Arthur's Point of View

Depths of the Hollow Forest

“It’s not that simple, Aydan.” I told him.

“These things rarely are, but don’t think I didn’t notice you had her leave before I could check to see who her father was.” He commented. “Is that for her, or you?”

The man eyed me as I grinded my teeth. “I will tell her about me. About Elias as well, and we’ll go from there, but it will be her choice.” My eyes focused on him. “Not yours or mine.”

He quirked a brow at that. “Will she agree with that?”

“…” I didn’t answer.

Aydan groaned. “And this is why I told her all those things. You need to stop this.” He gestured to me with a small manner of annoyance. “Whatever ‘this’ is. If I were to ask any of the group you came with, do you think any of them would say you follow orders?”

“I do what I think is right.”

“Exactly! You need to lead! It doesn’t need to be under Arceana and Elincia, but just as long as you start moving the world again! After you left, things returned to the status quo. Everyone was separated once more, and the only alliance that lasted, was the one formed under you.” Aydan explained. “Lestrania still exists because of you. We both know it would’ve fallen apart had you not intervened.”

“It’s not that simple.”

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“It never is.” He instantly replied. “Nothing about this world is simple, but if you’re going to be making decisions that are going to affect the world, you might as well do it from a position of true power. Not some pseudo leader that works for another nation.” Aydan motioned to me angrily. “You can’t tell me the state of the world doesn’t aggravate you?”

Sighing, I rubbed my lip with a finger in a thoughtful manner. “I’ve started some projects to see if I could change this world.” Shrugging, I quickly continued. “Although, I haven’t been able to check on any of the progress. My return was not what I was expecting.”

Aydan huffed. “You might be one of those most gifted leaders I know, who is quite intelligent, charming, and have many qualities that make you endearing.” Then he shook his head exasperated. “But you are fucking dumb as a rock sometimes.”

I frowned at that. “Excuse m-“

“No.” He quickly cut me off. “You’re so scared to repeat the past that you no longer live in the present. Well, you do, but like you used to.” Aydan shook his head. “Arthur, you’re the most powerful individual I know. Even compared to Thana, I still think you’re stronger.” The man sighed. “But there are worse things in this world than Demons, my friend.” His eyes met mine. “Things worse than Thana.”

My brow rose at that. “What-“ A nearby howl cut me off this time.

Both of our heads snapped up toward the cliff as we stood. “Well, that didn’t take as much time as I thought it would this time.”

“These wolves have bothered you before?”

He nodded. “When Mara and I spoke. They don’t seem to appreciate my presence very much. Maybe they think it’ll be easier this time without her here.” Aydan then smiled. “You might not believe me, but she’s rather powerful now.”

Another howl. “Is this really an issue?”

Giving me a dismissive wave, he grunted out a response. “The wolves are powerful because of their numbers, but nothing that our guardian’s can’t handle.”

Rock roared for a moment before things went silent. However, vicious snarls could immediately be heard moments after as the sounds of magic picked up. Screams from above also made their way to my ears. The wind picked up as things sounded horrible. It legitimately sounded like a warzone right on top of us. A spray of water even splashed down the hole as some hit me.

Looking to Aydan, I wasn’t convinced. “Are you sure about that?”

It wasn’t Aydan who replied either. “Arthur!” Lucia’s voice called out, scared.

Not waiting for an invitation, I summoned my sword. My body started to change as I felt my form shift. Aydan looked on in a morbid fascination if anything as he watched. Soon, I towered over the ghost as I spread my wings. Floating up, I readied to enter the fray and make sure Lucia was safe. Naturally, everyone else would follow suit, but I wasn’t going to chance making the same mistakes as the past.

When I breathe, my voice makes a clicking noise that I can’t really stop. So, when I came up behind the group, all of them heard me. They didn’t turn around right away. Mostly because of the wolves. However, when the wolves paused once they saw me, the group slowly turned and looked up at me with fear in their eyes. The same fear I saw from Allen Harlow and the Dwarves when they saw this form.

Slowly reaching out, I placed my claw on Lucia’s head, before I stood in front of the group. “Arthur?” Lucia’s asked in a shaky tone.