The Elfish King

chapter 1

    I woke up that morning with an ear-splitting sound from my alarm clock, feeling droopy and sluggish as I got out of bed to turned it off. I went to the bathroom to clean myself up for school and headed downstairs. When I raised my head to see the house's emptiness, I smiled for a second, then, letting it fade away from my face. I knew I was home alone that day because my family is always busy. My mom was always working as were my older siblings, Bryan, Kai, Neia. They were castle guards at the palace. I was the youngest so I did most of the chores and cooked most of the meals when mom wasn't around, or even if she was around I volunteered to cook because she was always so exhausted from working at the nursery, so, I felt as though she needed a break for once.

    I went on ahead and started to cook some eggs and warmed up some bread for my breakfast. Once everything was finished cooking, I poured some milk into a cup to call myself drinking coffee. I went on to say my prayers and ate it, and was tasty as always. I heard a knock at the door and there was my friend Lira from across the street. She has always from the time we shared the seat on the bus to now she has come over every morning to say hi or of course, have some of my cooking.

"It's open Lira, come on in, I'm making you a plate for breakfast " I yelled. Meanwhile rushing around the kitchen to make her eggs with ketchup and bacon. She came on in with a smile on her face, a little sadden but that never bothered her, her red hairdo was at her shoulders with a bang that covers her forehead, and when the sun hit it, it shined, almost made her look like an angel. When the glaze of her blue-purple eyes shows her water powers of being an elf and her pointy ears that turn red with the sunlight shining behind her. For the longest I was jealous of her, she was never really bullied, always loved talking to people, so outgoing, and confident in whatever she does. But when I got to know her she was actually more emotional and sensitive. Still, at times I wonder why she hangs out with me but I tried not to think about it too much. she was wearing a pretty yellow blouse with a yellow skirt, and high brown boots. She wore a bag on the side of her arm.

" Are you making my usual Mr.Chef?" she said with a smile.

" Yeah if that is bacon and eggs with ketchup on it," I said with a little giggle.

"Terrific! that's my favorite!" she said with a thrilled.

"Did you get the paper this morning I want to see if there is an interesting story on there today?" I asked.

"Yeah, here you go but don't get too excited, I read over it while coming over here and it seemed more sad and dull for my taste," she said while looking in her bag for the paper. She puts it on the table, I gave her a meal, so I can sit down and finish my food while reading the paper.

THE GRAND DUKES SON BECOMING THE NEXT HEIR

As I read the paper my grin on my face slowly fades away. I put it down and turned to Lira as I ate my eggs.

"So the duke is trying to crown his son to be the next heir?" I said disapprovingly.

"Yeah, it seems the duke wants it to stay in the family," she said with dissatisfaction in her eyes as she sighs.

"I still don't get why they can't get some other heir other than the son of that i***t," I said with an inferior tone.

"Yeah I know, it's annoying to keep reading it all the time and hear people talk about it all the time," she said irritated.

"It's just,  people seem to have forgotten the actual heirs of the king and queen. Ever since the accident in the castle 17 years ago. It's just crazy how everyone can move on so fast from the real peacemakers you know, like I know it was a long time ago way before I was born but still," I said with irritation in my tone of voice. Lira and I stayed quiet for a little bit while we finished our food. She seemed to become a little sad and lowered her head a little.

"Well hey!" she said with picking up her head with a bigger smile on her face." At least we are safe and that we are still kind and harmonizing still like when the king and queen were here," she said lowering her smile to a grin.

"Yeah I guess so," I said with a grin.

I went ahead and picked up my plate and lira's and started the dishes. Lira helped by cleaning the counter tops and putting away the dishes. When she was around, I always felt a little happier and cared about in a way. As we finished up the kitchen, I saw some money on the counter with a note from mom saying:

"Thank you for your help here at home, here is some money, treat yourself to something. I may be late tonight so please be safe. "

-love mom

I smiled at the note mom made me and looked in the refrigerator I saw we were running low on some things. I started to make a shopping list real quick before heading out to school with Lira. I grabbed my book-bag, keys, and jacket, and wrote mom a letter back, and put it under her pillow. It said:

"Hey mom thanks for the money, I may run to the grocery store later so don't worry about it. I will treat myself too. See you when your home, stay safe for me.

- love Shyne

When I left out the door and locked it behind me. Lira looked at me weirdly, like she knows I did something nice but she didn't say anything for when I came out at first, and neither did i.

"Ready to go soft boy? she said with a smile on her face holding back a laugh.

"Hey! I'm not a soft boy! I just love my mom that all!" I said ensuring.

"Aw, well that's soft to me soft boy! come on before we are late!" she says laughing while walking away with speed.

"Hey! Wait up! " I said jogging up to her.

    As I caught with her we just talked about school for a while then sooner than later we were at the school building. Sometimes I thought it was so huge that I felt like, a mouse it was a huge palace to explore but the school building wasn't as big as the castle. I and Lira started to head into the school building.

"Well I guess this is it, see you at lunch," said Lira said with a smile.

"Yeah, see ya then," I said smiling back.

    She went off in her direction to her homeroom and I went to mine. I felt like every day when it comes to going off to our homeroom classes it feels like saying goodbye until lunch and English comes around. I headed into homeroom right before the class started. I took my seat in the middle of the class because that was the best seat in the class. When I saw my teacher,  Ms.Welther, I saw her lift her head from the piece of paper, so that told me she was doing attendance. Ms.Welther was a good teacher. she was always nice to me when she wanted to but overall she was a good teacher.

"Good morning class! Quiet down please! I'm taking attendance!"  Ms.Welther said kindly but demanding.

"Heyyy, Ms.Welther can I go get my homework? I will be back in two seconds with my wind powers?" a student said. I knew it was Jason but I never liked him, he was always so lazy and a bit of a show-off. 

    "I'm sorry Jason but you can't, the school rules forbid you to use your abilities on school grounds unless you have a designated class for them or study hall." Ms.Welther said. She went on ahead and started the lesson on castle positions. Jason didn't look too happy about her answer but he did sit back down at his desk. You can say he went ahead and fell asleep in the chair but I always got to hand it to him that every time he was called on he got the answer right. The thing is when it comes to elves everyone may have their same typical power on earth, wind, water, and fire. But every elf has their own unique talent. What I mean is you can be born with the same power as your families but you will also have a unique skill no one else could have but you. Jason's of course is sleep listening. He can sleep but be able to listen to conversations. My mom's skill is to understand the feeling of babies that's why she works in the nursery. Lira, my best friend sadly she hasn't found hers yet, but she can bend water as her parents could. Even though This can happen to some elves and humans, some can't find or know what there's is. It can be sad because when some people don't know what theirs is, it can be hard for them to get jobs so they usually get jobs in the mine just because they suck at every other job because every job in this town you need a specific skill for it. Also, you might be wondering how can humans have powers, well in this town humans are the overseers, they are in charge of the town. Many have powerful hidden gifts, yes they may not have the powers of the four elements but they can have abilities. However, not many humans have these gifts because gifts are powerful. But many people say, back in the war of elves and humans, that the royal family who had brought peace had it but used it for good. Nevertheless, I do often worry about Lira because if she doesn't find hers, then she may be one of the homeless people working in the mine. For some weird reason I know mine, it's cooking, I've realized over the years of cooking has come so easy to me. Even if I don't have my real element from my mom yet, it's nice to know what my unique talent is. My siblings all know what theirs are but they never told me what there's are, although, I bet it's something that relates to battle tactics. When I heard the bell rang and it snapped me out of my daydream. When I started to head out of the classroom, I bumped into a guy much taller than me skinnier too than most kids, looks like he hasn't eaten in days, his face looks sad like he has been crying but I tried not to pay too much attention to it. I was knocked on the floor, but I wasn't in school anymore I was in the castle. I think it was the main throne room when I saw the two thrones, one was for the queen and the other for the king. I looked around, still dazed in where I was, but then I saw the dukes son Kevon talking with a servant. I didn't know what was happening but it looked like Kevon was dismayed about something they were talking about. The servant looked familiar but I couldn't put my hand on it because it was still blurry from when I got there. The servant conveys an impression of just staying calm from the problem that was frustrating Kevon, but Kevon kept rambling on about it then someone walked in. The next thing I knew, I was back in school, on the floor trying to gather my thoughts and get up to go to class. The guy I have bumped into was picking up my things and repeatedly saying "Sorry, my deepest apologies, I didn't mean to do that, I wasn't paying attention," and so on. Once my brain went back to normal,  I picked everything up ."it's okay, it was my fault I wasn't looking. Thank you for helping me with my things, but I got it now." I said with a smile and a bit of enthusiasm. Not going to lie, I felt weird at that moment after whatever I saw, so I just hurried off in any direction after what I said. For the rest of my boring classes up to lunch, I couldn't stop thinking about it. The thought of why was this happening to me? What was the conversation about with Kevon and the servant that I still had no clue who it was? What happened when that person came through the doors? I was starting to wish this never happened, but I was baffled but questioning what I saw. by the time lunch came around. Lira noticed something was up because I didn't eat much of my food. But I never really liked the cafeteria food anyway but usually, I would have gone to snack line or ate a little bit of it just to say I ate lunch.

"Hello? Earth to Shyne?!" Lira said waving her hands in the air.

"Huh?!....oh....uhh..... yeah, I'm looking forward to English, "I said lost in thought.

    " Hey, I got a boyfriend!" Lira said snapping her fingers in my face. As soon as she said that I finally snapped out of it. Whenever she said things like that it was always a shock to me and got my attention, but I've pretty much always hated it when she talked about guys but I try not to make it obvious.

    "Wait, what?!" I said coming out of my daze."I'm sorry if I seem off. It's just, something happened earlier that doesn't make too much sense in why or what happened," I said with a sigh." I don't know maybe it's just in my head but it surely didn't feel like it.....it felt ....so...... real, you know?" I said picking at my food and eating it in little bites.

"Umm......well....what the hell happened first of all? Lira said puzzled but ready to listen.

"Well.... this is kind of hard to explain but I think I saw something when I was heading to my next class after I bumped into someone," I said.

"Hmm.....well what did you actually see? Lira asked.

"I saw......the dutches son, Kevon." 

"What?!" Lira said, shocked with her eyes wide and confused.

    "Yeah, I know I am just as shocked as you are. but that's not what really shocked me," I said then I paused for a moment to eat a bit more food." He was disturbed by something and was talking to a servant about it. I couldn't really hear what they were saying but seemed to stress him out. The servant looked familiar but I didn't recognize him. The servant seemed so content with what was happening. A couple of moments later the door opened and then.....it was over."

It took Lira a moment to process what I just had told her. She ate some food, drank some of her juice then said "well it seems you possibly have powers, or this is in your head. Did you by any chance get drugged or poisoned, or maybe even spelled?" Lira said with a laugh.

"I'm serious this really happened," I told her with a dead straight face. When she saw that, her face changed.

"Well if you are serious then I think you might be tired and hallucinating a little. Maybe, you are not eating right," she said seriously.

"I doubt that Lira, it felt so real like I was meant to see it for some reason. The weird thing is now that I'm thinking about it...... I feel like....... I have been in that room before," I said lowering my voice.

Lira stayed quiet for a while like she knew something. This was just like this morning with the newspaper, she got quiet and sad.

"I think you know who you need to talk to about this," Lira said in a lower voice.

    I thought about it and knew who she was thinking about. She was thinking about my mom. Yes, I knew my mom was intelligent in all things of babies and knew when powers should develop but I never liked my mom getting involved in that too much because it felt weird having to talk about it to her. It was like talking to her about puberty. Luckily I have avoided that conversation with her.

"No way Lira, you of all people know I don't like talking to her about these kinds of things" I said with a demanding tone.

    "Besides I think we can go to the library and find some answers in the books of elements and abilities section," I said with a grin. I knew Lira had to say yes to this because she loves that library. She practically lived there when she wasn't working, hanging with me, or at home. Her face lit up in surprise and excitement like a bright sun coming over the horizon of the forest trees. She has been trying to get me to the library for months. The last time I went there, I was studying for the final which was 5 months ago. Ever since then she has been trying to get me there, saying "you went once why not again". Yet honestly, I don't like the library because usually people are there and when people are there they take one look at my ears and say that I'm human and I do not belong at an elf school. My mom had to fight really hard to get me to that school because they wouldn't let me in because of my ears and my lack of abilities they have claimed I couldn't possibly have them. I had to do this test where I answer questions about elf culture and about personal questions leading them to think I have powers of a sort. Back in first-class first-day elf school. I had to get a DNA test to show I had elf genes to get in. Still, now every year I take one and that stupid test before crossing over to the next grade. I've hated it over these years, getting a test to prove to see if I'm elf or not. It's really ridiculous how discrimination can come from anywhere.

"YES!! Are you serious about this?! Lira said with excitement barely staying still in the chair.

"Yeah, I mean I have to go in disguise so I won't get picked on but yeah," I said smiling.

    After that, I went and got up to throw out our trash because the bell was about to ring. I started to walk back to my seat and I could see a lot of people giving me dirty looks. Little did they know I was about to save their lives in a matter of days. Anyhow, when the bell rang, Lira jumped up and out of her seat. We both started to walk to English class 101.

"We should start in row one of the elements and abilities to get a head start on the search after school," Lira said enthusiastically. 

    "Well, I was thinking during study hall or in other words the class where you practice your powers," I said, sounding less enthusiastic than Lira. That period is the perfect period because there weren't too many people be in the library because they are out practicing the powers. Since Lira knew her power was water from her family, she could go to the water 101 class then, but they made it optional so you can have time for other studies or if you want to practice your powers on your own with textbooks, however, you had to have supervision when on your own so there were certain spots they tell you that you can go where there are teachers to watch you. From my knowledge not lots of people be in the library for it because they mostly prefer their element class than on their own. I will usually be outside doing homework instead of the library because I enjoy the outdoors.

"Shyne, you know I love my element class, so I can't miss it," Lira said.

"If you don't, I will go myself and then tell you what I have found," I said.

"But.....this is the first time have said yes to me for the library in a long time," Lira sighs."Fine I will go but you owe me," Lira says.

"Nah, I don't owe you because if you want to go to the class go ahead. I'm not stopping you, but it would be nice to have my best friend help me with this," I said.

Before she has gotten a chance to answer we were at the class door. We both went on ahead to our seats, when the teacher, Mr.Heath turned around and saw us come in he smiled.

"Welcome students to English 101. I'm glad everyone can join up this afternoon," Mr.Heath said delightfully.

    Mr.Heath was the best teacher in the whole building. He never wore a tie just a white button-down shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. His hair was long that covered most of his elf ears, his face usually wasn't fully shaved. It was a short boxed beard but with less hair with his eyes brownish-red. He had the ability to bend fire for his element but his talent was fire fingers. I heard when he was a child he had a hard time controlling his fire bending powers, so they had to do something to where he can only have fire come out of his fingers only. However, no one really knows his talent, all we know is that he has the element of fire because of his eyes.

"So class, let's start by seeing if you can remember the story I had told you last week about the man from the ashes," he leaned on the class board looking at us, seeing our expressions toward what he said.

"How about you, Scarla, what do you remember?

    Scarla was the quietest of the whole class and she rarely never talked. She always had her hood up in class, wore shades so you really couldn’t see what element she was. Many teachers have told her to take them off but she never did. They have tried to expel her but one day, after the principal tried to contact her parents she came the next day with a bucket load of money. Ever since then, she has been able to come to school with a hood and shades. She usually brings money every year for the school to stay off her back about her appearance.

"I........" Scarla said with little to no sound in her voice. Mr.Heath waited a moment for her to speak but nothing happened as usual.

"Alright, anyone else, how about you Lira?" Mr.Heath asked.

"Umm....the man was born from the ashes of the fire and he was created to kill but toward the end, he went in the water to sacrifice himself for the people because he realized after all the people have done to the world they deserve to live. Living is what makes us wonder why we sacrifice to live, "Lira said with confidence.

    I was in shock at what she said. I knew she had read the story and took notes off of it but what she said was terrific. I started to clap out of nowhere like my body was in control and I smiled. The whole class looked at me crazy but I still clapped for her because she has done a great job. After a while of clapping others started to clap then Mr.Heath did too. The whole class cheered for her and complimented her on the summary.

"Fantastic job Lira you have gotten a theory of what the story is really about," Mr.Heath stopped clapping and started to walk around the class."Lira has given me a theory of sacrifice. Sacrifice is never predicted but has always been apart of life and death. You live, you die, that's just how the world works at times and you must figure it out on your own if you want to waste it away on something worthless or do you want to take the risk, go for what you want, strive for goals. This shall be your new topic for this week. Write me an essay about what would you sacrifice and why? Tell me details of 3,000 words. It is due in.....3 weeks, good luck," he said writing down the due date on the board. The bell rang and everyone came up to Lira and told her how great she did, except for Scarla she just left the classroom as soon as the bell rang. I got up and gathered my things, I turned to Lira.

"Hey, that was fantastic what you said back there. Seriously that was terrific," I said in amusement.

"Thank you, it means a lot more coming from you. So are we heading to the library now that it is study hall?" Lira asked

"Yeah we are, we can look in the rows you said was best to look," I said."The first row of the elements and abilities."

After gathering up our things from the English class we headed to the library. As soon as we got there I was still shocked by how huge it was. We headed into the library, I thought I was going to get lost but thanks to Lira knowing her way around there I got around just fine, as long as I kept up with her. There were a few people but there are always those overachievers in the library. We finally got to the elements and abilities section. We started at the rows Lira was talking about but we didn't find anything. To get through the books fast we used a speed reading spell. Many humans are witches, warlocks, mages, and sorcerers you name it., but since I don't have my element yet I can't use spells. So Lira used the speed reading spell since she was allowed. It kind of sucked not knowing what my powers are. My mom is earth, so I thought I would have earth but they haven't come yet. Since this school has so many strict rules about magic and who is allowed to and not to use them when and where. 

"So it seems that humans get what you have just gotten a vision, but your an elf not human," Lira said.

"Well, maybe there are some more books in the back about this?" I asked.

"No, I doubt, we basically cleared the section for what we are dealing with," Lira said.

 I looked around the library toward where Scarla was. I have heard rumors of her abilities to be able to get in and out of places without being noticed. If this was true she could maybe help us out.

"Hey, do you think they would let us in the restricted area to find out about my visions?" I asked.

"Haha, funny really," Lira said cracking up.

"I'm serious would they?" I said.

"They won't, it's forbidden for students and lower class," Lira said.

"Well, what if we can get in without being seen?" I said.

"That's crazy! No one is allowed to do that kind of magic......unless...," Lira's eyes sprung open when she saw Scarla in the corner.

"No way Shyne, she isn't going to do it. She's not going to help you, especially if you have no money to pay her for the job you're talking about," I said.

I got up off the floor of the library and walked up to Lira. I got really close to her, like in her personal space. I pinned her in the bookcase, she went speechless for a moment and so did I tried not to blush.

"Are you getting...." I looked away then looked back at her eyes, jealous?" I smirked.

"....... Noo! I'm not jealous!.... you're Jealous!" Lira said. She pushes me away, "You are invading my personal space!" she said holding back her blush too. I started to laugh after that. It took her a moment but she laughed too.

"I guess it's our only shot now to find answers," Lira said looking down.

    I nodded, then started to walk up to Scarla in the corner of the library. As I have gotten closer I can see what she was reading. It was a book about basic spells. I thought she would be reading something more....advanced. When I got up to her I found it hard to start talking to her.

"hey......umm...so I know you can do certain things and I know you could probably help me out with what I dealing with. So can you please help me?" I said awkwardly.

I stood there awkwardly for a couple of moments. But as soon as I was about to leave she spoke.

"Hey...........what is the problem you need help with?"  Scarla asked softly and low.

"Well....its...kind of weird but I think I had a vision earlier today and I need help getting into the restricted area to check out some of the books to see if they have anything about it," I told her.

"Alright...I'm in, But under one circumstance, when the time comes you will have to help me out with something." Scarla said.