Elias Leywin POV
"Budge over, El!" I shout to the girl to my right.
"Shut it, Li!" she said, shoving me back, causing me to almost fall off the plushie that sat by the window towards the front window.
I push her back slightly, causing her to stumble into the wall that encloses us.
We continue our back and forth as an ornate carriage rolls to a stop just before us.
Arthur Leywin POV
"Sir, we have arrived at Helstea Manor." The driver got off and opened the door for me, tipping his hat as I stepped down gently, careful not to arouse my slumbering bond as I handed my driver a few copper coins. Taking one last look, I walked up the stairs I had become so familiar with.
I cradled Sylvie with one arm, feeling for the gentle expansion and retraction of her stomach to make sure she was just sleeping. Ever since her transformation, she had been fast asleep, filling me with unease. After prodding at my bond's mind once more, I knew she was okay, just sleeping heavily.
I hadn't even made it up the stairs when the large double doors flung open with a loud thud. In the centre of the entranceway, a pair stood basking in its light.
A little girl stood with her hands resting on her hips like a scolding mother. On her face was an expression I couldn't quite describe; she appeared to be scowling, but flashes of excitement and joy leaked through her obvious facade.
A little boy stood to her right with his arms crossed and a grin beaming on his face, not trying to attempt to hide his feelings.
With the same half-scowl-half-delighted expression, she gracefully leapt down the flight of stairs and bludgeoned me in the gut with the crown of her head.
I quickly raised my arms to get Sylvie out of harm's way, but I couldn't save myself as the wind quickly escaped from my mouth.
For a moment, we were both silent as I gently stroked Ellie's hair as her face remaining buried in my chest.
"Welfom vack," she mumbled.
"Sorry?" I tried to pry my sister off me, but her arms squeezed harder around my waist in refusal to let go.
"She's happy to see you, Art", my little brother adds before closing the distance between us in only a speed someone who had augmented their body with mana could've achieved.
Ellie looked up with red, tear-filled eyes as she clung to me like a baby koala. "I said welcome back, Big Brother."
"Welcome home, Big bro", her twin says as he squeezes me from the other side.
"Thanks, Ellie, Lias. It's good to be back," I replied with a smile. "Now, how about you two let me go?"
"That depends", her almond-shaped eyes narrowed, "are you going to leave again?"
Letting out a chuckle, I shook my head. "No, I'm not."
Elias Leywin POV
I didn't let go right away, though. Neither did Ellie. She had her face pressed so tightly against his chest that I could feel her shaky breaths against my shoulder. Her arms clung to him as if she let go, he might vanish, and truthfully, a part of me felt the same.
"Alright, you two," Arthur said, patting both our heads, "I really do need to breathe, you know."
Ellie sniffled but finally eased her grip, though she didn't let go completely. I stepped back half a pace, my hands slipping reluctantly from around his waist. It wasn't that I didn't believe him when he said he wouldn't leave again. It was that I couldn't shake the fear that maybe next time he left, he wouldn't come back at all.
I shoved that thought down deep, where Ellie couldn't see it.
"See?" Arthur smiled at us, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I told you. I'm home."
Ellie wiped her face with the back of her sleeve, glaring at him through watery eyes. "You'd better stay."
Arthur chuckled, but I caught the flicker, just for a second, in his expression. A hesitation. A shadow. Then it was gone, replaced with the same calm smile he always wore when he wanted to reassure us.
Before I could dwell on it, footsteps echoed from inside the manor.
My mother appeared from atop the stairs. Her hand flew to her mouth, and then she was running, skirt gathered in her fists. Dad was right behind her, his steps longer, his face set in something between relief and anguish.
They didn't slow. They didn't even hesitate. Mum reached Arthur first and wrapped him in such a fierce hug that he staggered a little under her weight. Dad's arms went around both of them in the next instant, and the sound Mum made wasn't words, it was a sob so raw it sent shivers down my spine.
"Art," she breathed, like his name alone was all she needed to stay standing. "I was so worried", she chokes out through sobs.
Ellie and I had been worried, yes. We'd missed him every day he'd been gone. But this... this wasn't just worry. This was fear. Relief. The kind of grief people carried when they thought they'd lost something forever.
Ellie's hand found mine, small and trembling. "Lias..." she whispered, confusion thick in her voice.
I didn't answer. I couldn't.
Arthur hugged them both back, whispering words I couldn't quite catch. Something soft, something reassuring... I think. His hand rubbed soothing circles on Mum's back, and though he smiled when he finally looked over at us again.
Dad finally cleared his throat, pulling back just enough to wipe at his face. "Come inside. All of you." His voice was rough, uneven, like he'd been shouting or crying for hours.
Mum nodded quickly, still clinging to Arthur's arm as though he might slip away if she let go.
Ellie squeezed my hand tighter as we followed them in. She leaned close to me, whispering so only I could hear. "Why are they crying like that? He was only gone a little while."
I glanced at her. Her big brown eyes were red from tears, her nose still pink, and she looked so small, so unsure.
I forced a smile I didn't feel and shook my head. "I don't know,"
I didn't get a chance to think about it longer because the moment we crossed the threshold into the manor, more voices carried toward us.
"I guess that's our cue?" a familiar one rang from ahead.
I looked up, and sure enough, Elijah stood halfway down the stairs leading to the second floor. His arms were crossed, but there was a lopsided grin tugging at his lips, as though he'd been waiting for just the right time to speak up.
"About time you lot dragged yourselves inside," he said, adjusting his glasses with one hand. "I was worried you might spend the entire day crying on the doorstep."
Arthur let out a quiet chuckle. "It's good to see you, too, Elijah."
I frowned, scrunching up my nose. "Took you long enough to come down. Did you get lost upstairs or something?"
Elijah raised a brow at me, his smirk deepening. "No, I just thought I'd spare your poor brother the embarrassment of seeing you bawl like a baby."
"I wasn't bawling," I shot back quickly, heat rising in my cheeks.
Ellie, still clinging to Arthur's hand, gave a little sniff and muttered, "Yes, you were."
I turned my glare on her, but before I could argue, footsteps thundered from behind Elijah.
"Arthur Leywin! The prodigal son returns!"
Uncle Vincent's booming voice filled the hall as he appeared from the upper landing,
"We're glad you're back safe, Arthur," Tabitha said warmly as she followed after her husband. She was far more graceful, her lavender scent washing over us as she drew Arthur into her own embrace.
"Thank you," Arthur said softly, bowing his head a little. "For everything. Taking care of my family and allowing us to stay—"
"Ah, ah." Vincent wagged a finger in mock warning, grinning like he'd caught Arthur sneaking sweets. "Don't you go making this old man weep with your manners. No need to act so formal here."
"He's right," Tabitha agreed, her smile gentle. "Arthur, your family is our family. Think of us as your aunt and uncle. No need to hold us at arm's length."
Arthur blinked, then dipped his head again. This time, though, there was no hesitation in his smile.
I shuffled closer to Ellie, tugging her hand so we weren't standing awkwardly at the edge. The warmth of the Helsteas filled the whole room, like a fire blazing in the hearth, and even though I'd been here dozens of times before, something about it tonight felt... different. Safer.
Vincent, meanwhile, had caught Arthur's gaze wandering and chuckled knowingly. "If you're looking for Lily, she's not here."
Arthur's brows rose. "Oh?"
"She's off at Xyrus Academy now," Tabitha explained, brushing back a lock of dark hair. "She started last fall, after turning twelve."
"Wow," Arthur said, and this time his smile lit up his whole face. "She's really becoming a mage, then. That's incredible."
Tabitha's eyes softened with pride. "She wanted to be here to tell you herself, but classes started again, so she's stuck in the dorms until break."
"It's all thanks to you, Arthur!" Vincent added with a booming laugh. "Never thought the Helstea House would see a mage born into it after generations of nothing. And now, here we are!"
Arthur rubbed the back of his neck, a little embarrassed, but he was smiling all the same.
"Come now," Vincent clapped his hands together, making the sound echo through the hall. "No sense standing here like statues. We've got a perfectly fine set of couches in the living room, and my cooks have been preparing a feast worthy of the occasion!"
~~~
"Lias. Wake up."
I groaned and buried my face into the pillow. It was far too early for this nonsense. The room was still dim, a thin strip of dawn slipping past the curtains.
"Come on, Lias," Arthur's voice followed, softer but insistent. "Up."
I cracked one eye open, squinting at my brother's grinning face. Behind him stood Father, arms crossed, clearly the mastermind behind this rude awakening.
"Why?" I croaked, my voice muffled against the pillow. "It's not morning yet."
Father smirked. "It is morning. Just earlier than you'd prefer. Now get up."
Before I could argue, Arthur tugged at my blanket, and Father hooked his arms under mine, hoisting me upright. My legs dangled helplessly as they half-dragged me out of bed, ignoring my muttered protests.
"This is abuse," I mumbled, but neither of them dignified that with a response.
The air outside hit me like a splash of cold water. Crisp, cool, and smelling faintly of dew. I shivered, suddenly more awake. The yard stretched out before us, grass glistening with droplets and the faint orange-pink glow of sunrise spilling across the sky.
And there was Elijah, already waiting. He stood in the middle of the yard, arms raised as he stretched, his glasses catching the early light. He looked far too awake for this hour.
"About time," Elijah called, lowering his arms.
Arthur chuckled, giving me a little push forward. "You should've tried carrying him. He weighs more when he's half-asleep."
"I do not," I grumbled, rubbing my eyes.
"You do," Arthur and Elijah said in unison, and then laughed together like it was the funniest thing in the world.
I stuck out my tongue but didn't argue further. My legs felt heavy, but at least the chill in the air chased most of the drowsiness away.
Elijah bent at the waist, brushing dew from his knees as he straightened.
"Why'd you go waking me up so early, big bro?" I groan as I fall to my knees.
He laughs at my reaction before turning to our father, "Dad, what stage are you currently at?"
Father didn't answer right away. He stood with his arms crossed, watching me flop onto the grass like some exhausted animal. His lips twitched, like he was trying not to laugh, but when he finally spoke, his tone was calm, steady.
"I've actually been stuck at the bottleneck of Dark-orange since you left."
Arthur nodded like he'd expected that answer, then glanced back at Elijah. "And you?"
"Mid-orange," Elijah replied, adjusting his glasses as the corners of his mouth curled into a smug little smile. "Not too shabby, considering I don't have your freakish pace."
Arthur chuckled, then turned to me. His grin widened. "And you, Lias?"
I hesitated, shifting on my knees. My cheeks felt warm under everyone's eyes. "I just reached Dark-orange last month..." I muttered.
"Dark-Orange!?!" my father and Elijah exclaim as my brother waves them off.
Arthur's grin softened, genuine pride flickering behind it. "Not bad, little brother. You're growing faster than I was at your age."
That made my chest swell a little, even if I tried not to show it.
Then Arthur reached into his pocket, pulling a small green sphere out of his pocket.
He tossed it once in his palm before handing it toward Father. "Here. I had to use a bit of it whilst I was healing up, but this should be more than enough to push you to mid-orange."
Father's brows lifted slightly as he took it. For a moment, he just stared at the core, as if weighing more than its physical weight. Then he gave a single nod. "This is no small gift, Arthur. I can't..."
I look over my now-sitting father's shoulder, "If you don't want it..."
My brother cuts me off, earning a scoff.
"Take it, Dad. You'll need that if you want to catch up to me," he says, looking to our father before turning to me, "And to stay ahead of this little genius"
I laugh slightly at my brother's indirect compliment.
Dad gives Art a resolute nod as he takes the core and goes off on his own.
Arthur flexed his hands, knuckles popping, before stepping onto the damp grass. "Since Dad's busy, why don't we make use of the time?"
I frowned. "Make use... how?"
Arthur's grin sharpened, the kind that always spelled trouble. "A spar."
"Nope." I dropped back into the grass. "Not happening. You'll snap me in two."
"You won't learn anything if you don't push yourself," Arthur countered, his voice maddeningly calm. "Besides, I'll hold back."
"You holding back is still terrifying."
"That's the point."
Elijah chuckled, pushing up his glasses as he leaned against the fence. "Don't worry, Lias, your body will just heal up", he states, a smug smile growing on his face, almost as if he's excited to see the coming beating.
"Not helping!" I barked, but Arthur was already moving.
He extended one hand, and the earth at his feet shivered. From the ground, stone flowed upward, shaping into a blade that gleamed with sharp, clean edges.
He pointed it directly at me. "Your turn to show me what you've got."
I let out a heavy exhale, "Fine. But if you kill me, I'm haunting you."
Arthur chuckled. "Fair enough."
I copied what my brother had done, as the stone drooped upward from the ground, a blade forming as I pulled it free from the soil below.
"Keep in mind you're an augmenter and I'm not", I say hastily as my brother begin walking towards me.
"Come on, Lias," he said, voice low and steady.
Elijah grinned from the fence. "Oh, this is going to be good."
He twirls his sword of stone in an arc as he continues his approach.
I take a deep breath as I grip my sword with both hands. I adjust my stance, holding the blade close to my body as Art continues his approach.
He closed the gap with steady strides, his blade raised in a loose guard. I braced, both hands tightening around my stone sword.
The first strike came as a quick diagonal slash aimed at my shoulder. I barely raised my weapon in time, the clash echoing sharply and loudly. My arms rattled, my stance slipping as Arthur flowed seamlessly into his next attack.
Another slash, low and fast. I dropped my blade to meet it, the impact driving me back a step. Before I could even reset, he was already thrusting forward, his sword darting for my chest. I twisted sideways, my blade scraping against his just enough to redirect it.
There was no pause. Arthur's movements were relentless, a storm of practised strikes. High, then low. Left, then right. Each swing chained into the next, giving me no room to counter, no chance to breathe. My arms burned from the strain, sweat stinging my eyes.
I tried to adjust, shuffling back, keeping my sword close, blocking where I could. His blade came down in a heavy arc, and I caught it, but the force jarred me so hard my knees buckled. He pivoted instantly, the flat of his blade whipping sideways. I brought mine up late, the clash sending me staggering two steps back.
Arthur continued his advance with calm precision.
My breathing grew ragged. Each block was slower, heavier. Arthur's pace never faltered. His sword blurred, striking from angles I couldn't predict, the rhythm too fast to follow. My wrists throbbed, my grip slipping with every hit.
He slashed from the right, and I moved to meet it, but it was too late. His blade crashed into mine with brutal force, tearing it from my grasp. My stone sword spun through the air before landing in the grass with a dull thud.
My brother wastes no time and points his blade at my face. I let out a sigh as I raise both my hands in defeat.
WC – 2987
All Criticism and feedback are welcome. Any suggestions for the story or plot are also more than welcome.
Apologies about the late upload. Everything has been ready; I just forgot to schedule it.
Swans won on Pens against Plymouth, after Van scored an absolute Thundercunt to open the scoring.
Wuwa 2.5? (I think) Is out tomorrow. I wish all Iono and Augusta wanters luck in the upcoming banners.
If there are any questions, feel free to message my Discord - Navarius13
If we're all still alive, the next chapter will be released on Sunday.
Rius out.