Author's Note: First of all, this story will end in a happy ending. I hate bad endings, and really, I don't like bittersweet (only when I am depressed, ha ha).

I would have posted this under my own penname, but nah, I hate it that this account doesn't have anything under its stories.

So YAHOO for that!

Also, this is like the penultimate chapter, so this story technically starts at ze end.

And… Check out this account's profile for more info on what HetaNet is! X3

Enjoy. :)

There are three types of people in this tale:

Those who are trying to stop the battle, those who are trying to prolong the battle, and those who are lost in the midst of confusion…

Dripping Sword: Chapter 1

Drip drop were the whispers that filled the dark void, with only a white circular floor visible in the middle. A light shone on the circular ground, making two figures visible on them. Both of these figures were bent over, clutching their bleeding arms. One of the figures finally gasped out an audible pant, and then a whimper.

A cruel laughter filled the whole void, making various colours appear and disappear.

He was laughing at those two figures for fighting, for seeking...

…survival.

"Your time is almost up." He said after laughing, smiling in a twisted manner. This third person was hidden safely into the darkness. What a lame coward he can be, not showing up himself in front of the other two.

The two figures looked up, both tired from the battle, tired from the warped reality they were trapped in. They were tired from shedding their friends and family's warm red blood. They were tired from shedding each other's blood.

"Kirkland-san…" One of the figures said weakly. This person staggered up to his feet with the help of his katana.

The other figure merely raised his head again, having snapped it down after listening to that earlier voice. His emerald eyes were bloodshot from tears, lack of sleep, and just… exhaustion. He parted his dry lips open in a small choked laugh, and then smiled sarcastically.

"We are back to calling each other by our names? I liked 'filthy Englishman' better, Honda-san." The British blond said that last part mockingly, hatred filling his gaze as he looked at the Japanese man he once called "friend".

The other island country simply stayed silent. He staggered over to England, katana gripped loosely in hand. Arthur took ahold of his sword, ready to defend himself.

He was so close to losing the fight… His legs were weak. He could barely see. He had lost a lot of blood, and he could have sworn he broke a rib or two or even more. He took multiple shots from Switzerland's gun. He had taken on the mighty Russia. He had taken on China again.

It had been a miracle of how he had managed to put up a fight against Japan.

But he kept fighting. If he was going to join America, then…

…so be it.

England braced himself for an attack, closing his eyes as he rose his sword up, still sitting down on the floor. He was so close to death, yet… He felt more alive than he had ever felt before.

"England-kun?"

England turned around, and then smiled slightly. It was only Japan. Good. Had it been that bloody frog…

"Yes, Japan? What is it?" He asked, stopping in his walking. Japan stopped as well, grateful for not having to walk more. The Japanese country gave him a large paper envelope.

"Italy-kun invited you to his party. Sumimasen, but could you give this-" He took out another two paper envelopes. "-to America-san and France-san if you see them? I have to go now." He turned around and began to run off. "Tell them that they are invited to Italy-kun's party as well! The details are in there!"

England looked as Japan finally disappeared, mildly confused, and looked down at the envelopes.

"… I won't give these to those gits. I am just not going to Italy's party. I don't need to go or be a measly messenger."

The stubborn gentleman began to walk again and soon found a garbage can. He looked down at the envelopes with the invitations in them once again, thinking about them.

"F-Fine! I will go, and m-make sure they go!"

Had England only rejected the invitation... Had he only thrown them away like he had been about to…

Had he only done that…

He would have lost himself in a certain country's smile one more time, many more times…

Actually, that was the image that chose to appear in his head. England almost laughed, feeling a strange happiness. However, he could not help but allow tears to cascade from his cheeks.

He was really about to cease to exist.

He had failed.

"Kill me."

England opened his eyes wide, shocked. The cruel laughter that had been filling the room merrily suddenly stopped.

A deafening silence filled the entire room. England was looking at Japan, who was holding out his katana to him. Japan had a contorted expression, his eyes set in determination. He panted out a breath, and then screamed,

"Arthur, didn't you hear me!? KILL ME! SAVE YOURSELF!"

Arthur let his head fall… He did not want to face Kiku, for he was ashamed. His friend was trying to sacrifice himself.

"NO!"

Both Arthur and Kiku widened their eyes as they realized that it was he who had spoken.

"DON'T DO THAT!"

Veneziano looked desperate as he screamed into the microphone. His cold eyes were back to being the same warm ones that he usually had.

However, it did not stop the island country. Kiku could see hesitation in not Feliciano… But Arthur. He could see that he would not kill him. So… Kiku smiled at Arthur, and said softly, "Time to join Heracles-kun, hai…"

Arthur snapped his head up, shocked. "Wait, no, Kiku! Don't you dare-"

"Get Alfred back." Kiku murmured, and raised the katana high up in the air. The brave warrior ignored the screams of Italy and England, both of them desperately trying to stop him. England was trying to stand up to take the katana away, but then…

As swift as a shooting star, and as proudly as a samurai that would not allow himself to fall in the hands of the enemy, the Japanese country brought it down, the tip heading towards his chest.

"JAPAN!"

Clink.