White Lily
Elsword: Rune Slayer (20)
Chung: Fury Guardian (18)
Raven: Blade Master (30)
Aisha: Dimension Witch (23)
Rena: Night Watcher (32 [human comparison])
Eve: Code: Nemesis (?)
Vayne: Alright! Since "Truth or Dare to Love" was my most popular story, I've decided to give you guys, who read said story, a little thank you gift, should you choose to see it as such. I'm switching the roles, so now Chung's the lucky lady :3 Wish me luck with this story, and I hope you enjoy it!
Chapter One: A Job Well Done
Hamel, city of water, home of the royal family, and the domain of the mysterious Princess Seiker. None have ever seen the princess, but all know of her, and especially of her fiercely loyal guards. Rena, the legendary captain of the ever loyal Night Guardians, and Raven, supreme commander of the royal army, and Chung's faithful bodyguard. None have seen what the princess truly looks like, as whenever any have managed to catch a glimpse of her in the royal carriage as she and her guardians leave for diplomatic issues her guards sit on each side of her, blocking the view, and she wears a thick, silver threaded, gold-trimmed cloak, obscuring her face. The queen constantly protects her daughter, never wishing her to come to harm from the outside world. But, through her whole life, Chung has wanted to walk the city streets, learn more about the people she will one day rule over, anything to escape the castle.
Chung sat in her room, high in the western tower. She gazed out the window, staring at the groups of people going about their lives. She could see, and hear, the recruits training in the courtyard below, she could see the market place, large and bustling with activity, and gazed out into the country, then turned to look at the shifting waves of the ocean.
"Mi'lady." Chung turned to see Eve, her governess, standing in the balcony doorway, "It's time for your lessons."
"Must we Eve?" Chung sighed, as she had just gotten comfortable, her long dress made it a difficult task. Eve simply nodded.
"You know how antsy Raven gets when you're left alone for too long." Chung slowly rose.
"Too long being at least ten minutes." Chung sighed, giving up, "Alright, let's begin." They left Chung's room, and descended the stairs, heading for the royal library. Raven awaited at the base of the stairs, and walked closely behind Chung. Chung sighed, she was tired. Tired of always being watched. Tired of never actually having a choice in things relevant to her life. But most of all, she was tired of being alone.
A mage, with vibrant violet hair, walked through the tall field just south of the city. She scanned the area, listening closely. She could hear the sound of a large sword being swung not far off, and the air was hot. She parted the tall grass to reveal a clear field, with a young man training.
"Elsword!" The red haired warrior looked in her direction, and waved.
"Hey Aisha, what's up?" Aisha smiled, and handed him a slip of paper.
"Finally got another job for you, this one's paying well too." Elsword opened the envelope, and read what seemed like a wanted poster. He sighed.
"All the way to Elder? Just to take out some stupid bandit chief?" Elsword saw Aisha smile again, "Something else?"
"Yep, it's from the captain of the Night Guard." Elsword sighed. That woman again?
"Ugh, Rena's probably just trying to get me out of the city." Elsword crumpled the paper, and threw it over his shoulder.
"That may be, but Elsword." Aisha held his shoulder, "You haven't had any jobs for months, and I'm running out of things to keep you going. You should do it." Elsword sighed. It was true, he hadn't found any jobs to earn anything for some time, and Aisha couldn't help him for much longer.
"Alright, I'll do it. Do I have a horse?" Elsword knew he couldn't walk all the way to Elder. Aisha beckoned him to follow. He slung his sword across his back, and followed her. They could barely see the road further up through the thick, tall grass, and the howling wind muffled nearby noises. As Elsword yawned, his foot caught on a rock, sending him tumbling forward and landing onto the road, just as the royal carriage was fast approaching. Elsword barely managed to roll away from the horses hooves, and he slowly stood up as the carriage stopped. Elsword saw Rena step out, followed by the princess. Her face obscured by her cloak, she rushed up to Elsword, and bowed her head.
"I'm so sorry sir! Are you alright?" Elsword stood there, struck dumb and shocked that the princess of Hamel was apologizing to him. He scratched his head, and sighed.
"I'm fine your highness." Elsword bowed, noticing Raven and Rena's icy stares, "It wasn't something that was in your control. I tripped, fell onto the road as your carriage approached. I'm fine either way, so all's well that ends well." He glanced up as he heard the princess sigh in relief, then panicked as she grasped his hands, causing Raven to place a hand on his sword and take a single step forward.
"I'm just so glad you're alright!" She stared at him, able to see him clearly through her cloak, but not the other way around. Wow, he's pretty cute, and so considerate. She turned as she heard Raven clear his throat.
"Milady, we'll be late if we don't hurry." Raven still glared at Elsword, who still had a look of panic and shock on his face from when Chung held his hands.
"Very well." Chung looked back at Elsword, "What is your name?"
"Elsword Sieghart, your highness." He almost gasped as Chung pulled him down, her mouth next to his ear.
"I am Chung. I hope I can see you again someday." Chung quickly returned to the carriage, and Raven and Rena got back in, Raven glaring at Elsword as they moved on. Aisha walked out of the field, smiling.
"Well that was interesting." Elsword glared at her.
"Raven looked ready to kill me!" Elsword yelled, "And why were you just hiding?!"
"No reason. Anyway, it's all done now." Aisha pointed further up the road, "Horse is down there, and hey, doing this job might get some redemption, at least from Rena." Elsword sighed, and ran down the road. Damn girl, I'll never understand why I'm still friends with her. Anyway, I have to hurry with this job, it's a long trip and the festival is in a few days. Rumor has it that the princess will be there as well. Elsword felt that maybe he could talk to her, then shook his head. I try and talk to her again, and Raven will remove my tongue, if not just my head. Elsword closed in on the horse, and leapt up onto it, instantly turning the steed around, and began galloping for Burma.
After almost five hours riding, Elsword arrived in the region of Elder. He slowed to a canter, carefully examining the area for any form of bandit activity. I could probably interrogate a bandit for information about Banthus' whereabouts. Elsword heard a scream, and jumped off his horse, running into the forest. He saw a young girl, dark skinned, white hair and goggles on her head, surrounded by four large bandits. Elsword dove into the clearing, slicing his sword across the closest bandit's throat. Another ran up behind him, and he kicked him in the solar plexus, then sliced him from his shoulder to thigh. Without looking, Elsword thrusted his sword behind him, impaling the third bandit. Turning to the last one, he saw him holding the girl, a knife at her throat.
"Do anything and the girl dies!" He slowly moved backwards. Elsword sighed, and waved his hand. Suddenly, a bright red rune appeared on the bandit's arm, then exploded. The girl fell to the floor, luckily unharmed, and the bandit screamed in pain as the rune scorched his arm. Elsword slammed the flat side of his sword against the bandit's forehead, knocking him unconscious. Elsword turned to the girl.
"Are you alright?"
"Y-Yes." The girl stood up, and Elsword noticed the large bag of vials and satchels at her waist.
"Are you an alchemist?" The girl nodded.
"Name's Echo. I was out here collecting ingredients when I was attacked. Thank you for saving me."
"Shall I give you a ride back to town?"
"Thank you." Echo watched as Elsword placed two, dark runes on the unconscious bandit's shoulders. Just in case he wakes up on the way. Glad Aisha has been helping me augment my runes. He slung him over his shoulder, and walked with Echo to his horse.
"Why are you bringing him?"
"He looks like a higher up, so I'm going to interrogate him for information on Banthus' whereabouts." Echo smiled, "What?"
"I can tell you where his hideout is."
"Where?"
"To the northeast." Echo pointed into the distance, "There's a large cave, can't miss it."
"Thank you Echo." Echo slid off the horse.
"I can get back on my own. Thank you again." They waved goodbye, and Elsword rode off in the direction Echo pointed. I'm going to be back so freaking quick, what luck. Beat up a crummy bandit, then head home for the festival. Elsword moved faster, as the sun was setting, and he didn't want to get caught in the forest in the dark.
Chung slept in the carriage, leaning against Raven's shoulder, as they returned home to Hamel. Their visit to Altera was short, hardly even a single day, and they swiftly returned home to make it in time for the festival. She slowly woke up, looking out the window at the early morning sky, the stars still visible in the orange glow. She yawned, tired.
"Morning princess, rest well?" Rena asked, Chung rubbing her eyes.
"Yeah." Chung simply replied. Man, I'm still thinking about that Elsword guy. He was so respectful, and seemed really nice. Like mother would ever allow it though. She sighed, a mistake, as Raven instantly noticed.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes Raven, I just can't wait to get back to the city to see the festival." Chung looked at her guard, "Can we please walk through the city to the castle?"
"Ma'am, you know your mother's rules."
"But no one will see my face, this cloak obscures me from head to toe." She stared at Raven, begging him, "Please?" He sighed.
"Very well, any objections Rena?"
"No, however the queen will not be pleased." Rena stopped the carriage as they entered the city. They stepped out, and the citizens watched in awe as Raven helped Chung out of the carriage. Everyone kneeled, honored to see the princess in the city. Chung bowed as well, shocking several in the crowd, and alongside Raven and Rena, began to walk to the castle. Chung scanned the crowd, hoping to catch sight of Elsword. Raven and Rena were both uneasy however, as they had received constant threats against the princess's life. For some reason, a cult had come into being, and wanted to over throw the royal family. Chung walked slightly in front of her guards, who constantly scanned the area for any cultists. As they reached the central market, the heart of the festival, Chung walked up to the large fountain, seeing an old man apparently looking for something.
"Excuse me?" The old man looked up, and gasped.
"Oh! Your majesty." He bowed, but Chung sighed.
"Please don't do that. Are you looking for something?" The elderly man nodded slowly, looking quite sad.
"Yes milady. A locket that belonged to my niece. It's the only memory I have of her."
"That's horrible! Please, let me help."
"No, milady it's perfectly alright." Chung kneeled down, looking closely around.
"What does it look like?"
"It's a simple gold locket. I know I dropped it somewhere around here." Chung saw something glistening in the fountain, and looked closer. She rolled up her sleeve, and reached for it, picking it up.
"Is this it?" A smile appeared over the old man's face, and she handed him the locket.
"Oh...thank you your majesty." He bowed, as did she, and walked off, apparently having some difficulty walking even though he had a cane. She smiled, and looked at the water.
On the other side of the square, Elsword looked at Chung. She really is here. He looked back at Raven and Rena, who were scanning the area behind them for threats. Maybe I could talk to her? They're looking in the opposite direction. Elsword looked back to Chung, and gasped. There was a tall figure approaching her, a long sword by his side. He saw him draw the sword slowly, and slowly crept up behind her. Elsword ran towards them, making Raven and Rena turn as the cultist thrusted at Chung. Elsword jumped between them, pushing Chung out of the way, and taking the stab. He grasped the assassin's arm in one hand, then grasped his face with his other. A rune glowed on his palm, and the cultist screamed in pain as Elsword's magic began to sear his face. Raven grasped the cultist, throwing him to the floor and slamming his foot on his throat, choking him. Elsword felt his legs weaken, and realized the sword had pierced his spine. He felt dizzy, blood gushing from his wound, and fell forward onto the floor. Rena caught him, and called for the guards. The guards quickly approached, and Raven watched them carry off the cultist. Chung kneeled next to Elsword, who was passed out in Rena's arms.
"Raven! Please, we must help him!" Raven walked over, and picked Elsword up. He glared at him. This is only because you saved her life. I do not like you, Elsword. Don't mistake this. They rushed back to the castle, and headed for the sick bay. Chung moved after Raven, but Rena, soon joined by Eve, stopped her. She gazed down the hall. Please, be alright.
7:30 PM that day
Elsword groaned in pain, barley able to feel his legs. He slowly opened his eyes, and looked at the unfamiliar room. As he looked around, he saw an unexpected person sitting by the bed he lay on.
"AH!" Elsword jumped, not expecting the princess to be sitting beside him. He grasped his stomach in pain, "Ogh..."
"Please, don't stress yourself!" The cloaked princess held his hand, trying to calm him down, but Elsword grew even more distressed, "Elsword...thank you for saving me."
"T-The...I...Er...I was just doing the right thing." Elsword could only see her mouth under the cloak, and saw her smile. He turned his head in the opposite direction, blushing.
"Please, calm yourself. Raven will not be here, I ordered him as such."
"It's not that ma'am." Elsword slowly turned to look at her, still seeing her smile, "It's just...you're the princess of Hamel, and I'm just some orphan trying to survive."
"If you're just trying to survive, why almost die on my behalf?" Chung sighed, "Either way, I'm so happy you're alright. The doctors say you'll have to stay here in the castle for some time before your wounds heal. Perhaps you can tell me about yourself, and the city? I know next to nothing about it." Chung frowned as someone knocked on the door. It opened, and Eve walked inside.
"Pardon milady, but you're late for your lessons."
"Actually Eve, Elsword is giving me my lesson for today, and most likely for the remainder of his stay here."
"Ma'am! I'm afraid this is out of the question." Eve shut up when Chung glanced at her.
"You defy your princess? I'd say that is an unwise decision." She smiled as she heard Eve gulp, and continued, "Elsword is going to educate me on the people of Hamel, as you and mother seemed to have forgotten that a ruler cannot rule if she does not know her own people." Eve stuttered, and then left the room. Chung sat back down, looking pleased with herself, "Wow, I've never managed to stand up for myself like that before."
"Really?" Elsword was surprised.
"Yes. Mother and my guardians have always made sure I know nothing of the outside world for some reason. Today was the first day in my life that I actually walked the streets, and met my citizens."
"Oh yeah, you helped Gramps." Chung tilted her head.
"Gramps? Was that old man your relative?"
"Oh no, no, no. He looks after us orphans, and he tells us to call him Gramps. He kind is like a grandfather to us though." Chung held his hand again, tighter this time.
"Elsword, tell me about yourself."
"Uh...I...Um..." Elsword didn't know what to say, so Chung helped him.
"How did you come to fight with runes?"
"Well, my weapon of choice is my great sword, but since I was a swordsman, I was weak against magic. I felt the best way to combat this, was to use it. Fight fire with fire, as they say."
"Not sure what that means."
"Um...basically it's like, the best way to defend yourself against a weakness, is to learn how to fight using that weakness. I used to only be able to use fire, but I was taught by my friend that I can use runes to increase my firepower."
"Who's your friend?"
"A mage named Aisha." Elsword felt Chung grip his hand tighter, but barely noticed.
"Tell me about you, as a person." Chung stared at him, so much that Elsword could feel her gaze.
"Um...I always look out for my friends, and want to do what's right." Chung smiled again, and released his hand.
"Elsword, you're a very special person. You're like Raven, you fight for your friends, and like Rena, doing what is right. I have a gift for you, so please accept it."
"Very well, your majesty." Elsword's eyes widened as Chung removed her hood, and stared at her. Her blonde hair was not overly long, just reaching past her neck. Her skin seemed smooth, and Elsword felt frozen as he gazed into her sea-like eyes. She's beautiful. Chung blushed slightly.
"You're the first citizen to ever see my face." Chung looked back, staring into his crimson eyes.
"I'm...honored." Elsword could hardly believe that she had shown him her face. Chung jumped as the door opened, and she quickly put her hood back up. Raven walked into the room.
"Milady, it is time for dinner." Chung sighed.
"Very well, please bring Elsword some food as well." Chung stopped as she walked by Raven, "Be nice to him, or else." Raven simply nodded, and Chung left the room. Raven glared at Elsword.
"You will not get anywhere with Lady Seiker, so don't even think about it. As soon as you're able to walk, I'm throwing you back onto the streets where you belong." Elsword glared back at him.
"And all I did was do your job for you. I wonder what the queen would think is she heard that a simple orphan was the one who saved her daughter from certain death while both her guardians where present, and completely unaware." Elsword smirked as Raven stiffened.
"Watch your tongue peasant, your next words may be your last." Raven turned, and left the room. Elsword scoffed.
"Huh, what an ass. I need some sleep." Elsword made himself comfortable, and drifted off to sleep. His rest was not pleasant, as Chung's face haunted his dreams. Whatever he dreamt of, she was there beside him.
Chung lay her head down on the bed, tired and content. She still could see Elsword's crimson eyes, making her feel fuzzy. He's so sweet. I don't want him to leave. Then Chung had an idea. I can have him be my bodyguard instead of Raven! After all, Raven and Rena both almost let me get killed today. There's no way mother will let Raven keep this position after I tell her, also since Raven actually lied to her about what really happened. Chung smiled, content with her plan, and drifted off to sleep.
Vayne: I hope you enjoyed it! Who'd have thought my better stories would involve male characters being shifted to female?
Chung: Yeah. Who'd have thought it. -aims cannon-
Vayne: Chung, don't do it man.
Chung: And why not? -begins to pull trigger-
Vayne: Well, see you later people! Hope you enjoyed! -launches away from a cannonball to the face-