Hetalian Protectors

Shadows

I just couldn't bring myself to let her go, even though I would normally hate anyone touching me for so long. I was afraid that she'd disappear if I let her out of my sight. Eventually we both ended up sitting on the floor, grasping each others hands as we thought of the heavy past we both seemed to have.

And all the while, the only thing I could think was something scary enough to make me want to take off running.

Please don't leave me.

*****

The world was made of halls. So many halls. Turn one corner and the beast would be waiting. Turn another and your friend would be half dead on the floor. There was no telling what would be around each bend. Sometimes there was nothing. Other times there was everything you had been missing and more.

Blood stained the walls from all the fighting, torn rags laying across the floor where they'd been thrown. Bodies laid curled in the corner, their breathing coming in quiet gasps and short sobs. There was so much fear, it made my stomach curl and twist. Thankfully, It'd all be over soon.

A single figure always stood out to me, his black hair shining in the weak candle light of the room. His white jacket had long been discarded and his white tank top was covered in blood, his own or another's. It had been a long night, one filled with fighting and pain, none of which he'd know. I- no we- had made sure that none of them would know what had really occurred. They needn't know. All that there was left to do was get them out of here alive. All of them.

Maddox and Anwar limped over and begun to wake everyone, causing multiple shouts and cries as they did. We were all on edge. I strode over the best I could and called out his name, softly, "Kiku?" He moaned slightly and I nudged him with my hand. Instantly, he jerked awake, reaching for his katana before I could stop him. I found myself with a blade pointed at my neck. He seemed to be seeing something other than me, but it wasn't long before he realized what he was doing and dropped his sword.

His voice was hoarse when he spoke, his hands shaky as they extended towards me, a silent plea on his face, "I'm so sorry..." I merely nodded, understanding. I helped him to his feet, Wang Yao coming to help me. I felt blood trickle down my side, but I ignored it, prying no one would spot it. Alfred was carrying Arthur, Katesel standing protectively by his side. Alfred met my gaze from across the room, "What's going on?"

I smiled grimly, "We're getting out of here." His eyes widened, but there were no other questions as we started making our way outside the secret room, carrying our wounded and readying our weapons for what surely was coming.

Suddenly I felt Kiku's full weight on me, and I turned my head to look at him. His bangs were in front of his eyes but I could tell they were shut. I looked to Wang Yao, "Is he unconscious again?" The elder nation nodded grimly.

"We couldn't get his wounds to stop bleeding, aru. Thank the lord we're finally getting out of here or he might not have made it, aru." I could hear the fear in the man's voice, the care he felt for Kiku obvious. Glancing towards the door where everyone was gathering, I felt a sliver of panic rush up my spine.

"Wang Yao, would you mind if I did something real quick?" He seemed confused but he nodded anyway. Reaching over, I cupped Kiku's chin, turning his head towards me. Swiftly, I planted a chaste kiss on his lips, pulling away before Wang Yao could say anything. Then I started moving towards the door, determination pushing me forward despite the wound on my back.

We would get them out of here.

*****

Japan's POV: The laughter was what awoke me, a childish sound that was out of place in a country's home. Rubbing my eyes, I sat up, looking around. Moonlight drifted softly through the window blinds, covering the floor with crisscrossing beams of light. Otherwise, nothing was in the room. Deeming it a figment of my imagination, I started to lay back down, when suddenly the noise came again, except louder now. A cold sweat started to form on my back.