Title: Of Murder and Magic
Author: me
Rating: PG-16?
Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Romance
Characters / Pairings: England, Seychelles, America, France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and others. US / UK, one sided France / Seychelles, one-sided France / UK, Spain / Romano and Germany / Italy if you squint.
Summary: Gakuen Hetalia AU. When a student is found murdered, and Arthur is named the next victim. Arthur takes it upon himself to solve the mystery. But will it take his life to solve it?
Ch 12 Of Returns and Spells
Everyone noticed Arthur's absence. Kiku was the first to discover that Arthur's side of the room had looked ransacked, items thrown and clothes on the floor. Kiku had called everyone he knew and looked everywhere for Arthur. Kiku had first informed Principal Rome of the situation. Principal Rome had taken the news like he took everything else, slowly. He seemed unabashed by what happened, almost as if he had expected it. This puzzled Kiku. Principal Rome always seemed to be one step ahead of everyone. Kiku wouldn't have been surprised if he knew where Arthur was.
Kiku had headed to Ivan Braginski's room, the place where Alfred had temporarily taken residence in. Kiku didn't know the exact relationship the two had and didn't want to find out. Ivan scared Kiku beyond his wits despite Ivan's kind expressions. There was something about the man that disturbed most people.
Kiku shuddered as he knocked on the door, hoping to find Alfred in. The door opened inwards, revealing a thin young man with long dark hair tied in a ponytail.
“Yao.”
“Hello Kiku -aru, “Yao said warmly, ushering Kiku inside as if knowing his task. Kiku was forced inside and found himself in what seemed to be a very large living room. In the center of the room was a large table with a checkers board on it. Seated on either side of the table were Alfred and Ivan, engaged in what seemed to be a rather competitive game, neither side having an advantage over the other. Kiku felt it almost rude to interrupt while they were in such a heated game.
“Snacks?” Yao offered Kiku a plate of delicacies. Kiku shook his head. He had a mission to do. He had to inform Alfred of what happened. Perhaps Alfred knew what had occurred? Perhaps Arthur was off somewhere and Kiku had simply overreacted? There's only one way to find out. Kiku gathered all the courage he had and walked up to the excited Alfred.
“Alfred,” Kiku said softly. Alfred grunted in acknowledgment, too engaged in his game to even give a proper greeting. Kiku ignored Alfred's rudeness and continued. “Alfred, may I speak to you for a moment.” Alfred grunted again and motioned with his hand that he was busy.
Kiku sighed and then tried again. “Alfred, it's important.” Alfred sighed and stood up. Kiku led him to a room and closed the door behind them.
“What is it, Kiku?” Alfred asked, slightly irritated at being interrupted at an important game. Kiku cleared his throat and looked Alfred straight in the eye.
“Alfred, do you where Arthur is?”
“Uh, no . Me and Arthur-”
” Arthur and I, “Kiku corrected.
” Stop interrupting Kiku. This isn't about you. Wait your turn. Now as I was saying, me and Arthur are kind of not speaking to each other right now, “Alfred admitted, slightly irritated at the thought of Arthur. Arthur could be a real jerk sometimes. A cute jerk, one with the cutest expressions on his face when he gets angry. but a jerk nonetheless.
Kiku sighed. “Arthur hasn't been seen for the past 48 hours. Now I know-”
” Arthur's missing ?!”
“I didn't say that-”
“But you were getting there!” Alfred yelled out. He figured that Arthur would get himself into more trouble while they were fighting. Arthur just had to go asking for trouble. Alfred felt his heart heave into his chest. Arthur was missing. It could mean.No! Arthur was a damsel in distress and Alfred was going to save him! Because Alfred was a hero, damn it. And heroes always got the girl and the happy ending.
“Arthur's not missing. He's just hiding. You'll see, Kiku. Arthur's fine, “Alfred stated, determination etched into his voice. Kiku sighed, knowing that when Alfred got like this there was no stopping him. Alfred had now made it his temporary mission to find Arthur and scold him for worrying everyone.
Alfred opened the door to the room and stepped out, making his way to Ivan.
“Sorry Ivan. I have to cut this game short. My hero's duty is calling, “Alfred explained, grabbing a couple sweets from a plate. Ivan nodded and smiled gently.
“It's alright, Alfred. We can continue this some other time. We can even raise the stakes. If you lose you must become one with-”
” Yeah yeah whatever, “Alfred said, popping some more sweets into his mouth. He had only heard the “become one with me” speech so many times. A hero can only take so much. Alfred nodded pleasantly before leaving and shutting the door behind him.
Alfred decided to visit Matthew before heading off on his journey to find Arthur. Alfred knew that he hadn't been the best brother to Matthew. He had neglected Matthew and as a result had almost lost him. Alfred vowed to be a better brother this time around.
Alfred knocked on Francis's door. Matthew had been staying at Francis's room ever since the fire. Alfred had tried to convince him that they should stay together but Matthew had been unreceptive, having said not even one word since. The only person Matthew would even listen to was Francis. Alfred had grudgingly let Francis take care of Matthew. Alfred made surprise visits to make sure that Francis kept his hands to himself. Alfred wouldn't let Matthew be molested by Francis.
With his impatience getting the better of him, Alfred knocked again and again until finally a disheveled Francis opened the door.
“What is it, mon ami?” Francis asked irritably, his voice lacking its usual flirtatious flair. Francis's faced softened when he saw that it was Alfred.
“Come in. You've come to see Matthew, oui? “Francis asked softly. Alfred nodded, following Francis inside.
Alfred had seen Francis's room before, had seen the extravagant curtains and excessive flamboyant furniture and ornaments. Alfred had also seen the inappropriate posters that had decorated Francis's side of the room and the pile of pornographic magazines and videos stashed in the corner. It had almost been as if a rainbow had thrown up and spewed an array of colors everywhere. Francis's room looked bare compared to the last time Alfred had seen it. The inappropriate posters were nowhere to be seen. The stash of porn was hidden from view. The more flamboyant, eye-catching objects had disappeared. It almost looked like a normal room. Alfred, for one, was glad that Matthew hadn't been exposed to the more mature side of Francis.
Francis had signaled with his finger for Alfred to be quiet. On a bed (Alfred has assumed it was Francis's and he hoped that Francis had taken to sleeping on the floor) snuggled under numerous blankets with a bear in his arms was a sleeping Matthew, his face relaxed. Alfred smiled and wrapped the blankets more closely around Matthew. Matthew looked so peaceful in his sleep.
“Is he feeling better?” Alfred whispered.
Francis nodded. “He seems much better now.”
“Francis?”
“Oui?”
” Do you know where Arthur is? “Francis shook his head. “I have not heard from Arthur since we found Matthew. Is something wrong? “Francis asked, his voice conveying his concern. He wondered if perhaps the creature had finally gotten to Arthur. Francis felt his heart clench in anticipation.
“Kiku hasn't seen him. He thinks that Arthur might have gone missing, “Alfred said quietly.
” And do you believe that? “
” No. My gut tells me that Arthur's out there. He's just being a jerk by not letting us know where he is. I'll find him wherever he is, “Alfred said, determined, his arms crossed across his chest.
“Good luck on your endeavor,” Francis chuckled softly. He had to admire Alfred's spunk. Alfred nodded.
“Take good care of Mattie for me, ok?” Francis nodded in understanding. Alfred took one last look at his brother before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.
–
It had taken Arthur five hours in order to get all the necessary materials ready. It had taken him an hour to get to the airport where he had to wait another two hours before actually boarding. When going through customs, Arthur was forced to leave behind some of the materials he had bought. Arthur gritted his teeth and dealt with the situation as best he could.
It was a horribly long flight for Arthur, consisting of approximately 9 hours. Arthur had been bored out of his skull and was slowly becoming more insane by the minute. To make time pass by faster, Arthur had taken to reading the book he had bought from an antique book shop. It was a little dusty and old but still readable and in good condition. Arthur started flipping through the pages, enjoying the wonderful (and sometimes graphic) illustrations.
Arthur fell asleep two hours into the flight. He had spent the whole day searching for the materials he needed for his plan. It had taken the most time to find the book. He had to go through seven different bookstores before finding it. The trip had also been heavy on his wallet (this also included the money he had spent on Peter. Peter had asked for a lollipop and didn't stop whining until Arthur had finally given in to his demands).
Peter (fortunately) had to be left behind in Edinburgh. Arthur thought it best for him to stay behind. If he came, Peter might witness Arthur being killed by some strange creature and the boy needn't be traumatized just yet. There were still plenty of horrors that awaited him. Not only was Andrew expecting Peter to be there when he returned, Arthur also did not have enough money to pay for Peter's ticket (let alone the other expenses Peter would have no doubt whined about). Peter had whined and thrown many a tantrum before finally settling down and bidding Arthur farewell. Arthur was relived to be free of the burden and silently wished Andrew good luck with the boy.
Arthur dreamt of a black lagoon. The lagoon had mutated fish swimming in its depth. In the darkest and most elaborate of underwater caves was the lair of a monster, one so dangerous that all the fish cowered away in fear when it approached. One day, there was one fish though, braver than its comrades that stayed behind when all others had long since fled. The brave fish offered the monster some plants, which the monster gladly accepted. The two become friends and were inseparable. One day, humans had decided to fish in this dark gloomy lagoon. All the fish remained in their homes for the day, knowing the humans would leave quickly if they caught nothing. The brave fish also stayed in its home, eagerly waiting the time when he and his monster friend would be reunited. The monster, thinking that his brave friend had abandoned him, went on a killing spree, killing all those in sight. The brave fish returned the next day, finding the destruction the monster had caused. The brave fish confronted the monster on his crime. The monster proved defensive and attacked the brave fish. The brave fish was thrown into the sand and that was the end of the dream.
Arthur woke up with a start, the dream catching him off guard. He felt that the dream paralleled the situation he was in now. The only thing that troubled Arthur was the outcome. Would he be able to survive and accomplish the foul deed? Or would he fail, leaving the creature to do what it wished? Arthur was a very cynical if not very reasonable person and he knew the odds he faced. The chances of him surviving the encounter would be slim at best. But Arthur was prepared for that. He had made peace with the fact that he might not make it to see the next sunrise or see Alfred's smiling face one more time. It was his problem and he would take his chances.
Before Arthur knew it, the plane had landed and people were departing and taking their belongings with them. Arthur grabbed his knapsack and carry-on bag and rushed to the exit. It took him a while to find the exit. Once he did find it, he rushed to find a taxi.
Five minutes later, Arthur was seated within a taxi, staring at the scenery and taking every image in. He sincerely hoped that it wasn't going to be the last time he saw the city. Arthur felt he left too many things unfinished and some undone. Arthur scolded himself for thinking negatively and reminiscing. Of course he was going to live! There were too many things he had to do. First, he had to scold Francis for all his perversions. Second, he had to make sure Matthew was all right. Thirdly, he had to find some way to make Seychelles think twice before talking back to him. And.he had to tell Alfred how he felt.
Arthur had avoided the subject of the kiss for weeks, leaving Alfred very confused. Alfred would try to bring the subject up, only for Arthur to change it back to something else. Whenever it looked like Alfred was going to ask him something, Arthur would turn the other way. Alfred was left thinking that perhaps he didn't like him back. The poor boy had no clue that Arthur liked him just as romantically. Arthur had always thought that there was still time. That one day he would tell Alfred. One day. And now.it was best not to think about it.
The cab pulled to a stop, indicating that they had arrived at the desired location, Coral beach. Arthur thanked the man and paid him.
“Do you need any help?”
“Pardon me?” The cabdriver pointed to Arthur's injured arm. Arthur had stopped using the sling but the arm had yet to heal.
“Oh yes, please,” Arthur said gratefully. The driver stepped out and helped Arthur lug the suitcase and bag on the sidewalk. With that done, the driver got back in and drove off.
Arthur sighed, knowing that he had to make the necessary preparations for the confrontation. If all went well, Little Flats should be rid of its menace and Arthur of his. Arthur lugged his suitcase and kicked the rest of his belongings all the way down to the beach. Once he was close enough to the water he stopped and opened the bag. From it he removed a bag of chalk rocks * that he bought in a gemstone shop. He searched through his knapsack and took out the book he had been reading earlier. Arthur had made sure to mark the page carefully. Arthur flipped through the pages until he had found the crease in it that he had made earlier. Arthur placed the book on the sand and carried the bag of chalk in his arms, dropping each rock in the pattern shown in the diagram. He had distributed the rocks wide enough so that the pattern wasn't as noticeable.
After double-checking to make sure he had made the pattern right, Arthur closed the book and hid the rest of his belongings under a bench on the sidewalk. With any hope, they would still be there when he returned for them. He took out a 1850s English field sword and took it back to the shore. He dug a small hole, placed the sword in it and covered it with a light layer of sand. He hoped that it wasn't too conspicuous.
Having finished his preparations, Arthur took his place and shouted as loud as he could.
“Oi!” The short yell had managed to get the wanted result. The water stirred, creating large ripples. The ripples increased in shape and intensity until finally large waves ebbed and flowed on the sand. From the water emerged a large dark creature, not the same dark fairy he had encountered years before.
“Show me your true shape, dark fairy,” Arthur called out. The dark fairy chuckled and started to change its shape. It grew larger, its head becoming larger and larger. Its legs split and stretched until there were four horse legs where the two once stood. The two yellow eyes merged into one and changed in hue. The dark skin changed into a skinless flesh with pronounced dark veins. This was the fairy he remembered, large and menacing.
“Decided to show your face, have you?” the dark fairy asked, cocking its large head to the side.
“Thought you might have made a run for it, “it continued. The dark fairy scrutinized Arthur with its large eye. Arthur stood his ground, staring straight at the dark fairy's eye.
“No. I wouldn't run away. I'm not a coward, “Arthur said defiantly, trying to mask the ounce of fear he felt. The dark fairy chuckled.
“Good. Let's get started shall we? “
Arthur clenched his fist, ready for whatever awaited him.
–
Alfred didn't know what made him drive to the beach. The beach had been deserted ever since 'The Odor' had arrived. Something in Alfred's gut told him that he might find Arthur here.
Alfred drove alone, the radio on full blast. He had decided not to bring anyone. Everyone seemed too consumed by their own problems. But that was fine for him. He was a hero. He didn't need anyone! He could handle finding Arthur by himself. How hard could it be to find just one person?
He decided to stop by McDonalds first. He needed plenty of energy if he was going to deal with Arthur. Arthur was quite a handful, time seemed to prove. After Alfred had his fill of Big Macs and Coke, he headed back to Coral beach.
It was strange, the feeling he got. Alfred really couldn't shake it off. He had planned some other places to search first but the feeling persisted. The feeling had gotten so strong that Alfred felt almost.panicked. But that was ludicrous. Heroes didn't panic. He must have been anxious. That's right, anxious. It must be his “heroes” senses tingling. Kind of like Spiderman had spider senses except his were much cooler.
It was then that it occurred to Alfred that perhaps Arthur might be in danger. He couldn't understand it though. Why would Arthur be at the beach?
And ..
Crap.
Alfred knew it now, the reason he had been feeling so strangely, why he felt anxious, why Arthur had gone “missing”. Everything made sense now. Arthur hadn't gone missing. He went to confront the monster just like a true hero would.
Alfred slapped himself on the forehead. Idiot. Arthur was a complete idiot. He wasn't a hero. There was no way Arthur could handle the creature by himself! It takes a real hero (like himself) to defeat monsters. Silly Arthur. Didn't he know that? And they called Alfred the dense one.
Cursing silently to himself, Alfred stepped on the gas pedal, hoping that his theory was wrong and that he wasn't too late.
–
“Why?” Arthur asked resolutely.
“Why what?”
“Why did you do all this? What was the reason? “
” Do you not remember, Arthur? “The creature asked impatiently, standing up on its hind legs and then stomping wildly, frustrated.
“I remember. I just don't understand. I did nothing-”
” Nothing wrong you say? You abandoned me. “
” No, I didn't. You didn't let me explain myself, “Arthur said calmly as if speaking to a spoilt child.
” Neither did you! You went along with what they said, the humans. You listened to them and assumed the worst of me, “it said, enraged, breathing heavily from its mouth.
” II didn't. I went to-”
” NO! “It boomed. “I shouldn't have listened to a human. Humans are dirty creatures, only good as meals. And guess what, Arthur. I'm hungry, “it said, licking its lips with a long red tongue. Arthur took this as his sign to take his plan into action. He frowned when he saw that the dark fairy was still in the water. He would have to get it to come closer if his plan was to work.
Arthur kicked the saber from its place and quickly bent down to retrieve it. The dark fairy's eye widened at the sight of the weapon. It then cackled loudly.
“You really think you can beat me with that puny stick? I'll trample you before you can even nick me, “the creature boasted, grinning widely. It lunged at Arthur. Arthur lunged towards it, saber in hand. The saber hit its mark, sinking deeply into the fairy's shoulder. The fairy reared on its hind legs, kicking wildly, trying to get the saber out. Arthur still held the saber in his hand and when the fairy started to kick harder, he was tossed across the beach by the fairy's sheer strength.
Arthur landed on the sand. It took a moment for Arthur to remember where he was and what he was doing. He jumped up and looked at his surroundings. He scanned the beach for the chalk rocks. He saw that the fairy was still out of range from his makeshift circle.
By the time Arthur had gotten up, the dark fairy had managed to pull the saber out and toss it aside. It was now running towards Arthur. Arthur had realized that he had lost his only method of defending himself and tried to run, hoping to lure the fairy closer to his circle. The fairy followed, galloping quickly. Arthur cursed to himself when he saw how quickly the fairy was trotting towards him, closing the gap between them faster than Arthur had anticipated.
He had just a few more feet. If he could get the fairy into the circle then his work was half-finished. Arthur didn't need to turn around to see that the fairy was very close to probably conking him on his head. Arthur used the rest of his reserved energy to try to close the distance from the circle of chalk rocks. He felt the fairy's fingers brush the back of his neck and Arthur jumped the rest of the distance.
Arthur had barely made it inside. Now all he had to do was make sure that the creature was inside as well.
Arthur had landed on his stomach. He was going to pick himself up when the fairy picked him up by the back of his shirt. Arthur struggled to get down, swinging his good arm widely and kicking as far as he could. The fairy laughed, victorious in catching its prey.
“That wasn't too hard-”
The fairy stopped when it heard Arthur . chanting? Perhaps saying some last minute prayers? The fairy shook its head at Arthur. It was foolish of Arthur to think he could have won. The fairy raised Arthur off the ground, the chanting continuing. It was only when the rocks glowed a bright fluorescent green that the fairy realized what Arthur had done.
“Y-you! What have you done?! “It cried. Chains emerged from the ocean, wrapping around the fairy's hind legs and dragging it back to the water. In his realization, the fairy had dropped Arthur to the ground. Arthur rubbed his arms and legs, trying to get the feeling back into them.
The fairy had tried to pull and tear on the chains with its bare hands but that only added to its aggravation. The chains glowed bright red, heating up and burning the fairy's flesh. The fairy screeched in agony, its cries echoing through the land.
Arthur had tried to scramble out of the circle and out of the fairy's reach. The fairy had turned its attention to Arthur now.
“No. If I am forced to go to whatever hell you're sending me to then I shall bring you with me. So that you can share in my agony, “the fairy screeched bitterly, one hand stretched, transforming into one large claw. Arthur had not scrambled far enough. The claw had managed to grab a hold of him, sinking its talons deep into the flesh of his stomach.
Arthur wheezed, feeling blood come up his throat and out his mouth. He tried to reach out but he didn't have the strength to try to get himself out of the fairy's reach. He could feel the chains slowly drag the fairy back into its depths, him along with it. If the fairy didn't kill Arthur first, the ocean would.
Arthur closed his eyes, hoping that his pain would end soon.
–
Alfred parked his car in the parking lot, the radio turning off as he did so. He stepped out and shut the door behind him. He walked closer to the pier, scanning the beach as he did so. He searched for anything unusual and frowned when he saw nothing.
He rushed and hurried for nothing. Alfred frowned for a moment, scratching his head. He thought that maybe that strange tingling sensation in his stomach was a hero's sense of some sort. It could have been indigestion, he supposed.
Alfred was about to head back to his car when he saw something from the corner of his eye. Movement. He walked closer, to get a better look at them. He saw drag marks and then he saw something in the water.
His eyes widened in realization, Alfred ran towards the figure as fast as he could, hoping-praying that it wasn't what he thought it was.
–
Arthur felt the water reach his legs . The water felt cool and distracted Arthur from the burning sensation in his stomach. He could feel the struggle the fairy put against its bonds, fighting with every ounce of its strength to break free from the chains. Arthur would have sighed were it not for his growing difficulty to breathe. At least he had managed to accomplish his task.even if it was at the cost of his own life.
For a moment, Arthur thought that he was dreaming when he felt strong arms wrap around his chest, pulling him away from the fairy. It was at that instant that sound returned to Arthur's ear. He hadn't even realized that he had lost it. He could hear grunts of effort from his would-be-savior.
Arthur's eyes were clenched shut, afraid that if he were to open them, he would find another fairy wanting to get a piece of him. Arthur risked it and opened his eyes. He saw blue eyes, the bluest eyes he had ever seen. Blue as the sky on a clear day. He also saw fire in them and determination and strength. In those eyes, Arthur saw everything that he loved and hated about life. The stubbornness, the arrogance, the selfishness, the tenderness, the kindness, the. everything. Arthur felt at peace with himself and relaxed, knowing that he was safe in those arms.
Alfred gritted his teeth in effort, pulling Arthur towards him with all the strength he had. He would not let the creature have him. No. Arthur belonged to him. No one else.
The fairy redoubled its efforts and strained to keep its grip on Arthur. The chains were pulling on it, the force increasing in intensity. The fairy started to lose its grip and sunk its other claw into Arthur's thigh, nice and deep to ensure that Arthur would not elude him.
Arthur screamed in pain, the pain growing nearer to unbearable. He thrashed and kicked with his free foot. The fairy's grip loosened once more. Alfred saw this as his opportunity to pull Arthur free and pulled harder. The fairy's talons were stuck to Arthur's flesh and as the tug of war continued, the fairy dragged its talons down Arthur's body. As the fairy was dragged further and deeper into the ocean, its talons pulled on Arthur's flesh and sank deeper and further down his body.
It was almost a full minute of the tug of war between the two before the full effects of Arthur's spell took hold and the fairy was forced to relinquish its hold on Arthur before being dragged down a whirlpool and down into its depth. The whirlpool sucked the fairy down and then dissipated, leaving the water calm and smooth almost as if nothing had occurred.
Alfred fell back on his back, holding Arthur close to his chest. He panted, tired from the exertions. He laughed, happy that it was over. Arthur was safe.
His elation was cut short once he felt something seeping his clothes. Alfred sniffed the air and smelled blood. He looked down and saw blood pouring out of Arthur's wounds.
“A-arthur! You're hurt! “Arthur made no reply, his face pale. Alfred felt fear grip his stomach. He quickly searched through his pockets, trying to locate his phone. He dialed nine one one and held up the phone to his ear.
“Hello. Please state your emergency, “the dispatcher said calmly.
” Ii.I 'm at Coral beach in Little Flats and my f-friend is hurt, like bad. Please come as soon as possible,” Alfred said, trying his best to speak as loudly and clearly as possible.
“What ha-“
“Don't ask me stupid questions! Just get here!” Alfred exclaimed and then promptly hung up. He tried to pull Arthur from the water. When he turned to look at Arthur, he saw how serious his injuries were. Arthur's stomach had been almost ripped open, exposing Arthur's innards to the outside. His legs were a mess. There was so much blood coming from his leg wounds that Alfred could not distinguish the extent of Arthur's injuries.
The more he stared at them, the more anxious Alfred became. He tried to get Arthur on his back, trying not to cause Arthur any further pain. Arthur had been quiet and unresponsive which worried Alfred. He was also far too pale and losing far too much blood for his liking. Perhaps he shouldn't have hung up on the dispatcher.
“Hey, Artie, how are we doing?” Alfred asked softly, trying to get a reply from Arthur. Arthur opened his eyes, clear and almost unseeing.
“Arthur?”
“Yes?” Arthur managed to croak weakly. Alfred sighed in relief, worried for a moment that Arthur wasn't there with him.
“Hey, just hold on, ok? The ambulance will be here soon,” Alfred said, trying to soothe Arthur.
“I-I can't feel my legs,” Arthur remarked dryly. Alfred tensed for a moment before trying to talk.
“I'm sure its fine, Arthur. You'll see,” Alfred reassured him. Arthur tried to close his eyes but was shaken roughly by Alfred. Arthur turned to look at him and saw Alfred frowning at him.
“You can't go to sleep yet, Arthur, not until the ambulance comes, ok?”
“I'm not a child, Alfred,” Arthur said softly, lacking his usual vigor. He was starting to get more tired by the minute. He wished that Alfred would let him rest.
Arthur didn't know how much time had passed. Alfred had fallen silent, murmuring words of encouragement to him. It was getting more difficult to breathe, Arthur noted. He said nothing to Alfred though, sensing Alfred's anxiety.
After what seemed like hours to the both of them, the ambulance arrived. The paramedics rushed to Arthur and carried him gently to the stretcher. Alfred followed close behind, refusing to be separated from Arthur.
At this point, Arthur was beginning to lose consciousness. He could no longer make out voices or sounds. Images were starting to blur. Time seemed to slow down. For a moment, Arthur lost sight of Alfred. He tried to search for himself but it became harder and harder to distinguish shapes. He relaxed when he felt fingers grasp his own tightly. Arthur tried to squeeze back but found that he couldn't.
Arthur opened his eyes one more time and looked around. He didn't need glasses to know that the shimmering blue orbs were Alfred's eyes. Arthur gazed into them one last time before closing his eyes.
And then his world went black.
-
* Yes, chalk rocks. Chalk is actually a soft, white, porous sedimentary rock, a form of limestone composed of the mineral calcite. Modern blackboard chalk is actually made of gypsum though it originally was made of chalk rocks.
And yes, I completely fail. I was originally going to try to get Arthur to say the spell in Latin but I didn't find any English-Latin dictionaries online 
So I went with nothing.
By my lame description of Alfred's distress call, you guys can probably tell I've never dialed 9-1-1 in my life. Oh well.
Um cliffhanger anyone? Arthur's fate and any questions will be revealed in the next and FINAL chapter of this fanfiction.
As for the sequel, I still haven't come up with a plot per say so it's not a sure thing yet. ^^ If you guys have any ideas for it, I'd be glad to hear them.
And I was supposed to post this earlier but my beloved monthly visitor came. Oh the wonderful pain. Next chapter should be up in 1-2 weeks depending on how horrible I job I did and how busy I am with finals. No promises though.
