Evening My Lovelies :)

Before anything else happens I first need to give kudos to one of my reviewers: A reader (Guest) as this chapter wasn't originally going to be like this but then their review for yesterday's chapter inspired me to write this, hopefully I've done your great idea justice my friend :D

Notes On Reviews:

romirola: Thanks for the review - There's still sooo much that Aramis and Porthos are missing but we're going to cover that in tomorrows chapter so they wont be in the dark for long. Enjoy the new chapter! x

A reader (Guest): Thanks for the review - As I said at the beginning of my AN, your review kinda inspired this chapter so I hope that you like it and that I've done it justice as I really really liked the idea of it. I hadn't actually planned anything further then the training to be a way of getting the King and the Duke out of the room as I wasnt sure how to kick them out but I'm so glad you suggested what you did as I had a lot of fun writing it. Louis is finally beginning to see what his actions have caused but it's still far from accepting his part in the whole thing. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - You were right about it being Vincent. I was soooo tempted to throw in a plot twist and have it being someone like Tobias mainly as everyone assumed it was Vincent but as much as I liked the idea I couldnt quite decide what would have happened to the musketeer to make him snap so whereas Vincent's been a douche from the beginning as it was originally supposed to be him anyways so I ended up sticking with him. I completely agree with you that Louis is an idiot, he slightly redeems himself a tiny tiny bit near the end of today's chapter but theres still a long way to go for the naive King. The King and the Duke decided on the complete worst time to come for a visit as Aramis was stressed to the max and then they come which made him snap, it was fun to write though :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tidia: Thanks for the review - I want to keep D'Art unconscious for a while as his body has undergone a LOT of trauma and abuse but I know that'll be boring to read so I'm going to do a slight time skip for tomorrows chapter so he should be waking up tomorrow depending on how the chapter goes. None of the musketeers were happy to see Louis that's for sure. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - Athos doesnt know for certain that its about him (but it is) D'Art's the only one who knows exactly why Vincents done what he's done so they're all forced to wait for him to wake up to get their answers. Glad you liked the jealous Athos moment we might see some more of it in tomorrows chapter depending on how well the idea I have for it works out. A lot of people aren't liking that Aramis thinks it might be more of an if rather than a when for D'Art waking up but dont worry too much I may be evil but I don't have it in me to write death fics so he wont die. Aramis was kinda torn, he wanted Louis there so he could make the King understand what his actions have done but when he was actually there he's reminded of the sheltered and childlike nature of the King and decides he wants he far far away from his brothers... It also doesnt help that Aramis blames Louis for a lot of his brother's injuries so him being there brought that anger to the surface as well. I kinda pictured Louis being like a kid that annoys everyone by continually asking why to everything. I loved Aramis's moment at the end too :D I think he finally let himself break down a little bit as he was alone with them, he didnt have to worry about appearing strong for Porthos or even Athos when the man's awake. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - I really wanted Aramis to do something stupid and I think that had they been away from the brothers that desperately needed him, he might have done. Thankfully he controlled himself just enough. Louis is beginning to understand the error of his decision but understanding and accepting are different things so it'll take something more for him to accept his part in it all. Dont worry too much about D'Art, he might be in a bad way but I dont have it in me to write death fics so he wont die... come close maybe but not actually die. Enjoy the new chapter! x

nurse13: Thanks for the review: Unfortunately the 'beam you in with all the necessary equipment' wont really work lol. But dont worry too much as despite how evil i might be I dont have it in me to write death fics so he wont actually die. Things will be beginning to look up slightly in tomorrows chapter but we all know things can only remain positive with me for a short while before it all goes downhill for them all again :D I share your doubt in the actuality of Louis having a brain, though he does make a teeny-tiny step forward towards redemption today so maybe thats something. I think he's spent too much time sheltered in his palace to realize how badly someone can be injured... i mean i could see him adamantly believing a paper cut to be a serious injury lol. I love your idea of Athos scolding him a bit so i'm definitely going to try to include that and Aramis definitely needs another opportunity to snap at the King, whether the two happen at the same time i'm not sure but I'll try and include them at some point if i can. The longer D'Art stays unconscious the more and more Aramis is worrying and doubting himself. He's so full of guilt and worry at the moment that he really needs the boy to improve, even just a little bit. Enjoy the new chapter! x

CaroH: Thanks for the review - haha that's one way to start a review :) but I completely agree, just kinda wanted to smack him after last nights chapter. Aramis losing his temper was fun to write and it'll probably happen again soon, especially towards Athos when he gets around to explaining that he pretty much told the boy that he was to blame for his father's murder... ooooh Aramis is not going to be a happy camper then :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always a great big Thank You to everyone who continues to support this story by following/favouriting/reviewing/reading

Enjoy

xxx

Chapter Twenty-One: A Taste Of Revenge

The second Treville saw the look on Porthos's face as they left the infirmary he just knew something bad was about to happen. The mischievous glint in his soldier's eye was something he knew well. Usually it was accompanied by a matching one in either Aramis or D'Artagnan depending on whom the larger man had managed to wrangle into his schemes alongside an exasperated one in Athos's.

Treville's small smile faltered then, as he thought back to the young man lying injured in the infirmary and how he had witnessed the boy withdrawing more and more into himself as the discord between the Gascon and Athos had continued.

He had also noticed how Porthos's schemes and pranks seemed to increase during that time and how the larger man always sought out the eyes of their youngest after successful completion of any prank and how Porthos would beam when he saw the prank bringing either a smile or a small chuckle to their reclusive friends face.

But now… Now the Captain couldn't help by sigh in resignation. He knew how badly both Aramis and Porthos wished to yell and/or punch the King for forbidding them to search for the two missing men. He wouldn't even have put it passed the furious medic to have contemplated threatening the royal at one stage or another with his musket.

In truth Treville had also felt the respect he had for the monarch diminish slightly when he had first seen the state two of his best soldiers had been in when they finally made it back home after being missing.

The only problem was that, whilst none of them could vent their frustration and anger towards the King… There was not as much immunity for the Duke, who had been the reason why the King had forbidden them from leaving. Treville knew, the second Porthos had promised to show a hand-to-hand training session, what the man had been planning and whilst he may not disagree with the reasons behind such action, he knew that it was a very risky move and one that could backfire in the worst ways for the musketeer.

But he also knew how much Porthos needed this; they had no idea where Vincent was and so could not target him, he couldn't target the Louis due to the fact that he was King and he was also little more than a runner for Aramis given his lack of medical training. Overall Treville knew that Porthos felt helpless and that getting some revenge on the person who was involved in keeping them away from helping their brothers when they most needed them was the only thing that would prevent the larger musketeer from doing something he would truly regret.

So Treville said nothing as he watch Porthos demonstrate some common moves to the royal and his guest with a couple of the recruits… And he continued to say nothing as he listened to Porthos, not so subtly, bait the Duke into sparring with him by making comments relating to the Duke's muscles and noted prowess in battle.

It was not hard to see that the Duke was a viciously vain man and as such he puffed up like a peacock at Porthos's words and it wasn't long before he agreed to a friendly spar – much to the childlike glee of King Louis who was delighted at the prospect of seeing his friend test his mettle against one of his elite guard.

Porthos held back at first, playing the match much like a game of cards. He used just enough of his skill so that the Duke wouldn't think he was going easy on him but not too much so that the fight ended too quickly. Porthos worked on lulling the Duke into thinking that he would win the match, allowing the noble to land some hits on him that he knew he would have been able to block if he really wanted to.

The large musketeer smirked inwardly as he watched the Duke pride inflate further after landing the hit.

"Why don't we make things a little more interesting musketeer?" the Duke asked, breathing slightly heavier now.

Porthos raised an eyebrow, not having expecting this but never one to turn down a bet, "What did you have in mind" he asked, the two men circling each other in the makeshift ring

"If I win" the Duke began, self-assurance and pride practically dripping from his voice as he spoke, "You will fulfill any request I make of you"

Porthos narrowed his eyes, not liking the way that sounded, "And if I win?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him

The Duke pondered the question for a few moments, apparently it hadn't occurred to him what to offer the musketeer should he himself be defeated, "The same I suppose" he shrugged, not seeming worried at all

Porthos smirked dangerously at the Dukes words, though the man himself seemed not to notice, "Deal" he growled before launching into the fight.

The pairs 'spar' quickly garnered the attention of every musketeer in the barracks, each of them cheering and calling Porthos's name. None of them had been as close to the injured men as the larger musketeer was, but the musketeers were all brothers and it had killed them and shredded their sense of honor when they learned of the condition that Athos and D'Artagnan had returned in due to their inability to help. So to see some good old-fashioned revenge being dealt out was what the garrison needed.

"You've been holding out on me musketeer" scowled the Duke as he pat out some blood

Porthos said nothing in response, too focused on the fight to register anything else. He had not been lying earlier when he had praised the Duke's skill in battle; the man was talented, although it simply made it all the sweeter for Porthos to defeat him

The longer the fight went on the more momentum the Duke lost and the angrier he got, therefore taking more risks. Porthos saw this and decided it was time to end it, he had left Aramis to tend to two injured brothers alone for long enough.

Grabbing the Duke's outstretched arm when he went to punch him, Porthos spun so he was back to back with the man before jabbing his elbow hard into the man's neck at the same time he kicked his leg back, successfully knocking the Duke into the ground face first.

"Do you yield sir?" Porthos asked, though his tone was slightly mocking on the word sir.

"I yield" the Duke grumbled as he righted himself, "you have excellent guards my friend" he added, bowing to the King, who's chest puffed with pride. Turning back to the out of breath musketeer he added, "I am a man of honor…" missing the way Porthos's fists clenched at the mention of honor, "What would you request from me? Gold perhaps? Or Jewels?"

"I'll let my brothers decide that when they are in good health again," Porthos said, though his voice had a dangerous air to it that almost made Treville want to put a stop to whatever was about to come out of his mouth. "They were the ones that suffered due to your instance that all musketeers remain at the garrison, so they will be the ones to make a request to you"

The Duke looked ready to protest and even looked offended at the insinuation but to the surprise of everyone the King stepped forward and agreed for his friend before dismissing the musketeer, allowing Porthos to return to Aramis's side with a true smile on his face.

INFIRMARY

"What on Earth happened to you!?" Aramis screamed when he saw Porthos's split lip, slightly blackened eye and the blossoming of several other bruises.

"Sparred with the Duke" he shrugged, though unable to hide his smirk, before settling himself by Athos's bedside to try to help tend to the fever that was weakening his friend.

"You sparred? With the Duke?" sputtered Aramis, though he would be lying if he said the news didn't bring some relief to his heart. "You won I hope?" he asked once he got over the shock

"Of course" Porthos scoffed, "Even got 'im to agree to any request those two want to make of him when they've recovered."

Aramis looked shocked at the news but was stopped from commenting on it when another coughing fit shook D'Artagnan's weak body

Rushing over to his brother's side Aramis lifted up the boy's head slowly poured some water into his mouth, hoping the boy would drink and it would help alleviate some of the coughing.

"Whelp's gonna be okay 'Mis" Porthos said softly, seeing the worry and fear that was weighing his brother down. When all he received was a quick nod in return Porthos moved from Athos's side and gathered the tired medic into a tight embrace, "The kid's gonna beat this, he'll be fine" he whispered in the Spaniards ear, feeling the tremors of the man alongside a growing wetness on his shirt when his brother broke down in his arms. Knowing there was little he could do to convince the marksman that everything would be okay he simply allowed the man to take whatever strength he could and needed from him.