Arthur and the Invisibles 4: Defender of the Seven Kingdoms

Chapter 11: Into the Fire

Arthur was woken from his sleep by a gentle nudging feeling, and gradually forced his eyes open to reveal Selenia staring at him with a vague smile, which with some effort, he managed to return. Although when she realised he was awake, her face shifted, and she almost looked concerned.

"Arthur, it's time." She whispered, gravely. Arthur's smile faded too, but he gave a small but confident nod as he pulled off the small blanket they had found. he swung his legs off of the sofa and sat there for a minute, breathing deeply. 

Although it was him that had assured Selenia they stood a chance, he was starting to doubt his own words. M had been dangerous, but he had been a stranger in a world Arthur knew very well. This professor knew both their worlds, and was probably waiting for them up there. What if he was literally leading them into a trap? He had made so many mistakes as of late, what if he delivered his best friend and his girlfriend into the hands of someone who would use them for god knows what? He wouldn't be able to live with himself.

"You okay there, Arthur?" Beta asked with a yawn. Arthur gritted his teeth. They had each other. They could do this.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Arthur replied with a small smile. Glancing over at Selenia, he thought he saw her looking at him in concern, but he barely had time to consider the idea before the double doors were busted open, and Max sauntered in, closely followed by Replay.

"You guys ready?" Max asked. Arthur got to his feet and grabbed the sword that lay on the arm of the sofa, slipping it into his belt. He looked round at Selenia and Beta, who nodded encouragingly.

"We're ready." Arthur stated. Max nodded before moving towards the back of the lounge, leaving Replay standing there, awkwardly.

"So...how's it going?" Replay laughed nervously.

"You sure took your time." Arthur stated humorously.

"Yeah, I know. But I saw your big brawl with that guy down there., and then Max found you, so I just thought 'My work is done!' You know?" He explained. Arthur folded his arms.

"You just wanted to avoid Max, didn't you?" A guilty look passed over Replay's face.

"Y-Yeah...but we're all cool now, aren't we cuz?" He called to Max, who just waved his hand. He appeared to be fiddling with some curtains at the back of the room. Replay chuckled nervously before turning back to Arthur. "Anyhow...I just came to see you off, and say good luck, and err..." He paused, scratching the back of his head. He was clearly uncomfortable, but he made sure to look Arthur in the eye when he spoke again. "Thanks." He said honestly, surprisingly holding out a hand. Arthur smiled, shaking it. "I wouldn't be here if you hadn't stepped in to give me a hand."

"Anytime, Replay." Arthur replied. Their hands parted, and Replay gave him a grin, accompanied by a confident nod.

"Good luck man. Maybe some day we'll meet again." He said, almost saddened. Arthur paused for a moment, considering the idea that this may be the last time he speaks with Replay for many moons.

"I hope so." He replied, mustering a weak smile. Replay grinned and gave him a thumbs up.

"Now go show that Professor dude who he's dealing with!" He said encouragingly. Arthur nodded, before he heard Max whistle them over. Behind the curtains, there had been a large hatch secured with many rusted bolts of different shapes, sizes and degrees of damage. However, these bolts now lay scattered around the carpeted floor, and the hatch lay open, leading upwards into darkness.

"Replay, keep an eye on the bar for a few minutes, will ya?" Max called back to Replay, who responded with a thumbs up. Max turned to the three Minimoys. "Let's go." He stated, as he began to crawl into the pipe. Arthur glanced at the other two, considering who would go first. But Beta seemed to take a few steps forward, before briefly turning back to Replay's direction, and giving him a quick salute.