Chapter 6: Bandits I

ARTHUR LEYWIN'S POV:

Ouch, Ouch.

Groaning, I sat myself up and rubbed my throbbing head. I looked up, only to see seven stupefied faces staring at me.

My mother recovered first, shaking her head. She rushed towards me and immediately mumbled a healing spell around my body.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Durden thumping Adam's head with enough force to make him stumble forward. Heh~

"Art honey, are you okay? How do you feel?" She asked, worried about how I had turned into a human missile.

"I'm fine Mom, don't worry."

Adam's voice cuts in, "Haven't taught them how to fight my ass! How the hell did you train these little monsters?" he groaned, still rubbing his head.

"I didn't teach them that," my father managed to mutter.

He shook himself out of the stupor and came next to me to ask if I was okay. I just nodded my head.

I glanced to where Artorias was. He was currently casually wiping his sweat away from his brow as he seemed to be lost in thought. Everyone was quite surprised by that move I performed, allowing me to find an opening against Adam. They seemed to be quite impressed by me and my brother's performance. Tori had been using quite straightforward moves whilst I had been the one on the offensive, trying to adjust to this acursed body! 

However, during the fight, I felt as if Tori was somehow leading the fight in a way that would create more openings against Adam. I hadn't even realised, but our coordination was near seamless. We had used our advantage of the fight being a two vs one to its maximum; Taking turns, disrupting attacks, parry blows so one could recover. Although it was rather a simple strategy, simple can sometimes be better than a complex one. Furthermore, technically speaking, we weren't even 4 yet! What 3 year olds do you know that can coordinate so well in a fight?

At this age, most people would still just be trying to do basic maths and learning more complex words. But me and Tori... We were giving adults a run for their money! 

My contemplation was suddenly interrupted by my father.

My father had picked me up and gently lowered me back down to where I previously sat before he squatted down in front of me so we were eye level.

I then noticed him gesture for Tori to come as well. I saw him break out of his thoughts as he walked–almost waddling–his way towards us. 

"Yes, father?" He asked as he arrived and stood next to me.

"Tori, Art, where did you learn to fight like that?"

Deciding to feign ignorance, I said, putting on a nonchalant face, "I learned by reading books and watching you, dad."

I don't think saying, "Hey dad, I was the King Duelist representative of my country from a world where diplomatic and international issues are settled by battles. I just happened to be reincarnated as your son... Surprise," would get a hearty reaction from him.

I then turned my head to Tori as I was eager to hear his response. 

"Instincts." He uttered, without a change in expression.

...

Wow, what profound words! But, it made sense. Heck, maybe I should have used that excuse aswell. It was short, concise and the only logical explanation a 3 year old could fight so well. Simply animal like-lnstincts, one that does an action without needing any thought. 

"Sorry for roughing you up there little buddy. I didn't expect I would need to use that much strength to fend off against two kids."

Seeing Adam apologise gave me just a bit of a better impression of him. I guess he wasn't a total jerk.

-

ARTORIAS LEYWIN'S POV:

I was sat by myself at an isolated log currently analysing the recent fight I had with Adam. Kinaesthetic learning through battling is very efficient if you want to quickly adapt to your body.

Feeling every muscle and organ of my body react to each move, block and swing I performed gave me a lot of information on any adjustments I needed to make. It would take some time, but just this one fight had significantly helped my progress in getting used to this body.

I glanced at Arthur who was currently the centre of attention. He was teaching everyone on how to perform that feint move he had done on Adam. I couldn't help but smile at everyone's enthusiasm and the lively atmosphere. It was nice.

It reminded me of the times and adventures I had spent with Sif...

"Why the long face, honey?" A soothing voice spoke.

I turned to see my mother who had a gentle smile, before she sat beside me on the log. I briefly stared at her eyes which exuded some sort of benevolence that seemed to make me feel at ease.

"Nothing mother. Maybe just a little homesick." I replied, before turning my gaze to the night sky.

It was the truth, I quite missed my previous life. Well, more like missed all the friendships I had formed, especially Sif. I had found her lost and injured in a forest, so I saved her simply out of goodwill.

She was only a small wolf cub at the time, so after she had recovered, she practically followed me everywhere... At first, I was quite reluctant as I didn't want to take on any burdens with me and also because I liked to work alone...

Throughout my entire life, many had described me as a 'lone wolf,' always preferring solitude. But, Sif would simply ignore any of my dissatisfaction, and just continued following me anyways. It was as if she could see through me, knowing I wouldn't turn her away. I guess maybe I too, secretly found her company quite pleasant...

I felt my mother's hand gently caress my hair as she pulled me into her embrace.

This sense of warmth was comforting...

I felt safe and protected as my vision started to darken.

I drifted to sleep, not being able to fend off my dreariness any longer. 

...

...

...

-

A few days had passed.

On the first leg of our journey to the foot of the Grand Mountains, me and Arthur had turned 4 years old. Mother had somehow prepared a cake, seemingly summoning it out of thin air. I wasn't sure where the cake had come from, but I didn't complain as I savoured it. Arthur didn't seem to want it though.

Well, more for me I guess.

Jasmine had surprisingly gifted both me and Arthur a short knife, simply just saying "Present," before shortly leaving. I was very grateful for it, though I wasn't sure if a dagger was a suitable present for a 4 year old. But, nevermind.

Fortunately, our journey up the mountain was rather uneventful. I spent a lot of my time reading my book on mana theories and also sometimes borrowing Arthur's book on mana manipulation. 

I was currently engrossed in my book before I felt a bad premonition. A light chill went down my spine which caused me to quickly close the book before standing up. It seems my worry had manifested into reality as I heard Helen's thunderous voice.

"BANDITS! PREPARE TO ENGAGE!" she shouted, as a rumble of footsteps came from our right and rear.