The Once and Future King (Hetalia)

V: Not Just One Threat

"We're lost."

"No. We're not."

"We are lost. Are you even sure they headed this way?"

"I'm ninety-nine percent certain! I saw them with my own eyes."

"You fool, you were tied up the entire time. How could you possibly have eyes at the back of your head?"

"I'm just that awesome, I guess."

"Then you must be that one percent incorrect because they didn't come this way. We're going in the wrong direction."

The small group managed to lose their pursuers amidst some casually—and conveniently—placed crags some time ago. It was a steep climb for any creature, even humans, but the trio were able to squeeze through a tiny crack in the crags that eventually led to the other side. The shapeshifters were unable to follow because they had bulkier and slightly less vertical figures.

The reason why the King of Camelot was currently fretting over their orientation was because the crack in the crags had led on for a longer distance than how appearances inititally described. After emerging outside again, their surroundings had completely changed.

Alfred stopped walking, turned around, and fixed his king with an exasperated look.

"Well, Arthur, if you want to turn back, by all means. Just don't go crying to me when you run into those shapeshifters again. They were tough enough to fight off with the three of us. Alone . . . I don't know. Even you can't fend them off by yourself."

Arthur scoffed, a bit put-off that he was the one being scolded—by Alfred, of all people. "You underestimate me, Alfred."

"And you underestimate me. I'm telling you: they came this way. I'm sure if we listen hard enough, we can hear Francis' pleads of help in the distance."

"Don't be ridiculous. They had a good ten minute head start. They're too far away to track now."

"You're getting pessimistic again, Your Highliness."

"Highness!"

"Whatever."

Kiku sighed from the back. He'd been doing this at regular intervals, between every half-dozen comments Alfred made, but since he was so quiet he went unheard yet again.

"I can't believe the both of you . . ."

"Look, I'm the best tracker in the kingdom, no doubt about it," said Alfred, rather loudly. "I know Francis' scent in my sleep!"

Arthur's face went slack. "You really didn't have to mention that last bit, Alfred."

". . . Yeah, sorry. That was kind of creepy now that I think about it."

"Shouldn't we focus on covering our tracks instead?" Kiku suggested. "We managed to outrun those shapeshifters, but if they double around and ensnare us from all sides, I doubt Alfred-san's one blade will be able to stop them."

"Unfortunately, he's right," said Arthur. "We can't risk another encounter. It's best if we stay as quiet as possible and tread carefully through the forest."

As the trio marched on in silence, a high-pitched howling penetrated the air behind them. It was joined with several more howls, answering the first like a call-back, until all their echoes died into an eerie silence.

Kiku held a finger to his lips. "Two and a half kilometres," he mouthed.

Arthur swore. Not far enough. Much too close.