Hetaoni: ENDGAME

Chapter 35 ~ A Destined Meeting!

  "Long time no see Italia. Isn't that what those young new fools say on the outside?" A harsh cackle came out of the woman's mouth. 

  A woman with skin paler than fresh white snow sat atop the largest and strongest Oni Italy had ever seen, crossing her legs and smiling as if she was some cruel queen, sitting atop a golden throne. Her white hair was almost as long as the monster was tall, and he was huge. Dazzling blue eyes with flecks of amber red mixed with gold followed every inch of the small Italian's body.

 "Ryuu..."

"Ah, my favorite little pet. How is this mansion treating you these days? Oh, I'm sorry, how impolite of me." The woman jumped off the shoulder of the huge hulking monster, a trademark smirk of hers on her pink lips. "My servant here- his name is '図体の大きいモンスター' which means, 'Hulking monster' or 'Mostro hulking' in your own native tongue."

"Japanese. His original name is in Japanese." Italy pointed out.

  You couldn't see it, but his heart was racing, his mind running in 50 different directions at once, his hands trembling as sweat rolled down the side of his head. He could taste the bile clawing at his throat, and Italy felt like he was drowning, unable to breathe or think right. Was he really looking at her? Could he even see? Had he forgotten? Could he ever even tell?

  "Very good! You have learned many tongues from this place haven't you? Does that mindless little brat still teach you those special words?" Ryuu laughed, bringing her sleeve-covered hands to her mouth in a horrible attempt to look polite. "Oh, how rude of me. She has a name correct? What was it again? It seems it has slipped my mind again. In such old age, I've forgotten a few things here and there. You must forgive me and my ancient ways."

  Italy cringed at that word- 'Forgotten'.

"No. I won't let her get to me. There is no "thing" or "it" or "demon". It is only a crippled and archaic woman who knows nothing about family or love." Italy reminded himself.

"Then I'll remind you. All those who carry the title 'Ryuuzu no Ko' with me." Italy reached into his jacket and pulled out a book- and not just any book.

"Ludwig.

Gilbert Beilschmidt.

Elizeveta Hedervary-Beilschmidt.

Alfred F. Jones.

Arthur Kirkland.

Canadra.

Francis Bonnefoy.

Matthew Williams.

Ivan Bragisnky.

Wang Yao.

Honda Kiku.

Antonio Fernandez Carriedo.

Lovino Romano Vargas.

Laura Bel.

These are the people who carry the title of Ryuuzu no Ko with me!"

    A laugh that made Italy's blood boil came from the white haired woman.

"So you're not afraid? Not afraid to keep going? Not afraid to keep trying? Not afraid to keep repeating? Not afraid to change destiny? Not afraid to die?" Ryuu asked, emphasizing the last word.

   Italy smiled sadly.

"Everyone's afraid of something. For me, I'm afraid of everything. But when I wake up, I'm afraid that somebody else might take my name." 

  "Oh? And why is that? Surely there must be a logical reason behind that fear of yours." The woman asked. Her voice was like claws scratching on a chalkboard, putting Italy on edge.

"I don't want my friends to have to take all my responsibilities. I don't want those hardships and my title as a leader to go on my will, I don't want to pass them on to my friends. I want to be able to stay me, so that all the other nations can live free." Italy explained. A silent tear slipped down his cheek.

  Ryuu stayed silent. 

"Vee- Let's get this over with, Oni. Or should I call you Ryuuzu no Ko Runa?" Italy smiled through his tears, standing strong.

  The white hair woman clenched her jaw. "Tsk. Must you act so pitiful on the battle field. Zuutai no ōkī Monsutā, go!" 

  The hulking monster behind Ryuu ran at the little Italian, it's feet causing the ground to shake. Italy's usually closed eyes opened, amber eyes flashing brightly.

"This is the endgame round Ryuu!"