Last time an argument over aspects of Duel Monster cards led to a Duel between Cornelia and Hassleberry, which Hassleberry won. Now our heroes journey to Ajalon to meet Elyon's fiancée. On with the show!
Chapter 4: Elyon Meets The Folks
Ajalon seemed typical of most Human inhabited worlds Will and her friends had encountered; not as advanced as Earth, but not as held back as Metamore. More like Earth during the 1920's in terms of architecture, with electric lights and automobiles, but where as on Earth used refined petroleum products, Ajalon used natural gas.
"I'll never be comfortable anywhere where they don't have MP3 players," said Irma as our heroes walked down the streets of the capital city of Rasengan, (which coincidently is also the name of a certain Ninjutsu) towards the home of the Voltier family.
The Royal Palace was equally grand as Elyon's, yet leaned more towards the style of Ancient Greece. The walls and columns of the palace were decorated with various tapestries, frescoes and reliefs. The wide range of art made Hay Lin happy, of course. One image in particular caught her eye; a large gold and silver serpentine dragon that was adorned with rainbow colored crystals.
"I recognize this from the city," said Hay Lin our heroes stood in the main hall of the palace, waiting for Dylan. Hay Lin stood closer to the column for a better look, "It was all over the place. What is it?"
"That," said a voice from the middle of the room, "Is the legendary Rainbow Dragon." There stood a boy in his late teens. He had dark brown hair and bright indigo eyes.
Elyon's face brightened instantly when she saw him, "Hello, handsome," she said as she embraced the boy.
"Hello, beautiful," said Dylan, "I missed you."
"How much?" asked Elyon.
"This much," he kissed her, and she kissed back.
"Everyone," said Elyon, "This is Dylan. Dylan, this is everyone." There then followed a long round of introductions.
"The famous Guardians," said Dylan Voltier, "I've heard so much about you five girls, especially from Elyon. You're a bit shorter than I thought you'd be."
"I don't know if I should feel insulted or not," said Irma.
"Before we go any further," said Cornelia, "I've got some questions to ask you, Dylan. As Elyon's best friend, I'm worried about not only her safety, but also her happiness. She's been through a lot in the past few years."
"I understand perfectly," said Dylan, "As away."
"First of all," said Cornelia, "Exactly what are you playing at? How is it possible that you two want to get married after such a shot time knowing each other?"
"This coming from someone who fell head over heals in love with Caleb at first sight," said Elyon, "You can be such a hypocrite sometimes, Cornelia."
"It's alright, my dear," said Dylan, "To answer your question, Cornelia, I just know that Elyon and I are to be together. Have you ever felt that something is just right? Even though you can't prove it?"
"Well, yeah," said Cornelia.
"There's your answer," said Dylan, "Anything else you want to know?"
"Just one or two more things," said Elyon, "Which do you prefer; summer sports or winter sports?"
"Winter sports," said Dylan, "I don't mind the cold as much as the heat."
"Ice skating or skiing?" asked Cornelia.
"Skating, of course," said Dylan, "With skiing, you'd break your neck."
"He's alright in my book," said Cornelia, "Anyone who likes ice skating has got to be alight."
"Glad you approve of Dylan," said a female voice coming form the middle of the room, "If you didn't, I'd have to kick your ass." There stood a girl about 18 years old. She had shoulder length brown hair and light green eyes. She wore matching green and brown camouflage jeans and jacket. Strapped to her back was a pair of swords.
"Everyone," said Elyon, "This is Dylan's cousin, Rebecca."
"Call me Beck," said Rebecca, "Oh, Dylan, your parents, The King and Queen, they told me to tell you that they'll speak with you and your potential bride-to-be now."
"Right now?!" asked Elyon.
"It'd be better if we did go see them now," said Dylan, "It's unwise to keep my mother waiting."
"Oh god!!" exclaimed Elyon, she nervously straightened her braids and flattened the few wrinkles in her dress, "I think I'm having a heart attack!!"
"No you're not!" said Cornelia firmly, "You're going to be fine. Just repeat after me: 'I'm going to be fine.'"
"I'm going to be fine," said Elyon, she took a few calming breaths, "I'm going to be fine."
"Good," said Cornelia, "You're going to make the best impression you can. Trust me, they'll love you."
"I'll hold you to that," said Elyon. With that she and Dylan left the main hall to go see his parents.
"They'll be fine," said Caleb to Cornelia.
"I hope so," said Cornelia.
"So, Beck," said Hay Lin, "What's with all the pictures of this dragon I've seen everywhere?"
"The Rainbow Dragon?" asked Beck, "Oh, well, The Rainbow Dragon is the focal point of our religion on Ajalon. I admit I didn't pay much attention in church, but according to legend, The Rainbow Dragon saved the people of Ajalon from the wrath of an army of demons, many, many years ago."
"Cool," said Hay Lin.
"So what do you do, Beck?" asked Matt.
"I am training to be one of the Royal Guardspersons," said Beck, "It's a huge honor to protect the royal family. I've been training in the warrior arts ever since I can walk. I also have a unique ability that makes me immune to magic."
"No way!!" exclaimed Syrus, "How can anyone me immune to magic?"
"I just am," said Beck, "Magical attacks just bounce off me."
"That's a load of bull sh$t," spat Chazz.
"You don't believe me, punk?" asked Beck, "I'll prove it. One of you Guardians, blast me."
"She's bluffing," said Addicus, "No one can be impervious to magic, believe me, I know."
"Well permit me to prove you wrong," said Beck, "Blast me. Don't worry, I won't be hurt."
"I accept your challenge," said Taranee. She then called forth a small fireball and got ready to throw it at Beck.
"She'll dodge it," said Caleb, "She looks like she's a good dodger."
"I won't move," said Beck, "So let me have it already. Unless of course, you don't think you've got what it takes."
Taranee had planned to only scorch Beck, but her taunting only aggravated the Fire Guardian. She increased the size of the fireball from about the size of a baseball, to just shy of a basketball. Taking aim, Taranee threw the flames at Beck. The fireball hit Beck square in the chest, and bounced off like it was made of foam rubber.
"Whoa!!" exclaimed Irma as she and the others watched the fireball arc into the air, and head for a nearby tapestry.
"I got it!!" said Nigel as she raced to catch the flames before they set the woven picture alight. He caught the fireball, his above average strength allowing him protection against intense heat as he smothered the flames.
"I had to see it to believe it," said Addicus, "She really is impervious to magic."
"I know," said Jaden, "That's a sweet skill."
Elsewhere in the palace Elyon and being grilled by her future in-laws, or, at least the future mother-in-law. The Queen, Nadine Voltier, was an imposing woman with an aura that demanded respect. At over 6 feet tall, the Queen of Ajalon had graying black hair and intense indigo eyes. While Dylan's father, Hector, was rather short of stature, but also commanded great respect.
Elyon had just finished answering a barrage of questions that ranged from her political policies as Queen of Metamore, to her hobbies; from her time on Earth to what her favorite color is.
"Your friends, The Guardians," said King Hector, "How would you describe your relationship with them?"
"They're the five best friends anyone could ever have," said Elyon, "They saved me from myself, not to mention that they helped save my kingdom from the forces of darkness more than once."
"And what of your late brother, Phobos?" asked Queen Nadine, "I understand he had quite the influence on you once."
"I'm ashamed to admit it," said Elyon, "But my brother did turn me against my friends for a while. But he wasn't himself at the time. In fact, he hadn't been himself for years."
"Ah, yes," said Nadine in a tone that said she wasn't that interested, "We all know of Phobos' unfortunate illness and his addiction to magic. Nevertheless, what he did to Metamore and its people was unforgivable. For Dylan's sake, I'm concerned that Phobos has had a negative influence on you, Elyon."
"If you know so much about Phobos, mother," said Dylan, "Then you must know that he sacrificed himself to aide in the defeat of The Krawl."
"Of course I know," said Nadine in a sharp tone, "I make it my business to know such things." Elyon could sense that Nadine didn't like being talked back to.
"I've heard terrible things about The Krawl," said Hector, as if to change the subject, "Dearest Nadine, you should be more appreciative of young Elyon. According to my information, the whole universe owed a debt to her, for she is the one who sealed up The Krawl."
At this Elyon blushed somewhat, she had no idea that what happened with The Krawl had made her famous. "I wouldn't say that I'm the savior of the universe, I had help, a lot of it, especially from my friends."
"Don't be so modest, child," said Hector, "It must have taken quite an effort to seal an entire race of amoeba-like monsters into an urn."
"Exactly what happened to said urn?" asked Nadine.
"It is under constant guard in a secure location," said Elyon, "I guarantee, The Krawl shall never be unsealed again."
"Is that all, mother?" asked Dylan, "Anything else you want to interrogate from Elyon?"
"Just one more question," said Nadine, "Exactly what makes you think you're the right one for Dylan? What makes you so special?"
"He's my soul mate," said Elyon, "What else can I say? I love Dylan with all my heart, and he loves me equally. There, are you satisfied? Or do I have to start spouting verse in order to prove myself?"
"I'm convinced," said Hector, "I think Elyon would make a perfect match for Dylan. What say you, my dear?"
"Here's what I say," said Nadine as she glared down at Elyon.
Back in the main hall, Will and the others were watching as Caleb and Beck were having a sparing match. Beck used swords that had a straight edge on one side; the other edge had a slight outward curve near the tip.
At this point the two fighters seemed equally skilled with their blades. Caleb had just blocked a jab from Beck and jumped back a few paces, then ran headlong at her. Beck easily sidestepped Caleb's attack. She smirked and prepared to deliver a small cut to his arm, just a small pinprick to teach him the folly of such a reckless attack. Yet her blade nicked not flesh, but a large piece of wood that seemed to appear right where Caleb stood.
Beck was then surprised to find Caleb's sword at her neck. "What do you think of me now?" he asked.
"Impressive," said Beck as she lowered her swords in surrender, "That'll teach me to underestimate my opponent. But don't expect the same trick to work on me twice."
"I won't," said Caleb as he sheathed his sword, while Beck sheathed hers.
"When did you learn the Substitution Jutsu?" asked Cornelia as she hugged Caleb.
"Neji taught me the basics," said Caleb, "I've perfected it a few days ago."
Just then Elyon and Dylan came back in. They both had somber looks on their faces.
"Well?" Cornelia asked anxiously, "What happened?"
Elyon and Dylan looked at each other for a second or two before bursting into grins, "They said yes!!" exclaimed Elyon.
"My parents gave us their blessing!" said Dylan.
"Congratulations!" said Will as she and the others shook the happy couple's hands.
"Don't congratulate them just yet," said Beck, "There's a lot to be done before they can be married. They have to be officially engaged, according to the laws of our religion."
"That's right," said Dylan eagerly, "There's so much to do and so little time to get ready! Elyon, my mother said that the engagement ceremony can be performed in a few hours, we've got to be ready for it."
"What do I have to do?" asked Elyon.
"Just say a few words on your commitment," said Dylan, "Nothing much, but you have to say your lines exactly or else you'll have to start over, and my mother hates it when something has to be repeated."
"Then what are we waiting for?" asked Elyon, "Let's do this?"
"I can't help but feel," said Irma, "That Elyon's thinking 'what have I gotten myself into?'"
"Oh leave her alone," said Cornelia, "This is the happiest she's been in a long time."
"So what do we have to do for this engagement ceremony?" asked Alexis.
"Just watch and be supportive when the time comes," said Beck.
"So we've got nothing to do for the next couple of hours?" asked Matt.
"That's about it," said Beck.
"I hate waiting," spat Chazz.
"You hate everything," said Addicus, "Why do I even bother talking to you?"
Just then Will tensed, "There it is again, that feeling that we're being watched."
"I feel it too," said Caleb, "Someone is definitely spying on us."
"But who?" asked Hay Lin, "And what do they want?"
Meanwhile…
"If you Guardians only knew what I wanted," said Cedric as he watched our heroes through his crystal ball, "You'd all commit suicide, just to avoid what I have in mind."
"Oh, Cedric," said the female demon Salavine, "Your are so full of malice, I can sense it over here; it's delicious."
"Save your charms for someone who cares, she-demon" hissed Cedric, "I'm immune."
"So you say," said Salavine as she ran her hands down her sensual body, "But no man has ever been able to resist my allure."
"Remember, dearest Salavine," said Lacerta, "Our slithery friend, Cedric, is no mere man."
"None of us are men," said the demon wizard Findo Trask, "Nor any more, that is."
True enough, the demon wizard was human, but that was centuries ago, back when he was weak and foolish enough to believe in the spirit of humanity. He was a prominent wizard among his peers, before he exchanged his soul for near eternal life and youth, which allowed the demon to expand his already impressive magical abilities. That is the extent of Findo Trask's human memories.
"Enough useless prattle!" grumbled the armored form of The Obliterator, "The Keeper of The Heart of Candracar senses our observations! We should strike now before the enemy is further on guard!!"
"Patience, my metallic friend," said Lacerta, "Your time shall come."
"We must wait until the items The Masters covet are exposed," said Findo Trask, "And woe to anyone who stands in our way."
"Especially The Guardians," said Cedric as she set his cold gaze upon the crystal ball, "Elyon shall watch her friends die, before I rip her heart out."
The end of chapter 4. Next chapter two more of our heroes shall Duel. Whom shall Duel whom? Reviews shall be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!!