Scenario:Arthur - Some Things Never Change

Some Things Never Change

A couple of weeks following the joint training expedition, Arthur, Mordred, Cruz, and Tornelio are tasked with cleaning the area outside the royal treasury. Suddenly they encounter a Harvin man who claims to be lost in the castle, and Cruz confronts him. Revealed to be the infamous cabal member Lusor, the man responds by summoning a swarm of hybrid dragons.

---

A dozen or so days after the joint training expedition, Mordred has recovered enough to return to his duties.

Although he still needs to avoid any serious training, he's been cleared to assist with less strenuous tasks.

Arthur: Sigh... Why does it have to be cleaning...

Mordred: Oh, quit your bellyaching. Being assigned to the area outside the royal treasury means we've earned a lot of trust, right?

Tornelio: Come to think of it, I usually don't come this far into the castle. Feels good to be entrusted with such an important place.

Cruz: You said it.

Arthur: The treasury's that back room, right? Past the door with the knights guarding it.

Arthur: (That's where Excalibur is...)

Mordred: Hey, Arthur. Less daydreaming—more sweeping.

Arthur: Oh... Right.

At Mordred's urging, Arthur resumes clearing dust from a corner of the room.

Arthur: By the way, did they not want us to clean inside the treasury?

Mordred: Are you really that desperate to see the sword?

Arthur: I mean, that's part of it, but I was just wondering how they usually keep it tidy.

Having overheard the conversation, the two knights guarding the treasury stroll over.

Knight 1: Don't worry. We clean the inside regularly, so you four are off the hook.

Knight 2: The items in the royal treasury are strictly off-limits. You need permission from King Carl himself to enter.

Arthur: Oh, okay. Guess they don't need us then.

Tornelio: Huh? Someone's coming.

Harvin Man: Well, that's weird. Is this really the way to the throne room?

The knights turn to see an oddly dressed Harvin man walking toward them, seemingly confused.

Arthur: He doesn't look like a member of the White Dragons. Maybe he's here as a guest?

Harvin Man: Oh! You there, with the blond hair! Could you tell me what area of the castle this is?

Arthur: Sure. We're right outside the treasury.

Mordred: You idiot! Don't give away the location to a total stranger!

Arthur: Oh, good call. Sorry...

Mordred: We should focus on cleaning and let the guards handle this.

As Arthur and company step aside, one of the knights guarding the door approaches the Harvin man.

Knight 1: Excuse me, but who might you be? If you're lost, I'd be happy to show you the way.

Harvin Man: Why, that would be wonderful! How kind of you to offer!

Harvin Man: This castle's so huge and complicated, I felt like I was wandering in a labyrinth. Before I knew it, I was completely turned around!

Knight 1: I see... So where were you trying to go?

Harvin Man: The throne room, actually. I'm here to see King Carl!

Knight 1: Hm, that's strange. The throne room is directly up the grand staircase when you enter the castle.

Knight 1: I find it hard to believe that you'd somehow end up so deep underground...

Harvin Man: What! Could it be that you find me suspicious, good sir?

Harvin Man: I'm here as an envoy of Dalmore, in fact. Do I not fit the bill?

Knight 1: An envoy of Dalmore? You?

Harvin Man: Aww, I really don't look the part, huh? Ol' Gawain comes off as a proper delegate, but I guess I've got a long way to go.

Mordred: Ol' Gawain?

Arthur: Gawain's that knight from Dalmore, right? The one who's supposed to be really strong?

Mordred: Yeah. Word has it he's a hero who single-handedly fended off an attack by Wales a few years ago.

Harvin Man: Oho, what's that I hear? Are you two bosom buddies interested in ol' Gawain?

Harvin Man: I'd be delighted to tell you all about him! After all, we've even hunted high and low for a cat together before!

Arthur: What! You searched for a cat with the hero of Dalmore?

Harvin Man: That's right! Gawain really put in the effort too. You should've heard him calling out "Here, kitty, kitty!" in the cutest voice!

Harvin Man: Considering he's usually so up on his high horse, he ended up attracting a crowd of curious citizens!

Mordred: Doesn't sound very hero-ish...

Harvin Man: I know what you mean. You'd never expect it from some hardhead who refused to admit defeat during our little monster-hunting contest.

Mordred: You and Gawain competed over hunting monsters?

Harvin Man: Whoops... I might've said too much.

Cruz: ...

Cruz's eyes narrow as he dashes to stand between Mordred and the Harvin man.

Mordred: Cruz? What's up?

Knight 2: Hey, rookies! You're supposed to be cleaning!

Arthur: Oh... Sorry.

Arthur and company hurry back to their positions and resume tidying up.

Harvin Man: What's this? Was I perhaps interrupting? Sorry, I had no idea!

Knight 2: You too—if this man's a guest of His Majesty, you should hurry and escort him to the throne room.

Knight 1: That's true, but... doesn't he seem a little suspicious?

Knight 2: If you're that worried, I'll confirm his identity.

Knight 2: Excuse me, but would you mind showing proof that you're indeed an envoy of Dalmore, just for the sake of protocol?

Harvin Man: Oh, silly me—I almost forgot! I have a sealed letter here from Archduke Hyland... Huh?

Harvin Man: That's odd... I was sure I put it in this pocket...

Cruz: ...!

Seeming to have sensed something, Cruz places a hand on the sword at his hip.

Arthur: Cruz?

Cruz: You're certainly using an interesting power, aren't you?

Tornelio: Huh? Power?

Cruz: Who are you?

Harvin Man: ...

Harvin Man: I should've known you'd sniff me out. But I did manage to fool the head sorceress of Dalmore, so that's something.

Knight 2: ...!
Stand back, you four!

The knight draws his sword and steps forward, but the Harvin man nimbly jumps back to maintain his distance.

Harvin Man: Well, it's not like I didn't account for this outcome.

Harvin Man: But I'm afraid I can't reveal my true form yet. And I can't afford to get caught either!

Cruz: (This power!)

As the man places his hand on the floor, a glowing magic circle appears, summoning strange-looking dragons one after another.

Dragon Swarm: Grrrrr...

Mordred: Are these the same hybrids that showed up during our training expedition?

Knight 1: Hybrids? Don't tell me this is the aberrant dragon species that attacked Dalmore!

Knight 1: Then this Harvin must be that notorious member of the cabal... Lusor!

Lusor: ...

Arthur: Huh?

With a meaningful smile, Lusor looks back and forth between Arthur and Mordred as though weighing them against each other.

Some Things Never Change: Scene 2

The hybrids attempt to keep Arthur and company at bay while Lusor enters the treasury to steal Excalibur, but the rookie knights work together to fight the dragons and reclaim the sword. Unfortunately, Lusor sends the hybrids into a frenzy and manages to escape. With Cruz's encouragement, Arthur releases the blade's power to wipe out the dragon swarm.

---

Hybrid: Grrr...

Hybrid: Groooooar!

Arthur: It's no use... Our attacks are landing, but the dragons just won't go down! We defeated the ones during the training expedition though!

Lusor: Pretty strong, aren't they? They're a species of hybrid that specializes in defense, you see.

Lusor: Well, I'll let you all play with them for a bit. Meanwhile, I have other business to attend to.

So saying, Lusor strolls over to stand before the royal treasury.

Lusor: Hyah!

With a wave of his hands, a gust of wind sweeps through the corridor and smashes the treasury door to pieces.

Mordred: He destroyed that sturdy-looking door in the blink of an eye!

Lusor: Ah, I almost forgot to mention. As long as you keep your distance, the hybrids won't attack, so don't worry!

Lusor: Honestly, you're no match for them even as a group. You'd be wise to run while you can.

Arthur: Not a chance! I became a knight in order to protect everyone!

Lusor: Ooh, well said! Is that what you call chivalry? I've got to say, I'm a big fan! If only you actually had the power to back up that conviction.

Lusor waves his hands once more and steps lightly into the treasury.

Tornelio: Is he trying to steal something?

Cruz: Maybe he's after Excalibur!

Arthur: No way! We've got to stop him!

Hybrid: Groooooar!

Arthur: Whoa!

Mordred: Careful, Arthur!

Mordred: Argh! They won't let us take a single step toward the treasury!

Hybrid: Grrr...

Knight 2: All that, and we only managed to take down one of them...

Knight 1: We'll just have to alert Captain Lancelot and Vice-Captain Vane! These hybrids are too much for us!

Tornelio: What should we do? Looks like the guards are struggling too.

Cruz: ...

Cruz: As long as we don't get close, they won't attack. That's what Lusor said, right?

Tornelio: Yeah, I think so...

Cruz: In that case, do you think you could go tell Captain Lancelot, Tornelio?

Tornelio: Huh? Are you telling me you believe that guy?

Cruz: His magic ability is no joke. If he really wanted to attack us, we'd already be goners.

Cruz: If anything happens, we'll cover you. Think you can handle it?

Tornelio: A-all right! Stay safe, you guys!

Tornelio takes off in the direction of the knights' station, and sure enough the hybrid dragons completely disregard him.

Mordred: So it's true—they actually ignore anyone running away. That Lusor's totally making fools of us.

Arthur: But once the captain and vice-captain are here, we should be able to take these things out in no time flat!

Arthur: Until then, we've got to hold that guy off!

Mordred: Yeah! In the meantime, let's try to get as close to the treasury as we can!

Lusor: Well, well. So this is the sword of legends. Just looks like a fancy weapon to me though.

Lusor: Hmm... Yep, nothing happens if I touch it. Well, having the qualifications would just be bad news for me.

Lusor: What I really want to know is...

All Three: Haaaaah!

Hybrid: Grrr...

Lusor: Whaaat! Those three managed to take down that rock-hard hybrid?

Lusor: Boy, kids sure grow up fast. Percy was making huge strides with his swordplay at that age too.

Mordred: All right... If we target the head and attack in turns, we can bring them down.

Arthur: Yeah! There may be a lot of them, but we just need to defeat them one at a time!

Cruz: ...

Cruz: ...!
Look over there!

They turn to see Lusor emerging from the treasury holding Excalibur.

Arthur: He's trying to take the sword!

Lusor: And here I went to all that trouble to let you escape. Especially you, my Erune friend—you're still recovering, aren't you?

Mordred: How does he know so much about us?

Smiling eerily, Lusor calls over one of the hybrids and climbs onto its back.

Lusor: Well, I'll be leaving now—

All Three: Not happening!

Hybrid: Graaah!

Lusor: Huuuh?

The young knights unleash a series of attacks at the dragon's head, sending Lusor tumbling to the ground along with Excalibur.

Mordred: All right, we got the sword back!

Mordred snatches up the sword as it slides across the floor, while the two guards quickly seize Lusor.

Knight 1: To the dungeons with you!

Lusor: Oww, that hurts! Let go of me, you big, dumb oaf!

Lusor: Juuust kidding.

Hybrids: ...!

Suddenly, the hybrid dragons' eyes gleam with a murderous intent.

Hybrids: Groooooar!

Knight 1: Gyah!

Knight 2: Hey, are you all right?
Dammit, he got away!

Lusor: Phew, that was too close for comfort. It's a shame I dropped the sword, but getting captured would've been game over.

Lusor: It's been fun, but I must be on my way. Try your best to avoid an early death!

Lusor leaps onto the hybrid's back once again, and it takes off down the corridor, disappearing from sight.

Knight 2: Ngh... Get back here!

Hybrids: Groooooar!

Knight 2: These things are totally different from before!

Cruz: They've turned bloodthirsty. There's no rhyme or reason to their attacks anymore.

Arthur: What do we do now? We can't bring down this many...

There are only seven dragons remaining, but it's clear they have no chance of taking them all on at once.

The hybrids surround them to cut off their retreat, the intense bloodlust almost suffocating.

Excalibur: ...

Arthur: Huh?

Sensing the sword calling out to him, Arthur looks over to see white, sparkling light emanating from its blade.

Arthur: (That light!)

Mordred: Urrrgh!

Mordred: What's... this pain? Feels like someone's rummaging through my head...

Mordred: Ngh... An illusion?

Arthur: Mordred!

Hybrid: Groooooar!

Arthur: ...!

Knights: Haah!

Hybrid: Graaah!

Knight 1: Are you all right?

Mordred: Y-yeah, thanks for that. Don't worry, I can still... fight...

Arthur: What're you talking about? You're wobbling all over the place!

The hybrids set their sights on Mordred, determining him to be their next target.

Cruz: ...!

Cruz: (We can't let it end like this!)

Cruz: Arthur, use the power of the sword.

Arthur: Huh? But if I do that...

Cruz: Even if the power makes you go berserk again, Captain Lancelot will stop you!

Cruz: There's no other way. Go on, Arthur... Please!

Arthur: ...

Arthur: (I... I guess I don't have a choice. Hesitating will just get us all killed! I can't keep running away!)

Arthur: Okay! Look after Mordred for me!

Steeling himself, Arthur reaches out to pick up the fallen Excalibur.

The moment his hand touches it, the sword overflows with a dazzling light, as though recognizing its rightful owner.

Arthur: Ngh... This power really is something else!

Arthur: But I won't let it beat me! This time around, I'm going to protect Mordred and the rest of my friends!

Arthur: Haaaaah!

Hybrid: Graaah!

As Arthur raises the blade high, the light grows ever stronger, expanding into a glowing orb that swallows the hybrid swarm.

Between the deafening roar and violent vibration, the shock is so powerful that he almost loses consciousness.

Arthur: I'm not done yet!

Arthur: Take this! Loewenbein: Glanz!

Despite the overwhelming force, Arthur's strong will to protect his comrades narrowly holds his consciousness together.

The light from the sword fills the halls, painting everything white until not even the faintest shadow remains.

Arthur: Huff... Huff...

Mordred: Is that... all of them?

Arthur: Yep, looks like it...

As the light fades, Arthur and the others glance around the corridor.

There they see the two guards standing dumbfounded, surrounded by fallen hybrids.

Some Things Never Change: Scene 3

While Arthur and company are celebrating the fact that they all made it out unscathed, Mordred finds himself brooding over the name "Ywain" he heard in a dream. Noticing that Mordred is acting strangely, Arthur tells him he needs him by his side, which pulls Mordred from his despair. Elsewhere, Lamorak speaks to himself, his true motives unknown.

---

Tornelio: And then you took out all of Lusor's hybrids in one go, right, Arthur?

Henry: You were a true hero this time, mastering the power of the sword! As captain of the Henry Brigade, I couldn't be prouder!

Arthur: I'm not a hero! I just got caught up in the moment, that's all.

Arthur: But I'm really glad nobody got hurt. Plus nothing was stolen in the end!

With the royal treasury secured, Arthur has returned to the knights' station.

The tale of the hybrids' defeat has spread like wildfire among the knights-in-training, earning him a great deal of praise.

Cruz: Sorry for pressuring you to use Excalibur's power back there.

Arthur: You didn't do anything wrong. I only had the courage to act because you gave me the push I needed.

Arthur: Besides, I should be the one apologizing for dragging you along to the debriefing.

Cruz: Well, we were both there. I had as much responsibility to explain as you did.

Lancelot and Vane had rushed to the scene, only to be shocked to find the hybrids already vanquished.

Arthur and Cruz were questioned about what had happened when Arthur used the sword, as well as details about Lusor.

After confirming that there was no threat to Arthur's health, they were finally let go.

Tornelio: We heard about what happened. Sounds like that Lusor was a really tough opponent.

Tornelio: It's a good thing he didn't summon an endless stream of hybrids like during the joint training expedition.

Cruz: To use powerful magic, you have to secure a position and whatnot beforehand. Guess that was the best he could do in the castle.

Henry: But how did someone that dangerous get in so easily anyway? Weren't there guards on duty?

Arthur: Good question. According to Captain Lancelot, there weren't any Harvin visitors today.

Henry: Maybe he broke in through a window somewhere? But if he'd flown near the castle on a dragon, someone would've noticed...

Cruz: ...

Tornelio: The more I hear, the scarier he sounds. I'm glad everyone made it out safely.

The young knights nod vigorously in agreement.

Arthur: Sigh... Man, I'm beat...

Cruz: You're probably worn out from using the sword's power. You ought to head back and rest for the day.

Arthur: Yeah, I think I will.

Arthur: Wait—where's Mordred, by the way?

Henry: He went back to the barracks already. I teased him about being out of it, but he just gave a half-hearted reply and left.

Arthur: Guess he's still feeling crummy, huh? I'll check on him when I head back.

Cruz: We'll swing by later.

Arthur: Okay. See you in a bit then!

Mordred: ...

Back in the barracks, Mordred sits on his bed, staring blankly at the floor.

Mordred: (What in the skies was that?)

Mordred: What's... this pain? Feels like someone's rummaging through my head...

Mordred: Ngh... An illusion?

Mordred: (Those same people appeared in my dream before too. I wonder why I saw them again?)

Merlin: It's okay... Everything will be okay... I swear I will protect you and Ywain...

Merlin: Arthur, Ywain... I swear Feendrache will pay for what they've done!

Mordred: (Ywain... What's the significance of that name?)

Mordred: (Who... am I?)

Mordred: Argh...

Clasping his slightly trembling hands together in his lap, Mordred shakes his head helplessly.

Arthur: Mordred? You feeling okay?

Mordred: ...!
Arthur! You're back early.

Arthur: Yeah. Still feeling under the weather? Do you have a fever? Take some medicine already?

Mordred: I don't have a cold, dummy. It's no big deal—I was just a little dizzy.

Mordred: Well... truth is, they told me to take it easy today just in case, so I came back here.

Arthur: Hmm...

Mordred: What?

Arthur: I was just thinking about how you used to hide it when you got a cold so you wouldn't upset the sister.

Mordred: That was a long time ago. Now I know complicating things just causes more problems, so when I'm sick, I say so.

Arthur: I know... but are you sure you're really okay?

Mordred: I'm telling you, it's nothing. Sheesh, you're like a broken record.

Arthur: You're lying.

Mordred: Huh? Why do you think that?

Arthur: You haven't been acting like yourself lately! Like, you've been weirdly honest and stuff!

Mordred: Is that supposed to be an explanation? Seriously, what's with you today? You're being really pushy.

Arthur: You're definitely hiding something! Even I can see that!

Arthur: I can't understand unless you tell me, right? And I don't want you to suffer all alone. So just spit it out!

Mordred: I... can't.

Arthur: Why not!

Mordred: If talking about it would fix things, I'd have told you by now! I'm not some dumb kid anymore!

Mordred: But this is different. I don't even understand it! None of it makes any sense...

Arthur: Mordred?

Teeth gritted out of frustration, Mordred hangs his head.

Mordred: So please, just lay off a bit, okay? I'll tell you the truth when I've figured it out myself.

Arthur: Okay...

Arthur: Sorry, I got a little carried away there...

Mordred: It's okay. I'm sorry for shouting.

Arthur: ...

Arthur sits down quietly on his own bed, still casting worried glances in his friend's direction.

Mordred: You were incredible earlier, you know. This time around, you were able to use the legendary sword's power properly.

Arthur: Yeah. I'm not sure what the difference was though...

Mordred: It really is a mystery. When I touched the sword, nothing happened.

Mordred: Was it because it was Arthur? Does he have something special the rest of us don't?

Arthur: Mordred?

Mordred: It's nothing.

Refusing to elaborate, Mordred instead asks Arthur a question in a slightly strained voice.

Mordred: Say, Arthur... You're the real Arthur, right?

Arthur: Huh? I'm me, yeah. Why?

Mordred: No reason. Just asking.

Mordred: (That's right. His name was Arthur, even in my dream...)

Arthur: ...

Arthur: (What is this feeling? Mordred's right in front of me, but he seems so far away...)

The pair has grown up together for basically their entire lives, but Mordred now wears an expression Arthur has never seen before.

An indescribable feeling of unease writhes in Arthur's chest. Sensing that he can't miss this chance, he abruptly stands.

Mordred: Hm?

Arthur: Mordred. I don't want to do this without you!

Arthur: I don't know what's bothering you, but what I do know is you're the only one who can back me up when I need it.

Arthur: You're my biggest competition in the White Dragons! You've always been my number one rival!

Mordred: Arthur?

Arthur: Back at the orphanage, you're the one who asked me to come to the capital with you so we could become knights together!

Arthur: I don't care what you think—I want you with me through it all! I need you, Mordred!

Mordred: ...

Mordred: (You really are amazing... You can say things so easily that I'd be too embarrassed to ever put into words.)

Arthur: I trust you when you say you'll tell me everything someday! So until then, let's keep working hard as knights—together!

Mordred: Sounds good to me.

Mordred: If you start talking nonsense again like you did during the entrance exam interview, someone needs to be there to save you.

Arthur: Hey! Don't bring up the ancient past!

Mordred: It was last year.

Arthur: That's plenty of time to grow! Just look how much taller we've gotten!

Mordred: Sure our bodies grew, but what about our minds?

Arthur: They grew too! That's why you got first in the class, duh!

Mordred: Actually, the reason I got first is because I studied hard.

Arthur: Oh. Yeah, that checks out. You were always up late hitting the books, after all.

Mordred: (No matter how much time passes, this sort of back-and-forth never changes.)

Arthur and Mordred continue to bicker playfully, as though nothing had happened.

Lusor: Aww. After all that, the sword's going right back into the treasury. I really dropped the ball on this one.

Lamorak: That said, there didn't seem to be a direct connection between the sword and scabbard, so I guess there was no point in taking it.

Lamorak: I can't clean up Rowley's mess anymore, but I did gain some new info on the sword. That should put him in a better mood.

Lamorak's expression changes from one of disappointment to intrepid glee, though the true meaning behind his smile is unclear.

Lamorak: At any rate, I can't wait to see how those two progress from here on out!

Lamorak: After all, this is merely the beginning. Their destiny has only just begun to unfold.

Speaking to no one in particular, he strides off elsewhere.