Evening My Lovelies

So I'm really hoping you'll like this chapter as I had a lot of fun writing it and it was the first one in a while that didn't give me writers block.

I'm also hoping for at least 6 reviews so we can reach 300! Please!

Notes On Reviews:

Tidia: Thanks for the review - Yeah Aramis isn't off to the best start and as it's me you know it's only going to get worse :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Deana: Thanks for the review - Yeah definitely not the easiest ride for our lovely medic but he's too stubborn not to take part in it so it's his own fault really. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - An ambush was probably the last thing they needed but I'm evil so it's exactly what they got lol. With what I have planned for Viv she needed at least one badass moment before it happens :) Aramis is not going to be having a good time on their journey and D'Art ain't faring much better either. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Katie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

watlocked: Thanks for the review - Haha What a great description of it lol :D Your comment on the fight scene really made me smile, I always get hit by so much doubt when I do fight scenes so I'm really happy now that you said that :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Helensg: Thanks for the review - Sad to hear you're unwell, though I am quite happy that despite your dizziness you decided to read my chapter. I'm hoping you feel better soon! Enjoy the new chapter! x

criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Oh this review made me laugh XD You know me too well... Sorry Aramis :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - We've got a chapter or two before a reunion between them all can happen but yeah our boy's ain't going to be in the best of health when that happens. Porthos is too used to following orders and Viv's too scared and in shock to really process that Athos, who's in really bad shape, is ordering them about. Deep down I think Treville knew that Aramis would follow regardless but that doesnt mean he's not going to regret bringing him. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked the fight, I always get such self doubt when I write fight scenes so I'm really happy people seemed to enjoy it, though I agree with your worry about Viv's eventual mental state, poor woman's barely keeping it together. We get some more determined Aramis today, much to Treville's annoyance :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

MicheeO: Thanks for the review - Haha what a nice image :D ... Though Viv might take offense for being added on like a last minute thing lol. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - Athos and Porthos are too kick-ass to be taken down by mere bandits, even in their condition :D Porthos's arm wound is going to be more of a concern in coming chapter, Athos's one isnt too bad but who knows *shrugs* I'm quite evil, it might get infected. Haha Love your description of Aramis XD I think he was channeling his inner pup for that bit, maybe D'Arts been rubbing off on him :) You'd think they'd have learnt by now not to leave D'Art alone when theres even the slightest chance one of them is injured. Enjoy the new chapter! x

As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Twenty-Five: Plans

"So what do we do now?" Vivienne asked quietly as she finished bandaging Porthos wound, the gash was very deep and needed stitching but without supplies a bandage was the best she could offer.

"We move on," grunted Athos as he moved away from the man he had been interrogating to hobble to their sides.

"And go where? We don't know where we are!"

Porthos bit back a grin at the woman's exclamation, pleased to see she had come out of her post kill panic and was now somewhat back with them.

Without saying a word the larger musketeer stretched out his uninjured arm, which Athos took and used as a support to help him over the last bit of the distance, neither man commenting on the action as Athos explained his plan. "Aramis and D'Artagnan must have reached Paris by now so it's very likely that the Captain will have people out looking for us by now."

Vivienne nodded slowly, that did make sense, "But how does that help us if we don't know what route to take to get to Paris or to this search party?"

"We're not looking for them," said Porthos having quickly caught on to his friend's plan.

Confusion was evident on Vivienne's face, "But I thought…"

"They're looking for us," explained Athos, "but as this attack has proven, they're not the only ones so our first priority has to be to get somewhere safe, Porthos's injured now and neither of us is going to be much help in another fight."

"Okay… So what do we do?"

"We pick a path and get moving," grunted Porthos as he rose to his feet, "We have to reach a town or village eventually, they'll have medical supplies we need as well as resources to send word to Treville and the others."

"Providing they agree to help," added Athos, though it was said quietly so only Porthos could hear, "we don't exactly have much in the way of money."

Smiling softly at his friend Porthos threw Athos's arm over his shoulders, "We'll think of something," he said just as quiet before speaking up so Vivienne could hear as well, "Let's go."

"How are you doing there Aramis?" Treville asked as he made his way over to the musketeer.

The group had been riding hard for several hours and had decided to take a short break so their horses could get a drink at the river while the men stretched out sore muscles.

"…I'm… good," breathed Aramis, not lifting his head from where it was resting against his horse's neck.

"Really?" Treville asked with a slight teasing tone to his voice that the medic would have picked up on had he not been focusing on not emptying his stomach on the man's boots, instead he chose to nod slowly.

"Because everyone else dismounted several minutes ago," added Treville, smirking slightly as Aramis's head shot up and a look of guilty surprise appeared on his face.

Steeling his expression Treville waited until Aramis had shakily dismounted before he started on him again. "You told me you could handle the ride."

Instantly straightening and plastering a fake grin on his face Aramis lifted his head to look at Treville, "I can," he said eagerly, "I'm fine."

"I do not appreciate being lied to," Treville said, his voice cold and expressionless.

Aramis felt a wave a panic pass through him, the Captain could technically still send him back to the garrison, though they had made decent progress he could still make it back to Paris before night fell if he got sent back now.

The mere thought of getting sent back had the musketeer mentally planning how he could subtly follow the group without being noticed.

"I didn't lie," Aramis, said firmly, "I can handle it."

"You just spent a good five minutes on your horse because you were too ill to get off without throwing up!"

"But I didn't! See I can handle it."

Growling in frustration Treville pinched the bridge of his nose, internally wondering if this was what Athos felt when he had to handle one of his brother's stubborn moments.

It was a tense few moments for the group as Treville tried to decide what to do while Aramis waited to find out if he was going to be sent home and the rest of the group tried to busy themselves and not overtly eavesdrop.

"Tell me the truth," Treville demanded, "If I sent you back to the garrison…"

"I would follow behind you," Aramis admitted with no hesitation. "They're my brothers and they're in this mess because of me. I'm not going to waste time lying in a bed when they need my help."

It was another few moments of awkward silence before Treville spoke up again, though the resigned sigh he breathed out before speaking ignited a small flame of hope in Aramis's heart.

"I'm not slowing down the pace for you," Treville said sternly, "If what you've told me of the guy is true then Athos, Porthos and your friend could be in some serious trouble."

"I wouldn't ask you to Captain."

"You ride next to me or one of the others at all times, we need someone to keep you on your horse if you pass out."

Aramis scoffed, "I'm not going to pass out." Though upon seeing the glare being sent his way he cowed slightly, nodding his agreement to the man's terms.

"Get something to drink, we're leaving in ten."

D'Artagnan felt like he was swimming in mud, his whole body felt extremely heavy and sore. His head felt like several drummers had taken up residence and despite the sticky gleam of sweat he could feel on his skin and the parchedness of his throat his frame was racked with tremors.

"Easy young man," soothed a voice, it was not the stern yet concerned tones of Athos or the gruff but lighthearted ones of Porthos or even Aramis's jovial tones. The fact his exhausted mind couldn't place the voice sent a small wave of panic through him and without thinking the young Gascon began to struggle in an attempt to get up.

"Easy!" the voice reiterated, only this time hands followed, their strength being used to push him back down on the bed, "You've had everyone worried young man, can you open your eyes for me?"

D'Artagnan felt his brows furrow in confusion until his mind finally registered the fact that he couldn't see because he hadn't opened his eyes. Forcing his heavy eyelids open D'Artagnan blinked sluggishly against the bright light before slowly turning his head to where he thought the voice had come from.

Noticing the confusion on the young man's face Moreau decided to take pity on him and introduce himself before examining him. "I'm doctor Moreau, you're in the garrison infirmary. How are you feeling?"

It took several moments for D'Artagnan to gather up the strength to speak and all the while exhaustion threatened to pull him back under.

"…T'red," he rasped quietly, grimacing at the rawness of his throat but before he could comment on it Moreau was cradling his head in one hand and tilting a goblet of water into his mouth with the other.

"Small sips," ordered the doctor gently as he helped the Gascon drink. After a few sips Moreau noticed the confused and slightly disgusted look return to the Gascon's face, chuckling softly at the expression he added, "I've mixed in some herbs that'll hopefully help get rid of that fever of yours."

Comprehension shone in D'Artagnan's glassy eyes for a moment before confusion returned and Moreau got the feeling he wasn't going to like what was about to come out of the boy's mouth.

"…'Mis?" D'Artagnan asked weakly, his head tilting slightly to where he was sure his friend had been the last time he was awake.

"The musketeer has left with Treville and a few others on a rescue mission."

Shock and surprise caused the boy's eyes to widen and he once again tried to get out of bed, only this time he didn't need the doctor's hands to restrain him as a wave of extreme dizziness did that for him.

Moreau sighed, "Why must you musketeers be so stubborn. You have an extremely high fever and need rest. Your friend didn't go alone so have faith in his skills and focus on being better for when they return."

"We're almost there," noted Aramis tiredly as he picked up on a familiar structure in the distance. Part of him was surprised they had made it there as quick as they had but then he had to remember that both he and D'Artagnan had started off on foot, both were injured, had been caught in an ambush and forced to rest for a fair few hours thanks to their injuries so it made sense that, without stopping, they would reach the compound fairly fast.

"It's too quiet," remarked Issac as the group moved closer together, each of their hands slowly moving to their weapons.

"Unsheathe any of those fancy weapons of yours and my men will fire!" bellowed a voice, successfully startling the men, though they did not show it.

"Who are you? Identify yourself!" commanded Treville as he maneuvered his horse to stand protectively in front of Aramis who was alarmingly pale and looked ready to throw up, though Treville didn't know if it was because of his injuries or their new arrival.

"Identify myself?" scoffed the voice and the musketeers froze at the collective sound of several guns being primed for firing. "Why would I do that Captain?" he asked, practically spitting at the word Captain.

"He's not the one who interrogated us," whispered Aramis as he fought against the wave of nausea and dizziness that threatened to knock him off his horse. Now that the adrenaline of the hard ride was beginning to fade the marksman was feeling his injuries in full force and was struggling massively.

"It's rude to whisper Aramis," jeered the voice, his words making the musketeers move closer to the fading medic, each of them had seen the confusion flicker across their friend's face at the man's words. Clearly Aramis didn't know who was speaking but the fact that the speaker knew him and was threatening them was enough to spur the men into a protective formation.

"So Captain," spat the man though there was a hint of amusement in his voice. "I'm guessing you've come with the desperate hope of rescuing your men?"

The reminder of his missing men was enough to pull Treville out of his worry for Aramis. "Where are they?"

"Who knows," mocked the voice. "They're very stubborn those men of yours. Is that a musketeer thing? They tried so hard to reframe from screaming."

If possible Aramis paled further at those words, "What?" he whispered brokenly, barely registering the firm grip of Favier's hand on his shoulder.

"The grouchy one," the voice explained, clearly enjoying seeing the marksman in pain, "he was so quick to volunteer and held out so long before we got to hear him scream… Oh but the look on the other one's face when he did..."

"D'Artagnan!" exclaimed a joyful voice

"…J-Jacques," nodded D'Artagnan weakly as he leant heavily against the stable door.

"You're awake and out of bed!" beamed the teenager, only for the grin to transform into a frown when he saw how bad his friend looked. "Holy crap D'Art," swore the boy, "Are you sure you should be out of bed?"

Smiling weakly at the boy D'Artagnan nodded, hoping he could keep the lie out of his voice as he spoke. "The doctor said I could get some fresh air and I wanted to check on Buttercup, I pushed her pretty hard."

"I was just about to head out, got an errand for the stable master. If you want I can wait a bit and help you back to the infirmary?"

D'Artagnan shook his head, immediately regretting the action as it ignited a wave of dizziness that nearly sent him to the ground. "…I'm good," he said weakly, "best not keep the old man waiting… I'll be fine."

Jacques looked hesitant to leave the clearly ill Gascon but the reminder of his errand spurred him on, the stable master was a grouch at the best of time and Jacques really didn't want to get on his bad side by being late so with one last worried look he left the stables.

Once he was gone D'Artagnan breathed a sigh of relief as he stumbled to where his mare was stabled.

"…Hey old girl," crooned the Gascon weakly as he petted the mare's nose. "We need to go."

Unable to saddle the mare D'Artagnan settled for clumsily getting on her back before he spurred her into a gallop out of the garrison and towards his friends.