Chapter 2: First Time Meeting an Elf
The gang had been traveling down the road. Ivan is walking carefree and happy, John is very curious about this place, he joined Eric and Kevin who are having a chat with Leina and Risty. They answered all of John's question, they told the boys about the existence of angels, elves, dwarves and demons, and the Queen's Blade, a ritual tournament that only the beautiful and powerful warrior may become the queen, Which answers Eric's question about the strange orbs in the sky, the angels use those orbs to broadcast the warriors fight in Queen's Blade tournament, Almost like WWE.
"And that's why I wanted to travel the world." Leina finished telling them about her life. "I was curious about the place you call. um, what is it again?"
"America." Kevin answered as he blushes when he looks at Leina, he's become rather infatuated with her.
"Yes, I would like to know about that?" Leina asked him, Risty move a little closer as she is curious as well.
John who is the smartest answers her. "United States of America, U.S. or America for short. Located on North America, and one of the most powerful country in the world. Now this sounds crazy because its from another world, one where we came from."
The girls can't argue with that, the boys did come out from a portal.
"What was it like to live there?" Asked Risty.
'It was awesome. We have cars, plasma tv, airplanes." Said Ivan who joined the conversation.
The girls gave him a confused look, Kevin and John explained about their technologies of their world.
Leina was fascinated about their technologies, cars a horseless carriage, tv like the orb that the angels use to broadcast, and was even more fascinated about the airplanes. Risty was rather skeptical about what they said.
Eric notices Risty skeptical look. "Don't believe us. Then check this out." He took out an ipad. He explained what it does and handed it to Risty. She was amazed by this gadget as she switch to one app to another, even Leina who saw this wanted to try as well, Kevin took his own ipad and give Leina a try.
"I got to admit, I have my doubt. This is amazing." She then switch it to camera mode. "What does this do?"
"It's camera mode, here let me show you." Eric took the ipad and took a picture of her, he then show it to her.
"This is even better than the painters." She said, all her doubts and skeptism is all gone down.
"What do you do for a living? If you don't mind me asking." Said Leina.
"Singing, dancing, and acting. We earn millions." Kevin proudly said.
"You earn a lot just by being jesters?" Said Risty.
Kevin, Eric and John feels rather insulted by what she said, they saw jesters as clowns, and they are NOT clowns.
"We're not jesters. We're a boyband." Retorted Ivan.
"In our world you can become rich and famous if you're very talented in acting and singing." John said.
"Yeah. Sponsors pay like a million dollars just so we would perform in concerts." Kevin added.
The girls couldn't believe that they would pay that much just so they would sing and act. It make Leina thinks that the people of America must really like music and other entertainments.
"I would like hear how you boys sing." Risty wanted to know how good they are in singing.
"Yeah."
"Sure."
Ivan took out his ipad and plays the instrumentals in their song and they began to sing.
When the chips are down
Back against the wall
Got no more to give
Cause we gave it all
Seems like going the distance is unrealistic
But we're too far from the start
So we take what comes and we keep on going
Leaning on each other's shoulders
Then we turn around
And see we've come so far somehow
We're halfway there
We're looking good now
Nothing's gonna get in the way
We're halfway there
And looking back now
I never thought that I'd ever say
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
If we never flew
We would never fall
If the world was ours
We would have it all
But the life we live
Isn't so simplistic
You just don't get what you want
So we take what comes
And we keep on going
Leaning on each other's shoulders
Then we turn around
And see we've come so far somehow
We're halfway there
We're looking good now
Nothing's gonna get in the way
We're halfway there
And looking back now
I never thought that I'd ever say
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
How are you ever gonna reach the stars
If you never get off the ground
And you'll always be where you are
If you let life knock you down
We're halfway there
We're looking good now
Nothing's gonna get in the way
We're halfway there
And looking back now
I never thought that I'd ever say
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
We're halfway there
After the their song ended Leina and Risty clapped, impressed by their singing. "That was amazing." Complement Leina as she felt inspired by their song.
"How do you sing like that?" Asked Risty, she heard al lot of singers during her travels, but this one, their singing and their song is different, very different.
"Practice." The boys simply said.
They walk up on top of the hill, they saw a town. "There it is, The border of the queen's domain." Said Leina.
"Cool." Kevin said.
As they arrive near the entrance, Risty look up to the roof. "It looks like Claudette is not here, that a relief." Said Risty as she turns to Leina. "We'll do this the way we arrange."
"I'm not sure about this." Leina said.
Risty took out a coin. "If its head, we'll make through." She flip the coin and it landed on the ground.
"Looks like lady luck is on our side." Grinned Kevin.
Leina picks up the coin and notices something. "Hey. There's head on both side of this coin."
"The luck is always good." Risty said with a grin.
"Technically, there's no luck, Its purely cheating." Criticized John.
"He's right. what are you trying to pull here?" Leina ask her.
Risty just grin. "Nothing, Keep it, maybe it'll bring you some real good luck."
"No thank you, I won't accept things from a thief." Said Leina.
"Hey are we gonna argue or are going inside. Lets go in." Said Ivan excitingly.
"You heard the kid, lets go." Risty said.
After entering, the gang walked through the streets, some of the people stare at them, mostly on the boys because of the clothes they wear. "Wow. I feel we're in the Middle Ages." Kevin said.
"Lets buy some weapons for you boys. Since you all going to be here for a while." Risty said.
"Good idea. The last thing we need is being unarmed against some bandits." John agreed.
"And we got ourselves a souvenir." Eric said.
After minutes of walking they've found a weapons shop. When they entered they saw a lot of weapons and armor. Helmets, swords, shields, spears. Ivan and Eric was excited that they're going to wield one of these. "You guys can only buy two things, cause I don't have that much." Risty said to the boys.
"Okay." The boys spreads out, finding weapons that suits them.
Kevin is checking out some weapons. He walk around browsing some swords . "This would do." He picked up a sword and a shield.
Eric tried to pick up a huge mace, after a few seconds he gave up. "How can everyone carry this?" He then saw a longsword near him. "Now this look awesome."
John was walking, already choosed a sword, a rapier. He spotted a row of arrow, bow and crossbow. "This could be useful." He grab a bow and a dozens of arrows.
Ivan was thinking on wether he should pick two sabres or two daggers, eventually he chose the sabres.
After they picked their gears and pays for it, they went to a clothe shop. "So why are we here again?" Eric ask.
"To buy some cloak for you boys. You'll attract a lot of attention because of the clothes you wear." Risty said as he handed them cloaks.
After their shopping trip, the gang went to an inn to stay for a night. They get a room with six beds, they put their things down, and went out too a nice restaurant. the restaurant is just two blocks from the inn, the food there is good and not expensive.
After they finishing their meals Eric asked about what places they're going next. "So Risty." Eric said gaining her attention. "After we get out of this town, what places we need to go before we reach the capital?"
"Actually, I'm not coming with you." She said.
"What! But why?" Eric for some reason felt very sad.
"It was favor for Leina. I promise her that I would take her to the border. And I had other business to take care of" Risty said, sad that she has to leave them, she likes Eric, he's cute. "But don't worry, we'll meet again." She said since this is not going their last meeting.
Risty then shows them a map. "As you all know, we are here." She pointed to where they are. "There are three routes you guys can take; The mountains, the Elven forest, and the Amara desert." pointing to the three area. "The most direct route is through the Elven forest, Its the most quickest way, but the problem with this is the elves, they are hostile towards outsiders especially human in their forest."
"Elven forest. I always wanted to meet a real live elf. And not one of those nerds who cosplay as elves from the comic convention." Said Ivan excitedly as this is probably the only chance he gets to meet an elf, dwarf and an angel.
"Ivan, for the sake of our safety, we're avoiding this forest." Said John wanting to avoid any trouble.
Risty continues. "The Amaran desert is safer than the forest, but also the longest way, not to mention that you'll be exhausted and got lost. There is an ancient ruins in the middle of the desert, rumored to have lots of treasure. No one wanted to go the place is because they believe It was cursed"
The boys are glad they've watch a lot of Bear Grylls' Man vs Wild and other survival shows, they learn alot in how to survive in the desert.
"the third one is through the mountains, Its the most safest of the three, the only thing you have to worry about is bandits." Explained Risty.
"Hey. If we dress up like bandits." Ivan took out a bandana and wrap it around his mouth and make a bandana mask. "Like this. They'll think we're bandits and then ignore us."
"That's definitely not gonna work." Kevin said.
"Yeah, bandits may not be smart, but they're not stupid." John added.
While they're discussing on which path they go. A woman with green hair, pointy elf ears, walk pass Risty. Leina notices but paid no attention.
When a Risty was about to pay but notices that her money was gone. "I was robbed! My money is gone!"
"It must be that woman who walk behind you." Leina said remembers the woman with green hair.
"Then we should get her before she gets away!" Eric said as they went to the door.
"Hold it right there!" The gang was stopped, they turn to see that it was the owner of the restaurant. "You haven't paid for your meals."
"But sir. Our friend here was robbed, we're just gonna catch the thief and-" John was interrupted by the owner who seems rather annoyed.
"I heard that excuse everyday for twenty years." Said the owner. "Its either you pay up or I'll call the town guards."
A waitress approaches the owner. "Sir. Mina has a sore throat, she can't perform."
"What! She's the best singer we had. Where we gonna a talented singer" Said the owner.
Hearing this, the gang suddenly thought of an idea, they looked at each other and nodded thinking the same thing. Kevin approaches the owner. "Dude. I think we have a solution that will solve both of our problems." Kevin said to the owner who have a confused look not understanding what he meant.
Five Minutes Later
The boys were standing on the stage preparing for a show. The owner was rather reluctant to their idea but finally agrees, but for three hours, he even said that if their song attracts a lot of customers and got the whole restaurant overcrowded he would pay them a one hundred gold coins.
The boys can also use a guitar and three drums, were Kevin will play the guitar while Eric use the drums.
After preparing they begun their song.
You're insecure,
Don't know what for,
You're turning heads when you walk through the door,
Don't need make-up,
To cover up,
Being the way that you are is enough,
Everyone else in the room can see it,
Everyone else but you,
Baby you light up my world like nobody else,
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed,
But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell,
You don't know,
Oh, oh,
You don't know you're beautiful,
If only you saw what I can see,
You'd understand why I want you so desperately,
Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe,
You don't know,
Oh, oh,
You don't know you're beautiful,
Oh, oh,
That's what makes you beautiful
Soon enough people is entering the restaurant both curious and intrigue by their music.
So c-come on.
You got it wrong.
To prove I'm right
I put it in a song.
I don't know why
You're being shy,
And turn away when I look into your eye-eye-eyes,
Everyone else in the room can see it,
Everyone else but you,
Baby you light up my world like nobody else,
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed,
But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell,
You don't know,
Oh oh,
You don't know you're beautiful,
If only you saw what I can see,
You'll understand why I want you so desperately,
Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe,
You don't know,
Oh oh,
You don't know you're beautiful,
Oh oh,
That's what makes you beautiful
Na na na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na
Na na na na na na na na na na
Na na na na na na
Baby you light up my world like nobody else,
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed,
But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell,
You don't know,
Oh oh,
You don't know you're beautiful,
Baby you light up my world like nobody else,
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed,
But when you smile at the ground it ain't hard to tell,
You don't know,
Oh oh,
You don't know you're beautiful
If only you saw what I can see,
You'll understand why I want you so desperately
Right now I'm looking at you and I can't believe,
You don't know,
Oh oh,
You don't know you're beautiful,
Oh oh,
You don't know you're beautiful,
Oh oh,
That's what makes you beautiful
After the song they saw that the restaurant is over half full, most of them are girls, their song really get their attention. "So far, so good." Eric said satisfied that they're on a good start.
"Yeah. But its far from over." Said John.
"Lets turn up the music then." Kevin said as they're ready for the next song.
Two and a half hour later
So I say a little prayer
And hope my dreams will take me there
Where the skies are blue, to see you once again... my love.
All the seas from coast to coast
To find the place I Love The Most
Where the fields are green, to see you once again... my love.
All of the restaurant waitress is very busy serving the customers including the owner who decided to help the waitress, since the restaurant is now overcrowded. Most of them who came here just wanted to hear the boys sing, and they love it.
"Their voices and their song is so amazing." Leina said, happy that she hears more of their songs.
"No kidding, I now know why they were so famous." Risty said as she glance at people who is enjoying listening to then saw a poster of women wrestling on the wall. "You know what Leina. I think its fair that you should also provide something for the group, like earning money."
"I guest your right. I can't just depend on the boys to earn money all the time." Said Leina.
Risty pointed to a poster. "Tonight there's a gambling den were they bet on fighters. There is no rule that you can't bet on yourself."
After she said this, Leina thought about it for a moment. "Alright. I'll do it."
Risty smiles, happy that she accepts. "Good. Lets take the boys with us. The more people betting on you to win, the more we've earn."
Leina nods in agreement, thinking that it was a good plan."Risty, promise me. Promise me that we'll use the money we've win to continue our journey together."
Hours later. Fighting arena
Risty and the boys are on the front row seat, she told them her simple plan which they agreed. Soon Leina arrives at the arena in skimpy outfit. Kevin, Eric and John blushes madly when they saw her.
"Yeah! Go Leina! Go Leina!"Cheered Ivan who is unaffected by her outfit.
Kevin and Eric also started cheering. Fight was quick, Leina won the first round.
Risty saw someone familiar on the other side of the hall. "Excuse me for a moment." Risty said as she left.
"I got to take a wazz." Said Eric as left for the cr.
"I'll get something good to eat. How about you guys?" Ivan asked the two.
"See if they had a popcorn or hotdog on a stick." Kevin said. "How about you John, hungry?"
"Nah, I'm good." After John said this Ivan left.
Kevin stands up and left. "Be right back." He said as he left.
Kevin went to see Leina who is walking to a room. "Hey Leina, congrats on your winning."
"Thanks." Leina said, as she blushes when looks at him, Kevin was really handsome. "I was great right?"
"You're amazing. Good luck on your next fight."
Ivan
Ivan was walking through the hall looking for some food stand. Then he saw someone, that someone is one of the list of people he wanted to meet; an elf. He approaches the elf woman. "Hello." He said gaining the elf's attention.
"You need something little boy." Said the elf.
"No, It just that, um. Are you an elf?"
"Yeah." She reply.
Ivan smiles and sqealed like a fanboy. "Omg, an actual elf. Ha! Take that nerds! I met a REAL elf." He then do a victory dance but suddenly stops. "My name is Ivan Emanuel."
"Echidna." She said.
Eric
After finishing his business in the bathroom, Eric went back to his friends, someone grabbed him pulled him in a room. The person who grab him is revealed to be Risty. "Risty? What are yo-" Risty place her finger on his lip to keep him quiet.
"Shhh. I need your help." She led him to a room. Eric looks around to see that there are a lots of money, probably a bank or a treasury. "I need you to help me carry these." She hands him a sack full of coins.
Eric seems hesitant. "That's a lot. What are you going to do with these?"
"I'm giving all of this to the orphanage." She answered.
Eric remembered when Leina told them about the time that she and Risty visited an orphanage, were she give them all the money she stole from the Vance castle. Eric couldn't help but admire her. A thief with a heart of gold, she could be the female version of Robin Hood. "Then what are we waiting for? Lets take this money to the orphanage." He said as he grabbed the bag of gold.
"Thanks. I'll be on my own once we're outside the town." She said as Eric nodded, knowing that Risty can take care of herself.
Minutes later, with Kevin and John.
After waiting, the match has finally started. After introducing Leina the announcer then introduces the undefeated champion; Echidna. "An elf! I'm actually looking at a real live elf." Kevin said as he never thought he would see one so soon.
"Not good." John said with worry. "If the elves in this place can live long like the ones from Lord of the Ring, then she has a lot of experience in battle. Leina is going to have a hard time with this one."
"She can win if she fights harder." Kevin said who is also worried for Leina and starting to doubt her chances in winning against her.
The fight started, but John thought was correct. Leina was fighting her but Echidna is just toying with her, she then got Leina in a wrestling hold. The crowd is starting to get rowdy.
"Finish her off!"
"We want to see some action!"
"Spill some blood!"
This just annoys Echidna, she then kicks out one of the guys and the rest follow. Everyone left excepts for Kevin and John. Echidna walks back to the arena but stops and glances at the two, She smirks and winks at them causing them to blush a little. She went to the arena to continue her fight Leina which she puts her in a submission hold, her 'underwear' started to move.
"Wait a minute, is that a snake?! She's wearing her pet as an underwear?" Kevin said as he blushes madly since she doesn't wear any underwear. John also blushes and looks away.
The snake slithers to Leina, it then bites her. She faints as the poison spreads in her body. Kevin quickly went to arena and cradles her in his arms.
"Leina are you alright? Leina!" He said but no response.
Echidna took a small bottle and tosses it to Kevin who manage to catch it. "The way to give her the antidote is a kiss."
Kevin blushes when he heard the simple instructions, but quickly deal with it as he put the antidote in his mouth and then kisses Leina, giving her the cure.
"Ivan would be excited if he's here. He really wanted to an elf." John said.
"We already met. He's funny." She said since she likes Ivan.
"He's really likeable." John then realizes something. "Wait a minute. Where is he?"
"Still finding a food stand." She simply answers.
"Oh yeah, forgot about that."
Kevin is finish giving the antidote. "Well that was a long kiss." John remarks.
"I don't want to choke her by giving her to much!" Kevin retorted. "Now are you going to help me or not."
John went and help in carrying Leina. As they walking to the inn Echidna is watching them. "They are very interesting, don't you think Keltan." She said to her pet.
Next Morning
Leina wakes up after the events last night, she saw that the room is empty. "Did they leave without me?" Tears starting to form on her eyes. The door opens to reveal that it was Kevin carrying a tray of food.
"Leina, glad you're awake." He place the tray next to her and saw her face. "Are you crying?"
Leina quickly wipe the tears of her face. "No, there's something in my eye." She was happy that they didn't left her.
"Oh okay, the others are waiting in the lobby."
After finishing her meal, Leina and Kevin went down and see that Eric, John and Ivan are all packed waiting for them, but Risty is missing. "Wheres Risty?" She asked them.
"Risty has some business to take care of, so she won't be able to come with us." Eric sadly said.
Leina was sad that Risty is gone, but very happy that the boys is with her.
"So since we're all packed up, Lets go." Said John.
They left the inn then the town. They walk on the road continuing their journey to Gainos.
Chapter End
Hope you all like and enjoyed this chapter. The songs "Halfway There" belongs to Big Time Rush, "What Makes you Beautiful" belongs to One Directon, and the last one is "My Love" by Westlife.
Read and Review.