Anybody But You

93

Chapter Ninety-Three

Vibe: Apologize by grandson

"Sir Jay, how are the locks coming?" Alice wondered, wiping the sweat off her brow as she tried her best to practice the arm movements that Henry had taught them—using their cuffs and chains as weapons. She was internally grateful for her sword training—her arms not nearly as weak as they had been.

Jay shook his head, his strawberry-blond bearded face frustrated as the light began to truly disappear now as the carriage reached the deeper parts of the forest. "It's possible that they've sealed them with magic—no matter how many times I release the spring and the bar, it won't fully unlock."

Alice bit her bottom lip, if she had her magic she could ensure the safety of everyone no matter what appeared. Without it, however, she felt blind—like she was missing one of her senses. Or like she had lost an arm.

Even more than that, it was as if all her talent and capabilities were taken away from her. Rather than being blind and able to work around what was missing, Alice had felt as if she had nothing left to work with. In fact, she felt like Useless and Creepy over there—a total waste of space.

Shaking her head she sighed, "Never-mind with that then. Maybe we can break them instead?" She wondered, looking at the heavy iron cuffs.

George spoke up beside Alice as they readjusted to lean into the group, "What about the cage bars? They're all welded sep... arately..." they trailed off, frowning as they realized they were helping.

Alice continued where they left off, "If they're separate maybe there are some loose or rusting ones?" She nodded, beginning to check as everyone except for Ana and Charles in the middle grabbed the bars behind them.

Alice watched with narrowed eyes as Creepy managed to find one—the clang as it released loud enough to make everyone stop breathing. They had been trying to remain quiet so not to alert anyone in the front of the large carriage of their plans.

"Finders keepers." Creepy smirked, swinging the baton-like iron bar between his hands as he stared at Alice threateningly.

Alice frowned, "Why am I not surprised?" She muttered before hearing another bar break-free—this time quieter.

Henry grinned as he tested the weighty bar in his hands, "This is why I follow you, Georgie." He reached over Alice as he carefully avoided the top of the cage, ruffling their spiked hair as George flushed a deep red in embarrassment.

"Ah, shutup." They pushed his large hand away, "I didn't do anything. The entire bevy went mad stupid and didn't come back right." They muttered, rolling their dark eyes.

Henry smiled crookedly as he shook his head, "We're all gonna be alright, sib." He assured them as he pushed his long dark hair back, "Arch and I have been through worse—the kids will make it out unscratched. Stop worrying already."

George's eyebrows pulled in as their lips dipped down—their mind clearly unsettled as they looked at Nathan and Charles.

"I'll stay with Charles the whole time." Ana spoke up, patting the little boy's curly head of hair.

"And I've got Nathan's back." Another's voice chimed in. Jay gave an encouraging smile, "The boys will be fine."

George looked up, trying to force back their tears before finally exhaling—their face flushed as they stitched their brows together determinedly and wiped the snot from their nose. Ignoring everyone.

"C'mon, Georgie," Henry sang, elbowing Arthur in the side, "Arch will even cook for us when we get back."

Arthur seemed to dislike that as he scowled—making Henry and Jay shove him on either side to cooperate. Looking as if he wanted to roll his eyes, he gave a curt nod, "I shall cook." Giving his word, he went back to practicing with the bar he had found during the commotion.

"Hey, sib," Maggie clicked, gesturing from her relaxed position in front of them—Talia curled up on her side, "Stop being a pansy, yah?"

George nearly buckled at that, but they held strong... only to be undermined by the young boy who had been curiously watching.

"Um, mister," Nathan unsurely spoke, poking George's arm, "Would you mind helping us out? I really want to protect my little brother and I've got a little sister I need to get back to." He pulled his lips into his mouth as he sat on his knees in wait, giving them puppy dog eyes, "You see, mister, my mama isn't doing so well and my dad needs me to help care for the youngers so he can find someone to fix her."

Frowning, George finally snapped, "Alright." They growled, making a demonstration with the chains as they did as was instructed to everyone. "Happy? I'll beat their fucking asses and get a barrel of ale on the house for doing it." George promised the boy, who laughed at the language, making George pat his head.

"You remind me of my kid brother—fight hard out there, okay?"

~*~*~

A.N.

Okay, that's like the last draggy chapter, had to build it up with intel, y'know? Build up the story. Action shall commence soon. Chapter 96 is when we get to the good good *chefs kiss*

Thank you for reading! Who's your favourite character out of this fun little group? I know we only have a small feel of them at this point, but anyone stand out to you? :) what about least favourite?