NAA: I have returned.
Elsword: Dang, why'd you have to come back?
NAA: WHY IS THE ELGANG SO MEAN TO ME?!
Elsword: Because it's... Fun?
NAA: I WILL KEEL YOU!
Elsword: Keel? Isn't that like, a part of a boat?
NAA: I don't own Elsword, but I do own a bag of Tostitos 'Hint of Lime' chips which I am happily away on.
Chapter Five:
Home Sick?
Aisha's PoV
Still in a bad mood from Elsword's visit, I decided to occupy my mind by trying to sense any nearby El. This is the first time since first entering Os that I've decided to try to actually search for El. I've been so busy with learning about this world, and working at Speka's cafe.
Now I would also have to deal with school, and that annoying Elsword. Times where I could just sit down and concentrate on El (which was my original purpose for being here)would be sparse.
I had walked out to the main room, and sat back down on the couch. It was still warm from before.
"Agh! Why am I getting so distracted?!" I yelled, pulling on one of my purple tails. Why was that ElBaka getting to me so much? I almost never got angry like this back in Ri. I hope Aisha Ostrum isn't having as many difficulties as I am.
I sighed, leaning back as I temporarily forgot the El. An aching pain entered the pit of my stomach. Was I... Home sick? I never thought I would get home sick since where I live isn't exactly... Worthy of getting sick over.
I lived my life monotonously, all I ever really did was research. I had a plethora of books which I would spend hours reading. I often finished them in the same day I started them. My house was similar to this apartment, all it had was a bedroom, kitchen, and tiny library. The bathhouse was outside.
The town of Lanitoris was just as, if not more, boring then my home. The population just topped three hundred. There was a tiny market square, and every Saturday it would fill to the brim with locals. The rest of the buildings were the homes belonging to said locals.
The most exciting thing about Lanitoris was the Cantus Inn. Every night you could hear the joyful sounds of Celtic songs and playful romping. I only ever entered several times for an evening meal, but those were by far some of the funnest nights I had ever experienced.
Occasionally, a pack of glitters would attack, but they were always easy to fend off. A farmer wielding a pitchfork, or a shovel could kill a pack of glitters. The landscape surround Lanitoris was painted in with farmland, the occasional barn or farmhouse popping up.
All-in-all, Lanitoris was very bland. So why did I miss it so much? I barely even had a friend. Ok, so I did have one friend. Allegro, the Alchemist living down the road. We often debated the properties of the El shards, or the meaning of different runes I would find in one the books I inherited from my Grandfather.
My Grandfather had been my last living relative, but he passed two years ago. He also happened to be my mentor, and best friend. I still miss him. Every time I looked at the portrait of him hanging over the mantle at my tiny house, my heart would feel like someone pounded a hammer into it with every beat.
I could feel my eyes starting to water, but blinked the tears away before they could fall. Taking a deep breath, something I seem to be doing more and more often. I still had to find the El, I didn't have time for tears.
I closed my eyes, trying to temporarily forget the recent events clouding my thought process. Than, I drew up a picture from memory of an El shard, I found that picturing what I was trying to sense helped exponentially.
I sat silently, hardly breathing for a good ten minutes before a glimmer poked it's head through the smog known as my mind. The El. It was somewhere in the city? But where? It seemed to be coming from the North, closer to the center of the city.
I never went too far into the city, only to Speka's cafe, which was only three minutes of a bus ride away. It didn't take long for me to just start walking instead of wasting money on a filthy bus.
Back to the subject of El. I would, unfortunately, have to wait until the weekend to enter the city, or else I'm sure I would get lost and not find my way out for a day or two. I tended to get myself into trouble easily.
After mulling until I created a plan for when I did go searching for El, I checked the stove top clock. It was already 9:00? It was only around six when Elsword left, and I only spent around fifteen minutes raging about it.
I frowned, supposing I should probably head to bed soon. I went back to the bedroom, and heard Angkor give an exaggerated 'hmph'.
"What now?"
"I never got my two treats." He pouted. My lips formed a soft smile, tinged with just a bit of heartache. Now that I had discovered that there was El, my mind refilled with thoughts of home.
And maybe thoughts of Elsword. Was it normal for someone to hold a grudge over something so petty for this long? I hoped so, because that was the only explanation I could think of.
"Angkor, you know an... Average amount of information about the world, right?" I inquired, choosing my words slowly.
"Yes, is there something on your mind?" I nodded, lying down on the still untidy bed.
"What does it mean when you can't stop thinking of someone?"
"Well... I'll tell you if you get me my treat!" He really is angry over that, isn't he? I picked myself up, and shuffled through one of the drawers in my dresser. I mean, Aisha Ostrum's dresser.
Pulling out a small plastic container labeled "Angkor's Treats" in small, messy letters. The 'treats' within consisted of completely random food items. There was a mint, some dried out baby carrots, a dead bee, several Pocky sticks, and a large candy bar.
"Which two do you want?" He pondered my question before answering.
"A carrot, and Pocky stick." I rolled my eyes, pulling the two snacks out and tossing them into his cage. He devoured them quickly, not even caring that the carrot was dry, and the Pocky Stick probably stale.
"Now will you tell me?" I wondered to him, plopping back down onto the bed.
"Well, it usually means your in love." His chewing invaded the sentence, but I could still make it out easily.
"What?!" I shrieked, standing up once more.
"Why, are you still thinking about that red-head boy?"
"N-No! W-Why would I-I? He's just a-an idi-idiot!" I forced out a reluctant laugh, and fake smile. My eyebrows were curved upwards however, so I knew he could see the falseness.
"Liar." He muttered, smirking at me.
"Sh-Shut up!" I shouted, grabbing a fleece blanket and tossing it over his cage.
"Hey, it's dark under here!" He protested as I pulled off my sweaty knee socks. Thank goodness they give you two extra uniforms, because I don't have time for any cleaning spells, nor do I have the energy.
Once the navy and red clothing had fallen in a mess on the floor, I dressed in a comfortable T-shirt, and a pair of sports shorts. I wonder where Aisha Ostrum got those?
The bed felt softer than the grass of Elisum, but sleep did not come easily. I switched positions every five minutes, never quite reaching comfort. My mind drifted as my eyelids drooped. I didn't feel like I was in Aisha Ostrum's bed.
I felt like I was in my own bed. I knew it was just my imagination though, since I could still hear Angkor's munching. I was too tired to care, either way.
Two hours Earlier
Elsword's PoV
I slammed the door to mine and Elsa's apartment shut, sort of pissed at Aisha for just kicking me out. Why the hell did she do that? She invites me over, tells me some crazy lie, then just gives me the boot?
"Hey Els, there's dinner if you want some!" Elsa called from the kitchen. Our apartment had two bedrooms, a bathroom, and the kitchen area which was connected to the living room area.
"No thanks." I grumbled, marching straight towards my room.
"What's got your panties in a twist?" Elsa chuckled.
"Aisha." I stated, crossing my arms.
"Oh, is she your new Girlfriend?" I gagged.
"Girlfriend?! Hell no! She's the new transfer, and just gave me some crazy, made-up story about different dimensions and crap." I explained, turning back to walk through my door.
"Interesting." Is all I heard before I swung the door to my room open.
"Whatever." I muttered while entering. I closed the door a little less violently than before. Now that I think about it, Elsa's reaction was odd. Normally she would burst out laughing, just like I had, but her response was too calm. Too... Accepting.
It's not like Aisha's story was true. And the whole Staff-summon thing was just plain boring. Though it does make me wonder why she would have a staff. Maybe I should ask her. It doesn't matter though, since she probably won't want to talk to me anytime soon. She had some pretty major anger issues.
But it sure is fun to tease her though!
The next Morning...
Aisha's PoV
Morning flew by like paper in the breeze. I bathed, dressed, and ate quickly. The walk to school was boring too, not even the shouts of some woman I bumped into could cause my mood to differ.
When I reached the school and passed my student Id to the man standing guard, he didn't even grunt a response. Miss Stella wasn't in the classroom when I entered. The only person there being Chung, who waved at me with a little smile.
That lifted my spirits a bit, and I smiled in return. Chung sat in the back corner opposite of the windows where I sat. It's too bad, Chung is pretty nice. I wouldn't mind having him as a friend.
The classroom tediously began flooding with students as they chatted away to classmates. A few girls were gossiping behind me, and well, I couldn't help but eavesdrop.
"So apparently Elsword went to the transfer's house." One high-voiced girl said. Wait, how did they know about Elsword coming over?
"What! That's so not fair." Another said, a pout in her voice. So Elsword has fan-girls?
"I know right! She's not even pretty!" The first spoke, her voice more annoying than I remembered. What were they insinuating? That me and Elsword are... Oh, nonononono!
"Well the rumor is that they went down to the- Here comes Stella!" They scattered to their seats as our brunette teacher entered. I looked to Elsword's desk, he wasn't there.
"Alright kiddies, let's get down to business. First off- CHUNG!" Miss Stella hollered at the blonde, and he jolted from his previously peaceful nap, the dark tinges in his hair sticking up.
"Huh?! Oh, present." He stated, scrubbing his eyes to remove sleep. I giggled lightly. Elsword still wasn't here, and he didn't appear during attendance at all.
"Aisha?" I glanced at Miss Stella, who was wearing the same long skirt as yesterday.
"Prese-." And that's when a certain red-head practically ripped the sliding door away. I huffed, irritated instantly.
"Elsword, you're late." Miss Stella spoke not too happily. Her eyes darkened.
"I know, I-" He ducked as Miss Stella's clip-board flew across the room, and out the doorway. I had to suppress a chuckle, though the rest of the class couldn't. After that, I kept my eyes to the window. It started to rain during second period. During third it came down harder.
Thunder started up in fourth, and lighting contrasted against the dark backdrop during Gym(which I was FORCED to take). At lunch, I sat alone, chewing on a strip of Spear-mint gum to sate my hunger(I had forgotten my lunch). It worked well enough for my stomach not to growl during my next class.
After that, nothing really exciting happened. Once the day ended, I took a text book from my locker, stuffing it into my bag before departing. It was raining hard enough for me to get drenched on my way back to the apartment.
Once I finally did get back, I ignored Rena's teasing and Angkor's confused looks. My mood had fallen like the rain, disappearing as quickly as lightning strikes. The next it was the same, still raining hard.
I didn't have an umbrella, so when I reached school the next day I was soaked. Elsword wasn't late this time, but I almost was. Thank goodness, or else I might've had to sit in a room alone with him. I really didn't feel like arguing more.
During lunch, I ate an apple and some pudding, but couldn't stomach the sandwich I had packed. I don't know what was up, but I was feeling more and more home sick everyday.
On day three of school, Chung asked me if I wanted to study for an upcoming test with him and Elsword. I declined quickly, wanting to avoid any awkwardness for as long as I could. Elsword probably thought I was crazy.
On the fourth day, the rain slowed to a drizzle, so I didn't arrive at school looking like I had just jumped into the ocean. Gym that day was especially hard as we played a stereotypical game of dodge ball. Even if the genders were separated for gym, I didn't leave without several bruises.
Once day five finally arrived, I began to feel excited. After all, tomorrow I would be able to search for the El! My demeanor changed dramatically. I became much more enthusiastic when conversing with Rena, and almost got the courage to explain myself to Elsword!
If you've heard the phrase "Happiness is Fleeting" let me tell you something new. Courage is just as, if not more, fleeting than happiness. Especially for an anti-social girl like me.
"A penny for your thoughts?" Angkor asked as I was finished up some math homework on my bed. I mean, Aisha Ostrum's bed.
"What?" I asked, confused over what he said.
"Just spill what you're thinking, I know it's not about that math homework. If you're like Miss Aisha at all, than I know you could finish that homework in less than five minutes." I sighed, setting my paper and pencil down.
"I was thinking about tomorrow; I know nothing about the city. What if I get lost?" I informed the little bat.
"Just take the bus back if you do. There are stops everywhere." He suggested, but I just shrugged.
"I guess that would work." He perked up when I agreed with him, for I don't agree with him often.
"That's better! Now tell me what was really on your mind." I gaped at him. How did he know?
"Ok, fine. I was just thinking of whether or not I should tell Elsword I was kidding, or something." I diverted my eyes, heat emanating from my ears.
"Oh, so you're still thinking about him, eh? Is he the reason you asked me that question a few days ago~?" He raised his brow expectantly. Or, at least I think that's what he raised.
"N-No! Maybe. Yes?" I stammered, forcefully trying to relax.
"So you think you're in love~?"
"NO!" I exclaimed, throwing a pillow at his cage. It rattled a bit. "I've only known him for a few days, how could I be in love with him?"
"Than, you have a crush on him~?" I looked away, muttering a "Maybe". He laughed heartily, sounding like a drunk at the Cantus Inn on a Saturday night.
"I said 'maybe', you stupid albino!" I shouted at him, causing his laughter to halt suddenly. He looked thoroughly insulted.
"I am not Albino! My color is due to enchantment s'all." I giggled at his pouting. He looked quite cute like that. I glanced at the clock. 11:00 o'clock?! How'd it get so late?! I could obviously finish my homework quickly tomorrow. Or at the latest, Sunday night.
"Alright, lights out!" I exclaimed, stretching, than tossing my homework onto the bedside table.
"I hope you have nightmares." Angkor grumbled touchily as I switched the light off.
"Shut up, ya d*mn bat." I muttered, falling into slumber much faster than five nights ago. Much faster.
NAA: Fillerfillerfillerfillerfillerfillerfillerfiller. Hurrah for another sorta-filler~!
Aisha: Um, hurrah?
NAA: Shut up and be grateful. You ARE the main character.
Aisha: ... Touche...
NAA: And now to my wonderful reviewers!
To Tsurara-Oikawa Chan: Good. Magic? Why didn't I think of that?! I very much like Ice cream, yes, so thank you(It's chocolate. A very common fact to the people who know me. I love chocolate. Need chocolate. I will marry chocolate one, and we will have twenty-eight little chocolate babies(which I will most likely eat)).
To G123u: I HAVE FIXED THE SPELLING! I AM VICTORIOUS! I also fixed a few grammar issues, so yay~! I thank you for pointing them out! And here is another (hopefully) interesting filler. I hope you like!
Mandy234619: I won't(only because Tsurara-Oikawa Chan gave me some more). And Sank Jou(Translation: Thank You).
Rosamanelle: You like it that much? I shall go now, and cry great tears of joy! Kidding, kidding. Anyways, here is that update~! Though don't expect my daily updates to last, because that's how all my stories start out, and than I... get lazy...
Aisha: Those were some... interesting review replies.
NAA: Whatever. Do you think I should have a special VP chapter?
Aisha: Well I don't care, VP is still me.
NAA: Shut up, I was talking to the read/reviewers.
Aisha: Oh.
Toodle-Loodles,
~Not-Alone-Anymore