The Sound of Steps On A Path

Chapter 22

Japan felt frozen, as he glanced down at himself. He was numb as he stared at a claw that had torn through his uniform, the shock of being stabbed like a human kebab not completely registering in his brain. Germany whipped out his gun and fired straight through the brain of the bear-like creatures. The claw slid out of Japan, as the man slumped over slowly and still in shock. Germany panicked and pulled Japan over, looking about. He started to treat the shorter man's wounds, but the blood wouldn't stop pouring out. "No... Japan, stay with me! We haven't yet to finish your training!" Japan fought to stay awake, and couldn't help but smile at the German's words. He gasped silently as a creature from behind Germany prepared to strike, the German oblivious. Using the remaining strength Japan could conjure, he pushed aside Germany, the monster's claw missing his head by a hair. Instead, it hit Japan in the shoulder. The blonde quickly reacted, pulling out his gun and turning, shooting the creature multiple times. He pulled Italy close, surprised that the Italian hadn't woken up by the loud shots fired. He turned to Japan, only to go blank. Japan wasn't moving. Or breathing.

He was gone.

China looked around the room, a strange, all-white room that was so brightly lit that you could barely see the shadows of the connection of the floor to the wall, making it easy to accidentally walk into. China kept turning around, looking out of the corner of his eyes, preparing for someone, or something to attack.

America woke up to an unfamiliar sent tickling at his nose. He sat up, and breathed in the smell, only to cough it out instantly. His eyes widened as he realized what it was. "Smoke." He picked up England, standing up and looking around. He saw the out of control fire, moving closer. He observed his surrounding, dry plant walls that are easily flammable, along with not a source of water in sight. 'Damn....'

Spain sat on top of the wall, unwilling to move. He had his back to the area he just cleared, waiting for a call from Romano. Waiting for the sound of cockroaches moving to stop, so he could get the older Italian out of there. He watched the ground that laid beyond the wall he just climbed, a sorrowful look plastered on his face.