Hetalian Protectors

Back to Life

My whole body froze as she turned, clasping to her chest a small bouquet of wilted snapdragons and roses, tied together by a black and white ribbon that was frayed along the edges.

How did she...? Those are... Why does she have those...? I clutched at my chest, gripping the small ring underneath my shirt.

A body covered in blood. Tears running down my face as a small hand caressed my face. "Don't you worry now. The awesome me won't die. So I want you... to leave me here and burn this place to the ground... I love you Gil... Hurry now..." Running feet. Burnt hands. Shriveled bodies, blackened by fire.

Before I knew what was happening, I was running back through the maze, leaving my thoughts and Arwen behind.

*****

The halls were filled with the sound of shuffling feet and heavy breathing. Looking over my shoulder, I spotted Gilbert just behind me, helping Ludwig forward. The golden haired German had a fractured ankle and a sprained right right wrist, whilst Gilbert was one of the few with only scratches. As for myself, well, lets just say the last few hours were some of the worst.

Pulling back a little, I grabbed Gil's hand, giving him a tired smile before heading over to Ludwig's other side and gently moving his arm over my shoulder, letting him lean on me as well. Together, we limped forward, determined on reaching the end point. The thought of the sky made my heart soar, a bright feeling of hope blooming in my chest.

"Jou don't have to help me." The rough voice made me look up, my eyes connecting with blue ones. A confident grin spread across my face.

"I'm here for you Luddy, just hang in there, okay?" He merely grunted, turning his head so that he was facing the front. I saw the small smile he gave me though, a light blush dusting his cheeks. Looking over his head, I caught Gilbert glancing my way. He was staring at my legs and I paled, thinking he had figured it out. Had somehow seen through Katesel's magic.

"Gil? Everything alright?" He jerked as I said his name, meeting my eyes.

"W-What? Yeah! Sorry, just thinking about what were going to do when we get out of here." He gave me a sly smile and I blushed, turning back to the front. Pretending to look over my shoulder I let myself frown. My body felt heavy and the feeling of blood dripping down my back made me want to gag. If only he knew...

All was silent as we climbed down the stairs, the front door finally in our sights.  I felt my sword bumping against my leg and I felt confidence grow in my chest. Maybe it would be this easy? There were excited whispers and we moved faster, Ashen getting to the front of the group, the key shining in her hand. She handed it to Feli, whispering a few words to him. He seemed startled at first, but then he nodded, a determined look in his eyes. Sticking it in the hole, he twisted the key, and we all heard the sweet sound of the lock sliding out of place. The door was unlocked.

Opening the door, all the countries started moving forward, and I caught sight of Roderich and the Nordics on the other side, helping everyone past the gates. It was then that I felt the shaking in the floor. Feeling panic grow in my chest, I shot a look at Shranda who was also looking at me in fear. Nodding, I let her call to the others using our telepathy, letting go of Ludwig and looking to Gilbert.

He stared at me in confusion. I took the few steps it took me to reach him, bringing my hand to his face. His eyes widened as he realized I was bleeding. "M-Maddox!? When did you-" Shaking my head, I bent forward and sealed his lips with mine, before pulling away and putting my mouth near his ear.

"Don't you worry now. The awesome me won't die. So I want you... to leave me here and burn this place to the ground... I love you Gil... Hurry now... Get Luddy out of here." Then I whipped around, shoving him completely out the door as Katesel blasted everyone across the lane with a strong gust of wind, all the countries ending up past the gate, safe. She slammed the door shut as
we all saw multiple pairs of eyes staring in our direction in horror.