Heart Themed Canvas [UsUk]

Heartless [Ch.5]

"Breadcrumbs," Arthur stated, glancing down at the very obvious trail of breadcrumbs leading through the forest.

"Well, this is a fairy tale," Matthew shrugged.

"Hansel and Gretel is an odd start," Francis smirked. "But it can work."

"So, we simply follow the breadcrumbs to a house made of candy?" Arthur scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Let's go," Alfred walked through them and followed the thick line of breadcrumbs that wound through the forest.

"Alfred, wait up," Matthew let out a sigh and followed his brother. Arthur simply rolled his eyes and waited for Francis to begin moving before he did.

"Your brother likes to just get to things," Francis laughed.

"Well, he has no fear," Matthew sighed.

"How has he lived this long?" Arthur asked. He couldn't help but feel a small hint of concern, but he just decided it was residue from those visions he got.

"I've been there for him whenever he gets in trouble," Matthew stated.

"It is nice when brothers are there for you," Francis chimed and Arthur glared at him. He knew Francis was aiming that at him. Arthur had run away for a reason, however.

"Anything else in that story of yours we should know?" Arthur asked, changing the subject in favor of something he found slightly more comfortable, though he still couldn't quite grasp this whole thing.

"Not much," Francis shrugged. "Once Prince Arthur found out what had happened to his true love, he immediately challenged Ivan. He wound up striking a deal himself, to counteract Alfred's. To get Alfred's heart back, he agreed to be his apprentice. When Alfred got his heart back, he was enraged that his own deal was broken and they both fought back. They thought they won but Ivan then pulled Alfred's heart out again and crushed it."

"So, what does Ivan want from us?" Matthew asked.

"To have fun, is what he's let on," Arthur sighed. "He's been one of the most powerful people on Earth for quite a while. I'd bet he's gotten quite bored and this is just to have a bit of fun."

"He does apparently remember what happened to us," Francis stated.

"He was saying that this was the closest I had gotten," Arthur muttered. "When he tried to kill me the first time. Perhaps there is more than just the original story here."

"But if this is the closest you have gotten, then he has prevented this for quite some time," Francis nodded.

"Get down," Matthew's voice became even quieter and he and Alfred crouched beneath a nearby bush. Francis and Arthur went to the left and right, hiding behind nearby trees. Arthur dared a look around the tree and found a small cottage with little plumes of smoke coming out of the chimney.

"Well, that doesn't appear to be made up of candy," Arthur whispered, not entirely sure if there was anyone home.

"There are two women inside," Alfred reported. "They're cooking."

"Two witches?" Francis raised an eyebrow.

"They could not be witches," Matthew offered.

"So, who will go in?" Arthur asked. "It appears that the breadcrumbs lead to the door. Perhaps there's something in there that could lead us to the heart."

"I can go," Alfred said simply.

"I know how this fairy tale ends, mon ami," Francis shook his head. "I will not go in there."