#i suck at horror forgive me if it's not that scary dhshdgd

[twstgabrielle]

EngIta Week 2022

Day 8: Horror

Warning: Blood, Gore, Unsettling monsters, Time loops, Language, Temporary Character Death.

~~~~~

Why?

Why did it have to end this way?

It was a question that Feliciano had been asking himself for quite sometime. A question that always remained answer less. But then again, did he expect anything less than that? To forever be in the dark when it came to his questions? Feliciano sat against the wall, the silence deafening as he took a breather. His arm was throbbing from the deep cut he'd received earlier. He should have been paying more attention to his surroundings, should have known better than to let his guard down. He'd learned too many times what the consequences were when he wasn't paying attention or using his head. Pressing the wound Feliciano tried to keep the pained hiss in, not wanting to make any noise. Noise was bad, noise made things more difficult. Noise was what got him and his friends killed in brutal and inhumane ways. And he refused to put them in that position.

Not again.

Feeling the thick warm blood soak his hand made him shiver with slight disgust but he didn't remove it. He had to get the bleeding to stop, he couldn't be bleeding. Blood was a sure fire way to get himself caught and that was absolutely not an option. After a few seconds of applying pressure he deemed it okay for the time being. With cautious and quiet movements he slowly pushed himself up from the floor. His military boots made a small creak against the old floorboards, the creak seemingly extremely loud in the silence. Feli stiffened, freezing in place and barely breathing.

'Shit.'

The Italian nation strained his ears, listening for any noises. Silence greeted him, the unnerving tension making his heart pound in his chest. He wished that his heart didn't beat so loudly, terrified that it'd give away his position. For a few agonizing moments he stood there, stiff as a board and not daring to move. After several minutes of nothing but pure silence Feli slowly inched his way towards the corner. After a brief moment of gathering courage he slowly peeked his head over the edge........

The Italian about sagged with relief when the sight of the empty corridor greeted him. So it hadn't heard. That in itself was a miracle and it was a miracle that he wouldn't dare waste. Not hesitating Feli quickly and quietly made his way down the corridor not daring to slow down. If he did that would leave him wide open. It seemed to go on forever until he finally made it to the end of the corridor. The sight of the stairs greeted him voided of all life. It made his skin itch, his entire being growing anxious. He needed to find his friends and fast. The longer he went without seeing them the more uneasy he felt. Having them out of his sight made it easier for them to be picked off one by one. As the nation made his way down the stairs to go look for his friends, a sudden loud crashing echoed throughout the house. Feli froze his gut dropping with terror. He didn't hesitate already knowing that whatever made that noise had most likely attracted its attention. Racing down the stairs he practically flew towards the area where the crash was heard.

Finally reaching the area where it'd come from he quickly began to try the doors turning them to see if they were open. He felt his palms break out into a sweat with each resistance he was met with. Cursing he continued onwards desperately praying that he'd find the right room.

'Please mio Dio, please just let me get to them first!'

Feliciano begged hoping that someone was listening to his pleas. Grabbing another handle he turned it and felt it give way. The Italian nation about burst into tears as he pushed open the door harshly. A cabinet had been knocked over and underneath pinned like an insect on a dissection table was.....

"Arthur-!!!"

The younger nation gasped. Arthur's head snapped up at the gasp, his eyes pained and on edge as he finally caught sight of Feliciano. The older nation seemed to relax somewhat, now knowing that it wasn't an enemy that had entered the room.

"Feliciano......"

Arthur breathed relief coloring his voice. Feliciano bent down next to him, his hands hovering frantically as he tried to figure out what to do. Arthur's entire lower half of his body was pinned down by the antique cabinet. Broken glass and a growing puddle of crimson was staining the floor. His forest green military uniform was slowly becoming crimson as well, painting his waist like a bundle of flower petals.

"Oh God....! Arthur just hang on I'll get you out from under there!"

Feli said his voice shaking slightly as he tried to get himself to calm down. With shaking hands he went to try and haul the heavy cabinet from Arthur. The Englishman let out a pained cry as the cabinet moved, making the Italian freeze at the sound.

"I'm so sorry I know it hurts but it'll be over soon I promise just hang on-"

Feliciano started to say when he caught the sound of the wooden floorboards from the corridor creak lightly. Feli and Arthur went deathly still, their eyes widening in fear. Feliciano felt his hands begin to shake, his mouth going dry. Arthur while in immense pain didn't dare make any noise, looking somewhat pale. The two remained still listening. To their horror more creaking floorboards sounded out, slowly making their way towards the corridor they were in.

It was here.

It was looking for them.

Feliciano panicked went to go and try to remove the cabinet again, desperate to get Arthur from underneath it and get them the hell out of there. As he went to try and heave it a pale bloodied hand gripped his uniform sleeve.

"Feliciano you.....you need to go. You....you can't be here......it's too late for me. The cabinet it.....it crushed my legs and the.....the glass......."

Arthur wheezed softly blood staining the corner of his mouth. Yet his expression held nothing but fear for Feli, as well as a seriousness that made the Italian feel sick.

"No....no Arthur please don't make me do this don't make me leave you....!"

Feli begged shaking his head. Arthur gave him a pained but stern look.

"You have to. If you get caught that's the end of it. Please just leave, save yourself and the others."

Arthur said his voice demanding yet pleading. Feliciano felt his throat tighten and his eyes burn with tears. He knew that Arthur was right, if he was caught then none of them would be able to leave this wretched place. But even with the logic being presented to him he couldn't help but want to save Arthur. Couldn't bare the thought of leaving him to die.

But in the end he had no choice.

With a choked, muffled sob Feliciano gave Arthur one last look. His amber eyes full of sorrow, regrets and unspoken apologies. Arthur just gave him a small smile, his own eyes misty.

"I'm so sorry Arthur. Next time, I swear it next time I'll keep you safe."

The Italian swore his voice thick. Arthur gave him a tired nod, before letting his head fall back onto the floor. The crimson pool of blood was larger now, staining the rug and floor. Feliciano felt his heart sink as the cold reality hit him. Even if he'd managed to get Arthur from under the cabinet, the older nation would still die. Bleeding out from his wounds full of broken glass. Fighting back the rush of tears Feli got up from the floor and went to leave the room to try and fix this awful fate. When the sounds of the creaking floorboards stopped right in front of their door. Arthur sucked in a sharp breath having heard it as well. His expression was alarmed, conveying a silent message to Feli.

Hide. Now.

Feliciano didn't hesitate, quickly going to hide. A nearby closet sat in the corner of the room. Opening the door as quickly and quietly as he could Feli gave Arthur one last devasted and broken look before finally getting into the closet. He'd made it just in time as the sound of the door being slammed open filled the room. Feliciano watched through the crack of the door, fear flooding through his veins. It was here. He watched as it made its way towards Arthur, its large soulless black eyes burning into the dying nation. Arthur let out little wet huffs of air, his lungs and throat filling with blood. Yet he was glaring at it, his green eyes dark like a toxic plant. Filled with nothing but hatred and pure defiance.

"Fucking bastard....! Go to hell.....!"

Arthur spat out, putting every ounce of hatred and disgust he could into the sentence. It stared at him unblinking before it moved. With horrifyingly quick movements it grabbed the cabinet and hurled it off of Arthur. With large thin hands it grabbed the English nation, making him scream in pain before with a ruthless motion slammed the man into the floor. Arthur's body hit the floor with a sickening spat, his pained scream cut short. Feliciano bit his fist to stop the scream that threatened to break out. Hot silent tears flew down his cheeks as he was forced to watch the gruesome display. It picked Arthur back up again and slammed him down again, another splat filling the room. Only now the sounds of brittle bones breaking joined the awful sympathy.

Splat. Crunch.

Splat. Crunch.

Splat. Crunch.

Over and over again it continued to slam Arthur's body into the floor until it finally deemed it necessary to stop. It held Arthur's corpse up, the once living breathing body now nothing more than a bloody lump of flesh, hair, bones and blood. It then dropped him onto the floor, before making its way out of the room. Feliciano sat in the closet shaking and feeling nauseous listening to the fading footsteps of their enemy. After a few minutes of nothing but silence Feli finally crawled out of the closet. Now seeing the full view of the carnage that painted the room Feli let out a small agonized wail. Blood stained the walls and floor, making the room smell of death and copper. Arthur was on the floor, his corpse bent and broken. His eyes once bright and full of fury now stared into nothing, no longer seeing the world. Feli crawled towards him, his hand reaching out for him. Grasping the cold limb Feli let out another heart wrenching wail, his tears flowing fast and furious. Pressing a kiss to Arthur's hand Feli grieved.

Why.....?

Why did this always happen.....?

Why did everyone he love have to die...?

Why couldn't it just let them go, hadn't they suffered enough?

Why? Why? Why? Why?

Feliciano didn't know.

~~~~~

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

It was always the first thing Arthur heard whenever he'd awaken. The sounds of an ancient grandfather clock, ticking away. It was a sick joke in Arthur's opinion. To make him hear a clock yet forcing him and others through the same thing every time.

Tick.

Tock.

Always forced to enter that God forsaken place, forced to pretend that he had no clue what was going on. Forced to watch the same people he cared about and loved die in gruesome and grotesque ways. Sometimes even ending up in the same position as them. It was madness, it was cruel. Yet he was powerless to stop it. He had no control over any of it, all he could do was desperately hope and pray that he could help save the lives of his fellow nations. How many times has it been? How many times has he reset this timeline in a desperate attempt to save those around him and to help Feli?

How many times has he seen them all die?

Alfred, Matthew, Francis, Yao, Ivan, Ludwig, Kiku, Gilbert.

All of them he'd seen die countless times. All of them he'd failed to save and protect. Their blood stained his hands. And he wasn't the only one who suffered. No Feliciano was also one who suffered like him. The Italian nation, whose smile was like sunshine and happiness had seen the horrors he had. Remembered each and every death like him. Was consumed by the same guilt and devastation as he was. Perhaps that was why they'd gotten so close. Two broken and tortured souls who were forced to endure madness at the hands of a insane and twisted monster. He could still remember the last loop. The pain he'd felt when the cabinet fell on him. The feeling of the glass cutting and tearing him open in the middle. He remembered the destroyed look Feli had when he'd failed to help him escape, forced to hide. He remembered the agony of hitting the floor by that monster, the pain of his body that had already been fallen apart become nothing more than a bag of broken bones and glass. He was lucky he'd died from the impact. He didn't think he'd be able to go on if he'd been forced to live through it. Forced to stay alive as he was smashed into the ground like a toy.

Arthur shivered shaking the phantom pain away. He couldn't be shaken up now, he had to remain in control. He had to keep his head. Yet despite telling himself this he couldn't stop the horrific feeling that hit him when he saw the mansion in front of him.

"England-San are you alright? You look as if you seen a ghost."

Kiku's soft voice made him recover. Green eyes met with dark brown ones. Trying to offer a small smile Arthur shook his head.

"Sorry was just thinking about Flying Mint Bunny being at home all alone. I think I'd forgotten to feed her today."

Arthur said the lie falling smoothly off of his tongue. Kiku gave the British nation a searching look. Arthur felt his skin itch a bit at the focused gaze. After a moment longer of staring Kiku finally looked away.

"That does sound rather upsetting. Then we should finish this exploration that America-San wants to do so you can return home swiftly."

The Japanese nation said. Arthur felt his stomach sink at the words, a bitter taste filling his mouth. He hadn't been home in God only knew how long. He almost forgot what it looked like. Instead he just gave a small nod and dropped the subject. The group finally made their way into the mansion, making the English nation want to scream.

How many more times would he be forced to do this?

How many more times will he be forced to die, to be forced to watch the others die?

Arthur had no clue.

~~~~~

It was funny how such awful things could bring people together. After so many loops and seeing so much death, it'd been almost natural for Feliciano and Arthur to end up clinging to each other. Two nations who knew too much about the cursed place that caused so much suffering. It was another loop when the two had finally actually spoken about their situation and somewhat acknowledged their relationship. The duo and the rest of their friends had barely managed to escape from the thing that was hunting them for its sadistic pleasure. The other nations were asleep, the only ones who were awake were Feli and Arthur. The Italian nation was leaning against the bed, staring blankly at the walls. The English nation was sitting beside him, quiet as a grave.

"Why?"

Feli muttered, his voice soft and hallow. Arthur turned to look at him, his gaze questioning.

"Why are we doing this.....? Why when all we ever do is die. I've seen so many things, seen all of our friends die gruesome and disturbing deaths. I've died in so many ways, felt so much pain only to repeat it over and over again....."

The Italian said his voice starting to shake slightly as he thought of it. It wasn't fair, being in the position he was in. It wasn't fair that horrid thing was after him, that it had killed all of his friends. He could still see all the blood, could still hear all the bones breaking. Feliciano hadn't realized that he was shaking until he felt a pair of arms wrap around him gently.

"I don't know. I don't know why we're the ones who are in this position, I don't know why we're forced to watch our loved ones die. I don't know why we've been forced to go through so much pain and grief. But what I do know is that no matter what happens, we still got each other. No matter how many times we've got to loop and start over, we'll always have each other. And that for me at least is enough to keep me going."

Arthur's voice said, sincere and comforting. Feliciano felt his throat tighten as he fought his tears. He couldn't cry now, not when everyone else was asleep and could possibly hear him. So instead he just clung to Arthur like a lifeline, refusing to let him go. The older nation tightened his embrace, rubbing soothing circles into the younger nation's back. Feliciano didn't know why this was happening but he knew one thing.

As long as he had Arthur around, he'd keep holding on. Even if it ate away at his sanity and hope he'd hold on and fight. He had to not just for his sake.

But for Arthur's as well.

~~~~~

'No.'

'No, no, no. Please not him I can't do this without him.'

Arthur thought staring in horror and disbelief at the sight before him. There crumpled up on the cellar floor was Feliciano. The Italian nation was bleeding, his once lively eyes now dull and lifeless. The flag that he had with him and used for self defense was now through his abdomen, the wood having been splintered and made into a makeshift spear of sorts. It was clear that whatever had done it hadn't been the thing. It would've torn him apart and then killed them itself. That was the deal that kept them here after all.

If Feliciano was caught before he could get everyone out of the mansion they'd all die permanently. But if he got all of them out they'd be let go. It was a sick and twisted game of cat and mouse, forcing him and the other nation to go through time over and over again. Which meant that whoever had killed him had been a fellow nation. The thought made Arthur's heart freeze in fear as he realized that it was one of those loops. It didn't happen often but on occasion the pressure and trauma of the situation was too much and a nation would snap. Going completely unhinged and insane. The Englishman quickly looked around trying to figure out if the one who had killed Feli was still in the cellar with him. It didn't take long before his question was answered. He barely had time to process before the sudden feeling of a sharp object piercing his body took him down. With a soundless scream of pain he collapsed onto the cold stone floor, blood pooling into his mouth.

'Vital area......I'm going to bleed out......'

He thought choking on his own blood. His vision began to blur and he could vaguely make out the shape of another person. Though who it was would remain a mystery to him. Turning his blurry gaze to the side of him he took in Feli's face one last time, his hand weakly reaching out to him.

'See you in the next loop love.....wait for me please......'

With that last thought Arthur faded.

~~~~~

He was so tired.

He was so tired of all of this.

Feliciano stared at the ground, barely taking in the chaos going on around him. Arthur was on the ground, the thin nation cradling the head of Matthew in his lap. The large Canadian nation had been crushed by the weight of a piano. The top that was always open having crushed his skull and upper body. Blood stained his long wavy blonde hair and his pale face. His eyes were half open, a look of death forever stuck in his gaze. Arthur was sobbing over the dead nation, his agonizing wails breaking Feliciano's heart in a way he had never experienced. Beside the Englishman was Alfred and Francis, the two men grieving as well. The American was desperately trying to wake his twin, only to have his pleas fall on deaf ears. Francis was holding onto Arthur to try and calm him down but it was obvious that he too was just as broken.

"Matthew, my sweet boy please answer me.....oh God Matthew....."

Arthur's voice crocked, his tone full of grief. It was the type of grief that only a parent could feel and hearing that devastated tone come from Arthur made Feliciano want to cry with him.

'Why? Why? What the fuck have we done to deserve all of this? What the fuck did we do to deserve such a harsh punishment?'

The Italian's thoughts screamed in rage and agony. It wasn't fair, it wasn't fair that Arthur had to suffer such a cruel fate. That he had to suffer the loss of his children in different loops over and over again.

'This is madness......I've got to stop this. Even if it kills me I'll stop this sadistic game. For Arthur, mi tereso.'

~~~~~

Run.

That was all he could do.

Feliciano ran through the corridor, his lungs burning from how much he'd been running. But he couldn't stop, not now. Not when he was so close to getting to where he needed to go. Panting harshly Feli sprinted onwards, clutching the red book in his hands. Behind him that thing was chasing him down. Its large eyes, voidless and demonic focused in on him. But the nation refused to stop, refused to get caught. Not when he was so close.

Not when he and his friends freedom was finally within reach.

Feliciano flung himself around a nearby corner, barely managing to avoid the grasp of the monster pursuing him. Looking around he desperately searched for the place he needed to be.

'Where is it??? Where the hell is it?????'

He screamed mentally becoming desperate. He couldn't lose, he just couldn't. Losing meant that he had failed, losing meant that he and his friends lives would be forfeited. Losing meant Arthur would die. That alone was enough to make him determined to see this through until the very end.

"FELI-!!! UP HERE!!!"

A loud familiar voice called out to him. Head snapping towards the voice he caught sight of the familiar frame of his best friend. Ludwig was waving him towards him, the German holding onto his gun and prepared to shoot should the thing get close. Feliciano practically flung himself into the muscular body and with little hesitation Ludwig practically flung them up the stairs. A large metal door sat at the top of them. Arthur and Kiku were waiting by the door reaching out for them.

"Feli! Ludwig! Hurry!"

Arthur cried out. Kiku pulled out his sword his eyes full of terror.

"Behind you!"

Kiku shouted. Feliciano turned his head and barely managed to not scream as he caught sight of the monster climbing up behind them and catching up fast. Ludwig swore and took aim shooting his gun straight into one of its eyes. It screeched in pain and fury but it was enough to let Feliciano and Ludwig escape. Arthur held open the door while Kiku grabbed onto Feliciano and Ludwig and yanked them through the doorway. As soon as their bodies hit the floor of the safe room Arthur slammed the door shut the lock clicking into place. The sounds of the thing's body hitting the steel door boomed throughout the room before it loud screams of fury filled the air. The room was quiet as the listened to it scratch at the door unable to get through it. After a moment or two the other side fell silent. The group of countries stared at the door, stunned and holding their breath.

They'd done it.

They'd beat it.

They could finally go back home.

With cautious and hesitant steps the nations made their way towards the second door that was in the safe room. Behind this door was their ticket to the outside world. Feli felt his heart race with emotion. Turning his eyes towards Arthur he reached out and pulled him into a tight hug.

"We did it.......Arthuro we're going home......!"

The Italian said choked up and shaking. The Englishman clung onto him as well his own body trembling as well.

"Yes Feli......we can finally go home....."

Arthur breathed happiness and relief making him dizzy. The two pulled away from each other, yet still held each other's hand. Exchanging small yet shy smiles the two made their way to the second door. Behind them stood all of their friends, safe and alive.

Alfred, Matthew, Francis, Yao, Ivan, Ludwig, Kiku and Gilbert.

They were alive and okay and that was the best thing Feli and Arthur had ever received. Reaching for the door Feliciano turned the knob and opened it. Giving a small squeeze to Arthur's hand, the Italian led him into the doorway and into the light with their friends close behind.

~~~~~

Bright.

It was so bright.

Feliciano let out a small groan pulling the blankets over his head to block out the sunshine. Movement came from the other side of the bed making him peek from underneath. There greeting him was the sight of his husband Arthur. The English nation let out a small yawn before turning his tired gaze towards Feli.

"Good morning love."

Arthur said his voice gruff and full of sleepiness. Feliciano let out a small hum before sitting up and giving his husband a kiss.

"Buongiorno amore mio."

Feli chimed back making Arthur smile at him. The two sat in bed together content and enjoying each other's presence. Feli was running his fingers through Arthur's hair before he suddenly broke the silence.

"I had the strangest dream last night."

The Italian said making his husband look at him in curiosity.

"Oh? Do you remember what it was about?"

The Englishman asked. The younger nation went to tell his husband before a look of confusion crossed his expression.

"I.....I don't remember."

He said confused by his sudden memory loss of his dream. Arthur gave his husband a small look before placing butterfly kisses on his cheek.

"Well whatever it was about, it was only a dream. Now let's get up so we can get breakfast started. I'll even make you your favorite coffee brew."

The older nation said his voice soft and fond. The younger nation smiled lovingly at him, already getting out of bed to join his husband in the kitchen. Arthur was right, even if Feliciano can't remember the dream it was only just that. A dream and dreams weren't real. As the couple made their way out of their shared bedroom, an old red book sat neatly in an old box, long forgotten and devoided of anything inside other than blank pages that had turned yellow from age.

Somewhere far in the distant the sound of an ancient grandfather clock ticked away.

Tick.

Tock.

*Finally the last prompt for EngIta week!!! I decided to go with the very thing that got me into this ship in the first place, Hetaoni. It's an fan made horror game that's based off an old RPG game that has the same premise. It was because of RPG horror games that I'd actually discovered Hetaoni and let me tell y'all it was an experience shshdhd. While I was writing this I was inspired by other RPG horror games such as Corpse Party and The Witch's House. RPG horror is surprisingly unnerving and hella scary and I tried my best to make this as unsettling as possible without it getting completely off track. I just hope that I was able to do it correctly lol. Anyways thank y'all so much for reading my fics for EngIta week, I had so much fun while doing this and I hope y'all had just as much fun as I did!!! Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!! And here's the final prompt @engitaweek2022!!! Thank you for letting me submit my writing!!!!*

[misteria247]

Final prompt for EngIta week!!!!

Thank y'all so much for reading my stuff, I sincerely appreciate it!!! This was a fun week and I'd love to do this again for EngIta or any other Hetalia pairing!!!! Love y'all lots!!!! 💖💖💖💖

EngIta Week 2022

Day 8: Horror

Warning: Blood, Gore, Unsettling monsters, Time loops, Language, Temporary Character Death.

~~~~~

Why?

Why did it have to end this way?

It was a question that Feliciano had been asking himself for quite sometime. A question that always remained answer less. But then again, did he expect anything less than that? To forever be in the dark when it came to his questions? Feliciano sat against the wall, the silence deafening as he took a breather. His arm was throbbing from the deep cut he'd received earlier. He should have been paying more attention to his surroundings, should have known better than to let his guard down. He'd learned too many times what the consequences were when he wasn't paying attention or using his head. Pressing the wound Feliciano tried to keep the pained hiss in, not wanting to make any noise. Noise was bad, noise made things more difficult. Noise was what got him and his friends killed in brutal and inhumane ways. And he refused to put them in that position.

Not again.

Feeling the thick warm blood soak his hand made him shiver with slight disgust but he didn't remove it. He had to get the bleeding to stop, he couldn't be bleeding. Blood was a sure fire way to get himself caught and that was absolutely not an option. After a few seconds of applying pressure he deemed it okay for the time being. With cautious and quiet movements he slowly pushed himself up from the floor. His military boots made a small creak against the old floorboards, the creak seemingly extremely loud in the silence. Feli stiffened, freezing in place and barely breathing.

'Shit.'

The Italian nation strained his ears, listening for any noises. Silence greeted him, the unnerving tension making his heart pound in his chest. He wished that his heart didn't beat so loudly, terrified that it'd give away his position. For a few agonizing moments he stood there, stiff as a board and not daring to move. After several minutes of nothing but pure silence Feli slowly inched his way towards the corner. After a brief moment of gathering courage he slowly peeked his head over the edge........

The Italian about sagged with relief when the sight of the empty corridor greeted him. So it hadn't heard. That in itself was a miracle and it was a miracle that he wouldn't dare waste. Not hesitating Feli quickly and quietly made his way down the corridor not daring to slow down. If he did that would leave him wide open. It seemed to go on forever until he finally made it to the end of the corridor. The sight of the stairs greeted him voided of all life. It made his skin itch, his entire being growing anxious. He needed to find his friends and fast. The longer he went without seeing them the more uneasy he felt. Having them out of his sight made it easier for them to be picked off one by one. As the nation made his way down the stairs to go look for his friends, a sudden loud crashing echoed throughout the house. Feli froze his gut dropping with terror. He didn't hesitate already knowing that whatever made that noise had most likely attracted its attention. Racing down the stairs he practically flew towards the area where the crash was heard.

Finally reaching the area where it'd come from he quickly began to try the doors turning them to see if they were open. He felt his palms break out into a sweat with each resistance he was met with. Cursing he continued onwards desperately praying that he'd find the right room.

'Please mio Dio, please just let me get to them first!'

Feliciano begged hoping that someone was listening to his pleas. Grabbing another handle he turned it and felt it give way. The Italian nation about burst into tears as he pushed open the door harshly. A cabinet had been knocked over and underneath pinned like an insect on a dissection table was.....

"Arthur-!!!"

The younger nation gasped. Arthur's head snapped up at the gasp, his eyes pained and on edge as he finally caught sight of Feliciano. The older nation seemed to relax somewhat, now knowing that it wasn't an enemy that had entered the room.

"Feliciano......"

Arthur breathed relief coloring his voice. Feliciano bent down next to him, his hands hovering frantically as he tried to figure out what to do. Arthur's entire lower half of his body was pinned down by the antique cabinet. Broken glass and a growing puddle of crimson was staining the floor. His forest green military uniform was slowly becoming crimson as well, painting his waist like a bundle of flower petals.

"Oh God....! Arthur just hang on I'll get you out from under there!"

Feli said his voice shaking slightly as he tried to get himself to calm down. With shaking hands he went to try and haul the heavy cabinet from Arthur. The Englishman let out a pained cry as the cabinet moved, making the Italian freeze at the sound.

"I'm so sorry I know it hurts but it'll be over soon I promise just hang on-"

Feliciano started to say when he caught the sound of the wooden floorboards from the corridor creak lightly. Feli and Arthur went deathly still, their eyes widening in fear. Feliciano felt his hands begin to shake, his mouth going dry. Arthur while in immense pain didn't dare make any noise, looking somewhat pale. The two remained still listening. To their horror more creaking floorboards sounded out, slowly making their way towards the corridor they were in.

It was here.

It was looking for them.

Feliciano panicked went to go and try to remove the cabinet again, desperate to get Arthur from underneath it and get them the hell out of there. As he went to try and heave it a pale bloodied hand gripped his uniform sleeve.

"Feliciano you.....you need to go. You....you can't be here......it's too late for me. The cabinet it.....it crushed my legs and the.....the glass......."

Arthur wheezed softly blood staining the corner of his mouth. Yet his expression held nothing but fear for Feli, as well as a seriousness that made the Italian feel sick.

"No....no Arthur please don't make me do this don't make me leave you....!"

Feli begged shaking his head. Arthur gave him a pained but stern look.

"You have to. If you get caught that's the end of it. Please just leave, save yourself and the others."

Arthur said his voice demanding yet pleading. Feliciano felt his throat tighten and his eyes burn with tears. He knew that Arthur was right, if he was caught then none of them would be able to leave this wretched place. But even with the logic being presented to him he couldn't help but want to save Arthur. Couldn't bare the thought of leaving him to die.

But in the end he had no choice.

With a choked, muffled sob Feliciano gave Arthur one last look. His amber eyes full of sorrow, regrets and unspoken apologies. Arthur just gave him a small smile, his own eyes misty.

"I'm so sorry Arthur. Next time, I swear it next time I'll keep you safe."

The Italian swore his voice thick. Arthur gave him a tired nod, before letting his head fall back onto the floor. The crimson pool of blood was larger now, staining the rug and floor. Feliciano felt his heart sink as the cold reality hit him. Even if he'd managed to get Arthur from under the cabinet, the older nation would still die. Bleeding out from his wounds full of broken glass. Fighting back the rush of tears Feli got up from the floor and went to leave the room to try and fix this awful fate. When the sounds of the creaking floorboards stopped right in front of their door. Arthur sucked in a sharp breath having heard it as well. His expression was alarmed, conveying a silent message to Feli.

Hide. Now.

Feliciano didn't hesitate, quickly going to hide. A nearby closet sat in the corner of the room. Opening the door as quickly and quietly as he could Feli gave Arthur one last devasted and broken look before finally getting into the closet. He'd made it just in time as the sound of the door being slammed open filled the room. Feliciano watched through the crack of the door, fear flooding through his veins. It was here. He watched as it made its way towards Arthur, its large soulless black eyes burning into the dying nation. Arthur let out little wet huffs of air, his lungs and throat filling with blood. Yet he was glaring at it, his green eyes dark like a toxic plant. Filled with nothing but hatred and pure defiance.

"Fucking bastard....! Go to hell.....!"

Arthur spat out, putting every ounce of hatred and disgust he could into the sentence. It stared at him unblinking before it moved. With horrifyingly quick movements it grabbed the cabinet and hurled it off of Arthur. With large thin hands it grabbed the English nation, making him scream in pain before with a ruthless motion slammed the man into the floor. Arthur's body hit the floor with a sickening spat, his pained scream cut short. Feliciano bit his fist to stop the scream that threatened to break out. Hot silent tears flew down his cheeks as he was forced to watch the gruesome display. It picked Arthur back up again and slammed him down again, another splat filling the room. Only now the sounds of brittle bones breaking joined the awful sympathy.

Splat. Crunch.

Splat. Crunch.

Splat. Crunch.

Over and over again it continued to slam Arthur's body into the floor until it finally deemed it necessary to stop. It held Arthur's corpse up, the once living breathing body now nothing more than a bloody lump of flesh, hair, bones and blood. It then dropped him onto the floor, before making its way out of the room. Feliciano sat in the closet shaking and feeling nauseous listening to the fading footsteps of their enemy. After a few minutes of nothing but silence Feli finally crawled out of the closet. Now seeing the full view of the carnage that painted the room Feli let out a small agonized wail. Blood stained the walls and floor, making the room smell of death and copper. Arthur was on the floor, his corpse bent and broken. His eyes once bright and full of fury now stared into nothing, no longer seeing the world. Feli crawled towards him, his hand reaching out for him. Grasping the cold limb Feli let out another heart wrenching wail, his tears flowing fast and furious. Pressing a kiss to Arthur's hand Feli grieved.

Why.....?

Why did this always happen.....?

Why did everyone he love have to die...?

Why couldn't it just let them go, hadn't they suffered enough?

Why? Why? Why? Why?

Feliciano didn't know.

~~~~~

Tick.

Tock.

Tick.

Tock.

It was always the first thing Arthur heard whenever he'd awaken. The sounds of an ancient grandfather clock, ticking away. It was a sick joke in Arthur's opinion. To make him hear a clock yet forcing him and others through the same thing every time.

Tick.

Tock.

Always forced to enter that God forsaken place, forced to pretend that he had no clue what was going on. Forced to watch the same people he cared about and loved die in gruesome and grotesque ways. Sometimes even ending up in the same position as them. It was madness, it was cruel. Yet he was powerless to stop it. He had no control over any of it, all he could do was desperately hope and pray that he could help save the lives of his fellow nations. How many times has it been? How many times has he reset this timeline in a desperate attempt to save those around him and to help Feli?

How many times has he seen them all die?

Alfred, Matthew, Francis, Yao, Ivan, Ludwig, Kiku, Gilbert.

All of them he'd seen die countless times. All of them he'd failed to save and protect. Their blood stained his hands. And he wasn't the only one who suffered. No Feliciano was also one who suffered like him. The Italian nation, whose smile was like sunshine and happiness had seen the horrors he had. Remembered each and every death like him. Was consumed by the same guilt and devastation as he was. Perhaps that was why they'd gotten so close. Two broken and tortured souls who were forced to endure madness at the hands of a insane and twisted monster. He could still remember the last loop. The pain he'd felt when the cabinet fell on him. The feeling of the glass cutting and tearing him open in the middle. He remembered the destroyed look Feli had when he'd failed to help him escape, forced to hide. He remembered the agony of hitting the floor by that monster, the pain of his body that had already been fallen apart become nothing more than a bag of broken bones and glass. He was lucky he'd died from the impact. He didn't think he'd be able to go on if he'd been forced to live through it. Forced to stay alive as he was smashed into the ground like a toy.

Arthur shivered shaking the phantom pain away. He couldn't be shaken up now, he had to remain in control. He had to keep his head. Yet despite telling himself this he couldn't stop the horrific feeling that hit him when he saw the mansion in front of him.

"England-San are you alright? You look as if you seen a ghost."

Kiku's soft voice made him recover. Green eyes met with dark brown ones. Trying to offer a small smile Arthur shook his head.

"Sorry was just thinking about Flying Mint Bunny being at home all alone. I think I'd forgotten to feed her today."

Arthur said the lie falling smoothly off of his tongue. Kiku gave the British nation a searching look. Arthur felt his skin itch a bit at the focused gaze. After a moment longer of staring Kiku finally looked away.

"That does sound rather upsetting. Then we should finish this exploration that America-San wants to do so you can return home swiftly."

The Japanese nation said. Arthur felt his stomach sink at the words, a bitter taste filling his mouth. He hadn't been home in God only knew how long. He almost forgot what it looked like. Instead he just gave a small nod and dropped the subject. The group finally made their way into the mansion, making the English nation want to scream.

How many more times would he be forced to do this?

How many more times will he be forced to die, to be forced to watch the others die?

Arthur had no clue.

~~~~~

It was funny how such awful things could bring people together. After so many loops and seeing so much death, it'd been almost natural for Feliciano and Arthur to end up clinging to each other. Two nations who knew too much about the cursed place that caused so much suffering. It was another loop when the two had finally actually spoken about their situation and somewhat acknowledged their relationship. The duo and the rest of their friends had barely managed to escape from the thing that was hunting them for its sadistic pleasure. The other nations were asleep, the only ones who were awake were Feli and Arthur. The Italian nation was leaning against the bed, staring blankly at the walls. The English nation was sitting beside him, quiet as a grave.

"Why?"

Feli muttered, his voice soft and hallow. Arthur turned to look at him, his gaze questioning.

"Why are we doing this.....? Why when all we ever do is die. I've seen so many things, seen all of our friends die gruesome and disturbing deaths. I've died in so many ways, felt so much pain only to repeat it over and over again....."

The Italian said his voice starting to shake slightly as he thought of it. It wasn't fair, being in the position he was in. It wasn't fair that horrid thing was after him, that it had killed all of his friends. He could still see all the blood, could still hear all the bones breaking. Feliciano hadn't realized that he was shaking until he felt a pair of arms wrap around him gently.

"I don't know. I don't know why we're the ones who are in this position, I don't know why we're forced to watch our loved ones die. I don't know why we've been forced to go through so much pain and grief. But what I do know is that no matter what happens, we still got each other. No matter how many times we've got to loop and start over, we'll always have each other. And that for me at least is enough to keep me going."

Arthur's voice said, sincere and comforting. Feliciano felt his throat tighten as he fought his tears. He couldn't cry now, not when everyone else was asleep and could possibly hear him. So instead he just clung to Arthur like a lifeline, refusing to let him go. The older nation tightened his embrace, rubbing soothing circles into the younger nation's back. Feliciano didn't know why this was happening but he knew one thing.

As long as he had Arthur around, he'd keep holding on. Even if it ate away at his sanity and hope he'd hold on and fight. He had to not just for his sake.

But for Arthur's as well.

~~~~~

'No.'

'No, no, no. Please not him I can't do this without him.'

Arthur thought staring in horror and disbelief at the sight before him. There crumpled up on the cellar floor was Feliciano. The Italian nation was bleeding, his once lively eyes now dull and lifeless. The flag that he had with him and used for self defense was now through his abdomen, the wood having been splintered and made into a makeshift spear of sorts. It was clear that whatever had done it hadn't been the thing. It would've torn him apart and then killed them itself. That was the deal that kept them here after all.

If Feliciano was caught before he could get everyone out of the mansion they'd all die permanently. But if he got all of them out they'd be let go. It was a sick and twisted game of cat and mouse, forcing him and the other nation to go through time over and over again. Which meant that whoever had killed him had been a fellow nation. The thought made Arthur's heart freeze in fear as he realized that it was one of those loops. It didn't happen often but on occasion the pressure and trauma of the situation was too much and a nation would snap. Going completely unhinged and insane. The Englishman quickly looked around trying to figure out if the one who had killed Feli was still in the cellar with him. It didn't take long before his question was answered. He barely had time to process before the sudden feeling of a sharp object piercing his body took him down. With a soundless scream of pain he collapsed onto the cold stone floor, blood pooling into his mouth.

'Vital area......I'm going to bleed out......'

He thought choking on his own blood. His vision began to blur and he could vaguely make out the shape of another person. Though who it was would remain a mystery to him. Turning his blurry gaze to the side of him he took in Feli's face one last time, his hand weakly reaching out to him.

'See you in the next loop love.....wait for me please......'

With that last thought Arthur faded.

~~~~~

He was so tired.

He was so tired of all of this.

Feliciano stared at the ground, barely taking in the chaos going on around him. Arthur was on the ground, the thin nation cradling the head of Matthew in his lap. The large Canadian nation had been crushed by the weight of a piano. The top that was always open having crushed his skull and upper body. Blood stained his long wavy blonde hair and his pale face. His eyes were half open, a look of death forever stuck in his gaze. Arthur was sobbing over the dead nation, his agonizing wails breaking Feliciano's heart in a way he had never experienced. Beside the Englishman was Alfred and Francis, the two men grieving as well. The American was desperately trying to wake his twin, only to have his pleas fall on deaf ears. Francis was holding onto Arthur to try and calm him down but it was obvious that he too was just as broken.

"Matthew, my sweet boy please answer me.....oh God Matthew....."

Arthur's voice crocked, his tone full of grief. It was the type of grief that only a parent could feel and hearing that devastated tone come from Arthur made Feliciano want to cry with him.

'Why? Why? What the fuck have we done to deserve all of this? What the fuck did we do to deserve such a harsh punishment?'

The Italian's thoughts screamed in rage and agony. It wasn't fair, it wasn't fair that Arthur had to suffer such a cruel fate. That he had to suffer the loss of his children in different loops over and over again.

'This is madness......I've got to stop this. Even if it kills me I'll stop this sadistic game. For Arthur, mi tereso.'

~~~~~

Run.

That was all he could do.

Feliciano ran through the corridor, his lungs burning from how much he'd been running. But he couldn't stop, not now. Not when he was so close to getting to where he needed to go. Panting harshly Feli sprinted onwards, clutching the red book in his hands. Behind him that thing was chasing him down. Its large eyes, voidless and demonic focused in on him. But the nation refused to stop, refused to get caught. Not when he was so close.

Not when he and his friends freedom was finally within reach.

Feliciano flung himself around a nearby corner, barely managing to avoid the grasp of the monster pursuing him. Looking around he desperately searched for the place he needed to be.

'Where is it??? Where the hell is it?????'

He screamed mentally becoming desperate. He couldn't lose, he just couldn't. Losing meant that he had failed, losing meant that he and his friends lives would be forfeited. Losing meant Arthur would die. That alone was enough to make him determined to see this through until the very end.

"FELI-!!! UP HERE!!!"

A loud familiar voice called out to him. Head snapping towards the voice he caught sight of the familiar frame of his best friend. Ludwig was waving him towards him, the German holding onto his gun and prepared to shoot should the thing get close. Feliciano practically flung himself into the muscular body and with little hesitation Ludwig practically flung them up the stairs. A large metal door sat at the top of them. Arthur and Kiku were waiting by the door reaching out for them.

"Feli! Ludwig! Hurry!"

Arthur cried out. Kiku pulled out his sword his eyes full of terror.

"Behind you!"

Kiku shouted. Feliciano turned his head and barely managed to not scream as he caught sight of the monster climbing up behind them and catching up fast. Ludwig swore and took aim shooting his gun straight into one of its eyes. It screeched in pain and fury but it was enough to let Feliciano and Ludwig escape. Arthur held open the door while Kiku grabbed onto Feliciano and Ludwig and yanked them through the doorway. As soon as their bodies hit the floor of the safe room Arthur slammed the door shut the lock clicking into place. The sounds of the thing's body hitting the steel door boomed throughout the room before it loud screams of fury filled the air. The room was quiet as the listened to it scratch at the door unable to get through it. After a moment or two the other side fell silent. The group of countries stared at the door, stunned and holding their breath.

They'd done it.

They'd beat it.

They could finally go back home.

With cautious and hesitant steps the nations made their way towards the second door that was in the safe room. Behind this door was their ticket to the outside world. Feli felt his heart race with emotion. Turning his eyes towards Arthur he reached out and pulled him into a tight hug.

"We did it.......Arthuro we're going home......!"

The Italian said choked up and shaking. The Englishman clung onto him as well his own body trembling as well.

"Yes Feli......we can finally go home....."

Arthur breathed happiness and relief making him dizzy. The two pulled away from each other, yet still held each other's hand. Exchanging small yet shy smiles the two made their way to the second door. Behind them stood all of their friends, safe and alive.

Alfred, Matthew, Francis, Yao, Ivan, Ludwig, Kiku and Gilbert.

They were alive and okay and that was the best thing Feli and Arthur had ever received. Reaching for the door Feliciano turned the knob and opened it. Giving a small squeeze to Arthur's hand, the Italian led him into the doorway and into the light with their friends close behind.

~~~~~

Bright.

It was so bright.

Feliciano let out a small groan pulling the blankets over his head to block out the sunshine. Movement came from the other side of the bed making him peek from underneath. There greeting him was the sight of his husband Arthur. The English nation let out a small yawn before turning his tired gaze towards Feli.

"Good morning love."

Arthur said his voice gruff and full of sleepiness. Feliciano let out a small hum before sitting up and giving his husband a kiss.

"Buongiorno amore mio."

Feli chimed back making Arthur smile at him. The two sat in bed together content and enjoying each other's presence. Feli was running his fingers through Arthur's hair before he suddenly broke the silence.

"I had the strangest dream last night."

The Italian said making his husband look at him in curiosity.

"Oh? Do you remember what it was about?"

The Englishman asked. The younger nation went to tell his husband before a look of confusion crossed his expression.

"I.....I don't remember."

He said confused by his sudden memory loss of his dream. Arthur gave his husband a small look before placing butterfly kisses on his cheek.

"Well whatever it was about, it was only a dream. Now let's get up so we can get breakfast started. I'll even make you your favorite coffee brew."

The older nation said his voice soft and fond. The younger nation smiled lovingly at him, already getting out of bed to join his husband in the kitchen. Arthur was right, even if Feliciano can't remember the dream it was only just that. A dream and dreams weren't real. As the couple made their way out of their shared bedroom, an old red book sat neatly in an old box, long forgotten and devoided of anything inside other than blank pages that had turned yellow from age.

Somewhere far in the distant the sound of an ancient grandfather clock ticked away.

Tick.

Tock.

*Finally the last prompt for EngIta week!!! I decided to go with the very thing that got me into this ship in the first place, Hetaoni. It's an fan made horror game that's based off an old RPG game that has the same premise. It was because of RPG horror games that I'd actually discovered Hetaoni and let me tell y'all it was an experience shshdhd. While I was writing this I was inspired by other RPG horror games such as Corpse Party and The Witch's House. RPG horror is surprisingly unnerving and hella scary and I tried my best to make this as unsettling as possible without it getting completely off track. I just hope that I was able to do it correctly lol. Anyways thank y'all so much for reading my fics for EngIta week, I had so much fun while doing this and I hope y'all had just as much fun as I did!!! Anyways if any y'all read this I hope you enjoyed it!!! And here's the final prompt @engitaweek2022!!! Thank you for letting me submit my writing!!!!*