Memories of Old

Chapter 44: Betrayal and Conviction

Aw, c-can't we just forgive and forget? It was millennia ago!

Oh, I've forgiven... But I will never forget. Yang let out a sigh. Don't worry, Fratellino. I sent him a tired smile. You're not on my shit list anymore. He laughed as we headed down to the kitchen.

I didn't eat much at breakfast. Though the room was lively and the atmosphere was light, Luciano, Yang and I remained quiet. While the others went off to chat about what we've seen thus far, and about the prank from last night, I dug through my bag, curious to see what I'd brought with me. I suppose being in a coma isn't that bad of a thing if I can bring stuff.

I smiled when I found my iPod. It was old... nano, gen 3. The screen was scratched, and there were several bloodstains on it, but that was because this little godsend went through the Mansion with me.

I put in my headphones, scrolling past the playlists labeled 'Better Times', "Celtic", 'Gentle Despair', and 'Mansion'. Instead, I clicked on the playlist labeled "Fuck Everything". Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by 'Set it Off' started playing, and I grinned, bobbing my head as my foot tapped to the catchy beat. I mentally laughed, as I mouthed the words. The lyrics felt like something I'd have written during That Loop.

I let time slip away from me, submerging myself completely in the music I was listening to. At some point, I switched over to my Celtic playlist and closed my eyes, letting the waves of music wash over me. The harp gently played as the flute drifted peacefully over my head. A bubbling creek could be heard in the background of the song, and I felt a small smile spread across my lips. The stress flowed out of my body like a shed skin, and for the first time since we arrived in this place, I felt at ease.

I used this time to center myself. I concentrated on my breathing, my heartbeat, my life. And I didn't really think. I just was.

I was startled out of my peaceful state when Luciano reluctantly nudged my shoulder. I cracked open a blue-specked eye, realizing that I'd blinked back in at some point during my meditation.

"Come on." Luciano said, and he looked over towards the door where the other nations were waiting with expressions ranging from impatient to nervous.

"Oh." I sighed, pulling out my earbuds and putting my iPod away. I took one more breath, letting my mask fall back into place. I knew what was about to be shown, and there was no way I could get through this without that mask.

Romano shifted uncomfortably when he saw my stony expression, void of emotion. Luciano shared a look with the now solid Yang, but neither said anything.

"Let's get this over with." I sighed.

"How bad is this going to be?" Prussia asked, looking somewhat green.

"Not gory. In fact. Nobody even died." I laughed bitterly to myself, as the others shared confused looks. Well, not physically, at least.

"Then why turn back time?" England's giant eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"Ah, well. Canada had been poisoned, you see."

"Poisoned?! Now there are poisons there?!" Jason ranted.

Germany looked at Japan suspiciously for a moment. "Didn't you give me some questionable water at some point?" He muttered, but Japan just shrugged.

"I don't really remember details like that just yet. Sumimasen."

"Oh... that's right. You guys have only seen the normal Things so far." Luciano tapped his chin idly. "Sucks for you. Watch and find out."

"Fratello! That's mean!" Flavio lectured lightly.