A/N: Hello, everybody! I'm back from hibernation. Let me tell you some excuses!
I know I came back to Mexico on Sunday, and could've posted then, but I was so tired and my sister was leaving for university, so I wanted to see her off, as I won't see her until June now! Moreover, I needed to make sure I was ready for school, as that started again on Wednesday... It's been a tough few days, because I have my final exams in May and June, and now it's all about revising and preparing for them! Groan... In summer, I hope to redeem my update schedule...
Next excuse! I came back to drama! I don't even know how, but a few of my friends are playing up, and I've been trying to sort them out... By that, I mean, there's a really bad, tense mood going around. To put it bluntly, we're getting everyone 18th birthday presents, but a couple others have refused to chip in to someone else's present. It's all very selfish, really, because their reasoning is based on stale grudges. It's difficult trying to keep everyone together, especially as there's 10 of us, which is only asking for more room in arguments!
Final excuse! I know I usually post on Fridays (or, at least, that used to be my philosophy), but as you can see... this is a day late... This one is a good excuse! I had my first Nandos yesterday! A lot of you will probably be thinking... "Um... XOs? Where have you been in your life, if not Nandos?" I confess, I don't know why I haven't been earlier! The food is so good! It's definitely a trip I'm making again! I gotta say, though, damn the food can be spicy! Fun fact: Nandos is Portugese, for all those who didn't know, so thank you, Portugal, for such a wonderful company.
Thank you for 7,000 views. Oh my Gosh. That's so many people who have clicked on this Fic, and chosen to give it a go. It's unbelievable, and this has been such a journey! Thank you so much everyone for sticking through with Gakutalia as far as this! The support is just amazing, and it really makes my day to see that so many people have seen Gakutalia and selected it amongst the many other Fics out there. Without further ado (and enough about me, gosh!)- the next chapter of Gakutalia!
A.J.
He listened to the sound of his own breathing as footsteps approached from behind. Arthur kept very still. Alfred wondered what he was thinking. Was he disgusted that Alfred had turned to the gun so quickly, or just relieved to be alive? Alfred's mind felt like a blank canvas. There was no noise from below. Was... was the man unconscious? Or was the drop so steep that... Alfred couldn't see the bottom, so he couldn't determine anything.
"Hello?" he called out. His voice sounded terribly frightened in that dark warehouse.
"Don't worry about it," Arthur swallowed, and began dragging him further away from the drop. "The police will handle him later."
Was there a strange tone to his voice? Alfred wasn't sure if he was just imagining the worst. Heavy footfalls echoed down the corridor. He angled his head round, and saw Mr Vurkel approaching with Miss Morbrey on his shoulders.
"Whoa," he breathed. "Have I missed something?"
"A lot," Arthur replied. "She was behind it. That's why I never made it to your audition. She kidnapped me when I went to get my coursework checked."
Alfred forced a pained, but wide smile at his friend, until he received an odd glance.
"What's that look for?" Arthur asked, sitting him up and frowning.
"I just thought… you'd changed your mind," Alfred admitted. "I thought you'd decided you wouldn't turn up to the audition, since… you know…"
Arthur's expression softened and he smiled, looking at little strained. "Why would I do that? That would only upset you."
"It did," he said. "And I really took things out on Matthew and Ivan. We didn't pass the audition."
"What? They told you there and then that you didn't get through?" Arthur looked surprised as he helped Alfred to his feet.
"Not exactly," Alfred replied. "But I did-"
A sudden sharp pain in his chest sapped the strength from his knees and his legs gave way. He grasped the place where the man's bullet had made impact with the vest and groaned.
"Alfred?" Arthur looked alarmed. "Are you OK?"
"Yeah, I think so," he grimaced. "It just… really hurts…"
"I have an idea," Vurkel said, laying Miss Morbrey down on the floor and taking her phone from her. "I'll call for reinforcements."
Alfred watched weakly as he dialled a number. The pain in his chest was unbearable, but he could only be thankful he wasn't bleeding from the mouth.
Arthur checked his pulse, which was when Alfred really noticed what kind of physical state his friend was in. His face was bruised black and blue, alongside a noticeable black eye. Then there were his hands. The skin... it was red, blistered, peeled. Dark cuts had crusted over with thick layers of dark blood. It looked like someone had attempted to... to wittle his hands away with a blade. As for the nails... they... it looked like...
"Arthur," he stared in horror. "What happened to your hands?"
His friend smiled weakly. "It's fine, Alfred."
"No, dude, your nails, they're…"
"If he doesn't want to talk about it, don't make him," Vurkel said, disconnecting his call and turning to them. "Reinforcements are on their way."
Alfred was still too busy staring at what was supposedly left of Arthur's nails.
I.B.
There had been unbelievable traffic. He had waited hours on end just hoping that something would clear up. Along the way, he learnt it was a minor accident on the main roads that had clogged the entire system, but he was just happy when he was able to dip down a significantly more secluded dirt road, passing thick forest along the way.
After the ominous disappearance of Alfred and his phone, Ivan had been concerned. He'd been on the phone to his father whilst waiting for the traffic to clear, and had explained he'd be out doing business for some time. His father had given him some advice, but Ivan was more for doing things his own way. He was just surprised because, for once, his father wasn't annoyed or furious that he'd left without letting him know.
After making a brief phone call, he had been told some very... interesting directions. At first, Ivan wasn't sure if he had been sent the wrong way, but things became ominously clearer as he drove.
He had just finished driving when he had noticed a car parked out of view. Swerving to the side, he had stopped the car beside the other one and stepped out. He'd been surprised to see an irritated man tied up in the back.
Ivan was now talking to him, having released him of the gag. The man gasped for breath and dared stretch out his legs before getting a good look at Ivan.
"Oh, who are…" he blinked.
Ivan waved a hand. "Who are you and what are you doing in this car?"
"I got attacked if that counts for anything," the man looked terrified. "Look, just – please. Let me go, and I won't ever interfere with your life."
"I'm not done with my questions," Ivan folded his arms. "Who did this to you?"
"Some kid," the man looked embarrassed. "He looked a right nerd, as well – until he tackled me to the ground like some freaky motherfucker…"
"Nerd? Some kid? What?" Ivan frowned.
"Some school kid," the man insisted. "Look, don't make me repeat myself. It's low getting beaten by a kid."
"What did he look like?" Ivan ignored him.
"Eh, blonde, I think... I don't know; maybe brown? Brown blonde?" the man grimaced. "He was about the same size as me, a little above average. Hmm. Glasses. Blue eyes. Caucasian. Clumsy, as well. Damn, my head hurts..."
"Alfred," Ivan turned towards the warehouse, with its shattered window and patrols. "What place is this?"
"I can tell you if you set me free," the man said, just as several more cars rolled into the scene.
"What's going on?" Ivan ignored him again.
"Um… I…" the man seemed lost, so Ivan assumed he had finished giving important information.
He was about to walk forwards when a squad of people carrying guns left the vehicles and rounded up those on patrol. He hesitated, but then promptly drew back, deciding not to get in the way.
"Damn, the forces," the man fretted. "What are they doing here?"
"They must be OK," Ivan murmured to himself, but checked his phone just in case.
A.K.
When others came, he was incredibly relieved. He didn't want to leave Alfred's side, so he was the one to help his friend up. Alfred still couldn't stand straight, and Arthur could see walking was causing him considerable strain, yet he kept going.
"We need to get you two medical attention," Mr Vurkel said, remaining with them. "I'll accompany you there, of course, and I'll have my superiors put an explanation as to what happened to the pair of you. I want to get that armour off of you."
The three of them moved much slower than the rest of the soldiers, who had rounded up all the offenders and criminals. As expected, some people had escaped, but they would be wanted and eventually caught.
Arthur was just grateful to reach fresh air. The first thing he noticed was the increased amount of cars being loaded with criminals, as well as the number of people checking IDs and speaking into walkie-talkies.
"That reminds me," Vurkel murmured. "Hang on a second, Arthur."
His former teacher reached around his ear and pulled something away with a painful snap. Arthur rubbed the back of his ear and then watched as Vurkel investigated the equipment.
"I'll keep and deactivate this," he said, pocketing it. "The tracking device."
"I see," Arthur sighed in relief, as Alfred looked on the cars with a pained expression.
"Alright, let's go," Vurkel readied his keys.
"Mr Vurkel, I just remembered we won't be able to use your car," Alfred groaned. "I punctured the tyre making a weapon for myself."
"You what?" Vurkel looked horrified. "That car… why would… never mind…"
"All these people came as reinforcements," Arthur breathed.
"Hmm, I expect all these cars were brought for our enemies," Vurkel sighed. "I can try and find one that can be used to fit Alfred and Arthur in."
"What about you, Mr Vurkel?" Arthur frowned.
"I can always get my fiancée to come pick me up," Vurkel replied.
"Ah," it was weird to see the world move on, but it was constantly happening, so what else could Arthur have expected?
The next thing Arthur noticed was the obvious sleek Rolls Royce parked beside Mr Vurkel's trusty car. And, next to the impressive vehicle was Ivan, speaking with one of the authorities, a worried expression on his face as he showed them his phone.
"What's Ivan doing here?" Arthur blinked, and met his friend's gaze briefly – however, Ivan didn't approach, as he was busy speaking with the officer.
"Dude's angry with me," Alfred croaked beside him.
"Braginsky could actually give us a lift to the hospital," Vurkel said thoughtfully, and hurriedly approached their friend and what was probably one of his colleagues.
"What happened, Alfred?" Arthur asked, concerned.
"I need to talk to him," Alfred looked worried. "I need to apologise."
Arthur nodded and started approaching. He watched as someone was led out of Mr Vurkel's car and taken away, sending abusive words in Ivan's direction.
"Now that that's done with," Vurkel sighed. "Ivan. Good to see you here. Although, why are you here?"
Ivan smiled. "Alfred sent me some shots. I recognised this place from the news."
Mr Vurkel looked at him long and hard. His brows momentarily drew together, but he nodded. Even Arthur thought it was a slightly odd statement, to recognise this place. Had Ivan been here before? If so, why? However, this wasn't the time for interrogation. Alfred needed help, and now that adrenaline was no longer pumping through him, the pain in his hands was rapidly returning. Vurkel nodded, accepting the answer casually, and leaving it at that.
"Seeing as you're here, could you give us a hand?" Mr Vurkel asked. "We need to get these two to hospital."
Ivan's eyes widened and he nodded frantically. Getting into the driver's seat, he started the Rolls Royce up – Arthur was still admiring the ride. Mr Vurkel got in the passenger seat, and Arthur remained in the back with his injured friend.
"Hey, Ivan, dude," Alfred said, as Arthur strapped him in.
"Yeah?" Ivan reversed out and started driving down the road.
"I'm sorry," Alfred said, and Ivan glanced over his shoulder to meet his gaze, stopping the car as he did so. "I really am."
A smile found its way to Ivan, who nodded and looked back at the road whilst resuming his driving. "I know."
"Cool," Alfred smiled.
A.J.
"You see, there is a plus side," Alfred said, plunging the spoon into the tub. "Whilst I may not be able to move around for a whole week, I'm not supposed to eat hard food, which means I only get either liquefied or soft foods – including ice cream!"
"I'm glad things turned out so well for you," Francis blinked, looking tired and dishevelled. "I didn't realise things would get this bad…"
"Hmm, I think they could've – mm – gotten worse," Alfred said, between a spoonful of ice cream. "I mean, one of us could've gotten seriously injured, right?"
"That's true," Arthur said.
"But your hands, mon ami!" Francis frowned. "They were not in a good condition."
"I know," Arthur said, but then rolled his eyes. "I've been appropriately medically treated, and I'm on therapy, but I don't think I need it that bad. It was an awful experience, and it'll scar me, literally and figuratively – but, I don't know… I calmed down very quickly and the moment was suddenly behind me."
"I think you two did really well, aru," Yao said, surprised. "I'd have freaked out. What happened to you again, Alfred?"
"Fractured ribs," he chuckled, and ate more ice cream. "Totally fine with it, though. This ice cream is damn good, dude…"
"I'm just glad things are OK," Ivan said. "Don't overdo it with the ice cream."
Alfred rolled his eyes with a smile. "I won't."
"And to think I thought you were disappearing over the Talent Show," Francis tested the waters.
Alfred knew he had overreacted big time with the Talent Show. Whilst he was still vaguely annoyed that Roderich had been so picky, he believed he had thrown a huge hissy fit, which was why he'd almost cried at the sight of his brother when his family had arrived at the hospital after receiving notice. He hadn't cried, though, just to clarify that one important fact.
There still remained a shadow. He had killed two people that night, but chose not to mention this to his family. He didn't want them to look at him differently, especially as he now had an altered view of himself. There had been some talk of... sessions... with a professional... but Alfred hadn't been paying his fullest attention at the time. The thought of needing a therapist, though...
"The audition seems so far away," he blew out a breath, casting his demons aside, and glanced at Ivan, who sat beside him, smiling away. "I can't believe you're here, dude."
"Hmm?" the smile faltered.
"What with the way I treated you," Alfred added.
"That's true, aru," Yao pondered. "You should leave this bastard just like he deserves. Go take a break from worrying; go to a spa, eat a nice meal and sleep for the rest of the day, just as you deserve."
Alfred nodded as he pushed another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.
"I'm just glad we could put things behind us," Francis breathed in relief. "It really was terrifying when… Hmm, you know, we should probably be a little honest with you, Alfred and Yao."
"Yeah, dude?" Alfred frowned between his next spoon of ice cream.
"We actually encountered those people before, the night of Hallowe'en," Francis said.
Alfred suddenly felt like the biggest idiot. He turned his head and looked at Ivan, who offered a polite smile once again.
"You weren't lying?" he gawked.
"Why would I lie about that?" Ivan laughed.
"I don't get it, aru!" Yao frowned. "Somebody explain it to me!"
"I think it can wait a little longer," Arthur yawned. "I suddenly feel the strain of trauma draining my energy."
"And obviously my injuries are making me incapable of talking," Alfred sighed.
"I made a pact of secrecy," Francis sighed.
"And I'm just not saying," Ivan beamed.
"Don't do this to me, guys," Yao whined. "Don't leave me in the dark like this, aru! It's not fair!"
Alfred laughed as the story was explained to Yao by the other three. The sudden release of stress was all too good for him. There was something relaxing just watching the others act the way they did. He found himself looking towards Ivan and met his friend's gaze.
They shared a smile that indicated things could finally get better.
Nico
He dragged himself along, one foot at a time, supporting his boss on one of his large shoulders. Both were considerably battered, and his boss had taken some serious wounds. However, the man kept going, his steel determination the only thing keeping upright. The taser hadn't been enough to keep him down, but he knew that it was either fight, or be shot by Vurkel. He knew what had happened to Dino. And he wanted blood for it.
During the clear out, Nico had hidden himself in the pretence he was dead, hoping the authorities would forget they were twins when they discovered Dino's corpse. He was not dead – he was very much alive, and he wanted revenge just as much as his boss did. However, who that revenge was for, he couldn't know. Vurkel... or one of those boys. Or all of them.
The pair of them reached the outdoors. It was early in the morning, and all cars had long gone by now. Only one car remained. The sky was grey, and the air was crisp, and cold. Frost lightly balanced on the ground and objects. There was a stillness in the air, and it was a very dry day.
"I wanna see that," his boss said, and Nico helped him towards the sorry sight.
It was left open, had been emptied out, and one of the wheels was punctured. Nico could already guess they'd have to walk everywhere, since all vehicles on the premises had probably been towed away. It was safer that way, anyway. Walking was far more subtle compared to driving.
Nico left his boss beside the tree and investigated the car for anything useful.
"Alfred Jones," his boss suddenly said, and he looked over to see him holding a sleeveless jacket with a nametag sewn to it. "Alfred fucking Jones. 'E's the one, Nico."
He had learnt not to reply to his boss, so held his tongue and remained silent.
"We 'ave our guy," Vincenzo Santiago grinned savagely. "The mouse will regret the day he chose to cross the cat."
A/N: Well, there we have it! Another chapter of Gakutalia! This isn't quite the end; I need to add the frosting and the cherry on top. The first term is coming to a close, I fear, but now is not the time to be talking about endings! After all, for Nico and his boss, it's the beginning of a very dangerous story... but that's for another day, I should think! Thank you for keeping with Gakutalia!
Matthew Jones: Canada
Roderich Edelstein: Austria