FACE Mertalia

Taking Action

Matthew was frightened, and craving something sugary. He didn't think it would take so long to get to where Ivan was going; it had taken almost a whole day. Ivan didn't stop to rest, he swam through the night, and finally stopped when the sun was starting to brighten the dark waters. The Russian had carried Matthew almost the whole way, not letting go of his arm, practically dragging him; but when Matthew couldn't swim anymore, Ivan had scooped him up and carried him in front of him. Matthew was surprised when Ivan did this, but did not complain, because all he wanted to do was eat and go to sleep. So when Ivan stopped swimming and floated in place, Matthew instantly woke up from where he had fallen asleep in the Russian's arms.

"We here now, little one." Ivan said with a smile, looking down at the merling in his arms.

Matthew started to look around as Ivan released him, but still held his arm so he didn't swim away. In front of them rose three tall towers made out of dark rock, tapering into a tight spire near the top. The towers were almost touching one another but didn't quite touch, set in a straight row. At the base of the middle and largest tower, was a huge set of double doors, five times Matthew's height. Ivan headed right for the doors, dragging Matthew along.

"What is this place?" Matthew asked.

Ivan looked back and smiled at the merling, "My home."

Matthew gulped as Ivan reached the huge black doors, easily pushed one open, and pulled Matthew into the darkness.

-------------------------

Francis was outside on his shell phone calling Antonio, and had just finished telling him the situation. "Arthur doesn't know what to do, I have never seen him so worried."

The boys have been gone for a whole day?

The Frenchman nodded as he started to pace in front of the cave entrance. "Oui, and I am convinced this isn't just a prank they are playing on us; something must have happened."

Don't worry, mi amigo, I'll help you find them. Where were the chicos last?

"Arthur said they were playing in the back yard. He blames himself for whatever happened because he urged them to go out."

He shouldn't blame himself, whatever happens, happens. Nothing you can do about it.

"Oui, I know." Francis paused in his pacing, "Do you think you could call Gilbert, let him know to keep an eye out?"

Sí, I can do that. You want me and Romano to come over to your place, help you look?

"If you could, and, might as well invite Gilbert."

Will do, adios!

Antonio ended the call and Francis put the phone in his tail pocket, it was a handy place to keep things, and you could hardly even tell it was there, only a small gap in the scales showed. He was about to swim back in when he heard Arthur shouting his name. Francis frowned before swimming towards the backyard, where Arthur's voice was coming from. Francis rounded the corner and when he saw Arthur he stopped, Arthur's eyes were red and puffy from crying, his hair was a worse mess than usual, and he looked terrible since he hadn't slept since the boys disappeared. But the real shocker was the glowing white orb Arthur clutched in his hands, casting a blue-green light that made Arthur look practically ghoulish.

"Mon Deau! What is that?" Francis cried as he stared at the orb.

"Tracking spell," Arthur said in a weak voice, "but that doesn't matter, I know where the boys are!"

"I thought you were pulling my tail when you said you could do magic!" Francis approached Arthur warily, gazing at the ball in his hands, "How does it work?"

Arthur nudged an open book on the ground in front of him with his tail, "I did as the spellbook told me and it took quite a bit of energy. But I needed something to track them by, so I went in Alfred's room and got that scale he lost a few days ago. By using his scale I can find out where he is, and, I can tell you, he is nowhere near here!"

Francis was quickly growing frustrated, "So where are they?" he demanded.

Arthur looked up at Francis slowly, biting his lip. "... The Arctic Ocean...."

Francis blinked, "Why would they be there?"

Arthur shook his head, "I don't know why, all I know is that Alfred is there."

"That's a whole ocean, Arthur."

"Yes, but it gives us a start. As we get closer I should be able to pinpoint his location."

Francis nodded as he saw just how close to breaking Arthur was. "Then let's go find them."