By morning, Al's phone was full of bomb alerts, power outs and a few satellites gone down. He tallied them sadly, the map filling with pins.
Matt frowned softly, hugging him. *We'll get him...*
Al sighs gripping tight.
They just clung for a while. At least the UK hadn't taken anymore damage tonight...
Al had gone to his library at one point looking through old photo albums. He knew he knew that house, but couldn't remember where he saw it..
Matt flittered in and out, helping out around the house in general.
Al came up with nothing so far, deciding to take a break for his rebelling stomach. Matt told him to sit tight while he went and fixed them something. Al sits rubbing his eyes tiredly.
This was exhausting... He had so much land, it felt impossible trying to find just one building...
He leans on his hand thinking.
Matt came back in, balancing two plates of sandwiches and a nice stack of treats and sweets. "Figured we need the sugar," he smirked.
Al grins taking a plate.
Matt sat with him, opening a can of energy drink. "I've been thinking, it kind of looked like a haunted house..."
Al shudders slightly. As much as they saw native and voodoo spirits, Al hated ghosts. It wasn't something he could defend himself from.
"I thought it might pay to check out haunted houses..."
"Alright.."
They eat a bit before digging up anything to do with haunted or abandoned buildings. Al flipped through pages looking at pictures.
It seemed close to hopeless until Matt jumped up with a triumphant cry. "Louisiana!"
The movement was so sudden Al dropped his own book in surprise.
"It's in Louisiana! Look!" he pointed excitedly to his book, the page telling about an allotment of abandoned plantation houses scattered around the wilds. The house they were looking for was in the picture.
Al grips the book tensely. But what should they do? The others weren't at top shape.. If they knew where Nate was going, they could get everyone fixed up and storm the place? He wouldn't be expecting it.
But then again he would be cautious of any humans..
And the house was isolated... He'd know if anyone was coming. It would be best to scout it first.. It was a long way off though... Quite a way to travel...
*..I can either fly down myself or send Mana.. He's on the look out for humans so it might be best not to be.*
*Send Mana. He's faster for a start and Nate won't think anything of a rabbit in grass.*
*Hopefully he can't see him period..* Goes to the office to copy a picture before calling the rabbit.
Matt paced a bit, fiddling with his phone. Mana came in and Al told him they found the house giving him the copy. The rabbit takes off in a puff of smoke.
Matt turned back, brow pulled in worry. "Russia's been hit..."
Al sighs slumping to the floor.
"Moscow and a few other major cities..."
He curls up hugging himself. Matt stuck pins in the map before coming to sit with him; pulling him into a hug. Al buries into him. They were very much alone this time... No one was coming to help...
Al sat crying softly till all that was left was anger. Matt wiped his cheeks with the cuff of his sleeve.
*I'm not letting him off this time.. He's gone too far.*
*Mana's gone to find him, we'll gather our strength and make him pay.*
Al sighs. *I think I need a good hunt..*
*You'll have to go alone if you're using wings...* he still couldn't get Bear to respond... Al frowns at that. Was he ok?
He was fine in himself, he just couldn't reach his other half...
*Do you know why?*
He shook his head. *He's not come back since fighting that bear...*
Al sighs hugging him.
"I know he's there...* he leaned in. *I can't talk to him though... Or even see him, but he's not gone... Its been too long to still be wounded, I think, so sulking?*
*I don't know.. Maybe keep trying talk to him? Even if he doesn't answer he might still hear you..*
*I have, I just don't know how much is getting through...* it was like talking to someone you loved while they were trapped in a coma... You didn't know if they could hear you, but you daren't stop, just in case they could..
Al rocks gently. *Don't give up.. He'll come back..*
*I know,* he clung for a moment anyway. *I just feel vulnerable without him...*
*I'll be glad to fill in..*
Matt smiled sadly, hugging him. *So long as you cover your own ass too...*
Al smirks.
*Wanna go see how the others are doing?*
*Sure.*
They pulled themselves up, quickly making sure neither of them looked too upset before heading downstairs.
Francis was sitting on the couch, usual perfect hair disheveled and eyes tired. Molly sat with him, dark circles under her eyes. Al frowns worriedly.
Matt stepped in, voice soft and concerned. "Are you two alright...?"
Francis just smiles tiredly. "Fine." He was still recovering.
"Top of our game," Molly smirked dryly, voice rasping.
Al sighs. The whole family was stubborn idiots..
Everyone was taking too much damage.. Arthur had managed to recover, and Iain hadn't faced any more issues, but Molly and Dylan had taken a battering, Francis was facing bombings and riots...
Patrick had guessed what was going on too, and was starting to get quite scared.
He hoped Mana got back soon..
Ro edged passed the twins, carrying a tray with tea and snacks on it. "Here you go," she smiled at the battered duo. "Arthur said its the best pot I've ever made!"
"Thanks sweetie," Molly smiled warmly, picking up a mug.
Al smiles softly, at least she Ro seemed better. Arthur and Iain between them had shown her that keeping busy often helped, and they needed all the help they could get. If it truly came down to it, she might end up having to look after everyone in the house.
He wanders into the kitchen. Arthur was stood by the sink, washing pots.
"Hey.."
"Hello boys," he offered them a tired smile. "After a snack?"
Al shrugs, "Just checking on everybody."
"Are you two alright?" he set down his sponge, coming over to them. "You look tired."
"Worried.. I haven't heard from Ivan.."
"Satellites say he's not doing too good," Matt shrugged, gripping Al's hand.
"Oh, poppet..." Arthur frowned sympathetically.
Al gripped tight.
"Come," Arthur took Al's empty hand. "I think we need some fresh air..."
The boys follow him out. The cold wind washed over them, brisk and refreshing. Al sighs siting on the porch. Matt brightened up in the cold, feeling at home in low temperatures. Al sits staring off into the trees. Arthur and Matt sat either side, gripping his hands as they let their thoughts wander.
Maybe they could feed him to wendigos..
Matt chuckled darkly at the idea. Al smiles softly.
*It's tempting...* Matt smirked softly.
*If we even get the chance. Probably only be scraps left anyway.*
*I can't see him getting very far once we've caught him... That bastard has too much to answer for.*
*Yeah..* but would he have something prepared for that? Last time didn't go so well..
It was debatable whether or not they could actually outfox this man... He always seemed to have a strategy for near every outcome... Even being imprisoned, he turned to his advantage.
Al had an idea on how to prevent it though.. He just needed to pin him for two seconds..
Much like an eel though, Nate was a slippery little shit...
Hopefully Al's strength would be enough. Still, actually getting his hands on him might prove difficult. Al sits back. He hates being unable to do anything..
Ro came out to them, interrupting softly. "Um... Arthur? Your brother wants you..."
Al glanced over. She looked awkward, likely uncomfortable. Even as a human, Iain still scared her a bit. Al reached over holding her hand. She squeezed tight, smiling softly. Al tugged her next to them as Arthur left. She pulled up her knees and leaned into Al's side. He hugs her.
She snuggled in. "Why is everyone so sick...?"
"Remember when I said we're attached to our land? Nearly everyone is being attacked.."
A look of pure horror swept over her face.
"It's the same guy who hurt me last year.. The one who brought the attack on the house.."
Hurt flashed across her features now, tears filling her eyes. "He destroyed the home tree..."
He nods looking down. She sniffled, burying into his side. He hugs her rocking. Matt watched sadly as they both gathered themselves.
Al sat singing softly, he wasn't the best at it but Mom or Dad's old songs always helped. Ro just huddled against him, heart aching for the friends and family she'd never see again... They sway for a while, venting.
Once she'd calmed back down, Matt suggested they go back in. It was getting dark...
Al held her close standing up. Ro was content to keep hugging his as they went inside and warmed up a bit. From the kitchen, the rich smell of warm stew was creeping out, teasing their empty stomachs. Al follows the scent. Even without raptor senses he could zero in on food.
Iain stood at the stove, leaning more to his right foot as he stirred a big pot of stew. "Evening kiddo," he just smirked.
"Hey."
"Ten more minutes," he put the lid on, limping towards the table to sit.
Al follows after sitting down with Ro. She stuck to him like glue, just needing to be reminded she wasn't alone. Al kept ahold of her hand. Matt took her other, smiling warmly. She smiled back halfheartedly.
Al turns to Iain. "Anything new?"
"I just took a good battering on the south east," he shrugged. "Dylan's been hit again. That's all I know without checking properly."
Al sighs softly. Nate was saving him for last wasn't he.. Then again, Matt still hadn't been hit either...
Maybe he didn't even know which country Matt was? It would be the first time invisibleness was an advantage, Mexico wasn't part of G8 affairs either.
They could only hope...
The only small solace they had in this was the fact that Ro couldn't get hurt... Nate couldn't touch her. That was very little though, when compared to the damage he could do...
Al's gaze was glued to the table lost in thought. His reverie was only broken when a bowl suddenly appeared in front of him.
He blinked glancing up.
Iain just gave him a knowing look and edged the bowl forward. "It'll get cold."
Al smiles softly picking up his spoon.
The others were already eating, Paddy having joined them at some point. Al sits eating his bowl, the food serving as a nice distraction.
It only lasted so long though... At least it worked for a little bit.
A little hand tugged on his sleeve, wide green eyes looking up at him.
"Hey Pat.."
"I don't like when you look sad..."
Al picked him up into a hug.
The child snuggled in, burying into his shoulder. "Everyone's sad and hurt... I don't want you to be too..."
It was hard not to be.. This all started with him..
Patrick was striving after someone still strong enough to convince him it'd be okay... Al sat holding him, trying to put aside his fear for now.
The house grew quiet in an almost erie manner...
He hated it.. It wouldn't stop until they stopped Nate though.. Hopefully Mana comes back soon..
A few hours passed, the twins curling up on the couch with Patrick, just watching cartoons to try and ignore the lingering feeling that someone else was going to get hurt soon. Al sits anxiously.
Suddenly, Patrick jumped out of his seat.
Al blinks. "Pat?"
"I gotta pee," he whined, bouncing a bit before running off to the bathroom.
Al chuckles.
Matt smiled softly, shifting over to bump hips with his brother. "It's not all that bad really."
"Maybe."
"Mana'll be back any second now," it was like he needed to convince himself...
Al nods softly. They settle together, waiting for the child to return. Al leans on Matt.
They sit for quite a while, but he still hadn't come back...
"...Do you think he went to Arthur...?" Matt shifted uncertainly.
"Let's check.."
He nodded, getting up. Al followed close behind.
They head up to Arthur's room, peering in. The rest of the UK was in there, but not the littlest... Matt frowned. *Go check the bathroom.*
Al moved off. The bathroom door was shut tight, no sound inside.
He knocked. "Pat?"
A startled gasp came from within, door rattling as it was unlocked from within. He shoved it open. Paddy stumbled back, looking horribly shaken but unscathed.
Al sighs.
"I-I was gonna come back, I..." little hands shook as he gripped the hem of his shirt.
"Hey it's ok.. I'm sorry, we just got a little worried..."
"It's cuz everyone's getting hurt, iznit...?"
Al nods softly.
"They hurt Artie and Molmol and Iain and Dylan and Francis and... M'scared..."
Al kneels down hugging him close.
He hugged back, crawling into his lap. "Why can't he just go away...?"
"We need to find him.. He won't stop till we do.."
"Like hide and seek?"
"Not exactly.."
Pat frowned softly. Al sighs picking him up and turning back towards the den. Pat curled into him, pressing close.
Matt met them half way, sighing in relief when he saw everything was okay. Al smiles sadly.
*We're getting too wound up,* Matt just hugged them both. Al leans into it. They rock gently.
Pat whined softly, sandwiched between them. Al chuckles.
"You're squishing me," he wiggled, pushing against them. Matt let go with a light chuckle.
Al grins tickling him.
Pad giggled, squirming. "Stop it!"
Al chuckles.
Matt smiled warmly. "Best go tell Arthur we found you," he ruffled Pad's hair.
"I never disappeared," he pouted cutely.
Al just smiles walking off towards Arthur's room.
By the time they got there, Arthur had Molly snuggled in his lap, Iain bundling up a wad of dirty bandages. His heart cringed at the sight.
The look on their faces just screamed another attack... It would explain why Pat had looked so scared earlier... Al held him close. Why was he untouched..?
The child snuggled into him. How he'd avoided getting atracked when nearly every other nation had been battered senseless was a mystery, or perhaps someone had been watching over him, but either way, they couldn't have been more grateful.
Another thing.. Molly had been hit a few times now, why hasn't Al?
*Al, don't,* Matt put a hand on his shoulder. *Trying to figure him out is just going to send you insane...*
He sighs leaning into it. This was just getting stressfully exhausting. They needed to end this.. But for now, they needed to sleep. It was getting late and half the house was in tatters.
Al sighs settling into bed. Matt settled in beside him, ever grateful that he had someone like Al to help level him out. Al snuggles close to him trying to sleep. It was hard though, what with everything piling up on the bit by bit.
Eventually exhaustion took over, pulling them away.
Matt rose early the next morning, slipping off without waking his brother. He just needed air.
Al woke a little later stumbling down to the kitchen. Iain had beaten him down, already starting up breakfast for the house, Ro helping. He stood groggily in the doorway watching.
"You look like death this morning," Iain hummed with a false cheer, handing a cup to Ro. "Here, you look like you need it."
Ro looked at the cup then hurried over to Al, handing it to him; Fresh, steamy coffee. He smiles sipping it. Ro watched him for a moment before Iain put her back to work.
Al sighs glancing out the window. From there, he could just see Matt leaning against a tree, watching the sky. He looked peaceful.
He turns back to his drink.
Suddenly, Ro yelped, pointing outside. Matt had gone down, crumpling like burning paper. Iain cussed, rushing out to him. Al staggered, agonizing pain bleeding over from him.
Ro came to him, eyes wide with fear as she came to try and support him. "Alfie? Al, are you alright?"
"Matt.."
"Iain has him... I-I think you need to sit... You're all white," she fretted, unsure how to act.
Al stumbled towards the door. She clung to his arm, trying to stop him falling. They glance outside.
Iain leaned over Matt, back to them, blocking nearly everything from their view. Al walked out to them, pain getting worse as he got closer. When they finally got close enough to see, it was enough to make you feel sick.
Matt lay on his side, jibbering nonsense as wounds opened up all over his body. It was all he could to to gasp and wheeze and cling to Iain as the Scot soothed him as best he could.
Ro stifled a sob, turning away.
Al collapsed trembling, trying to block it out.
"Ro," Iain managed to keep his voice soft and level through this somehow. "Pet, go fetch the others..."
She just nodded, running in. Al curls into himself holding his head.
It wasn't long though before more experienced hands came, hushing and cooing to him. Arthur knelt by him in the grass, trying to soothe him.
He whines leaning in, breaths coming in gasps.
"Hush, Poppet, it's okay..." Arthur's voice was slowly fading, the morning growing dim around him. Matt was sobbing somewhere in the distance, but he couldn't reach him...
He blinks trying to shake it off.
It clung to the edges of his vision until Matt fell silent, someone announcing that he'd blacked out. The stress on Al suddenly subsided.
He lays still for a moment taking in air, finally sitting up shakily.
Arthur kept close to him, rubbing his back. "Alright?"
"Mattie..?"
"They're seeing to him," Arthur assured him. "Are you hurt? Did he attack you too?"
He shook his head, tearing up.
Arthur sighed, hugging him tight for a moment. He folded in whining. Arthur rocked him gently.
He stayed there for a while staring at Matt.
Matt lay on his back, white as the snow of his home, blood splashed over his whole body. Each breath was shallow and pained as Iain and Dylan strove to heal at least some of the damage.
He was done waiting..
This had gone too far now...