Me: :DDDDD I'm back again with another chapter here have some pie and cookies!
Everyone but me: O_O YOU CAN BAKE?
Me: No I bought it at the store, I wish I could though D:
Ara: Why are you in such a good mood?
Me: We had an early out from school because of snow :D
Chung: But... on early outs your school ends at 1:25
Me: uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Everyone but me: you were playing elsword weren't you?
Me: uhhhhhh only a little bit x)
Everyone but me -_-
Me: But good news I got my C rank :D
Elsword: Ha! I bet you're just gonna never pvp again so you won't lose your C rank :P
Me: Nope in fact I pvped Eve and Raven yesterday to show them my IP :P
Eve and Raven: *lying on the floor unconscious*
Elsword =.= that doesn't count
Me: I'm serious! DX
Rena: I believe you :)
Me: ^_^ thanks Rena always know how to make someone feel better. Here have an extra cookie *hands her a cookie*
Rena: YAY!
Elsword: wait you didn't give me any yet
Me: I ran out sorry that was the last one
Elsword: -_- You're eating some right now you have at least 50 more
Me: no I don't pfft what are you talking about *chews slowly*
Everyone but me: *glares* GIVE US SOME MORE COOKIES ULTIMA!
Me: Okay let me tell you guys something. I bought these cookies with my own mon- HOLY CRAP!
Chung: DREAD CHASE!
Aisha: MAGICAL MAKE-UP!
Rena: SHARP FALL!
Raven: HYPERSONIC STAB!
Eve: THOUSAND STAR!
Elsword: SWORD FIRE!
Me: *gets the hell outta here* WHYYYYYYYY D:
Chung: SHOOTING STAR!
everyone but CHung: O_O WTF YOU'RE A SHELLING GUARDIAN!
Chung: SCARE CHASE! SHOOTING STAR! DREAD CHASE! CHAOS CANNON! SHOOTING STAR!
everyone but Chung: WTF IS GOING ON!
Chung: there that should keep him running until this chapter is finished :P
Aisha: wait where's Ara?
Ara: *eating cookies* yummy ^_^
Everyone but me and Ara: FUUUUUU *dives for the cookie box*
Ara: all gone I ate them all xD
everyone but me and Ara: NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! :/
Me: *running* HELP ME!
Aisha: Happy reading guys!
Me: -_-
Chapter 2
Their Past
Ara's POV
I woke up from my sleep, feeling refreshed and energized. I stretched my arms and sat up in the bed. 6:15. Almost dinner time. I wanna see that book again first that's really interesting. I sat on his desk, flipping through the pages with curiosity, looking to see what I could find. I flipped the pages until I saw a picture. It was a very well taken photo, and there was one person I recognized. In the middle of two adults, were Chung, very young around 5 years old, holding a cannon. To his left was a beautiful young lady, who seemed to be his mother. Chung had her eyes. Sky blue. To the right was who I assumed to be his father. He was also very handsome, with a very nice smile, and darker blue eyes. What I noticed though, that he had puppy paw print pupils. I looked over at Chung, and saw that he too had those types of pupils. I thought about Chung, and now to me he just looked even more cute. I blushed, and flipped the pages again. This part seemed to be some sort of a photo album. I kept flipping the pages, glancing at different photos of Chung and his family. I flipped to this one page and saw Chung's father, with a face mask, and the same type of armor Chung had on before. Suddenly, I cringed and a sharp pain enveloped me. I fell to my knees, trying not to shout at the unbearable pain. I was now on my back now, and closed my eyes, wondering if this was because of the injuries I had from the battle in the capital. I then saw flashes of scenes. What's going on? What are these images in my head? I saw a battlefield. Many people were fighting, and the scene was dark. I tried to recognize the place, and I realized that it was Hamel. I've heard of this. About 2 years ago, Hamel was taken over by demons. And, their leader, was corrupted and taken over. I saw flashes of the battle. It was painful, watching all the citizens of Hamel die, and when I gasped. My brother. In Hamel. So I was right after all. But something was different. His eyes were blood red, he wore demonic clothing, with a powerful aura surrounding him.
"Arren! I'm right here!" I waved my hands and tried to run to him. But my legs wouldn't let me. I tried and tried, but I was immobile. I could just watch the scene play out before me. I saw demons being killed, and their killer: Chung's father. He smashed through the enemies lines with brute force and power. He killed everyone in his way. Wow, so this is Chung's father. He has amazing strength! He destroyed more monsters, and came face to face with my brother. Wait why is he doing!? Is he attacking my brother? No! Wait! Stop! I could only watch as they confronted each other.
"I have destroyed your army of demons, and we have more reinforcements on the way right now. Surrender, or face death," Chung's father said in authority. I knew my brother couldn't stand up to Chung's father. He was a good fighter, incredible at sword play. But I knew he wouldn't stand a chance if he went up against Chung's father.
"Hehehehe... Don't order me around fool! I can do whatever I please, whenever I please! I will destroy this capital, the heart of civilization. People will fear me, and then No one can stand in our way!" I was shocked. M-my brother... H-he's a totally different person now... What happened!? ARREN!
"I am Ran, master of darkness, and I shall put you out of your misery White Colossus. And your pathetic son as well.
"Shut up! I will defeat you, and never disgrace my son again!"
"He is a weakling. You may be strong, but your son is a complete failure. White wolf. Ha! I bet he's not smart either." My brother smirked as he said this, obviously enraging Chung's father.
"SHUT UP!" The white colossus charged forward, cannon at the ready, about to pound my brother until he was lying on the ground dead.
"HAHAHAHAHA! You fool! You don't know what you have gotten yourself into." As Chung's father charged recklessly, my brother lifted his hand, and with a flick of his wrist, two clones of Ran were summoned, rising from the ground like zombies. They contained the white colossus, holding back his arms, as he struggled to break free. Ran walked up to him, and laughed demonically.
"You never stood a chance, and now you shall pay the price." He stabbed Chung's father, and he winced in pain.
"Y-you... my son... will protect this city... he is... the white wolf."
"Father!" I knew that voice. It was Chung, rushing out of a building, tears in his eyes, seeing his father dying. "FATHER!"
"Fool. REVERSE GRAVITY!" Chung's father and his two clones started floating away, just out of Chung's reach. Chung tried to reach, but was too late.
"HAHAHAHAHA! yes... almost, your precious father is at the state where he will obey me, RAN!" Ran disappeared, and Chung was on his knees crying.
"CHUNG! LISTEN TO ME!" Chung looked up, his father slowly becoming different, his armor and face becoming darker and darker by the second. "Soon, my body will be taken over by darkness. If you see me again... Do not... do not hesitate to kill me."
"NO! I will save you father! You promised you would help me find my path, and we would protect Hamel together!"
"I'm so sorry Chung... I never did... I never did treat you fairly did I?"
"No! Father please... don't go!" Chung was weeping now, barely getting his final words out to his father."
"Please... it's up to you now... Protect Hamel... protect Elrios for the common good. Support the strong... defend the weak. I love you. " Chung's father was now coughing out black blood, slowly his voice becoming deeper.
"No... FATHER!"
I snapped out of my trance. My head was no longer hurting anymore, and I felt just fine. I stood up, and looked at the book in disbelief. Arren... I get it now... you're Ran? You're Ran aren't you? Rivers of tears made their way slowly down my face, accepting the truth. I cried slowly, but not only because of Arren. I cried mostly because of Chung's past. It's my brother's fault that did this. Why... Arren... I made a promise and I will keep it. I will save you... And avenge Chung... I wiped away my tears, and went to the bathroom to wash up. I checked the alarm clock. 6:25, I better get going. I went downstairs, getting a little but lost on the way down. As I was walking down the stairs, I could tell something was going on downstairs.
"Hey! You're awake! You scared us for a moment there Chung."
"Wow you've been out for at least 4 hours. What happened?"
"Whew don't do that seriously man." I smiled, Chung was awake! I ran downstairs, but before I got there slowed down, and slowly arranged my hair. I then entered the room. Chung was the first one to notice me. He was surrounded by everyone, asking him questions. When he noticed he was staring, he blushed and looked away. The rest of his friends turned towards the direction of Chung's eyes, and saw me.
"Ara!" Aisha said rushing towards me greeting another person who had just woken up.
"Hey Ara sleep well?" Elsword asked smiling with a ball of fire in his hand. That fire... he has to be a Rune Slayer.
"Hey Ara Chung just woke up too," Raven stated pointing at Chung. I blushed noticing his puupy paw print pupils for the first time in person. I slowly walked up to him, playing with my long hair.
"Hello Chung. My name is Ara Haan. Thank you for saving my life and letting me stay in your home." I bowed, getting my first good look at Chung. He was still in his armor, with a good build. His cannon was on a chair next to the couch where he was sleeping.
"Hey Ara! Nice to meet you my name is Chung Seiker and I welcome you to my home." He flashed an angelic smile and I blushed, playing with my hair some more. He's nice like his friends. I should have known. He held out his hand for me to shake, and a gracefully took it. He had a firm grip, I knew he would be strong. Suddenly I felt a waver in his strength, he let go, and fell to the floor, much like when I first met him and saw him in the capital.
"Ugh... I-it hurts... why..." He was on his back, rolling over, and mumbling to himself. Everyone was on one knee, trying to figure out what was wrong.
"Are you hurt? Was it from the fighting?"
"Maybe you need more rest. Sleep as long as you like. I'll tell you when dinner is ready.
"Be more careful Chung! You shouldn't charge recklessly into battle like that." As everyone was asking him all sorts of questions, I could only think one thing. Oh no. He knows. He knows about my brother. This is bad, what if we can't be friends? What if he doesn't like me anymore and starts to avoid me? I bit my lip awaiting his answer. I just stood there worried about what he would say. Idiot I should be worrying more about if he's okay or not what will he think of me. I mentally slapped myself and joined the conversation.
"Are you okay? Was it something I said?" He slowly sat up holding his head and rubbing his eyes, using his other hand to support him while sitting up.
"N-no, I'm sorry I don't know what got into me. It's probably from my injuries." Lies. He I can't see anything. Not even a single scratch. Now I know he felt something when he shook my hand. I looked down, but quickly wiped it away. I was afraid to help him up, afraid that the same thing would happen again. Fortunately, Elsword saved me and offered a hand. Chung took it, and got on his feet. He started to lose balance and his friends helped him stay on two feet.
"I-I need to go to my room. Sorry everyone. I don't think I'll be joining you for dinner. N-nice to meet you Ara. S-sorry you had to see me like this. Welcome to my home and Hamel,"Chung said breaking away from his friends and making his way upstairs. I felt so guilty. I knew something happened when we shook hands, and it was my fault. He looked perfectly fine until I came along. I looked down at the floor, slowly walking towards the dining table and sat down.
"Hey it's not your fault really, Chung just probably has some injuries and he feels sleepy," Aisha said sitting down in the seat next to her.
"Yeah you don't have to be so harsh on yourself," Rena looked at me with friendly eyes and put a hand on my shoulder.
"He's just been through a lot, especially since we got here in Hamel. My calculations say nothing is wrong with him, he just needs some sleep," Eve stated. I think she forgot to scan me and see where I come from... This just made me more sad, but I forced a smile.
"Thank you everyone, I just owe Chung a lot for saving me." Elsword and Raven just nodded.
"Okay everyone, dinner is ready, let's eat!" Rena exclaimed lifting everyone's spirits but mine. Everyone took their seats and helped set up the table. I helped too, placing napkins at every chair. Once the table was set up, Rena laid all the different types of food on the table, and even though I was feeling down, I was amazed. So much variety in the foods, and they all filled the room with a wonderful aroma.
"Okay everyone let's eat!" As everyone was eating quickly, talking and laughing, I just poked at my food. I ate some of it, and it was very good. I had never tasted anything so good in my life. But I just didn't feel like eating at the moment.
"Ara what's wrong? If you don't like the food I won't be offended I can order something from a restaurant if you'd like," Rena asked me in an innocent tone.
"No It's very good the best cooking I've ever tasted." I forced a smile. "I just don't really feel like eating right now, I'm not really hungry, I ate something before I came to Hamel."
"Oh okay that's no problem really, you can take the guest room right across from Chung's room while you're staying here," Rena said chewing on some lettuce.
"Thank you again, I'm sorry for having this food go to waste."
"Oh I'll take it! Elsword snatched my plate away and started eating the food that was left." Aisha slapped the back of his head.
"You idiot Ara could have eaten it another time you know! I'm sorry Ara Eldork here is just and idiot. sometimes"
"Hey! We've been over this I'm not that stupid."
"Uhhhh yes you are I bet if we went to school, you would fail at all your classes."
"I went to school back in Ruben, and I got straight C's."
"Hello idiot a C is BAD."
"No a C is average. And by the way, a B is bad."
"You know sometimes I just want to burn you or freeze you or something."
"Ha! Burn me it'll give me power."
"You only use fire you're not immune you dummy!" As Elsword and Aisha continue to argue, Raven mouthed to me, this always happens. I giggled a little bit, and went to make my way upstairs. But I stopped before that.
"Hey Rena, do you think I could bring a tray of food to Chung in bed? He might be hungry so I at least want him to eat something."
"Oh good idea Ara thanks," Rena said. She prepared a tray of food for Chung, still warm. Elsword stopped arguing and turned to Rena.
"Hey you never let us eat in bed not fair!" Elsword almost shouted.
"He's been through a lot give him a break, I'll make an exception." Rena stuck her tongue out at Elsword as he started whining again. Rena turned back to me.
"Don't drop it and it's hot," Rena warned me.
"Okay thanks I'll be right back. I walked up the stairs, and opened Chung's room with one hand, and the tray of food in the other. I saw him on his bed, his face in his pillow. When he heard the door open he turned around and looked at me. I could tell he was crying. His eyes were red, and I could see dried tears on his cheek.
"Oh h-hey Ara, what's this?" He said trying to fix his hair.
"I-I have some food for you if you want if you're hungry," I said trying no to look into his eyes.
"O-oh thank you Ara, j-just set it down here." He pointed to a night stand next to his bed, and I set the tray down gently. Should I tell him? No, then he might get mad. Idiot I have to I can't keep making him go through this pain without knowing what's wrong.
"H-hey Chung can I tell you something?" Chung seemed to recover a bit, having a lighter face and blowing on some soup.
"Tell me I'm a good listener." He smiled at me and I smiled back. He patted an area next to him on his bed, and I sat down next to him.
"I hope you don't get mad at me but... I-I think you know R-Ran right?" I could tell Chung was saddened by this and looked down at the ground.
"Y-yeah I d-do... he destroyed Hamel two years ago and.. and corrupted my father." I could see his blonde hair over his eyes and he was trying not to look at me.
"W-well...I think I know why your head always hurts when you look at me... or make contact with me..."
"I-I'm listening."
"Well I-I'm Ran's sister. His real name is Arren Han and the reason I came here in the first place is because I was looking for him." I glanced at Chung and I could see silent tears dropping to the ground and his fists were clenched tightly. He started crying harder until he spoke.
"Y-you're his sister?" Chung asked voice cracking.
"I'm so sorry Chung... I'm so sorry... I started to feel tears rising too, but I blinked them back. I pulled him into a hug, and he accepted my embrace. I felt so guilty, my only concern was trying to make him feel better.
"I'm sorry Chung, I didn't mean for it to be that way.
"N-no It's fine. I don't hold a grudge." He wiped away his tears and looked up at me.
"I just need to move on and become stronger to protect people, so the won't suffer the same fate as my father." As he said this my spirits were lifted. He still likes me! He understands... wow. He moved on after that, and even after he met me? I should try and move on too. I let go of him and looked at him.
"Please don't cry, I hate to see those beautiful blue eyes of yours clouded with tears." I gasped, I didn't mean to say that. I blushed but kept looking at him. I was happy he was feeling better though, and laughed and scratched the back of his head. He blushed and I just had to giggle.
"Why are you giggling? Is there something on my face?" I laughed again. No you're just cute when you blush. He blushed a deeper shade of red and I quickly gave him a quick peck on the cheek, and his eyes widened. I pulled him into another hug so he wouldn't see me blush.
"Thanks for saving me," I said.
"No it's no problem really, I'm feeling all better now thanks for telling me the truth. I'm not mad at all of you Ara it wasn't your fault." I smiled.
"Let's go downstairs and tell the others," I said.
"Okay, I'm feeling all better now." Just for effect, he punched the air and I laughed.
"Silly boy come on let's go." I said grinning ear to ear.
"All right all right I'm coming!" As we both made our way downstairs, everyone greeted Chung once again, and this time no collapsing, no fainting, and no trouble. Except I felt sad. I would have to be leaving soon. I know I wasted too much time here and have to continue to look for my brother. As Chung was explaining how I made him feel better and leaving out the part of being Ran's brother, I quickly interjected.
"I'm sorry guys, but I'll have to be leaving."
"What why?"
"Already?"
"You can stay a little longer you know."
"No... I can't I have to find my brother, he's in trouble I know it." I bowed. "Thank you for letting me stay with you guys, and the care you have given me. I'll be off then. Thank you again." As I turned to leave Chung grabbed my arm.
"Wait Ara. Come with us. I know you can fight, and if you're looking for your brother we'll help you. I was stunned and looked at everyone else and they nodded in agreement.
"Yeah Ara you've been great company!" Aisha said
"And you managed to cheer Chung up, and from what he said you can fight too," Elsword stated.
"Yeah strength in numbers Ara," Raven said in his usual cold tone. I looked at Chung again. He gave me a thumbs up and I smiled.
"Okay. I'll join you guys! Please take care of me!" Everyone cheered and lifted me up on their shoulders.
"Welcome to the Elgang Ara!" Eve said
"Thank you everyone! I will do my best and become strong like you guys." I glanced at Chung and smiled. I blushed and finally, I had found a family. I promise not to let you down you guys!
Me: *still running from homing missiles* WHY DOES THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN! D:
Aisha: Dang that was a pretty long chapter if I do say so myself.
Me: It wasn't even as long as my other one -_-
Rena: But you're getting better ultima! ^_^
Me: I'M A LITTLE BUSY RIGHT NOW!
Elsword: But your grammar still sucks you noob :P
Me: -_- I'm about to DIE and you bring this up again?
Elsword: yup that's my job :D
Me: WHO THE HECK PAYS YOU TO SAY MEAN THINGS TO ME? I'm sad
Ara: His sister
Elsword's sister: yo
Me: WTF are you doing in my story?
Elsword's sister: giving my brother his check, he's done a good job these chapters.
Elsword: why thank you big sis
Ara: How many grammar mistakes now Eve?
Eve: 18384773. Improving *claps*
Me: QQ I have bad grammar and I'm running for my life.
Chung: *walks in with book in his hand* Oh hey ultima how's life?
Me: CHUNG IMMA KILL YOU!
Chung: O_O okay I was just aski-
Me: *rams into Chung* you sent missiles after me T_T
Aisha: BINDING CIRCLE!
Me and Chung: :o what did you do that for?
Aisha: Everyone get out of the blast zone
Everyone but me and Chung: *Runs outside*
Me and Chung: hey uhh Aisha what's with the countdow-
Aisha: METEOR SHOWER!
Me and Chung: FUUUU WHYYYYY WOULD YOU DO THAT? wait you're a BtM
Aisha: Chung was a ShG and he used Shooting star by the way I think those are still homing in on you
Me and Chung: CENSORED *blows up*
Aisha: oops :P
Ara: If you guys review and give ultima some tips I'll use a Resurrection stone on him :D
Eve: Thank you for the people that have reviewed so far, hope ultima improved!
Rena: Constructive criticism is fine!