You Only Turn Nine Once… Unless You're Us

You Only Turn Nine Once… Unless You're Us

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Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

I do not own "The Beginning After The End", it belongs to its original creator TurtleMe. This is only a fanfiction that I was inspired to write by the original work. Please support the official release. Most of the media - such as the art and illustrations, gifs, video's, etc. used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by various apps and websites. So they aren't mine, just edited. I get much of the text, especially the fight scenes and thought, aside from my oc's, from the original novel, which can be found on Library Novel. Please support the official release.

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out. P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website.

If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (If you ask nicely, I for sure, will agree). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me.

I will be writing out scenes even if my Oc isn't in them. As long as she's mentioned, or influencing the characters in some way. This may seem a bit annoying. But that's just how I write. I like to embed my characters into the story line. Because of this, most of the dialogue/scenes will come from the original work.

Playlist

For the playlist you can go to my YouTube channel, which is under "Anime-lover-forever-1127" and click on the playlist titled "A Woman With Vision {Arthur Laywin}". Or you can use this link watch?v=GYlAaNM7WS8&list=PLVKYkztH1Zd8bdl2_a1C8F6u8gPPwfa6D&ab_channel=7clouds

Warnings: Spoilers for Chapter 27 of the Novel

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Today's Special

There is no such thing as a perfect parent,

So just be a real one.

~ Sue Atkins

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{Third P.O.V.}

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ARTHUR!" Everyone cried out in unison.

The whole Helstea house was decorated lavishly with festive ornaments and woven threads as the Twin Horns, the Helstea family as well as the Leywin family gathered together to congratulate Arthur on his ninth birthday.

"Thank you all for being here with me!" says Arthur as he gave a deep bow and Sylvie mimicked him, nodding her small head.

"Well you know what they say, you only turn nine once." Morgana smiled at Arthur, her lips moved silently and a small wisp of wind flew past Arthur's ear, causing a shiver to run down his spine. "Unless you're us" Morgana's voice rang next to his ear.

Arthur fought the blush that tried to rise up his neck. 'I hate it when she does that.'

Lately, Morgana had discovered a way to carry her voice with the wind. It was quite a useful spell that could carry to quite a distance.

One that Morgana refused to teach Arthur until she had her fun with it. So until then, the only thing the poor hen pecked husband could do was let his wife have her fun.

The dinner turned out amazing as the chefs went all out tonight. Arthur's mother made sure to include some of his favorite dishes, some of which she made herself.

Though Arthur's favourite thing on the table would have been without a doubt the chocolate cake that was placed at the very center of the table. Without a doubt, just by looking at it, Arthur knew who had made his favourite cake.

After all, his wife was the only one who knew that recipe.

It had five layers, two of which were white chocolate. On the top layer there was a flower made up of white and brown chocolate shavings. The chocolate was spread a little choppily, most likely because her hands were not big enough to use the tool or spoon she used to spread it right.

A panorama of noise filled the halls: laughter of the kids, the clinking of wine glasses and busy footsteps of maids and butlers. The table was pleasantly loud as Adam belched loud jokes and made fun of some of the members with their embarrassing moments while exploring the dungeon.

"Adam, you seem to forget the time when a horned mole snuck up under you while you were taking a piss in the dungeon. As I recall, you got so scared, you landed straight on your back, peeing on yourself like a fountain," Jasmine coolly said as she casually continued sipping her tea, not even bothering to look at the petrified Adam.

"Pfft!" The food in Arthur's mouth sprayed out as he tried to contain his laughter. Morgana gently began rubbing his back, calming him down. His father on the other hand blatantly roared with laughter, nearly falling back in his chair as he pointed his finger at the frozen Adam. Even Vincent had his face buried in his hands as he tried to keep from laughing.

"No! Y-You! I thought n-no one was awake when that happened?!" Adam's face turned ghostly pale and his shoulders slumped in utter defeat. Meanwhile, the women just shook their heads in embarrassment at the men's behaviours.

All in all, everyone was having a great time. Ellie chimed in eager to tell all of us about her adventures in learning how to read and write, trying to be a part of the grown-up conversations as well, while Lilia just giggled and agreed.

After dinner, everyone migrated to the living room where the fire had just been lit and an area filled with a smoky fragrance.

{Arthur P.O.V.}

"Happy Birthday again, Son. This present is from your mother and I, and of course, Ellie as well." My father handed me a package wrapped in cloth while Mother was holding back Ellie, who's fidgeting fingers were eager to unwrap the present.

Opening it, I saw a finger-less glove meant only for my left hand. It was black and simple but embedded on the top of the glove were 3 white stones.

"Your father hunted the material for the glove and I imbued my healing spells onto those three white stones. Each of the stones carries a single-use spell. I'm sure it'll be useful to have some safety measures while you go out on missions." My mother looked at me with a sad smile. I could tell she still wasn't ready to send me off.

"Thanks Mom, Dad, Ellie, I love it. This'll be really useful for me." I gave each of my family members a big hug. Putting on the glove, I could tell how sturdy the material was, not to mention that the three healing spells would be extremely useful in a tight situation.

"Ahem! Next is us!" Vincent pulled out a small box. He dramatically got down on one knee and opened the box, revealing two silver rings, one plain, and one with a small clear gem.

"…"

Uhh…. Where was he going with this?

One of Morgana's eyebrows began to twitch in irritation. "Daddy!"

"Honey! Stop teasing the boy!" Tabitha followed, smacking Vincent's shoulder while he held in his laughter.

"Okay, okay! Arthur, this is more of a present for your family than you but I'm sure you'll appreciate it as well."

"This ring," Vincent pulled out the plain ring, "Is what you will be wearing, while this ring," he handed the gemmed ring to my mother, "Is what your mother will be wearing."

Tabitha continued on for him, "Alice, while Arthur is wearing the ring, you'll be able to tell whether he's okay or not. The plain ring is able to keep tabs on the mana circulation that naturally flows in a mage's body. If the natural mana flow stops, the ring you're holding, Alice, will glow red and emit a high-pitched sound."

"We thought really hard on what Arthur may need during his time as an adventurer, but Lilia was actually the one that brought up the possibility of giving a present that'll help him and his family. Unfortunately, the rings can't do much more than that but I thought this would bring you some peace of mind Alice, Rey." Vincent shrugged his shoulders.

My mother teared up while clutching onto the ring. "Oh Tabitha, Lilia, thank you!" She hugged the both of them in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Vincent." She gave Vincent a deep bow while he shook his hands, saying how this was nothing much.

I couldn't help but smile, looking at my mother.

If this ring could free my family from constantly worrying about me, then this was the best gift I could ask for. But I couldn't help but become concerned at the psychological presence wearing the ring would have on my mother; she might end up checking it religiously.

"Well how are we going to beat that, guys?" Adam chimed in. My guardian angel Durden walked towards me, handing me a roll of parchment.

"You see, we also thought along the same lines as the Helstea family. We couldn't really think of what to give the little monster so we decided on this!" Adam waved his arm in a dramatic manner.

"Those two scrolls are sound transmission scrolls! I'm not going to elaborate on how expensive these were, because they were extremely expen—ouch!" Jasmine smacked Adam on the head.

"Cough! Anyways! With this, you now have a one-time source of communication. Just infuse mana into the scroll, Arthur, and you'll be able to send a message to the other scroll. After the holder of the other scroll receives it, Mama Leywin, she can then send the reply! After the reply is sent and the other person listens to it, the parchment will then turn to ashes! TADA! You're welcome!" Adam gave a dramatic bow.

The members of the Twin Horns were all taking turns talking smack about Adam's egotistical performance, but they gave my family a warm smile.

I could tell my mother and father's moods had turned a whole lot better after knowing that they wouldn't be sending their son off to who knows where without knowing how he was doing and what would become of him.

I gave each of the Twin Horns and the Helstea family a hug, thanking them for the presents. Lilia turned beet red while Tabitha just giggled at her.

As I hugged Morgana, she leaned in and whispered into my ear, "There's also a present waiting for you on your bed. And before your mind heads to the gutter, let me remind you were not even in the double digits yet."

I nodded my head like a robot. "Yes ma'am."

Honestly, I already had what I needed, but the ring and scroll would be an invaluable source of comfort for my family, which I was worried about the most.

Soon after, my parents' ex-party members all left to go back to their inn. The Helstea family went back upstairs when Lilia started dozing off, tired from the long day, leaving me with just my parents. Morgana followed after them when her parents asked to speak with her. Probably wanting to have a couple words with her as well.

Ellie was asleep while cuddling the snoring Sylvie. I was already all packed up, prepared to leave tomorrow morning and meet up with Jasmine in front of the house. Tonight would be the last chance to have a real talk before I left.

"Tomorrow is the big day, Son. Are you excited?" My father clasped my shoulders. My father's eyes were lined red as I could see him holding back some tears.

My mother had given up on holding back her emotions and kneeled down to give me a big, bear hug, her face buried in my chest as she sniffled.

"I'll be fine Mom, Dad. I promise I'll try to be back home every chance I get. If anything happens, you'll be able to know."

After talking about my life and the dangers of being an adventurer, my parents ushered me back into my room.

I opened the door and just like Morgana had said, there was a small present waiting on my bed. I walked over and undid the little bow on top of the box, allowing for me to open the lid.

Inside, on a puffed up cousin was a single bracelet. It had a black centre, where the words, 'Her Beast', were elegantly carved out. Next to the words, there was a bright, blue jewel. The rest of the bracelet was made up of a simple silver chain. I was willing to bed anything, tht she has a matching one made for herself.

I clasped it around my wrist and plopped onto bed and stared at the ceiling, Sylvie asleep next to me. I had a family and now, I had people who loved me. I had people that cared about me for who I was, not for the position I had.

And most importantly, I had the woman I loved right beside me.

Just as I thought that, I felt the bed dip beside me, and an arm wrapped around me. Well another began playing with my hair.

It was a nice feeling that I would never want to give up.

I'd fight for it and make sure to treasure this.

For that, I needed to better myself.

More so than when I had been a king.

{Morgana P.O.V.}

Half An Hour Ago

I sat down on the couch in my parents room, with my parents sitting across from me.

I waited patiently as my father tried to find the right words to express his feelings. "Morgana, I know we're not your real parents. But you're no different to us than Lilia."

"What your father is trying to say is, you're our daughter no matter what, and that we want you to be safe, and careful." My mother smiled at me. "If this is what you want. We won't try to stop you. We trust you, and your abilities. We just want you to be careful and take care."

"And don't ever hesitate to ask us for help. That's what we're here for." My father added.

I smiled at them, "I know that. And this is what I want. But if it'll help ease your worries, I'll be twice as careful. I promise."

"That does help. If you say you'll be careful. Then we know you will." My mother nodded.

"Oh," My father exclaimed happily as he remembered something. "Your lenses just arrived." He then went to the stand beside his best, opening the first drawer, he pulled a small case out.

He walked back and handed them to me. "Here. I got you two spares as well, in case anything happens."

I nodded, and opened the case, nearly dropping it in shock.

"I know it's an odd colour. But it was Regina's favourite. So I figured it may help you feel a little bit closer to your mother." My mother smiled sheepishly, as she waited for my reaction.

I quickly recovered and shot her a smile. "It's perfect. And very thoughtful of you. Thank you." I wrapped my arms around their neck, giving them a quick hug.

As I stood in the doorway, ready to walk out, I hesitated, before turning around as flashes of my second childhood hit me, and I resisted the urge to cry.

I remembered my first words, my first steps, and who was here to nurse my first cold as well. I remember the party they threw when they discovered I had a future in magic. "Mom, dad. You… are my parents." I said, smiling.

I walked out of the room, and nearly collapsed against the wall. It was true, they are my parents.

And I really can say they're the best I've ever had.

As I leaned against the wall, my gaze travelled down to the case in my hand. "Well, he's going to get a real kick out of this." I smiled fondly, remembering the colour.

Present Time

{Third P.O.V.}

Morgana gently ran her fingers through her husband's hair as he fell asleep. Once she was sure he was asleep, along with their daughter.

She spoke, voice barely above a whisper, yet sharper than steel. "I don't know who you are, or where you are either. But I do know you've been watching us. Sending waves of mana to disturb the signal isn't that hard, but is becoming quite annoying to hide it from Arthur. Knowing him, he'll begin to worry and make a bigger deal of this then it's meant to be. So I'll tell you once, and only once. Stop. Watching. Us. It's just plain creepy. If I sense you doing this again. I will track you down, and will make you regret it. This isn't a threat. It's a promise."

On the other side of the continent, deep within the Elven forest, Tess shivered and dropped the glass ball when she gazed into a pair of cold, crystal blue eyes. Shattering the ball instantly upon its impact with the floor.

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This chapter is on the shorter side, but I figured this would be a nice place to end it, with a new arc beginning in the next chapter and all.

Also the prologue for my other Arthur fanfic is officially out! It's called "Medea", so feel free to go check it out! :)

Advance warning, it may be a while before the actual chapter comes out, because I'm waiting for the manga to catch up to the time my fanfic will take place, which should happen soon. So until then, you guys will just need to get your Arthur fill here, or in the actual canon (where I get most of my own fill of Arthur).

Also, anyone wanna try and guess the colour of the lenses. Here's a hint, it's why Arthur's going to get a real kick from seeing the lenses.