"COMMANDER VIRION WE SALUTE YOU!"
Everyone including Arthur and Tess took a knee, while Sylvie climbed onto Tess' back and waved. Everyone but Arthur was looking down, whether due to his familiarity with Commander Virion, or just the fact that he knew he was there for him he kept his head up. The few that dared to just glance up saw the commander followed by a man wearing a wool cloak that covered all but his mouth from view.
"Tessia, Arthur, come with me," Virion called out, his voice just loud enough to be heard by everyone while not yelling.
Everyone kept on their knee until the captain released them, just in time to see Arthur as he entered the command tent.
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"Arthur!" Virion exclaimed as he took Arthur into a bear hug.
"Good to see you too Gramps." Arthur looked to Adler as he removed his hood. "Nice to see you too Aldir."
"We came as soon as we heard you arrived," Virion said as he released Arthur from the hug. "Although I'm surprised, I was expecting you to be coming to the castle."
"So was I," Arthur looked to Aldir. "but for some reason Winsdom decided to send me here instead."
"Hmm," Aldir appeared to be pondering any possible explanation. "It is a mystery. He has had more contact with lessers than nearly anyone else. Perhaps his logic is there."
"Maybe to have a psychological effect on the troops?" Arthur suggested.
"Psychological?" Tess questioned.
With that Arthur realized he once again used a term he thought was only from his old world. Thankfully for him Aldir spoke up to clarify.
"It means to have an effect on the mind. In this case, perhaps the intention was to instill confidence in you with the troops, or perhaps improve their morale. Very few have seen what a lance is capable of, let alone see their aftermath."
"Well he definitely inspired some confidence. Even those who didn't believe that Arthur cleared the den couldn't think of any other explanation," Tess stated.
"Well it doesn't matter whatever the reason, Arthur is back, and it's time to return to the castle," Virion said, just happy that Arthur was back.
"We're leaving already?" Tess asked.
"No, you'll be staying here, the rest of us will be leaving," Virion clarified, his expression showing he had an idea how Tess would handle this.
"But he just got here!"
"Tess," Arthur took her hand in his. "I need to return to the council for a debrief, and...figure out where to put me to use."
"Tessia," Virion put a hand on her shoulder as he looked at her with a sympathetic expression. "I know you've waited a long time for Arthur to come back. But we are at war, and you both have your own duties."
"So I have to keep fighting, and make my way with my own strength," Tess replied with a mocking tone.
Virion closed his eyes. "Tessia, I know this is difficult for you, but this is how it has to be," Virion sighed. "With that said, being commander of the entire war does come with some perks."
"What do you mean?" Tess asked.
"I can't give you two all the time you want together, but I promise I'll try and work things so you two can at least get some time together every once in a while."
Tess sighed. "I guess that's the best I could hope for. Thank you," She conceded. Tess wanted more, to be assigned to a unit or team working directly under Arthur so they could at least see each other every few days. However she also knew reality, and knew that that would never happen.
Even though Tess accepted this, Arthur didn't. Virion made this sound like some kind of favor, out of the kindness of his heart. But something about this made Arthur suspicious of the old man, like he was scheming something.
"Good. We'll give you two a minute. Arthur, we'll leave as soon as you're done," Virion said, and he and Aldir walked out of the tent, Sylvie jumping from Tess arms to follow them.
"I'm sorry I can't stay longer," Arthur said as he stepped in front of her. Tess didn't reply as she avoided his gaze. "You know, just because we can't see each other doesn't mean that we can't keep in touch." Tess looked back up to Arthur with a questioning look. "I know that communication scrolls are in high demand for the war, but I'm sure we could still send letters to one another."
Tess nodded as a smile formed on her face, while fighting back tears. "I'd like that."
Arthur stepped closer and placed a hand on her cheek as the other went to her waist, he leaned in, and the two shared a deep loving kiss.
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Arthur and Tess emerged from the tent, Tess following behind him with her fingers lingering in his hand as she tried to keep her pain from showing on her face. A few members from the unit had walked over in hopes of learning what was going on.
"Ready?" Aldir asked.
Tess stepped away from Arthur, her fingers slipping from his hand as she walked to her team.
"Yeah I'm ready." Arthur replied as Sylvie jumped back up to her usual perch on his shoulder.
Aldir nodded, and with a wave of his hand a teleportation gate appeared before them.
"Let's go," Virion said as he and Aldir walked to the gate.
Arthur looked back one last time to see Claire giving Tess a supportive side hug, as she gave a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Arthur returned the smile before walking through the gate.
Moments later Arthur found himself in the cylindrical gate room of the floating castle, with Aldir and Virion standing at the heavy iron doors, as a guard used some kind of artifact. The doors clicked, then began moving as Arthur approached. As the doors opened, much to Arthur's surprise, instead of guards there was a large dark bear-like mana beast towering over him.
"Brother!"
Out of nowhere Ellie shot around the beast, past Virion and Aldir, and right into Arthur as she tackled him into a hug.
"Ellie!" Arthur replied as he returned the hug.
"Arthur!"
This time both his parents were rushing through, taking him and Ellie into a family hug. Arthur was completely taken back by this as happy tears poured from his eyes. Last time he saw his parents, right before Windsom took him for his training, Arthur told them about his past life. The reaction then was about what he expected, although he had hoped for better, as they both even questioned if he was even their son.
"I-I thought," Arthur sputtered out before his father cut him off.
"Thought what? We wouldn't still love you?"
"You're our son no matter what. We raised you from diapers to the fine young man you are today, nothing can change that," Alice added.
Despite his best efforts, Arthur couldn't contain his joy filled tears. The mood changed to humorous, as the large bear joined in, wrapping its massive paws around everyone and lifting them up.
"Haha, put us down boo," Ellie laughed.
"Woah, thats Boo?" Arthur asked.
"Yup," Ellie replied as he put them down. "He's grown a lot since you left hasn't he?"
"Sure has," Arthur replied as he looked up at the nine foot tall beast. "I hope he doesn't get any bigger."
"He'll get just a little bigger," Aldir chimed in.
"I didn't know you knew about mana beasts," Arthur commented.
"Well he's from Epheotus, so I'm a little familiar," Aldir stated.
"What?! But I found him in a dungeon a little over two years ago. We killed several other beasts like it."
"That was Windsom's plan. Those beasts were already mutated, so Windsom hid, Boo, so he'd come out after it was safe," Aldir explained.
"Windsom planned this?"
"Much more excessive of a plan for my taste, but the results were effective enough."
Arthur was completely amazed by this revelation. The level of planning down to the slightest detail, as well as the risk of something going completely wrong was all unbelievable and well beyond anything Arthur felt even he could do.
"Now as much as I hate to break up this lovely family reunion, I need to take Arthur to meet with the council," Virion stated.
"Of course, we understand," Alice said as she wiped some tears from her eyes.
"Don't worry, I plan on for the most part keeping him here for the next few days, so you'll all have plenty of time to catch up."
"Thank you Commander, we're grateful for everything you've done and continue to do for our family," Rey said as he bowed.
"Think nothing of it," Virion replied, then looked to Arthur. "Come on brat, there's a lot to discuss."
Arthur gave his family one last hug then followed behind Virion and Aldir.
"So," Virion said, sounding curious. "What did you do to make you think your family would disown you? Nothing disrespectful to my granddaughter or our family I hope."
"Nothing like that, but I won't tell you what. It's a matter to be kept within the family if I can help it," Arthur replied. He knew that if he and Tess were ever going to have a chance at a real future he would have to one day tell her, and out of respect tell Virion as well. With that said, Arthur had no intention of telling them any sooner than necessary.
"I see, so I'll have to wait till you marry my granddaughter and we become family then," Virion replied with his usual teasing smirk.
"Well if your mind is aging as well as you look, you'll be senile well before that happens," Arthur shot back, resulting in a good laugh from Virion.
Very few people could really make the elder laugh like this, and those few were nearly as old or older than Virion himself. Arthur though was a rare exception, despite his physical age, Virion couldn't easily look at Arthur as a child. He reminded him more of a seasoned veteran of war, someone he would have been honored to have fought side by side with in combat, and drank with after as they celebrated surviving the battle.
The three of them approached a set of wooden doors with a guard on either side. The guards then moved and opened the door, revealing the council chamber, as well as the council itself.
"Look who we found clearing a dungeon," Virion announced as they entered.
"Arthur!" Alduin and Merial said as they stood up from the circular table in the middle of the room, and began to make their way to him.
"Council members, it's an honor to.." Arthur started before being stopped by Merial greeting him with a gentle hug.
"It's so good to see you again," Merial said right before releasing him.
"Likewise. Just look at you. You've definitely grown into a strong young man," Alduin greeted as he shook Arthur's hand.
"Umm, thank you both, it's good to see you as well," Arthur replied as he felt a bit uncomfortable and completely caught off guard by the warm greeting by Tess' parents.
"Arthur."
Arthur looked from Tess' parents to see Blaine and Pricilla Glayder have left their seats to also come closer to greet him.
"Your majesties," Arthur greeted with a bow.
"Welcome back young man," Blaine greeted Arthur as he slapped his back.
"We've all heard of your progress with the Asura, and to say that we're all impressed would be an understatement," Pricilla added with a smile.
"Yes, a true credit to your people," Blaine added.
Arthur couldn't help but wonder what he meant by that. Did he mean Dicathens, or just humans? Ultimately it didn't matter, since Arthur had already agreed to serve as one of Elenoir's Lances.
"Hello Arthur."
"Elder Rahdeas?" Arthur questioned as he saw Elijah's adopted father.
"I was selected to represent Darv after my traitorous predecessors were killed," Rahdeas stated as he shook Arthur's hand.
"Well congratulations then," Arthur replied. Arthur's mind then went to Elijah. "I, I heard about Elijah. I'm sorry for your loss."
Rahdeas took a deep breath. "Thank you, but don't dwell on it too much. I personally like to think he gave them hell till the very end."
Arthur gave a sad smile as he nodded in acknowledgment.
"Alright everyone, let's take our seats and get down to business," Virion announced.
Everyone began to take their seats, and as Arthur looked for an empty seat Virion gestured to him to take the seat to his right, as Aldir took the one of the left.
"First things first," Virion said as he slid a small wood box to Arthur, who opened it curiously. "That ring is given to all the Lances. There will be a ceremony in a few days where it'll be presented to you as we announce you as the next Lance to all of Dicathen. Wear it until then though so everyone will recognize your authority."
"Thank you," Arthur replied as he removed it and slid it onto his left middle finger. It was a little loose, not so much that it would just fall off easily, but enough to give him some room to grow into it.
"Also, you'll be assigned the seventh division out of Elenoir, for when needed for missions," Virion added.
"Wait, seeing as Arthur is human, wouldn't it make more sense for him to be in command of a division from Sapin?" Blaine said in objection. Arthur was quite possibly the strongest Lance, and he wasn't about to just let him go without a fight.
"As a Lance of Elenoir, it makes more sense for Arthur to command a division from Elenoir," Virion said in a threatening tone.
"I understand that you have only one lance currently, but that doesn't mean that Arthur should just go to Elenoir. What makes you think they'll even listen to him?" Blaine Argued.
"If I may," Arthur said, sounding more calm than the two adults. "King Glayder, what makes you think the captains in Sapin will listen to me any better than the ones in Elenoir?"
"If I give the order they will," Blaine stated confidently.
"Unfortunately I don't have the same confidence in your words that you do. Just like in Elenoir, I will be seen as a child with some honorary rank, and most will not respect any orders, let alone my opinion. Only after I've gained enough positive recognition through the war will many give me the respect that comes with my rank."
Arthur took a brief pause to breath, where Blaine thought he was going to get another chance to speak, but Arthur started again.
"As for me being a Lance of Elenoir, first off, unlike the other Lances, I'm not bound by an artifact. So wouldn't it make more sense for me to serve where I'm needed most, regardless of my race?"
"I suppose you do make a good point," Blaine conceded.
"Good. Besides, I agreed to become a Lance of Elenoir before I left for my training anyway," Arthur concluded casually.
"What?!" Blaine shouted as his wife looked equally shocked by this revelation.
Arthur looked to Virion. "Didn't you tell the council?"
"Hmm," Virion leaned back in his seat as he stroked his beard. "I do remember telling Alduin, but it must have slipped my mind to tell anyone else."
Blaine sat down grumbling since he lost that fight before it even started.
"And I'm supposed to be the child here," Arthur commented under his breath at Blaine and Virion's behavior.
He then heard Merial trying to contain herself from giggling, after hearing his comment.
"Perhaps it would be best to proceed with the matter at hand," Aldir said, gaining everyone's attention. "Arthur, you've been kept up to date with the situation here correct?"
"For the most part yes. Alacryan soldiers have been massing in the beast glades by use of teleportation gates their spies brought over, but because of The Wall they've been pretty much contained from striking the more populated areas," Arthur stated.
"Good, this will save us some time," Virion commented.
"The only thing I don't know much on are current events. I was told a large portion of the Alacryan army is on its way here. So unless they found a way to get through The Wall, they shouldn't pose much of a problem, right?"
The atmosphere in the room shifted drastically. Virion pulled several papers from under the table and slid them to Arthur.
"These pictures were taken about two months ago. And Before you ask, no that's not the Dicatheous," Virion said as Arthur began looking at pictures of a ship wreck.
Arthur's heart raced as he began piecing things together in his head.
"Gideon told us how you were the one that designed the steam engine," Virion told him.
"Arthur no one blames you," Merial said as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"She's right, it was just a matter of time till Gideon or someone else came up with something," Blaine added.
"This isn't the worst of it," Arthur looked up and locked eyes with Virion, "is it."
Virion closed his eyes and turned away. "No, no it isn't."
"Yesterday a flying scout spotted a fleet of hundreds of these ships," Aldir stated.
Arthur crumbled the pictures he was holding as the absolute worst case scenario unfolded before him. He didn't care what anyone said, this was his fault, all so he could get some artifacts to protect his mother and sister. Arthur shot up from his chair and tried to race to the door.
"Arthur!" Virion shouted as he grabbed Arthur by the arm.
"I need to see it for myself. I need to see how badly I screwed things up," Arthur replied as he tried to free his arm.
"I understand, and you'll get your chance," Virion replied as he stood up, tightening his grip on Arthur's wrist.
"What do you mean?" Arthur paused his attempt to free himself from his former master.
"We received word via a messenger," Aldir said as he stood up. "They are requesting a meeting."
"When?" Arthur calmed down and Virion released his grip.
"In three days," Virion replied as he placed his hand on Arthur's shoulder. "And I want you there with me."
Arthur took a deep breath before nodding in acceptance.
Just then a soldier burst through the doors.
"The dungeon the Commander left is under attack, we're receiving the evacuees!"