My first night at my own house and family wasn't that bad. It has taken some time for me to sleep after thinking about that note, but in the end, I fell asleep. I looked at Ari, who was sleeping beside me. Her breathing was slow and steady. I guess she was in deep sleep. I freshened up and left quietly, trying not to wake her up. I went outside and breathed in the fresh air. I stretched out my arms and looked over when I heard voices. I saw Arthur and dad running around back and forth. Dad was counting numbers after each lap.
"Mind if I join you?" Arthur and dad turned to me without stopping. They were panting really hard, but they kept going. Arthur gave me a tired smile that didn't reach his eyes. Arthur barely talks to me. I wonder if he hates me or something. Every time he talks to me, I hear some sadness mixed into his tone.
"Sure, but after a few more rounds." Dad's word knocked me out of my thoughts. I nodded my head in understanding. I really wanted to train, but I guess I should do warm-up stretches. I didn't want any cramps as I train. I went over a little bit to the side and started stretching more. I was stretching my legs when I heard a little giggle from behind. I turned back with a smile. I looked back to see mom and Ami walking towards us. Ami was skipping as she held mom's hand. She was really energetic even in the morning. Ami let go of mom's hand and ran to me, hugging with all her might. She looked up and gave me a smile.
"Bwurther, plway with me pweese." Ami stretched out the 'please' and gave me her best puppy eyes.
"Ami, I would love to play with you, but I have to train." I looked at mom, hoping she would help out in my little situation. Mom just playfully looked away with a smile. Thanks a lot, mom.
"But Ami met Bwurther yesderday. I want to plway." Ami stuck out her bottom lip and hugged me tighter. "Ami love you so much."
I let out a little sigh. I turned to dad.
"When is the next training time?" Dad gave out a laugh. They were not running anymore, so I guess they were about to do their next exercise. They were stretching out their arms. I wonder what was so funny to him.
"What happened Alex? You got awed over your sister's cuteness." I rolled my eyes. I gave him a playful glare.
"There is nothing wrong with that. You didn't answer my question." It's like he never had a cute sister. Now that I think about it, I have never met any relatives nor have they talked about them. I wonder if mom or dad had any.
"There is none today. I am taking Arthur to his first dungeon today." I have read a lot about dungeons from the palace library. I always wanted to enter one. You could sometimes make or get a lot of money once you cleared, but you need to be a hunter. I heard you can only get a hunter license when you are fifteen.
"Then how about you take me there too?" I blurted out hoping to get a positive response. I mean it wouldn't hurt to have more team members. It is always best to do things like hunting with more people since there is strength in numbers. I looked at dad with hope.
"No." Mom, dad, and Ami all yelled out. Ami probably said no, so she could play with me. They were also way too quick to say 'no'. They didn't even think about it
"Why?"
"I am taking Arthur since he is ready and is going to the Skylar Institute of Magic next week. Also, Arthur is twelve now, so he needs to know what dungeons are like. It is not for sight-seeing, Alex." Wow, I didn't think he would just accurately guess my reason or parents usually say that. One way or another that was awesome. I didn't even remember my parents from my past life. It felt nice getting scolded like this, but it did not feel nice to not get what you want. I always had everything that I requested in my past life, so this was kind of weird.
"I understand." I put on my sad face and started to walk away. I wasn't really sad or anything. I understand that they missed me for around seven years and do not want me to go to any dangerous situations right now. They must have been that worried.
"I'm glad you understood. I am doing this for your own good." I walked into the house followed by Ami. Ami ran ahead of me and looked at my face, then hugged me.
"Bwurther, itz ok. Bwurther haz me." Ami was definitely cute. I gave her a small smile and patted her head. Ami hummed with satisfaction. I liked how she is trying to feel better. I hope she will forever be this innocent.
'Baba? Where are you?' I guess Ari was finally awake now. It had only been like fifteen to thirty minutes since I woke up. I was still patting Ami since she wouldn't stop hugging me.
'I'm near the front door downstairs.'
'I am coming.' I waited there until I saw Ari coming down the stair. She came in for a hug. I gladly received her with both arms. 'Why didn't you wake me up?'
'You were sleeping pretty heavily, so I decided to not wake you up.' Ari came up to my face and nuzzled my cheek, then licked me.
'Wake me up next time.' I gave her a small nod as approval. Ami gave a delighted squeal as she finally saw Ari. Ami picked up Ari from my arms and gave her a kiss on her head.
"Good morning, Ari." Ari replied by purring and gave out a happy squeal. Well, I think it was a squeal.
'Ari, I need you to stay with Arthur the whole day and tell me if Arthur and dad are going somewhere together.'
"Why, baba?'
'We are going on a little adventure.'
Ari gave me an excited squeak and sniffed the air. She ran out of the door. I guess she was sniffing out Arthur.