Lucia's Point of View

Helmsforth Temple

When we round the backside of the Temple from outside, we saw a bath of sorts. Deeper than usual and likely more comparable to a pond. Typhon was inside and doing some manner of exercise. It seemed rather strenuous and uncomfortable.

Arthur was sitting off to the side on a stool of sorts with a little blood starting to poke through his bandages. “Left foot, right foot, and left foot. Back and forth. Up and down. Let’s go.”

Greigh was the first to speak as we saw Typhon struggling to keep pace. “Sir, I am sure you want to catch up on training, but don’t you think this is a little overkill?”

An empty smile took over his lips as he turned to us as he stared at us with wide eyes. “It has become abundantly clear that there are far more Demon Lords than I originally thought.” Then he slightly gestured to Typhon. “Given that there is no one else who can actually help me with those, I now have to make someone who can. Ain’t that right, Ty? We feeling the burn?!” He asked but didn’t wait for an answer.

“Surely the Priestesses-“ I started but stopped at his glowering look.

“Once upon a time, there was someone who stood with me. Right by my side till the very end.” He then scoffed. “It took only one Demon to ruin everything I had built. Never again.” His tone was dark. “Even if Pestilence and Credo can be trusted, we’re still outnumbered. So, Ty is getting a crash course in the ways of Arthur Pendragon. Gonna make him stronger than either of the Priestesses! Ain’t that right, Ty!?”

“Right!” Ty shouted back, strained and in a pained tone.

Then Arthur held up a finger. “However, I am glad you’re here, Greigh. You were the one person I wanted to talk to!”

My eyes darted to the Captain, who looked just as unnerved at how Arthur was acting. “And what of me?” I asked to grab his attention.

He glanced me over and shrugged. “Well, you don’t look like you’re cracking under all that pressure, so I’m assuming you’re fine.” Then I frowned, and he smirked. “Although, that might just be on the outside. Maybe there are a few cracks there.” I opened my mouth to reply, but he quickly continued. “Maybe next time you won’t cast a sleeping spell on me. I even helped you with that spell. I’m wounded.” Arthur’s hand came to his chest as he looked at me overly dramatically.

“You were practically killing yourself! I did what I did to help you!” My voice was raised in anger.

To my surprise, he looked to Greigh. “Take that sword of yours and run it right through my eye.” Then he made a sickening sound as he gestured to the back of his head. “Run it right through my brain. Please. I want to prove a point.”

Greigh frowned. “I’m not going to do that, Sir.”

Arthur held out his hand with an annoyed look. “Then give it to me, and I’ll do it myself.”

“Do not give him your sword.” I ordered the Captain before turning back to Arthur only to freeze at the look he was gave us.

His face was contorted in an expression that I couldn’t comprehend as he merely kept his hand in place. An aura began to come off of him that made me uneasy. Arthur’s eyes began to glow as he kept his gaze focused solely on Greigh, who looked just as nervous.

“Who am I, Greigh?” Arthur question.

“Sir Arthur Pendragon. Knight of Lestrania and General of her combined forces.” Greigh replied shakily. “My commanding officer.”

“Give me your sword.” The General ordered, and Greigh quickly did so. “I am not one to be coddled.” He said as he turned towards me. “If I was planning on killing myself, do you think me helping the people the way I am is how I would go about it?” Arthur inquired.

“I-“ Before I could respond, the General shoved Greigh’s sword through his chest, pierced his heart, and shot out his back. “Arthur!” My horror quickly turned to surprise when I moved towards him, but he stood easily.

Tapping his chest where the sword is, he spoke. “Do you know what I just destroyed?” None of us answered. “My heart.” To our surprise, Arthur began moving the sword and twisting it before pulling it out. “Now, I’ll ask again…” Moving in front of me, I watched as the wound healed with a new heart and everything before my eyes jerked up to meet his. “Who am I, Lucia?” His eyes seemed to spark to life as lightning shot from them.

“…” I couldn’t answer.

“I’m Arthur fucking Pendragon.” He finally said as his aura completely faded as he looked at me with a smile. “And as Arthur ‘fucking’ Pendragon, I expect you to trust me.” Looking down was futile since he softly lifted my chin. “Have I ever lied to you?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Perhaps I’ve gone back on my word?”

“No.” I replied like that of a child being scolded.

“Do you think I am weak?”

“No.”

“Did I return with everyone in tow, alive and well?”

Narrowing my eyes, I felt my lips tighten as I spoke. “No.” At his surprised look, he waited for me to elaborate until I merely gestured to his arm. “You returned wounded and on death’s door.”

Arthur then sighed. “And it’s likely I will do so time and time again.” Holding up his arm, he spoke softly. “Would you believe me if I said it’s the first time I lost an arm?” He asked with a small chuckle. “I mean, I’m hoping I can get it back because of what it’ll mean for me if I can’t.” His expression looked almost afraid for a moment until his eyes flickered to mine. “Regardless of what happens to me or this body, I can’t have you putting yourself at risk.”

Backing away from him, I confronted him further. “What does that mean?”

His eyes shot to Greigh for a moment before he sighed once more. “It doesn’t matter.” Arthur placed his hand on the top of my head. “Be more careful in the future.” Moving past me, leaving me more confused than before, he stopped in front of Ventari. “You look very familiar… Do I know you?”

Both Greigh and the Dwarven Queen looked uneasy as they studied me. Again, I was left without any answers. Being scolded is not something I am used to by anyone. Even the Priestesses would be more polite, but Arthur was treating me like a little girl.

“No.” The words left my mouth as I grabbed his arm and pulled him back toward me. “You are going to explain yourself.” I said firmly as I stared at the man. “What did you mean?”