Be careful what you wish for...

Part 6: The Plan

That day was a little unusual.

Arthur was eating lunch with the BTT, which in itself is an anomaly.

Matthew was also there, sitting a few feet from Gilbert, who kept secretly looking at him.

They were outside, watching the sea. No one spoke.

Silence... until...

A certain platinum blond tapped Arthur's shoulder.

Arthur jumped, whirling around. "I-ivan?!"

Ivan smiled. "I will help look for Alfred too, da?"

No one objected.

Ivan plopped next to Francis, pulling out his lunch.

"It might help that I saw Jones just yesterday." He said as he took a bite of his sandwich.

Matthew stood up. "You did?! How is he?! Is he safe?! Did he-"

"One question at a time."

Matthew sighed.

Arthur spoke up. "Where did you see him?"

Ivan shrugged. "It was in the water while I was kayaking."

"Why would he be swimming on a Thursday afternoon?" Gil asked.

"Well, he did have a tail."

Now it was Fran's turn to be surprised.

"Come again?"

Antonio looked confused. "How could he have a tail; he's human... right?"

Arthur bit his lip. "Oliver is a shapeshifter and a trickster. Alfred may have been turned into something else..."

Francis frowned. "Can we get him back?"

"... I... don't know..." Arthur punched the ground, tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Alfred; it was my job to protect you..."

Francis put his hand on Arthur's back. "The fault is on all of us for not seeing this. Don't blame yourself."

Arthur sighed. "But, I'm his big brother..."

Mattie sighed. "I am too."

"Only by three minutes! I have years on both of you!"

Antonio suddenly stood up, newfound determination burning in his eyes. "Guys! The more time we bicker, the more risk for Alfred!"

"What do you mean?"

Toni gulped. "I mean... Ollie's probably got him under his wing, right?"

Arthur stood. "You're right. We need to find him. NOW."