Ancient Pasts - Tbate

The Truth of Life

Cathan Leywin Pov

I wanted to ask why the other asura races didn't do the same and interbreed with the lesser races. But if it took centuries for the mad genius Agrona to discover a way to interbreed an asura with a human, then the other races probably haven't found a way how.

"Wait. So the ancient six artifacts that you guys gave to the people of Dicathen..." Arthur's voice trailed off.

"Yes. It was our way of giving the people of this continent a sword and a shield. We knew that the powers and knowledge contained within those artifacts would ignite a revolution for your people."

"We were right, but we only found out through recent events that it hadn't been nearly enough. It's the wish of the Great Clans leaders' that, with our direct intervention, we can equip the mages of this continent with enough strength to defend this continent from Agrona. We fear that if Agrona gets access to the inhabitants of this continent, the Vritra Clan will gain enough fighting power to overthrow Epheotus." Windsom finished.

"And this is where Arthur and I come in. Stronger chess pieces that the Great Clans can utilize to gain the upper hand in the upcoming war," I sneered, crossing my arms.

"Well, I would think of it more as, us training you to defend your family and homeland," Windsom countered, his lips curling upward ever-so-slightly. 

"Meh, we prefer the mutual benefit over questionable acts of altruism anyhow," Arthur shrugged.

"I guess you still don't trust us completely," Windsom said, studying us with a curious eye before asking, "On a side note, how do you plan on informing your family of our... plans?"

"Don't worry, Windsom. I thought a lot about how we should break it to our parents while inside the castle," I winked.

__________________________________________________________

As we approached the end of the tunnel, I could see the shadows of a few people surrounding a fire. I couldn't help but smile at the sight of my warrior of a father scrubbing dishes near the underground stream as Elder Rinia, my sister, and my mother concentrated on a simmering pot over the fire.

"Something smells delicious! Did you make enough for me?" Arthur yelled out, causing everyone to whip their heads in our direction.

Each of them had a different reaction as they realized who it was that spoke. My father dropped the dented pan, my mother and sister simultaneously bolted up from the makeshift chair that they were sitting on, while Elder Rinia gave Arthur and me a meaningful smile as she continued peeling the potato in her hand.

In seconds, Arthur and I were wrapped in the embrace of our family as our mother and father checked our bodies for any signs of injuries while my sister's gaze went straight toward the sleeping Sylvie in Arthur's arms.

"Is Sylvie okay?" She asked concern laced in her voice as she held Sylvie in her arms.

"Kraa!" Azrael croaked with an upset tone.

"Azrael is upset you were looking for Sylvie first and not him." I chuckled.

"Your brothers just escaped from prison, and you don't even ask if we're okay?" Arthur muttered, pretending to be hurt.

"Mm... you always seem to come back alive anyway," she shrugged, focusing her attention back on Sylvie. That statement caused a round of laughter and for my mother to scold Ellie.

I felt a sharp pang in my chest at my sister's callous words. Where was the sweet child that stuck to me like glue and shed tears whenever she couldn't see me? Is she already at the rebellious stage?