His head hurt and spinning. Matt tried opening his eyes but the light forced them back shut.
"Uhn." He moaned. Now he could feel that every muscle in his body was sore like they were all over used at once.
"Matt. Matt how are you feeling?" He heard Dad's voice. Cracking an eye open he tested the lighting. When he became confident that the light wouldn't hurt him he fully opened up his eyes to see Dad's head over him and his hand on his cheek.
"Like a well beat-up baseball." He muttered cracking a smile. Now he could tell his head was on Dad's lap as his senses started coming back slowly. Are we done yet? Can we go home yet? Matt closed his eyes and let out a sore groan. As the hand on his cheek stroked up towards his head ruffled his hair massaging his skull, he opened his eyes again. Something was wrong, Dad was only using one hand. His none stroking arm didn't move at all.
"Dad are you ok?" He asked worried that Gary dislocate his arm or worse, broke it. Dad gave him a sympathetic smile seeing where he was getting it.
"I'll be fine. That jerk just twisted my arm a bit funny. But I'm more worried about you, you've been pushing yourself too hard." The hand kept massaging his head. Matt started feeling pathetic. Basil was facing who-knows-what and Dad was hurt and here he is laying on his dad's lap with him stroking his head! But maybe he was right. Ever since they disappeared from their time they hadn't had break. Even with all the conditioning he had in baseball couldn't prepare him for all of this. Matt pushed himself off and up into a sitting position.
"Matt what happened?" Johan asked. Matt took a breath thinking about how he was going to answer it.
"I'm not entirely sure. I guess I used up all my energy to power the flame." He finally answered.
"But you fought the Boss yesterday and you were fine at the end. And when I found you your ring was already burning." Katherine reminded him. Yesh! How much did she catch? Matt shrugged,
"Maybe I was still tired from yesterday and as for the ring I have no idea why it did that. I couldn't put it out myself."
"Whatever but can we try to go back to the time hallow or get some more food." Johan suggested. Matt couldn't let that happen. He wasn't done with the Elucidator yet. And if Dad found it he took it he would be in huge trouble and the chances of him snatching it again were slim! Dad is the one to learn from his mistakes.
"Let's get some food first before we try to leave. If we travel again we might not be able to eat." Matt quickly replied. Dad eyed him like he knew he was hiding something from him. In return he gave him an innocent look. Dad gave up his gaze and looked a Johan.
"Matt's right. We should try to eat before we leave. Who knows where we'll be sent next." He took his side.
"I'll go check the forest for some berries." Matt tried to stand up but his legs wouldn't let him.
"No Matt. You were up late last night and were the first one to wake up. You're staying right to rest!" Dad put his good hand on his shoulder stopping his attempt to get up. This wasn't good. He needed to ask the Elucidator more questions but there was no way to use it in the open. Maybe after everyone leaves?
"Chip you'll try fishing, Katherine gather some more firewood, I'll check out the forest for anything eatable. Johan you stay here and keep an eye on Matt." Dad instructed. Well there went that idea. There was still no way he was going to use in front of Johan, even if he managed to get him to stay quite. Sooner or later Dad will notice the Elucidator is missing and he didn't want Johan to get in trouble because of him.
"Dad I'm fine really!" He protested.
"No Matt. You can't even stand up, so get the idea out of your head! I already lost your brother, I'm not about to risk losing you too." Dad stared at him right in the eyes. It was so hard to argue back with that sad look in his eyes.
"Dad, Basil would never blame you for what happened." He spoke quietly. Dad dropped his gaze to the ground for a second then looked back at him.
"That doesn't mean I don't blame myself." He whispered. Matt felt terrible for him. His hair looked like it hadn't been combed in a while, his clothes were dirty and some fuzzy facial hair was starting to grow. With him in this condition and the look in his eyes it was impossible not to feel bad for him. His good hand went the side of his head as he pecked his forehead. Dad got up and left. Katherine and Chip walked to their sections to. Johan took a seat next to him and didn't say anything for a moment.
"So you really believe Basil's still alive?" He questioned.
"I don't think he ever died." Matt replied. Now he had to get rid of him.
"Hey Johan can you check the spot were smashed Gary to see if he dropped anything? I would do it myself but, you know, my dad." He asked. Johan looked over at the sand where he was talking about.
"Sure." He agreed and left. Matt shifted his body so his back could rest against the log. He looked all around to make sure no one was watching him and pulled out the Elucidator.
"Show me the place where Basil lost conscious the moment right after we left." Matt told it. An image of an empty cave showed up. It was the exact same cave with no trace of Basil.
"Are you sure this is the right time?" He questioned. YES appeared at the bottom of the image. Matt cracked a smile seeing the news. If Dad didn't believe him he would have to believe this!