CH6:The Warmth of a Father
The duo were making their way to the barracks making simple small talk as they were going.
"How old are you then Mordred?"
"Mama said to the doctor that I am five Mister Arthur."
"You don't need to call me mister Mordred, just Arthur would be fine,"
"Are you sure Mister Arthur?" The girl looked timidly up at the elder male.
"Yes, I'm sure Mordred. Just call me Arthur," Arthur gave the girl a warm smile that seemed to ease her worries. She gave a blinding smile that tugged at the man's heartstrings. The two then faded into a comfortable silence, simply taking in the atmosphere around them.
"Arthur?"
"Yes Mordred?"
"Why did you help me?" Arthur's mind froze and his heart shattered at the question from the little girl holding his hand. He thought of how a girl her age shouldn't be asking a question like that ever. Quickly wrapping the girl in a hug, he affirmed his decision to bring her back to headquarters.
"Arthur? Why did you hug me?" He gently pulled away from her, so he could look into her face.
"Because. I wanted to Mordred, and to answer your earlier question. It's never wrong to help someone, and you needed help at the moment. So, I decided to help you." Mordred's eyes seemed to shine brighter at his statement. Completely encompassing were her eyes so bright. She looked upon Arthur with a child-like wonder that should've always been on her face instead of the almost deadened look that he saw when he first met her. Deciding that he would make that look appear far more frequently than anything else that should appear on her. He stood and held his hand out to her once again.
"We're almost there Mordred, let's go." She grabbed his hand, and the smile she gave him earlier paled in comparison to the one she gave him just that moment.
"Ok!"
(Memory Sequence End)
Arthur quickly shook his head noticing that he was once again lost in his memories. Looking towards Alice he gave a warm smile and apologized.
"Ah, I apologize Alice. I appear to be rather absent minded today," The girl in question turned bright red and began stuttering.
"I-it's fine Arthur, it wasn't that long,"
"But it was quite rude of me to ignore a lady, whom I was talking to just a moment ago. I shall make it up to you somehow, maybe lunch?" Alice shined an even brighter red, and in the background we can see the knights and child that had gathered reacting to the rather fast exchange.
"Oi oi, don't tell me the captain is still doing that is he?" Kay whispered to the three that have been with him the longest.
"I'm afraid that he still does it, and has no clue that he is doing it" Hector answered, much to the chagrin of Kay.
"Damnit, I thought that I might be able to score at this place," He quietly lamented, and in response Bedivere slapped the backside of Kay's head.
"Behave yourself Kay, we don't need a horn dog on campus and in front of a child,"'
"Bedivere's right, Kay don't act like a fool during our tenure at Beacon. It would reflect poorly upon our captain" Lancelot added
"I'm just saying Bedivere, the captain draws in women like grimm to a coward," The larger knight muttered petulantly crossing his arms in an aggravated manner.
"Don't mind them Kay, their just watching out for the captain" Gawain consoled his fellow blonde
"Ahahaha, the captain is truly formidable isn't he sister?" Galahad awkwardly stated to his sister who looked on the exchange rather jealousy.
"Truly, the captain holds no care for the heart of a maiden, playing with them and then throwing them away at a moments notice." She muttered out jealousy looking upon Arthur with an irritated eye. Oi oi isn't that a bit much Mash? I'm just being friendly. Arthur thought with a nervous bead of sweat coming down his face. Alice on the other hand didn't even hear the comment as she was too busy being in her own little dream world. Holding her heart shaped face in between her face with a heavy blush on her face.
"Papa is the worst," Mordred stated sagely nodding her head as if she had discovered an irrefutable truth of the universe. Arthur's posture became similar to the many girls in the courtyard that reacted when they initially found out that he was a father. On the outside he still had his warm smile, but that was frozen as a second knife dug into his spine. Not you too Mordred! Papa is sorry! He doesn't know what he's doing wrong!
"But I love my papa because he is my papa!" The girl gave an affirmation much to his relief. Quickly picking scooping up the little girl he gave yet another warm smile to Alice.
"Say, do I have your scroll number Alice?" Snapping out of her dream world she replied.
"No, I don't believe you do Arthur,"
"Here give me your scroll really fast," Taking it from her offered hand Arthur quickly typed his scroll number in and handed it back to her.
"There just text me the best time for you, and then we'll have lunch ok?" He gave her a smile that knocked her back into lalaland once again.
"O-ok," She sighed dreamily at him
"Great! I now have to go to class, so I'll see you later ok?"
"Ok, I'll see you later Arthur!" She waved as she ran off to her group of friends that were awaiting her. As she arrived the group of nine heard squeals and giggles as the group of girls rushed off to god knows where.
"Truly captain is the enemy of all women," The purple haired girl deadpanned as she glared at the oblivious idiot that was her captain. Don't get her wrong, he was absolutely brilliant in battle and academics, but he was denser than the walls of Bamburgh.
"Urk! Mash please! My heart can't possibly take your harsh words Mash!" Arthur begged shocking whomever was still in the courtyard even further. No one had ever seen such levity from the usually calm leader of team CHAL. Mash did a rather impressive impersonation of a cherry after the captain's admittedly adorable plea.
"Uh, Ah, I was kidding captain please don't be so sad!" The lavender haired girl sputtered out causing laughter to break out among the other knights.
"Not even our little Mash can resist the charms of our captain. Right, Bedivere?" Gawain whispered chuckling at the scene that was unfolding before them.
"I agree, our captain is impressive in his ability in unknowingly capturing the hearts of women" Bedivere replied giving a fond smile at the comment Gawain offered out.
"I still can't believe he doesn't realize that he does it is my biggest problem," Hector muttered out pinching the bridge of his nose.
"So, Mash is infatuated with our captain" Lancelot stated torn in between being protective of Mash and trying to bring Mash and Arthur together. He began muttering the two conflicting ideas out loud.
"It appears so big bro," Galahad gave a nervous smile at the sight of his elder brother muttering to himself.
"Damn smooth talking captains and their oblivious ways," Kay lamented quietly, earning another slap to the back of his head from Bedivere. Arthur quickly bounced back putting a serious look on his face once more.
"Let's get to class then we can discuss what going on so far understood?" If anyone saw the sudden change in disposition they would be suffering from whiplash for the next few days. In response the group assembled before him all sobered up and bended on one knee.
"Yes Captain!"
(Goodwitch Classroom)
A familiar sight graced Arthur's eyes as he and the rest of the squad stepped into the room. Team RWBY was sitting in their usual order with Ruby goofing off, Weiss getting irritated at said girl goofing off, Blake studiously reading her book (read:Smut), and Yang leaning back with her hands behind her head simply relaxing. His eyes trailed upwards and a twinge of sadness ran through him. He saw team PARN all set up just like how they usually were, but there was a distinct lack of Jaune Arc up there with them. Alistair was sitting in the place that used to be his with a large grin on his face as he looked down at team RWBY obviously playing and joking with them, Pyrrha sitting next to him a sweet smile that used to be reserved for him on her face as she gazed at her partner adoringly, Nora was simply being Nora, and Ren was trying to tone down the Nora. He then mentally slapped himself and began striding forward cutting all conversation, as everyone stared as the mysterious captain of team CHAL made his way to where they usually sit with a little girl holding onto his hand.
"Woah, who's the kid?" Yang asked the group
"Apparently, that child is his adopted daughter," Blake answered never taking her eyes off her book.
"Really?"
"Yes really, what I cannot comprehend is why he would allow a child onto Beacon grounds, does Ozpin know of this?" Weiss added her two cents. Shortly after the group of nine walked to their seats Pyrrha was still observing Arthur as he interacted with the others of his group. She continued to stare at him, trying to draw any similarities between him and Jaune Arc the partner she left behind. Her breath hitched as she noticed him looking back in her direction glowing blue eyes staring at her calmly. The other girls were right, they are pretty she thought, looking away quickly both embarrassed and anxious that she was caught staring at him. Ruby coloured eyes began to narrow at her. Goodwitch then made way into the classroom gesturing to the board once she finished.
"Today, class we will have an eight vs eight combat the initial teams chosen can choose their allies to fight beside them," an excited murmur started drifting through them as many eyes drifted to the current strongest teams and then the new arrivals. Incredibly excited for the chance to fight with either of them. Goodwitch quickly gave a look and the murmurings went silent, simply just activating the board the class waited anxiously for the two teams to be chosen. As it stopped everyone's breath then hitched as the screen showed team PARN and CHAL displayed on the board.
"Team PARN and team CHAL make your choices,"
"Team RWBY/ Team CALL (Cavaliere)" Everyone watched as the four teams made their way down to the arena. The four teams gathered at the center of the arena weapons at the ready.
"Are you all ready?"
"Begin!" Immediately teams RWBY and PARN began shooting at the eight. Hoping that blitzing them would be the answer to the fight only for their hopes to dash when Arthur began to order the two teams.
"Mash! Galahad! Close the Gates!"
"Of course Captain/ Yes sir!" The two blurred in front of the gunfire taking up most it with the shields before them with a slight huff of exertion they slammed their shields into the ground. The class in awe watched as the as the shields began emitting a field that blocked the rounds from ever reaching the others. Hector ran towards Gawain, on an unspoken signal Gawain's sword disappeared in a flash of silver and he threw Hector a good distance in the air. Everyone looked as while in the air Hector unleashed a flurry of arrows that split the two teams in different directions. Arthur grinned under his hood as he gave his next order, drawing his sword he called for them. And in unison they surged forwards each one immediately clashing with another of the opposing team. Arthur strode forward and clashed his blade with an emerald eyed spartan. A slight twinge of regret went through his body as he smashed his foot into her stomach, watching her eyes widen as her polarity had no effect on him and being sent flying back into Alistair who was about to reinforce her. In the back he could hear the distinct twang of Hector's arrows, the whistling of air as Bedivere danced about the battlefield with his spear, and the sound of flesh meeting metal as the du Lac twins smashed their shield into whatever poor sap that was engaging them in close combat. He saw a white blur fly across the arena as he received the answer to the poor sap that was sent flying by the twins. They quickly sped past him as he took in the battlefield before him.
Suddenly he shifted his body as a bronze shield came flying at him. He quickly looked towards the Spartan as she came rushing at him with her partner following close behind. He ducked under the stab of the spartan in the lead quickly focusing in on her partner. He parried the blow from the revolver blade that Alistair wielded and made a slash at the stomach of the ravenette once again sending him back, diverting his attention back to Pyrrha he held his sword in a guard stance. She rushed at him in an all to familiar combo that won her many battles, but unfortunately for her, he knew most if not all her tells. In a set of graceful movements he dodged every single one of her blows, only dodging the strikes by the smallest of margins before counter attacking in blindingly precise blows. Each slash was a joint, every cut a muscle, every stab an organ. He began dismantling the champion. The class could only watch on in shock as the invincible girl was losing a one on one fight for the first time ever. Capitalizing on an over extension driven by desperation. He looked at her almost pityingly wondering what happened to the warrior he once knew. He then launched her out of the arena in the same way that he initially engaged her in battle. He watched towards the rest of the battle stewing in his thoughts. In a few moments afterwards the others finished off their opponents quickly working in tandem to take down the rest of the opposing eight. Throughout the battle it became quite clear that the thrones that the two teams had been sitting on for the past two years had been toppled. Everyone was still reeling as the two newly arrived teams had defeated those who stood at the pinnacle of the school with an almost laughable ease. Goodwitch was shocked once more as team CHAL and CALL stood victorious over the once undefeatable gems of Beacon. The eight quickly strode forward and awaited further orders calmly chatting as the defeated members of team PARN and RWBY struggled on the way to wait further orders. Goodwitch took another long moment to compose herself to before offering her criticisms of the two teams before sending teams CHAL and CALL to the locker rooms and team RWBY and PARN med bay of the school.
(Beacon Med Bay)
The eight were sitting in the med bay awaiting treatment. No one was really comfortable with what just happened just a little while ago, never had they been so utterly defeated. It was usually when they were faced with people older and far more experienced than them.
"Man we got our asses handed to us," Yang started
"We know,"
"That's never happened before,"
"We know,"
"Like what the actual fuck were these guys?!"
"I don't know Yang!" Weiss hissed her azure eyes narrowed in frustration. This had never happened before, and it was something really unsettling. It wasn't a lack of training because they trained constantly to reach the top as they have. And to have all that hard work just rendered useless and moot was something that irritated her something fierce.
"They fought as if they were a whole squad, not just two teams" A soft voice interjected bringing her from her thoughts. They all looked to Ruby for her to elaborate.
"Did you see how they moved? As soon as Arthur gave a command they all responded instantly." She continued, Weiss' eyes bore an analytical look as she thought about it.
"You're right, as soon as Arthur gave a command they moved together with purpose as if they did this kind of maneuver for years," Weiss conceded.
"And, when they all engaged us in melee they had their marks. Each one of us were countered by the ones that came for us," Ruby spoke up again.
"And as soon as on of us were taken down they went and assisted the nearest person to them seamlessly," Ren mused looking contemplative as he re-ran the fight himself. As soon as Pyrrha thought about it, she immediately thought of one other person who could coordinate that many people. Jaune Arc the former team leader of PARN had a knack, no, a gift for group strategy seamlessly combining fighters without a single misstep. He was the one who led them through the first half of the Vytal festival during the first year. Seeing options and weaknesses she wouldn't have even dreamed of. She was then awash with another wave of guilt that almost left her breathless. She thought back to the day she told the headmaster that he was unsuited to the team and wanted him to be replaced with Alistar, she could see the utter betrayal in her eyes. But, at that moment she didn't care she had Alistair now. A sudden pain erupted in her head causing her to grab it in pain. The conversation that had started up had ceased the moment she shot down gripping her head. What just happened that never happened before? She thought to herself as she shook her head in an attempt to clear the pain that shot through her.
"Pyrrha? You okay?" Alistair rushed over to her with concerned eyes.
"Y-yes, I'm fine. Arthur probably hit me a bit too hard in the head during that match," She reassured him with a smile. He gave her a warm smile and relaxed slightly.
"Alright, I was just worried for you," he told her they looked into each other's eyes for a moment just basking in the other's presence taking solace in each other until Yang interrupted.
"On that thought, did anyone notice that he sought out our invincible leader almost immediately?" Nora then spoke up causing everyone to begin thinking about why he would immediately seek Pyrrha out when someone like Lancelot would be far better to combat her with his natural bulk and massive sword, it was easily as long a Pyrrha's spear and most likely weighed far more than her shield and spear put together, not to mention he was still stupidly fast with the blade wielding it as if it only weighed a feather. On the other hand Arthur's sword was only a longsword, it didn't have the reach needed to compete with Pyrrha's spear nor was it heavy enough to stagger her shield. Yet, he still sought her out and fought her.
"You're right, that does seem strange when he sought her out deliberately in the fight when there are others that were far more suited to fighting her," Ruby agreed
"It seemed as if he was testing her," Weiss added
"He also moved as if he knew her every move as if he's fought her before," Ren commented.
"But why?" Yang asked. Pyrrha once again became lost in her thoughts as she pondered what it could mean before a thought flashed through her head Could it be Jaune? But, Jaune doesn't fight with a longsword. He uses a sword and shield combo. It has been three years though. A voice told her Three years isn't enough to become that proficient with a longsword, unless he practiced con-. Her thought process came to a halt as she realized he does have the work ethic to do it, even if he had no talent he would most likely work himself to the bone to achieve his dream, and driven by being kicked out of the team. He would have all the motivation to do just that. It also explained why he would keep his face obscured by a hood, it was so that they couldn't recognize him. Why didn't I see it before?
"Guys?" She interrupted the conversation looking as if the world was flipped upside down.
"I think Arthur's Jaune,"
(Timeskip Nighttime Beacon Dorms)
Arthur was standing on the roof of his first year reminiscing about the past when he heard the sound of light footsteps behind him.
"Mash, come to join me gazing upon the stars?" He questioned the footsteps froze as he could only imagine that Mash was embarrassed at being caught.
"Y-yes captain, you looked lonely out here" She nervously answered. He gave a soft smile turning towards the quietest of his squad.
"Why, that's awful thoughtful of you. I thought you said I was the enemy of all women," He teased gently, watching in thinly veiled amusement as he began to turn red and sputter denials. Calmly turning out to the lights of Vale the smile turned a tinge Melancholy.
"You know Mash, I was simply thinking of better times. A simpler time." He confessed to his subordinate. Hearing those words she sobered up and looked out upon the outstretch of the city taking in the absolutely breathtaking view. Mustering up her courage she turned he eyes toward her captain.
"D-do you miss them?" She inquired.
"Everyday Mash. Everyday," He stated as his eyes dimmed slightly as he thought of the memories he made here. Nostalgia and a forlorn expression came over his face causing her to panic slightly.
"I-I'm sorry captain! I shouldn't have brought u-"
"It's fine Mash, it's been years since I've truly talked to them. It's no longer the heart shattering subject that it once was. More it's like a dull ache on the heart now, so never fear. Your captain shall not allow himself to fall again," A feeling of helplessness came over Mash as she stared at her captain. He looked so alone, and it broke her heart to see her captain look so sad. It was a stark contrast to the captain who always had a serious, but kind look on his face. To her Arthur was the moon, a being who gave them light in the darkest moment of their lives, a gentle being. Someone who quietly watched over them. And seeing her captain reduced to such a state made her feel useless. Once again mustering her courage she strode up to her captain she grabbed his hand. He turned to her surprised, looking into his eyes she began to speak.
"Your squad really misses their captain you know," His eyes widen as the image of an emerald eyed girl interlaid with the lavenderette. But, that image was gone as she tightened her grip on his hand. She gave him a soft smile and continued.
"I know it hurts captain, but never fear for us knights are always with you. We would never leave you," She assured him
"Lancelot would most likely go insane if it wasn't for you, Gawain wouldn't be Gawain, Hector would probably still be a cold hearted man, and I-" She trailed off squeezing his hand once again, as if to gain some strength from his hand.
"And I wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for your presence," She stated, the statement had some kind of undertone that he couldn't quite place, but the sentiment warmed his heart nonetheless.
"So please captain, don't be afraid to come to us when you're feeling alone. You don't have to be strong all the time. You are only human, and there is nothing wrong with that" She squeezed his hand once more and let go, she started backwards with her hands behind her back as she made her way back to the entrance.
"We'll be waiting for you to join us as soon as you're willing to captain," She stated softly a small but beautiful smile on her face she turned around and continued to the doorway.
"Mash," He stated causing her to turn around. Her eyes widened and her breath hitched as she took in the sight before her. There her captain stood, his hood was down exposing his handsome face to her, the moon shining down upon him in gentle waves, the stars seemed to twinkle ever so brighter rejoicing in a simple thing as his presence, and the city gave a warm glow to the soft smile that he wore as he looked fondly at her.
"Thank you," he stated to her.
"Y-you're welcome captain," She stuttered out. He nodded gently to her before looking back out into the city, no longer his posture lonely. He looked out as if he was looking towards the future, the soft smile she adored upon his face.
"I will join you guys in a moment, I would like to enjoy the sight of the city for a little longer." He stated softly.
"But, thank you Mash. You've eased this silly man's worries a great deal," He said as his eyes were upon the city. She gave a soft nod to herself and closed the door as she made her way out. Silly man indeed he thought to himself amusedly he continued to watch the stars for, but a few minutes longer until he put his hood back on and began to make his way to the door. But, he encountered shocked emerald eyes before him. He schooled his face into one of neutrality as a untold amount of emotions ran through him.
"Pardon me, Ms. Nikos," He politely told her as he trudged on past her in a calm manner.
"Wait!" He stopped much to her relief.
"Yes?" He asked calmly without turning to her.
"Can we talk?" His body tensed slightly as a mix of emotions once again. He relaxed as he calmly replied. He didn't turn around for fear of showing his emotions that shone on his face
"Of course Ms. Nikos," He once again schooled his face into one of simple neutrality as he turned around and walked back to the rooftop closing the door as he did so.
"What did you want to talk about Ms. Nikos" He inquired
"Are you Jaune Arc?" She said bluntly. Shock ran through his system as he thought of how she would've thought of that. Keeping his features calm he replied.
"No, Ms. Nikos. I am not," He told her. He was a horrible liar, but telling half truths? Easy. He was Arthur Pendragon after all.
"Jaune! Please!" she begged
"If this about how we left you I'm sorry! Please just talk to me," she continued
"I have no clue of what you're talking about, if you are mistaking me for your former leader. You are completely wrong, we are two different people," Another half truth he was no longer the scared and emotionally broken boy that once was an abandoned member of the now defunct team JNPR after all.
"Besides, I've been at the knight academy since my freshman year," Poking another hole in her correct theory that he was Jaune Arc.
"Also, Jaune Arc wielded a sword and shield, I use a longsword with two hands," He stated once again watching as she began to panic.
"B-but you have white aura!" He sighed at her last desperate attempts at grasping straws
"There are only a limited amount of colours one's eyes can see Ms. Nikos. There is a small chance that we simply have the same aura colours Ms. Nikos. If that is all I will bid you a good evening." He strode towards the door once again, and closed the door behind him. He continued to stride mechanically and without a clear destination until he came upon the courtyard. Once he arrived there he essentially collapsed against a tree letting free all the emotions that he held back. Damnit, I was lucky she didn't have an airtight case, otherwise I'd been screwed back there. Looking up at sky he muttered to himself.
"I thought it was only a dull ache," He continued to sit there and be lost in his emotions until he remembered Mash's words of encouragement. You don't have to be strong all the time. You are only human, and nothing is wrong with that. Shaking his head to clear himself of the doubts that plagued his mind he began making his way towards where his squad were once again clear of mind.
(With Pyrrha After Arthur Left)
Once again her thoughts clashed with one another in her mind, she recalled the confrontation she had with Arthur and how it went horribly wrong. All her evidence and points were deflected easily as he pointed out the flaws in her argument. She thought to herself Was I wrong is Arthur not Jaune? Shaking her head to clear her thoughts of her doubts. But why does he wear the hood? He is purported to be incredibly handsome from what that Alice girl managed to gleam. He has the same flair in tactics as Jaune would have during his tenure at Beacon. He obviously has a large aura pool with similar colour to Jaune. He had similar body language signs. He has an incredibly similar voice just softer and deeper. He also has a similar build to Jaune just more honed. She then realized that all those points she could've used were largely useless as she came across him. She knew it was Jaune, her instincts told her so. But, instead of approaching this confrontation rationally she allowed her emotions to rule her, and he used that against her. Just like Jaune she thought. He would've recognized that she was coming in high on emotion, and simply used that to his advantage not allowing her to regroup herself to argue in a better fashion. She then looked at the spot he was standing at, eyes narrowing at it. She swore that she would find out the true nature of Arthur Pendragon whether he was Jaune Arc or not. She quickly made her way back to team PARN's dorm to gather the rest of them to begin gathering more evidence as to prove that Arthur Pendragon was indeed Jaune Arc former leader of team JNPR. I know you're Jaune I just have to prove it!
(Undisclosed Location)
"Cinder, we have a Problem,"
"Oh? What is it," came a soft and crooning voice she stepped out. Black hair as dark as the night sky, molten gold for eyes, and a face that could have only been made by the finest artists in the world greeted him.
"Arthur Pendragon and his team," Alistair answered
"The man, and his team completely destroyed team RWBY and NPR. It was terrifying how they just dismantled us,"
"Hmm, that is worrying for our future plans. Never to worry my dear Alistair, I will come up with something to deal with them okay?"
"Okay, I trust you Cinder,"
"I would hope so, you are my lover after all," She cooed at him taking a step out of the shadows and hugging him from behind. When he turned to her he saw rich black hair and golden eyes staring amusedly at him.
"I know so. Now, how about we have some fun before I have to sneak back to NPR?"
"A man after my own heart Mr. Kurokoro, but what about Nikos?" The man in question snorted
"We both know that's fake. Afterall you were the one that told me to do that," He turned around and wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her in closer,"
"Indeed I did now, let's enjoy ourselves no?" She smiled as she looped her arm around his neck.
"I'll really enjoy this. Nikos is a good fuck, but you're on a totally different level," He growled bringing his lips to her.
(The Next Evening)
The day went about as normal as normal could be, but everyone in the school was still reeling from the defeat that team RWBY and PARN suffered. Murmuring and Whispers could be found following the two new teams throughout the day. It wasn't until late evening that Arthur could find himself with his thoughts once more. He was sitting in the courtyard simply watching as Mordred played with his subordinates. Simply enjoying the sight of his daughter living the carefree life that he promised to give her. Just a moment later she started to make her way to Arthur with a rather tired expression on her face. His knights came just right behind her. She sat down with a tired smile on her face, simply basking in the warmth of her father. Arthur smiled down upon her as he ran his hand through her hair.
"Did you have fun today my little knight?"
"Mhm, I had lots of fun with everyone today papa," She nodded her head as she leaned closer to him enjoying his ministrations. A soft smile seemed to grace the knights under Arthur's guidance as they took in the scene. They were glad for Mordred, as she was one of the few things that allowed for their captain to relax and enjoy himself. Mordred looked up at her papa asking an unsaid question. He sighed and smiled at her, gently putting her head on his lap he began to sing.
(Play Wanderer's Lullaby by Adrisaurus)
Wandering child of the earth
Do you know just how much you're worth?
You have walked this path since your birth.
You were destined for more.
His voice was soothing and soft. It was a rare event when their captain would sing outside in the public even when there were minimal people around. They all simply dug in and enjoyed the sound of their captain's voice as he sung the lullaby by he wrote for Mordred. They recalled when he decided to write this song for her. It was just after she joined, she had been having nightmares constantly during the nights. Often times calling out for him late into the night when all were asleep. He decided to take time off his training and got to writing this song that they were listening to. It was hours and hours of work, long sleepless nights, and the dedication of a man who wanted to make a lonely girl happy.
There are those who'll tell you you're wrong
They will try to to silence your song
But right here is where you belong
So don't search anymore
Mordred's eyes began to droop as she was embraced by the warmth emanating from the entirety of knights. She recalled the days before she met Arthur, how she was constantly beaten and starved by her Mother. For being a bad girl, was what her mother would say as she "disciplined" her. Her mind then fast forwarded to the day she met Arthur. It was the first time she felt the warmth of another and experienced kindness for the very first time.
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
You'll look back and you'll realize one day
People were starting to take notice of the sound of singing emanating from the courtyard and came to investigate. What they found took the breath right out of them. There, underneath a cluster of trees stood the members of team CHAL and CALL as they surrounded a man sitting underneath the largest oak tree and his child laying simply upon his lap. No one dared to say anything for fear of interrupting the performance. Enchanted by the scene before them, they were pulled even deeper into the scene as the man opened his mouth to sing once more. Many pulled out their scrolls to take in the scene that lied before them.
In your eyes there is doubt
As you try to figure it out
But that's not what life is about
So have faith there's a way
Though the world may try to define you
It can't take the light that's inside you
So don't you dare try to hide
Let your fears fade away
Many were dragged back into the times of their childhood and were treated to the warmth of a parents encouragement as they sat talking to their parents of their fears and dreams. It brought out tears in many of the listeners as they heard the simple words of encouragement from the man before them. The warmth of a mother's love and the quiet reassurance of a father's smile were what appeared to their minds as they listened further into his lyrics. Their fears and insecurities were laid bare before them and faded with the soft light of the now present moon that shone shyly above them. His voice once again wrapping around them in a comforting blanket.
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
You'll look back and you'll realize one day
You are the dawn of a new day that's waking
A masterpiece still in the making
The blue in an ocean of grey
You are right where you need to be
Poised to inspire and to succeed
Soon you'll finally find your own way
He finished as Mordred had finally drifted into the land of Morpheus with a small smile on her face. Everyone was still caught up in the scene and voice before them only being snapped out of it as he gently scooped his daughter up into his arms and began walking back to the dorms with a soft smile on his face.
"Sweet dreams my little knight," He softly told her. She answered him by snuggling in farther into his embrace causing the quiet smile on his face to widen ever so slightly as he held her tight. His knights soon fell in step with him as he made his way to the dorms. In her mind she dreamed of kind knights saving little urchins off the streets, of adventures to be taken under the bright blue sky, and the warmth of a father's love as he sung to her beneath the vastness of the sky with the stars and moon keeping them company.
AN: AHHHHHH I'm sooooo sorry everyone! I decided to take chapters 6-10 and combine them all! So, what'd you guys think? Did this satisfy your craving for the story? The song I chose is a really good one you should all listen to it! Again I'm sorry for the late release! I had a lot of work to do to characterize Mash and Mordred in this chapter. And to also give Pyrrha and the rest of them at least a little bit of development. Also, The comparison with Arthur and the moon is a rather direct pull from how Arthur was looked upon during his rule. And I found it a fitting description for Jaune as well. I'll be going to weekly updates after this so, hang tight my friends! Finally what did you guys think of the song fic? Because I wanted to explify the bond between Arthur and Mordred. Anywho, see you all next time dear readers!
KG12