Arthur's Point of View

Deep Forest

Kandma almost killed the Dragon as she brought her nose down onto me. Naturally, I was strong enough to catch it or at least return her form of a hug. On the other hand, the Dragon was essentially drug through the ground. He quickly popped up and looked at me with blood leaking from his new wounds. Fearfully, he flew off. I almost didn’t let him, but I remembered that he likely couldn’t understand Kandma anyway.

“The king has returned.” Kandma eventually said after pulling away. “Why have you only come back now? Have you come to me to reclaim your throne?”

She curiously looked at me. “I-“ I paused for a moment. “I needed a friend.” Kandma leaned in slightly as her eye studied me. “I feel so utterly lost, Kandma.”

After a moment, she hummed. “Tell me everything while we move.” Her head raised and looked to the distance. “It’s not safe here.” Turning back down to me, a small smile appeared on her stone muzzle. “Do you still think you can ride on my back, or are you too good for me now?”

A weak chuckle escaped my lips. “A ride would be nice. Thank you.”

Using a Gravity Pillar, I flew into the air and onto her head. “Now,” She began as she destroyed parts of the forest as we moved. “Tell me what has happened. You’re up high enough where even the ears of the forest cannot listen in.” And tell her I did.

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Lucia's Point of View

Temple

How did this happen? I never expected anyone to save me, nor did I expect people to sacrifice themselves for me. Out of the three, only one survived, and she was in horrible condition. Alive, but the burns covering her body will scar her horribly. A woman who treated me like a daughter, student, and so much more laid in bed with family around her.

Ayda was lying on the side of her mothers’ bed with small sobs coming in and out. Alwin sat on the other side, looking at her with his hands carefully holding hers. He treated her as if she was made out of porcelain. Not that I could blame him. Typhon was also present as he stood at the foot of the bed. A child should never, ever look so lost. All of this… Because of me.

Stepping out of the room, I felt my lip tremble. “Are you okay, Lady Lucia?”

My eyes turned to the side to see Sergeant Ziah Tib. “I’m fine,” I said while wiping my eyes slightly. “Thank you for asking, Sergeant.”

Her hands found mine, and it was amazing to feel them tremble in her grasp. “I can always lend an ear if you need to talk.” She offered as she looked at me with a small smile. “We’re not close, I know that, but I thought perhaps you might need someone to hear you out.”

“No, no.” She wasn’t convinced. “You have your own situation. Cassidy must be in anguish.” Removing my hands, I smiled weakly.

“Many of us are,” Ziah replied. “Cass is spending some time with Austin right now. Both want to see Arthur.”

A weak laugh escaped my lips. “It would be nice.” I agreed.

The Zugal frowned. “You want to see him too?”

My confidence and courage failed me as I crossed my arms as I almost hugged myself. “I just…” Ziah kept her eyes on me without judgment. “Arthur just seems like…” I couldn’t find the words.

“Someone who would understand?” She offered, and I gave a small nod after a moment. “He certainly does seem to have this kind of experience. The General seems to be experienced in every sense of the word. Even in these cases.” Ziah looked down at that. “It’s an awful thing to say.”

“What do you think he’s doing right now?” I asked as I had dropped all proper speech.

Her lips pursed in thought and from the question. “I’m sure it’s important. Sir Arthur doesn’t do anything unless it has some manner of meaning to it.” Ziah answered before shaking her head. “But if I had to guess, it likely had something to do with that massive creature on the horizon earlier that’s roar could be heard even from here.”

I hadn’t heard about this. “Can you tell me more? No one has told me anything. Maybe get something to drink, and we can chat?” My offer made her smile.

“Sure.” She led me down the halls as I looked over to see the room that held Aien and Augustus.