Arthur's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“Get up.” I ordered harshly.

Ty, who was panting and covered in blood, glared up at me as his bangs slightly hid his golden eyes. On his hands and knees, he groaned in pain as he got back to his feet. Aydalia was watching our training today with Marina, and both were looking concerned at the boy’s appearance.

Licking the slit on his lips, he got back into position as blood trailed down his face. Ty jumped at me, but I merely grabbed his horns before pulling them down. My knee came up to his face as his head lurched back from the blow. He rolled into the snow as his blood began to turn it crimson.

“Arthur!” Aydalia shouted at me.

Giving her a glare, she went silent, but I could tell she was on guard. A small amount of magic was gathering in her hands as if ready to try and stop me at a moment’s notice. However, Marina was keeping a close eye on her as well, which she didn’t realize. Ignoring them, my attention went back to my student.

Typhon’s hands quivered as he brought them to his face. Tears stung at the corner of his eyes as his nose was clearly broken. All manner of lacerations, contusions, and bruises were appearing on the boy. His clothes were a mess and torn. He clearly seemed confused as he eyed me.

Using the snow, I latched onto one of his feet as I froze it in ice. A water whip began to fling him around as he screamed. Letting go, he rolled through the snow and away from the estate. Jumping after him, Ty had just enough time to look up to see me coming down at him. He rolled out of the way as my foot came down and cleared the nearby snow. Ty stumbled to his feet as he got back into a fighting position.

“Why are you doing this!?” Ty asked through bloody and gritted teeth.

“What if you weren’t my student, Ty?” I asked back, and he looked at me confused. “What if it was Thana that was attacking you right now?” Stepping to the side, he turned to keep me in front of him as I began to circle him. “What if it was that male High Elf that attacked Elincia?”

“I’m doing the best I can!” Ty forced out in a huff.

“Are you?” I asked back as I came to a stop. “I’ve seen you compete with Breeze and Marina. Alwin struggles against you, and merely defends most of the time.”

Typhon huffed as he took a step back. “Isn’t that a good thing!?”

I pointed down. “None of that matters! What matters is right now! Again, I ask you,” My eyes narrowed on him. “What if I was Thana right now?”

My student roared as he charged at me. Jumping in the air, he twisted as a scything kick was directed at my head. Taking a step back, it missed and I quickly brought my own leg up before kicking him in the chest. Obviously, Ty was quickly on his back again. Clutching at his chest as the air had likely been knocked out of him.

“Get up, Ty.” He rolled around in the snow. “Get up!”

Moving over to him, I watched as he tried to get to his feet, but failed to do so. Bringing my foot down as I stomped on his arm, he screamed in pain as it broke. Grabbing him by the back of his color, I lifted him into the air as he hung there nursing his broken arm. Tears fell down his cheeks as I put him on his feet.

“Is a broken arm enough to stop you?” I asked. He looked at me in surprise. “This is cruel, Ty, but your enemies won’t stop because you’re tired or injured.” His lips quivered as he watched me. “You were able to ignore several injuries in the past. This should be no different.”

“I’m not fighting for my life or to defend someone else!” Ty retorted in barely restrained sob. “This is supposed to be training!”

“But it’s not!” I told him in a raised voice. “What are you going to do if I’m not here?!” Grabbing his broken arm got him to yelp. “You need to be prepared! Mentally!” I pushed him and his arm as he staggered back. “Physically! What’re you going to do, Ty!?”

Screaming in rage, the boy darted toward me far faster than previously. One of his legs swept at mine. I quickly hopped in the air just slightly to clear his attack, but Ty twisted again as his head dipped toward the snow and his foot went higher. He matched my hop with his foot on the ground before his heel dug into my cheek.

I spun from the blow as his magic was heavily focused on his leg. Landing in the snow, I brought one of my hands up to my cheek. This was the wrong move as I looked up at see Ty suspended in front of me with his good arm cocked back. A burst of magic seemed to travel to his fist and as it slammed into my face, it seemed to explode on contact.

This time, I staggered as the blow felt like it rattled my brain. However, it wasn’t enough. A shadow moved and I immediately brought my hands up to block the blow. Expecting another hit from his good arm, I readied my right side. As my vision focused on what was happening, imagine my surprise as Typhon’s broken arm slammed into my face.

My head blew back as my feet were knocked out from under me. He latched onto my ankle before I felt myself being swung around. Face first into the stones below, I bounded slightly off the ground, only to be forced back down. Ty had brought his leg up and down on my back. The blow was powerful enough to turn the stone into rubble as I had to climb out of the debris.

Standing, I rolled my neck as Ty was panting almost wildly. “Better, but never let up if you have the advantage.”

I flinched in pain as I felt a few cuts inside my mouth before I healed them. A nasty headache could be felt creeping behind my eyes. However, there was a small signal that appeared that caught my attention. It seemed to be coming from the Hollow Forest. Something I had been waiting for it to appear.

“Unless you suspect some manner of counter, or your instincts tell you to back the fuck off, you continue to press your advantage.” I continued on like nothing had happened. “You push until they’re either dead, or too fucked up to move. Never stop, and always get up.”

The boy started to let his guard down slightly as I walked over to him. “That’s what you wanted to teach me!?” He was obviously frustrated.

I glared at him. “I wanted to teach you that despite the blurring of your vision, when your fingertips turn numb, and when it feels like you have no strength, your enemy will not spare you. You’re not strong enough to hold back right now against stronger opponents.” Gesturing to his arm, I continued. “Do you expect your adversaries to let you get back to your feet in a timely manner?”

Ty was clearly frustrated by all this. “I’m not you, Arthur.”

My head shook. “No. No, you are not.” One of my hands went to his shoulder. “That means you’ll have to make a choice. Will you stay and fight, or will you flee when faced with a stronger opponent. We’ve gone over this, but you have yet to come face to face with such a situation where your life is at stake while I’m not present.”

“I would do what you would. I would fight.”

“Even if it means you’ll die?” He went quiet at that. “Ty, you’re stronger than you realize. The only reason you are struggling against Marina and Breeze is because you have little experience. If I were to pit you against either of them by themselves, they would have difficulties winning because you are stronger than them. They’ve just been around a bit longer.”

“Then what should I do?”

We started to walk back to the estate that was a couple hundred feet away. “You need to realize how much you’ve grown. You’re almost as tall as me now, which is a testament to your growth. Have you not realized Alwin merely squeezes victory by just barely?”

Ty limped as he looked down in thought. “I thought he was just trying to be nice.”

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A sigh left my lips. “If not for their age, I dare say you’d terrify Elincia and Arceana with your growth. You are stronger than all of them, Ty, but you don’t know how to utilize all this power that is new to you. Part of me thinks you might be scared to.”

“I’m not scared… I just can’t imagine myself defeating Breeze or Marina not to mention the Priestesses.” Ty answered.

“That’s the problem. One we will be working on. Your training, going forward, will be to face me. Like today, it will be painful.” My arm around his shoulders. “But I think one of the biggest issues is that you are still a child mentally. You may not look like it anymore, but I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you to adjust.”

We came to a stop in front of the estate where Aydalia looked like she wanted to run over at any moment, but Marina held her back. Ty’s eyes met mine as he winced before he held his arm in pain. The bone was sticking out of it at this point and his skin was wrinkled.

“That’s why you want to train to this extreme?”

I nodded. “It took me quite a bit of time, effort, and numerous battles to become more accustomed to my abilities. I think the same is true for you. Not many children can swing a full-grown man around with ease. So, we will be adjusting that mind set. We’ll force you to become more used to your new capabilities forcefully. Just as I did.”

This was all true. Marina and Breeze had both told me that Typhon was dangerous at this point. He was constantly holding back because he assumed everyone else was as well. The boy was a kind soul that didn’t want to hurt his friends and family. Unfortunately, this world was as kind as he wished it was.

“You’ve stepped into a new realm even if you don’t know it, Ty. I’d place you between Elincia’s strength and that wraith I faced in Dwardew. It could grow it’s power, but where your limits lie are a mystery to even me. We need to know, which means our training will be continuing like this until we know.” He looked up at me. “Whatever frustration you’re feeling, whatever anger you might feel towards me, channel all of that into our training. You’re not a boy anymore.”

He nodded slowly at that. “I will.”

“Good.” I then gestured to Aydalia. “Go see Marina and Aydalia about getting healed. I expect more of you from our next training session.”

Walking off, I watched as Aydalia rushed over to him with her magic at that ready. Bringing my hand up to the side of my head, I felt it throb before I raised my energy a bit to numb the pain and heal whatever damage my student had done. Breeze and Marina were right. He had been holding back. If he could hurt me, Ty had certainly grown far more than I expected in such a short time. Ty was truly a once in a lifetime prodigy who might just surprise everyone with how strong he might become.

However, my eyes narrowed as I opened a portal to step through it. Appearing over the Hollow Forest, I quickly plummeted into the trees as shadows gathered as it looked like the snow-covered area was becoming corrupted. Ignoring all the branches in the way, my fingers wrapped around the figure I’d been waiting for. Pinning the character to the tree, part of me thought of the raven haired Aridian traveling with Credo, but this clearly wasn’t her.

My grip tightened as I expected their hands to come to my wrist, but they seemed to remain calm as my face leaned in. “Been awhile since I’ve seen one of these cloaks.” His, or her, face was hidden despite how close we were. “I had to cut my student’s training short because of you. Glad you finally showed up, though.” My hand looked like it disappeared in the cloaks magic. “So, what magic did you use that allowed me to sense you?”

“…” There was no response.

My grip tightened as the cloaked figure merely shook slightly, but made no attempts to escape. I felt some twitches across my face as I had expected some manner of resistance. There had been none. It didn’t even feel like they were struggling to breathe.

“This cloak usually means one has demonic magic, and I know I felt it, so why are you here?!” I demanded as I lifted the figure in the air, which scraped their back across the bark on the tree. “Thana trying to overextend her reach, or did she really think that this cloak would work?”

My energy started to increase for a moment as I stayed on guard. However, they merely continued to hang there limply. There was no sound of them choaking. No signs of struggle. It almost felt like I was trying to interrogate a dead body. A tinge of uneasiness started to rise inside of me as my eyes stared into that black, lightless, hood.

Not wanting to take any chances, my freehand formed a fist before plunging into the cloak. That is what should’ve happened. Instead, all the surrounding shadows from the leaves, clouds, and trees all came to life. Acting like threads, chains, and tendrils, they wrapped around me to restrict my movement.

“Tor!” I bellowed!

He was the only one who used shadows in such a manner. It had to be him. Pulling my hand back, a portal opened above us. Defiance dropped down as did the cloaked figure. As soon as he was free of my grasp, the shadows in his cloak moved freely as they extended into the air. Hooking onto the trees, he floated away from me as the shadows kept him propped up in the air.

Just above me, I felt my form start to change as he spoke. “Calm yourself, Pendragon. I’m not here as your enemy. Merely a messenger.” It was far higher pitched compared to Tor.

That was not Tor’s voice. “So, what message do you bring from the Queen of Demons?” I inquired with narrowed eyes. “Or did Tor send you here?”

“I am not here on behalf of the demons. My name is Larun.” A velvety voice answered from behind the hood. “Another interested party sent me. “My lord demands to know why you entered Crawlana.”

“Crawlana?” I repeated in surprise before a smirk came to my lips. “Ah… This is about Undine. So, I take it that means your lord is also an Aridian? This seems more like an inquiry than a message.” My eyes narrowed once more. “There’s just one problem… You’re in no position to demand anything from me.”

To my surprise, he lifted his hands to his hood. Pulling it down revealed golden irises looking at me. He was a redhead that almost reminded me of Austin and Cassidy, but his hair was a bit lighter. However, he looked almost gaunt. Boney fingers returned to his side as eyes with large bags focused on me.

“Beware, Pendragon. Beware.” He warned as he pointed at me in an overly dramatic manner. “My lord is the one who ripped you in two.” My smirk quickly disappeared. “Do you understand now?”

Twirling my sword in my hand, I watched him carefully as I spoke. “You tell Fluffy,” His eyes widened slightly, which told me all I needed to know. “If he wants to talk, he needs to see me in person.”

I watched as a large smirk came across the Larun’s face as his irises turned pink. “I’m tempted to accept that invitation,” Fluffy’s voice came through his ward, and my frown grew. “Arthur Pendragon.” He tilted his head to the side. “How did you know it was me, or rather, how did you know my name? Perhaps something you learned in Crawlana?”

“No. Undine was not as cooperative as I had hoped.”

“She never is.” Fluffy replied quickly. “Then, how did my name grace your lips if not through her?”

“That’s for me to know.”

He hummed at that. “I suppose that is fair. While I would love nothing more than to come to your abode, it is not meant to be. You see, my actions are somewhat limited at the moment.” I merely rose a brow but made no verbal response. “After killing Thana’s wraith, you also faced Tor before heading to The Crimson Wasteland. Bold. Very bold.”

“I felt like I had received an invite.”

A chuckle came from his lips. “You and I would be very good friends, Arthur Pendragon.”

My stance had relaxed slightly. “Somehow, I doubt that. How’re your wounds?”

He grinned madly at that. “Better now. Your concern is noted.”

“I wasn’t concerned.”

With a wave of his hand, he continued. “Regardless, you have been busy. Too busy.” His smile slowly turned into a small smirk that seemed somewhat forced. “Running around from place to place. There is an order in this world, and you are disturbing it.”

“Somehow I’m not surprised the immortals of this world are getting upset about recent changes.” Was my cold reply. “Is there another Aridian hidden in this forest as well?”

Ignoring my question, he gave me a knowing look. “You’re attracting the wrong kind of attention, Arthur Pendragon. You are something that should not be… And I find that fascinating, but you need to stop. This world isn’t something you can fix. It merely needs to be maintained.”

“I have no intention of maintaining anything you, or your ilk, have set up. While I admit I don’t have all the answers, you and your kind have something to do with why the world is the way it is. Whatever games your playing, whatever your goals might be, they mean nothing to me.”

“Despite your beliefs, there are lines you don’t cross. There is a balance to everything and you’re continually tipping that balance. Doing so will do nothing but earn you more and more enemies.” His head tilted slightly. “Can you afford to keep doing this?”

“We’ll find out, won’t we?”

Fluffy nodded. “I suppose we will. As for this supposed Summit of yours,” I outright glared at that. “Do you take suggestions?”

“The fact that you know about it already just proves that this Summit is vital. Maybe revealing the truth to the people of this world will change something.”

His smile grew at that. “Then I will look forward to it. However, I wonder what that truth might be?” Fluffy said in an amused tone. “While this conversation has been interesting, I do have things I must do. Before I leave, though, I will warn you about the lines you cross.” A black portal, much like Tor’s, opened under Larun’s body. “Be very careful about attacking the Royal Family.” For the first time, his smile left his lips. “Whether it be Arceana, or Elincia, you would be wise to leave them be.” His menacing tone was harsh.

“Threats don’t work too well through other people.” I mocked as I held up my freehand to shake it in a dramatic manner. “Look at how I’m shaking. Fucking terrified.”

He scoffed as his frown remained. “Amusing.” With nothing else to be said, he disappeared into the portal.

“Fucking dick.” I mumbled as I put Defiance in a portal.

Part of me considered following him through the portal. It likely wouldn’t’ve been too difficult, but that’s what gave me pause. Tor ran and I followed him while this felt more like he was trying to lure me into it. There are times I’m dumb. Not that dumb, though.

Even with him gone, there was something making me uneasy. Maybe it was the warning I just received. If some random Aridian knows I made my way to Crawlana, Thana likely knows too. All of this is starting to feel connected. No matter what they might say, however many High Elves/Aridians remain, there is no doubt that they know of each other. That they are aware of each other. Dealing with one might lead into dealing with all of them.

“I’ll have to proceed carefully…” I told myself softly as I jumped down from the tree.

As I reentered the home, Marina and Aydalia were fawning over Typhon. He was in Marina’s creek as water slowly washed over him. Mamma Farro’s magic also covered him, so I assumed they were working on healing him. Moving to the group, they continued to focus on the boy as Ty’s eyes met mine.

“How is he?”

Aydalia glared at me. “’He’,” She began angrily. “Is a child. By the gods, Arthur. Ty used to be a little taller than Austin less than half a year ago.”

“And look at him now.” I replied evenly as I crossed my arms. “Able to fight against your son. Typhon isn’t that little boy anymore.”

“Just because his body grew, and he’s stronger, doesn’t mean he’s no longer a boy.”

“Yet, I would trust him with everyone else’s safety over yours or Alwin’s. What does that say?”

“Arthur-“ She began in a hiss.

“You might not like it, but Ty is talented enough to be defeat the Priestesses already.” Her eyes widened a little at that. “If he had more experience, I would put him over either of them right now. As it stands, they would probably best him. His training with me is going to be cruel. Other experiences he runs into will be even more so.”

Aydalia huffed as Marina spoke. “Father is correct. As painful as it might be, this is being done out of compassion.” The elf turned to our resident mermaid in surprise. “Do you really think the demons will leave such a young and promising fighter alone?” She asked Aydalia. “If they find out about him, they’ll either try to take him, or kill him.”

Typhon spoke as he rose from the creek. “I’m fine.” He told Aydalia who frowned. “With you and Marina here, my wounds can be healed with enough time.”

My arms fell back to my side. “Glad you feel that way. If that’s the case, meet me back outside.” Everyone looked surprised at that. “We’ll continue your training in a moment.”

“Arthur!” Aydalia screeched.

I ignored her as Ty stepped out of the creek. Marina used her powers to pull the water from his clothes as he walked toward the front door. Following behind him, I watched the boy carefully. He wasn’t shaking or nervous in any way. If anything, Typhon looked slightly annoyed. Probably with me.

Aydalia stepped in front of me, which got me to stop as I looked down at her. “Please stop. He’s-“

I leaned in slightly. “Do you really think I could do this if Typhon wasn’t willing?” My voice was hushed as I asked my questioned. Her eyes widened. “I’m not above beating people who would just lay on the ground in the fetal position, but Ty is doing this for a reason, Aydalia. Respect that.” Placing my hands on her shoulders, I turned her to watch him. “Respect him. Respect his decision and his determination. Not everyone has his mindset.”

She just watched silently. Patting her shoulders, I walked around her to head outside. “Alwin and Lucia can help heal him. Just be careful, Arthur.”

Stopping, I glanced over my shoulder at her. “Leave Lucia and Alwin alone for the moment. They need to talk.” Aydalia looked surprised at that. “Once they come down, though, they will likely help regardless.” With nothing left to be said, I headed outside where Typhon has disappeared. “Hmm?” The hum left my mouth in a small amount of surprise.

Keeping my eyes open as I headed out past the estate, part of me assumed he was heading toward the forest. However, as I cleared the edge of the building, he was nowhere to be seen. That is until a flash of his energy from above caught my attention. Typhon was apparently lying in wait for me as he jumped off the roof. Snarling as he descended upon me, our training begun anew.