Galahad arrived the next day, clad in armor, a sword bigger than he was tall strapped to his back. He looked exactly the way Douxie remembered him.
"Hisirdoux!" He called cheerfully, waving at the two young men who were standing on the porch of the farmhouse. "Hello, lad!"
Douxie smiled and waved back. "Hi!" He looked at Carter. "See what I mean?"
Carter was grinning. "He looks like an absolute nutjob. Excellent."
Douxie rolled his eyes, scoffing. "You're weird."
"Weird is good." Carter stated, still grinning. "Normal is boring."
"Truer words have never been spoken!" Galahad exclaimed as he neared the porch. He stuck his hand out for Carter to shake. "You must be Hisirdoux's partner. It's quite a pleasure to meet you, lad."
Carter shook his hand. "My name's Carter. It's nice to meet you too, Sir Galahad. Douxie's told me a lot about you."
Galahad smiled. "All good things I hope?" His eyes twinkled with mischief.
Carter laughed. "Mostly."
Galahad glanced at Douxie. "Keep this one, lad. Merlin would've liked him." He winked at the wizard.
Douxie cleared his throat, hand moving to Carter's lower back as he steered him down the porch stairs. "Right, so we haven't gotten around to crafting his sword yet, but I feel like you can teach the basics without it, right?"
Galahad nodded. "Absolutely." He put his meaty hand on Carter's shoulder. "We'll have fun, yes?"
Carter was grinning. "Yes."
Douxie watched as Galahad and Carter walked out towards the middle of the field. He had the horrible feeling those two would get along a little too well.
A few weeks of training went by, and Douxie could see Carter's improvement. He was picking up swordplay rather impressively quickly. Douxie leaned on the porch railing, watching Carter and Galahad go at it. If you didn't know better, you'd think they were trying to kill eachother.
"Do not hold back, lad!" Galahad shouted, swinging his sword so fast, Carter barely had time to block it. "Fight like your life depends on it!" The old knight suddenly body slammed the demigod, sending him to the ground harshly. He pointed his sword at Carter's throat. "Cause one day it will be."
Carter knocked Galahad's sword away from him, getting to his feet. He glanced at Douxie, expression tightening when he saw the concern on his partner's face. "I know."
Galahad squinted at him. "You know, boy? Knowing and doing are two different things." He walked in a circle around him. "You are not one of my squires. You are not a child of ten begging his nobleman father to let him be a knight because he thinks of the glory it would bring. You are more, and therefore need more than just this training. You need to understand the dangers that lie beyond this magical border that keeps you safe." He pointed his sword to the treeline. "Demigods are powerful beings. Dangerous. Know yourself, your limits, your abilities. Discover what it is you can do, and use it in battle."
Carter stared at him. "What are you talking about?"
Galahad grunted. "Your father is a war god, yes?"
"Yeah…"
"That is why you're such a skilled fighter. War and combat are in your veins, lad. You have the ability to pick up any form of combat quickly. Sword fighting is just one of them." He stuck his sword in the ground, hands gripping the pommel. "I suggest growing your skillset. Learn new things." He sniffed and looked up. "Vameus is also the god of weaponry, crafting, and strategy." He made a face as he thought. "You're hyperactive, right?"
Carter glowered at him. "I have ADHD."
Galahad stared at him.
Carter rolled his eyes. "It stands for Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder. I can't sit still, I don't pay attention in class. You know. All the things that got me into trouble with my teachers."
Galahad nodded. "Yes. Most demigods have some form of this. In truth, it's something called 'battle brain'. It's your battle instincts, helping you be aware of everything going on during a fight. It will keep you moving, keep you alive."
Carter was silent for a moment. "Huh… never thought about it that way."
Galahad smiled. "Yes." He thought for a moment. "Archibald mentioned something about you having dyslexia?"
Carter grimaced. "Yeah. Reading is… hard for me. Words float off the page, become squiggles I can't understand, and make my eyes hurt."
"As I suspected. Your brain is hard-wired for a much more ancient language."
"What kind of language?"
"The language the gods first spoke. Ancient draconic."
Carted stared at him. "How do you even know this?"
Galahad smiled. "My friend, Lancelot. He was a demigod. Son of a water goddess. He often confided in me about these things. And after he died… and Camelot fell, I tried to help as many demigods as I could. To honor him."
Carter pursed his lips. "I'm sorry. About your friend."
Galahad nodded. "Well, of all the half-bloods I've trained, perhaps you will be the one I am most proud of. "
Carter smiled. "I'll do my best to be just that."
Galahad picked up his sword, gesturing for Carter to get back into position. "Come along, lad. You still have much more to learn."
Carter flopped onto the couch, groaning. "I feel like death."
Douxie smiled and sat on the armrest next to him. "I told you it wouldn't be easy."
Carter looked up at him. "I'm pretty sure he's trying to kill me."
Douxie laughed. "You're so dramatic."
"No, I'm serious," Carter grinned as Douxie gently pushed back his sweat-soaked hair. "And hey, isn't it your job to defend me from people like this?"
"Aw, you're cute." He said, smiling. "But, no. Nah. I know better than to cross blades with Galahad."
Carter snorted. "Helpful as ever, Blue."
"I'm very helpful." Douxie said, leaning down. "But, I know you've got this. Right?"
Carter smiled, looking up into his beautiful hazel eyes, hand gently cupping his cheek. "All jokes aside? Yes. Absolutely I do."
"Good." Douxie smiled before leaning in to kiss him. Carter hummed into the kiss, smiling against his lips.
"Oi!" Galahad called from the kitchen, interrupting their moment. "Hisirdoux, where is the ale!"
Douxie sighed and pulled away, rubbing his forehead with the heel of his hand. "I don't have any, Galahad."
"Bloody shame." The old knight grunted, slamming a cabinet door closed and stepping out of the kitchen. "Why not?"
"Because I don't think putting alcohol in my home is a top priority right now." Douxie said, crossing his arms.
"And we also didn't even live here properly until very recently." Archie said, hopping up onto the couch next to Carter.
"Right," Douxie nodded. "That, and Carter is technically under age."
Carter rolled his eyes. "You say that like I haven't drunk alcohol before. Also, I'm twenty. Close enough."
"Bah." Galahad grunted, waving the young wizard off. "If that were the case, then you shouldn't be drinking either boy. And we both know you had your first when you were fifteen."
Douxie glowered at him. "And I hated it."
Carter snickered, looking up at him. "Fifteen?"
"It was common to drink at that age in Camelot." Archie said. "But then again, it was the twelfth century, and Douxie doesn't even like alcohol."
Carter shrugged. "More for me, then."
Douxie groaned, rubbing his face. "You're awful."
"Ay, then I'll bring you a round of my onion's brew next time I come." Galahad said with a wink and a nod at Carter.
Douxie sighed, standing up and walking into the kitchen.
"Where are you going?" Carter called after him.
"To get an aspirin." Douxie called back. "You two are giving me a headache."
Carter grunted when he hit the ground. Pain flared in his shoulder and the breath got knocked from his lungs. The dull ringing in his ears got louder for a moment before subsiding again. He shook it off, pushing himself to his feet. He gripped his sword, facing Galahad again. His vision went hazy but he ignored it, holding his sword in both hands.
Galahad ran at him surprisingly fast for a guy of his age and stature. He swung his sword, keeping Carter on the defensive. Carter was barely able to keep up, being driven further back across the small field. Sweat trickled down his back and forehead, pooling in his brows. He breathed hard, arms shaking as he blocked and parried Galahad's next attack.
"Come on!" Galahad shouted, pushing his sword against Carter's, trying to push him back. "Show me what you can do, boy!"
Carter shook off the exhaustion creeping around him. He found an extra burst of strength, twisting his blade away from Galahad's. He advanced with a flurry of attacks, pushing his mentor back. Galahad met these with skilled blocks and parries. He could tell Carter was getting frustrated.
"Are you angry, lad?" He asked as their blades clashed again. He chuckled at the flash of rage in the half-blood's eyes. "Good. Use it."
With a yell of defiance, Carter pushed back against Galahad's sword forcefully. A shockwave of red tinged magic came blasting out from the demigod, sending the old knight flying across the field.
Carter stood there, dripping with sweat, and staring in shock. Douxie shot upright from his place on the porch stairs, eyes wide. They heard Galahad laughing as he got to his feet.
"Yes!" He exclaimed, limping towards Carter, grinning. "That is what I was looking for!"
"What… what was that?" Carter asked shakily as Galahad and Douxie approached him. "How did I…?"
Galahad clapped him on the shoulder. "You, my lad, have just gotten a small taste of your own power. I have heard rumor of the abilities of Vameus' children, but I have never once seen it with my own eyes." He laughed heartily, patting his shoulder. "How do you feel?"
"Uh…" Carter glanced between Douxie and Galahad. He wiped the sweat from his brow, taking in a shaky breath. "Tired, actually. Maybe a little nauseous."
Douxie grabbed his arm gently, concern etched on his face. "Are you okay?"
"Mhm," Carter nodded, eyes squeezed shut. "I'm fine."
"Yes, you'll get used to using your abilities as time goes on. It's like a muscle you have to build." Galahad said, picking up Carter's discarded sword. "But you did very well, Carter. I'm quite proud of you."
"Ha… thanks." Carter said with a wan smile.
Douxie pursed his lips, hand moving to rub his back. "Sunshine, I think you should lay down."
"I'm fine." Carter insisted, waving him off. "Seriously."
"Carter." Douxie said a bit more harshly. "Please take a break. Besides, I think training is done for today. Right?" He gave a pointed look towards Galahad.
Galahad cleared his throat. "Ah… yes! Yes. I think we're done for today." He gave Carter a pat on the shoulder and a smile. "We'll work more on it tomorrow."
Carter sighed but didn't fight Douxie as he led him back to the house and Galahad turned to walk away. "I don't need you babying me." He griped as they walked inside.
"I'm not babying you." Douxie argued, shutting the door with a bit more force than he'd intended to. "I'm taking care of you."
Carter turned to look at him, eyes sharp with a glare. "There's nothing I need you to take care of, Douxie. I'm fine."
Douxie scoffed. "Oh, clearly."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You know," Douxie laughed humorlessly. "You have a problem with not letting people help you when you're obviously not okay."
"I-"
"Carter what's wrong?" Douxie asked, crossing his arms. "You know, there's nothing wrong with being tired," he said, watching as Carter uncomfortably rubbed behind his ear. "You've been working hard for weeks. It's okay to take a break and get some rest."
"Douxie, you don't even do that." Carter pointed out, still glaring.
"And it's a habit Archie tells me I need to break."
Carter rolled his eyes. "So you're trying to tell me to do something you won't even listen to your own familiar about?"
Douxie grit his jaw. "This isn't about me-"
"No, but if you're going to get onto me about my bad habits, then I get to do the same about yours." Carter said matter-of-factly. "If you want me to stop "pushing myself" or whatever the hell it is you think I'm doing, then you need to stop pulling so many late-nighters and actually develop healthy sleeping habits."
"Carter-"
"Nope." He shook his head. "You can't tell me to do better without taking your own damn advice." He sighed at the look on Douxie's face and stepped forward to grab his hand. "I get that you're trying to help me, but why don't you help yourself first. I'm fine. I can handle myself."
Douxie looked at him for a while before he said, "Can you?"
Carter raised a brow. "Casperan, get off my ass and start worrying about your own. I don't think sparring for a few hours a day will kill me. I don't know what your problem is, but it's obviously something bigger than just me being tired. Okay?"
Douxie opened and closed his mouth. Finally he sighed and nodded. "Okay."
Carter studied his face. "Do you know what's really bothering you?"
He huffed, rubbing his eyes. "No. I don't know. I- maybe…"
"Hey," Carter gently cupped his cheek. "You know I love you. I really do." He leaned up and kissed him gently. "Get your shit together."
Douxie huffed a laugh. "You're hilarious."
"I know, but I'm also serious." Carter looked at him intensely. "I'm not made of glass. So whatever this overprotective shit is, it needs to stop. 'Cause frankly it's kind of annoying."
Douxie nodded. "Okay."
Carter smiled thinly. "Okay. So, I'm gonna go take a shower and then go pass out because I am tired."
"Called it."
"Shut it." Carter rolled his eyes. "Feel free to come cuddle with me after you and Archie have a therapy session."
"I-" Douxie stared as he walked away. "Carter!" He sighed when his partner flipped him off as he disappeared down the hall. "Love you too, asshole."
He smiled at Carter's laugh. He turned to look at Archie who'd been watching the whole thing silently from the kitchen. "Well?"
Archie sighed. "Douxie, he's right."
"About what?"
"The overprotectiveness? I thought we talked about this."
"Just because we talked about it, it doesn't mean the… the paranoia is going to go away overnight." Douxie crossed his arms, folding in on himself. "I'm still terrified of him getting hurt and I won't be able to help him. I'm still scared that… that-"
"Douxie," Archie said softly. "Hey." He shifted into his dragon form, flying towards his familiar, paw on his shoulder. "Breathe."
Douxie wiped at the tears running down his cheeks. "I'm scared that he's going to do something stupid and get himself killed again, Archie! He's-he's not careful! He's reckless and impulsive and he doesn't give a shit about his own well-being!"
"Douxie!" Archie cut him off. "Stop. Carter does care about what happens to him. If not for himself, he cares for your sake. I know he won't do something like that again."
"You can't guarantee that, Arch."
"Gods you two need therapy." Archie muttered. He sighed and looked Douxie in the eye. "Look. The best thing to do is tell Carter how you're feeling. Keeping this a secret isn't worth you two arguing, or your tears. Either of yours." He bumped his head against the wizard's gently. "Douxie, relationships aren't easy. I know you two love eachother, but sometimes that isn't enough. You need to have open and honest communication. Okay?"
"I know…" Douxie wiped his eyes, gently scratching under Archie's chin. "But what if he doesn't tell me everything?"
"Then ask." Archie said. "You need to show him he can tell you anything."
"But he doesn't. That's the thing. I know something is wrong but he won't tell me what it is."
"Hm." Archie thought for a moment. "He's been alone a long time, Douxie. He's not used to someone caring for him so genuinely. At least, someone who wasn't his mother."
Douxie pursed his lips. "I love him."
"I know."
"So much that it hurts to know something is wrong and he won't tell me what it is."
"One thing at a time." Archie said softly. "Be open first. He'll follow your example."
"You're sure?"
"If I know one thing about Carter, it's that he'll do anything to make sure this thing between you two works. He wants to be here with you, Douxie. He really does."
Douxie took a deep breath. "Okay. I'm gonna um…" he gestured to the kitchen. "Get some water."
Archie smiled. "Good idea." He followed his familiar into the kitchen, sitting on the counter. "By the way, I will be needling my way between you two during cuddle time."
Douxie laughed.
Carter stepped out of the shower, toweling his hair dry. He frowned at his foggy reflection, mind wandering to the argument earlier. He had a sneaking suspicion as to what it was that was bothering Douxie, but he didn't want to bring it up in case he was wrong. He'd be lying if he said he still didn't have nightmares about that day. Sometimes he could still feel that scorching heat tearing through his body like it was nothing.
He closed his eyes, taking in a shuddering breath. And it wasn't even just that. It was everything else about that day. Seeing the bodies of his fellow soldiers… his friends, littering the ground as he ran through a desolate, death-choked wasteland burned into his memory. And for a moment… he'd been one of those scorched, unrecognizable bodies strewn across the earth.
A sob caught in his throat. He hadn't even realized he'd been crying. Carter quickly buried his face in the towel, catching the tears before they even had a chance to fall. He took in a few deep, shuddering breaths, trying to re-collect himself. If he walked out of the bathroom looking like he'd been crying, he'd get Douxie's concerned face and his soft voice asking if he was okay. And he really couldn't deal with his soulmate's big doe eyes right now.
Carter looked up at the mirror, wiping at his red-rimmed eyes. He really needed to get his shit together. He took in one more deep breath before pulling a comfortable pair of pants and a sweat-shirt on. He was about to leave the bathroom when a sudden sharp pain ripped through his ear.
He gasped sharply, clutching his ear. The pain was so bad that it left him dizzy, vision blurring. The dull ringing in his ears that had been persistent for a few days grew louder and louder until it was all he could hear. He gripped the counter tightly, hunched over the bathroom sink, eyes squeezed shut, breathing heavy as the pain persisted.
Finally, after a few minutes it subsided, and the ringing dulled again. Carter slowly stood upright, shaking. He rubbed the back of his ear, though it didn't help much. With a shuddery breath, he pulled open the door and walked out of the bathroom.
