Chapter 3: Fitting In

The young elf woke up with a radiant, artificial light shinning on his brow. He looked out the window; even though this entire civilization lived underground it seemed like the sun was shinning on the entire metropolis. Futuristic transportation devices zoomed here and there taking the city dwellers to wherever they were going. The elven boy grinned he felt warm on the inside, like he was finally home. It looked as he was the first one awake. He looked at a clock with strange symbols on it; at first he didn't understand them, then looking more closely it happened. He was overwhelmed by a beam of light; his eyes turned white and his mind was blurring with pictures and information. Everything disappeared and he was still gazing at the clock. Six a.m.!
"Wow!" the elf whispered to himself. He heard someone walking behind him and turned around to find his father.
"Did you enjoy yourself?"
The boy didn't know what he meant, but then Leon looked at the clock. "Oh, that? What was that?"
"Information clock. You're still pretty human, if you had all your powers in order you would've just seen some pictures and some dates."
"So how do I get my powers in order?"
"Your mother will take you to the Oak tree and then you and Kira will have to touch the tree and whisper a couple of words."
"What about you?"
"I have to check out this prophecy." The father said looking down at the floor. Who was he kidding? Of course the maniac was still alive; if not, how did his son receive all his magic back? "I better be going, have fun at the tree!"
"Thanks!" the conversation didn't really seem father to son, more like family friend to family friend's child. They would both have to get used to it, the young elf thought scratching the back of his neck. He walked around the house exploring it; he found a huge library full of thick books, all with the same type of strange symbols. This made him feel very strange; he knew over ten languages and had never felt very confused before. He went down a flight of stairs and found a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi; his parents were loaded, he thought nodding his head. The pool was big too; fifteen meters long and about ten meter wide. The cost of the pool and Jacuzzi made him think of currency and the one the elves would have. When he went back upstairs, on a marble staircase, to the high-tech, futuristic kitchen he found that everyone was awake. "Good morning!"
They all responded with a muffled "'Ello", which made Kira choke. Donovan hit her across the back of her head and she spat something out, which was only half way chewed.
"Thank you!" she said in a rather sarcastic way. Donovan just nodded and turned back to his breakfast.
"Do you want some toast?" his mom asked him. Not a very motherly way to say it, but all well. She would have to get with the program as well, or people would think his parents had died and these people were taking care of him.
"Sure, thanks!" he replied either way.
After eating a piece of toast, which was quite filling, they made their way to the Oak tree in a silver chrome car, with circular blue discs that suspended it in mid air. On the inside the car had two rows of seats coated with leather and filled with an unknown material that made them very comfortable. The wheel was circular, with an oval inside; on the oval there were numerous buttons that controlled air conditioning, head lights, holo- phone, and various other commands. The speed was controlled by pedals; this was transmitted on a screen behind the wheel, along with the speeds (reverse, drive; sorry I'm Romanian), temperature, fuel (it ran on nitrogen gas) and a G.P.S. system farther to the right. There numerous other commands that could be performed, that were controlled by buttons in between the driver and the passenger. It was very fast just like the other cars and very smooth. They parked near the Oak tree, the discs were slowly covered by rubber and the machine touched down smoothly. As they got out, many heads turned toward them; they were still wearing their human clothing. Kira realized this and said:
"Um. I think we need a new wardrobe."
"Oh, of course, sorry." Kayri apologized. "Let's get some clothes before we go to the tree."
They went to a clothe shop, close by, with a blonde elf behind the counter.
"Are!" the elf said. Everyone but Kayri was surprised; then Roby realized, it was Latin.
"Are." He responded.
They got some strange clothing, which consisted of a smooth, grey, cotton, long sleeve shirt, for Roby and a pair of long white pants that were of a strange material, which was very comfortable. Kira bought a silk, blue dress and a white cotton top. Donovan picked out a random pare of grey, pants and a black, cotton (I can't think of anything else) robe, which made him look a little bit like a samurai.
Now it was time for the tree. They got close and touched it feebly; a priest told them to repeat the following in Latin.
Ego voluntas faveo foedus consisto mei natio.
Ego voluntas faveo foedus consisto natura.
Ego voluntas defendo omnis creatura consisto natura.
Ego punio natio quis rumpo foedus,
Quod ceteri voluntas praesto idem.

I will support the laws of my people.
I will support the laws of nature.
I will protect every creature of nature.
I will punish people, who violate these laws,
Because the rest will do the same.
As soon as they spoke several things happened: two jewels fell down from the tree and were hung magically around the elves' neck by a golden necklace, Roby's blonde hair grew down to his waist and his ears were pointy; his senses grew one hundred times more acute, he had a sudden knowledge of nature and his people's ways and his strength increased as well (physical and mental). Kira experienced the same sensation: her dark hair shinned, her ears grew pointy, etc.
The priest congratulated them and they went to a restaurant where Kayri and Leon often went, to celebrate. They ate a lot of specially prepared elven food that filled you up on the first bite.
That night, Roby was lying in bed gazing at the ceiling; Kira was resting on his shoulder fast asleep. He was thinking about the ceremony and how that one giant oak tree could hold so much power. He would have to read a little bit more about it; maybe they would learn about it in school. But did elves have school? He hadn't seen his father since morning and was wondering if he was alright; but his mom didn't seem to worry. With this thought calming him down he fell asleep quietly. He started dreaming something not quite clear to him; he was running in what he thought was the elven city, but it was all in ruin and burning brightly. He sweaty and scared of something lurking behind him in shadow. When he looked back he saw his father and two other elves shooting blue orbs of light at thousands of black creatures with menacing white eyes; his fear increased and he was getting tired. He concentrated on running as fast as he could, he ran and ran even after he heard his father howl in pain. A million thoughts ran through his head and he couldn't even understand all of them. He looked back again to see a sea of black creatures chasing towards him. Hot tears of anger and sorrow ran down his cheeks, he turned around on his heel and held his arms out and yelled Oblivio at the top of his lungs; a cloud of dark energy erupted from his bare hands racing towards the swarm of creatures devouring them and obliterating them. Roby returned to running his pain and anger growing; at least he was safe. Then the earth began to rumble, but he kept on running until the earth crackled and split beneath his feet, revealing a great fire and.
"Aah!" he screamed, Kira was still resting on his shoulder and was flung forward. He was breathing hard, sweat trickling down his temple. Kira touched him slowly and he gasped jumping out of bed.
"What's wrong?" she asked, looking as worried as he was.
He raised a hand to his eyes and leaned against a wall with the other. He was socked in sweat and his hands were shacking. "Sorry. just a nightmare."
She gazed at him looking confused and worried. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah, yeah." he said breathing more easily. He got into the bed and kissed Kira slowly on the cheek. "I'm O.K., don't worry." With that they fell asleep slowly, without a word.
The next morning, they were awoken early in the morning, by Kayri. Moaning and groaning they got dressed and went down to the high-tech kitchen. The toaster popped and two pieces of bread shot out landing safely on two plates; another machine buttered the toast and another cooked two eggs.
"So." Kira began, a piece of egg stuck in her mouth. She swallowed and began again: "So where are we going today?"
"School of course." Kayri replied. Kira scowled, and turned back to her breakfast.
"But, wouldn't we be bigger then the others?" Roby asked.
"Oh no, elf children start school at fifteen."
"Just our luck." Kira scowled again, her eager expression disappearing.
"Where's dad?" Roby asked.
"He's still at work. That prophecy gave 'em a lot to work with."
"He said I would have to go to the Fountain of Youth." Donovan remembered.
"We'll go there after we drop of the kids (it would have sounded stupid if I said elf kids)." Kayri replied.

Half an hour later they were standing in front of a large white porcelain building with large oak doors and many rows of large windows. Hundreds of elf children were walking sleeplessly towards the building yawning from time to time. Once inside they were lost; they asked a teacher for directions and finally arrived in front of the headmaster's study. They knocked on the door and a calm voice answered: "Come in!" They entered slowly inside the study; their eyes fell on a numerous rows of books and a large ash desk, with various magical objects and a chair with its back to them. The chair spun around and a tall, gaunt, white haired elf met their gaze.
"I was expecting you." The elf said.
The two elves were lost for words. "Hello!" Roby finally said. "My name is Roby Black and this is Kira."
"Oh, well my human last name was Power, but I'm not sure about the elvish one."
"Good day to you!" the headmaster replied. "I am Ahmed Johnston, headmaster of this school and high warlock of the White Council, like your father, Roby."
"Hm, I never knew that." The boy replied pondering.
"Well, now that were all acquainted for let us carry on shall we?" the headmaster said pointing to the door.
They both followed him out the door and through a series of numerous staircases and corridors, all aligned with different ornaments that made the entire school seem so unique and magical. They finally arrived to a doorway with two marble gargoyles on either side.
"Password?" asked one of them, in a horse voice; at this Kira gasped and jumped back.
"Motrin." Replied the headmaster. The door opened and they all went in; Kira was still starring at the talking marble gargoyle. Inside there was a large room with a large T.V. and rows of books in elvish and where numerous students were moving about and talking about who knows what. To the back of the room there were two marble staircases. When the headmaster entered all the students stopped and gave him their attention. "Everyone, this is Roby Black and Kira Power. I ask you to make them feel at home here just like you do." At that he left them standing in front of their peers, who greeted them with a wave of their hand and slowly returned to whatever they were doing.
Roby wasn't feeling up to whole other year of boarding school. Couldn't they just go to school for a few hours and then come back? He looked at Kira, who looked ready for whatever these elves threw at her. He on the other hand felt that if he took one more step he would shatter into a million pieces. He had never felt shy before; mainly because his trusted manservant was backing him up all the time, or that he was more important then anyone he had laid eyes on before. But not now; now he was just the same as the other elves. No fancy vocabulary, or wardrobe, or cell phones, or bodyguards. Then it hit him; the prophecy, how could he have forgotten the prophecy? He was different and so was Kira, they both had something to do with this prophecy that was plaguing his mind and his father's mind. At this his cold nature returned to him and his blue eyes grew icy.
"You need some help with those bags?" a young elf asked.
This totally brought Roby back to reality. "Oh, no thanks, I got it."
"I'm John Silver." The elf said extending his hand. They shook hands and smiled. "Your not Commander Black's son are you?"
"Yes I am." Roby replied.
"No way!?" the elf exclaimed.
"I thought he didn't have a son." Said a nearby elf, with long brown hair.
"Well, I'm his long lost son. He just found me about three days ago."
"Sure he did." The elf replied sarcastically.
"Lay off." John said. His green eyes began to sparkle and his large hands tightened into a fist. He was about ten centimeters taller then Roby and that's saying something. His long black hair was tied back in a pony tail and his chest was very wide, which made him look very strong, like he was in fact.
"Who's gonna make me?" the brown haired elf asked.
"Oh yeah, that's really good." Roby replied. His hands were starting to glow red, and his blue eyes were turning even icier then before like they did when he was getting angry.
"Well perhaps you could do better."
"As a matter of fact I can. Inflammo!" Roby yelled thrusting his hands forward. Two fire balls shot out and hit the brown haired elf flat in the chest. Then Roby's grin disappeared and he staggered backwards; how did he know to do that?
"Wow!" John exclaimed. "You can use word spells?"
Robert regained his cold expression and asked: "Is that special or something?"
"What?! Are you kidding? Those are really powerful. Anybody can just light a stove but few can use word spells."
"Can't you just think of the spell? That's what my dad did."
"I'd be really impressed if you could."
Roby looked at the elf child he had just hit; he was twitching in pain, his mouth aghast not even being able to scream. He held his left hand out and thought: Medicor. A yellow orb of light devoured the singed elf and disappeared slowly, leaving the elf standing on the spot and as good as new. John looked at him, in shock, his mouth wide open.
"Wow!" exclaimed the brown haired elf, starring at his hand. "You really are his son."
"Exactly." Kira said. "Now if you weren't such an idiot you would've believed him and all this could have been avoided."
The elf backed down, looking a little scarred. "Sorry." He said, his chin touching his chest. Kira rolled her eyes in a manor that said: "Well you should be." "I'm Richard Frost." The elven boy said returning to an upright position.
"Son, of Robert Frost?" Roby asked.
"Who?"
"Never mind." He said, shacking his head.
For years, Roby was afraid of another year of school, and having to put up with the subjects he knew like the back of his hand. He would always have to stand to a fat snob that barely knew his own name, and smelled like rotten eggs, or a snob that was anorexic, which could barely lift a pencil and only had business on his mind. Having to post pone his trip to Bahamas, because his parents would make him study. His family had always expected too much from him; when he reached academic standards they wanted to make sure he maintained them. He could never talk to any of them, about anything; he had once tried to tell his aunt these boys that were annoying him and she sued them. He had to bare the loneliness of being the only sane one in the entire school and having to read his life away. In one year he had read the entire collection in he school library. He had to endure not being able to see a movie every once in a while or practicing martial arts with his quiet body guard. He was also completely cut out from the world of sports and literature for an entire year.
But not this year. This year he was among his own people; people that understood him and liked him. People that were normal and liked normal things. This year he had friends and a family that was normal. A family he could talk to without getting anybody sued. He was respected not because of money and power, but for being an elf in this magical community. Sure he was more powerful than an average adult; sure he was the first person to be part of a prophecy for eight centuries. But that didn't matter; what mattered was that he was who he was. This year would be fun and normal; but then the thought of the prophecy hit Roby. It wasn't going to be normal, fun maybe, but the only reason he could use those spells was because of the prophecy and he knew it. And that nightmare. why was he running and from what. Could that have been a prediction of the future? Would this prophecy be the end of this marvelous civilization and not to mention his father? And what about Kira? What sick demented role does she have in all of this? The thought of his new family being in danger made him shudder. Damn it! Why him?
"Do you guys have a tele.I mean a holo-phone some where around here?" he asked suddenly.
His new friends looked at him. "No, school rule."
"Damn!" he cursed under his breath. He had to tell his father about his dream ask him about the prophecy. He had two possibilities: one, run away which would be impossible not knowing the area and Donovan being out of reach and two build a holo-phone also impossible because he had no idea how to do that. "I have to talk to my dad."
"You could ask the headmaster." John suggested.
"Yes but he would ask why." Endios added. "And you would need a really good reason why."
"Crap!"
"The nearest parent visiting day is September twenty-seven." Kira said, reading a bill board.
So he would have to wait twelve days to tell his father. That was better than nothing, but a lot can happen in twelve days. This maniac with the prophecy can do who knows what in that time; at least he would be weak from the spell. Then he wondered if all this worry was worth it; what if this nightmare was just a night mare? So many questions shot into the young elf's head and he couldn't answer one. This new life style was going to be a great challenge for the young elf and it seems that his entire civilization of organized magical beings is entirely at risk and under his control.