Hetaoni: ENDGAME

Chapter 15 ~ The Struggle to the Basement

    "Alright. Hungary, Canada, and England- you three will wait in the first floor study and figure out the mythology books."

The trio nodded at Japan's commands.

"China and Russia you come with us. We'll need you two as back-up."

China and Russia nodded as well.

"Alright! Let's split up! And if you meet the monster, don't approach it! We need to avoid any casualties!" Japan declared.

"Alright!" Everyone agreed in unison, and they all headed off in different directions to fulfill their jobs.

    Japan, Italy, and Germany took the lead, rushing down the stair cases, and sprinting down the hallways, feet pounding on the creaking floorboards. They all split up on the first floor- Hungary's group took the left hallway study, and went on with their research. Russia and China waited out in the kitchen, collecting food and other supplies that could be of use later on. Japan and the rest of the Axis entered the kitchen pantry, and went to work with the safe. 

"Where was the safe Italy-San?" Japan questioned, and Italy lead them to the crate. Germany bent down and pulled the golden decorated safe out with grunt, and set it down. His fingers went to work as Japan called out the numbers. Click. "A key! Good work everyone. Let's go find that room." Japan exclaimed with a small smile. "I believe there was a room locked in the hallway we discovered." Germany proposed. "We'll head there first then." Japan decided, and the trio exited the pantry. 

"China, Russia, can you let the others to meet us in the dojo hallway when they're done?" Japan asked. "Sure thing." Russia smiled, and China gave a wave from his position in the cabinets. "What is he doing?" Germany questioned, watching as China's feet wailed around in the air, his head hidden away in the raised cabinet. "Looking for materials so he can cook. He looks funny when he does that, doesn't he?" Russia giggled. "That's for sure..."Germany agreed with a roll of his eyes. "Let's just go..." Japan said, trying to avoid the conversation where someone asks if the two of them are related.

The Axis left the kitchen, and headed down the hallway, heading towards the dojo. They took a left once they arrived, and entered the long hallway leading to the locked study. Japan, being the one with the key, hesitantly unlocked the door, and headed inside, a hand on his katanna's handle, ready to attack if necessary. Japan gave a slight nod towards his side of the doorway when he declared the area clear, and they all entered.

"There's nothing in here." Japan pointed out. "Ja. Let's do a quick search and meet up with the others groups." Germany suggested, and they all agreed. Italy was oddly quiet, yet not even Germany brought the subject up.

Germany investigated the area around the bookcase, Japan took the perimeter around the table, and Italy looked around the rest, basically just aimlessly wandering. Germany noticed something odd sticking out from the back of the bookcase, and he tried moving the shelf. "Japan! I think there's something behind this bookcase, but it seems like it's stapled to the wall..." 

Japa's head was tucked under the huge table. "I think I found a switch of some sorts down here, Germany-San! Here, le-"

Japan was cut off by the scratching sound of the moving bookcase skidding across the floor. 

"Good work Japan, Now let's go." Germany called out, and the two other countries followed.

    They both walked in, finding a cage and a key. Japan's eyes flashed, and he rushed to lock the door. "S-Something wrong Japan?" Italy questioned and Japan nodded. "I can sense an air of dread and suspense.... The Oni is near... Prepare for battle." Japan warned, and Italy began to fret. Germany grabbed the key quickly, rushing to get out of there. "I'll go first. Germany-San, you protect Italy." Germany nodded, a hand on the whip around his belt. Italy gulped. He hated having to be the one protected, but some things just couldn't be held.