Alright, so to start us off, I just want to say that I won't be giving out spoilers, so don't ask. The first reason is because I don't want the spoilers to be going around. The second reason is because those things might not even come true or something could change.
Also, to clarify, the voting pole was simply done to determine who was okay with what, if you paid attention to the wording of the question in the poll. So, at the end of the day, nothing's set in stone until I release the chapter.
Chapter 10: Communication Complications
The Vali Peerage had arrived in Cornwall, England, near the location of the Pendragon Compound. The scenery where they'd arrived at was a green landscape of forests, grass, and coasted by a blue vibrant sea. Due to certain tastes, the new home of the Pendragons had been built here as a homage to their past and to stay partially removed from the noise of normal people. Apparently, Camelot was built near a location such as this. Here, whatever magic that thrived, could remain undisturbed as well. Still, a prosperous city was located near the Pendragon compound, so it wasn't completely devoid of any hustle and bustle.
Looking to the side, Issei saw a large number of hills leading to elevated ground, with a distant congregation of buildings lying at the top of the hills.
"So, Arthur, what does your family do in the eyes of the public?" Issei asked, curious.
"We're tea and herb producers. To the public, we just sell exotic teas and medicines. In truth, our family sells magical herbs and remedies meant to help with illness and immunities to disease. We try to diversify the effects that our teas have." Arthur explained.
"So, no security guarding or anything like that?" Issei inquired.
"No, that would give us away to unfriendly eyes." Arthur shook his head.
"On another note, do you know what you're going to say and do?" Vali asked.
Arthur went silent, merely staring ahead as they neared the Pendragon Compound.
"I do."
When they arrived outside the structures, Issei looked up to see a multi-story complex that had multiple connecting buildings that led to land that spanned countless feet. It was painted white with blue tiled roofs and balconies that gave distant views of what was beyond the compound.
When the group arrived in front of the steps to the Pendragon home, Arthur paused. Everyone could see the reluctance in his eyes.
"Hey, no matter what, we're with you." Issei said to Arthur.
He gave everyone a grateful nod before knocking on the gigantic blue doors. The moment the knocks were made, Issei jumped as the booming, thunderous echo spread throughout the area. That was ludicrously intimidating.
"Okay, I'll be going back home now." Issei joked as he turned around until Vali dragged him back.
Suddenly, the doors opened with a loud clanking creak. Behind the threshold, was Elaine Westcott, Arthur's lover or was it former lover?
"Welcome home, Lord Arthur and Lady Lefay." Elaine bowed.
"Thanks for welcoming us, Elaine." Lefay rushed forward for a hug.
Elaine controlled her expressions but she cracked a small smile. Clearly, she was professional beyond question. Even in the face of a reunion that would ignite joyful emotions, she maintained her calm attitude.
Lefay looked like a happy young girl that hadn't seen their older sister in a long time. She was happy and that was all that was needed for explanation. Sadly, Elaine chose not to reciprocate that happiness. Was it because of the hurt that Lefay and Arthur caused her? Was it because of the circumstances that surrounded the Pendragon House? Was it because of orders from Lord Uther Pendragon, Head of the Pendragon House? Issei just didn't know. He was just disappointed that this reunion wasn't allowed to be displayed to its full emotional range.
When Arthur and Elaine met gazes, they traded calm looks, well it was rather cold on Arthur's end.
"We're here to see Lord Uther." Arthur said.
Elaine looked disappointed, but did as requested. The fact that Arthur wouldn't even address his parent as 'Father' was sad already. The cold tone only made it worse.
They walked through the red-carpeted halls of the Compound. Suits of armor and paintings were set along the walls of the halls. Banners were hung from the ceiling, and maids and butlers were all over the place, maintaining this grand home.
"How has my mother been?" Arthur asked Elaine.
"She's been doing fine. She was shocked with your departure at first, but eventually, she grew to accept it. However, she's been rather distant from Lord Uther." Elaine replied.
Arthur merely nodded. So long as his mother was alright. While his relationship with his father was strained, his bond with his mother was strong. He'd be lying if he said that he didn't miss his mother.
They finally reached the door to Uther Pendragon's Study before long, where the peerage stopped.
"You two go on in. We'll be waiting." Vali said.
"Enter." A voice muffled from the other side.
Inside, were two people: Uther Pendragon and Eldwynn Pendragon nee Grynwalt; Arthur and Lefay's parents. Uther had short blonde hair like Arthur's, with brown eyes, a short trimmed bead and mustache. He wore business attire, with a black suit, red shirt, and white tie. Eldwynn had long auburn hair with blue eyes, which her children inherited
"Welcome, Arthur and Lefay. Please, have a seat." Uther gestured to the sofas in front of his desk.
Arthur and Lefay sat distantly from their parents as they waited for more words.
"So, do you have nothing to say?" Uther looked at his son.
"Yes, why did you send for us?" Arthur asked.
"Straight to business, as always." Uther scoffed.
"If you asked for us to come back just to scoff at us, then we'll be taking our leave." Arthur stood up.
"The thing is!..." Uther trailed off.
Arthur stopped in his tracks and turned.
"Mordred is up to something."
The young Pendragon only narrowed his eyes.
"Why?"
"It's probably for the same reasons as before. He's unsatisfied with being from a branch family and he has no holy sword to speak of. He feels angry, jealous, and bitter because of circumstances in his life. He's even more of a whiny brat than his namesake."
"And no one has even bothered to try and stop him?"
"That's the issue. Many have joined his cause. I don't know what he's promised them, but many members of the family's board have turned. As you know, our family masks itself as a business, when we're truthfully the descendants of the Knights of the Round Table."
Arthur waited politely for his father to follow up.
"However, Mordred's being civil with his takeover. He's managed to sway others to his side by some unknown means and if he does, he intends to turn the Pendragon business into a weapons-production corporation. You know just as well as I do, that that can't happen." Uther said.
Arthur narrowed his eyes. Uther had a point. If Mordred turned the family business into a weapons-manufacturer, then it'd tarnish their name and history. However, Arthur didn't care about that. He was concerned that Mordred's weapons would be pointed at innocent people.
"And so, you called me back to kill him?" Arthur growled.
"No!" Uther shouted.
Taking a moment to recompose himself, Uther took a deep breath.
"The reason why I called you back, was because I simply need your help in stopping him. Yes, back then, he couldn't equal your skill, but that was to be expected of you. You were the esteemed heir to the family's head position."
Arthur scoffed.
"Ever since I was a child, that's all you'd say to me. You said I was destined for greatness. You said that I was to follow your orders because it was what was best for me. You jerked me around like a dog on a chained leash. Now, you want me to do your dirty work even after I left this house?" Arthur glared at his father.
"I called you back, because I know that this is your destiny. You were meant to cleanse the Pendragon name and remove the tarnish upon it. The original Mordred's betrayal of your ancestor, your namesake, ruined Camelot, a beacon of prosperity and peace. Not only that, but one day, you're going to be better than any other Pendragon."
"I am no longer the heir to the Pendragons. I don't have any obligation to cleanse the family name. I am not King Arthur. I'm not living in the past."
Uther growled in frustration.
"Arthur, is this really the life you want for yourself? A life of a common man that wastes his potential looking for challenges and just going around doing nothing but cheap thrills?" Uther asked.
"And whose fault is it that I'm like this?" Arthur retorted.
Struck silent, the atmosphere went quiet as the two men glared at one another. Lefay looked back and forth nervously. Were they to draw swords again?
"Lefay, how about you and your brother go and freshen up? Lunch will be ready soon, so at least eat before you decide to leave." Eldwynn gently smiled at her daughter.
Lefay nodded. Taking Arthur's hand, she led him out of the room. As soon as the door closed, Eldwynn let out an exasperated sigh. Sternly looking at her husband, she spoke.
"Is that how you want to fix things?" Eldwynn asked.
Uther didn't respond.
"It's been 3 years, Uther. We should be happy that our children came home safe and sound. Arthur was even willing to come back here and hear you out. Why is the fact that they came home to listen to you not good enough?" Eldwynn continued.
Again, Uther didn't utter a single word.
"If this keeps up, Arthur will never return and that'll be the end of the family. I know you want things to be as bright and happy as they want it. Uther, I know you love our children, but you're trying too hard to avoid the past. The past isn't the future. Sometimes, if you take the wrong steps, it lets the past repeat. Not only that, but stop approaching him as Uther, Lord of the Pendragon House. Approach him as Uther Pendragon, his father." Eldwynn's stern tone became soft.
She placed a gentle hand on her husband's shoulder and gave a small squeeze before leaving the room.
"Arthur, wait up!" Lefay said.
She was currently trying to catch up to Arthur, who was trying to find his friends. He found Elaine turning the corner, walking up to her.
"Elaine, where are my friends?" Arthur asked.
"They are at the Dining Hall, Lord Arthur. Please, this way." Elaine stepped to the side.
"Actually, Elaine, I'd like a word with them."
Arthur and Lefay turned around at the familiar voice. Their mother had caught up to them.
"Understood, Milady." Elaine bowed out.
"Mother." Lefay muttered.
Eldwynn stretched out her arms and smiled warmly. Lefay returned the expression, dashing into her mother's arms.
"I've missed you, my child." Eldwynn patted Lefay's head.
Lefay felt a small tear trickle down her face. Her heart quaked as her lip quivered. Despite the rocky relationship with their father, Lefay and Arthur loved their mother dearly. After 3 years, Lefay could barely withhold the emotions she felt upon seeing Eldwynn. She clung onto her mother for a tight embrace as she let out 3 years-worth of sadness.
"I've missed you too." Lefay choked out.
"How have you been? Are you happy? How've your friends been treating you? Are you hurt? Are you getting enough to eat?" Eldwynn immediately began listing questions off.
"Mother, did you need something?" Arthur calmly asked.
"Well, at least you're calling me 'Mother' and not 'Lady Pendragon'." Eldwynn gave Arthur a look. She was also quite disappointed in her son.
Smiling, she quickly walked over and brought him into a tight embrace like how she did with Lefay.
"I'm so glad to see you both are okay." Eldwynn sniffled.
"I feel the same way…Mother." Arthur sighed out of relief.
Eldwynn dragged her children to the gardens.
"So, you're 19 and 16 now…tell me how you've been."
Sitting down at an extravagant pavilion, Eldwynn had food brought to them.
"Well, we've merely traveled around. It wasn't until six months of traveling that we met Vali…" Lefay trailed off as she munched on a sandwich.
How was their mother going to take it if she found out that they'd joined the Devils?
"If you're worried about what I'll think about your life choices, then don't." Eldwynn gently patted her daughter's head to soothe her.
"Huh?" Lefay looked confused.
"I'm aware that you've joined up the Underworld. The silver hair of the Lucifer Line is known to many. As you know, the Pendragons have a loose connection to the Vatican. They did take our Excalibur fragments, after all. So, it's only natural that we'd recognize their traits." Eldwynn sipped her tea.
"You're not mad?" Lefay asked.
"No, I'm not. I know better than to make assumptions at face value. That girl may be a devil, but the fact that you two are well-fed and happier than when you were here, tells me volumes. For now, I have no worries."
"Mother, did he send you to talk to us?" Arthur asked.
"Arthur, that man is your father." Eldwynn sternly reminded her son.
"What's the point of bringing us here?" Arthur immediately responded.
Eldwynn sighed.
"Arthur, why're you behaving like this?"
"Mother, you know why." Arthur quietly said.
"Is it because of the landslide that happened 3 years ago? Is it because of Elaine?"
Arthur didn't respond.
"Arthur, your father is doing all this, because he wants what's best for you and your sister. He's doing it out of good intentions. The only reason why he can't seem to do better, is because that's all he knows. That's how his father was with him. You need to give him a chance, Arthur."
"So, telling me where it's okay to go, what to do, and whom to love is all okay?" Arthur asked.
"No, it's not. However, that's what you need to get through to him. Simply firing back and brushing him off isn't doing anything. Arthur, the day you and Lefay left, was a wakeup call to him. He'd realized that he'd gone too far and done damage to many. He's changed but right now, he's only like that because he's desperate. He's trying to improve, but he's not there yet." Eldwynn explained.
Before Arthur could speak, Eldwynn held up her hand to silence him. She wasn't done talking.
"Arthur, do you think that if he hadn't changed, you'd have reached anywhere else? He could've hired other people to bring you back, but he didn't, did he? Not a single person has come before you to try and force you home."
Arthur didn't respond.
"Your father loves you very much. He was so proud and happy when the both of you were born. However, he's scared of what this sort of life will do to you. Fame, fortune, power, and what comes with all that? Tragedy. He tried to dictate certain parts of your life because he didn't want you to fall into those dark pits. It's only because you don't see it that you're so rebellious towards him. It's not his fault only." Eldwynn sighed.
"What do you mean?" Arthur raised a brow.
"Arthur, you're very powerful, borderline inhuman. There hasn't been a human prodigy like you since ancient times, like with Adam and Eve, Hua Mulan, Jeanne D'Arc, Heracles, Emperor Asoka, and so on… However, when you fight, it's clear that you're feeling empty, isn't it?" Eldwynn asked.
Arthur pursed his lips.
"I'm your mother. I'm well aware of it. It's the look of a warrior that has no challenge. You're seeking the right opponent and the thrill of combat. That's not safe nor healthy, Arthur. That's something your father saw and that's why he seemed so controlling. He didn't want that desire for battle to overtake you. He wanted for there to be something to temper you."
"Then why did he deny Elaine?" Arthur asked.
"It's because he also wanted the bloodline to remain strong. Before Merlin disappeared, he said that a Pendragon would one day aid in averting a crisis that would encompass the whole world. He said that the one true king would return as well. Arthur, your father believes you to be that Pendragon and the return of King Arthur. That's why he's spent so long grooming you to be who you are now. Sure, he was controlling, but he's trying to think about everything."
Arthur merely sighed.
"Arthur, I'll admit that your father isn't the best, but he's trying his best. You should too." Eldwynn said as she stood up.
Giving one last squeeze of Arthur's shoulder, she left to attend to other matters, leaving him and Lefay alone.
"Arthur, I think we should help." Lefay said.
Arthur looked at his sister.
"When you left the house, Father gave me whatever I needed so that I could find you. He told me to watch out for you. Even now, Father sends money. Most of all, he's always asking if we're okay and if we're doing well. Sure, he phrases things badly, but it's clear that he loves us. Arthur, I know that you hate being restricted, but we need to put that aside. We're still family, even if our relationships are strained. I know you love Father just as much as he loves you." Lefay pleaded.
Arthur only sighed.
"I know. It's just… I promise, I'll help." He gently said.
"Hey, it's just like when I found you again. I'll be with you every step of the way." Lefay saluted.
Arthur only chuckled. He patted Lefay's head. He was unsure of where he'd be if his little sister hadn't looked out for him.
"Thank you, little sister." He smiled.
Lefay chuckled happily.
Issei sat with the others in a room with a dining table. White clothes draped the curtains and tables as mahogany furniture, expensive vases, and paintings decorated the room. Elaine had brought them here to wait as Arthur and his family conducted their business. Honestly, he felt out of place. Maybe that was the commoner in him speaking.
"I apologize for such a long wait. I do hope you'll pardon the rudeness."
The doors to the room opened, revealing Eldwynn. Everyone stood up and bowed, though Issei barely looked graceful.
"Oh, no need for that. We're not royalty anymore. That would be the current Royal Family. You may address me as you would any other person." Eldwynn chuckled, gesturing for them to loosen up.
Everyone sat down as butlers and maids brought in trays and platters of food.
"It's ill manners for a host to not feed their guests or offer refreshments. Now, I wish to thank you for taking care of my wayward son and daughter. I'm sure they've caused some grief." Eldwynn smiled.
"Oh, it was no trouble at all, Madam. Arthur has been nothing but polite and indulgent with everyone else. Lefay is always eager to help and a wonderful person to be around." Vali shook her head.
"It makes me glad to hear that. It's quite auspicious that they've become servants to the Lucifer Clan." Eldwynn sipped some tea.
Vali paused. She had made no mention of her family name.
"Forgive me for my curt remark. However, there are few with blue eyes and silver hair like your family's line. Not only that, but I've grown accustomed to sensing the aura of a devil. After all, I come from a line of mages. That's where Lefay inherited her magic from." Eldwynn explained.
"Lady Eldwynn, if I may ask, why have Arthur and Lefay returned? I'm sure we can help." Vali offered.
She wanted this thorn out of Arthur and Lefay's sides. It was baggage that always seemed to bother them in the backs of their minds. Vali wanted to help them alleviate it, as it was her duty as their master and friend.
Eldwynn scanned Vali, as if wanting to discern her ulterior motives, if any.
"It's a family matter that we'd hoped died with the end of Camelot. You see, Arthur and Lefay have a cousin named Mordred. Has Lefay explained anything about him?" Eldwynn asked.
"She has." Vali nodded.
"Then the main issue we're having, is that Mordred is up to something. As of today, the Pendragon family and its extended branch families operate as a business that sells teas and herbs. However, Mordred has persuaded several members of the family board to his side and is trying to convert the company into a weapons-manufacturer while trying to buy controlling shares of the company. My husband is against that, but we're certain he'll try something extreme soon. As it stands, my husband isn't young enough to fight as well as he used to. So, he called Arthur back for help in combat. If anyone can stop Mordred and his associates, then it's Arthur."
"Then, you can guarantee that we'll help. Arthur and Lefay are considered as family to us." Vali declared.
"I'm sorry, Lady Vali, but wouldn't that upset the balance between the Devils and the Angels, by proxy? After all, the ceasefire is still in place and we have connections to the Vatican." Eldwynn looked skeptical.
"That's also one of the reasons that I came. My grandfather sends you this message." Vali handed her an envelope.
Opening it, Eldwynn read its contents and quickly looked more and more surprised.
"An alliance amongst the Biblical Panetheon? And you want us to join?" Eldwynn asked.
"Yes. Your herbs and teas are extremely effective and we would like to offer partnership. We will deal with Mordred and his colleagues in exchange for becoming customers with the Pendragon business. I'm aware that the Pendragon family has loose connections with the Vatican, given how they have the fragments of Excalibur."
"Yes, that's true. However, as to what reason do you want our herbs for?" Eldwynn asked.
"Have you heard of the Khaos Brigade?" Vali asked.
"Mayhap, you mean that ragtag group going around causing trouble?" Eldwynn asked.
"Yes. They're intent on causing trouble all across the world and we can't exactly fight them without being prepared. That's why we need those herbs. Of course, we understand if you decline. It would make you a target, but it's just something that I wanted to bring to your attention." Vali said.
Eldwynn was about to speak but the door suddenly opened.
"Lady Eldwynn, Lady Guinevere has arrived." Elaine announced.
"I see. Well then, please excuse me, I must attend to other matters. Please, make yourselves at home. Any friends of Arthur and Lefay are welcome here. If there's anything you need, simply ask any of the staff. Now then, please pardon me." Eldwynn bowed politely before leaving the room.
"So, what's the plan?" Kuroka asked Vali.
"We wait until Arthur returns and then we'll talk. We're only here in case someone tries to pull something or if Arthur needs backup. Not only that, but there's another important bit that needs to get done." Vali sipped her tea.
"So, it's the waiting game." Bikou sighed.
Instantly, the door popped open to reveal Lefay and Arthur.
"Sorry for making you wait." Lefay walked over.
"It's fine. So, what's the plan?" Vali asked.
"Yes. We'll have to do some digging, however."
"Alright, give us the rundown." Issei said.
"The main business building for the Pendragons is in Cornwall, but it's about an hour away from here. Mordred is a member of the business and is gaining power, mainly by taking controlling portions of the company. As of this moment, several members of the Order are in accordance with him." Arthur started.
"So, wait, what's all this about the Order of the Round Table? Why's everyone named after one of the knights?" Bikou asked.
"The Knights of the Round Table all met their end around or after the Battle of Camlann. However, they had descendants. The Order of the Round Table is comprised of those descendants. As for being named after them, it's simply tradition. It's a way to remember our heritage." Arthur answered.
Bikou grunted in understanding.
"Anyways, it's rather strange that many have chosen to side with Mordred. There are very many who dislike and even hate him. For them to follow him is peculiar. That's what we need to discover before we progress." Arthur said.
Issei sat, thinking.
"Arthur, you said he's a member of the business. Do you know his schedule and movements?" Vali asked.
"I do. He's at the main building in the city from 9 in the morning till 5 in the evening. After that, it merely depends on the day to dictate his schedule. He normally returns to his home after work. Since today is a Thursday, we only have tomorrow to find out about the business side. Alright, here's the plan: we'll split up to perform different duties. Arthur, Bikou, and Lefay, it's best you two stay out of sight, so you should try to find out how he's getting people to side with him if it takes you away from his sights. Issei, Kuroka, and I will head to the city and take care of the business side."
"How're you going to do that?" Lefay asked.
"My family runs a global business, remember? I can come up with a bunch of lies." Vali smiled.
"Very well. Then we'd better get ready for tomorrow. Let's talk more where there's privacy."
One weird thing that Issei picked up on, was the fact that the bedrooms here were ludicrously large.
"So, this is basically a sleepover?" Issei noted.
Everyone had changed into sleepwear, so that spoke for itself. Bikou was wearing a red tank-top with gold shorts. Kuroka was wearing…something like a shorter version of her usual kimono, but much thinner. As if she wasn't provocative enough. Arthur wore a simple grey shirt with green pants. Lefay was wearing a t-shirt that was light blue and shorts of a matching color. Vali was wearing a black night-gown that reached her knees with two straps keeping the attire in place.
"Why not? Not fond of us?" Kuroka asked.
"It's not that, but I'd expected that the Lady and Lord of the House to be unapproving."
"They don't really care about this sort of thing. Just don't damage anything and you'll be fine." Arthur answered as he sat down.
"Besides, this is better for talking quietly and in privacy." Lefay sat on her bed.
She pointed at the walls of the room, manifesting magic circles.
"Nobody can hear us now, so let's be a bit more detailed with the plan." She smiled.
"Alright then, let's get started. It's going to be a long night." Arthur confidently smiled as he brought out a board.
And that's the end of this chapter. Was debating about extending this chapter but I thought it'd be more fun to save it for the next chapter. So, it's going to be short for now.
Anyways, thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed it. Make sure to stay tuned for the next chapter, since it's going to be time to get wacky again. God, I love messing around with the plot's moments.
