Disclaimer: I do not own Albert the Fifth Musketeer, the original Three Musketeers works or any canon characters. They are the property of their respective owners. I do own Michel, Catharine, Beatrix and Aimee.

Notes: It has been a while, hasn't it? Well, I finally have a story to share. The idea for this one started as a dream I had, then it kept nagging at me some more while I had a bath. This is in four parts and while it is mostly sad, it does have a happy ending.

There are no pairings in this one, all relationships are platonic. There is mentioned cursing and minor OOC.

I hope you enjoy this!

(Linebreaks still hate me, so I will use APADA.)

APADA

It had all started on what was a peaceful evening following yet another successful mission. All five of the King's Musketeers were in the dining hall of the mansion of their commanding officer, Captain de Treville.

Porthos rubbed his stomach in satisfaction upon finishing a hearty first serving. "That was delicious, but now, time for seconds!"

The other four chuckled good-naturedly, they were all familiar with their hefty comrade's appetite.

Aramis turned to gaze out the window at the evening sky, but was surprised at what he beheld. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but the sun did set, am I right?"

Albert nodded as he set down his mug. "Indeed, it did. An hour or so has passed since."

"Yet...the sky appears red."

"Red?" Albert slid off his seat, hurried to the window and threw it open. Indeed, there was red in the sky, as was a thick tower of smoke. "A fire! A building is on fire!"

Dinner was swiftly forgotten as all five men dashed out of the dining hall. They knew many hands would be required to extinguish the flames, and neither would be able to live with themselves if they ignored such dire circumstances.

APADA

By the time the quintet had arrived on the scene, most of the building had been engulfed by flames that seven men worked to extinguish.

D'Artagnan spotted Michel, the landlord of an establishment he and his comrades liked to frequent upon wrapping up daily patrols. It was then he realised said establishment was the building up in flames. "Landlord, where is your wife and daughter?"

Michel turned to the Musketeer. "Monsieur D'Artagnan! Musketeers!"

The Musketeers approached him as D'Artagnan repeated his question.

Just as Michel opened his mouth to respond, a woman screamed in horror. He turned to see his wife approaching and held her. "Catharine, you must calm yourself."

Catharine shook her head. "Michel, you don't understand! Beatrix is still in there! I had put her to bed before I went to visit Aimee!"

Michel paled as the gravity of the situation sunk in. He'd only thought he was losing his business, when in truth, his six-month-old daughter was inside the burning building.

D'Artagnan needn't have heard more. He whisked his handkerchief out of his pocket and used it to cover his nose and mouth. He then hurried inside the structure still being licked by flames. He had one goal in mind; save the life of the infant girl.

Albert turned to Athos, Porthos and Aramis. "Assist in the efforts of extinguishing the fire, I'll follow D'Artagnan." He hurried to the building, his handkerchief out of his pocket and held over the lower half of his face. He tied it securely like a mask before pushing through the wall of intense heat.

APADA

D'Artagnan was surprised to hear Albert calling him. "Over here! Their living quarters are this way!"

Albert followed his friend's voice. He soon stood beside him before a half-opened door.

"She's in here. Wait for me." D'Artagnan ventured into the bedroom and saw the tiny bundle in her crib. He could hear her coughing harshly, coughs much too large for such a small body. He carefully yet hurriedly scooped her into his arms, gently holding his handkerchief over the lower half of her face to help filter out the smoke. He left the room. "Got her! Let's go!"

Albert nodded. "Follow me, remember to stay low!" He proceeded to lead the way out of the firey tavern.

APADA

The building was starting to collapse. Porthos cursed loudly as he saw the roof caving.

APADA

A large ceiling beam fell, landing right between the pair of Musketeers. D'Artagnan handed the infant to his friend. "Albert, get her out of here, I'll find another way out!"

Albert accepted Beatrix, making sure to keep the handkerchief over the lower half of her face and shielding her from the heat. "I'll come right back to aid you, D'Artagnan!" He pressed on, dodging some growing flames until he could reach the exit.

D'Artagnan looked around for a clear path, despite the smoke and flames making it almost impossible to see. "There!" He coughed harshly, raising his left arm. With the lower half of his face covered by the crook of his arm, he proceeded to follow the clear path in hopes of finding either a window, the back door or a longer path to the front door. Unfortunately, due to his sight being hindered, he failed to notice the door to the meat cellar was still open. He fell through, landing with a hard thud on his back. The pain caused him to tense up before he passed out.

APADA

Albert was finally outside. He found the worried parents and handed Beatrix to Catharine. "We tried to keep her shielded from the smoke and heat, but she should be examined by a doctor to make sure no harm has befallen her."

"Merci beaucoup, Monsieur de Parmagnan," Catharine whispered as she held her daughter close.

He turned back to the building, ready to race back inside, find his friend and assist him in getting to safety. Before he could take another step, the bulk of the building collapsed in on itself. There was no way to get inside, nor did it seem there was a way to get out.

The roof caved completely; soon it was hard to tell a building once stood there.

Albert's legs lost the remnants of their strength as the building toppled. He fell to his knees, tears welling in wide, blue eyes. "D'Artagnan...!" he whispered. He clenched his fists, squeezed his eyes shut - ignoring the tears streaming down his cheeks - and screamed. "D'ARTAGNAN!" His voice broke as he called for his friend once more, his heartache filling his tone. There was no doubt in his mind that his best friend was lost to all who loved him. He sobbed before crying out his name a final time.

Never had anyone thought they'd hear such heart-rending anguish coming from the usually cheerful Fifth Musketeer.

APADA

The flames were finally out, but the building was no more than a charcoal pile of rubble.

Athos, Porthos and Aramis approached Albert. Athos knelt beside him. "Come, Albert, we must return home," he whispered gently.

Albert rose to his feet. He was still shaky so required support, which Aramis readily offered.

The Musketeers left the scene with heavy hearts.