Evening My Lovelies

It's official people! This story is now my most reviewed story to date! I'm seriously in awe as to how many reviews I've received for this as well as the very likely possibility of reaching over 700 by the time this story ends. Thank you so much everyone!

Only 16 reviews needed to reach 700!

I kinda also feel like I should apologize for the randomness of yesterday's bear... i was trying to decide on something I hadn't done before and the idea of a bear attack wouldn't leave my head so I had to write it.

Notes On Reviews:

romirola: Thanks for the review - Yep, definitely gotta love fiction :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Deana: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it :) The bear idea was a bit random I'll admit but I think it worked... plus it meant that I got to write the beginning of this chapter like I did so I'm happy lol :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Bwahaha Yeah I don't think that's what they had in mind :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Yeah probably not the healthiest thing to keep it all bottled up for so long but oh well, meant we got an explosive rant that I had so much fun writing :D Haha I think our boys will be buying the drinks when they're back, both in thanks and in an attempt to get back into the doctors good books. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Tidia (Guest): Thanks for the review - Glad you liked the rant, I had a lot of fun writing that. Hmm we now have to keep Aramis and the pup away from water and Porthos from forests/woods lol. Enjoy the new chapter! x

watlocked: Thanks for the reviews - (Chapter 56) I agree, our boys are definitely cursed :D we've got some more banter today so hopefully you'll like that too :) (Chapter 57) Yep he definitely jinxed it :D I loved writing Moreau's rant so I'm really glad you enjoyed reading it. I'm hoping this chapter makes you laugh as well... more so the first half then the second. Glad you liked it, I figured it was a Porthosy thing too :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Helensg: Thanks for the review - I have a plan with regards to Athos just wait :D I'm really glad the rant went down well as I had such fun writing it... Whumpage and ranty scenes are always good fun to write :D The whole bear idea was beyond random and I have no idea where it came from but it kinda worked so I'm running with it :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

Maryg (Guest): Thanks for the review - My mind's convinced that D'Art is a child I think, hence why he comes across so childish. I wish I could properly explain the images my mind creates for him in some of the scenes as they are beyond adorable lol. I'm really happy you like how D'Arts coming across though, I do worry at some points that I'm letting my mind run with the whole childlike idea a bit too much but if lovely readers such as yourself are enjoying it I can relax :D I loved writing the rant so I'm glad you like that too. Hopefully you'll laugh at some of today's chapter (in a good way of course) Enjoy the new chapter! x

f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - Yep, Moreau has finally had enough with trouble/accident prone muskys lol :D Athos is desperately trying to come across healthier then he actually is right now but Moreau's having none of it :) Aramis had no chance of escaping the wagon, all resistance would be futile lol. I think if a bear attack isn't a true sign that you're cursed then nothing is lol. Enjoy the new chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - Hmm damn a bear trained by Marcel would have been such a good idea.. but no :( just a wild bear... I have no idea where Marcel would even get a hold of a bear to train... damn now my mind wants to create a baddie in a different story that has a trained bear ... oh the whumpage opportunities there... But I digress, back to the review :) Hmm Aramis's in napping a bit today but only so he can be up and awake when they get back... trust me he's going to need it :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - They just wouldn't be the boys we love if they weren't stubborn though I suppose :D I'm not entirely sure if D'Art and Aramis would be able to cancel each other out... If they didn't they'd definitely amplify their ability to find trouble. We're kinda getting a flashback (of sorts) to the beginning of the story today with D'Art and Mis so hopefully you like it. I loved writing that rant so much! I wanted Moreau to just let it all out, he's been under a lot of stress (poor man) and Athos was simply the straw that broke the camels back and of course Aramis couldn't help but join in just a bit :) I'm planning a D'Art/Jacques scene once they're all back so he can apologize, figure it's only fair seeing as how they're friends and D'Art scared the living daylights out of the poor boy. Treville's amusing me a lot lately to write. He's becoming so stressed and snappy its great :D We get to see a bit of the bear aftermath today so hopefully you'll like it. Enjoy the new chapter! x

MicheeO: Thanks for the review - Yep our boys are definitely cursed... cursed with having an evil minded writer! mwhahaha :D Worry not our boys will return to Paris :) Enjoy the new chapter! x

Katie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Yay I'm glad you liked it :) I have a feeling you'll like today's chapter, or the first half of it at least :D Enjoy the new chapter! x

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

Enjoy!

xxx

Chapter Fifty-Eight: The Road Home II

Porthos barked out a laugh at that, nodding his agreement before settling down next to his friend and using a torn off strip of his shirt to bandage the gash on Henri's arm. The gash was deep and long but had hopefully avoided doing any permanent damage. It desperately needed stitches but given their lack of supplies they resolved to make the best with what they had available.

"What?" Porthos asked, his voice laced with amusement as he caught the curious look Henri was sending his way as they waited for the group to catch up with them.

"How come… we just… fought a bear and yet you… look more relaxed then you've been in days?" mumbled Henri, exhaustion and pain seeping into his words, though he fought valiantly to keep his eyes open.

Porthos shrugged, "Punching things helps me relax."

Henri quirked a small smile, "and stabbing things?" he jokingly asked referring to the musketeer's blade that was still stuck in the bear's skull.

Grinning fiendishly Porthos winked at his friend "helps a lot."

"Least I know why Captain sent you out," huffed Henri, a grimace marring his face as he shuffled and inadvertently caused a sharp stab of pain to shoot through his arm and a wave of pain to ignite in his back.

"Easy Henri," soothed Porthos, all earlier joviality now gone as he watched the injured man with clear concern.

"…m'good Porthos," nodded Henri, blinking sluggishly as his double vision briefly returned. "Just sore as hell."

Porthos nodded absently, feeling fear growing inside of him as he watched the blood soak through the makeshift bandage as well as the growing signs of pain that his friend could no longer hide.

Noticing the paleness of Henri's skin Porthos came to a decision. Without saying a word the musketeer stood up and began undoing the belt around his waist.

"I know we're bonding over a near death experience," teased Henri, a small smirk pulling at his lips as he spoke, "but jeez Porthos, buy a guy dinner first."

Without missing a beat Porthos replied, "I did," whilst pointing to the dead bear.

Laughing at the larger musketeer's words Henri was sufficiently distracted from Porthos's actions until excruciating pain shot through his arm.

"Bloody hell!" cursed Henri as he tried to move out of Porthos's grip. "What the hell are you doing?"

"You're losing too much blood," explained Porthos as he finished tightening his belt around Henri's arm, doing his best to ignore the scream that tore out of Henri's throat as he did so.

"PORTHOS!"

"HENRI!"

The panicked shouts of there names had never sounded so good to either musketeer, though Porthos was pretty sure that Henri wasn't the best judge of things right now as the man looked ready to pass out, but in true musketeer fashion, was stubbornly fighting the urge to do so.

"OVER HERE!" bellowed Porthos, watching with barely concealed relief as Corbett and Issac stormed through the trees to reach them.

"What the hell happened?" Corbett demanded, his eyes wide with worry as he spotted the barely conscious Henri lying by the tree. "We were following your trail and suddenly both your horses arrive, riderless and spooked beyond belief!"

Porthos felt another sigh of relief escaping him at that news. He had still been riding D'Artagnan's mare and knew that it would devastate the boy if anything happened to the beast.

"Is that? A bear?" asked Issac, dumbfounded as he stared at the dead beast with wide eyes.

"Yep," answered Henri with an over the top nod that the man instantly regretted as it sent a wave of pain through his skull and had him letting out a small whimper of pain as he cupped his head in his hands.

Noticing the blade sticking out of the bear's head Corbett couldn't stop the impressed smirk that graced his lips as he turned back to Porthos, "Nice work."

Porthos shrugged but the devilish grin on his face gave away his pride at making such a hit although another whimper of pain from Henri had the larger man back at the man's side in an instant.

"We need either 'Mis or Moreau," he stated, all mirth now gone from his voice. "How far behind is the rest of the group?"

"Not far," stated Issac as he knelt by Henri's side, "We were fairly close when we heard the scream. The Captain sent us off as soon as we heard it, they'll be here before too long."

"I can ride back and get the doctor if you think it'll help," offered Corbett, not liking the paleness of Henri's skin.

Porthos shook his head, "The belt's doing it's job at the moment, if the others are as close as you said I'd rather have additional support here just in case."

Corbett nodded, seeing the logic in his comrade's words before he turned back to inspect the bear.

"Moreau's not going to like this," remarked Issac after a few moments, though the lightness in his voice told Porthos it wasn't because of the severity of Henri's injuries.

Before Porthos could query it though Corbett was snorting in amusement. "Yeah but bet Athos will be glad it's not him."

"What?" Porthos asked, curious as to what Athos had to do with it. The pair then informed them of the massive rant the doctor had gone on and how the worst of it had been directed at Athos. Porthos seemed to find this as amusing as his friends as he quickly let out a bark of laughter.

"Well no one's died if you're laughing like that," remarked a tense Treville as he and some of the other men approached.

"Not yet Cap'in" slurred Henri as he tried to keep his eyes open to address his superior.

Treville's eyes went wide as he spotted his injured musketeer before quickly ordering one of the men to get Moreau, the main group having stopped a few minutes up the path in case things had been dangerous.

"Explain," demanded the Captain as he tried to will his body to remain calm at the fact yet another one of his men were injured.

"We were attacked by a bear," explained Porthos as he gestured to the dead beast behind them.

"Porthos stabbed it in the head!" exclaimed Henri as if it needed mentioning.

Shaking his head fondly at the injured man Porthos ignored his comment and went on to explain the ordeal to Treville who was looking somewhere between exasperated and impressed.

"One day," huffed Moreau as he approached the group before heading to Henri's side, "Can you men not go a single day without injuring yourselves?"

Even in his addled state Henri knew not to answer that and simply settled for smiling guiltily at the doctor, who glared at him before getting to work, mumbling what sounded like curses under his breath as he did so.

"What of you Porthos?" Treville asked, his eyes roving over the man's form looking for any signs of injury.

"Apparently I dodge better then Henri," replied Porthos, sending the injured musketeer a teasing smile as he spoke, "Added a few new bruises to my collection I think but nothing beyond that."

Treville didn't look like he completely believed him but the Captain decided to let it go for now and handle his injured man instead.

"Everyone take a break," he ordered, "We'll move on as soon as Moreau's done treating Henri."

Porthos nodded at his Captain before moving to head towards his friends. As he approached the larger musketeer could tell something was wrong by the worried look on Athos's face and the way his gaze never moved from staring at the other wagon where a dreaming Aramis was mumbling slightly in his sleep as he was wrapped up tight in D'Artagnan's arms.

At the sound of Aramis's small whimper Porthos instinctively moved to be by his brother's side, only to be stopped by Athos grabbing his arm.

"D'Artagnan's got it," stated the swordsman in answer to Porthos's silent question, neither man's gaze moving from their brothers.

He needed to breathe, he could feel his lungs burning, screaming for air, but even amongst the panic Aramis knew he needed to keep his mouth shut, to try and breathe now would sign his death sentence.

He could feel the reeds tightening their grip around his leg as they pulled him further and further from the surface.

Panic began to burn fiercer in him as his vision, as obscured as it was, began to fade more from the lack of oxygen… He NEEDED to breathe.

"Breathe Aramis," whispered D'Artagnan as he tightened his grip on the panicking sharpshooter in his arms. He knew the musketeer would not want his nightmare to be broadcasted for all the men to see so he kept his voice just loud enough for him to hear.

D'Artagnan had a feeling he knew what his friend was being terrorized by, having had a similar dream after his own experience.

"You're in control Aramis," he whispered, ignoring the words he could hear Athos speaking near him. "You can breathe… You're okay, I've got you."

"You're okay, I've got you."

That one sentence penetrated through Aramis's panic and filled him with a sense of warmth that chased off the chill of the water and gave him the strength to push through the water and to the surface.

D'Artagnan watched with a small smile as Aramis took a deep breath, his body relaxing ever so slightly as the nightmare began to diminish in strength.

He was about to inform the others of this when he suddenly felt Aramis tense up again in his arms. Without even thinking the Gascon dipped his head back to the marksman's ear and began whispering words of comfort and encouragement while his good hand gently squeezed the musketeer's shoulder and his broken hand drew slow, small circles on Aramis's hand.

Porthos and Athos watched with matching looks of fondness and pride as D'Artagnan continued to comfort their sleeping friend, the boy somehow managing to bring the musketeer back into a peaceful sleep whenever the nightmare began to return.

"He's doing good," remarked Porthos quietly so only Athos could hear him. The swordsman nodded, a small smile tugging his lips.

"How's he looking Moreau?" Treville asked worriedly as he watched the doctor finish bandaging up the injured musketeer's arm.

"Surprisingly well for a bear attack," remarked Moreau tiredly, "He's cracked a few ribs and I don't doubt he'll have some impressive bruising on his back in the next few days. The head wounds not too bad, though the blood loss from the gash on his arm definitely made it worse."

"And his arm?" Treville asked hesitantly, he'd seen men's careers in the regiment end over arm injuries and Henri was one of his best, he didn't want that to happen to him.

Sensing what was causing the Captain's worries Moreau pushed down his irritation at having yet another musketeer to treat and sent the Captain a small, reassuring smile. "Porthos did well stopping the blood when he did," he explained nodding to the blood soaked belt now lying on the ground. "We'll have to watch the wound intently as I can almost guarantee it'll get infected but it doesn't seem to have caused any permanent damage to the limb's mobility, though I'll have to wait until he's awake again to properly confirm that."

Treville sighed in relief, his eyes darting over to the bear two of his men had taken upon themselves to skin… Things could have been a lot worse.

"The wagon Athos and Favier are in is large enough to hold another person and we are only a few hours from the city, how soon can we move him and be on our way?"

"Give me a minute to wrap his ribs and then we can move."

Treville nodded before moving to his men to prepare them for their departure. His eyes momentarily widened at the sight of his 'inseparables' as he saw the two conscious men watching as D'Artagnan seemingly comforted the medic through a nightmare.

"We're heading out in ten minutes, everyone pack up!"

The familiar sights of Paris were a beyond welcomed vision for the exhausted and injured group of musketeers, the group too caught up in actually getting back to the city that they failed to notice the hushed whispers from the general populace that followed them to their garrison, each one an assumption as to what had caused so many of the elite regiment to be injured.

"Where are the musketeers usually on guard here?" asked Treville as he tried his hardest not to glare at the Red Guard in front of him that was smirking at his injured men.

"The King left on a hunt a few days ago, he took most of what remained of the regiment with him as protection," explained an approaching city guard who had noticed their arrival as well as the clear lack of co-operation from the Red Guard on duty. "The Cardinal ordered several of his regiment to handle guard duty until they returned."

Grateful at not having to have to speak to the Red Guard, Treville turned his attention to the young guard. "When are they due back?"

"This evening sir should the weather hold."

"My thanks," nodded Treville before directing his men back towards the garrison. He was as eager to be back as the rest of his men but he was not looking forward to dealing with the King upon his return, he found himself hoping the monarch had an extremely successful hunt so he would be in a more pleasant mood.

Upon their return to the garrison Treville was slightly concerned over the lack of people about but found himself justifying their absence with various mundane and fairly plausible reasons that didn't fully convince him but worked well enough that his exhausted mind allowed his guard to lower a fraction.

"Get the injured to the infirmary then the rest of you can get some sleep, I'll work out some well deserved time off for you all once the rest of the regiment returns from their trip with the King."

The men practically beamed at the thought of some time off to recover from the stressful trip and each moved quickly to aid in the task of settling their injured in so they could move to the comforts of their own beds.

Watching his men for a moment with fondness in his eyes and a smile tugging at his lips Treville let himself have a moment to relax at the thought of being home before moving to tackle the stairs to his office.

Upon opening the door he found himself unable to bite back a groan at the tower of paperwork now balanced rather precariously on his desk.

The joys of being home, sighed Treville internally before settling himself behind his desk.

He was so focused on the mountain in front of him he didn't notice he wasn't alone in the room until he heard the all too familiar sound of a pistol being primed for firing.

Slowly moving his hand to his own pistol Treville glared as a man emerged from the shadows, a large and intimidating pistol aimed directly at his chest.

"Welcome back Captain…"