Hello, hello, my lovelies!
See? I told you I was working on another chapter!
Okay, so this chapter - stuff goes down, let me tell you.
Oh, just read it and you'll see what I mean.
Next chapter: coming soon!
Hetalia (c) Hidekaz Himaruya
Don't Lean On Me (c) Bringmemisery
(Oh! Allistor = Scotland; Liam = Ireland)
Chapter 11 - Réunion de Famille
"Arthur?" Francis asked as he shut off his car, "Is that not your brother at the front door?"
"Good lord," Arthur groaned, "I didn't think he'd some this soon!"
The two of them, as well as Gil, stepped out of the car. Lovino's car pulled behind them a moment later and the group made their way to the front of the house.
Francis shifted his eyes to the window where that pill of birds had been the other day, but there was not a feather in sight.
Did Arthur remove them?
"Mon ami," Francis called out, "no one is home."
"I figured," Allistor remarked as he turned around, his eyes widened, "Oi, looks like I hit the jackpot!"
"You're early," Arthur crossed his arms.
"Better early than late, wee brother," Allistor hugged Arthur as he lifted him up.
"I can't breathe!" Arthur flailed.
Allistor laughed as he released his hold, "so, where's the party?"
Francis laughed as Arthur unlocked the door.
"Inside, please," Arthur motioned in.
The entire group entered the house before Arthur shut the door behind them.
He sighed as he placed his hands on his hips, "Alright, may I have everyone's attention? As we all can understand, there have been some strange occurrences during these past few days. All of which have seemed to occur rather spontaneously—"
"Oi," Allistor cut in, "Where's Peter at?"
"He is with Tino, now shut up and listen!"
"Ye can't take care of yer wee brother, can ya?"
"As I was bloody saying, these occurrences need to be handled quickly so that the rest of us may get back to our daily lives. There are a few things that I would like to touch base on. For starters, Gilbert, we need a word with you."
Francis looked over to his friend – everyone else had done the same.
Gil's eyes shifted between everyone, "w-what?"
"Gil," Arthur continued, "has anything odd happened with you recently?"
"Odd? What do you mean?"
"Mon ami?" Francis asked, "The other day there was this pile of birds we saw—"
"Not just any pile of birds," Arthur cut in, "it was a pile of dead yellow birds resting outside of my front window. Since you have a fondness to those creatures, we believe that perhaps something may be after you."
"You're kidding," Gil laughed, "a pile of birds made you assume something would happen to the awesome me?"
"Not only that, amigo," Antonio stated, "There was a message written on the wall about somebody playing fair."
"You've lost me, bro," Gil scratched his nose.
"That is the other matter," Arthur replied, "Allistor, that monster is after Gil. Why? I am not entirely sure, but it has taken a great liking to him."
"That's probably because Gil's a great drinkin' buddy," Allistor smiled.
"Do you choose to be an idiot, or were you just born that way?— don't answer that. As I said, it likes Gil and until you can aid me Peter and Alfred are not to stay here."
"Oi, Alfred? Like, wee little Alfred from back in the states?"
"Yes, he is here. Did I not – you know, just never mind. Are you going to aid me, or are you wasting my time?"
"'Course I'll help with yer little beasty problem," Allistor smiled.
He placed down a bag that was slung over his shoulder, and he searched through it. After a few moments he had a variety of items scattered over the carpet.
Francis couldn't help his curiosity as he examined a variety of spell books, jars (both full and empty), bags of different herbs, and a few other things that he couldn't really comprehend.
"Mon ami," Francis looked to the Scotsman, "is all of this necessary for a little spirit?"
"Sure is," Allistor grinned, "gotta help rid the beasty, so all precautions are necessary."
Lovino grunted, "I sure hope you have some holy water in there."
Allistor laughed, "Yer a funny one! But all jokes aside, I do have some of that."
"You're going to need it," The Italian grunted once more.
As Allistor continued to collect his things, Francis looked over to Gil.
"Mon cher, has anything strange happened recently?"
Gil was silent for a moment before he answered, "define 'strange,' bro."
Francis shrugged, "I don't know, honestly. I'm sure if something did happen you would be able to notice the difference between normal and not."
"Then I would say, nein. Nothing has been too weird, recently. I mean, my paranoia is being not so awesome, but nothing too crazy."
"Are you sure?" Francis tilted his head.
Gil nodded, "Even if there were something, the awesome me can handle it!"
"Don't be too overconfident, mon cher. You know, we are willing to help you – you don't have to do everything by yourself. Which is why I ask: has anything happened? If not, then I am afraid to say that something just might."
Gil laughed, but Francis noticed something – Gil's smile didn't meet his eyes.
Francis wanted to keep asking, but he didn't want to be a bother.
If there was something on his mind Gil will tell him when the time was right
Francis turned back to Allistor who was now walking around the room with burning sage. He couldn't believe that this was happening; the house was being cleansed by Allistor of all people.
The fact that Allistor agreed on helping boggled Francis' mind. That man didn't come out on a normal basis, so him being there was strange in itself.
Perhaps he had other matters to attend to out here?
Soon enough Francis lost sight of the Scotsman, so he decided to take a seat.
No use standing there anyways.
He took his seat, and looked over to Gil.
Gil starred back at him, but this time he looked . . . panicked.
Perhaps his paranoia once more?
Before Francis could say anything, Arthur cut him off.
"Alright," Arthur stated, "Once this buggart is gone, everything will return to normal."
"Amigo?" Antonio questioned, "What if this doesn't do anything?"
"What are you going on about now, Ant?" Arthur groaned.
"I mean, what if nothing happens? Depending on what we're dealing with, a little cleansing might not be a good idea."
"Ant," Arthur laughed, "what do you even know about these kind of things?"
"Well . . . what if we're not dealing with Casper the Friendly Ghost?"
"Lovino," Arthur snapped, "do not tell me you filled up his head too!"
"Don't put this on me," Lovino yelled, "tell them the truth, Arthur! You're not dealing with the spirit of a small bambino!"
"I don't care what it is," Arthur shouted, "as soon as Allistor rids of it, the sooner everything turns back to the way it was!"
"Bro," Gil muttered, "what if it doesn't?"
"Not you too," Arthur whined, "Look, this isn't something I can't handle—"
"Bro, hear me out," Gil's tone was stern, "what if Tonio and Lov are right? What if what's going on in this place isn't that awesome. I mean, this thing likes me right? What if you guys doing this pissed it off, and . . . I don't know, something else happens?"
"Gil," Francis found himself saying, "are you alright?"
"You know what," Gil looked at him, "No. No, I am not. Look, you all know I haven't really been myself lately, and I'm trying to better myself but I can't. I literally feel like every day gets worse. The other day . . . something did happen. My paranoia was over the top yesterday. First off, I imagined a child sitting in the back of my car, but there really wasn't anything there."
"Did you say child?" Arthur's eyes widened.
"Ja, I thought it was in my back seat, but it wasn't there. Look, yesterday was a bad day for me. Later last night I had this dream, I think, that I was drowning and then somehow I caught on fire. You guys said that things after me, right? So, maybe it is, and maybe this sage crap might anger it. So what then?"
"We'll deal with it then if that is the case," Arthur replied, "As much as I hate to admit Allistor's magic does surpass mine in many degrees. He'll pick up on it, and he'll get rid of it. He's done it before—"
"What," Lovino asked, "rid of demons?"
"He's rid of many things," Arthur sighed, "Gil you need not worry. We'll set this straight."
Allistor returned then, confusion spread on his face.
"Oi," He muttered, "You sure there's somethin' in the house? I haven't picked up a thing.
Arthur nodded, "Most definitely."
"Well," Allistor said, "I'm gonna take a look outside, then. Beasty may be hidin' someplace."
"Don't wander off too far," His brother called to him, "and don't let your curiosity better you!"
Francis' eyes trailed after Allistor as he exited through the front door. Then he glanced over to Arthur.
"Mon amour?"
"What is it now?"
"Did your brother only come out here to assist you?"
"Highly doubt that," Arthur crossed his arms, "knowing him he's getting ready to be off and wandering the country for all I know."
"Your hermano is weird," Antonio noted, "I mean, look at all the stuff he carries around. He'd put Buffy to shame."
Arthur snorted, "I honestly cannot tell if you're patronizing or mocking that buggart."
"Little of both, really," Antonio said as he picked up a bottle.
"Mon ami," Francis said, "please, be careful with those. You don't know what's in them."
"Oh, relax, Frankie! Gil, ven aquí."
"Bro," Gil muttered, "I'm with Frank on this one – that stuff might not be awesome to mess with."
"Amigo," Antonio whined, "Lighten up a little!"
"Antoni," Francis sighed, "Don't pressure him. Besides, that stuff might stain your clothes."
Antonio looked down at his shirt, "this is an old shirt, though."
"Antoni!"
"Ugh, fine!" Antonio placed the bottle down, "you guys are party poopers!"
"And you're their piece of shit," Lovino laughed.
Francis looked out the window closest to him, and realized how bright it was outside. It was inviting, but he knew he needed to stay here at least until Allistor returned.
He looked over to Gil once more – the Prussian's eyes were fixed onto something on the floor. Francis tried to follow his gaze, but all he saw was carpet.
Gil must have spaced out.
It was a shame how much Gil was stressed over the situation. As much as Francis didn't want to admit, he missed Gil's old loud self and this new mood was making him depressed. He hated to see his friend like that, but this was a field that Francis was not a master in. All he could do was rely on the Kirklands to figure something out.
Francis shifted in his seat when his phone vibrated. He pulled it out and the name on his screen lighten up his mood a bit.
Matthieu:
Hi, are you busy?
Moi:
Of course not! What is it mon chouchou?
Matthieu:
Well, I was wondering how the weather normally is out there? I don't want to dress in something that may not be suited for the climate…
Moi:
It has been very comfortable here, so I am sure whatever you may bring should be fine.
Matthieu:
Great! Then I'll see you all next week!~
Moi:
Jusque là!
Francis returned his phone in his pocket as the front door opened. Allistor walked inside with a smile.
"Oi, I did it."
"You're sure?" Arthur questioned.
"Yep, got rid of it. Though I do have a question for ye– it was a benevolent spirit, so how were ye not able to rid it yerself?"
"Benevolent?" Arthur spat, "Benevolent my arse! The thing has been terrorizing Peter and myself for some time now. That buggart had not one ounce of benevolence within it!"
"Yer sure?"
"As sure as I will ever be."
Confusion loomed over Allistor's eyes, "that's . . . kinda weird."
"What is?" Antonio asked.
"The beasty," Allistor replied, "it was more scared of me than anythin'."
Arthur snorted, "Probably because you were disposing of it."
"Nah," Allistor brought his finger to his mouth, "Brother, yer sure there aren't any other beasties lurkin' about?"
"There's freaking more?" Lovino yelled.
"Allistor," Arthur replied, "What are you going on about? The only thing I have dealt with was that blasted child. There hasn't been anything else here! If there were anything else either of us would have picked up on it by now."
"Aye," Allistor furrowed his brows, "which is why I'm stumped a wee bit."
"Mon dio," Francis sighed, "when a Kirkland is stuck, that is when we're screwed."
"Oh, can it," Arthur said, "You did rid it though?"
"Aye, I did. As well I found that loch of yers."
"Why were you out that far? I told you not to wander!"
"Oi, ye wanted me to rid it, right? Well, I had to search for it and that's where I found it."
Francis looked over to Arthur, "Mon amour, I had completely forgotten about that lake."
"That's because it's off limits!" Arthur barked
"Amigo, how come it's off limits?"
"All I need is for some sorry old sap such as yourself to fall in and drown."
Antonio laughed, "I do know how to swim, amigo. Aren't you the one that is lacking in that area?"
"I'll have you know that I can swim, Ant! I am just not strong at it! Stop bloody questioning my motives!"
"Wonderful load of friends ye got yerself," Allistor laughed.
"You're done here, are you not?"
"Aye, but I'm in no hurry. Oi, how 'bout ye call Peter and Alfie to come by? That way I can see 'em before I head out."
Francis leaned in his seat, "So you do have other plans."
"Aye," Allistor looked at him, "Liam and I are goin' to try every pub our eyes fall upon. It's goin' to be the journey of a lifetime!"
"Your liver must hate you," Arthur sighed, "good grief, did you say Liam? What in the blazes is he doing out here?"
Allistor shrugged, "Dunno. All he told me was to find him and we'd be off. That man's got a plan and I have no idea where it's leadin' him."
"To hell probably," Arthur muttered, "well, I might as well ring up the boys. I'm sure they're both dying to see you."
Arthur started dialing on his phone as Francis stretched.
He had forgotten about that lake in the back. He'd been out there but a few times, though it never made much sense being there. The lake was on Arthur's property, but it was far behind the house. The two of them hadn't noticed it being there until about three years ago – when Arthur first purchased the property.
Francis remembered how many times he teased Arthur about the place being haunted, but now he regretted those words. What ate at Francis was the fact that this activity now started up; before, there wasn't a thing wrong.
Perhaps Arthur conjured this spirit up on his own?
Francis yawned when a noise made him jolt. His eyes scanned the room until they fell onto Arthur's. Though on the phone, Arthur's eyes locked with his.
Francis broke his gaze and looked around, and this time his eyes fell onto Arthur's desk.
A picture frame had fallen over.
Francis stood up and approached the desk. He picked up the frame and noticed the picture within it was of himself, Antonio, and Gil. However, he noticed that the glass had been cracked in a number of places. There was one streak that had went diagonal across Gil's chest, but there was another vertical streak that cut Gil in half.
Francis forced a laugh as he placed the picture down, but as he did so the frame fell once more. He blinked a few times before he propped it up, but yet again it fell over.
He huffed as he plucked up the frame and examined it, but there wasn't anything else wrong with it.
Why would it not stay up?
Once more he replaced the frame, but this time it didn't fall.
He sighed and was about to walk away when he watched the frame fly off the desk. His wide eyes followed as the frame missed Arthur's nose by mere inches.
"Good God," Arthur yelled as he pulled the phone from his ear, "Tino, I'll call you back."
Arthur turned around, "bloody rid of it, right?"
"I told ye I did," Allistor replied, "this is why I asked if ye had more!"
"Arthur," Francis ran to him, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. Where's my picture at?"
Francis looked past him and found the frame lodged into a wall. Below it stood what seemed to be a . . . very small child.
"I-it's . . . over there."