Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“So, Arthur went to deal with another Demon?” Alwin asked as he repositioned himself to an upright position in the bed.

“So he said.”

“That sounds like him.” He seemed somewhat down. “Always out fighting for the future. Even this fight has a purpose. Despite what he said, blowing off some steam is likely just a bonus.”

Arthur's Point of View

Inside The Void

“Freeing this space of you is just a bonus! There are no words for how bad I needed this! Besides, Arceana can always be put somewhere else if needed!” I cried out victoriously as I had killed Graham once more as his blood splattered across me. “How many times can you come back!? Please tell me you still got some fight left in you!” Graham was looking very childish, on the verge of five years old.

Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“The man truly is a hero. Always thinking about others and putting their needs first.” Alwin said softly. “Arthur is an exemplary role model that Kheri and I should be.” Scoffing, he turned to me. “Did he not save the Reed family as soon as he arrived? With you being his daughter, and Austin Reed’s cry for help, perhaps he has a soft spot for children.”

“It is possible. Arthur has always been overly kind to every child he interacts with. Cass would know best, though.” I replied.

Arthur's Point of View

Inside The Void

A hearty laugh left my lips as Graham rolled on the ground. “Is your head too heavy for you?” I asked the baby Demon. “What happened to having more magic in a smaller frame being my match? You should be fucking invincible at this point!” Crouching down, one of my claws gently poked the soft spot on the top of his head. “All I would need to do is push real gently, Graham. Waah, once for, please don’t kill me, and waah twice for please end my life.”

Sniffles escaped baby Graham as it tried to collect itself. Likely embarrassed by my methods and their helpless form. “Waah.” The Demon let out in a forced tone, but I quickly pushed against his head, which made him cry out in pain. “Waah!” He let out again.

“End your life. Got it.” I said as I slowly dug the claw into his head. The cries got louder for a moment before he went completely silent. “Disgusting.” My thumb latched onto the skull as I lifted Graham and threw the dead baby carcass into the void. “You got another one in you, Graham?” My question was met with silence as I carefully watched the baby’s body float there.

Lucia's Point of View

Pendragon Estate

“If I am honest, Arthur is many things. He is… Cruel. Truly a cruel man, but it is never without meaning.” I then gestured to myself. “Apparently, he almost killed Arceana because he thought I was dead. Arthur was going to do it in front of Elincia and Typhon as well. He wanted to do it in front of them.” A weak chuckle left my lips as I looked down. “Wanted to give her a chance to say goodbye, but I have a hard time believing that. I think he wanted her to hurt just as much as he did before he killed her.”

Alwin was silent for a moment before he responded. “That is very possible. However, Arthur is also right. Neither of us should have been there. Does that mean he should have tried to murder Arceana? No. Do I understand? Yes.” He told me and reached out for my hand. “I am thankful he was the one who saved us because you would have likely died, Lucia.” Taking my hand in his, he gave it a light squeeze. “We will make it through this. Thanks to him and a few others. Arthur has problems, but who doesn’t?”

“I suppose when you put it like that…” I gave his hand a squeeze back. “I’m glad you’re okay, Alwin.”

He smiled at me. “And I’m thankful you’re alive. I’m sorry I couldn’t-“

Hopping onto the side of his bed, I sat down, which cut him off. “It wasn’t your fault. You told me to teleport… I couldn’t do it.”

“Not many can under that kind of pressure with no training.” I nodded, but we soon fell into a lull once more. “When do you think Arthur will be back?”

“When he has finally defeated Graham, I imagine. Do you think he’s okay?”

“Probably. Honestly, after everything I have seen, I doubt many out there could harm Arthur.” Alwin told me. “He’ll probably return any second now after a somewhat tough fight. That Demon gave him a rough time before, but I doubt Arthur would challenge him without a plan for victory.”

Arthur's Point of View

Inside The Void

As I floated there, I studied Graham. “This must be horrifying to you. No longer able to kill yourself. Given your state as a fetus, I imagine this would be a worse punishment than actually killing you.” I told him and knew he could understand me after my interactions with him as a baby. Demon logic for the win in this torturous case. “Alive, but never getting older. I mean, this barely qualifies as life. It would be the perfect way to leave you.”

My eyes drifted to the flower that was still here from my first test with Camoa and Typhon long ago. It floated there. Unchanged and unaffected by time. Graham would never grow old here. He would forever be this… This unborn abomination. I changed back to my regular form and studied him for a moment.

“Part of me really wants to leave you here. Floating here just like that flower. A constant reminder of what you did, and revenge for your actions.” Poking him slightly, it wiggled but did little else. “However, if I ever do bring someone else here, specifically Arceana, I don’t want you to latch onto her somehow. So, that being said, I will grant you the only mercy left to give.”

Bringing my hands up together in a clap, blood exploded from between my palms and floated around the void. My hands slowly opened as a little more blood came out. Some of it drifted into my face, but I just watched it. Waiting there. Unblinking. Waiting for Graham to return once more. After all, who knew how young he could actually get. He could have one more in him.

“Come on.” I whispered. “Come on. Just one more time.”