Heroes Called to Another World

Challenge

Jasmine’s Pov

I woke to Jess banging on my door. I walked over sleepy and opened it. Precious only looked up. “What is it?” I said rubbing my head from the hangover.

“I have something fun to show you. Get dressed. I will take Precious out for you.” She patted her leg and Precious bounded out the door.

“Traitor.” I muttered as I closed the door. I opened the closet to find some clothes had been removed and replaced by things more to my liking. I pulled out a pair of black leather pants, a tan blouse that tied at the top, and found a pair of comfortable dark brown leather boots. “Better.” I said admiring myself in the mirror.

As I was walking out the door, James nearly knocked on my head. He must have been ready to knock on the door.

“Woah. Sorry. Everyone is out back already.” He turned to walk away. I followed him out. When we joined everyone, Jess was overly excited. Jayce and her were geared up and ready. Precious came to me and lay at my feet. Both of them hopped the fence together to meet Rumy who was already waiting.

“What’s going on?”

“Oh.” Said Guile, “Yesterday those two sort of beat us up, so we convince Rumy to take them both on.” He said with a happy smile.

“I’m hoping they win.” Lyle winked.

“Just so you know, I won’t be going easy.” Rumy grumbled.

“Ok!” Jess said happily hopping from one leg to the other and stretching.

“After seeing you yesterday, we have a plan.” Jayce added

“Don’t say you weren’t warned.” Rumy smirked at them.

“Ooooh, this will be good.” Egan squealed rubbing his hands together

There seemed to be quite a few additional spectators gathered around. Jess and Jayce drew their weapons, nodded to each other, and then attacked him simultaneously. He dodged them both and took a massive one-handed swing of his sword at them. They both blocked it but were pushed back. I looked at James whose face was contorted. I think that was the moment he realized how easy Rumy had gone on him yesterday. He looked very disappointed.

The two tried a few more attacks in unison before they backed up a bit. Jayce winked at Jess, and she lunged at Rumy. He caught her by her throat midair. The force made her drop her weapons, so she grabbed his arm letting out a gurled whimper. The noise she made sounded like she was dying. Jayce ran at him and slid on the ground. Rumy lifted his leg just in time and brought it down on Jayce’s chest. He threw Jess down onto Jayce and stepped back. Both had to reclaim their breath before getting to their feet.

“Good try.” Rumy nodded at them in approval. They grabbed their weapons and exited quietly. I heard the crowd begin speaking in their language.

“Well, it was worth watching.” Guile spoke again. They began to walk away as Rumy exited calmly.

Prine Egan placed a hand on my shoulder, “They got the idea from you. Had you not done it first, it might have worked.” I looked up at him confused. “Two things about Rumy. One, the same move never works twice. Two, he is incredibly difficult to put on the ground.” He smiled a goofy toothy grin.

I decided to check on Jess. She looked pretty upset when she walked away.

“Da** it!” She spouted ripping off armor and slamming it down. “I thought for sure we had him. We stayed up half the night practicing.” It was weird to see her happy hyper self so dejected.

“Calm down. It’s all good.” Jayce practically took the words out of my mouth.

“No way! That should have worked. It’s like he read our minds. It was the same with James. I thought for sure we could get him like you did. Speaking of which. How did you manage that?”

“Oh, I was in a lot of fights with boys and my older brothers growing up. Being so small, I had to learn to be fast and creative. I also think I took him completely off guard. That probably helped.” I giggled a little.

“Definitely. No one expected that from a photographer.” She chuckled. “And you are also definitely the smallest one here. How tall are you?”

“I am a whopping 5’4 and a half.” I said proudly puffing out my chest and putting my hands on my hips. We both laughed.

“Jess and I are almost the same height. Which makes it easier to coordinate. I’m 5’9 and she’s 5’8. Our similar skills and size make us ideal fighting partners much like Lyle and Guile. Which made us more likely to succeed.” Jayce interjected.

“Which is why I am even more disappointed. The two of us should have won.” She said as we began to make our way back to the house. Precious licked my fingertips.

“Let’s get food.”

“Yes please!” Jess said happily.

We walked into the dining hall to find a few trays of breakfast and pastries. I gave Precious a muffin and eggs. We stuffed our faces and then made our way out the front door. There, we saw Chuck getting on a horse, bow and arrows in hand. On the side of the house there were several targets placed throughout a field. Several spectators had gathered again. They were mumbling something in their language.

The next thing we knew Chuck was cantering through the field, arrows flying from his bow. Many hitting the bullseye and a few splintering the previous arrow he shot in half. He came back, turned around, slid to the side of the horse and began hitting more perceived targets. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. At least Chuck was making us look good. Over the next three days Jess and Jayce continued to challenge Rumy. Each day the group of spectators increased in size. They seemed to be fascinated by us as well as Rumy seems to be an idol among people.

On the third day, Jess let her frustration get the better of her. She stopped coordinating with Jayce and started at Rumy in a frenzy. He sent her and her blades flying. She hit the fence hard, letting out a loud grunt. Jayce rushed to her. As soon as she was up, blades in hand, she ran at Rumy again. After getting knocked down three more times, Rumy tried to warn her to stop. I tried as well, but she did not listen. Jayce just stood there waiting for her to give up. Rumy finally hit her across the face. It was only a slap, but it was enough to throw her down. Her lower lip was bleeding, and she was crying a little. Precious and Jayce tried to comfort her and Rumy exited the fence quickly so she wouldn’t try again. I ran after Rumy.

“Hey Rumy, wait.” I had to jog to keep up with his long strides. “Come on. Please slow down?”

“Defeat is inevitable even for me. She needs to learn that.”

“That’s not why I am trying to talk to you.” He finally stopped walking and glowered at me. “Are you okay?” His face relaxed as he looked me in the eyes, taking a deep breath. He let it out slow and closed his eyes.

“I can’t casually spar with someone’s whose so hostile. I am the commander of the entire military force here. No one can beat me single handed.” He opened his eyes to meet mine again. “People die at the end of this sword.” He sheathed it and then turned to go in. I decided not to follow.

I went back to the training ring. Everything was now calm and most of the spectators had now left. Jess was fine, but her pride was severely wounded. Jess and Jayce decided it was best not to challenge Rumy anymore. They agreed to help train others instead. Dean had made a few friends and was showing them different chemicals and mixtures. Chuck had a crowd of eager pupils whom he was fitting with bows. Even though things seemed to be going well I had a few things on my mind.

I wandered back through the house with Precious. I ended up at the door I thought was Rumy’s and decided to knock. There was no answer, so I decided to go look for him. Precious and I found ourselves at the same spot we napped the other day. She plopped down first and happily beat the ground with her tail. I decided to join her, and we dozed off again. I awoke to the same very attractive man sitting next to me staring at the sky. I just sat there for a moment enjoying the view. It seemed, when the clouds covered the sun, his eyes would change to different shades of green and sometimes turn honey-colored. He finally looked down at me. I blushed a little and he grinned.

“Hi” I said quickly.

“Good morning.” He chuckled because it was almost dinner time. “Fancy seeing you here.”

“Indeed.” I fought the urge to giggle. “Care to join us?”

“Indeed.” He said throwing himself down and placing his arms behind his head. We lay there quietly for a bit. “I’m sorry.” He started.

“Tomorrow.” I interrupted. I did not feel he should apologize, and I wanted him out of his funk.

“Tomorrow?” He lifted his head to look at me.

“Yup, tomorrow. I want to try again.” I turned and smiled.

“Okay?” He said laying back down.

I popped up, “Alright. I’m hungry.” I announced getting to my feet and placing my hands on my hips and holding my chin high. “Come on Precious.” She popped up and darted for the house. I was doing my best to keep up.

“Hey” I heard him call out. I giggled and continued running. It was not long before I heard heavy footsteps approaching. I glanced over my shoulder. “Oh sh**!” He was already a few feet from me and enclosing. I tried to pick up the pace, but it was pointless. As we reached the door, he swooped me up with one arm. He had a big smile on his face. I did not think he could smile like that. Precious ducked out of the way.

“No invite? No bye? Now whose being rude?” He said bringing me closer to his chest. My heart was racing, and I could feel my cheeks getting warmer. He regained his stoic composure and put me down. “Shall we?” He asked as he opened the door. Precious was doing anxious circles.

“I suppose we shall.” I said playfully and walked through the door.

We entered the dining hall together. Everyone was already seated. We joined our tables only to drink and eat too much. After a while of laughing and drinking, my head began to spin. I needed some fresh air. We all left the dining hall together and boisterously. Everyone started up the stairs. I headed out the front door. James gently grabbed my arm before the door closed.

“Are you ok?” He looked worried.

“I am totally fine.” I slurred a little. I waved him off as I pried my arm away. “You go sleep. I’ll see you morrow.” He grabbed me again, only tighter, and pulled me closer.

“No, you are not fine. Let me take you upstairs.”

I gave him a stern look and in the most sober voice I could muster, “Let go.” He looked me in the eyes and was about to protest when a shadow covered him. He looked took see Rumy behind him.

“I believe she told you to release her.” He said with an imposing growl in his voice. I was pulling so hard that when James loosened his grip I nearly fell back. It took me a second longer to regain my balance because of the alcohol.

“See,” James said gesturing to me. “I was only trying to help her.”

“Psh, you’re just trying to get in my pants.” He turned to look at me. Even his ears had turned red. “What you think because am drunk I don’t know this? Because I do. Everyone always does.” He turned away and stormed off quickly.

“Goodnight!” I waved to him as he tripped up the stairs. The alcohol must have gotten to him too.

“Well, that was bold of you.” Rumy said stepping closer.

“Ah, fu** him.” I waved my arm and wobbled a little. “Don’t act the thought hasn’t crossed your mind too.” Then I wobbled the rest of the way out the door away from him.

“Where is your dog?” He asked following me.

I gave a quick whistle and her little paws zoomed past me. “There.” I gestured with my whole arm in the direction she ran. He giggled a little. “I must look ridiculous right now? Go away.” I was slightly embarrassed since I usually don’t drink this much.

“Not at all. I found it rather adorable.”

I gave him a half turn and a raised eyebrow. He was still behind me. “If you try anything funny, I will kick your a**.”

He chuckled. “Noted.” Just think of me as your personal guard tonight.”

We walked into a field before I got tired of holding myself up. I sat in the grass and let out another quick whistle and Precious curled up next to me. I plopped down backwards flinging my arms. “Don’t worry, I won’t fall asleep. Promise.” And I crossed my heart with my finger then giving him a thumbs up. He chuckled again and joined me.

“At least there is a clear view of the sky tonight.”

“Not for me.” I announced loudly. “I closed my eyes when I hit the ground. It looked like the world was spinning with them open.” He giggled again. “What the he** was I drinking?”

“The prince pulled out the good wine tonight. You might as well have been drinking Brandy.”

I turned toward him and opened one eye. “You seem fine?”

“Yes, I can handle a lot of alcohol. I also do not think I had as many cups as you.”

“Jess just kept refilling my cup before I knew how much I drank. It was like her whole goal was to see messed up.” I slightly shook my head and rolled back. “I’m ready go in.” I thought air would help but am getting more drunk by the minute.”

He stood up and held out a hand. “Come on then. I got you.” He smiled at me. I placed a hand in his and made a failed attempt to get up. I fell on my butt. Precious was sniffing me. Rumy reached his large arms down and picked me up like a princess. “Is this better?” I nodded and rested my head against his chest. He surprisingly smelled nice.