Teacher Arthur Drabble

-Teacher Arthur-
(Arthur / Meta)

“Please give Atticus and Petta our sincerest thanks.” Kes bowed as she took the pouch from Arthur.

“Of course,” He spoke, “She told me to tell you to take a spoonful of those leaves and brew it for around 30 minutes. Then let it cool until it's cold enough for him to drink. Fair warning, it’s not going to taste good, but it should help Tulok help maintain a steady temperature when the weather heats up. Make sure he drinks it 3 times a day- morning, afternoon, and before bed.”

“I’ll be sure to relay the message to Meta when he and Tulok return from the clinic.” She set the bag on the counter.

“So, I guess he hasn’t been training yet if he’s still struggling with his temperature, huh?” Arthur asked, “Or if he’s even interested in such a thing.” He corrected he previous question since his son is a hybrid himself, but wasn’t particularly fond of any type of training when he was a child. Is Tulok the same as well?

“He has the spirit of a fighter, but not the body of one. We Ice Leos are notorious for our high stamina and aggressive nature to hunt and fight, and Tulok is no different. Let’s just say Meta is having a rough time keeping our son in check, especially since winter is just around the corner. He keeps trying to run off, or train using tree branches as swords when we’re not looking.”

Arthur slightly perked when he heard that- his attention immediately caught when she mentioned that about him. “Huh, you don’t say.”

“I’m glad Tulok wants to train, but Meta on the other hand…well, let’s just say he wishes he would be a bit laxer. It worries him, y’know? You understand, Atticus was the same, no?”

“I’m afraid not.” Arthur gave a small chuckle. “He’s more like his mother- tending and raising plants. Never wanted to train a day in his life, and trust me, I tried.”

“O-oh..” Kes spoke in surprise. “I had no idea."

Arthur waved it off since he knew she and Meta were busy on Pop Star during that time. “Petta would always fill Atticus’ hospital room with flowers anytime he had to stay there for more than a few hours. It helped calm him during some of his more stressful stays, and I believe that’s why he prefers to be around them compared to training.” He weakly smiled, quietly thinking to himself. ‘I just wish I knew that sooner…'

“Hm, I suppose that’s why Tulok's so eager to get out. He’s heard so many stories of Kirby and his Grandfather during his hospital stays- I suppose he wants to be just like them."

“Well, who would’ve known. My little brother better prepare himself to train him because guessing by the way you describe it, he’s not going to take no for an answer. Atticus was the same, and Tulok will be as well. It’s best to take baby steps, maybe let him watch the two of you train before he has a go at it.”

“Meta’s stubborn, but he’ll eventually turn around sooner or later…I hope. But we’ll see, I’ll let you know if-“

The sound of the front door opening caught both their attention, and Kes gave a smile when her two boys entered. “Well, speak of the devil.”

Kes got up to greet the pair. She lightly nuzzled Meta for a brief moment before grabbing Tulok who is securely held in his grasp. “And how’s my precious little ice cube doing? Did you behave for Mends?"

“It could’ve been better…” Meta weakly smiled. “Good news is he’s beginning to fly. I had to pry him off of the ceiling once he saw Mends holding a needle.”

“Meta, that’s wonderful!” She smiled at the Leo in her arms. “You’ll be flying like your father in no time!”

“If I may?” Arthur spoke up and headed to the group. “I know you two will be leaving to Pop Star next week, so maybe I can give him a small crash course on the basics?”

“Arthur, he’s only 4. There’s not going to be any flying until he’s older.” Meta rejected Arthur’s request without hesitation, and shot him an agitated glare. “Don’t you have your own family to take care of or something?"

“Meta.” Kes condemned his rude behavior. “He came by to drop off some medicine before we leave, be a bit more appreciative.

“Fine. Thank you for the medicine…” He huffed. “But the answer is still no.”

“I wanna fly!!” Tulok spoke up, struggling in Kes’ grasp as he flapped his wings. “Pleaseeeee?”

“Meta, maybe a lesson or two would be nice.” Kes agreed. “We won’t be back here for quite some time, and if Tulok is willing, then maybe we should."

“Meta, I was just going to show him a few moves, I wasn’t going to let him do anything dangerous.” Arthur reassured. “Teacher Bate taught me everything there is to know, and I just want to pass it down to someone. If your son wants to learn, then-“

Meta quickly whipped out his wing to silence him.

“Don’t bring my son into your affairs, Arthur. Teacher raised me, too, and when I feel like he’s read to be trained, I’ll do it without your help.” His eyes shifted colors to an ominous red. Kes backed away to another room with Tulok in hand once she felt the high tension between the brothers. With her wife and son out of the way, Meta finally snapped at the elder warrior.

“Just because Atticus isn't the warrior you expected him to be, it doesn’t mean you can use my son to pawn off your delusional legacy. Leave my son out of this.”

Arthur blinked several times in shock from his harsh response. His expression soon soured, and he towered over Meta in an aggressive manner.

"How dare you criticize me when you’re no better. You’re doing the exact same thing I did, and Tulok will resent you for it. I’m trying to help you, Meta.” He barked back in full force. “You think you can protect him, but you, Kes, and Kirby have a role on Pop Star. You honestly believe Tulok won’t be part of that role as well? You’re just as stupid as you were as a child.” He sneered.

-End Drabble-

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