---CHAPTER VIII: Two More Seconds (Part 1)---

//Third Person PoV//

"So, what did you want to tell me, Japan?" America asked, raising an eyebrow.

Japan crossed his arms and looked up. "You still have much strength left, don't you?"

"Yeah, I'm still a lot stronger than you guys." America replied.

Japan's nonreactive eyes then met with America's curious ones.

"In that case...

Why don't you try being a hero?"

America's face lit up with Wow, now that's an interesting idea. Tell me more!

===

**England tries magic thing** //shot

"Shit! As I thought, I can't use my power." England said in an exasperated tone.

Uncharacteristically, America was pretty silent for a while...but then spoke,

"England."

"What?"

America faced him and crossed his arms. "You can stop the Thing for two seconds if you summon up all your magic power now?"

"Sh-shut up! Don't make that sullen face like Japan and _____ did!

You don't really believe me, do you?! You still think I'm strange?" England tried to defend himself.

America raised an eyebrow. "So? Can't you try doing better than that?"

"It might be longer if I try so hard that I'll pass out. I can't do it unless I get quite serious." He replied, looking away. "I-I can try doing it in three seconds at most."

The American let out a deep sigh of exasperation. "Haaa... Didn't you get it when you saw the dudette's face?"

"Well, I thought, 'That's harsh, haha!'..." England said, feeling a bit stung from recalling the previous event.

"England."

"WHAT?!"

America placed both his hands on other's shoulders and spoke in a low and serious voice,

"Two seconds is long enough.

....To save the life of one nation... you know."

England gave a look of puzzlement and furrowed his thick eyebrows.

"Sorry, but if you pass out, I'll carry you on my shoulders and run." America said, looking straight into England's emerald orbs. A moment of silence fell between them before the American spoke up once more--his voice almost cracking,

"So, would you be... my backup?"

England took deep breath. "......Talk."

---

"So, it looks like Italy could be in danger, so America said that we have to be ready to fight right away." The tall, Russian man explained.

"Ah, that's why he said he would go up and was doing the lookahead. But we are nations, aren't we? I don't see why he'd worry about something like that..." France shrugged.

Canada shook his head. "No. As long as we're here, we should think of ourselves the same way as ordinary people. In other words, that we can... die any time."

China tried to widen his eyes (don'tkillmeforsayingthat//shot.) "Are you serious?! It'd be such a bother if I died! But I can't just watch a fellow nation die and do nothing about it, either!"

Russia nodded. "It's settled, then.We have to be ready to fight at any moment, because we don't know where it'll come from."

"Can't we use that exit?" China asked, raising his long sleeves that covered his hands.

Canada looked up and tapped his chin. "If we can, that will be our first priority. But I have the feeling that we won't be ableto get out of here so easily.If by any chance we can't use it..."

France took a step forward, "...That's a sign that Italy is in danger. It's very likely that it'll come back, so shouldn't we be careful with the doors and such?"

"That's right. I'll be waiting in the closest spot. I'm really fatigued, but maybe I can shield them." Russia said, wincing a bit.

France gave a sigh and closed his eyes, "(Italy dying...You wouldn't let that happen, would you?I can't take your place, but I can still try to do something...)"

"I think I'll also wait as close as possible to them. Maybe our enemy will retreat upon looking at my beautiful face." The Frenchman joked.

China nodded. "Then I'll wait in the room after that one. If you're defeated, I'll do something!!"

"Then I'll be in the one after that. It looks like America is working over some strategy, and if anything happens, I'll spread the word." Canada spoke up softly.

"Let's go back? If it's bad, they'll be back soon. With results." Russia suggested.

Canada smiled, "Yes!"

"You can count on me!" China exclaimed.

France looked away from the others, but replied, "... Oui."

-----------

The blonde haired American lurched forward just in time to get Italy out of the monster's way--earning a hit in the process.

"... Tch! That kind of hurt." America winced in pain.

Canada's eyes widened at the sight of his brother hurt. "America!!"

"Wait! You'd better not move!" Russia called after him.

France went tense. "... Hmm."

By that time, ______ managed to stand up and tucked her (hair colour) strands behind her ear. She was still a little shaky, but was stable to stand without support.

France noticed this and asked, "Oh, you are okay now?"

"Y-Yeah.", the girl replied softly.

Their attention went back to America who spoke up to the bloody grey monster, "Sorry, but Italy is my atmosphere-searching partner. You'll have to settle with eating an iron pipe!"

"America!! In front of you! Dodge..." Canada warned him.

America quickly shot a glance at their British companion, "England!!"

England nodded and raised his hands in front of him. "Yeah! That really bought us some time!"

Magic circles appear below the monster as England chanted his spell,

"----Im--pe--dimenta!!!"

The Thing gets paralysed, surprising and relieving everyone at the same time.

"It can't be..." Italy said under his breath.

America motioned everyone to fight, "Let's go!!"

Germany rushed over to his shaking friend, "Italy! Are you all right?!"

"Get your weapons!! Let's all attack together!" Prussia told them, clutching his awesome sword.

"I'm ready to go any time." China said.

England, on the other hand, was starting to stagger and panted, seeming to almost look like all his energy has been drained, "Ha~... Ha~... Haa~!!"

"England! You did a great job! You can stop now!" America shouted.

England nodded and slowly closed his eyes before collapsing on the floor. "Sorry ... You take it... from here..."

With their great number, they had the advantage of getting more damage on the monster. Gunshots, sword clashing, flashes of light and other forms of attack were thrown towards the Thing. The countries were fighting with all their might, along with a girl who stood behind them, giving them food and drinks that seemed to miraculously rejuvenate them and allow them to continue fighting. It was a long and hard battle, but they were able to bring the said monster to its limits, making it cease fighting back.

America's Party was victorious!

2 EXP were received!

100HETA were obtained!

Onigiri was found! Hot Pepper was found!

--

The Thing went out through the door, leaving everyone else in the room.

"W-we defeated it...?" Japan said, unsure.

Prussia looked at his hands and marvelled at what they've achieved. "I-I'm so awesome..."

"As expected from a hero! ... Oh, we have to heal England." America exclaimed as he made his way to their magical companion who collapsed earlier.

He goes over to pick England up and carry him on his shoulders.

"Is he all right? I don't really know what he did, but it looked like he used a lot of energy." Germany said with a worried expression.

America smiled, "He's fine! He just needs to sleep a little and he'll wake up in no time! I just wish we could get him somewhere better to sleep..."

China sighed, "That's a more pressing matter."

"Germany. You know a place, right?" ______ said, making the others raise an eyebrow.

Germany looked confused, but nodded. "......Yes. I'll show you the way."

"What?" Japan creased his forehead.

"I've experimented it several times, so I think it's all right. I have no idea how _____ knows about it...but, I'll save the questions for later. Japan, remember that thick door on the second floor?" Germany asked.

"What? Oh... Yes, I remember." Japan told him.

Germany looked at his comrades looking relieved. "Let's go there. ... Finally, I'm going to be of some use, too."

"Um, listen!" Italy tried to get their attention.

"Quickly. We may have defeated it for now, but it's very likely that it'll come back again." Germany warned them.

Italy could only look down. "... Yeah."

"But... America. Thank... you..." The Italian said, looking at the American who was carrying England on his back.

"... I think you should practise your smile a little more. You can't say that with that face." America said with a blank face.

Prussia suddenly heard something...from his....mind..?

((*snickering*

*snickering*

CONGRATULATIONS.

CONGRATULATIONS.

YOU ARE--))

"Shut up!!!" Prussia shouted, covering his ears by reflex.

Russia placed a hand on the albino's shoulder. "Whoa! What's the matter?"

Prussia snapped back from his thoughts, "Oh... S-sorry... Er, did you just hear...?"

"Did something happen?" Japan asked.

Prussia shrugged. "N-no, it's nothing. Really, I'm sorry..."

When they were all done checking on everybody's condition, they headed for the iron door located on the second floor of the mansion.

------

As they opened and went through the iron door, they saw a flight of stairs. When they arrived up, they opened another door, revealing darkness.

"Ouch!" Japan exclaimed.

China spoke up in annoyance, "Who's stepping on my foot?!"

"So... who's on top of me~?" Russia said playfully.

"O-Oh my god. I'm sorry. I think I am. >///<" ______ said, sounding very flustered and embarrassed.

"Hey, that's my hair!! So, isn't it a little narrow here? And dark?" France asked them.

"Oh, sorry. There was a switch, but... Wait just a minute. I'm sure it was... around here..." Germany said, cautiously looking for the switch on the wall.

*click*

Once the light was on, they gasped. It was a considerably large room with beds, tables, a kitchen, and a bathroom. It was fully furnished and just what they all needed was most probably there. The rest were in awe.

Japan marveled at the room.

Russia turned to Germany, "Huh. Germany... did you...?"

"Wh-what the heck is this place?!" China exclaimed.

Germany went up front and faced everyone. "Hm. That went over better than I thought. Everyone is here.

I'm relieved that we didn't lose anybody. And I'm glad that we made it here in time."

"Awesome!

What is this place? Did you make it, West? " Prussia beamed.

"... It's amazing..." Italy let out.

France motioned at the room, "How did you do this?"

"Ugh..." England croaked out, gaining consciousness.

America gently let England off his shoulders. "Oh. Are you awake?"

England opened his eyes and adjusted it to the sudden brightness. He looked confused when he noticed the new surroundings. "Wh-where the hell am I?! Don't tell me we...got out? ... I guess not..."

"We have much to talk about. However, our first priority now is to sleep. We had better sleep first and talk later." Germany suggested.

Prussia nodded. "Yeah, if we try to talk now, I won't get anything..."

China placed a hand over his stomach. "I'm hungry, too, but... I want to sleep first. Let's just do some basic healing and then sleep."

"America, didn't you get hurt when you thrust the iron pipe? Give me your arm; I'll take care of it. Is there a first-aid kit here or anything of the sort?
" Canada asked whilst holding up his brother's arm.

______ dug through her bag and replied, "Ah. Wait, I have a small med kit here in my bag."

"Oh, but there's also one in the shelf at the back. Feel free to use it if you run out of anything. Those who don't have any problems, sleep. There is no need to keep watch. I've already experimented it countless times." Germany assured them.

Italy perked up and spoke in a cheerful tone, "Japan~ Sleep next to me! You, too, Germany! I'll sleep in the middle!"

Japan gave a light smile. "Yes, of course. It's been so long since I lay down a little."

"Hm, then I guess I'll sleep next to West." Prussia said, placing his arms over his younger brother's shoulder.

"I'm so tired, too... I'll go ahead. Oh, but..would you like to sleep next to me, belle fille~?" France winked at ______.

______ shifted uncomfortably and shook her head. "E-Er..no thank you... I'll sleep by myself haha."

China yawned. "I'll go to sleep, too. My back hurts..."

-------

//Japan's PoV//

While the others slept, I decided to converse with those who were still up. I made my way towards the tall, Russian man who seemed to be smiling cheerfully at the sight of the others resting.

"Amazing~ It should be interesting to have all of us sleep together." Russia said.

Japan agreed. "Yes, though the circumstances are unfortunate."

"When we get back home, do you want to do this again? I'm sure it'll be noisy, and warm, and fun!" Russia suggested, readjusting his scarf and chuckling.

"Huhu. Indeed. I look forward to it." Japan nodded and walked over to the quiet Canadian...who was petting his pet polar bear?

Huh. Come to think of it, the bear was actually with us all along. I guess it doesn't get noticed that much as well...given its owner is the same.

"This place is above the ceiling of the second floor. He found a really good spot." Canada said, giving Germany a short glance.

Japan simply nodded. "Yes, even our enemy wouldn't guess where we are."

"Indeed. I'm so relieved. Germany is quite amazing." Canada smiled and brushed his bear's fur, feeling his stress dissipating as he held his fluffy polar bear.

"(His face is glowing; he probably doesn't even realise it.)" Japan thought, bumping into his buff, blonde haired ally.

"What's the matter? If you want to sleep, just go to your own bed." Germany told him.

"I... feel rather unreliable all of a sudden. Did you do all this on your own?" Japan inquired.

Germany shrugged. "Well... When I first came here, it was almost completed, so... maybe it is more correct to say that someone else made it."

Japan looked around the room once more and spoke, "This room alone... It must have taken months, years."

"Maybe... yeah.

Oh, I just remembered. The room in the back has bathrooms and bathtubs. I tried making them in Japanese style." Germany informed him.

Japan smiled. "Ah, that makes me very happy. I'll go and take a bath later"

"Yes, that will help with the fatigue."

Japan spotted his other ally busying himself at the kitchen. He headed over there and asked the Italian man, "Aren't you going to sleep?"

"I'm making something for us to eat tomorrow when we wake up. It can't be pasta~ but you'll still like it." Italy said gleefully.

"Is that so? I look forward to it, then. I'll also give you a hand later."

Italy shook his head. "No, I'm fine on my own! There isn't that much food."

Japan nodded and decided to go to the bathroom. There were about four bathtubs there. He was about to walk over to one when he heard a loud American walk out of a cubicle.

"Phew! I was drenched in sweat!" America said, feeling refreshed. He got water all over the floor.

"The tatami...

Oh, by the way... thank you for what you did for Italy..

Since I broke a clock without consulting anyone else, I became so preoccupied with another matter that I completely forgot about that." Japan said

America laughed enthusiastically and gave a thumbs up. "I'm up to anything if I can be a hero! No need to thank me!"

Japan nodded. "Certainly, you were both heroes back then.You even told England and all the others."

"Hm? Oh, yeah. When we took refuge in that room, England hadn't said anything, had he?

He said he was going to do some kind of spell or something, and if by any chance there wasn't enough time, I'd have to buy him time.

And there really wasn't enough time, so I attacked with this iron pipe I'd picked up earlier, and when the spell was done, it succeeded in slowing down our enemy." America explained.

"That's why you both stood waiting in the back." Japan realised, then continued,

"Everyone else also acted quickly. Telling them beforehand turned out to be the key. Thank you."

America looked away. "It's because... I don't want to lose any of my friends. Ah...the dudette knows something, right?"

"Hai... She already confided in Prussia and I... It's quite a long story, she said. It is complicated to tell, too. What happened was just too much for the girl. She will explain that to us once she's rested."

America faced Japan. "Hmm.. I see. She's been a great help. I'm excited to find out what she knows! But...you know, it looks like Italy is hiding something, too."

"Indeed. Everyone has noticed it by now. Though, I hope he will tell us tomorrow, as well.."

"I wonder if he really will. He has that determined face. As if he thinks that ordinary methods won't work."

Japan nodded and spoke in a remorseful tone. "Yes, it is just as you say. I can't help but think that he looks like someone who has been standing all alone in a far away place for a very long time."

"Then we have to run over there and catch him." America said as he gave Japan's shoulder a hearty pat.

"Huhu. Definitely. We should all catch him together."

~~Japan then decides to sleep~~

//fireplace room//

"Prussia!! What happened to Japan?!" Italy asked frantically.

"......He fell asleep. Very... deeply.", the albino replied, trying not to show the anguish in his voice.

Germany fell silent. China was able to croak out, "... No..."

Russia looked down. "So... now we're the only ones left."

Italy's eyes welled up. "Japan is--"

England slammed his fist on the table. "Shit! We failed again! What are we going to do?! We've got the key. Now--"

Germany cut him off, "When we've lost so many? I can't."

"Yeah, there is no point." Russia agreed.

"Yeah, I agree. Let's leave this key to our next selves." England said.

"...... I'm sorry." Italy blurted out.

Germany turned to his Italian friend. "Hm? What's wrong?"

"Italy, you didn't do anything--" Prussia told him.

Italy faced them, tears streaming across his cheeks. "I'm sorry. It was me... It's my fault. Because... because I--"

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

Italy suddenly woke up, panting from the terror and despair he felt from his dream.

"A dream.

(I guess it wasn't quite a dream. I hate this...Even here, it's affecting me.)

(It's because I remember so many things...Maybe it's a backlash? I'm beginning to forget the memories from long ago.)

(When did I first meet Germany? What was the alliance that bound us? When I was little, I made some kind of promise to someone,didn't I?)

(Maybe I'll be able to remember if I can get out of here?)

(Everyone is... breathing, right?)

(Yeah, Japan is even moving. Thank God.)

(I didn't know this place existed, and I really didn't think that I'd still be alive...)

(Another thing would be ______. I... This...This is the first time she appeared...She knows something...but I don't know how that happened. Oh..but she's been helping quite a lot...so...it's good, I guess...)

(If I've come this far, the next thing to do is...)"