—-Chapter XV: Annexe (Part 5)—-

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"Oh, hey, that reminds me, I've been wondering... Thanks to that journal, a lot of enemies were gone, but where did they go?" Russia piped up.

England raised an eyebrow. "What? Well, if those four wound up in the past, then obviously the enemies also—....Oh..." his eyes widening at the thought.

=-=-=-=-=

"What?! You mean the enemy wound up in the past, too?!" Italy exclaimed, horror shown in his face.

Germany furrowed his brows. "Wait a minute. If that's true, does that mean they were in the same time loop as us?! Shouldn't we go back and kill them?"

"Y-Yeah, now we are able to fight them, but our past selves definitely wouldn't be able to kill them, and if someone dies because of that, it could change this reality..." Italy pointed out in a worried tone.

America raised a hand. "If that's what you're worried about, it's okay; I've already killed it."

"Eh? You did? When?" canada questioned.

"Unlike Germany, Italy and (Name), I wound up in the basement, along with the enemy. It was already somewhat weakened, so it wasn't that hard to kill it." America explained.

Germany tilted his head. "You wound up in the basement?! But...there wasn't only one enemy. We should go back just in case..."  he suggested.

"While you guys were on the 3rd floor, I searched the whole place. No one found me, and it turned out there was only one enemy. The second time loop is fine. ...I don't want to go back there." America told him, his eyes darkened a bit.

England looked at the American with an uneasy expression for a moment, then looked away.  "What the hell, you're still not over it? So, anyway, we're going to split into three groups-one will go to search for (Name), the other will go to the annexe, and the other will go the past to kill the enemy. Any objections?"

"Oh, so now we are free to choose who will go to the past?" Japan asked.

England smirked. "Come on now, who do you think I am? I'm strong now that I've got my power back you know."

"Hmm, I don't think we need to have three groups. We've already looked around the mansion to find the Second Players' base long ago. We're pretty sure they're not in the places we've already been in...but what we're not sure of is if they could be in the annexe." Prussia explained.

Japan nodded. "You're right...There's a great possibility that they could actually be keeping (Name)-chan there, too."

"So that means it'll just be two groups, then? One to go check the annexe and to look for (Name), and the other group to go back to the past and kill the enemy." England said. The others nodded in agreement.

France stepped forward. "Hmm, I think I'll go to the past, then~"

"I can go, too." China said, walking over to France.

Russia smiled and followed after China. "Me, too."

"Oh, then I'm coming with you. What are you going to do, America?"Canada asked, turning to his brother.

America shook his head. "I'll stay. I want to search the annexe."

"All right. Then you four have to stand close to the magic circle." he told France and the others. Turning to the Northern Italian, he spoke, "Italy, give me the journal." 

Italy nodded and handed the journal to him. England walked over to Canada  and handed him the journal. "I'll leave this journal with you, once you kill the enemy, you have to open it on the last page. Be careful not to interact with our past selves in any way. You have to do as the journal says, without changing the past. And come back as soon as you kill the enemy." he instructed.

Nodding in understanding, the four went over to the magic circle. 

"Yes sir. Well, then, we'll be right back from our killing spree. Take care, guys." France grinned.

Spain waved at his friend. "Yeah, you too!"

In a flash the four were teleported back to the past.

"Well, now...those whose weapons are being fixed should wait here. So should you three who came back from the past." Japan said.

America clenched his fists. "I'll go to the annex."

Italy couldn't help but look at America with sullen eyes.

Japan tilted his head. "Is that...so? Then-"

"Wait! I'll go instead of Japan! So it'll be just me, America, and England. We'll make sure to fully search the annexe, and hopefully find the bella ragazza." Italy told him, giving a slightly crooked smile.

England raised an eyebrow. "Are you strong enough for that? I mean, if their base is really there, it'll be quite dangerous.... In that case the three of us will go."

"Ehehe, I look forward to working with you two. ..." Italy smiled.

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

Italy walked up to Germany by the crates in the top left corner of the room. 

"Now we have more clothes and persona objects. I organised them and put them in separate drawers. Yours are here." Germany told him, pointing at the second drawer.

Italy nodded. "Okay!"

As Germany went to organise the other drawers, Italy opened his drawer and looked inside. It was some extra clothes, some of his old white flags, and other usual stuff he had. But there was something shiny that caught his eye.

"Oh...This..." he said, marvelling at the object. "I wasn't able to return this. Hmm...better bring it with me so that I won't forget." 

He then put the object in his pocket and closed the drawer. After that, he walked down to Prussia and Romano at the table in the bottom left corner of the room.

"He's fixing my weapon. I did take good care of it, though." Romano told his younger brother.

Italy nodded. "Prussia is so good with his hands, isn't he?"

((That's what he said. //shot. sorrynotsorry))

"Yeah. Oh, by the way...We left the monster there when we disappeared. It's definitely lurking there somewhere. Be careful. Also, if you find the ragazza, just take her with you and run back here." Romano instructed.

Italy smiled and spoke confidently, "Sure. I've got used to fighting, so I'll manage! The three of us will go there...and return as four~" 

"At least we confirmed there was one monster there. It could come from any direction, so be careful. I wish I could come running to help you fight and find the frau, as soon as I'm done fixing this, but...it doesn't help that I'm barehanded. I'll stay alert, though." Prussia said, assembling the gun he held.

Nodding, Italy pat the Prussian's shoulder.  "Take it easy. As soon as we find anything, we'll come back." he said before he walked around the table over to a certain Spaniard.

"The sword isn't so sharp now. It'll be a while until I'm done fixing it. Be careful, okay, Ita?" Spain told him.

Italy looked at the sword and nodded. "Yeah, okay!"

Seeing Japan standing in the kitchen in the top right corner of the room, Italy decided to check up on him.

"I'm a little hungry. won't you eat anything before you go?" Japan told him as he was preparing some food.

Italy's face brightened. "Wow, that looks so good! I guess I'll have some of that before I leave, then~"

"All right. I'll hurry up and make some for you, then." Japan nodded, turning to the chopping board.

Italy was about to walk away when Japan suddenly spoke up, "Wait...Italy..."

"What is it, Japan?" Italy asked curiously.

Japan faced him and spoke, "Are you sure you don't want me to accompany you there? I mean, I can look around for (Name)-chan while you guys investigate the parts of the annexe you wish to search through.

"Ah, mhmm... I think we're fine. You know, I care about (Name), too...but I don't think we should be that worried about her being with the Second Players." Italy said.

With a confused expression, Japan asked him, "Wh..Why so?"

"Haven't you noticed that they seem to show concern for (Name), too? I mean, we did see what happened earlier, si?" Italy asked.

Japan nodded. "Hai... You're right. It even seemed like...they've been with her longer than we have. But it's still confusing, though. At first, I thought they were just using her to hold something against us...but now, I'm starting to think that that's not the case anymore..."

"It's possible. That's why I think that she's safe for now. But, of course, we're going to bring her back to us to be sure." Italy said.

Turning back to his cooking, Japan smiled. "Right. Well then, looks like I'll prepare more food in case we finally get (Name)-chan back."

"That's the spirit, Japan~" Italy grinned.

Italy walked up to England who was standing by the magic circle—which was still emanating a warm glow of light.

Italy slowly approached him and tapped the Brit's shoulder. "Um... listen are you feeling all right?"

"Huh? What the hell, since when do you worry about my well-being? There's nothing wrong with me, though" England replied with a puzzled expression.

"I see..." Italy nodded, rubbing his elbow.

England's gaze suddenly fell upon the American who was standing a few feet from them. "Anyway, can't you do something about America? He ignores me when I talk to him. What happened?"

"Well, I'll try talking to him." Italy said, glancing over at America. Turning back to England, he spoke, "And you, England, try not to use too much magic. Especially if it has a certain range or has anything to do with turning back time-"

"Huh, where did that come from? Well, I don't know what you're talking about but I'll keep that in mind." England told him.

Italy gave a faint smile and nodded. "Okay."

America was standing by the beds in the bottom right corner of the room. Italy walked over to him and spoke, "America, it's time to go."

"Hm? Oh, yeah! You can count on me! I'm all ready, so we can go any time!" America said, a smile forced on his face.

Italy noticed his smile and sighed. "Then...okay..."

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

///Reader's PoV///

=-=-=-=-=

"My name is (Second Name). What's your name little girl?"

"I'm (Name)! Nice to meet you!~"

=-=-=-=-=

Hearing the name of the girl made my chest feel heavy all of a sudden. It felt like there was something...familiar about it, too. Maybe I knew her before? Oliver did say that I knew so many people back then. He even told me we were good friends before...but I have no recollection about that whatsoever. It's kinda sad, especially when I saw Oliver look so heartbroken when I told him that I don't have any memories of him. Seriously, is it really possible for a person to hit her head that hard to forget so much? That's just...unfair.

Suddenly, I realised that I had spaced out for too long when the little girl tugged my jacket and spoke, "Hey, (Second Name), you okay...?" 

"O-Oh! Yeah, sorry about that. Uhm, so you were saying you were here to play, (Name)?" I asked her, crouching down to be at eye-level with the little (h/c) girl.

Nodding, she grinned. "Yep! I actually got a li'l bored, so I looked for someone to play games with me." she placed a hand on my shoulder. "Wanna play?~"

"Uhh, well, I've got nothing else better to do. Alright." I replied. 

She jumped in joy. "Hooray!~ Let's go!" she said, pulling me towards the door.

"Huh? Where are we going?" I gave her a puzzled look.

Turning to face me, she huffed. "We're going downstairs! I don't think it's fun here."

"What? I can't! Kuro told me to not leave this room..." I told her, frowning.

She pouted and crossed her arms. "Whaaat? Is that person your mommy?"

"Hahaha. No, he isn't my mommy." I laughed. 

Smirking, she placed her hands on her hips. "Then he can't tell ya what to do!"

"Wow, kid. You're gonna be quite a something when you grow up." I chuckled, feeling a weird feeling of pride.

"You bet'cha I will!~" she beamed. "Now, c'mon, are we going or what?"

I cupped my chin and thought for a moment. "I guess going out a bit wouldn't hurt. Besides, I don't think their meeting's going to end any time soon..." I said aloud.

"Then what're we waiting for?? Let's go!!~" she exclaimed excitedly.

Rolling my eyes, I smiled. "Fine. Just for a while, after that, I need to go back here before they find out I even left. Okay?"

"Okay!" she said happily, walking over to the door and opening it. 

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

(Name) and I quietly walked through the halls. When we were already out of earshot from the room where Luciano and the others were, I decided to strike up a conversation with the little girl.

"So, (Name)...what are you doing here, anyway?" I asked.

She skipped ahead of me, but replied, "Huh? Well, I already told ya. I'm here to play."

"Err, okay. Where are your parents, then?" 

"They're outside. They haven't went inside this big house yet. Maybe they're still getting stuff from our car." she told me. "How about you, (Second Name)? What are you doing here?"

"Me? Well, actually, I don't quite remember. All I know are what my friends told me. They said we went to this mansion together for some reason...ah, but then I hit my head while I was running recklessly through the wide halls." I explained.

She looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "That's weird... Can a person really be that of a klutz?"

"Hey! I'm not a klutz!" I pouted.

Giggling, she stuck out a tongue. "Yes, you are~ Good thing I'm not a klu—" before she could finish her sentence, she suddenly tripped. "OOFFF!!" 

Laughing before helping her up (of course), I spoke, "Ha! Who's the klutz now, eh?"

Dusting off her dress, the little girl puffed her cheeks. "Fine, fine. Let's just forget I ever said that." she said, feeling embarassed.

"How did you trip, anyway?" I asked, inspecting the floor.

(Name) suddenly jumped. "Oh! Right, I completely forgot!" she suddenly knelt down, her hands searching for the bump on the floor that made her trip.

I saw what it was. It was some sort of metal handle...? The wooden flooring on that part seemed to be a little elevated unlike the rest of the hall.

"Is that......a door?" I asked curiously.

Smiling, she tried to pull the handle with all her might. "...Yep!~"

Helping the girl, I managed to open the strange passage enough for us to take a look at what's beyond.

I don't see much, just a red carpeted hall. It's a bit too high to jump down, how will we be able to get there? 

Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my left palm. "Argh...What the..." I quickly turned my hand over. Out of nowhere, I had a small scar appear on my palm. It seemed like it was already an old one. Did...did I have this before..?

Snapping me from my thoughts, (Name) tapped my shoulder and handed me a long rope. "Where did you get this?" I asked.

"I found it over there on one of the tables." she told me, pointing at a table a few feet ahead of us. There were even shards of...what was it? It looks like broken vases. Lots of them. "Thanks, but, you should've told me. I could have gotten them for us instead. What if you get a cut from those broken vase pieces?" I said.

She took a step back and laughed nervously. "Ahaha. Err, funny you mentioned that..." she trailed off, hiding her hands behind her back.

"You're kidding me." I squinted my eyes at her.

Pouting, she spoke, "I-I'm okay, really!"

"Reaally now? Show me your hands then." I instructed her.

She shook her head forcefully. "Don't wanna."

"Oh c'mon, (Name). If you got cut, then we should treat it." I said, opening my bag. I couldn't bring myself to leave the room without it, and good thing I did bring it because I found a small med kit inside. That was convenient. "Hold out your hand." I said.

"B-But! ...Will it hurt?" she asked nervously. I shook my head. "Naah. Okay, just a little, but you're a strong girl, aye?"

"Aye, captain!" she giggled, saluting me with her left hand.

Rolling my eyes and chuckling, I spoke, "You salute with your right hand, silly."

"Nu-uh. This is my way. That's how it'll be!" she said, sticking out her tongue.

Shaking my head, I smiled and gave in. "Fine. Now, show me your hand." 

She did as she was told. As I treated her hand, she winced a little, but didn't complain. When she was finished, I made her face me and grinned. "See? Wasn't so bad, right."

"Y-Yeah.." she said sniffing a little. I turned to look inside my bag and scavenged for something. I saw that there were mostly clothes, but there was food inside it as well. 

Then, I found a (favourite candy) and held it up to the little girl. "Here you go. A reward for behaving." 

"Oooh!! That's my favourite!" she squealed in delight, taking the sweet in her right hand. "Thanks, (Second Name)!"

"You're welcome. Now, are we still going down?" I asked. She nodded. "Alright, I'll go first, then I could just catch you when I'm down. Okay?" 

"Okay." she said, munching on the candy I gave her.

Tying the rope on securely on a metal bar near the door, I dropped the other end below. I climbed down and gave a sigh of relief when my feet finally set on the floor. "(Name), it's alright now. Just jump, I'll catch you." I told her.

"Okie dokie!~" she said, leaping down. "Woah. Seems like someone wasn't supposed  to eat sweets, after all." I joked, noticing the girl bursting with energy.

Gently settling the girl on the ground, I turned around...and almost fainted.

There were monsters just across us.

Large, grey, alien-like monsters of different shapes and sizes.

"WH-WHAA.... WHAT ARE THOSE??!" I exclaimed in a strained voice, torn between fully screaming and hushing down because of the horrific creatures.

(Name) turned to look at the creatures and tilted her head. "Oh? Those? Relax, they're in that prison-thingy, I don't think they'll get us."

"Y-You're serious?" I asked, a look of disbelief prominent on my face.

She nodded. "Yeah! Now, c'mon. Let's go downstairs. You don't like it here, right?" 

"Obviously...F-Fine...Let's leave this room." I told her, taking her right hand and leading her to find a door.

When we finally found a door, we entered the next room. It felt as eerie as the other one. This time, it had blood on the floor...that seemed to be like numbers. How strange can this house get. I knew I should've asked Oliver and the others to explain more to me before they had that long meeting.

Soon, (Name) and I walked down flights of stairs. As we walk through the halls, I felt like I've already known this place before... It feels all so painfully nostalgic. (Name) stayed quiet for most of the time, other than humming a few nursery rhymes and stuff. When we reached what she said to be the second floor, I heard faint voices from the other hall.

"Uh-oh! (Second Name), let's go hide!" (Name) told me, tugging my jacket.

I raised an eyebrow at her. "Why?"

"Because I might lose the game if it's the 'it'!" she said, frowning.

This made me more confused. "I have no idea what you mean by that."

Pouting, she crossed her arms. "Well—-oh no!" the girl exclaimed, panicking as we heard the footsteps coming closer. (Name) suddenly dashed into one of the rooms. 

"That girl, really." I sighed, deciding to follow her anyway.

As I was about to take a step forward to go to the room where (Name) was, I heard someone speak behind me.

"....Bella, is that you...?" 

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

///Italy's PoV///

America, England, and I walked out of the saferoom to head over to the annexe. We were supposed to go there altogether, but when I sensed someone was on the other side of the hall, I told America and England to go ahead of me. They were a bit hesitant at first, but eventually gave in and told me to catch up with them as soon as I could.

When I finally reached the other hall, I was met with a very surprising turn of events.

I saw (Name).

She had her back turned, but I swear it's her. Wanting to confirm it, I spoke, 

"....Bella, is that you...?"

The ragazza turned around and faced me. "...H-Huh? Luciano?" she asked, squinting her eyes.

"V-Ve...? Bella...you don't remember me? It's me, Italy!" I told her. I had a suspicion and the uncomfortable feeling in my gut is making it worse. 

She furrowed her eyebrows. "U-Uhm? You mean you're...Italian..er, is that it?" 

"No... I mean, I am....but! Oh no...Hmm.. I'm Feliciano." I said, my lips starting to tremble a little.

She tilted her head. "You look a lot like someone I know...."

"I think I know who you're referring to, but to be clear, I'm not him. Are you sure you don't remember me, bella?"

Looking down, she rubbed her elbow. "I'm sorry...I don't remember. I don't remember much, really. ...Have we met before?"

"Yes. Yes, we have. We've actually been through quite a lot together, to be honest. We're friends. My other friends are also your friends, too. We were all worried about you." I told her in a sad tone. "Listen, I'm not sure how, but we'll be able to help you get your memories back somehow! I'm just glad that you're safe and sound. Now, c'mon. I'll bring you back to our saferoom. After that, I need to go downstairs, England and America must be waiting for me...and I'm pretty sure that something bad will happen if I don't get there sooner."

I held out my hand to her, but she took a step back. "U-Uhm...I... I think I should tell my friends first."

"Your friends?" I asked her quizzically.

Nodding, she smiled. "Yeah. I just need to tell Luciano and the others."

"Oh, but..." I started. What am I supposed to say? She's lost her memories and seems to really believe that she's friends with the Second Players. I'm actually fine if they befriended her....but what if they won't ever let us see her because they're still mad at us for attacking them..? Well, not only for attacking them...but for everything...in the past...

And England and America are headed for the annexe, too!

What if my suspicions were correct about America and something bad happens?

What should I do now?

I started fidgeting around my pockets, thinking it might calm me down. Suddenly, my fingers felt a small metal object. I took it out of my pockets and looked at it on my palm, making my eyes grow wide. I almost forgot about this...

"Hello? Feliciano?" she asked, waving a hand in front of me.

Shaking my head, I spoke, "Oh! S-Sorry, bella. I'm actually in a hurry for something...so, I have to take my leave now. I'll come see you later, I assure you."

"I see. That's okay. Maybe you could help me remember some things later." she told me.

I smiled. "Maybe. But for now, I think I have something that could help you recall something you've mentioned was important to you." I took her hand. placed the metal object on her palm, and closed it. "I'm positive that this is yours, bella. I hope you'll remember us by this."

"This is...mine?" she asked, not opening her hand yet. I nodded in response.

Walking towards the stairs leading to the first floor, I spoke,

"Ciao! See you soon, (Name)!"

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

///Reader's PoV///

Before I could reply to Feliciano, he was already walking down the stairs.

"...I'm not (Name)." I said aloud. 

That was strange. How could he possibly mistake me for that little girl?

It was then that I remembered that she was still hiding in that room. I walked over to the room she went into and opened the door. "(Name)? You can come out now, there's no one else out here but me. I also have a couple of questions for you, too."

No response.

I looked around the room. Every possible place that someone could hide in was searched...but no (Name).

"Where...did she go...?"

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

///Third Person PoV///

"What took you so long??" England asked, impatiently tapping his foot.

Italy panted. "Ve...Sorry, I'll explain later." 

"Hmm, if you say so. Let's go." America said, walking through the annexe door first.

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

The three went through a couple of halls and rooms, discovering Mysterious Lumps along the way. Eventually, they found themselves in a large study filled with bookshelves.

"Hmm. You know, I really don't know if we've never been here before of if I've just forgotten about it..." Italy said, looking up in thought.

England, who was scanning through some books, spoke, "It can't be just this. I'll take another look in that other room." he said, closing the book he held and placed it back on the shelf. He walked over to the other study that was on the top right corner of the room.

Once England was out of earshot, Italy faced America and spoke in a serious tone.  "...America, what do you have in mind?"

America widened his eyes for a second, but then grinned.  "Who me? Nothing at all. Hey, you're the one who said we should work together—"

"Can't I tell you something, as your senior? If you want to lie, at least make sure you sound convincing, or else people will see right through it, just like it happened to me." Italy told him, frowning.

America looked away.  "Wh-what are you talking about? I'm not hiding anything. Just look at me. Do I look like I'm lying?"

"... You know, America..." Italy trailed off.

Through the corner of his eye, America looked at the Italian.  "Yeah, what is it?"

In a low voice, Italy spoke, "Maybe you should have learnt... to smile a little more naturally."

America looked at Italy with wide eyes, his blue orbs showing feelings of hurt and sadness.  "To think that... you'd say that to me... I feel like I'm getting a taste of my own medicine. But, Italy, I-"

Before America could finish his sentence, England walked back into the room.

Running his fingers through his hair, England sighed. "I couldn't find anything. Maybe there's a clue in these shelves? You look at the ones over there and-"

America walked over to England with a determined look on his face.

"England. I'm pretty confident in my skills and abilities. That's why I was able to grow up and come this far. Isn't that right?" America asked.

Giving the American a confused look, England asked, "What?"

"That's why I won't accept it. Even though you were defeated, you saved me and in the end you died... I'm the hero. It's up to me... I'd rather be the one doing the saving. I'll prove it to you. This time I'll save you guys." America told them, clenching his fists.

With a loud thud, a humongous alien-like monster drops down into the study, slowly walking towards them.

"Aaagh!!" Italy shouted.

England back away against the right wall and America walks up to the monster.

America pushed England away from the monsters path and pointed a gun at the creature.

Rubbing his head, England creased his forehead. "Ow! Hey, America! You-"

America shot the monster using his gun a couple of times, but...

"I-It didn't work?!" America exclaimed, horrified at what was happening.

The large creature charges towards America.

England stood up and yelled.  "Watch out!! What the hell are you doing, you idiot?!"

All the blood seemed to drain from America's face. "SHI-"

"AMERICA!!" Italy called out frantically.

England. I was a hero, wasn't I? 

I protected you didn't I? 

I could be a hero... couldn't I?