WHROOSH!
With a toss, Dinga sent Arthur sailing into forest clearing below.
FRRSSH!
Landing on his feet and right hand, the momentum from the throw sent Arthur sliding a few meters, creating deep grooves in grassy earth.
Looking up, Arthur, whose eyes had now dimed, watched Dinga pull an arm back as he flashed towards him.
Block.
WHROOO-OOOM!
Bringing his arms up to guard, Arthur took on Dinga's fist's full force, causing a deep echo to shake the surroundings.
A bit surprised at the force behind his punch being dispersed. Dinga reacted quickly as he sent a knee towards Arthur's midriff.
With Arthur's experience sparing against Cisse, rather than stepping backward, he stepped forward.
MMF!
With Dinga's inner thigh making contact instead, the force of impact felt by Arthur was negligible.
Closer now, a pair of sapphire-gold eyes met a pair of amber eyes.
"Guessing you've sparred with Cisse?" Smiled Dinga.
"The student must have learned from somewhere," replied Arthur.
WHOOSH!
Breaking contact, both parties now stood a few meters from each other.
Assessing each other as the soft moonlight shone down overhead. A leaf from the surrounding trees began a gentle descent downward, touching down…
Step.
THU-THU-THU-THU-…..!
Seemingly disappearing from their positions, Arthur and Dinga met halfway with an exchange of jabs.
SHHH!
Letting a jab slide past against his, Arthur took a step forward as he swung a hook with his other hand.
CRRRTCH!
Grabbing Arthur's hook, Dinga pulled him closer.
THOOM!
Slamming his forehead into Arthur's, a large echo reverberated through the clearing.
CRRRTCH!
Just as Dinga was pulling away, with his free hand, Arthur grabbed onto Dinga's earlier arm and pulled him forward.
THOOM!
With another echo reverberating through the clearing, dazed, both parties separated from each other.
Shaking off their dazes, a pair of now lighter sapphire-gold eyes met a pair of amber ones.
"Not bad, not bad at all," congratulated Dinga.
"As if," replied Arthur as he pointed a thumb behind him to a scene of decimated land and trees." But I'm guessing there is more to our evening meeting than letting me witness your lumberjacking skills."
Chuckling, Dinga made a 'come, come' motion as he sat down crisscross.
With Arthur now seated before him, Dinga began, "Tell me, Arthur, what is your goal in this life? To build an empire? To be the strongest? To have an endless harem of beautiful people? Or maybe even something simple like finding a place you can call home?"
"My goal?" Repeated Arthur as a resolute look graced his face. "It is a simple goal. I want to create a world."
"A world?"
"Yes," Arthur nodded. "I wish to create a world where every sentient life is worth living."
Hearing this, a surprised glint flashed in Dinga's eyes as he took a long pause before revealing a light smile. "I'm sure you are aware that the path to such a world…."
"I know," answered Arthur with a bitter smile.
"Why, though?"
"Because it is within the capacity of every living sentient being to create a world worth living in. Life is an experience. It is only right for everyone to enjoy the smiles of their parents, the carefree laughter of youth, and the peace of a tomorrow. I want to create a world where all of this and more are almost certain."
"The plagues of this world, you wish to put an end to them all?"
"Yes," Arthur answered resolutely.
Smiling, Dinga nodded as he pulled out two books.
"I'm sure you are aware of what will happen tomorrow."
"I have my predictions," nodded Arthur with hints of melancholy.
"After tomorrow, I won't be here any longer, and in turn, I can't fulfill my roles as a father or chief. Hence, these books, "Dinga began, handing Arthur two l leather-bound books. "Although it isn't the same thing, one of these books comprises of the lessons I've learned through life as a man. "I call it 'A Young Man's Guide to Life.' Whereas the other one is a compilation of intel of this region and its surrounding.'
Receiving both books, Arthur couldn't help but ask, "how can you be sure that I am….?"
In a second, Dinga's black pupils expanded as his amber irises disappeared, and in their place, silver specks appeared – a starry night sky. "You aren't the only one with special eyes."
Seeing Arthur's eyes flash with understanding, Dinga continued. "There are a few things I need to ask of you. Are you willing?"
"Of course."
"Very well. First, promise me you will do your best to keep our people safe."
"I promise to do my utmost to keep our people and family safe." Affirmed Arthur without hesitation as an intangible weight silently landed on his shoulders.
"Second, I need you to carry on a promise I made to Amina and Karami," continued Dinga.
"The promise?" Arthur beckoned.
"I promised them that I would help them find their younger sister." Replied Dinga.
"I promise I will help them find their younger sister." Promised Arthur.
"Next, more of a heads up, but you should know that Cisse can never work for you, only with you. Anything else, and…." Started Dinga.
"Even I, only have authority over him because he respects me as his father. As for what I mean, you will understand better tomorrow." Informed Dinga.
To this, Arthur smiled and nodded, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"That will be all," smiled Dinga as he encouraged Arthur to stand up too.
Standing in front of Arthur, Dinga ruffled his hair as he brought him in for a tight hug as he whispered, "You will do great, kiddo."
Returning Dinga's hug, Arthur nodded as he voiced. "You know, you sure seem awfully calm, considering what's to come."
Hearing this, Dinga simply smiled.