

Saferoom Key

I have never seen this key in the game, I don't even know if it existed. If anything, they probably just made that recently? I'm not sure...but I think if it's there in the inventory...

I placed my left hand on the doorknob and waved my right hand for the menu screen. Selecting the Saferoom key, I prayed for the best...

-click-

It opened.

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

Walking briskly through the halls, I neared the designated place where the 1Ps and 2Ps probably were...and as I stepped closer and closer...I could hear the clashing of swords, cracking of bones...and.... and I could also smell something like iron........which, my best guess would be....blood.

As I finally got to the lower hallway, I saw an unimaginable sight.

I've expected that they would fight, but not as bloody and gruesome as this. But what surprised me the most was that....it was the 1Ps who were violently lashing out. The Second Players...were the ones with the fatal injuries.

The two parties were so busy fighting off each other, none of them even noticed my presence...or so I thought.

"(N-Name)....Haaa...you're..." Canada panted as he approached me, wiping a bit of blood off his cheek.

My eyes widened as I saw his bruised state. "Canada...what...what happened?"

"....The others...they...planned on taking down the Second Players before the Second Players take them down. It's their logic. Mad logic, I know. I'm not sure if it's because of their frustrations from being in this mansion...or..." Canada paused for a moment, wincing from pain.

I noticed the sleeve of his tan military uniform to have a red splotch spreading out. He was bleeding. "Canada...you're hurt...Don't move...just-just sit down here for now...I'll try to do something." I told him, letting him sit down on the floor and lean back on a wall.

"B-Be careful..." he told me before falling into unconsciousness. Thankfully, he was still breathing-raggedly, but still living.

I slowly made my way towards the bloody chaos in front of me. The 1Ps and 2Ps were lunging towards each other and exchanging attacks.

I made my way into one of the far ends of the hall at a good distance, where I can see all of them. Clearing my throat to get their attention, I spoke, "G-Guys, stop!"

As soon as they heard me, there was a silence that befell us.

"Mon dieu! How did you manage to get out?!" France panicked.

Japan furrowed his brows. "We were sure you wouldn't be able to get that door unlocked, nor take down the door for that matter."

"Ah, well, shit happens." I said in an irritated tone. I was beyond furious about what they've tried to do. Even though it was for my safety, I feel like it was for more than that.

Oliver gave me a frantic look. "Swear Jar" was probably his first thought, but it seems there was something else much more important to say than that.

"Poppet! Tell them! Tell them you don't need to have your memories erased!" he exclaimed.

I tilted my head. "E-Erase my memories?! Why? What... you-you guys can't do that!"

"It's for your own good, ragazza. Why? Will you agree to get sent back home with memories intact?" Luciano asked.

My eyes widened at this. Send me back?! "What?! I can't go back home now. Not without getting out of this mansion with everyone. Why, are you going to let all of us out of this place?"

"No. It's just you. We were supposed to kill off these First Player bitches later. But it seems like they were too impatient." Allen scoffed. Despite his attitude, he was clutching his stomach, which I presume was bleeding.

Gilen faced me and spoke, "...Ja. They were the ones who attacked first. We were just going to get you."

"...Is...is that true?" I asked, turning to the 1Ps.

America looked away. "They...They can't be trusted. They were probably going to kill you..."

"Bastardos! We weren't!" Luciano hissed.

Clicking his tongue, Japan spoke, "How could we be sure?!"

Before anything could even be solved, they started attacking each other again. "No! Stop fighting! Hey!" I tried calling out, but they still kept going.

I don't understand what's going on anymore.

Were the 2Ps really going to kill me? Or did they want to send me back home?

Did the 1Ps really start this fight? Or did they get attacked in the first place?

The insanity.

The insanity just increases with every moment in this mansion, huh?

I don't know what I should do. How will I be able to stop this now? Giving a shaky sigh, I took a step back. As I did so, my heel bumped into something.

Little did I know that the insanity was going to reach it's peak...and I was its prey.

I turned around to see what it was that I bumped into. My eyes widened when I did.

It was a large sack.

It was the same sack that I saw Luciano carry with him not too long ago. I thought it would be my parents in here, but I was wrong. Now that I can see it up close, I don't think it was big enough for two people. But what was inside it, then?

Curiousity was overflowing within me.

Giving in to it, I decided to cautiously open the sack.

"R-RAGAZZA! DON'T! DON'T OPEN THAT!" I heard Luciano practically scream out.

But he was too late.

I was able to open the sack.... and slowly....it revealed....

A lifeless body of a girl that had (h/l) (h/c) coloured hair.

Trembling, I turned the body around to see its face. When I did, I felt my heart stop.

"N-No...No.... This isn't...." I started to mutter to myself frantically, my breath starting to grow heavy.

Luciano suddenly grabbed my arm and made me face him. "Ragazza-Don't! It's not-"

Without thinking I slapped him.

He was stunned. Taking advantage of his reaction, I turned back to the sack.

With shaking hands, I pulled out the body from the sack and looked at it blankly.

Moments later, tears started streaming down my cheeks uncontrollably.

Turning to face Luciano, I tried to open my mouth to speak...but I couldn't.

The rest gathered around me and gave a look of utter shock. Both the First Players and the Second Players.

It was just Luciano who seemed to know about this.

I faced him, he looked away. "L-Luciano....please....tell me...in all honesty...." I tried to hold back a sob... Taking a deep breath, I asked,

".......Did......I.....die...?"

Turning to face me, he answered me softly,

"...Si."