After finishing your discussion with the Allies, you leave with a farewell. And a freshly made deal. You feel cocky, proud of yourself, and you definitely have calmed down since earlier. Hopefully, you could help everyone out with the task at hand, even if just by a little with what you are tasked with. You had enough of just being another person to protect. Though you carry around the supplies, everyone else can do that easily. And fixing them up? You are certain any of them can do a better job from the endless amount of wars they've been through - even the bear could replace you. You groan at the thought, feeling your own knives entering your back. But you are still so bitter about earlier! There was no way you had calmed down completely after that explosion, and you hope you made yourself clear.

At least everyone else has their heads on straight. They are making everything fall into place, a seamless butterfly effect. You push open the barred door in the hall just in time to hear Prussia talking with Japan. You quicken your steps and peer to your right and spot the albino. Prussia closes the door and lets it swing shut behind him, allowing you to catch a momentary glimpse of Japan. Prussia looks up and appears surprised by your presence before him.

"Prussia, are you going to the ladder now?" Prussia notices that you aren't smiling. He didn't expect you to burst earlier, but then again no one had. He rubs the back of his head, not knowing what to say.

"Yes, you coming too?" He asks, sending a look down the corridor you just walked along.

"Yeah." You furrow your brow at him. He seems odd. "Something wrong?" You question, tilting your head.

"Nein, nothing." He shakes his head, kicking the floor. He has an inner debate. You said you're fine, but you obviously have underlying issues with what happened earlier. Or maybe you thought you were fine, but your face betrayed you. And then his thoughts wonder. "Nein, ja." He nods reluctantly, sighing. "Ja." He looks down at you, worry clear in his eyes. "What's happening with the others? Are you here for a reason?"

Does he mean in the grand scheme of things or????

His attention isn't solely on you, his gaze being drawn to the door you came from where half of the Allies are placed. 

Ooooh, like were you sent off over here for a reason!

"Oh, erm, I was sent to watch you guys. I guess I'm not as good as the others and this is the only job I can do, so." You place on a smile, hands making awkward gestures. "Yeah, I'm trying to be helpful." Prussia sighs, shaking his head and grabs your shoulder, his expression falling.

"Don't speak about yourself like that." He snaps, his lips in a firm line. Then he sees your expression, one of uncertainty and confusion. Prussia feels guilty for your predicament. He had promised you, and that promise he will keep. He could not let you down again. But you had just a good of a reason to want out. No wonder you had snapped earlier. Everyone should have left the moment the ladder was known about. 

"(F/n)," he says firmly, not using his normal 'Kinder'. This grabs your attention and makes your body tense. "Most people would be shaking to the bones - scared out of their minds - in a situation like this. But you are strong. You have gotten through this so well."

"N-not really. I don't feel like this has really sunk in yet, even though it's the second day." You look down. "And I'm... worried." You admit in shame. It is silent for a moment, as if beckoning you to continue.

"And you think we're not?" Prussia questions. You look up at him, mouth slightly open. He looks down sincerely, his red eyes softening. The colour resembles that of a ruby red apple, shining. They show vulnerability; like you have bitten out a chunk of him.

It suits him.

"No." You shake your head, thinning your lips. "No, I seriously don't."

"(F/n), every--"

"No!" You cut him off, clenching your fists. "I'm sorry, Prussia, I really am, but do you know that they were expecting to find you dead? Do you know how scared Germany was for you?" You feel so cynical. "When he saw me - because I went missing last night too! - it wasn't 'are you okay?', it was 'were you with my brother?'" You grab your elbow, looking at him earnestly. "It hurt to tell him I had no idea where you were. He looked so lost without you. And then everyone else appeared, and even with the strongest countries there, they couldn't defeat the Thing till Japan appeared!" Your voice drops. "Britain said to expect you dead. All three of you." Prussia widens his eyes. "He didn't say it in so many words, but everyone agreed unanimously." You take a sharp breath through your teeth, looking up at him. "They thought you were dead, don't you get that? I was the one that had to speak up and tell them that you guys would be fine! Someone that hasn't known you for nearly as long. Basically a complete stranger." He doesn't look surprised. Like it's what he would expect. But you guess you should expect that from a Nation. They all expect death at any moment, knowing everything is fleeting as it grows. But you expected something at the revelation of his brother's worry. Or maybe that was just inherently Germany... You look at the floor. "And then they finally find out there's a way out, and you guys voluntarily want to stay here longer? After Italy has expressed not wanting to be here? After Germany expresses his worry? That everyone expects one another to be dead if not seen? After you all expect one another not to survive if alone?" Prussia doesn't say anything and just moves forward, pushes it all behind him, and places a tentative hand on your shoulder.

"I--... The awesome me is at a loss for words." He laughs nervously, pulling at the neck of his shirt. You look up at him. Your eyes are stinging, and you feel like you could cry. You don't want to. You just want out. So pathetic of you really, as you know this isn't the worst of it. How could you survive everything else this mansion is serving up if you can't even last the starter dish? "I know the awesome me may seem big and tough to you—and it's not that I'm not awesome, because I am." He rambles. "It's that now I realise I can get hurt here. For some reason, we are human in this mansion. I know you might not believe me--"

"I believe you." You cut him off, smiling gently. "I know it's hard on you all having this happen to you. The fact you can now get hurt must be awfully... terrifying." You take a deep breath. "I don't know what it was like down in that cell, not knowing what was happening to your friends, but it would be stupid of me to assume you were having the time of your life." You hesitantly rest your hand on top his one on your shoulder. "I'm sorry for shouting at everyone earlier, and telling you off as if you were to blame. I'm really sorry." You take a shaky breath, your throat clogging up. "But seeing Italy the way he is, knowing everyone is worried, but they're acting okay? It's hard. I want to be happy and cheer you all up, but seeing someone suffer isn't something I can do." His expression is caught off guard, but half-open. He chuckles into the back of his hand, a grin appearing on his face.

"I don't expect you to." He shakes his head. "I'm happy you spoke up for Italy like that. Without his noisy brother about, Italy has the habit to not speak up." He just compared you to Romano. That makes you oddly proud. "Okay, so you believe me, but finding your family is still on hold until we get out of here, Kinder." He rubs the back of his head, stepping away. "Sorry about that." The movement away seems to be more than just a physical action.

"At least you still remember." You laugh under your breath.

"There's that smile, Kinder." He ruffs your hair affectionately. You send him a half-hearted glare as you sort out your tousled locks. "You can get through this, so keep smiling, fuel your awesomeness, and after all this is done with, you'll be back with your family. I promise." You smile softly up at him, happy he is so considerate towards you. Prussia is a great friend — No. Prussia is an awesome friend. His smile falters, a sheepish expression as he looks away, placing a hand on your head. He has a habit of touching your hair. "Can you do something for me?"

"Sure. Whatever." You nod below his hand, feeling the affection way down on you. He twitches his nose, now rubbing a finger on his upper lip as he looks heavenwards.

"Keep smiling, and doing what you're doing." He squints, avoiding eye contact with you. "The guys loosen up when your around, which is good, 'cause this place should shove a stick up anyone's ass." He looks at you, nodding. "So keep smiling for them." You giggle at this.

"You remember that anime I was talking about yesterday night?" You raise a brow. Prussia nods cautiously, obviously not understanding the link. "Well, as weeby as this is going to sound, one of the characters doesn't ever stop smiling. And I learnt from them that you should always smile, even when you don't feel like it. Because you can brighten someone's else's day, even if you aren't aware of it." You look up at him with a stupid grin printed across your face. "I know it's stupid, and something so dumb shouldn't change the way I behave, but the show means a lot to me. Even with all its faults."

"Kinder," Prussia shakes his head, his mouth falling open to silent words; things he wants to say, just on the tip of his tongue. "I'll keep my promise, no matter what."

"Thank you, Prussia." You beam, and an idea pops into your head. "I think once we settle down later I'll give you a beer for..." Your face falls, forgetting what to say. "Er, wow, I know that sentence was going somewhere." Your face turns red in embarrassment.

How come he is so good at speaking, and I always end up with nothing to say?

"A beer to new friends!" He brings you into a side hug and grins broadly. The door behind you both opens and Japan comes trotting out.

"Hello, (F/n)-chan. Are you joining us?" He asks upon spotting you. You nod in reply before looking off towards where Germany and Italy are.

"We're checking out to see if the ladder is rotten, right?" You question, your eyes glossing over. You can feel yourself going hollow. They need to be careful. You need to be thorough, helpful and not be useless. You need to breathe and smile.

Breath and smile.

"We sure are!" Prussia leads the way, marching towards the door. You and Japan both share a look; you laughing as Japan sighs. Prussia holds the door open for you as you walk through, squinting at the darkness. It takes a moment for your eyes to adjust accordingly. The walls have long daunting cracks running across like spider webs, and chunks of stone missing, varying in size, appearing as though something had smashed into it, leaving a dent with rubble littering the floor. Six pairs of footprints are left in the dirt, the steps of those before you kicking up dust that had settled. Italy and Germany stand side by side, speaking to each other as they wait. You approach the duo with a smile.

"(F/n), are you alright?" Italy asks, trying to swallow down his feelings. He seems on edge, as he should. But the shared look with Germany shows they were having a serious conversation. You hope it was about early. You want everyone to take Italy more seriously, and it should start with his best friend. You hope your words knocked some sense into him.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Your reply isn't said with malice, instead bubbly as a grin spreads across your face.

"The ladder seems to be secure," Germany announces. Prussia sighs in relief, his body relaxing. He expected something to go wrong, but he was in luck. Everyone can now safely evacuate. At those words, your eyes fall to the floor. That is not something someone should say when anything and everything could go wrong.

"We can finally escape! At long last..." Prussia puts an arm around your shoulder, smiling down at you. You send him a bittersweet smile. "Now we can keep that promise and return you home." Your chest tightens, your head dropping. Prussia gives a small smile, giving your shoulder a rub, assuming your reaction was in relief.

What if I really can get out? What if I've worked myself up over nothing? I couldn't always count on the game, so, maybe - just maybe - this actually works. I can go home, forget about this mansion, the monster, the fear and the second players.

"Yeah, we can." You say, your smile gradually growing bigger. Being sad and moping around won't bring along happiness.

"At last..." You look at Prussia and grin broadly, eyes crinkling. Germany leads the way and marches down the hall and turns the corner. A tight clench in your stomach drops your mood even further down the rabbit hole. Japan raises his hand, reaching out to him before he can get away.

"Germa--" The blond disappears before Japan can finish. He sighs, body physically drooping along with his arm. He got completely blanked. 

I guess Germany really hates spooky stuff more than he lot on. 

"Don't sweat it, Japan." Prussia pats his shoulder as he walks past. "West just wants to leave. Quicker we get back, the faster we can feed our dogs!" The Prussian grins. He takes a slow step forwards until his blood runs cold at the sound of a scream. Germany's scream.

"Germany!" Italy yells, sprinting down the hall.

"What happened? Did you fall over?" Prussia shouts, following after.

"Doubt it very much." You mutter as you jog along next to him. Turning the corner, a monster stands at the bottom of the rope ladder. Or more correctly what remains of the ladder. The ends are singed to about twelve feet up, the rest scorched to black ash on the floor. The demon stares blankly at Germany. Large black eyes focus on him, and the creature's knees begin to bend backwards. 

"There it is." Japan says slowly, his hopes crushing. His entire body sags, fingers going limp.

"J-Japan!" Germany tenses in surprise, head whirling round to stare at him. "Run, quickly!" Germany motions for Japan to retreat. Japan is silent, eyes glassing over.

"Let's go, quickly! I'm worried about the others!" Italy pulls back, eyes erratic. Prussia laughs sourly, moving in front of you.

"Now I get it. This is what he meant." He sighs, eying Japan over as he puts his arm out before you. You begin to panic. It looks like it's about to pounce.

"Come on!" Germany shuffles back, placing a hand on Japan's chest. "Just run--"

"Altogether! If we all run, we can still make it!!" Italy shouts.

"Y-yes!" Germany agrees. And just like that, the demon jumps. The group move back, trying to keep the same distance. Germany has to push Japan back, the elder not being of much use. He is stuck in shock, body limb but able to stand. From the way the creature stares at them, they knew any sudden movement would cause it to attack.

"(F/n), get back!" Prussia orders before reaching out to Japan. "Japan!" Japan is struck out from his stupor and everyone sprints for the door. Italy streams past you as he grabs the door handle, yanking it open. Prussia skids to a stop and grabs your arm, tugging it.

"Come o--!"

"Prussia-san!" Japan yells at him. "Wait! Germany is stuck!"

"West!" Prussia's eyes widen.

"Scheisse!" Germany gasps for air. "Not in this place-Go!" Germany waves them off as he pulls at his leg, his form on the ground. He takes deep gasps of air, eyes rolling back as he tries to pry off something, only to grasp around his trousers. "I can't get it off!" He yells in frustration. Prussia ignores his pleas and runs down the hall, trying to help his brother.

"Japan! Have you got your answer yet?!" Prussia yells as he unsheathed his sword, determination shining in his eyes. He faces the beast and charges, letting out a battle cry before swinging his sword at the monster. You watch Prussia, but not before seeing a flash of purple around Germany. You blink, eyes bugging out as you feel your heart in your throat. Germany lies on his back, watching his brother protect him against the monster, saving his life.

"Prussia! Stop!" Germany yells, finally filling his lungs with air. "Get out of here!" The blond tries to sit up, his face contorting in pain.

"Hey, is this the time to wipe the floor?!" Prussia jokes, slashing at the creature's arms. "Stand up!" Italy runs over to Germany and bends down to him, cradling his friend. Italy isn't strong enough on his own to get Germany up.

"Are you okay, Germany?" Italy asks, hovering his hand over Germany's chest, his eyes darting around for any injuries.

"Italy..." Germany whispers in pain, head leaning back when Italy touches his ankle. Japan runs forwards, brandishing his katana.

"This is my answer! The enemy is stronger, but so are we." He lunges forward, skewing its hand. "If we all join forces, we can defeat it!" You feel emotions bubble in your stomach. That's just what you want to hear. Prussia laughs loudly, slashing at the monster's chest. "I'm not alone!"

"Well done!" Prussia grins, happy with Japans conclusion. "Took you long enough."

"You idiots! Why did you come back?!" Germany yells as Italy tries to help him up, but he only stumbles, like something is holding him down.

"You want to know why I came back?" Prussia asks, looking back for a split second. "Because... there's absolutely no way in hell I'd never help my cute little Bruder!" Prussia slashes an arm off the monster. Its blood splatters up the wall, and it recoils, watching its own lifeless arm fall to the fall with a thump.