Lucia's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

Whatever had happened startled the three Demons. To the point where the cloaked woman was frozen, and the other two teleported high above the mountain and watched almost fearfully. Each of them kept their eyes on Arthur, who was also shaking.

“Don’t.” Arthur said softly. “Please don’t.”

His body lurched forward as copious amounts of blood shot from his mouth. It pooled on the ground in front of him as it dripped down his chin. Wounds started to appear on Arthur’s body as well. Soon, the knight was almost coated in blood from head to toe. He stumbled back a moment before he regained his balance and looked to the Demons once more.

“I can’t fix this.” Arthur once again spoke.

“Fix what?” The female Demon replied.

“Anything…” He shuffled slightly as if readjusting his body. “None of this was supposed to happen.”

Annoyed, the woman shouted at him. “Then what was supposed to happen!? You could’ve prevented this! Whatever you’re hiding could’ve prevented this!”

This irked Arthur as he replied harshly. “It’s not that simple.”

Spreading her wings, the raven-haired woman floated up slowly as she looked down at him. “I always wondered what you were. Human,” She started. “God, Demon, or maybe something else entirely, but I know now. You’re a coward and liar.”

“What do you know?” Arthur’s voice was cold. “This isn’t what I wanted! None of this was supposed to be my responsibility!” Arthur shouted back before he gestured back to us. “I didn’t ask to come here!” He roared. “I was forced to come to Lestrania! I was forced to act out a role I wanted nothing to do with! I was forced to fight! I was forced to do everything! Just like how I’m forced to deal with all of this!” His arms shot out as he gestured around the entire area. “Who else would deal with this?!” He demanded.

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The entire mountain top became quiet as our knight stood there. This was all news to us and likely only revealed from him being pushed against the wall. Part of me ached for him. He had no reason to lie about this, and if he truly was forced to be here… As I looked around, many seemed to feel just as hesitant as me.

“It’s true that I may be a liar! I don’t deny it, but I’ve still done what I thought best for everyone!” Pointing at the two brothers, he continued. “I’ve suffered at the hands of Demons just like everyone else!” He then scoffed. “They have even killed me!” Gesturing to himself, he continued. “And yet, I’m still here!” Then he turned and pointed at our group. “Even from my own, the people I protect have abused me! Continually!”

As Arthur’s gaze moved over them, many cast their eyes down at that. I watched as Arthur’s arms fell limply to his side.

“So, you’ll stay with those same people and protect them? Despite them having erased you from history?” She asked, and my brows furrowed when I heard that. “What right do they have to your protection?”

“Erased from history?” I mumbled.

“There are reasons for that. Ask your two Demon friends. They should be more than aware of the situation.”

She turned to the two brothers for a moment before nodding her head before turning back to Arthur. “We will leave you be. You appear to be suffering enough without my help.” Her hood almost seemed to focus on me for a moment as well. “While I do not like you, we will help you. Thana is more of a threat anyway. As Credo and Pestilence have already agreed, you have our aid should you need it.”

They started to fly off, but Arthur quickly spoke. “And where are you going?”

Stopping for a moment, she looked back at him. “To buy you some time. After all, it looks like you need it.”

“What’s your name?” He asked her. “I know Credo and Pestilence, but you have yet to introduce yourself.”

She was quiet for a moment before replying. “I’ll tell you my name if you tell me yours.” Was all she said before they quickly left.

With the Demons gone, the mountain top became silent. Arthur was just standing there in thought. Many of us were unsure of whether or not it was safe. Ayda and Alwin were tending to their mother while I eventually stepped outside the shield. Slowly, I approached Arthur. His wounds weren’t closing as they should’ve been.

Not wanting to get too close without him noticing, I circled around him and saw his eyes were firmly shut. His fists were shaking from how hard he clenched. Part of me wanted to hold the poor man. Whatever he had been through had been thrown in his face. A past that Demons were aware of and had apparently been erased by us.

I was startled when I saw veins start to bulge on his neck and forehead. As I reached out my hand, Arthur suddenly let out a chilling wail. My hands immediately shot to my ears as a wave of sound slammed into me and pushed me onto my back. Using my magic to shield me from the sound, I felt the mountain shake as many others fell to the ground in pain. Those of us who could use magic tried to help, but it could only do so much.

Especially with the entirety of Helmsforth shaking under us from the sheer volume of Arthur’s scream. Cracks shot through the ground and slabs of earth shifted beneath us. He eventually stopped, as did the shaking but the wail could be heard echoing all the way down the mountainside.

“Arthur…” I said softly but couldn’t hear it.