The Elfish King

chapter 4

After we waved to the people walking past us, we walked the rest of the way in silence once again. I didn't want to ask what she was going to say earlier because she didn't seem much of in the mood. However, when we arrived at the school Lira turned to me.

"Hey, I guess this is the end of the line until lunch," Lira said smiling.

"Yeah I guess so," I said smiling back.

    We went our separate ways heading to our different classes. I couldn't stop thinking about what Lira wanted to say to me, that all of a sudden got her down. I thought maybe this was one of the reasons she has been getting down more lately. I didn't know what she was going to say but all I knew was that I needed to find out why I had two visions yesterday then having that weird dream. I really didn't want to admit it to Lira but I knew I had to ask mom whenever she got home about what might be happening to me after I do some looking in the restricted area. I got to class right on time before everyone got settled for another lecture on the academic basics of magic. I sat down in my seat, putting my head down, about to fall asleep but then I saw Jason talking to one of the girls in the classroom who always had gotten good grades.

"What do you mean you can't tutor me? I'm a great guy to tutor," he said confidently.

"Yeah your pretty great.. at letting my best friend down on a date, so get lost loser," the girl said snapping at him, rolling her eyes, turning away from him.

"Look, I'm sorry that I did that to your friend but I really need this help with this class. So, can you please help me?" Jason said desperately.

The girl sighed"look I understand you need help passing your end-of-the-day homeroom class but I don't even have that for my last period. You should find someone who is in that class."

"Alright thanks anyway," he said disappointed.

    Jason walked away from the girl's desk and went back to his desk, putting his head down. Jason's friends tried at First to find out why he was going to sleep so soon, by making jokes, but after a while, they just stopped. One thing I knew about Jason's friends was that they don't seem to care about him when he wasn't messing around making a big fool out of himself. When he seems to be in a playful joking around mood they are all around him acting like they are besties, I felt bad for him. I knew we weren't friends anymore but I still cared about him a lot at times when I thought about him.

"Good morning class! We are going to continue learning the academic basics of magic!"Ms Welther said loudly.

while Ms.Welther lectured up about the fundamentals of magic, we were taking notes. I glanced over, looking at Jason from time to time seeing if his attitude had changed. It didn't seem to change but he seemed to be more focused on his work a bit more than usual to the teacher lot. He wasn't using his sleep listening gift too much. It was the end of class when the bell rang. I gathered my stuff and glanced at Jason. He seemed really out of it like he barely could keep up. so after I gathered my stuff I headed up to him.

"Hey, Jason what are you up to?" I asked.

He lifted his head and I could see his expression.It looked like was having the worst day of his life. He sighed when he saw my voice.

"Oh hey, what do you want?" he asked coldly.

"Oh, I just wanted to see how’s everything going?" I said joyfully.

"Well don't worry HUMAN I'm fine. just leave me alone," he said rolling his eyes, gathering the rest of his school stuff pushing past me as he left the class.

    At that moment I wanted to punch him but I didn't because I knew I was going to get in trouble if I started anything, I thought about what he was dealing with. I didn't want to be on any radar from the teachers and staff here at the school because of what I was about to do that night. I walked out of the class trying not to get worked up because of his ignorance. When I walked out of class I remembered when I bumped into that student that didn't seem okay but maybe he was one of those people who lived in the mines. I shuttered in that thought and headed to my next class. The rest of my other classes were boring. The other classes never really appealed to me too much especially since I didn't know anyone in those classes, so, it didn't really matter to me as much. When lunch came around. I looked for Lira to cheer me up. Then after a while searching the crowd, I saw her at our usual lunch table. She seemed a bit anxious when she saw me. I smiled and waved. She waved back at me changing her expression on her face. I headed toward the lunch line first, I was a bit more hungry that day. I got the best looking food I saw which was the pizza. I headed to Lira and sat down.

"Hey, what's up?" Lira asked me.

"Nothin' much just feeling bad about Jason again, as always, how about you?" I asked, picking at my pizza.

"I actually need to tell you something... it's something about....your birth.." she said as her voice lowered.

My eyes got wider when she seemed serious." what about my birth? we both know I was born as an elf," I said.

"Yeah you are an elf but this is about...your father," she said.

My face has slowly gotten more serious when she said that." what....what about my father?" I asked.

    "He's well...special," she said. She took a moment to eat more food." So the night you were "born" was the day I saw your father.It was one of the many stories from when I was a baby. I thought it was just a story but it wasn't when I have gotten to know your family and you. All I remember is my father saying he saw him go to your house with a baby in his hands. The guy was crying when he was holding the baby. Then he gave the baby to your mother. That's all I remember it is a bit hard to remember since it has been years since he told me about it, but I do remember that. I don't know if it was true until I saw you with no elf ears. Then that's when I was thinking maybe the story I remembered from when I was a baby was real. The guy I remembered from the story with no elf ears sounds like he could be your father. I have been wanting to tell you this for so long but I just didn't know how to tell you.....I think I know who your father is or well...was."Lira said eating some more food.

    I was utterly shocked by what she had said to me. I thought it was another theory she had made up for me to feel better about not knowing my father. However, it will explain my ears and why Lira has been a bit obsessed with my childhood birth origin story. I realized I was confused and I needed to think, but I really didn't have time to think and process what I just heard. All I knew is that Lira never lied to me in her life, even on the worst of things and I knew I could trust her. I took a deep breath.

"So...why didn't you tell me this sooner?" I asked calmly.

"I didn't know what to tell you or how to tell you..."Lira sighed. "I just didn't believe my own self, but I'm sorry for keeping this from you for so long," she sighed."I just didn't know how you would react after I told you. Especially after the accident, you had last time you have gotten too angry at someone."Lira said.

I waited a couple of moments before responding. I needed to semi-process it, also try not to snap at her because she brought up the accident."Look I'm not mad at you. I am thankful that you told me. Now that I know my father did love me more than I thought. It does make me more aware of my family and makes me feel a bit more complete. I just what to know where did he go? Did he ever visit? How did he die? however, think what we are about to do today is going to explain a lot of my past," I said.

Lira smiled and finished eating her food. I ate half of the pizza because the pizza at the cafeteria was not the way I liked my pizza, but I still ate it to have something inside my stomach until I got home. When I looked at the time I saw it was almost time to go to our next class.

"Lira, you better hurry up and finish up your lunch because it's almost time to go to Mr. Heath's class," I said.

"Hey! don't rush me! I am trying to bet the clock today!"Lira said stuffing her mouth.

I laughed at her "Alright but don't yell at me if we are late" I said.

Lira finished her food when the bell rang. She threw her plate away, so did I and we started to head to Mr. Heath's class.

"HA! I told you I could do it! "Lira said smiling. She threw her hands in the air like she was a champion.

"I never doubted you, I know you love food when you're in the mood for it," I said smiling back.

"Oh whatever, but are you going to ask Scarla today in class when she wants to do the break-in?" she asked.

"Umm...yeah I am if she doesn't come up to me first. I'm going to ask if she wants to plan in the study hall so we can do it tonight," I said.

"Oh alright," Lira said.

"Yeah, but I actually wanted to ask you this early this morning, but I got distracted with breakfast. did you hear my mom come in last night?" I asked concerned.

"Umm...no I didn't, I was way too tired to hear anything, but why do you ask?"Lira asked.

"It just she didn't eat any of my food that we left her last night and didn't leave me a note like she usually would do when I'm not there for her to talk to me face to face. I was just wondering if she was alright. Maybe she went to the store or did another shift but she should be home or at least leave me a note to let me know she is okay." I said concerned.

"Hey, I'm sure everything is okay, so just relax alright. Besides, we need to be focused on not getting in trouble later on, "Lira said encouragingly smiling.

"Yeah I guess your right," I said grinning.

On that note, we arrived at Mr, Heath's class on time by a minute. I saw Scarla at her desk reading something. I started to head over when I saw that Mr.heath, he looked like he was about to start class so I just headed to my desk instead. Lira did as well but she was giving me a look saying"what the heck man why did you just chicken out " but I just ignored her and started to get my books out.

"Good evening class, today we are going to review the topic of sacrifice that Lira so kindly expressed to us yesterday afternoon.."Mr heath said smiling.

Mr.heath was wearing a red shirt and tan pants today with dress shoes. He seemed a bit happier today than usual but it could be me forgetting how happy he can be. Mr.health started to explain the meaning of sacrifice and how it was a part of the book he had given to us. The man from the ashes, the book about a guy who sacrificed himself to help those who he believed in, at least that was what I got from it.

"So class, in conclusion, since I know half of you are sleeping and half are actually paying attention to this lecture that I have organized for you all today," he cleared his throat and turned toward us looking at us."It is indeed apart of life. In order to give, we must receive.so if we must give life it is to gain another." Mr.Heath said grinning at us.

The bell rang and everyone started to leave out the classroom before he was finished with his lecture. I for one didn't care if I stayed in his class longer because he always talked about topics that were about real-life stuff. he was as real as a teacher can be with students. That's another reason why I admire him so much.

"Alright, so for the rest of you, students who are still here, don't forget about the essay you have on sacrifice which is due in a couple of weeks. So, have a great rest of your day," he said happily. He waved to the rest of us.

I started to gather my stuff and head straight toward Scarla's desk. She was still sitting there like she knew I was going to come over.

"Hey, so when-" I said getting cut off.

"We are going to meet at the library at 9 pm sharp. Don't worry about getting caught or bringing anything. Just bring yourself and your friend. I got everything. have you any questions?"Scarla said coldly slouching in the chair not even looking at me, but then turned her head slightly toward me.

"Nope, I got it, "I said strongly.

"See you then Shyne,"Scarla said. She turned back to me when she got to the door."Please don't be late." Then she left out the class before I got the chance to respond. I shrugged and I stand there stupidly then turned back and saw Lira getting her stuff. I glanced over at Mr.Heath and hr looked confused but intrigued. He didn't say anything and just headed to his desk preparing for his next class. I walked up to Lira"s desk.

"Hey, what did she say?"Lira asked me.

"She said to meet her at 9 pm at the Library and to bring you," I said.

"Well at least we know what time. Did she tell to bring anything?" Lira asked.

"She said she's got everything just bring me and you," I said.

"Wow, so we really don't need to do anything. That's really nice," Lira said smiling.

"Yeah, but I guess see you after school?" I asked.

"Well yeah, I really want to go to this class for study hall," Lira said.

"Alright see you then," I said walking away.

"See ya," Lira said.

    After I left the class I started to really think about what Lira told me at lunch all of a sudden. I thought about it and it was weird to think my dad left me at my mom's house crying. Then I thought about my dream about seeing him with her happy but it just doesn't add up. How can he be with my mom, yet, be crying when I was left there. None of this information makes sense for me but ima find some things out when I look in the library's restricted area about these visions. I headed to a spot outside with one of the teachers to monitor and make sure nothing terrible happens, so I can do my homework and figure some things out. I finished all of my work before the study hall was finished so I headed to the library on my own to look for answers about my father. I looked at historical events that had happened in the past near my birthday, that can give me some sort of clue of where he could be. All I found was an old newspaper in an old book about how the kingdom was ruled by the king and queen that ruled in peace with elves and humans after the elf and human war, but when the King and queen died from the accident in the castle, the kingdom was left to the duke, and all peace that was ever created was gone. The duke made the humans in control of everything. The duke made humans the higher authority over every magic or poor being in the kingdom. Thoughts came into my mind of what changes happened between rulers. When the king and queen were alive people who were not gifted didn't work in the mines they went to school and gotten regular jobs just like everyone else.no one was discriminated against but their own culture. I was so intrigued by how much has changed since the king and queen died or disappeared from the accident. No one really knew what happened in the castle except for those who worked there. I've heard that someone attacked the castle then some sort of explosion happened that sent out a bright dem light across the kingdom. After that day no one says anything about the king and queen again. I thought for a moment of how all these stories can add up to the truth of what really happened in the castle that night. I went on and closed the book and put it back. I heard the bell rang and I headed to my last homeroom of the day. when I came into the classroom, then I saw Jason. He seemed happier than this morning but then I thought maybe he had gotten a tutor but maybe not. I headed to my seat in the middle and started to review my notes.

"Hello class, today I want you to read over, independently, the castle properties history. Then I want you to take notes off of the article and the story." the teacher said going back to her desk.

Since I basically understood the work I basically skimmed the article and story and just took the notes as usual. When I just did read everything and just took notes it helped me pass the class but usually, I ended up reading them later anyway just to make sure I didn't miss anything. When it was close to class ending I finished and glanced at Jason. He seemed to be struggling but tried not to show it. The bell rang and everyone left. I saw Jason wait until his friends leave so he can walk up to the teacher.

"Hey, I was thinking if you can recommend someone in this class to tutor me?"Jason asked the teacher.

"Well lucky for you I have a student that has excelled in class from day one, "the teacher said pleased."Shyne can you please come over!" the teacher called.

"Yes?" I said walking over.

"Well Shyne, Jason here is having trouble with the work in the class and since I knew you two used to be friends I thought it would be great if you two paired up for tutoring lessons." the teacher said smiling.

"I don't mind," I said.

"What! you mean the HUMAN!!"Jason said yelling loud.

"Excuse me, Jason that is not how you talk about your fellow classmate," the teacher said demanding." now Jason, I know you may not like this but I think it would be good for you to get tutored by Shyne after all he has the best grade in my class." the teacher said smiling.

I couldn't help myself but be flattered by the compliments.

"But why him? can't I have another student in the class that can help me with the work I have to do?"Jason asked getting frustrated.

"Jason I am sorry but I have asked some other students in the subject that sadly said no to tutoring you," the teacher said, folding her hands on the desk.

Jason sighed" All alright fine, thanks teacher," he said.

"Your welcome have a great rest of your day," the teacher said, organizing her papers on her desk.

Jason turned to me and guided me toward the doorway to speak to me.

"Look I don't want anyone knowing about me getting tutored by you, so let's keep this on the down-low," Jason said quietly.

"Alright but I will only go through with this if you start being nice to me more in and out of school grounds," I said sternly.

Jason rolled his eyes "fine I won't call you human," he said.

"So I can tutor you after school today if you want to," I suggested.

"Umm...yeah I guess I can do that, 3 or 4 is good for me," Jason said.

"Yeah, I can do that, you can come on over 3:30 pm today," I said.

"Alright see you then...Shyne," Jason said leaving out the classroom.

I left out the classroom right after him and headed to the front of the school where I see lira sitting on the grass reading her book. I ran up to her. 

Hey, sorry it took me a bit longer to come out, the teacher wants me to tutor Jason," I said.

"What!? Why?!"Lira said a bit panicked.

"Relax, I'm okay with it. We made an agreement that if he doesn't bully me then I will tutor him. Besides I guess it would be nice to talk with him again like old times," I said smiling.

"Well don't come crying to me if he starts name calling you, "Lira said smiling.

"So I am doing it today at my house at 3:30 pm so we have some time," I said

"Actually I have to get home, I have some things to handle but I will see you tonight," Lira said, getting up off the grass.

"Oh..umm...alright see you then.." I said.

"Don't get sad Shyne, ima be at the library with you later I just have to get home..." she sighs" it's important," she said.

"I'm not getting sad, I was just hoping to hang with you for an hour or two but I get family means a lot, so go ahead, I actually want to get home to see if my mom made it home," I said.

"Alright, soft boy see ya then, "Lira said. She pulls out the teleporter. After, all I see is a flash of light.

I knew she had a teleport but she never really used it when I was around because I hated teleporting or using any magical transportation. but I smiled and started to walk home. When I got to the door of the house I headed in and locked the door behind me. I took a deep breath but I didn't seem to hear my siblings doing what they usually would do. I ran upstairs in the doorway of Bryan and the Kai's room and it was empty. I checked Neia room and that was empty as well. I ran downstairs and checked if there was a note from mom, but there was no note. I was starting to panic a little because I usually would have heard from her, so I sent a bird message to her saying: 

"Hey mom I wanted to know if you are okay, you haven't seemed to read my notes or eat any of my cooking. can you please bird me back?  love you."

Once I did that I felt a bit calmer but I was still wondering where Neia, Kai, and Bryan were. Then I have gotten a bird message from Bryan.

Bryan: hey sorry we are not home. The commander wants us to stay because of this upcoming battle that takes place in a couple of days and he wants us to stay and train longer. We won't be home until tomorrow afternoon. then we will say goodbye because the battle is not in the kingdom. I will explain more tomorrow. Stay safe."

When I finished reading that message from Bryan my nerves calm down for a moment but then when I backed up and  I thought about them going to battle, then my nerves went back up. I didn't know what to think I was confused but I was also in shock. I sank down to the floor and curled up in a ball for a moment. I couldn't believe that my siblings was going to a battle and may never come back home. I started to tear up a bit because I thought about what might happen if I never see them again. For a moment I felt the room shutter and light grow from inside me. Then I dried my face and stood back because i didn't want what happened last time to happen again. I thought about Jason coming over for the tutoring session that was going to happen soon so I tried to fix myself up to look more presentable. I started to get my school bag out ready for him. Then I started to clean up the house a bit more so I can clear my mind of my bad thoughts. I heard a knock on my door.

"Hey come on in!"I yelled putting the broom away with the rest of the cleaning supplies.

Jason came in with his school supplies. He seemed tired but I was so focused on the message that Bryan had sent me that I really didn't even paid attention.

"Hey, it seems you are still in love with cleaning aren't you?" he asked smiling. he started to get comfortable easily. He took off his shoes at the door and took off his jacket as well.

"Yeah well, it’s something that I do enjoy doing, "I said.

"You can wash your hands in the back bathroom so we can get started," I said.

"Oh, we are washing hands now aren't we," he giggled a little." Alright I will wash them," he said.

He headed to the bathroom to wash his hands. I started to make some snacks for me and him since I knew he loved snacks during working or studying. I made some sandwiches and some crackers with cheese and meat. He came back into the room and started to get his school books out for the last homeroom.

"Alright, so what do you need help with?" I asked while fixing the sandwiches.

"Well I don't understand the structural template for the essay of potions and I don't get why we need to read and write so much if we already do that every day in English class," he said.

"Well, we need to learn this because it is all in elf language, they want us to master the language. Some of the languages are in English but mostly it is in elf language, they want us to understand it, "I said. I  finished the sandwiches and styled the crackers and cheese around the sandwiches to be a  little bit fancy." So go ahead and I'll get the work you are having trouble with it so I can explain It to you so we can work on some of your actual assignments." I said.

Jason went on ahead and started to take out some of the work he has been having trouble with. He got a pencil out. I sat down putting the snacks in front of us.

"Alright, so it looks like all you really need help with is understand how to write in elf and read it," I said.

"Well I know how to read it but writing and understanding it is the difficult part of it," he said.

"Here," I said writing down basic rules of elf writing for him to read over and understand." These should help you write the essays." I said."if you want a better understanding of it, you just have to read it over and over to think about what it means to you. I usually read over the texts they give me three times before understanding them," I said.

"So if I follow these rules and read over the texts and put it in my own words of the meaning, then I will pass the class?"Jason asked.

"Well if you want to pass you have to do the assignments right and put it in on time as well," I said.

"Well yeah of course that is key but still is that what I need to do?"Jason asked.

"Yeah honestly," I said.

"Huh? I thought this class was way more complicated than this." Jason smiled.

"Yeah, morning homeroom and last homeroom are my easiest classes because all we do is write, read, and take notes," I said smiling.

"Well can we take a break?"Jason asked.

"We are barely 30 minutes in," I said.

"Yeah but still, I feel like I have worked hard enough already," he said.

"Well it's your grade that reflects your commitment, so go ahead," I said shrugging.

Jason shrugged as well and ate some of the snacks. I headed out to the kitchen to make grilled cheese. I was trying to distract myself from the thoughts I was having of Bryan, Neia, and Kai. so I just cooked and keep myself busy. Jason looked back at me confused.

"Why are you cooking grilled cheese when you already made snacks?" he asked with his mouth full.

"I thought about eating a grilled cheese so I decided to make one. Do you want one?"I asked.

"No, I'm good thank you for the snacks though, they are delicious,"Jason said.

I smiled at him I finished my 5 grilled-cheeses and started to clean up the kitchen.