The boys glanced at each other, setting their things down two. Alfred struggled to position his wings in a way that it didn't bother the brusing on his back. Matthew glanced at his brother and started rubbing his back carefully, hoping that it will help him settle down enough so their brothers wouldn't notice.

"You boys know about the boundries, correct? They've been here ever since I first started living here. They can keep strangers and any dangerous animals from entering our territory, but they cannot keep you safe if you step outside the boundries. This was something I made clear to you boys at a young age," said Arthur.

"And Alfred left them. That's what happened, isn't it?" said Matthew in a flat voice. Alfred glared at him. "It was no one's fault...but yes he did. If it was anyone's fault, it was mine," said Arthur, his voice full of remorse. Francis brushed his wings against Arthur's. "It's not your fault mon chere. No one knew that the hunter was so close," he said.

Arthur nodded. "It was still my fault he ran away...my fault that Matthew decided to leave with him," he said. "I ran away? Why?" asked Alfred. Arthur sighed. "I lost my temper and got angry with you, putting an incredible amount of pressure on you. It's quite a long story," he said. "We got time if you feel comfortable telling us," said Matthew nicely.

"Francis had left to go to the market to sell some goods that day. He left Matthew with me since he couldn't carry both the goods and Matthew as he flew. We've been arguing for a while. I spent the previous weeks flying to different markets or making house calls and not spending very much time with you.

"You were mad because once I got home, I had tried to give you homeschooling when I finally got home instead of actually spending time with you. One night, we got into a very heated argument and you ran away while I was sleeping. It wasn't until I felt Matthew go through the boundry that I woke up. He had gone after you in hopes of keeping you from leaving," said Arthur, his voice shaking slightly.

"So it was my fault all of this happened...that Mattie lost his wings," said Alfred, tearing up a little. Matthew instantly hugged his brother. "It wasn't your fault," he said. Arthur shook his head. "No it's my fault. It's entirely my fault. T-There were so many things I did wrong...so many things that I could have done to avoid that," he said.

"I-I stumbled out of the cave and blindly went to the part of the boundry I felt you two go through. I was still half asleep and was to angry that you two would disobey me to feel any reason to be concerned. I was blindly going down a trail that I thought you boys would have taken when I heard one of you start screaming," said Arthur, choking toward the end.

Francis rubbed Arthur's wing with his hand. "I-I started running toward the sound, not having enough room to stretch out my wings with the trees. T-The hunter was hunched over M-Matthew with a knife while another hunter looked on. I jumped at the hunter blindly, absolutely furious and terrified. He gave you to the other hunter before jumping at me with a knife."

"I managed to fight him off but the other hunter had already run off with you two. I got in the air and started chasing him but...the other hunter had injured me quite badly. I-I tried to fight it, but I had lost too much blood. I would have fallen to my death Francis hadn't seen me on his way home and managed to catch me," said Arthur.

Francis's face grew sorrowful. "I didn't know what had happened. All I saw was that Arthur was injured and completely terrified about something. I didn't even occur to me that you boys were in trouble. It wasn't until we were halfway back to the nest that Arthur had enough strength to tell me that someone had you."

I dropped Arthur at Lukas's nest, since it was closest to where we were at the time, and flew after the hunter. I almost had him while we were near the village, but he suddenly stopped and turned and ran. Some humans had come out and I went after him, but I lost him once I lost him in the foilage of the trees.

"There was nothing I could do if more humans had suddenly come out at me. I scoured the forest and the mountainside but never found you boys. We were both sure that if you boys were alive, it wouldn't be in the village filled with humans. It didn't make sense. I'm just glad that someone found you and took pity," he said.

"I-I'm so sorry boys. I-I failed you. Everything that happened that night was my fault. If I had woken up when Alfred left...If I hadn't been so tough or spent more time with you two. I-If I had been a split second faster," said Arthur, starting to sob. Alfred and Matthew scooted over to him and wrapped their arms around them.

"It wasn't your fault...I'm the brat who ranaway and started everything," said Alfred, crying a little. Arthur shook his head. "You were a child. You didn't know better. You only ranaway because I was being a twat," he said vehemently. "I don't blame any of you for what happened. You guys don't need to cry," said Matthew, hugging them both close.

Francis quickly got in on the hug fest, enveloping the three others with his arms and wings. "I should have been there. I should have never left you behind Matthew. It is my greatest regret," he said. They kept hugging each other until it became uncomfortable. Alfred was the first to pull away.

"I guess we're all being a bit sappy...If it's anyone's fault it's the hunters for coming after us to begin with," he said, wiping away a tear. Matthew nodded, giving his brother a second hug. "Besides, you tried to help me," he said. Francis's and Arthur's eyes widen. "I thought you two said you didn't remember anything," said Arthur.

"We remember bits and pieces," said Alfred hesitantly. Francis and Arthur glanced at each other, but Francis was the one who spoke. "We would like to hear what you remember, but in your own time of course. Besides, we're all cried out now oui? Why don't I get dessert and you two can tell us some of the happy stories you have. We missed out on so much of your lives. It'd be nice to share memories," he said.

The boys nodded and Francis got up and quickly left to go get the dessert. Arthur wiped his eyes, looking a bit embarrassed. Alfred grinned and quickly gave him a hug, nearly knocking him over. "Don't be so embarrassed dude. I never did get to thank you for helping my wing the other day and kicking that hunter's butt," he said.

Arthur chuckled. "I'm glad you're at least a little bit like the way I remember you. You're still that energetic happy-go-lucky boy I found on that bison," he said. Alfred grinned, letting go of him. "So you mentioned being a pirate before...I want to hear more about that," said Alfred eagerly.

Arthur chuckled. "Yes well, that was partially one of the ways I got to the New World and back. Once in awhile I come across some interesting humans and allow myself to go in disguise and live amongst them once in awhile. During that time, the captain's coats were the perfect way to cover my wings," he said.

Alfred grinned while Matthew looked concerned. "What if they found out about your wings?" asked Matthew. Arthur smiled. "I was their captain. To go against a perfectly good captain is mutiny. That and I could take to the sky before they could even comprehend the situation. Though I had some close calls. My first mate almost caught me pruning one time," he said.

"Speaking of pruning, I can't wait until my wing is out of the splint. All of the bandages messed up my feathers and it's really uncomfortable and itchy," said Alfred, squirming as he rubbed his bad wing. Arthur chuckled. "Once Francis gets back with dessert, I'll heal your wing and you can tell us more about how you learned to fly," he said.

Alfred's eyes widen slightly as he quickly glanced at Matthew. "Do I have to? Mattie likes to make fun of my flying," he said. "Because you fall out of the sky more than you fly," said Matthew snarkily. Alfred glared at him while Arthur looked on amused. "I definitely would like to hear about it now," he said.

Francis came back carrying a cherry dessert and rasied an eyebrow. "What did I miss?" he asked. "I was just telling the boys about our time as pirates," said Arthur. "And Alfred was going to tell you guys how he learned to fly," piped up Matthew much to his brother's dread.

Francis quickly served the dessert. "Mathieu be nice to your brother...though I would like to learn more about you he learned to fly. Normally, when fledglings' wings get to a certain strength we take them to a ledge and try to coax them to jump off. One of us would have been waiting under the ledge to catch you, hidden of course, if you weren't a quick learner," he said.

Matthew snorted. "You guys would have needed to install a net for Alfred then," he said before wincing when Alfred hit his arm. "Dude cut me some slack. I didn't have a clue of how to fly. George and Emma didn't think I could fly. Davie was the one who helped me convince them to let me try," he said.

"Who is Davie?" asked Francis. "George and Emma were the ones who found us. Davie was their son and the first person I made friends with," said Alfred, sounding a bit sad about his now long-dead friend. "But how did you learn to fly? Don't tell me you just jumped out of trees," said Arthur.

Matthew smirked as Alfred rubbed the back of his neck. "Actually, that's kinda what I did. I figured birds did it and that it couldn't have been that hard," he said. "You can't jump out of a tree without observing the proper flying techniques!" said Arthur. "I watched how the birds did it and figured out the rest through trial and error. It wasn't that bad!" said Alfred defensively.

"Alfred, how many times have I had to lug you down to the healer's cottage? You've broken so many bones it's surprising you have any left," said Matthew. "Four isn't that many! I'm not even going to count this time because that totally wasn't my fault," said Alfred, crossing his arms.

Both Francis and Arthur gawked. "Four bones? Sacre bleu, you poor thing," said Francis. "And Matthew lets you cart him around?!" said Arthur, stunned. "I'm not bad. Besides, usually I have to save him from falling off cliffs," said Alfred, trying to change the limelight to his brother.

"Wot?!" said Arthur, his eyes widening. "It's only happened five times. I overestimate how far I can lean forward, get startled, or distracted," said Matthew quietly, pouting a bit. "Besides, it's not like Alfred hasn't accidentally injured me. He's not the best at landing and sometimes he accidentally crashes into me," he said.

"I said I was sorry for breaking your wrist! I misjudged the air current!" said Alfred. Francis quickly butted in before this could become a fight. "Arthur and I would love to show you some tricks of the trade Alfred," he said nicely. "Before we show him anything, I better heal that wing up some more," said Arthur.

Alfred quickly finished the rest of his dessert. "You think you can make it so I can fly to the market tomorrow?" he asked. "We'll see. It may not be the best idea. Francis and I may need to help you," said Arthur. "Then who will carry Matthew?" asked Alfred. Kumajiro lifted his head. "I can carry him," he said in a cute voice before laying his head in Matthew's lap and nuzzling his leg.

Arthur smiled. "Now that that's all figured out, why don't you lay down so I can heal your wing a bit more," he said. Alfred nodded and carefully laid down, spreading his wing out so Arthur could heal it. Mattie scooted closer to his brother, ready to jump in in case Arthur or Francis started looking at Alfred's back.

Arthur took the splint off and started rubbing circles into it gently, the way he saw Matthew do it before. Alfred visibly relaxed, letting out a sigh. Mattie smirked. "He always has me rub his wings or his back everytime he got hurt," he said. "I feel better when you do," mumbled Alfred.

Matthew smiled. Francis did as well. "You were probably healing him healing him without thinking mon beau. Did you ever feel tired after?" he asked. Matthew nodded, laughing. "Yeah. One of the family members or the village healer would always find us asleep together in a heap," he said.

"I wish we could have been there to see that. It saddens me that you two don't remember us that well. I knew you two were young but I had hoped you would have remembered us. C'est ce que c'est. At least we have managed to find each other once more," said Francis, gently taking Matthew's arm so he could heal it as well.

Arthur smiled, focusing on Alfred's injuries. Once more, the soothing, cool sesnation filled Alfred's wing making him melt like butter. Arthur smirked as Alfred laid his head on his arm, eyelids starting to droop.

"You are much like the way I remember you. You loved having your wings rubbed. After I would rub them you would always jump up and start hugging me, giggling," he told Alfred mentally.

Alfred gave him a lazy grin. "I've always wanted an older brother...Mattie and I constantly fight over who was born first. He thinks he's older just because he's more 'mature' and 'responsible'," he responded. Arthur blinked before smiling, happy that Alfred seemed to be getting used to the bond.

"I hate to say it Alfie, but Mattie is older than you by about five minutes," he said. "YES! I TOLD YOU SO!" said Matthew, turning to stick his tongue out at his brother. Alfred groaned. "Now I'm never going to hear the end of this. He's gonna keep pulling the 'older brother' card," he said aloud.

"Well duh!" said Matthew. Francis and Arthur chuckled. "You have three older brothers who can do that...and maybe even more if Arthur's brothers decide to lay claim to you too," said Francis. Alfred groaned. Arthur pet his head before continuing to heal him. "Don't worry pet, I'm sure you can find some advantages to being the youngest. I was the youngest of four after all," he said.

Alfred mumbled something but laid his head back down, slowly drifting off to sleep. Arthur smirked. "Out like a light. At least that much hasn't changed," he said, tired. Francis finished with Mattie's arm. Mattie flexed it, hugged him, and crawled beneath his brother's better wing.

Francis smiled. "Oui. I'm glad to see that they haven't changed that much. I missed them," he said. Arthur nodded, swaying a little with exhaustion. "Go to sleep mon chere. I'll put the dishes away," he said. Arthur nodded and laid down where he was sitting next to Alfred, stretching a wing over his younger brothers.

Francis smiled as he looked over the three of them. He quickly cleaned up before laying down next to Matthew who immediately curled up next to him in his sleep.

Matthew squeaked when he woke up to find a bear sleeping across from him. Alfred yelped, startled awake, and his wings flew out and managed to smack both Francis and Arthur awake. Arthur and Francis shot up. "Que se passe-t-il? Qu'est-ce qui ne va pas?!" mumbled Francis, rubbing his eye where Alfred had hit it.

"S-Sorry…I forgot I had a pet bear...I wasn't expecting to wake up and find a bear laying next to me," said Matthew bashfully. Alfred winced, rubbing his sore wing. "Nice going dude. Way to wake us all up," he said. Arthur spat out a couple of Alfred's feathers. "Well I suppose since we're all up I'll put on a pot," he grumbled, getting up and heading toward the cave.

"Sorry for hitting your eye. You okay?" asked Alfred. Francis nodded, giving him a smile. "Don't mind Arthur. He isn't much of a morning person. I better go make breakfast. What would you boys like?" he asked. "Can you make pancakes?" asked Matthew, perking up. Francis nodded and flew up after Arthur.

Alfred stretched, flexing his wing. "Is it better?" asked Matthew, sitting up. Alfred nodded. "It's a little sore. I'm not sure how much strain I should put on it, but it's okay. My back is the only thing that still hurts. I think the hunter tore a muscle in my back," said Alfred, wincing as he tucked his wings back in.

Matthew gave him a worried look. "Maybe you should have them look at it afterall...or at least not try to fly for a while. That sounds like it could be serious," he said. Alfred frowned. "I'll be fine. After we get back from the market I'll take it easy. I just have to find a good reason not to fly for a few days without making them suspicious," he said.

"Make who suspicious of what?" asked Arthur, landing down next to the twins. Both twins jumped, having not realized he was coming toward them. "Make the village suspicious that we found others like us," said Alfred, lying easily. Arthur nodded. "it would be appreciated if less people knew we existed. Come along. Tea is ready," he said.

They boys nodded and walked into the caves, Arthur following behind. He may not know the boys as much as they used to, but the bond let him know that they were hiding something. He waited for them to sit down before focusing on Alfred. There was something off about him… Someone cleared their throat and he looked up to see Francis sneaking a curious glance at him while the boys were distracted with their meal. Arthur shook his head.

Francis raised an eyebrow but turned to fetch Matthew some syrup. "Are you boys ready to go to the market today?" he asked, not wanting to let the boys realize he suspected they were lying. They both nodded, excited but hesitant. "What's wrong mon chous? I would have thought you two would be more excited," said Francis.

"I guess we're kind of nervous...Do you think they'll get hostile or something because we're strangers and I…" Mattie trialed off. Francis gave him a hug. "Mon ami, we'll be there with you. Besides, surely Gilbert, the nordics, and Arthur's brothers have spread the word a little that you guys have returned," he said. Matthew nodded happily, digging into another pancake.

Alfred quickly snarfed his food down and jumped up. "I'm gonna go change clothes real quick. Is it okay if I bring Sammy with us too?" he asked. "I don't see why not. Matthew is bring Kuma with him," said Arthur. Alfred nodded before leaving the kitchen. Arthur waited for Alfred to leave. "Is there something wrong with your brother?" he asked.

Matthew choked a little before putting on a smile. "I think he's just a little sore. Why?" he asked. "I was just curious. Is it his back that's bothering him? Francis or I could take a look at it," he offered. Arthur spotted a flash of panic in Matthew's eyes. "I'm sure his back is fine. It was his wing that was hurting the most," Matthew lied, feeling bad for doing so.

Arthur opened his mouth, ready to ask more questions when Matthew jumped up. "I'm going to go and see what Juma is doing. Call me when you guys are ready to go," he said, rushing out of the cave. Francis leaned against a counter. "That was strange, even for you. What is going on?" he said.

"The boys are hiding something. I heard them talking about making 'them' suspicious. When I asked them who, they lied and said it was the villagers. I also feel something off about Alfred," said Arthur, taking a sip of tea. Francis raised an eyebrow. "What did I say about pestering them? You're going to scare them off," he said.

"Francis, Matthew just lied to us. He only lies when Alfred is in serious trouble or something," Arthur pointed out. Francis sighed. "I suppose you're right…There's something about his back that he doesn't want us to see. Something about his injury is making him very skittish," he said.

"I intend to find out what that something is," said Arthur, turning to wash the dishes. Francis sighed. "Can you please at least wait until after we come back? Or better yet, until tomorrow? We had such a lovely day planned out. I don't want you ruining it for us," he said Arthur scowled. "Fine."

When they were done cleaning up the kitchen, Alfred came running down, Sammy perched on his shoulder. "Are we ready to go? Also, what kind of currancy do you guys use? Sammy managed to get to the village and fetch some of Mattie and I's things," said Alfred. "Don't worry about it. Francis and I want to treat you," said Arthur with a smile.

Alfred was about to say something when he felt something furry bump the back of his legs. He turned to find Mattie petting Kuma. "Francis said we were leaving soon?" he said. Alfred gave him a confused look. "Through the bond mon chere. Let me go fetch my things. Arthur, do you need me to bring you your cloak?" asked Francis.

The twins gave Matthew a confused look. "I use it when I'm running my stand. People are more likely to buy potions from someone who looks mysterious," huffed Arthur. Alfred smirked. "Afraid your eyebrows would scare off customers?" he teased. Arthur crossed his arms. "My eyebrows are perfectly fine. If anything, they attract customers."

Francis gawfed, unable to hold in his laughter. "Yes, they're wondering what exotic monsters you managed to tame and use as replacements for your eyebrows," he said. "If you don't bugger off I'm going to summon a ghost that'll make sure your hair is constantly messy," said Arthur threatenly. Francis gasped. "You wouldn't dare!"

Before the two can break out into a fight Matthew quickly jumped in. "How far away is the market? It's not too far is it?" he asked. Francis broke the glaring contest the two were having. "Non. It'll be about a thirty minute flight is all," he said. Matthew glanced worredly at his brother who gave him a look.

"Let's go!" said Alfred, smacking the back of Mattie's head so subtly with his good wing. Arthur blinked. "I almost forgot...Matthew, since you'll be going through the forest hunters might be able to spot you. I'm not sure how kindly they'll take to a young man riding a polar bear through the forest, especially if they realize he's following some avians. Just give me a jiff," he said, quickly leaving the room.

The twins gave Francis a questioning look, who shrugged. "Don't look at me. Arthur tends to drift into his on little world every now and again," he said. Arthur came back with a string that had a pouch haning from it. "Wear this around your neck. It'll keep you from being noticed by hunters. It'll work until we get home," he said.

Matthew took it with a small smile, tying it around his neck. "Thanks Artie," he said. Arthur gave him a warm smile. "Yes, well I suppose we all should get going," he said, before leading them over to the ledge. Matthew lagged behind his brother, giving him a worried look.

"Alfred, if you won't let them heal it would you let me?", he asked. Alfred blinked before grinning at his twin. "Why didn't I think of that? That's perfect Mattie!" he responded. Mattie smiled. "I'll take care of it after we get back...It's too late to do it now. Just hang in there okay?" said his brother. Alfred nodded.

When they got to the ledge, Kuma lumbered in front of Mattie and laid down so he could climb on. Mattie's face broke out into a smile once he found himself ontop of the polar bear. "Kuma says he's going down a different path. He says he'll look for you when he's not climbing anything," said Mattie. They nodded and he and Kuma wandered off.

Arthur cleared his throat. "Francis and I will jump down first, just in case your wing isn't ready to carry any weight on it yet," he said. Alfred sighed. "I'm not a baby…" he said. "We never said you would. It is just logical that we would go first since we know where we're going, oui?" said Francis, jumping off the cliff.

Arthur patted Alfred's shoulder before stretching his wings and jumping as well. The two older avians positioned themselves beneath the ledge, ready to catch Alfred in case his wing gives. "Alright. You can jump now," said Artie. Alfred swallowed and let his wings unfurl, stretching them out before jumping off.

He could feel himself blanch a little as the movement jolted the sore muscles on his back and the few still slightly sore patches on his wings. Alfred dipped down a little before catching himself. Arthur and Francis shot each other a worried look. "Are you quite sure you don't want us to carry you?" asked Francis.

Alfred shook his head, giving them a weary smile. "I got it for now. Don't worry guys. Let's get going. Mattie's gonna get worried if he sees you guys hovering around me," he said. "I told you there was something wrong!" said Arthur to Francis mentally. Francis sighed. "You both are so stubborn. Let's go. If we hover hear any longer we'll end up coming back when it's too dark to spot the entrance," he said.

Arthur scowled. "Come along then," he said. "One of us should stay positioned underneath him. He's being stubborn and we don't want him falling to his death," he said to Francis. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Franics nod in response before lowering his altitude.

Let me know what you guys think. I got something big in the making. Also, I will be out of town for a few days so this story will be put on hiatus until 4/16.