(Arthur's POV)
While we did the training, I pushing myself even harder than I usually did. Dad looked pretty concerned and checked if I was fine or not. I needed to get stronger so that Alex and Ami would look up to me. Ever since Alex got kidnapped seven years ago, I always felt it was my fault for not fighting back. I was so happy when I got awakened. I finally felt like if I trained hard enough I would get praises. The drive deepened when I found out that I was having another sibling. I didn't want anything to happen to this one like what happened to Alex. I always had these regrets whenever I started more about Alex. When I found out that Alex was alive and healthy, I was beyond happy. I was happy that he was alive and doing alive even though I didn't protect him well. When Alex first came into the garden, I was so happy to finally see his face. He definitely looked stronger. Even though I was happy, I felt my regret deepen. We could have had a deeper brother bond if I only saved him then. That night was so clear in my head.
I tried getting rid of these depressing thoughts by training harder. I went last night to Alex's room while he was sleeping. Ari woke up but settled down once she saw it was me. I sat on his bed until four in the morning and went to bed. I couldn't sleep so I went to train and later dad joined me. When Alex came, I felt embarrassed to talk. The only thing that I gave him was a small smile.
"Hey bud, do you have anything you want to say?" I looked at dad, surprised. He has been getting better at reading my emotion lately. It might be since we are always together, but still, that's weird. I also think my emotions have been leaking onto my face lately too.
"What do you mean dad?" I gave him my most confused face, showing him through my expressions 'that I have no idea what you are talking about'.
"I have noticed you aren't your usual self since that night, but it got even worse when Alex came. You know, you can talk to me if you want instead of bottling it all up inside." Of course, he ignored my confused face and decided to ask anyway. How does he even do that? It was like he was reading my mind or something. Mom was good at telling something was wrong too.
"I just feel like I was never a good big brother. I need to get stronger, so I could protect both of them. So they could rely on me whenever they feel like they are in danger."
"So it was regret. I thought it was jealousy since he is up to your level." I let out a laugh. I never really thought about that.
"Shouldn't I be proud instead? I am happy I got a new sparring partner." Dad gave me a smile.
"See, you are a good brother. You just don't realize it."
"Dad, when did you become mom?" Dad snorted, which made me laugh even louder.
"I think since the day you were born."
"Dad, I have a request?"
"What is it?"
"I want Arthur to come to the dungeon with us."
"You know, he can't."
"But he meets requirement except for age. He is only three years younger than the age requirement."
"No means no, Arthur. I don't want him to get hurt, plus we have those types of rules for a reason." I let out a heavy sigh.
"Alright."
"Also, I promise to take him when the time is right, just not right now. We also only got Alex yesterday. I don't want to lose him again and this time it might be permanent."
Alex, I hope you know I tried. I heard a small roar. I look behind to see Ari running over to me. That was weird. Ari usually hung out with Alex and Ami, so I guess I was a little suprised. I bent down, expecting for to stop so I could pet her. But I had it wrong. As soon as she got to me, she jumped straight into my stomach knocking the air out of me. I caught her as I fell backwards. She was one day old and she was so strong. I wonder what type of manabeast she was. She was definitely a reptile based.
"Wow, Ari you are one tough reptile." Ari smiled at the compliment. "Can you understand me?" What am I saying? Manabeasts don't know human language unless its class is really high. Ari started licking me all over my fast, which made my laugh. It was pretty ticklish. "Ok, ok!"
I picked her up and let her down. She definitely likes me. She was with me the whole time, even after we ate breakfast and lunch. Did they have a fight or something? I knew Ari was Alex's bond. It was finally time to go to the dungeon, so I got ready. I got my dagger and sword ready.
"Arthur, can you call Alex? Our team is here." I went to Alex's room to find him meditating.
"Hey, dad is calling you downstairs." Alex gave me a nod and walked up to me. We both went downstairs to meet Aston, Anne, Dianna, Jeremy, and Galtero at the front door. They were all smiling. Diana, Anne, and Jeremy had tears forming as they saw Alex. Talk about a dramatic reunion. I was surprised when I saw that Galtero since he was usually the emotionless one. I looked at Alex to see him smiling back.
"Hi, guys."