The Elfish King

chapter 3

     When we were in the castle I couldn't stop thinking about why it had taken me there other than home. When I zoomed out I saw some glimpses of my dad. He was tall and had a deepish voice but the thing is I can never see his face. I can only see his form. His face was blacked out or just was never there.

'Why is this happening now?" I asked myself when I heard footsteps.

"Shyne I don't know what you just did but you got to get us home pronto," Neia said still holding the bags.

I nodded as soon as I stopped trying to have a panic attack. I focused really hard on mom and Neia then there was a light, I opened my eyes and we were in front of the house.

"Alright..so...Shyne..what the heck?!" Neia asked loudly.

"Look, there has been some weird stuff lately going on and I don't know why it's happening to me but I know that tomorrow ima find some answers. I would appreciate it if you didn't tell Kai and Bryan, especially mom. I don't want anyone to worry about it" I said.

Neia sighed"alright but you know you can tell me anything right? This sibling thing doesn't work one-way" Neia said concerned.

"Yeah I know, but trust me, tomorrow I will have more answers and then I will explain it more to you, but for right now I still need to figure this out. I need to try to understand this a little bit more on my own at the moment" I said.

Neia smiled as I started to head to the door when Neia pulled me by my arm.

"Hey.."Neia hugged me tightly with all the bags in her hands and arms "thank you for everything today I really did mean it that you are the best brother...just don't tell the others alright?"Neia said softly. I hugged her back. In all my years of knowing Neia, she was never this sensitive with me. She was to herself before. Although it could be because of what happened in the store. A couple more moments went by before we both let go of each other.

"I won't tell the others about tonight because I know it was kinda weird for the both of us. So it can just be me and you that know about it, "I said smiling.

"Alright, so now that's over with, let's go inside so you can make us some dinner," Neia said giving me a soft punch on the arm.

"Wow Neia that hurt, seriously," I said sarcastically, pretending my arm was in pain.

"Oh, whatever soft boy!" Neia said laughing as she opened the door.

"Hey! you won't get away that easy!" I said laughing too.

 When I went in, I saw Lira was there in the living room studying her water bending book while Bryan and Kai created strategies for their video game battle. I locked the door behind me, Neia went to the kitchen to put the bags down and rested for a bit.

"Hey, Lira what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Remember I had to do something, but I told you I was going to meet you here so I can help you out with dinner. When I sent the bird, you never responded. So I just came over here and your brothers told me you went to the store, so they let me in, and I just waited." Lira said.

"Oh well, sorry I didn't respond, the bird must have gotten lost or something. Poor bird, but I must have forgotten you were coming over when I went to the store," I said.

"Well the bird didn't get lost, it came back to your house and to the store, you were at, but couldn't find you. I guess it loses track of your scent," Lira said shrugging, she put her book down on the coffee table." but it is what it is now, are you ready to get started on the lasagna?" Lira asked.

"Wait how did you know we were making-"I thought for a moment" Bryan, did you tell her what we are having?" I asked.

"Oh hey Shyne!! sorry, I got distracted by the blueprints and notes, but yeah I let Lira in she said you invited her over," Bryan said cheerfully.

"It's alright Bryan, thank you for letting her in, "I said.

"No problem, "Bryan said.

"Yeah we are making lasagna tonight, I'm will be ready in a moment, just let me put everything away first and get everything out so we can get started," I said.

"Alright, so do you mind if I help put things away and clean up a little if that is alright with you?" Lira asked jumping up off the couch.

"Umm yeah if you want to, It's your choice I guess.." I said unbagging the groceries.

"Alright," Lira said.

"Hey do you need help Shyne with cleaning up or making dinner?" Neia asked as she washed her hands.

"Umm yeah you can start putting away all the supplies I bought for the house," I said smiling.

When it came to anything with cleaning or cooking Neia left that mostly to me same to Bryan and Kai. So seeing that Neia wants to help me was really considerate of her. I knew she cleaned up around the house or well after herself but this was really delightful. Kai and Bryan moved off the dining room table to the living room coffee table to give us the room. I saw Kai falling asleep while Bryan was making more notes of the blueprint plan.

"Well I guess that's enough planning for today," Bryan said giggling a little bit. He started to clean up the plans and headed upstairs. Kai woke up shocked and confused, but then he saw me, Neia, Lira in the kitchen and went back to sleep.

"Hey Lira, can you please put the record player on and ...umm.. choose a song that sets the scene?" I asked.

She smiled and went over and chose a song that was slow but upbeat. I don't remember the name of it but it set the scene. Neia was jamming to it as well, we were all bopping heads or moving to the beats.

"Wow Lira you know how to get the room moving out their seats," I said giggling a little.

"Yeah, I guess so," Lira said grinning.

 Bryan came back down with some weights and did the weights in the living room but before he did, he moves Kai on the couch and putting a blanket over him. Bryan smiled and went on ahead and did some of his weights for awhile. Lira was sweeping and cleaning up the furniture making everything neat. Neia was pretty good with a knife so I asked her to cut up some of the veggies while I attended the stove. I started to cook the sauce, the meat, and fry the veggies as Neia cut them.

"Hey, you guys need any help in here?" Bryan asked with a huge smile.

"That depends can you cook?" I said laughing." I'm just kidding, you can clean off the counters and tables."

"Alright good one Shyne," Bryan said grinning. He got the rag and started to wipe the dining table off.

I went ahead and started to make my speed cooking potion. This is one of the things I use for cooking. The thing that weird was when it comes to actually chemistry or potions I can't do periodic tables and mix chemicals, yet I can mixed ingredients to make a speed cooking potion. Anyhow, I went ahead and started to put it together. After I was finished making the speed potion I put it in the tube where you add potions.

"Hey Lira, do you want to help me layer the lasagna?" I asked while putting all the ingredients on the counter.

"Yeah sure," Lira said cheerfully. I guess she was tired of sweeping the floor.

"I'm finished cutting the veggies want me to finishing cleaning up with Bryan?" Neia asked.

"Yeah if you want," I said.

"Hey Bryan, want me to finish the clean-up while you go and clean your armor?"Neia asked walking up to him.

"Umm yeah, I did the dining room table already. Hey Shyne, you got the armor cleaner and sponges for me right?" Bryan asked.

"Yeah, here you go," I tossed it to him and he caught it with one hand.

"Got it, thanks I will be in the back shed if you need me," Bryan said as he left the room with his armor cleaner and sponges.

"Hey, Shyne I'm finished cleaning up, want me to set the table?"Neia asked.

"Yeah, you can the food is almost done anyway," I said.

Neia nodded and started to set the table. Lira was finishing up the lasagna and I was making dessert. It was nice seeing everyone together helping out usually everyone was doing their own thing and not really helping out with the chores, but today was different, everyone seemed to enjoy everyone's company, and that's what I liked seeing. After Lira was done making the layers I put my final touch and put it in the oven. It only took 20 minutes for it to cook because I used the speed potion.

"Dinner is ready!" I yelled out loud.

Everyone went to wash their hands and get ready to eat.

"Wait what?" Kai said softly after I had yelled.

'Hello sleepy head time to eat dinner, go wash your hands." I said laughing.

"Oh...okay," he said getting up slowly. He headed upstairs.

I set the lasagna in the middle of the table so everyone could be able to have some. Neia set the table with plates, silverware, and cups. I gave Kai an energy drink but the rest of us had sweet tea. Bryan came in as well covered in dirt but he went upstairs to take a bath. Kai was back downstairs and he still had his blanket around him looking so tired. I've always wondered why he seemed so tired all the time, but I guessed the guard has him really working hard. Bryan came back down a little wet from the showers he took but he made it in time before any of us started, by the time I, Lira, Neia, Kai, and Bryan all sat at the table, it was already 8:30 pm. Everyone looked at me seeing what I would do first. I felt a little bit pressured so I cleared my throat.

"So who is saying the blessings tonight?" I asked.

"I can," Neia said out loud.

"Alright, but before we start, hold hands so we can start," I said.

Everyone held hands with each other and gotten comfortable in their chairs.

"We are ready when you are Neia," I said.

Neia took a deep breathe "lords of the magical being we pray to you to show respect and to show how grateful we are to be here, I will like to say thanks and I pray for all those who are around me today, thank you lords for the food you have laid in front of us in your name, amen." Neia said. We all raised our heads and started to eat.

"Great job Neia, that was a great prayer, "Lira said.

"Yeah that was a good prayer," Bryan said smiling.

"That was meaningful thank you Neia," Kai said.

"That was great," I said giving her a thumbs up.

"Alright, so before we start, we have to cut mom her piece," I said.

We all nodded in agreement. Bryan got up and cut the piece for mom and I put it away in the refrigerator on a plate with foil on it. I also checked the floating mix cake I bought as a treat for everyone. I sat back down right after Bryan, and I cut my piece after everyone else had there's.

"Hey, Kai here is your hot peppers," I said handing them to him.

"Thank you," Kai said smiling.

The rest of the dinner time was a full delight. We laughed and enjoyed each other's company. I loved seeing everyone together again. Usually, everyone doesn't eat all at once like we used to with mom, but we did that day. It was something about that day that makes me think why it felt so different but so good and calming. Bryan was the talk of the dinner. He made jokes and told funny stories, Kai was even laughing. Lira ate her food he giggling, only talked a little but not as much as she usually would. Neia was full-face a joy. She was full smiles all dinner long, she was really was enjoying everything, and I was admiring it all. I was having fun with my family, although I wished mom was there because it was a great dinner but it could have been better with her there enjoying it with her. after I saw everyone was just about finished. I started to clean up the plates. Kai got up and helped me with it. I was so surprised I froze for a full moment.

"Who's ready for dessert?" I asked joyfully.

"I am!" everyone said at the same time smiling and after they have realized they all jinxed it, they started laughing all over again and so did i.

I put the float mix cake in the middle of the table. It was a chocolate-vanilla cake that had floating whipped cream on top with swirling icing on it. I quickly got the camera and took a picture and cut mom a piece of it first. I wrapped it with foil and put it in the refrigerator. Then as soon as I got back to my seat and Lira did every dung in the cake.

"Yum....this...is so good," Neia said with her mouth full.

"This is one of your best desserts yet Shyne," Kai said smiling.

"This tastes scrumptious!!" Bryan said cheerfully.

"This is mouthwatering...so...good," Lira said with her mouth full too.

I dung in myself and I was very proud of myself for how great I did with this cake. It was very enjoyable after everyone seemed to not move after the stuffed stomachs, I got up and started to put the leftovers in the refrigerator. Lira came to help me even though she was moving a bit slow from all the food, but I didn't say anything. Everyone else helped clean up by wiping the counter-tops, the dining table, and washing dishes. When we were all done in the kitchen and it was super clean. We all head to the living room. Neia changed the music to something more upbeat but calming which was nice to listen to as we played a card game for a bit. The time was 10:30 pm. I knew Lira had to get home and I knew we all needed to get up early but no one seemed to want to leave and say goodnight. Except for Kai, he was out like a light when he finished eating. Bryan took him up to his room to put him in bed. We didn't play for too long though, overall it was fun while it lasted.

"Hey, you cheated Bryan you can not put a two on a 5!!" Neia said exhausted.

"Well you said that it was free for all," Bryan said half-sleep." but guys I think it's time for us to go to sleep after all we need to get up tomorrow bright and early, especially us Neia," Bryan said.

Neia frowned a bit "all alright night guys, talk tomorrow," Neia said waving good night.

"Night," the rest of us said.

"I'm heading up, Shyne you should too, you have school tomorrow and Lira are you going home tonight?"Bryan asked as he put away the cards.

"Can I sleepover here tonight? It's way too late to get home?" Lira asked.

"Yeah, of course, I kinda figured since you alright brought an extra set of clothes and your toothbrush," Bryan said smiling. Lira looked like she was exposed with the expression on her face.

"You caught me didn’t you?" Lira said smiling.

Yeah, but you can sleep on the couch or in Shyne's room as long as there isn't no funny business," Bryan said winking at me then laughing. He headed upstairs waving night.

I started to blush and when I looked back at Lira she was too.

"Hey don't think like that either," she said blushing.

"I'm not," I said smiling.

"So you need some blankets and a pillow for the couch?" I asked.

"Are you kidding me I'm not sleeping down here in the dark by myself I'm going up and sleeping on the floor in your room," Lira said confidently. She picked up her book bag and headed upstairs. I cut off the lights downstairs but before I did I wrote a note for mom.

Hey, mom missed you for dinner. We had a fun time without you though. I left you some lasagna and cake in the refrigerator for you to try. I love you goodnight

-Shyne

I headed up the stairs, brushed my teeth, and changed in my PJs. I headed to my room and saw Lira laying in my bed reading her water bending book. She was dressed in PJ's as well with her hair pulled up in a messy bun.

"I don't know how you have the energy to read right now but you are going to have to move over because I'm tired," I said smiling.

"Reading helps me sleep and is that how you treat a lady I should get the bed, after all, I am your guest," Lira said grinning.

I shrugged"whatever as long as I get to sleep I guess..." I said shrugging. I grabbed my pillow and grabbed an extra blanket and laid on the floor.

"Wow, you really are exhausted because  I was kidding, "Lira said giggling.

Lira moved off the bed and put her book away. I moved to my bed and gotten comfortable.

"Goodnight Lira, "I mumbled to her.

"Good night, "Lira whispered to me smiling.

I closed my eyes, thinking about what had happened all day long, I still couldn't wrap my head around it. I was having visions for no reason. Unless I was human but I have elf DNA. It was weird. I thought my life was simple but now it had turned sideways. Then I hear someone say " getaway...getaway.....don't touch me.." then I woke up and saw Lira twisting and turning on the floor. I got up as tired as I was, barely awake and tired to wake her up.

"Hey Lira, get up, your talking in your sleep," I said so low. I shook her a little but not too hard. She woke up in shock when she saw me out of bed. She hugged me after recognizing me when her eyes adjusted to the dark.

"Hey you are okay, you are safe, it's just a bad dream, I promise,"I said hugging her back.

"Can i.....lay in bed with you....tonight?" Lira asked with tears in her eyes.

"Yeah you can, come on," I said helping her up. I saw her face it looked like she was crying.

I helped her lay in the bed and then I laid in the bed with her. I put the blanket on her made sure she was comfortable and felt safe. I had gotten comfortable myself. Lira moved closer to me and hugged me like she would hug a teddy bear in a bed. I just hugged her back because I was so tired I didn't want to cause a scene. From then on we both slept soundly in the bed. She felt warm and soft. One thing was for sure though, something was happening at her home because she usually would want to sleepover on a school night like this, but I'm not going to say anything because if she wanted me to know then she would have told me. We laid in bed both comfortable with each other. My mind eventually drifted into my thoughts I had started earlier of how these visions have come to me today of all days. As my thoughts became distant, I fell asleep. I had a dream but it was more like flashes of my childhood with my mom and dad. I was the only one of the whole family who has never seen him in person because he died when I was a baby. I never really knew him as the family did but they always told stories about him which made me love him and want to see him more often. I saw him smile with a bright light covering the rest of his face with me in the crib, while he holds my mother's hand saying"you are special never forget that." he said strongly. My dream shifted to a blank of darkness. I woke up so early in the morning that it was still dark. I checked the time it was 5 am in morning. When I turned my head I saw Lira squeezing my body, sleeping soundly. I wanted to stay in that moment forever but I couldn’t because I wanted to make a special breakfast for everyone before they got up. I usually never get up this early to make breakfast so I really wanted to make this a special meal. So I laid there for a couple of minutes to enjoy the moment of peace. I breathed heavily to take it in as Lira slept soundly beside me I just smiled and whispered"maybe I am a soft boy". Then when I saw lira turn over the other way, I got out of bed quickly. Put the blanket on top of Lira. I moved slowly in the room carefully, tried not to make any noise, and headed to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth, washed my face, took a shower, got dressed, and head to Mom's room to see if she got home safely last night. When I got to her room I didn't see her in it then I thought maybe downstairs. Actually, I would hear her come in late at night but not today. She sometimes fell asleep down there when she was too tired to come up the stairs. I checked my brother's room and seen Kai and Bryan still sleeping, though they are going to get up soon for work. I went into Neia's doorway and peeked in and seen her listening to music while sleep with a smile on her face. I headed downstairs to see if mom was there but I didn't see her on the couch. I guess she went out for another shift so I shrugged and washed my hands. I started to cook bacon, eggs, toast, and pancakes for everyone. I got the speed cooking potion ready to add that on the stove and oven. I mixed the batter while the eggs cooked. I put the pancakes on but added cinnamon and blueberries in a couple because I knew Bryan liked blueberries in his pancakes. when the eggs were done I cleaned the pan and started to cook the bacon. The pancakes were almost finished as was the bacon. I started to set up the table with plates and orange juice. When the bacon was done and the pancakes were done I started to make the plates up for Lira and Bryan. Then I went and toasted the bread for Neia and me. Kai liked eggs and coffee, he wasn't much of an eater at breakfast time he was more of a drinker for coffee. I finished Bryan and Lira's plates but I still needed to make a banana smoothie and make the coffee for Neia and Kai. when I saw the clock hit 6:15 am, I knew I had to get finished because Neia, Kai, and Bryan were going to get up in 15 minutes. So I rushed around a bit getting the smoothie and coffee set up. When I saw Bryan coming down the stairs armored up with a sluggish smile, so I had to laugh.

"Haha, what happened to you?"I said trying to hold my laugh back.

"Ugh..whatever..good morning," he said moving slowly to the dining room table.

"Good morning to you, "I said energetically.

"How are you not tired after staying up so late?" Bryan said with a bit of a grouch.

"well...I have been up since 5 am the morning cooking so I guess that woke me up"I said passing Bryan his food." here you go, you want milk right?" I asked.

"Yes please," he said a bit more upbeat.

Neia came down pretty happy. She smiled her whole way down the stairs. She was also fully suited up for work as well.

"Good morning everyone, hey Shyne you cooking this morning too? What has gotten into you? You have been doing more cooking in the last two days than you have in months?"Neia asked as she sat down pouring herself some orange juice.

"I don't know I have gotten up early this morning, so I thought I should cook for you guys this morning," I said giving Bryan his orange juice.

"Thanks," Bryan said, eating his pancakes.

"Your welcome," I said."here you go Neia your toast and your smoothie is almost done, "I said.

"Thanks, Shyne, your the best"Neia said smiling.

Kai came down when I started the blender. He seemed tired as always but he seemed happier to gear up in his uniform. Since he doesn’t really go out on being the guard. He only works in the strategy stands where people make plans and stuff for battles. So Kai wears a uniform that shows he works there. However, Neia and Bryan actually work in the guard. Bryan is a guard that guards the castle and Neia is apart of the girl league of warriors who train every day. I thought it was kind of cool to see Neia doing that even if I always thought it was something she was never interested in, but she seems to like it. Bryan seems to like it too but he seems like he wants to change what he wants to do for his career.

"Good..morning"Kai says yawning.

"Morning, "The rest of us said.

Lira was the last to come down. She was wearing a long-sleeved blouse with pants. She looked tired but she gave a smile.

"Good morning everyone" Lira said.

"Good morning," everyone said exhausted except for me and Neia.

Lira and Kai took their seats and I gave Lira her eggs and bacon with ketchup I gave Kai his eggs and a large cup of coffee.

"Thank you you're a lifesaver, Shyne," Kai said gulping down the coffee." ah! that hottt!" he yelled. Everyone else laughed when he gave his disgusted face.

"I hate coffee but it's the only thing that keeps me awake plus Shyne makes it perfect enough for me to drink it." he smiled at me and I smiled back.

"Thank you Shyne for breakfast," Lira said smiling.

"You're welcome," I said.

I made my plate last with pancakes and toast. I sat down, said my prayers, and ate with everyone else. That morning everyone was just tired but happy to be together. I enjoyed the food I made and so did everyone else. It was all smiles and laughs that morning as well. Overall, it was a good morning. I didn't know why mom didn't leave me a note or let me know if she was okay, after all, she didn’t even touch the food I saved for her that was in the refrigerator. I was getting a bit worried about her but I put the thought away because I knew she was safe. The time was passing by fast. The time was 7:00 am Neia, Kai, and Bryan were about to be late for work.

"Oh my-! it looks like we are about to be late!" Kai said energetically. He rushed to eat the eggs and gulped down the rest of his coffee.

"You're right! come on Neia, the head commander will be disappointed if we are late to our shifts!"Bryan said finishing up his food. 

"Alright, alright, see ya Lira and Shyne, "Neia said rushing out the door waving. Lira and I waved back at her.

When Bryan and Kai grabbed their gear, they waved us bye and headed out the door with Neia. I and Lira started to clean up. We washed the dishes and wiped the countertops and tables. Lira swept and I put the dishes away.

"So are you ready for today?"Lira asked me.

"Umm...yeah I am actually. I don't understand why this keeps happening to me but I will find out today." I said.

"Yeah, maybe this will help you find peace in mind. after all I'm not one for breaking rules and neither are you but this may help you....find...things, "Lira said zooming out.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked concerned.

"......I'm fine so let's get to school so we won't be late," Lira said running up the stairs to get her school bag. I just stood there clueless for a moment but then I came back to my senses and finished the kitchen. I headed to grab my school bag and jacket. Lira was at the door by the time I have gotten my shoes and jacket on.

"Hey, you ready?"Lira asked, fixing her hair.

"Yeah let's go, "I said.

"We started to walk in silence. all I heard was spell casts, people teleporting, and the average life of the kingdom.

"Hey..look...I'm sorry if I zoomed out back in the kitchen..it's just something...you should know...but- " Lira said. Then a group of people came walking by laughing and giggling. When they saw us they waved and we both waved back.