---Chapter XVII 1/2: Disappearance (Part 4)---

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"I'm back."

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///Reader's PoV///


With a simple sentence, I was able to make the whole room bring to a silence. Though I went back here with so much resolution...I still felt scared. I didn't know how they would react, but... I still had faith that they would still find me needed.


Because...


"(N....Name)...? Why...you're not supposed to be...." America started slowly, but I shook my head. I climbed up the long wooden table and stood up there so I can see everyone better.

They looked so concerned, so confused, so....so speechless.... but beyond that, I saw something in their eyes that warmed my heart.

Relief.

The relieved look in their eyes to see that I'm here with them, in the flesh. Not anywhere far for them to reach. Not anywhere they're not.


I'm...here.


With them.


Smiling, I took a deep breath, and spoke. "...Listen up....you nation dorks." I chuckled lightly. It didn't give much reaction on their part, but I can feel their eyes stare at me with a hopeful glint in them.


"I've got five things I need to tell you all." I said, raising my hand. "First, is that....WHAT THE HECK WERE YOU GUYS THINKING, SENDING ME BACK HOME WITHOUT MY CONSENT??!"

They flinched when I raised my voice. Well, that's a sight. I didn't know I had that much of an impact on the 1Ps...and the 2Ps. Heck, I didn't think I'd have any impact on anyone before. But, their reaction shows a lot. They were torn about their actions, too.

Oliver lowered his head. "It's because we care about you, poppet."


"I know." I replied directly; my answer made them give confused expressions.


"Second! Don't you guys know that I care about all of you, too?"


They felt so astounded by the strength of my words, that they began looking at each other with wide eyes, as if to see if they all felt the same thing that they were feeling. It seemed like a slow realisation, but when it did hit them, their gazes softened.

Turning to me, they softly replied in unison, "We know."


"Then," I said, placing a hand on my hip. "let me care for you guys. Let me care for you guys by letting me be with you. Didn't we all agree that we're going to get out of this mansion together?"

They simply nodded. Gilen, however, nervously shuffled in his place and spoke up in a hoarse voice, "...But...what if..."

"It'll be alright." I reassured him, not needing to know what he was referring to. "We'll always have those thoughts. 'Buts', 'what ifs', 'I should haves', 'I shouldn't haves'--and all those doubtful thoughts. I don't think we'll be able to avoid it. But we'll all get over it. Together. If we all work together, we could definitely find a way to get out of this place, without having to lose anyone. Sure, it might not seem hopeful right now..." I trailed, slowly directing my gaze towards a certain emerald-eyed Brit who I knew can no longer see....and a certain bed across the room. Seeing England in his blind state and Italy unconscious, possibly no longer breathing--made my heart wrench, but I knew I had to hold back the tears. "But it'll be alright."

"...Everything will be alright." I told them. And I know that it will, as long as we don't forget about what we really wish to do. To get out of this mansion with everyone. With all of our friends. With everyone we love and care for.


"Third!...Japan?" Clearing my throat, I looked down and smiled at a certain Japanese man wearing an all-white uniform. He was only slightly hesitant to meet my eyes. "..Hai?" he spoke, nervous as he probably anticipated at me to yell at him, too.


"I...well... there's something that I was always worried about ever since I met you guys. I know... I want to believe in myself, but I just need to hear it again." With a shaky breath, I continued, ".....I belong, don't I?"


"Hai." Japan immediately answered, without any hesitation at all. "Yes. You do belong. You belong here--with us, (Nickname)-chan." He smiled kindly. "It's still a mystery how you managed to return, but...seeing you again made us realise how pained we were when you weren't around. But please, don't forget: we still don't want you to be in any harm...so..."

"So protect me." I told them in a louder voice. "You guys will protect me, and I'll protect you. I know I'm not as strong as you guys, but no matter what, I'll be here."

Worry was still evident in their expressions, but I can tell that they believe me. The nations and their alternately coloured counterparts glanced at one another once more. So unsure, yet yearning for something. What I keep saying, what I'm trying to believe in, and to hold on to.... those might sound farfetched, but if there's one thing I am sure of--is that it'll be worth it. I know it will.

Silence filled the air for a short moment, as I gave them a chance to collect their thoughts on the situation. After all, they probably are still in shock about my quick return. But, I also saw the anticipation in their eyes, urging me to continue.

"Fourth..." I spoke in a soft tone, making them aware that the nature of what I had to say was different now. "...Though I know that it's somehow pointless to ask this, since I'm here and you guys can't do anything about it anymore....." I shuffled on the wooden tabletop I stood upon. "....Do you guys want me to be here? Do you guys want me to stay here by your sides until we all get out of this mansion? Please answer me honestly."

And then, there was silence.




"Yes."


All they said was one word. None of them said it the same way, because they said it in their native language, in their respective accents, in their own voice. But...


But I knew they all meant the same thing.


"Yes! Of course we want you to be here with us, (Name)!" America cheered as he reached out to me and helped me get down from the tabletop. I was somehow surprised with the certainty and seriousness in the American's eyes. As he gestured at the others, 1Ps and 2Ps alike, I realised that they had to same look, too.


"...you do belong."

Those words, I could practically hear them as they smiled at me. I even felt my eyes slightly water, but I don't think this is the right time for that.


Oliver stepped closer to me and hugged (read: glomped) me. "Oh, poppet!! We're really sorry! I missed you so much!!" he cried affectionately.

"Same...here...Ollie....Hello? Can't breathe here." I replied, appreciating the hug, but not the fact that I'm being crushed. Allen must've heard my mental message, seeing as he clawed between me and Ollie. "Yeah yeah, old man. We all did, so don't go hogging the doll all by yourself."

Pouting, Ollie puffed his cheeks. "Hmph. I just really wanted to hug her, Allen. Why, did you want to hug her first?"

"Wh-Wha--" Allen blushed as he stuttered a bit, but quickly caught himself and coughed. "Ahaha! Yeaah. She would sure love to have some of this. Right, dollface?" the redhead chuckled as he gestured at himself, wriggling his eyebrows suggestively. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed at the thought. I didn't know how to actually respond to that at the moment--good thing Francois stepped in and hit Allen in the head. "This isn't the time, morons." he said. Well, at least that stopped the two.

"Our situation at the moment...." Nikolai spoke up, gaining our attention. "...is a stalemate." he sighed. Zao nodded in a agreement, "Well, that is, until you suddenly showed up again."

"Ehe... Uhm, you're welcome..?" I replied uncertainly, stepping back a little as I felt a slight awkwardness about it. Though, I ended up bumping into someone.

Turning around, I found out that it was familiar silver haired Prussian. "Kesesese. Don't worry, frau. You were a very awesome surprise." he reassured me in his own way. Smiling, I nodded. "Thanks."


"By the way, hon!~" Flavio interjected, making me face him. "You said you had five things to say--but you only said four." he said, raising an eyebrow questioningly. "What was the last one?"


Oh, right. I giggled a little, mentally slapping myself for forgetting to say the last one. "Actually, I already said this earlier...but I want to say this again sincerely, without any doubts."


I stepped up front to be able to face all of them. These crazy Hetalia characters that I know and love. 1P, 2P... It doesn't matter. It's Hetalia. And though I know this is HetaOni, I knew that I would still want to say these words,


"I'm back"



Everyone just looked at me. They weren't giving this surprised look anymore. It was a knowing one. And I know that they know exactly what they all wanted to say.


"Welcome back, (Name)"

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///Third Person PoV///

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Holy Roman Empire watched with a sad expression as Italy walked ahead. "As I thought, he adapts easily... Did what he's gone through make him that way? Please figure it out soon..."

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Finally closing the front door behind him, HRE steadily walked towards Italy and the others. He looked at the Italian as he listened to Japan and Prussia commenting about the mansion's interior. Italy had this cheerful, unknowing smile...yet at the same time...a remorseful glint in his eyes. When their eyes somehow met, Italy's expression faltered for a split-second. He tried hiding this by clearing his throat and speaking up, "I-It's...cleaner than I thought."

Just as HRE expected, Italy still remembered what he had to say when in this point of time. It was the same thing he said back then; pretty scripted by now. It's probably embedded in his body already, as he had been through this for too many painful times. Catching on, HRE decided to do his best in helping Italy figure something out. Raising his hand in a nervous manner, HRE spoke, "H-Hey. Can we go now?"


At that moment, Italy confirmed that this was what was supposed to be said at that time. As it should be. As it always had. But...


It felt...different.


"What's the matter? You scared?" Prussia teased the cloaked man, earning an eyeroll from the latter.


Italy looked away, suddenly confused by his thoughts. "R-Right...this is what they say. They always did when it was this grouping. So...so..." The Italian's trail of thought was interrupted when a loud breaking sound erupted from a distance.

"L-Look, we really should go now." Holy Roman Empire insisted.

Japan on the other hand, waved it off. "Oh, don't be silly. It's not like there were any ghosts or anything. Where is your common sense?" he asked them as he headed down the corridor, intent on checking where the sound came from.

"Be careful, Japan!" Prussia called over.

Without turning around, Japan raised his hand. "I know. I'll just go see what happened. I'll be right back."

-=-=-

As Japan was already out of sight, Italy clenched his fists, warily looking at his surroundings. HRE noticed this and whispered, "What's wrong?"

"N-No...uhm, well..." Italy fidgeted, unsure of what he should actually do. "Well...the monster's supposed to appear after Japan leaves this area, right?" he whispered back.

HRE paused for a moment, then spoke, "Would you really want the monster to appear?"


"No..."


"Then, don't worry. It won't happen." HRE reassured the Italian, gently pushing away a loose lock of hair from Italy's face. It was a rather sweet gesture, causing Italy to redden. He suddenly became reminded that this was his first love in front of him, somehow. Incredelous as it is, Italy just couldn't help but feel out of breath.


"Ughh...get a room, you two." Prussia groaned mockingly, then smirked as he seemed to be teasing them at the same time. Just then, Japan came back from the kitchen area. Noticing this, the Prussian spoke, "Oh! So, what did you find, Japan?"

"Nothing much, really. There was just a broken plate on the floor." the Japanese man informed them.

Italy suddenly became confused. "The monster...didn't appear...?" he thought to himself.

"Well, then let's look at what else this place has to offer. Though I doubt that it'll scare the awesome me!" Prussia grinned as he and Japan began walking up the stairs.


Seeing this, Italy wanted to call out to the two and warn them to avoid the places he knew the monster will appear in. But then...he then remembered what Holy Roman Empire told him.


"Hold on....the monster didn't appear....because...it's what I wanted..?" Italy murmured, looking down.

HRE heard him, despite the softness of his voice. "Yes. Here, everything will go the way you want it to be."

Upon hearing that, Italy started heading for the stairs with haste. HRE was suddenly puzzled by his sudden action. "I-Italy? What's wrong?"

"I need to see if Japan and Prussia are alright."

"But, I already told you: everything will--"

"No."

"..No?"


Italy stopped halfway through the staircase and turned around to face Holy Roman Empire, who was still at the foot of the steps. "No, Holy Roman Empire. Everything won't just go my way just because I want it to. The world doesn't work like that." the Italian told him with sad eyes. Then, he proceeded walking up the stairs.

"Even if this is just a dream?" HRE repeated his question from before.

Without stopping, Italy answered once more. "Because it's a dream!"


"...Why?" HRE asked in a soft voice.


Once Italy was at the top of the stairs, he stopped. Not turning around to meet HRE's gaze, he replied, "Because nightmares are dreams, too."


HRE's eyes grew wide as he heard those words from the Italian. After Italy said that, he turned to his left and began walking through the hallway in search of Japan and Prussia. Leaving the man in the black uniform behind.


"...'Because's nightmare's are dreams, too.', huh?"


Holy Roman Empire couldn't help but smile.

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[[[Outside the Mansion]]]

///Third Person PoV///


"M-Miss Hungary, don't come too near it! It might hit you!" Liechtenstein cried out as she was reloading the precious gun that her beloved brother lent her. Hungary was distracting the monster, luring it away from the small blonde girl as she reloaded. The Hungarian also threw a few attacks here and there to slow down the grey creature.

Hungary shook her head. "Don't worry!" she said as she fiercely hit the monster with her frying pan. The monster hissed and directed an attack at the woman, but she was able to dodge just in time. As Hungary rolled through the grass, she saw that two familiar figures headed their way.

And at the same time, the monster began charging towards Liechtenstein.


"Liechtenstein!!" Hungary shouted. She got up but felt a slight pain in her ankle. She must have sprained it a little when she tried to quickly avert from the creature. Panic rose to her chest as she realised that the distance from her and the small girl was too far for her to reach in time.

With scared eyes and shaking fingers, Liechtenstein tried to bring herself to pull the trigger. This time, she was on her own. No big brother Switzerland. No Hungary. ...She was fine when she was with others, but now...it just... She feels frozen in place.

Noticing this, Hungary cried out, "Liechtenstein?!! What are you waiting for--shoot it!"


"I-I...I can't move...I..." Liechtenstein choked out. She knew she could just pull the trigger. Just doing that could make the monster back up a bit... but...


The monster lunged at her, causing her to shriek, "Aaaahhhh!" She knew that in just one moment, she would be in such surreal pain from the monster's wrath.


...But that moment never came.


"Get away from her, bastard." a familiar voice warned coldly at the creature as a knife flew across the air--directly hitting the grey monster's eye. The sudden attack made it recoil, only for a few steps back.

Long, platinum blonde hair appeared before Liechtenstein in a swift motion. There was no mistaking whose it was. It was...

"...B-Belarus...?" Liechtenstein gave a gasp as she realised that it was the Belarusian lady.

Standing protectively in front of the small girl, Belarus spoke, "You're gun is loaded. What were you doing?"

"....I'm sorry, I just..I felt panicked fighting alone." Liechtenstein explained, feeling quite ashamed. She was mature enough to know that she should've handled this with a level-head, but she couldn't help but have sudden panic attacks like that.

Sighing, Belarus looked back at her. "Well, you're not fighting alone now."

Liechtenstein's bluish green eyes widened at the words of the Belarusian. Smiling, she replied, "You're right, I'm not."

Based by the bouncing noises from a distance, they knew that Ukraine was already over the other side of area, tending to Hungary's sprained ankle. Since those two were busy, they knew that they were the only ones who can fight the monster.

No problem.

"Let's go, Liechtenstein." Belarus said, she was already armed with extra knives.

Positioning her brother's beloved gun at the grey demon, Liechtenstein answered, "Ja."

And their battle began.

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

"Thanks! Good thing you've brought bandages with you, Ukraine." Hungary thanked the well-endowed woman in front of her. She stood up a bit unsteadily, but she was able to bear it. Hungary knew she had endured hundreds of years worse than just a small ankle sprain.

Ukraine pat Hungary's shoulder in a motherly way. "Don't mention it, Hun! Just don't push yourself too much, and be more careful."

"Right.." Hungary nodded. Her attention reverted back to the two ladies fighting the monster just a few meters from them. Liechtenstein and Belarus were holding up pretty well. "Those two...they make a good team." she pointed out.

"And probably...good friends." Ukraine smiled widely as she saw her younger sister working efficiently with the small principality. "I'm happy to see my siblings growing up. Russia, Belarus... They've made wonderful friends." she said, genuinely proud of her younger brother and sister.

Hungary chuckled. "Yeah. They didn't seem to be the type who would easily get along with other people easily...but in the end, it seems that things change. Well, more like,they changed."

"Da. They're growing up." Belarus said, her lips shaking. Then, unable to hold it any longer, she cried. "Uwaahh, they're growing up!!"

"W-Woah, calm down." Hungary slightly panicked as the Ukrainian woman started tearing up. She tried to change the subject by checking on the two fighting the monster. Just in time, she saw the monster get defeated, disappearing in thin air. "Oh! Look, Ukraine, they did it! They finished off that creature!"

"R-Really?" Ukraine wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. Seeing that it was true, she began running towards her beloved younger sister. "Belaruuus!" She was walking in a slower pace than normal people, though. Blame it on her assets up front.

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

"Huff. Pant. Huff. It..." Liechtenstein tried to catch her breath. Carefully, she placed her gun behind her back by putting the strap of it over her shoulder. "It disappeared. We defeated it.."

"It seems so." Belarus replied quietly.

When she had somehow recovered from the tiring battle, Liechtenstein turned to face Belarus. "...Thank you."

"Huh?" the Belarusian beauty gave a confused expression upon hearing the girl beside her.

Liechtenstein shuffled nervously. "Thank you for saving me back there."

"I didn't." Belarus flatly replied. Giving a rare smile herself, she spoke, "We fought alongside each other back there."

Happy to have a friendly atmosphere with Belarus, Liechtenstein didn't want to bring up a certain topic...but she felt like she needed to.

"Belarus, how did things go with your big brother?" Liechtenstein dared to ask.

Looking down, Belarus fell silent for a moment. Then, she replied, "He told me to go away. To go home."

"Oh..I'm s-sorry.." Liechtenstein started to apologise, realising that it really wasn't a good topic. Belarus, however, shook her head. "No.. That was just what Brother said when we got there...but in the end, he changed his mind. He told us something else."

"Eh? What did he say?"

Remembering the previous event, Belarus couldn't help but give a beautiful, gentle smile, "...He told me to wait for his return."

Liechtenstein's eyes lit up. "Ah! That is wonderful, Belarus! I'm sure that this will all end soon. We'll just have to do our best here." she beamed.

"..You're right." Belarus then gave an eerie smile. "And as soon as this is all over, Brother and I will get married."

"W-What? Uhm, but..." Liechtenstein raised an eyebrow. Belarus waved a hand and misunderstood the girl's reaction. "Don't worry, you are invited to attend."

Though still unsure if that would really happen or not, Liechtenstein replied, "Thank you, but uhm, why are you inviting me?"

"Well...I need a witness of course." Belarus said, giving a strange aura. Though, it quickly changed into a meek one as she added, "...and you are a friend."

"Friend?" the mere word coming from Belarus surprised Liechtenstein.

Embarrassed, Belarus looked away. "Friend, yes. Are--Are we not?" Ukraine told her once that she had made nice new friends. That had also pertained to her, right? Or did she misunderstand--

Suddenly, the smaller girl took hold of Belarus' hand and raised it. "We are! We are!" Liechtenstein told her excitedly. She was a bit saddened earlier that she thought Belarus didn't want anything to do with her. Now, she's happy that she called her a friend. She can't wait to tell her brother Switzerland about this.

"Belaruuus!"

The well-endowed Ukrainian woman suddenly hug-tackled her younger Belarusian sister as soon as she got close. Liechtenstein couldn't help but giggle. Hungary was there with them, as well. Her ankle's getting better by the minute.

Trying to break away from her sister's display of affection (which, Belarus would sometimes think of as a suffocation), Belarus tried to push her sister away in protest. "Sister. Breasts. Your breasts are.... Get them out of my face."

"Uwaahhh. Sorry, Belarus! I was just so worried! And so happy!" Ukraine explained, as she slowly broke the hug. Belarus raised an eyebrow. "Happy?"

"Oh nothing~" Ukraine smiled.

Their light atmosphere was suddenly tuned out when they heard some shouting in the distance. Footsteps headed their way. Once the person came to view, they realised it was Lithuania.

Ukraine stepped towards him. "Lithuania, what happened?"

The brunette paused for a moment to calm down and catch a breath. "I...You...Y-You see...It's..." he looked so shaken up as he tried to find the words.

"Spit it out already!" Belarus told him, slightly frustrated by the suspense.

Lithuania gulped and looked at all of them. Then, with a sad expression, he spoke,

"We need to help Latvia."

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///Reader's PoV///

After getting over from the shock of my great return (that sounded cool, let me write that down), the First Players and the Second Players began asking me about it.

"So....how exactly did you get back here, (Name)-chan?" Japan inquired, curious to what I could've done to get back here.

Memories of my encounter with a certain person who wrote this came rushing back. I'm pretty sure that I shouldn't tell that that I met the Author in some crazy turn of events and learnt some valuable and philosophical life lessons and stuff and...and... This is probably so awkward for the author to type, mentioning herself. Sigh. Well, all I know is that I can't break the wall for them. Maybe some other time.

Shifting awkwardly in my seat, I answered them. "Because I decided to."

"You decided to? What do you mean by that?" Lutz asked, intrigued.

I gave out a deep breath. "It's a bit complicated to explain, but long story short... I had been given a chance to decide on whether I wanted to stay back home or go back here. Obviously, you know what I chose."

"Alright, then, we'll leave the subject on how you actually got here for later. Right now," Francois gave a glance at England, then at Italy. "we've got quite the situation at hand. Are you aware?"

Nodding slowly, I frowned as I understood what he referred to. "E-England's...Well, he lost his....his eyesight, correct? And...And Italy's in cardiac arrest."

"...Yes, that's correct." Germany told me in a sad tone.

Shaking a little, I turned to England. "I-I'm sorry. I knew that this would happen...and I didn't want it to....but... I wasn't... I wish I could've gotten back here sooner."

Though England couldn't see me, he heard me loud and clear. "No, love. Don't think that way. Besides, I was one of the people who sent you home, remember? And, well, I was quite rash, too. This time, I'm the bloody idiot."

"You got that right!" America pointed out with a scowl. He's still quite not over with England's condition. Who wouldn't be? Even I'm not yet over it.

England clicked his tongue. "I wasn't talking to you, America."

As the two began bickering again, I stood up and went over to Germany, who was over at Italy's bedside. "And...I'm sorry about Italy... I..."

"Frau...I know." Germany said, giving an apologetic look. "I don't think it's right for you to think that you're at fault for any of this."

Seeing the sorrowful glint in his light blue eyes still kept me uneasy about the situation. It was then that I felt an arm over my shoulder. "He's right. Don't worry, frau. West and I talked about this. For now, we'll have to think of our next actions. We can't stay in this place forever." a red-eyed albino wearing a Prussian blue uniform told me.

"Yeah..Thanks, Prussia" I said. I decided to head over to the others. Though it looks like they dispersed around the room again. Looking around the room, I was thinking of who I should talk to first. As I was doing so, my (e/c) eyes met with another's violet ones. There in a quiet corner, was a certain person that I haven't heard a word from since I got back.

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

///Canada's PoV///

She...She's looking this way! Oh god, what am I gonna do? Should I apologise first? Should I, uhm, act normally?

N-Now she's heading this way. Way to go, Canada. You just had to stare at her.

She's here. She's here in front of me.

"Hey there, Canada..." (Name) greeted me softly.

Without thinking, I replied, "Hey, (Name)..Uhm--You look nice today, I mean--I'm sorry about what we did, and uhm oh... N-Nice weather we're having huh? Wait, no...I mean--...." I practically facepalmed at my own fumbling. Great going, Canada. Real smooth talker.

"Hahaha! Uhm, what? Relax, Canada. We've got an ample amount of time here, so you don't need to say everything all at once." she reassured me.

Feeling relieved, I took a deep breath. "Well, then...first...I'm sorry we sent you back home without telling you beforehand.." I apologised. Looking away, I continued, "We honestly think you'd be safer if we did so, that's why...but I'm not gonna lie when I say that all of us did want you to stay by our side despite that fact."

"Yeah...I know." she gave a small smile. "I even feel somehow guilty that I made all of your efforts to send me back home to go in vain...but I won't regret my decision to come back here."

(Name) lowered her head slowly. I noticed that she was actually shaking. It wasn't that obvious, but... I could still see it. She may say she doesn't regret going back here but...

"Are you...scared?"

Gathering all my courage, I took her hand in mine and repeated my question, "Are you...scared? I know that you may not regret your decision...but it's normal to be scared. It's okay. It's okay as long as you know that all of us will be here for you. And protect you. If you think of that..." I trailed, making her look at me. I couldn't read her expression, but I can feel that she's calmed down. "...If you think of that, you may find yourself not being so scared anymore, you know?"

"...I..." (Name) suddenly fell silent. It was a different kind of silence, though. A comfortable one. Then, I saw her chuckle lightly. What made me surprised was that she gave my hand a squeeze. I almost forgot that I held it, making blood rush to my cheeks again. Facing me, she gave me a warm smile and spoke, "Thanks, Canada. I'm glad I was able to talk to you like this."

"M-Me, too." I answered. I did. I really did. The atmosphere between us was so warm, I didn't want to do anything stupid to mess it up. But... now that (Name)'s here, I think I can finally find some answers that she possibly had. Letting out a deep breath, I spoke, "(Name)...?"

"Yes? What is it?" she asked me slowly.

Hesitating slightly, I continued, "W-Well... There's something that had bothered us for a while now. Back when you lost your memories, you referred to '(Name)' as a 'little girl'... Does that mean that there was another '(Name)' here in this mansion..?"

Upon hearing this, (Name)'s eyes widened and slowly, she let go of my hand. Giving me a wry smile, she spoke, "As expected, you really attend to the details, huh?" Rubbing her elbow, she sighed. "Yes. There is a little girl here in this mansion. I met her when I was taken away by the 2Ps, when I fell unconscious and woke up with no recollection of anything. The 2Ps told me my name was '(Second Name)'...which, was true in a sense, but I wasn't told about my first name, so I got really confused."

"What's a little girl like her doing in a place like this, then? And, you two have the same name...is this just a coincidence or...?" I asked curiously, trying to piece some things together.

(Name) shook her head. "You know, I really have no idea what she's doing here....or what she really is."

My eyebrows shot up at her statement. "What do you mean?"

"Canada...that little girl, well..." she gave a troubled expression. "She's me. And at the same time, she's not."

"E-Eh? What?" I couldn't help but express my confusion. (Name) gave me an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I don't know how to explain that, either."

Sighing, I ran my fingers through my hair. "Will she be able to explain, then?"

"I'm not so sure, to be honest. I know there's something going on with her, and there were some things that she led on and some things she kept to herself when she talked to me. That little girl would appear and disappear without warning and without even a trace. I'm not sure if she's human or not...but strangely enough, I can feel like she's trying to help me out somehow..." the (e/c)-eyed girl explained.

Nodding, I gave her a smile. "I see. Then, we'll hold on to those facts. Would it be alright if I relayed this to the others later? We might go out and try looking for her later, too."

"Huh? Sure, no problem." she approved. "I'd like to join in searching for her. It seems that she appears wherever I am. Though, I'm not sure if she'd go here, so I think there's a better chance outside the saferoom." (Name) said that, but I can see her growing a bit nervous again, though, a little lesser than earlier. Remembering her gesture earlier, I took her hand and gave it a light squeeze. "It'll be alright. We're with you, always remember.

Thankful for the reassurance, she smiled, "I will. Thanks."

There was another silence between us, but it didn't feel awkward at all...well, that is until somebody appeared behind (Name) and pulled her away. "Wh-What...?" the girl said in surprise.

"Mi scusi. I need to talk to the ragazza." I heard a familiar Italian accent. I stepped back a little when I realised that it was...Luciano.

Feeling slightly intimidated by the Second Player's glare, I gulped. "U-Uhm, sure. We, uh, were already done speaking."

"Bene. Let's head out for a bit of air, ragazza." Luciano said in a monotone voice. Why do I feel like he's still glaring at me?? What did I do to him..?

(Name) raised an eyebrow. "Uh..you do know that we could talk here, right, Luciano?"

"No. This is important. Let's go." Luciano insisted. Looking curious, (Name) sighed, "Alright, then." She waved at me as she and Luciano took their leave. My eyes followed them until they left the saferoom. Though what just happened right now somehow troubled me, I decided to go over to England and the others.

-=-=-=-=-

"So, the magical circle is gone. What's the problem with that?" I asked England, who was still sporting a vexed expression, despite the fact that he can't see. Or...well, maybe that was the reason why.

Frowning, England shrugged. "That circle is like a portal that connects the past to the present. If it disappears, one can no longer come back from the past."

"So, what you're saying is that Romano and Spain can't come back from the past, right?" America wanted to confirm.

England nodded. "That's right. If we don't find a way to bring them back, they'll stay in the past for the rest of their lives."

"But you don't even have enough magic to at least make a new portal..." France pointed out, obviously saddened by it, especially since Spain's one of his best friends.

Looking even more guilty about it, England lowered his head. "Exactly..."

I couldn't even find the heart to say anything about it anymore. It was just then that China and Russia suddenly came up to us and spoke, "Well, since there isn't anymore surprise returns--Russia and I will go downstairs to check the annexe now." China said.

"Okay, but please, do take care." I told them, though I'm sure they could handle it.

Russia chuckled, "Da~ I'll take care of China."

"Wh-Why does it sound strange when you say it, aru?" China frowned as the two of them took their leave, as well.

It didn't seem like Russia was listening, though. "Ufufu~" he laughed childishly.

My eyes followed them until they closed the door of the saferoom behind them. Though, I wasn't able to notice that someone was already beside me when I did so.


"Hm. So they're off to do something, eh?"

I almost jumped when I heard a voice that had a similar accent to mine. Turning to face the person beside me, I was surprised. "M-Matthieu?"

"Ugh. I don't think I'll get used to that. Just call me 'Matt'." the man wearing the flannel shirt told me.

Nodding, I spoke, "Sorry..uhm, Matt." Then, tilting my head, I added, "Uh, but, what did you mean by what you said earlier?"

Matt lowered his sunglasses and looked at me, "Your friends. The Russia and Chinese one."

"Yeah..?" I urged him to continue.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Matt spoke with a hardened glare,

"They're doing something behind our backs."

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

///Third Person PoV///

China and Russia walked across the hall, heading for the stairs. China was walking ahead of him, who didn't seem to pay attention to his surroundings, since their purpose was the annexe. As the Chinese man was already halfway down the stairs, he noticed that Russia was still at the top of the staircase.

"Aiyah. Russia, what's the hold up there? Let's head down the annexe already, aru." China called out to him.

Russia was gazing at something from afar with an amused expression. Then, realising that someone was calling out to him, he snapped out of his daze. "...Oh. Let's go, then." he said as he began descending the stairs.

When the finally arrived at the annexe, China shivered slightly at the change in temperature. "This place really has a different air to it." he said as they walked across the corridor.

Throughout the walk to the annexe, Russia was quite quiet. Though, he let out a hum that sounded like he was thinking of something.

"What is it? You've look like something's troubling you." China pointed out.

Shaking his head, Russia spoke, "Nyet... It's just that, I realised that there must be different kinds of levels when it comes to friendship."

Surprised by the statement, China became even more puzzled. "What? Well, I guess... but what made you think of that all of a sudden?"

"Well, I saw (Name) and Luciano before we headed down here." Russia replied.

Thinking that he understood, China nodded. "Ahh. I see. Well, those two do seem really close."

The two stopped in front of the second blue door in the annexe. Russia looked up in thought once more, then spoke, "Hey, China.."

"What is it now?"

Russia smiled and asked in a curious tone, "If a guy buries his face in the crook of a girl's neck, while holding her hands against the wall--what level of friendship is that?"

"Oh, then that's---WAIT." China suddenly looked at Russia with an alarmed expression. Flailing his long sleeves, China spoke in a loud voice, "What you described just now--was that what you saw earlier?! (Name) and Luciano?!"

"Da. What's wrong?" Russia asked obliviously. "I kind of felt jealous, I wish I was that close with the little sunflower."

"Aiyah. Luciano that creep." China muttered under his breath. He let out a frustrated groan and looked at the blue door in front of them. "Let's hurry up with what we have to do here so we can go back and knock some sense into that Westerner."

"Huh? Okay?" Russia felt confused but agreed anyway.


China placed a hand on the door, pushing the door and hearing it creak open.

"This is it."

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

///Reader's PoV (*hands you a tissue box*)///

Luciano and I walked down the hall, heading towards the upper corridors. That place held so many memories, now that I come to think of it. Good memories. Bad memories. Though, I don't think I'd want to forget either. What had happened, happened. If it weren't for those events, maybe I wouldn't even be here right now.

When we finally got to the end of the hall, we both stopped. None of us were saying a word, though. What's Luciano up to now? The auburn haired Italian was just looking down, hands in his pockets. "...Sooo...what are we doing here, again? What is it that you said we were going to talk about?" I asked.

"How?" he asked simply.

Not following, I looked at him. "What?"

"I wasn't actually able to ask this, but...how did you get back here? It took Oliver and his First Player's magic to send you home....and I'm positive that you don't have any magic yourself. So, how?"

It's not like I can actually run away from that question forever, but bringing up the real reason would just end up confusing them even more. Once we get out of this mansion, maybe I could explain it...but right now, I don't think I should. Then, I was able to think up of a more logical answer. I just hope it convinces him.

Looking away, I answered him, "Well...Oliver and England used my laptop as some sort of medium, right?"

"Si..." he trailed; then, seeming like he pieced some things together, he spoke, "We observed that whoever had your laptop would also see a strange menu pop out in front of them. Although we're not sure if it was consistent. But, the two said that there was some strange magic on it, so we used it. We haven't checked if it still had that strange magic since you left, though."


My laptop had magic? Heck, I didn't even think of that... Okay, maybe I did. I wondered why they took my laptop. So, that's the reason. Well, I guess I'll follow with his reason, then. "When you guys sent me back home, I was able to get a hold of another laptop. That laptop helped me get back here."

"Seriously?" Luciano exclaimed. With a heavy sigh, he spoke, "We didn't even consider that...but, how did get you back exactly to this time? And, how did you get another laptop that had strange magic, anyway, ragazza?"

He's asking so many questions... Awkwardly, I tried laughing it off, "Ahahaha, er, maybe I'm just special?"

As if he wasn't thinking, Luciano looked at me and spoke directly, "You are."

"Wh-What?" my (e/c) coloured eyes widened. "Uh, haha, I was just kidding, you know.."

"I wasn't." Luciano told me, his serious expression not faltering the least.

Feeling my cheeks heat up, I tried cover my embarassment by placing my hands in front of my face. I couldn't think of a response to that...

"Do you like that Canadian First Player that you were talking to earlier?" he asked me with a dark expression.

I raised an eyebrow. "What?? Why are you asking this?"

"How about that Japanese First Player? Or that American?" he continued, ignoring my question.

"Luciano, what--"

Then, his expression changed to a frustrated one as he seemed to have thought of something. "Don't tell me it's my fratello... or that Oliver. Or--"

"Luciano!"

He suddenly stopped. I looked at him and asked, "What's with this all of a sudden?"


"....Are you in love with anyone?" he asked me in a softer tone.


Realising what he was trying to get the conversation to, I averted my gaze from his. "I-I don't know. I don't think it would cross my mind since we're in this mansion...but... If I were to think of it, I wouldn't be too sure of what I exactly feel. Besides, it's not like anyone here is interested in me."

"And I wouldn't be too sure of that last statement, ragazza." Luciano told me. He managed to even smirk and continue, "What do you take me for, then?"

I felt like my pulse quickened hearing that. Is he for real? Does he even know what he's telling me? Seeing the confusion and doubt in my face, Luciano spoke, "Ragazza, after all we've gone through, and with you being yourself--do you honestly think I wouldn't fall for you?"

He stepped closer in front of me, making me step back. I realised that the wall was just behind me; I ended up having my back pressed against it. "Y-You're kidding, I..."

"(Second Name)." he said, making me stop speaking. Lowering his face, making it merely inches from mine, he spoke in a low voice, "I'm serious."

Before I could even respond, Luciano took my hand in his--then pinned my other one by the wrist to the wall behind me. Unsettled by his action, I spoke up, "L-Luciano, what --"

"In this world, where we only lived for what was wrong...I found something right that I want to live for." he spoke so gently, that I didn't even notice that he lowered his face by my neck and continued, "And that's you."

Blood rushed through my cheeks once again after hearing his words, but what what reddened my face more was the fact that I felt his hot breath at my nape. I quickly gasped in surprise when warm lips were suddenly pressed on my skin. "A-Ah, Luciano...what are you doing...?" I practically squeaked out. "S-Stop..."

He paused for a while, then raised his head to meet my gaze. "I don't want to hold back anymore. I'm already at my limit." he replied huskily. At this moment, I could hear my heart pound audibly. How could I possibly know how to respond to that?

Without tearing his gaze from me, Luciano's magenta coloured orbs softened their stare. "...(Second Name), is there...a chance for you to love me?"

His question caught me off guard. "Luciano, I..."




I almost jumped when I heard a loud ringing sound coming from my pocket.


"M-My phone..." I pointed out. I wanted to answer the call, but I couldn't move my hands. Well, Luciano still had a grip on them. "Luciano, someone's calling me on my phone."

"Si."

Though he answered, he still didn't let go. "Uhm? I want to answer it?" I tried pointing out the obvious.

"Si."

Rolling my eyes, I spoke directly, "Luciano, I need to answer my phone. Now."

"...You haven't even answered my question yet." he reasoned. Seriously, one minute he acts so mature, the next he behaves like a child. The realisation of the previous moment caused me to blush again, but the incessant ringing of my phone tells me to think of that matter for later.

"Luciano." I spoke sternly.


Giving in, Luciano let out a groan. "Ughh. Fine, fine." he mumbled as he let go of my wrists and stepped back. Once he did, I pulled out my phone from my pockets and pressed the green button to accept the call.


"Hello?"

I heard a familiar voice at the other end of the line. "(Name), dear. I'm glad we got the call through!"

"Mom? It's been a while." I replied. It's reassuring to know that my parents are also doing well outside the mansion. "Has anything happened there outside?"

"Nothing much, really. Mr. Austria actually left to take care of the monsters lurking around. We're safe here with some other 'countries'. We just wanted to check up on you." my mother told me. Smiling, I spoke, "I see. Thanks. We're also doing okay here...okay, maybe not, but.."

"Really? I'm glad. I knew you were alright, it's your father that seemed really on edge all of a sudden." she informed me. Raising an eyebrow, I asked, "Huh? Why would--"

Just then, I somehow heard a lower voice at the other side. "(Name)? Is that you? Are you okay?" I heard my father ask in a frantic tone.

"Yes, dad. What's wrong?"

My father paused shortly, then spoke in a dark tone, "Nothing in particular...I just...I just had the feeling that some wretched person could be attempting to defile my precious daughter when no one's looking."

I seriously hope my father did not hear me gulp. "H-Hahaha! What make you think of something like that?" I pretended to ask innocently, but my gaze shifted at the Italian Second Player that seems to be the 'wretched person' that could fit dad's description.

"Just a gut feeling."

Nervously, I decided to try changing the subject. "S-So, are you guys seriously not having any troubles there?"

"....Ah, well.. Just a few moments ago, they brought in some injured people in the tents to be tended to. One of them looked in a worse condition than the others, though." Dad answered, his tone changing. "(Name), you take care of yourself there, okay?"

"Okay." I agreed.

"And no fooling around with any boys." he added, making me laugh awkwardly.

I heard my mother take away the phone from my father's hands. "Aw, don't listen to your father, dear. You're a growing girl, it's not wrong to fall in love."

"I-It's not?"

"Well, of course it's not. Though, our main priority is for you to get out of that mansion as soon as possible. If you happen to fall in love along the way, then let it be. You can't choose who you fall in love with." my mother told me warmly.

I paused for a moment, absorbing her words. "You...can't?"

"That's right. Why do you think I'm with your father?" she joked. Dad, however, didn't seem too amused. "Hey, I heard that!" he called out, making my mother and I laugh.

"Don't rush yourself, dear. If you ever get confused, don't worry. You'll get it in time." my mother's voice softened. Then, she continued, "Well, it's time for us to head back inside the tent. We'll try calling again some other time. Take care, dear!"

"I will. See ya." I said as I ended the call. Thinking deeply about what they just told me, I decided to start walking back to the saferoom.

Luciano followed me with a confused expression and spoke, "...Ragazza?"

"Hey, Luciano..."

"Hm?"


"Your question earlier....is it alright if I answer that when we get out of this mansion?" I asked him in almost a whisper.

A large, gloved hand gave my head a gently pat. "Si. I'm sorry I put you on the spot earlier. My...emotions overtook me." he hesitantly admitted.


"Let's head back to the saferoom now?"


With a small smile, Luciano replied, "Si."


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


When Luciano and I returned to the saferoom, I saw the First Players gathered around Italy by the beds. The Second Players were talking over at the table on the other side of the room. Luciano gestured that he would join in on the discussion with the 2Ps. I decided to go check on the 1Ps instead. Slowly, I walked towards the bed side and listened to their conversation.


"Now that Italy is like this, Romano must also be..." Japan trailed, not wanting to finish the sentence.


Prussia shook his head. "Brother Dearest has Spain, so he should be fine. Shit... I wish I had a sword..."

"...A sword?" Japan raised an eyebrow.

Turning to the Japanese man, Prussia spoke, "Huh? You have a spare sword?!"


"Yes...You can borrow it, but only if you promise to take good care of it, all right?" Japan told him in a calmer manner than the former.

Raising a fist in the air, Prussia spoke excitedly, "Yeah! I will, I will! If it's a sword from your place..."

Japan walked around the bed and handed Prussia his sword. Gesturing at it ceremoniously, Japan looked at the albino. "Here you go, then. My Excalibur...the Poster Sword."


Whistling as he saw the fancy sword, Prussia dared to ask slowly, "...Out of curiosity, what if it breaks? What would you do?"


"I might lose control to the point I can no longer distinguish between reality from fiction." Japan told him with a straight face.

"..."

"After all it is a limited edition."


Getting a sinking feeling from that fact, Prussia handed back the sword. "No, that's not what I meant... You know what? I don't want it anymore."

"You sure you don't need it?" I piped up, surprising the Prussian.

"Oh, you were there, frau.. Ja, I'm not so sure if it would be a wise decision to borrow it. I don't know if the sword will break again or not." Prussia whispered to me, trying his best to whisper, that is. Then, he noticed something about his brother, causing him to stop talking.

-=-=-

"So, what are we going to do? What should we focus on from now on?" Germany asked us.

Uncertain, Japan looked away. "Well..."


"We haven't decided it; we're in a deadlock remember? Actually, West, what do you want to do?" Prussia asked, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder. The latter seemed really tense despite his calm manner.

Germany shifted nervously by Italy's bedside. "I..."

"We have so much to do, and yet I have no idea where to start. What should be...our priorities?" Japan tried inquiring from us.

Letting out a sigh, Germany raised a hand. "To put it simply, it should be 'to escape' or 'Spain and Romano', right?" Then, his eyes went back to the fallen Italian at his side. "Italy...is..."

"...Italy's face got dirty when he fell... I think I have a handkerchief... ?!" Japan was about to wipe Italy's face with the cloth, but noticed something that almost made him jump from surprise. "What?"

"What's wrong?" Germany looked at him curiously.

Patting the Italian's shoulder, Japan tried to call out to him. "I-Italy?"

"Hey! What's wrong?!" the albino asked, not used to seeing Japan act like this.

Japan, however, didn't answer them and continued, "Italy! Italy!"

"J-Japan?" the blond German tugged on the Japanese man's sleeve and tried calming down his comrade, but to no avail.

It was an unlikely sight for Japan to seem to be panicking like that, so the others started becoming quite alarmed. Suddenly, I saw them turn to me for answers.


"You know how this works, right? You did say you've played this game before." Prussia said as he turned to me.

I nodded, but I wanted to clear something out. "Y-Yes, but..."

"Then that means--that means you know what's going on, right?!"

This is how the game went, but.. I raised my hands in some sort of defense. "I have an idea, but guys, listen! I don't--"

"Please. Please just tell us what's going on, frau. Tell us what's wrong with Japan. Tell us that Italy will be okay. How we'll deal with this mansion. How we'll all get out of this place once and for all and--"


"I can't!!!"

My sudden outburst stopped the questions, but turned all the attention back at me. Even the Second Players who were previously minding their own business, had their eyes on me. I felt so cornered by this.


Germany stepped closer to me and tried to get an explanation. "...Why not..? No one's stopping you anymore! The Second Players are here with us--they even want to leave this place, too. You have your memories back with you, as well..so...why...?"

"I'm sorry...I can't." I said, not meeting their eyes.


"...Why..?"


Clenching my fists, I braved enough to meet their gazes as I spoke,



"Because this is as far as the game goes."