The Elfish King

chapter 2

After I talked to Scarla about getting in the library I headed back to Lira. When I saw Lira, she was looking sad like she was that morning. She was being a little off then but I haven't talked to her about it because 1 I am scared of what she is going to say. When we made eye contact she straightens up a bit and puts on a smile.

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

"She said she was in and tomorrow night after school we are going to do it," I said.

"Well, I guess we need to ask her what time tomorrow to right since I'm guessing you haven't asked that? Lira asked.

"Well you know me too well," I said smiling. Lira looked at the time and started to gather up her things.

"Well, it seems my work here is done I guess, we can study or practice spells until the bell rings for our last class," Lira suggested.

"I mean, yeah, I guess," I said.

    I gathered my things as well and put back all the books I left out. We left the library and headed to one of the spots with the teachers that watch our study and practice spells to make sure we don't damage anything. Well in this case Lira practices her spell and I'm doing my homework. I also decided not to tell her what happened with Scarla asking me to help her with something. But I wish I had told her when I had the chance.

"You know, Lira, I never in all my years, thought I would be a criminal," I said.

"Well, I kind of saw it coming. You have been changing a lot lately. Honestly, I think you have been angrier over the politics and injustice that's happening around you. Like I am too but you get really outraged and well Shyne, I think this anger is kind of taking over you in a way I don't understand. I have seen you read the newspaper. I am just saying you are changing emotionally, and I think you need a step back and think who you are because whatever you are feeling is affecting you." Lira said.

"Why didn't you say anything before?" I asked.

"I know you, Shyne, you wouldn't have listened. and now that you are having these visions I think you should know...know...that you need to relax." Lira said.

I had to stop talking for a moment and think about what she had said to me. I have always loved that she was honest with me about things we talked about and even now I appreciate it.

"You may be right but I know I don't get that mad over those things it just makes me want to hit something sometimes," I said.

 We have reached one of the spots where you can practice magic. I went to sit on the grass to work on my homework and Lira practiced her water bending skills from her textbook.

"Ughh!! This is so confusing!!" Lira muttered to herself, slammed the textbook close, putting her hands in her palms shaking her head.

"What's so confusing?" I asked turning my head toward her.

"It's just...this bending lesson for water class is a little more difficult than I thought. " Lira said.

"Well......maybe I can help," I said with a smile.

"You can't Shyne this is water bending. You are not a water bender," Lira said.

"Wow, that hurts, but what are you trying to do anyway?" I asked.

"I am trying to make water into ice by focusing the cold energy of the north. It takes a lot of concentration and focus." Lira said removing her hands from her face.

"Well concentrating means clearing your mind...so just breathe and relax and then try it again," I said to her calmingly.

"It is not that easy as you make it," Lira said a little annoyed.

I closed my books, got up out of the grass, sat next to the Lira, then turned to Lira. I looked at her with a smile and put my hand on her chin while leaning in a little close.

"Hey look at me," I said holding back a little blush and smile.

Lira lifts her head as I move my hands to hers and holds them with just enough strength to make her feel more secure.

"You can do this I believe in you" I said smiling.

Lira blushed a little bit but so did I. She had gotten up looked at the book then try again. She waved her hands in the air. I saw water float in the air then after a while, it changes in ice. Lira smiled then it melted away.

"That was awesome, see I told you could do it!!  Seriously that was cool!!" I said enthusiastically clapping.

"Thank you, You really did help me out there" Lira said moving her hair behind her elf ears.

Lira practiced a couple more times after to get better at it for class. Then the bell rang and it shocked Lira and her ice fell on me, dissolving, making me wet, but I was no longer on the field I was back in the castle. I tried to focus my eyes so everything won't be so blurry. I stood up walking around trying to figure out why I was having these visions. The castle was dark but then I walked around and my eyes got lighter then, I heard a familiar voice in the other room.

"I got them wrapped around my finger. They will be out of your way in days." The familiar voice said with a girl like voice but I couldn't really tell because it was a little deep but light.

"Good...good I'm glad. Now all I need is to convince the council for the ceremony." The other voice said but sounded like the grand duke's. The voice sounded pleased but still sounded like he had concerns on his mind. Yet, the good thing was certain that it was a man's voice. 

     The next thing I knew I was laying on the soft prickly grass, dazed. Lira was over my head so close and snapping her fingers.

"WAKE UP SOFT BOY!!" Lira yelled.

"All alright geez..you don't have to yell so loud" I said covering my ears."Also I'm not a soft boy!"

"Hey you're awake, we are about to be late" Lira said helping me up.

"Yeah well, my head is okay thanks and I just had another vision. How long was I out?" I asked still bewildered.

"Sorry, I'm kinda in a rush for the last period. You were only for a minute or two. It wasn't long," Lira said.

"These visions are getting weirder and weirder. I can't wait for tomorrow to find some answers," I said.

"What was in your vision this time?' Lira said.

"Well, I heard some voices talking about the ceremony but that's about it. I honestly don't understand why I'm having these visions. It's so confusing," I said.

"Yeah, I bet it is," Lira said lowering her voice.

"Yeah well, let's get to class. I will race you," I said running up to the school building super fast.

"Hey! You're cheating!" Lira yelled then dashed up to me.

I couldn't stop laughing at myself running and getting out of breathing so I slowed down. Every time I get close to winning a race with Lira she always wins. Probably because she is more fit than me I'm skilled in cooking not running. We reached the point where we usually depart in the central hall.

"Well..huff...huff...it's time for us to depart," I said out of breathing.

"Yeah..huff we should get to class," Lira said smiling.

"See you after school, "Lira said walking away then she waved.

"See ya.." I said waving back.

    The class was a bit of a blur minus the fact that Jason was sleeping the first half of the class then clowning around the second. I was tired from running, so being able to rest in the class was nice. I couldn't stop thinking about the vision I had. I tried to think who was the voices. I came to the conclusion that the deeper voice that sounded more sincere and in command was the grand Duke, however, the other voice I still had no clue.it sounded like a girl's but a bit deeper but confident. I didn't know anyone who had a voice like that in any of my classes. The bell rang and I jumped up and started to pack up my things. I looked at the clock it was 2:15 in the afternoon. I had time to go get Lira so we can walk to the house to start dinner. When I walked out of the classroom I over hard Jason talking about his grades with the teacher. It seems the only guy in school who has a secret talent that can be useful in school can actually make it bad talent.

"I'm sorry Jason but I can't change your grade if you give me money. You have to earn your grades not buy them." The teacher that I didn't remember her name because I usually never talk to her.

"Please I can double the money I pay?" Jason said desperately.

"I will tell you what I will let you retake the test but you have to study and work hard for it. I can recommend students to go to for help or professional tutors if you really need help." The teacher said nicely.

"Alright, thanks for the retake but I think I have someone I know who could help me," Jason said with a small frown, looking at his toes, and hopeless body language. He walked out of the classroom without saying bye to his friends but I saw a small wave he did. I couldn't help but feel for him at that moment. I mean my old childhood friend seems to have actual normal problems. Anyway, I went along with my busy and headed to Lira. She always waits for me in front of the school.

"Hey about time, I feel like I have been waiting out here for hours," Lira yelled while I was walking up to her. I ran when I got closer to her.

"Hey sorry, I was in class still. Apparently, Jason is having trouble in the last homeroom class," I said.

"Oh really?"She giggled for a bit. "I guess he had it coming to him after all he bullied basically the whole grade," Lira said.

"Yeah well, believe me, or not but I feel kind of bad for him. After all he may be just like us an unnormal guy who poses to be normal, but maybe this is karma or something deeper," I said shrugging my shoulders." Anyways, you ready to get home?"

"Yeah...I'll meet you at your house I have to go home for a minute." Lira said. "Don't worry it won't take long."

"You sure you don't want me to walk with you there? After all, it's going to get dark soon and there are some creeps?" I asked concerned.

"Awww..."Lira goes up to my face puts her hand on my chin gently. "SOFT BOY ALERT!! SOFT BOY ALERT!!" Lira screams out loud.

I started to feel embarrassed and mushy that I froze but I stopped myself when I saw Lira laugh her butt off.

"Hey!! this is not funny!! I am NOT a soft boy!!" I yelled while pointing at her.

We both stayed quiet for a moment we both busted out laughing. After we both started to both wine down I can see Lira smiled and seemed happy but became a little sad.

"I will be alright Shyne don't worry alright? I will come to your house as soon as I'm done with what I got to do, I promise.

"Alright, just be aware of your surroundings please and send me a bird message to let me know you're safe," I said smiling.

"Okay DAD!" Lira said running away laughing.

I walked in the other direction to my house. As soon as I got home I took a deep breath and locked the door behind me. I've seen a little bit of dirt on the floor and armor everywhere. I knew my brothers and sister were home. I headed upstairs seeing Kai and Bryan playing video games and the bathroom door was closed so I guess Neia was taking her bath. I did admire that Neia looked after herself unlike Kai and Bryan but sometimes she was a little messy.

"Hey, Bryan and Kai! How is the game going?' I said peeking in the door. I saw how clean it stayed. I guess they got tired of me telling them to clean up after themselves even if I cleaned it anyway, so mom didn't have to. After years of just picking up after everyone and keeping the house clean and organized, I guess they have seen that my work is just as important as staying fit. Bryan the oldest always bragged about how I should take up a sport or something athlete, but I never liked sports like him. Kai was the second oldest he was more of a logical person so he is good at planning but Bryan basically convinced him to join the guard just like him because of his good skills of strategy. Neia was the third oldest she was always the third wheel. She never really wanted to join the guard as much as Bryan and Kai. She really liked dancing and singing but then one day she decided to go for the guard and changed her whole look. Bryan was wearing a t-shirt and shorts that looked tight on him because of his muscles. Kai was wearing his pj's because usually when not working the guard he sleeps. Neia always wore black with a sweatshirt or exercise shirt with leggings or sweats.

"Hey brooo!! how's it going?" Bryan said clicking the buttons on the controller hard where you can hear it."Hey Kai, build a base so we can gather some more troops to finish the boss!

"Yeah I'm on it!"Kai said focused.

"It's going good how was the guard today?" I asked.

"It was good, same as always, fun!! Hey, is dinner ready, or we eating out today?"Bryan asked.

"Umm...you guys want lasagna for dinner?" I asked.

"Yes, we did it!!"Kai yelled.

"Yes, we did it!! HAAZAA!" Bryan yelled hugging Kai."Oh yeah, sounds delicious Shyne, just please make sure there are extra sauce and cheese on it!!" Bryan yelled.

"Oh hey, Shyne didn't see you come in sorry if I didn't say hi earlier I was focused on winning. but I'm totally down for lasagna tonight. can you put some hot peppers on my plate please?"

"It's alright and yeah I can. I just got to head to the store to grab some," I said.

"Oh alright can you grab some more energy drinks while you're going I feel a bit tired?"Kai said.

"Yeah of course how about you Bryan, do you want or need anything from there?" I asked.

"Umm..noo..well, actually, I need some armor cleaner and some sponges. If you could get that would be great," Bryan said.

"Alright, I will. I'll be back to make dinner," I said leaving the room. I quickly got out the list and wrote everything down. I headed down the stairs when I see Neia drying her hair.

"Oh hey, I heard you're making lasagna tonight,"Neia said.

"Yeah I'm running out to the store so if you need anything tell me now," I said. While I looked around the house to see if we needed anything really fast.

"Umm..well can I actually come with you I have some stuff I need to buy on my own?" Neia asked while she put her hair in a ponytail.

"I mean yeah, sure, you can come but I usually work fast because I don't like being in stores, so try to keep up." I said getting my bag." you ready?"

"Give me a sec to get what I need!! Dang, you are always rushing me geez," Neia said running up the steps. I laughed, waited a full 10 minutes for her to get what she needed.

"Are you ready yet the store will close soon?" I yelled to Neia.

"I'm almost ready, I just got to get my shoes on!" She answered. She ran down the stairs pretty fast.

"Alright, I'm ready to go shopping for an hour," Neia said.

"Finally, you took an hour just so we can leave out the door," I said.

"Well you rushed me so much where I took extra time," Neia said defensively.

"Whatever let's go so I can feed you pigs," I said smiling.

"I am NOT A PIG okay?! The other two might be, but I am not," Neia said.

    I let her have the last word because I was over the conversation. We left out the door and I locked it behind me. We started to walk there but Neia decided it was going to be dark by the time we get there even though the sun was going down. However she had a point, I walked everywhere because I didn't have a horse or wings or powers so I just walked. You could say that is one of the reasons I am slim because I walk everywhere I need to go.

"Alright, I had enough of this walking let's use my teleporter so we can get there faster, "Neia suggested.

"I don't think so I get travel sick with using those things if I want to get somewhere," I said.

"How about my horse?" Neia said.

"I have never ridden a horse before also they are scary in a way." I said.

"You know you are a chicken. A very skinny chicken who cooks great food." Neia said pouting.

"First of all thank you for the compliment on my cooking second I am NOT a chicken! "I said yelling.

"You are a chicken!!" Nina said accusingly.

"Fine, I will do teleport!! Will that make you happy?!" I yelled.

"Yes!! I win!!" Neia said jumping around.

She pulls out her teleporter and teleports us to the store. I was quite nauseous after we have arrived in front of the store. I usually don't use anything that may make me sick or annoyed but it was a lot faster. We have teleports, taxi flyers which are people who fly people places, horses, and carriages, and bikes. I personally rather walk or bike to the places I want to go, so I don't feel sick or annoyed.

"We made it here alive and in one piece! I told you it wasn't that bad!" Neia said jumping up and down with her hands in the air.

"Yeah...for you it was," I said bending over trying not to throw up. Neia laughed for a bit.

"Well come on slowpoke, you said you were fast doesn't seem like it to me," Neia said walking in the store with the cart.

"Hey! Wait up! I am fast when it comes to shopping not teleporting!" I said running up to her.

"Alright, time to shop, you said you had some things to get, so do you need help?" I asked.

"Noooo!" She put her hand on my face trying not too cringy." I'm good I will just meet you here in 30 minutes tops, I won't take long." Neia said, waving see you later.

    I shrugged my shoulders then started to go to the food area. The store wasn't that full of people it was a medium amount which was good because I wanted to get in and out. I pushed the cart in the aisle to get the ingredients for lasagna which were cheddar cheese, ground meat, garlic, pasta sauce, pasta, and sour cream. After I had gotten all the ingredients I started to gathered some different frozen foods, like, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. I had to buy healthy foods because my sibling was in the guard they had to be on a special diet to stay fit for their job, so I started to research healthy recipes for us to eat. They always loved the food I made because it was not only tasty but it made them gorged. I tried to make meals that made them full so they wouldn’t act all hungry later on. I grabbed the energy drinks, the sponges, armor cleaner, hot peppers, and some more stuff for the house.I went back to the front of the store to see if Neia was done, yet, didn't see her anywhere so I looked in the one place she never wanted me to shop. The girl's section of the store was not weird for me but it was definitely an experience I will never forget. I saw things that I didn't know, until that day. I saw her looking at some type of facial cream, which wasn’t normal for me. When I headed up to her she seemed confused.

"Hey Neia, what are you looking for?" I said. I almost made her faint, she backed up from me almost about to fall.

"Heyyy!! what the-?!!..you can't be doing that to people, that's creepy!!" She said breathing heavily, then her face started to turn full red of fury when she saw me, the ground started to shake a little.

"I thought I told you I don't need any help!!" She said yelling at me making the other shoppers stare or run away."Go away!!" Neia said storming off in the other direction. I was confused but then I realized she didn't want me to know she was shopping in the girl's section and didn't want her younger brother helping her. I thought maybe it was best to leave her but on the other hand, I wasn't like that when it came to situations I had started. I looked over where there was a corner where no one was around and I saw her crying, I started to walk up to her.

"Stop...I don't want to talk to you..just go...okay...just goo!!" Neia said sniffing in the career where she sat covering her face.

"Hey, you know I'm not going to stop, plus I am your brother who somewhat understands what you are feeling. You felt exposed when you saw me and you didn't want anyone to know. Trust me I know that feeling. I may not be a girl or no any knowledge of what you are buying but I do read and I have Lira that tells me things, so, maybe I can help." I said smiling. It took her some time to respond to me but she did eventually.

"Well..mom isn't here most of the time so I can't ask her to help me find what's best for me in the store. I have all brothers but no real girl opinions around. I don't have friends that are girls they are mostly boys. I just feel like I am missing something about myself that I need to feel complete you know? I just want to feel normal." Neia said holding back tears.

"You are normal Neia, you are one of the smartest people I know. You are strong, independent, and you break through any obstacle with your bare fists because you have so much courage. Mom would be so proud of you for what you have accomplished and so would...dad. I know that you have been struggling lately but you must push to take one day at a time and break more barriers and go past your limits. When it comes to girl products I know some stuff I could help you with. Yes I know it is weird talking about it with your younger brother but believe me, it would benefit you so much more if you embrace the resources you have around you than to push them away."I knelt down next to her and hugged her. She eventually hugged me back.

"Thank you..you are the best brother," Neia smiled. She wiped off her face and stood up and put her hand out for me." Now let's figure out this acne stuff together!" Neia said confidently. I grabbed her hand and she pulled me up so hard I jumped off the floor.

"Woah!! You're strong!!" I said smiling and she smiled back at me.

    We headed back to the aisle where she was looking at facial cleansers and treatments. We read over them multiple times and we both never got it so, Eventually, we gave up on reading them and asked the worker for help. The worker was happy to see a boy interested in skincare but I told her I wasn't, I  was helping my sister out. I knew it was hard for all of us growing up with a mom who works a lot and is barely home for the most part. Our dad really was never talked about, all I know is that mom loved him very much but he went away for almost a decade than the next thing she found out that he had died in an accident, which nearly broken mom down. But she didn't let it get to her because she loved us too much to blame or show that she was sad. Dad was not only gone, but the bills started to pile up and that's when she started to not be home at all. She used to be a part-time babysitter for people's kids because she loved kids and it gave her a chance to stay home with us. But she had to get a job that would pay the bills and provide for us. I always admired my mom for all the hard work she did and I genuinely loved it when she cleaned or cooked. However, when I have gotten older I saw she was actually tired, so when I was 10 years old I started to clean. When I was 12 years old I started to cook food for all of us. My first meal for everyone was mac and cheese, some veggies, and chicken. Everyone was surprised at how well I did on my first try. I was too but I was just happy to see mom get more rest for her long hours at work. When I saw mom happier I just kept doing the cleaning and cooking for the house so she can stay happily rested. I wish times were so much simpler like it was back then when it was just a routine on repeat which I guess was interesting for me. I still remember that moment with Neia and that was one of the deepest times I and Neia had ever had together. It was one of the closest times we ever talked about something other than her music or the guard.

"Alright so I need to get some really personal stuff that I can't really share with you but I guess it would be smart to have one of you guys know just in case of an emergency." Neia said, taking a deep breath." Have you heard of-?"

"Wait!..you don't have to tell me...I got it," I said. I knew what she wanted to say and why she wanted to tell me." don't say another word," I said with a thumbs up.

After we handled some more things that need to be done at the store we heard self-checkout.

"Oh shoot!" I said. I thought about what mom said about treating myself with the little bit of money she had given me, but then I realized I wasn't going to use it for myself because we needed things in the house.

"What?! Did we forget something?!"Neia said alert.

"Nothing let get out of here so we can have dinner," I said.

    We checked out the store and I didn't realize that we had so much to carry but Neia carried almost all of them. I wasn't that surprised because she has lifted me and Kai up before without breaking a sweat. So I knew, she was strong. It was nearly dark out, so as soon as we got out of the store she gave me the teleporter.

"Alright, you are going to use my teleporter. Just think of home and then it will take you there. Just focus on home alright?" Neia said.

"What? No way!! I would rather die than use that thing. You use it!" I said.

"No, I can't I have to carry these bags you have to. Look, it is not that hard, just focus on home, and the next thing you know we are there. Would you want me to count for you if you want to be such a chicken?" Neia asked.

"Ugh! Alright fine! but you own me one!" I took the teleporter and Neia moved closer to me.

"Just think of me too, so I can come as well,"Neia said.

I nodded and went ahead and started to think about the house, mom, and Neia. I thought really hard. I didn't ever think I could be so focused on something for so long. As I took a deep breath in and out I saw me as a kid but weirdly I was in the castle with other kids and then I saw my mom, she was smiling laughing with this guy that I have never seen before in my life. But his face was blurred like, something didn’t want me to see it. The next thing I knew and Neia was at the castle.

"Where are we?" Neia asked as she moved around trying to figure it out.

"The castle I think," I said putting my head down.

"Why the hell did you take us to the castle?" Neia said in a lower voice.

"I don't know I was thinking of...home," I said, zooming out.