The next morning, Matthew had somehow gotten up earlier than everyone. He climbed down the ladder and walked through the living room, surprised to find the Kirkland brothers, minus Arthur, sleeping in a heap on the floor. There was one blanket pulled over the three of them and the couch cushions were spread all over the room. Allistair was underneath the two younger ones, covering them with a wing.
Matthew smiled and walked into the kitchen, pulling out pans to make pancakes. After a few minutes, Alfred came down. "You see the others in the living room?" he asked. Mattie nodded. "I made pancakes," he said, sliding a few onto a plate. Alfred perked up. "Great! Hey, I, uh, found a bottle of ink by the pile of books Artie was looking at yesterday…" he said.
Mattie smirked. "I don't think they'd notice anything. They're pretty sound asleep," he said. Alfred grinned. "Just finish your pancakes in case they wake up and try to go after you," said Matthew, handing him a bottle of maple syrup. Alfred nodded, scarfing down the pancakes before getting up.
"You need something to write with?" asked Matthew. Alfred shook his head, pulling out a molting feather. "This'll do. When's Gilbert supposed to show?" he asked. Matthew shrugged. "I don't know, but I really don't want any fighting. Hopefully someone is willing to break it up if a fight does end up happening," he said.
Alfred scowled. "He was being a jerk," he said. Matthew sighed. "He's already been punched and chewed out by Francis and Arthur. Go draw on their faces before they wake up," said Matthew. Alfred nodded and entered the living room, freezing when he found Gilbert leaning over Allistair with a bottle of ink that Alfred had left on the coffee table for safe keeping.
"What are you doing?" asked Alfred, wings stretching out a little. Gilbert looked up and quickly put a finger to his lips. "Shh. Don't raise your voice. I don't want them waking up before I finish. They'd have my hide if they caught me in the act," said Gilbert. Alfred scowled at him, taking the pot of ink out of his hands. Gilbert blinked in surprise, thinking maybe he had underestimated how long Alfred and his brother were going to be mad about what he said.
"That's what I was going to do. Find your own grumpy sleeping uncles to draw on. I even had the ink set out so I can do it after I had breakfast," grumbled Alfred, squatting down to draw on Reiley's face. "Uncles?" asked Gilbert. "It makes more sense to call them uncles to be honest," said Alfred, drawing a rainbow onto Reiley's face. Gilbert grinned. "Add a four leaf clover to his face. He hates it when I call him Shamrock," he said.
Alfred grinned and handed him the pot. They both continued drawing on their faces before stepping back to admire their work. "What are you two doing?" asked an English voice behind them, making the two jump. Alfred spun around to find an amused Frenchman and a grumpy Brit standing behind them.
"Um…" Alfred trailed, hiding the pot of ink behind his back. Arthur glanced over to his brothers before covering his mouth in an attempt to hold back his laughter. "Oh that's bloody brilliant Alfred. I knew I taught you well," he said. Francis rolled his eyes. "I don't think they will find it as funny as you do mon cher," he said.
"We'll just blame it on Gilbert. After all, I have a feeling that he was the one who drew hearts on Allistair's face," said Francis, raising an eyebrow at the albino. Gilbert chuckled. "I see you're starting to recognize my artistic touch Francy-Pants," he said. Francis rolled his eyes but crossed his arms. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"I wanted to apologize to your little birdies. I didn't know that he was your kid, that he had been attacked by fledglings, and I didn't think. I'm sorry Francis. I'm sorry I made you and Arthur upset," said Gilbert, managing to sound sincere. Francis gestured that they should enter the kitchen. They left the living room and went into the kitchen where Arthur scowled at the Prussian.
"It wasn't just us that you managed to upset. You do realize that because of your insensitivity, Alfred and Matthew were shot down by hunters when they attempted to go back tot heir village. We almost lost the boys all over again because of your idiocity. Alfred broke a wing, a wing that was already injured, because of your rudeness," said Arthur.
Matthew looked up when they entered, slightly surprised to find Arthur lecturing Gilbert. He moved to stand by his twin. Gilbert's wings drooped and he looked at the two brothers. "I-I am deeply sorry for causing this mess. What I said was rude and insensitive. I deserved the punch Arthur gave me along with the lectures. I can understand if you two don't forgive me," he said.
Matthew hesitated. "I suppose I forgive you. There's no use holding grudges. I'd be okay with starting over again if you are," he said. Gilbert looked at Alfred who frowned and crossed his arms. "I guess you seem like a pretty cool guy. If Mattie forgives you, I guess I can too. But if you act like a jerk to him again, it won't be just Arthur punching you," he said.
Gilbert nodded, grinning. "Wunderbar! And to try to make up how much of a jerk I was, I'm willing to help you guys find a way to get his wings back!", he said. Arthur blinked. "How did you know that that's what we're trying to do. Gilbert shrugged. "Pierre told Gilbird and Gilbird told me."
"Pierre is such a gossip. I don't know where he gets it," said Francis, glaring at the white dove that innocently chirped at Francis from a nook in the wall. Arthur rolled his eyes and turned to Gilbert. "Are you sure you want to help? So far, it looks like it is possible that we may need to break into hunter's territory in order to get them back," he said.
Gilbert grinned. "Even better. I've been wanting to get back at them for what they did to Sylv," he said. Francis smirked. "And how is my little sister?" he asked. Gilbert smiled. "She's fine. She says she's sick of wurst and wants to cook more escargot," he said. Francis smiled brightly. "Well she is from Monaco. Her taste is almost as good as mine," he said. Arthur scoffed but moved to pour himself some tea.
Matthew tilted his head. "We have a sister?" he said. Francis waved his hand, moving to butter a croissant. "Of sorts. I'm sure she would love to meet you after everything blows over. Our first is to get you the wings as soon as possible," he said. "Gil's dating your sister?" asked Alfred, moving to sit down and have some coffee.
Gil's face turned a little red. "We're mated actually," he said. "Mated?" asked Matthew, setting a plate of pancakes in front of the albino. "We'll tell you when you're older," said Arthur quickly. Francis rolled his eyes. "Mon ami, no need to treat them as if they're fragile," he said. He turned to the twins, looking excited.
"It's when two avians share the same soul. When they are ready to show their feelings for each other, one will either sing, dance, or fly for the other one. And if the other one accepts, they will join in. If they kiss, or," he wiggled his eyebrows, causing both the twins and Gilbert to go red, and Arthur to hit him, "they will be bounded in the most intimate way possible," he said.
Alfred made an ick face. He opened his mouth to speak when Reiley came in. "Oi, what you talking about in here that made the boys so red?" he asked, grabbing a tea cup and pouring himself some tea. "Mating," muttered Matthew. Reiley smirked. "Were you two telling them about how you two are mates?" he asked, sitting down, kicking up his feet, and turning to watch his brother and Francis turn bright red.
"I-I was drunk! I didn't think you were listening. I certainly did not think that you'd join in. It doesn't count," sputtered Arthur, looking embarrased. Francis gave him a smirk. "If I remember correctly, you begged me to let you serenade me before I force you to stop drinking," he said. "Like I said, it doesn't bloody count if I'm drunk! I don't even remember singing to you!" sputtered Arthur. "Ew," said Alfred. Reiley wrinkled his nose and nodded. "I don't fully understand their relationship sometimes myself boy," he said.
"So you and his, our, sister are mated?" asked Matthew, wanting to change the topic. Gilbert nodded, smiling a little. "She sang to me...She can't fly because hunters clipped her wings," he said. "So how do we figure out where Mattie's wings are?" asked Alfred. "We'll need the rest of the lot to perform the spell. I think they're still sleeping," huffed Reiley.
Alfred and Gil exchanged a look before snorting a little. Even Arthur was smirking a bit as he set a plate of pancakes in front of his brother. "What's got you all smirking?" asked Reiley. Arthur rolls his eyes. "You look funny is all," he said. Reiley rolled his eyes and smirked before taking a bite of his pancake. "If anyone looks funny, it's you Artie," he retorted.
Rhys walked in, spotted Reiley, and frowned before touching his cheek where a picture of a lamb was. Reiley cracked up as Rhys turned to Arthur. "Aren't you a bit old for this?" he asked. Arthur smirked. "It was our newest guest," he said. Rhys rolled his eyes and left to get his face washed.
Reiley grinned. "I'm glad one of you two decided to draw on his face. I was planning to when I woke up," he said, holding up his teacup in salute. Arthur rolled his eyes. "Over a thousand years old and yet you manage to be still be so childish," he said. "Says the one who still has the bunny Mum made you when you were a wee one," retorted Reiley.
Arthur's face went red and he quickly hid it by taking a sip from his cup. Francis smirked. "So, how long until Allistair wakes up do you suppose?" he asked. Allistair walked in, ginger locks flying ever which way. "I'm already up ye gits," he started before spotting Reiley. "I see you've finally decided to make some improvements to your face," Allistair chuckled to his brother.
Reiley snorted. "If anyone made an improvement it's you. You finally decide to show your more feminine side?" he asked. Allistiar blinked before picking up a nearby pan and looking at his reflection. "Alright. Who's the wise guy?" he asked, before using a nearby rag to scrub off the ink. "It was the albino," said Alfred quickly.
Allistair's eyes widened and he spun around, spotting Gilbert sitting at the table eating pancakes and sputtered. "You let the bloody arsehole into the nest? And on top of it all, gave him pancakes?!" he asked. Gilbert nervously swallowed his last bite of pancake. "Um, Ja. I apologized and we're all cool now," he said.
"Huh, I miss that part," said Reiley, rubbing at a little bit of stubble on his cheek. Allistair scowled. "This man is the reason the twins got hurt and you just sit next of him like you're old pals with him," he said to Reiley. Reiley shrugged. "I was thinking of taking a page out of your book," he said.
Gilbert frowned. "What exactly does that mean?" he asked. He knew Allistair could be someone you didn't want to tussle with, especially if he decides to jump into a barfight. Allistiar grinned. "I trained you well young leprechaun," he said. Arthur shuddered a little. Alfred blinked. "Am I missing something here dudes?" he asked.
"We'll get our revenge on you for messing with our boys here. But you won't know where, how, or when it will take place," said Allistair, grinning as he poured himself a cup of tea. Gilbert swallowed. The anticipation was going to kill him before they did. He forced a cocky grin. "You don't scare me. I bet you'll forget about it," he said.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "I once thought the same before I woke up tied upside down to a tree after stealing his sword," he said. "You shouldn't be playing with swords that young. Besides, you know my claymore is off limits," snapped Allistair. Matthew cleared his throat. "When were we planning on doing the spell?" he asked.
Allistair sipped his tea. "I suppose after breakfast is well enough," he said before turning. "Rhys, get your bum out here and get some food in you. I don't need you passing out during the spell because you ran out of energy," he called. Rhys appeared in the doorway with a sigh. "I wouldn't pass out. I'm not a lightweight like Reiley," he said. Reiley scowled.
"I ain't a lightweight. I pass out during a spell one time and suddenly I'm marked for life," he said, exasperated. "You were summoning flowers and you passed out," said Rhys with a smirk. Arthur smirked as well. "You fell on top of the very flowers you were summoning," he said. Reiley scowled. "Rub it in will you? That was five years ago and I was hungover," he said. Arthur rolled his eyes and left to look through the spell books once more.
Rhys rolled his eyes and sat down to have his breakfast, shooting Gilbert a dark stare before doing so. The Prussian swallowed. The twins may have forgiven him, Francis too, but he wasn't sure the Kirklands were up for that yet...or if they'd ever be. They, despite all their attempts to hide it, were a tight knit flock that cared for each other.
He remembered how upset they all were. Allistair seemed the most upset aside from Arthur, though he tried to hide it. Gilbert was the one who would go looking for him when he got upset over it and went on a drinking binge. He'd give old Ivan a run for his money by chugging drinks only to start wanting to pick fights because he thought someone was a hunter.
Rhys finished his meal and stood up. "Where should we do this?" he asked. Reiley came running in. "Oi, you know that spell we were going to use? I found a spell specifically for tracking and reattaching lost wings," said Arthur, coming in. Allistair raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? We've looked through all the books," he said.
"I looked through it again because I knew one of us, Reiley, would have missed it," said Arthur. Reiley threw his hands in the air. "What is it? International pick on the Irish guy day?" he grumbled. "It was in your stack," said Rhys, taking the book from Arthur and flipping through it. "This is exactly what we need. What do you think?" he asked before handing the book to Allistair.
Allistair furrowed his brows as he looked through the book before nodding. "Aye. It is what we need. It'd take a lot of energy to do it," he said, flipping the page. He frowned as he read the next page. "After we do the spell, we only have a week to find and reattach his wings… If we don't we'll have to cut the bond between him and his wings or he'll become sick," said Allistair.
Francis frowned. "How sick exactly? Is this dangerous?" he asked. Allistair read through the spell. "Flu like symptoms after the first three days of the spell. He won't start getting really sick until after the week is up and it will be a gradual decline. But we can cut the bond if it gets too out of hand," he said.
"What happens if we cut the bond?" asked Alfred, glancing at his brother. He didn't like the idea if it was going to make his twin sick. Arthur sighed. "It means we lose any hope of finding his wings, at least until we come up with some sort of other spell. Unfortunately, that would be unlikely since that bond is what any spell would use to trace Matthew's wings. This may be our only go at reattaching them," he said.
Rhys turned to Matthew. "The decision is yours. We'll all help you as much as we possibly can either way. Do you want to take the risk or see if we're able to come up with something else?" he asked. Matthew hesitated. "And that's...really unlikely, isn't it?" he asked. All four Kirklands nodded.
"I-I suppose it's worth the risk. I don't mind getting a little sick if it means I get them back. I know you guys will look after me and keep things from going out of hand. A-And if it turns out we can't get them back before I get too sick...I've been without wings long enough that it doesn't bother me," he said with a slight shrug at the end. Francis threw his arms around the Candian. "Of course we'll look after you! Don't worry mon petite. Everything will be fine," he said.
"Now that that's settled, we should go outside and start setting up for the spell," said Arthur, taking back the spell book from his eldest brother. "You have all the materials we need?" asked Reiley lazily as he got up from his spot on the table. "We'll need that feather Matthew," said Rhys nicely. Matthew blinked before nodding and running out of the room to retrieve it.
He came back a few seconds later, holding it. "What do you need me to do?" asked Matthew. "We'll instruct you on what to do when it's time to do it. Don't worry," said Allistair, ruffling Matthew's hair before leaving the kitchen. Arthur huffed. "He doesn't even know where we're doing the spell, git," he said.
"Then where are we doing it if not outside Arthur," asked Reiley, raising a shaggy eyebrow. "On top of the caves. It's where I normally do spells that require drawings so animals don't ruin the chalk," said Arthur. "He'll figure it out," said Rhys, shrugging before stretching out his wings and flying outside.
"Need a ride Mattie?" grinned Alfred. Mattie sighed before nodding. Alfred gave him a smile and lifted him up, flying. "Hey don't worry Mattie. Just give it a few days and you won't need me to fly you everywhere!" said Alfred happily. Matthew smiled a little. "I suppose that's true but what if it doesn't work? Or if something goes wrong? I don't want anyone getting hurt because of me," he responded.
Alfred rolled his eyes. "Dude, it'd be worth it. Don't worry about us. We'll be fine. And if it doesn't work, I'm your brother dude. I don't mind being your wings. I've been your wings for the past fifty or so years," said Alfred. Matthew smiled. Sometimes his obnoxious brother could really be kind and thoughtful. "Thanks Alfie. I really needed that."
Alfred set Matthew on the cave top before coming to a stumbling landing. Arthur's face filled with sympathy while Reiley winced and Rhys sighed. Alfred mentally made a face but didn't say anything. He knew they were all thinking about his messed up wing. "Where's Allistair?" he asked, hoping to distract them from making any comments about his landing.
Allistair landed beside him, shaking out his wings. "I'm right here. You could have said that we were meeting up here," he grumbled. "Maybe if you didn't immediately leave you would have known," said Arthur smugly. "What do we do first for the spell?" asked Rhys, jumping in quickly to avoid any fighting that was sure to come if no one distracted the two.
Arthur glanced at the book, putting it down on a stand made out of rock he must have made for occasions like this. "Take the chalk and draw a circle," he said. Alfred grabbed the chalk and carefully drew a circle, Arthur humming in approval. "Good. That's earth. Now there are two parts of the spell. The first one centers around the feather to help track the wings. The second part is centered around Matthew as we try to reattach," he said.
"Just tell us what the second part is mate. No need to give us an entire lesson," said Reiley. Arthur scowled at him before scanning through the spell. "The four needed casters should possition themselves around the circle at the four cardinal directions. Matthew, put the feather directly in the circle before going over to your brother.
"Alfred...don't smudge the chalk and stand with Gilbert outside the circle. No one can break the circle while we cast the spell. It could ruin any chances of this working and the spell could go wild, understood? No matter what happens, do not break the circle unless one of us tells you to," said Arthur seriously. All three nodded. Alfred and Gilbert took care to stand far away from the chalk circle.
Matthew swallowed and watched as the four brothers arranged themselves round the circle before he quickly ducked in, mindful of the chalk outline and not to smudge it, and putting the feather in the middle. He hopped back over the line and went to join Alfred and Gilbert.
"I've never seen old Artie cast a spell before. Normally in the market he only offers potions and refuses to do any magic tricks for me," said Gilbert. "Pff, it's not magic magic. It's just something to do with energy and all that," said Alfred skeptically, crossing his arms. "It can be both Alfred," muttered Matthew.
"Would the gallery please hush over there? We need to concentrate," muttered Arthur, gesturing for Francis to hold the book for him. "Before we start, Matthew, you might start feeling a bit strange when we cast the spell. It's normal but if you feel too uncomfortable, say something," said Rhys. Matthew silently nodded.
With that warning, all four Kirklands directed their attention to the circle, watching Arthur as he scanned the pages of the spell book for the last time, green eyes moving quickly to make sure nothing is being forgotten. When he was ready, he gave his brothers a curt nod and began chanting in a language older than English.
After saying a few lines, Allistair joined Arthur, stretching his arms and wings as he mirrored his youngest brothers. Reiley entered the chant a few lines after Allistair and Reiley jumped in a few lines after Rhys. All four brothers stood with their arms arched toward the center and their wings stretched to hug the outline of the circle.
As they kept chanting, the brothers blinked and their eyes suddenly started glowing. Alfred jumped in surprise, Matthew's jaw dropped, and Gilbert grinned with excitement. A second or two after their eyes started glowing emerald green, the feather slowly started floating. Once it was over their heads, the chalk outline started glowing a hot white.
There was a bright flash and the Kirklands dropped their wings, still chanting. Slowly, an image started forming withing the circle. Alfred took a step forward to get a better look before Matthew quickly stopped his twin before he got too close. "It's a map," whispered Gilbert. Alfred and Matthew blinked. It was a map… or at least a bird's eye view of the earth.
The images in the circle blurred through, as if the circle was racing to find something. Eventually, the blur started to slow down before settling on a view of a portion of the forest. The glow of the circle died down to where it was not as bright. The four Brits' chanting started fading as one by one they each dropped out, starting with Reiley.
He dropped his wings and his eyes returned to their normal green when he stopped. He was followed by Rhy and Allistair until it was only Arthur standing with his wings spread. Arthur's voice got quieter and quieter until he closed the chant with one last word, dropping his wings and blinking so his eyes would return to normal.
He took a step back from the circle and gave the onlookers a tired smile. "There. It's safe to approach the circle now. It's basically a giant interactive map until we either reattach the wings or snip the bond," he said, sounding almost breathless. "Are you alright Artie?" asked Alfred hesitantly.
Arthur scowled a little. "Don't call me Artie. My name is Arthur. And yes. I'm fine. Just a bit drained but it's completely normal. Don't worry about me," he said. Francis rolled his eyes before putting a hand on Arthur's shoulder, giving him a little bit of energy. Alfred took this cue to help out Reiley before turning to Rhys.
Rhys shook his head. "You shouldn't exert yourself to help me. I'll be fine lad. Just need a nap," he said. "Don't worry! I got plently of energy to go around," beamed Alfred. Matthew smirked. "That's an understatement. You could probably charge everyone here up three times over," he said.
"Always had to keep him from bouncing off the walls," chuckled Arthur, sounding a bit more refreshed. "Is that so?" asked Rhys, looking over his American relative. "Yup! I don't even feel the least bit tired after helping Reiley out," chirped Alfred, putting a hand on Rhys's shoulder and quickly giving him some energy. "Are you alright?" asked Rhys when Alfred had finished.
Alfred stretched before shrugging. "I'm fine dude. I mean, I could definitley go for some candy or something sugary and or cafinated, but I'm not going to pass out or anything," he said. Rhys blinked before quickly grabbing Alfred by the shoulders and closing his eyes. "Hey! What the heck? D-Did I do the energy thingy wrong?" yelped Alfred, shocked.
"You did it just fine just...hold still and let me concentrate," said Rhys. Alfred gave Matthew, who had finished helping Allistair, a look. Matthew shrugged, looking as confused and weirded out as Alfred. Allistair frowned before grabbing Matthew by the shoulders as well and closing his eyes. "Arthur?" asked Francis. "Yes Frog?" asked Arthur. "Why are your brothers grabbing the boys?" he asked, sounding very confused.
"He's doing an energy scan you git," huffed Arthur. "Um...A what?" asked Alfred. Rhys pulled away, looking Alfred over with a puzzled and cloudy expression. "Should I be worried?" asked Alfred. "...What is it Rhys?" asked Arthur, speaking as if he was trying to keep from sounding excited. Francis looked between the two, frowning.
Rhys glanced at his youngest brother. "His energy is higher than the average avian," he said. "Are you sure?" asked Arthur, raising an eyebrow. Rhys nodded before smiling. "I'm sure," he said. Allistair let go of Matthew. "Aye. This lad's is higher as well, though not as high as his brother's. Must be Francis's influence," he said.
"What are you two talking about? Are the twins okay?" asked Francis, sounding worried. Reiley grinned, throwing his arms around the twins' shoulders. "Aye Francis, they're perfectly fine. Even better, they have magic as well," he said, ruffling the boys' hairs. "Magic?" asked Francis. "A-Are you sure? Alfred is normally hopped on sugar and I guess I do have too much of a love for syrup as well…" said Matthew.
"It's nothing to be afraid of love," said Arthur happily as he ruffled Matthew's hair, "In all honesty, I'm excited to hear it. I finally have someone to pass down my expertise to." Alfred grinned. "So we can do real magic? This is't a prank or something right? How come we haven't ever noticed before?" he asked.
"I thought you didn't believe in magic," said Matthew, raising an eyebrow. "It's not magic-magic. It's like...superpower magic! We are mutants with excess energy we can use to save the world!" said Alfred, his imagination starting to get away from him. The Kirklands rolled their eyes and Gilbert grinned. "Sure kid. Bushy Brows, how come you haven't figured this out when they were younger?" he asked.
Four pairs of bushy eyebrows twitched. "They were young so their energy hadn't built up quite as much, though they did fluctuate often enough to make me a bit suspicious. I was going to sit them down and test them that night but…anyways, some fledglings develop magic at different paces. The two of them were a bit delayed," Arthur said.
"And I thought Alfred was the only slow one," muttered Matthew teasingly, earning an elbow to the side. "Mean. So...what does this mean?" asked Alfred. "Well we have to train you two!" said Reiley happily. "But it should wait after we reattach the wings. Trying to do too many things at once will only get us distracted," said Rhys.
"Rhys does have a point. But it could be dangerous if we let you two run around with no idea of what you're capable of, especially now that you're aware of having magic. Just the knowledge alone is enough to little accidents or incidents every now and again until you've learned how to use it properly," said Arthur.
"Aye. We'll just train them when and if we have downtime and keep an eye on their magic. We're all bonded so that can help us watch their energy levels and guide them along when the spike," said Allistair before walking over to the twins. Ruffling their hair, he said, "You two obviously have Kirkland blood in you if you're able to wield magic. Only Lukas and that Romanian bloke have magic. It's a very rare thing to have," he grinned.
A bit more fluff before the action/torture starts right up again. Let's just say that things aren't going to be exactly what they seem as the story goes on. Things to look forward to: A Traitor, An Ally, Long-told Suffering. See you next week!