Arthur and the Invisibles 4: Defender of the Seven Kingdoms

Chapter 1: The Return

(Almost) Ten Moons later...

As the car pulled up along the already darkened drive, Arthur beheld once again the sight of his grandparent's house. His mother was the first to exit, taking a few steps before vomiting in a bush. His father turned round to face him.

"You know Arthur, we could leave your mother here this year. Her stomach just doesn't seem to agree with cars." Arthur smiled.

"The vomit is good for the plants and the bugs." He replied. His father laughed and patted him firmly on the shoulder before exiting the car himself. But Arthur just sat there, reveling in the wondrous moment of happiness.

It had been almost ten moons since Maltazard grew to full size and attacked Daisy Town, and Arthur and his parents had returned to England shortly after. Arthur's school year had been hard, and he couldn't even begin to imagine how hard it had been for his friends back in Daisy Town, but Maltazard's attack had been good for one thing. It had completely changed his parent's outlook.

His mother was finally gaining confidence in herself (although her stomach was another matter), sometimes managing to go entire days without fainting. As for his father, he was finally putting the opinions of his family before his own. He had kept his promise to prove his worth to Arthur and his mother, and in Arthur's opinion, he had done just that, and the two had built up a strong and stable relationship over the last ten moons. In fact, Maltazard's attack had brought them closer together than ever before.

Arthur was snapped out of his moment of happiness by the sound of another loud retch from his mother, and looked out the car window to see her still bending over near a bush. He opened the door and slowly edged towards her.

"Mum? Are you...ok?" He asked. She managed to raise her head a little and move her eyes slightly in his direction.

"I'll be-*retch*-fine honey. You go on in with your father, I'll catch-" But she was cut off by a fresh stream of vomit. Doing as she said, Arthur diverted his eyes and went to his father, who had opened the bonnet of the car to check the oil.

"Yes! Feels good to have everything under control again."

"You say that every time we finish a long journey." Arthur said as he passed him on his way to the front door. His father seemed to consider this for a moment, before closing the bonnet and joining him in the walk towards the front door. "Now remember: Don't be afraid of Darkos. He's completely friendly." He reassured his father as they stepped onto the porch.

"Don't worry, Arthur. After meeting...what was his name? Malta-"

"Dad!"

"Right, sorry. After seeing M,  I think I can handle Darkos." 

"Just please don't freak out, OK? Darkos is our friend." His father nodded, straightened himself, and pressed the doorbell. After just a few seconds, Arthur could make out a figure approaching the door, and his heart leaped as the door opened wide to reveal the smiling face of his grandfather.

"Grandpa!" Arthur exclaimed happily.

"Arthur! Armand! It's so good to see you both!" Archibald said happily as he exchanged hugs with them both. "Daisy! They're here!" He called over his shoulder, and Arthur looked past him to see his grandmother Daisy rushing down the stairs, a huge smile on her face. But rushing past her, even faster, was Alfred, making great bounds towards the door. He was running so fast he almost knocked them over by the time he reached the door. Bending down, Arthur smiled as he brushed the dog's fur.

"It's great to see you too, Alfred!"  

"We were getting worried!" Archibald stated as Arthur and Armand exchanged hugs with Daisy. "You're cutting it a bit close, aren't you Arthur?"