Arthur's Odyssey :Rise of the King

As the sun began to rise, its first rays of light painted the Pendragon estate in soft golden hues, casting long shadows over the expansive training grounds. The dewy grass sparkled in the early morning light, and the air was cool and fresh, still carrying the scent of earth and dampness from the night before. The ground was peaceful, quiet, awaiting the day's events.

Merlin stood at the center of the official training grounds, his posture perfect, his eyes focused as he waited for Arthur. The boy had quickly become accustomed to the routines of early morning training, and this day would be no different. Arthur, barely contained in his enthusiasm, bounced impatiently near the entrance to the training grounds, eager to begin.

After a moment, the sound of footsteps broke the stillness. Arthur jogged up to Merlin, his energy palpable. "Grandpa Merlin," he said, his voice full of curiosity, "I've been wondering… what affinities do you have?"

Merlin, who had been watching Arthur with a quiet pride, allowed a small smile to tug at the corners of his lips. "I have four affinities, Arthur," he replied, his voice calm but carrying the weight of the knowledge he'd acquired over the years. "Earth, wind, water, and fire."

Arthur's eyes widened. "Four? That's a lot! What rank ?"

Merlin nodded, the faintest flicker of pride in his eyes. "Earth, wind, and water are all at the 9th grade ,while fire is the Perfect grade." His gaze softened as he looked down at Arthur, noting the boy's awe.

Arthur's face lit up. "Perfect grade? So that means you're the Scion of Fire, right?"

Merlin's expression grew serious as he nodded. "Yes. I am the Scion of Fire, the embodiment of its power. It is both a great gift and a heavy burden. Fire is a destructive force, very hard to control, although not as difficult as yours" said Merlin with a small chuckle.

Arthur's excitement flickered, but he quickly became thoughtful. "I understand. Does that mean you can make really big fires? Like, huuuuge ones?"

Merlin chuckled softly, as he replied with a measured tone, "Indeed I can, now are you ready for training?"

Arthur nodded eagerly, his energy still as high as ever.

Merlin placed a hand on Arthur's shoulder, his eyes softening with approval. "Good. The first lesson you must learn is control, Arthur. Every affinity, whether it's light, fire, or any other, must be wielded with wisdom and control. Only then will it truly become powerful, only then will it truly become a part of you."

Arthur looked up at him, a spark of determination in his young eyes. "I'll be careful, Grandpa, but I'll be strong too. Just wait, I'll learn everything!"

Merlin smiled at the boy's determination, impressed by his resolve. "I have no doubt you will Arthur." he said as he straightened his posture and adjusted his stance. "Now, let's get started."

Arthur's face lit up again, the enthusiasm returning in full force. "Yes! Let's do it, Grandpa!"

Merlin led Arthur to the center of the training grounds,"Today" he said,"we will begin with a few simple techniques, even though I do not possess a light affinity my fire affinity does share some similarities with it."

Merlin smiled, sensing the boy's enthusiasm. "Alright then, Arthur. Let's start with something simple. For today, we'll focus on your control. Even though you're already quite strong for your age , mastering your affinity isn't just about raw power. It's about directing that power exactly where you want it."

Arthur's eyes sparkled with determination. "I can do that!"

"First things first , tell me , what weapon do you like Arthur?" Merlin asked as he patiently awaited for the boy's answer.

"Ehm... I don't really know.. i guess swords and bows are really cool"

Merlin smiled and gestured to a nearby target. "Alright, try this. I want you to visualize your light affinity, since you like bows I want you to think of it like a string being drawn taut, as if it's preparing to release. Don't focus on the power or the impact, just on the control. Think of the bowstring, not the arrow, and feel your affinity there. When you're ready, try to release that energy, but gently, with precision."

Arthur stared at the target, his expression serious as he began to concentrate. His small hands flexed, and for a moment, there was a flicker of golden light around his fingertips. Merlin watched quietly, impressed by how quickly the child was adapting to the exercise.

"Good, keep going," Merlin encouraged. "It's about feeling the tension in your energy. The more control you have, the more precise your aim will be."

Arthur, sweat beading on his brow from the intensity of his focus, nodded. "I can feel it, Grandpa! It's kinda like the way Morgana and I practice balance when we dare each other to jump on Lilly pads without falling into the pond... you know, staying calm and steady."

Merlin chuckled softly. "Exactly. It's just like that, but now you're focusing on your energy, not your body. Keep it steady and imagine your bowstring pulling back in the air. When you're ready, release the tension and let the energy fly,don't force it."

Arthur took a deep breath, steadying his hands. He visualized the glowing string of his bow, taut and ready, and with a determined exhale, he focused all his energy on the target. Golden light surged from his hands in a delicate stream, though it didn't form into a physical bow yet,it was more of an ethereal aura, but it was progress.

Merlin watched closely, a hint of pride in his gaze. "You're doing well, Arthur. But now, let's add the next step,shaping it."

Arthur nodded, his excitement growing. "Okay Grandpa"

Merlin raised a hand, his expression calm but serious. "Listen carefully, Arthur. Shaping your affinity requires focus and intent. It's not just about summoning light, it's about molding it to your will. Start simple."

Arthur furrowed his brows, his small hands glowing faintly with light as he tried to follow Merlin's instructions. "How do I… mold it?"

Merlin crouched down beside him, demonstrating by shaping a small wisp of fire in his palm. The flame twisted and coiled like a living thing, forming into a miniature spear before disappearing. "Think of it like sculpting, Arthur. Picture the shape in your mind, whether it's a ball, a blade, or even something else entirely, and guide the light into that form. Control begins in your mind."

Arthur's eyes widened in awe at the display. He looked back at his own hands, determination flaring in his bright blue eyes. "Alright… I'll try!"

Merlin stepped back, watching intently as Arthur closed his eyes, his breathing steady. The glow in his hands brightened, flickering as though it wanted to take form. For a few moments, the light wavered uncontrollably before settling into a small, imperfect sphere.

"I did it!" Arthur shouted gleefully, opening his eyes to see the faintly glowing orb in his hands. Though uneven and flickering at the edges, it held its form.

Merlin couldn't help but smile. "That's a good start, Arthur. Keep practicing. Soon enough, you'll be able to form it into anything you wish."

Arthur grinned up at him, the light in his hands fading as his energy drained slightly. "Will I be able to make a bow out of light someday, Grandpa?"

Merlin's gaze softened, the corners of his lips curving into a rare smile. "If you train hard enough, Arthur… one day, you'll wield a bow so powerful it will light up the skies."

"Woooooah really!?!? " Asked Arthur , his eyes shining brightly as he imagined himself wielding such a bow

"Hahahahaha" Merlin couldn't help himself as he laughed, his deep voice carrying a warmth that people besides Arthur never heard from him. "Yes, really. But such power doesn't come without effort, Arthur. The bow you imagine… it will demand patience, focus, and years of training."

Arthur's eyes were still alight with excitement as he grinned ear to ear, bouncing on his heels. "I'll do it, Grandpa! I'll train every day, no matter how hard it is! I promise!"

Merlin looked at the boy's beaming face, his heart swelling with pride and a twinge of sadness he didn't show. "Good," he said softly. "Then let us begin laying the foundation."

Arthur clenched his fists eagerly. "What's next? Can I try making the bow now?"

Merlin shook his head with a small laugh. "Not so fast, little one. Light is a force of precision. If you rush, it will slip through your fingers. Today, we'll focus on refining that sphere. Make it perfect, steady, unshakable. Only then can we move forward."

Arthur nodded, his enthusiasm undeterred. "Okay, Grandpa! watch me!"

Merlin stepped back, arms crossed as he observed Arthur channeling his light once more, his hands glowing faintly.* One day,* Merlin thought,* this boy will outshine us all.*