Vayne: Okay, let me warn you right now. Beware the ending of this chapter. All I'm saying. Enjoy!

Chapter Two: A Lot to Think About

Chung's room: 7:45 AM

Chung slowly awoke, feeling strangely drowsy. She crawled out of bed, walking onto the balcony in her nightgown, and gazing at the breathtaking sunrise. She took a deep breath, able to taste the sea in the cold morning air. She sighed.

"What a lovely day. Hard to imagine yesterday actually happened." Chung looked at the courtyard, seeing Raven patrolling the ramparts, "Since Raven is down there, Rena will be waiting outside my door to watch over me today. Perfect." Chung smiled, "Time to tell mother." Chung got dressed, putting on her regular garments, a long silk dress, white stockings with heels, and elbow length, white gloves. She walked to the door, and it opened.

"Good morning your majesty. I hope you slept well." Rena smiled warmly, as did Chung. When they were alone, Rena was the one person in the castle Chung could talk to freely. Rena knew more about Chung than the queen did, as she always kept her secrets safe.

"My, when was the last time Raven left you alone with me?" Chung giggled.

"Oh, that blockhead just cares too much." Rena scoffed, "Still, he works hard, and I can respect that."

"Rena?" Chung spoke nervously, making Rena realize she had something very personal to tell her, "Can you keep another secret?"

"Of course dear! Have I ever betrayed your trust?" Rena smiled as Chung relaxed. She grew slightly concerned as Chung blushed.

"You surely remember Elsword?"

"Of course." Rena sighed. Can't even count how many times I've caught him on the western guard tower, spying on you.

"I...kind of like him..." Rena stared at her, amazed.

"Milady, are you certain? What would your mother think of this?" Rena was not judging Chung, but was honestly concerned.

"I don't care. I am going to have Elsword take Raven's place as my bodyguard." Chung whispered in Rena's ear, making sure none heard her, "I want to get to know him better, but I don't know what to do. You had a lover once right Rena? Can't you help me?" Rena sighed.

"Alright, I'll help you Chung." Chung hugged her tightly, "But please go easy on Raven. If the queen realized he let his guard slip, he'll be doomed."

"Alright, I'll go easy." Chung and Rena walked downstairs, heading for the dining hall to wait for the queen to wake up.

"Ow...crap that hurts." Elsword felt like his back was still impaled by that sword, and he laid back on the bed. He was regaining feeling in his legs, so the medicine was doing its job. He sighed, "If Raven really wanted me out of here, he'd just have the royal mage fix me up. Then I'd have been gone long ago."

"I think it's safe to say you won't have to go." Chung froze, and turned to see an immense surprise. Chung stood in the doorway, alongside Rena, and the queen herself.

"Oh my god! Your majesty!" Elsword lowered his head, not sure what to do. The queen walked up to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Elsword, my daughter has informed me of the truth of your deeds yesterday. Now that I know Raven lied to me about a matter of the utmost importance, I offer you a choice. If you wish it, you may be my daughter's new personal guard." Elsword stared blankly at the queen, mouth hanging open.

"No offense, majesty, but are you certain you are well?" Elsword was sure he was either dreaming, or the queen was ill. She smiled, then laughed.

"Elsword. You saved my beloved daughter's life. This offer is the least I can do. Please Elsword, I hope you take this offer. If you do, and wish it, I will have the royal mage heal your wounds."

Elsword thought it over, eyes closed in focus. Everyone waited patiently as he thought. I could be living in the castle, pro. I'll be paid well, pro. I can give money to my friends and Gramps in Soggy Town in the sewers, definite pro. I'll be near Raven, major con. I'll be the closest person to the princess, protecting her from danger, pro. Elsword opened his eyes, and nodded his head.

"I accept your highness. I will be honored to protect the princess. However, I have one request."

"And that is?"

"I wish to be allowed to leave for my home every so often. I plan on giving some of my pay to my friends in the orphanage so they can get by easier."

"Of course Elsword. What you do with your income is your business. Shall I call for Elysa?" Elsword nodded, assuming this, Elysa, was the royal mage. The queen left shortly, and an unfamiliar woman walked into the room. She was wrapped in a dark cloak, and without a word, placed a hand on Elsword's wound. A bright glow came from her hands, and Elsword felt a flood of warmth. After a minute, the mage left the room, and Chung walked up to him.

"I'm so happy you took mother's offer Elsword!" Now I can see you every day. She smiled, and Elsword grew more nervous. Raven had walked into the room, and seemed quite angry.

"You." Raven stood at the foot of the bed, furious, "What have you done?"

"Raven!" Chung jumped up, glaring at him, "This was my choice, not his! After what happened yesterday, I've grown doubtful of your ability to watch over me, and chose Elsword to take over your position as my bodyguard. After all, he was willing to nearly kill himself to save my life while your guard was down." Raven closed his eyes, breathing heavily to try and calm himself. He looked back at Elsword.

"If you try anything, I will find out about it." Raven walked out of the room, and Rena walked up to the bed.

"Elsword, allow me to apologize for how I have been treating you." Chung looked confused, unaware of Elsword's habit of sneaking onto the roof of the western watchtower, and gazing at Chung's bedroom as she relaxed in the late night breeze. Elsword smiled.

"Don't worry about it. It's your job after all."

"Yes, and now it seems we share that job." Rena put out her hand, "I look forward to working with you, lord Sieghart." Elsword stammered, then took her hand, shaking it strongly.

"Likewise, lady Fairweather." Rena smiled, and began to leave, "Rena?"

"Well, since you're all healed up, and her new guard, I have my own duties to attend to." She winked at Chung, and left the room.

"What now?" Chung wondered if she should show Elsword around.

"Well, first I need my sword back, then maybe I could be so bold to ask for a tour of the grounds?" Chung smiled, her chest feeling warmer.

"Sure!" As Elsword got out of bed, Chung grabbed his arm, and pulled him out the door, almost jumping with excitement. Rena and the queen watched them run down the hall, Elsword blushing in confusion and embarrassment, and Chung visibly overjoyed, and they smiled.

"I can't remember the last time I have seen her so happy." The queen sighed, recalling memories when Chung was still a little girl. Rena smiled.

"Indeed." Rena sighed, knowing more than the queen did about the current situation. Well, I wish you luck princess.

Chung brought Elsword to the front courtyard after they retrieved his sword. She held his arm the whole time, making Elsword very uncomfortable from the guards constant stares. Chung smiled as they walked by Raven's patrol route, making Elsword cringe at Raven's deathly glare. Chung brought him to the back, where the smaller courtyard led to a massive garden. Elsword continued to feel increasingly uncomfortable from Chung's strange clinginess.

"Um...ma'am?" Chung looked at him, "Could you...please...let me go?" Frowning, Chung let go of his arm, "Apologies milady, but it was just...awkward."

"Okay." Chung sighed, then walked over to a fair sized apple tree, "Come on, let's sit down." Chung patted the floor next to her, and he sat down. Chung merely wanted to take one glance at him, but then fell prey to those eyes again.

"Ma'am?" Elsword noticed her intent stare.

"How do you like it here?" Chung changed the subject quickly.

"Well, I like most of it."

"What don't you like?"

"Raven's hostility mostly, and the fact that now I can't really be with my friends." Elsword chuckled, "Some of those kids are hopeless without me, least they still got Gramps, and he won't be going anywhere."

"Why is that?" Chung thought that Gramps didn't have much time left in the world, given how old he looked.

"Looks can be deceiving, he's half elf. He told us once his body ages like a human, but he's still only about, if you compare the ages, thirty."

"Wow. I would never have guessed." Chung saw Elsword glance up, then throw a small rune at a ripe apple, the burning blade effortlessly cleaving the stem. He nimbly caught the fruit, and cut it in half with his sword. He handed her one half, and she smiled, "Thank you Elsword. This is one of the reasons I chose you."

"Hmm?" Elsword took a bite from his half.

"Well, Raven never offered me apples, or anything of the sort, he was always too absorbed in guarding me that I never had the slightest joy, even in the castle." She sighed, "I hope you can be more fun."

"I...I'll try my best." Elsword looked back to the courtyard, looking over the garden. Why is she being so close? I'm just an orphan, low-class, even if I am her bodyguard now. Even so, I've only been her guard for an hour, and she's acting like I'm her best friend, not that I mind. She deserves better than me. Elsword looked up, hearing someone approach. Instinctively, he moved for his sword, then relaxed seeing it was one of the guards, but still ready if it was fake.

"Your highness."

"Yes? What is it?" Chung didn't want to waste her time with anything else right now. But then she heard what the guard had to say.

"Your sister has paid another visit, and awaits you in your room." Chung perked up.

"Oh! Sis is here?" Chung started to stand up, but her dress was getting in the way. Elsword rose and helped her to her feet, "Thank you Elsword."

"Of course my lady."

"Elsword, please ask one of the servants to escort you to your room, then you may return home to retrieve your things. I wish to have a private talk with my good sister."

"Very well, majesty." Elsword walked with Chung to the castle, then they parted ways. Elsword decided to fetch his belongings first, as they were few in number, and set out for Soggy Town.

Hamel sewers: 9:00 AM

The sewers of Hamel are a dangerous place for those unaccustomed to it. One wrong turn, and a traveler could become lost for days before finding the exit. The only ones who are able to find the orphan village of Soggy Town, named as it is flooded with ankle deep water, are those who have been led there by Gramps. Elsword walked the all too familiar path to the village, strangely happy to smell the terrible odors of the sewer once again. He turned right into a dead end, and pushed in a large brick. The wall slowly slid open, a secret door handmade by Gramps.

"Who's there?!" A young boy of six stood in the doorway, a broken knife in his hands. He saw Elsword, and jumped at him, dropping the knife, "Elsword!"

"Hey Kiln!" Elsword picked the young boy up, giving him a tight hug.

"Where have you been, we've been worried about you!"

"I have incredible news, run ahead and gather everyone." Kiln nodded, and sprinted down the hall. Elsword closed the wall behind him, and walked slowly down the damp corridor, sighing as the water covered his feet. After five minutes walking, he walked into a well lit area. Rackety shacks lined the walls, and the only dry area was in the center, a large hill where everyone usually sat at when they were bored. Elsword saw all the children noticed him, and they all ran towards him.

"Elsword's back! Yay!" As the first group of ten kids reached him, they all jumped on him, knocking him backwards into the water. After everyone was done hugging him and welcoming him home, he got up, completely soaked.

"Ulg, talk about a welcome." He smiled. Gramps walked up to them, smiling. Elsword was the first orphan Gramps took in.

"Well Elsword? What is this incredible news?" Elsword sat down on the hill, as did the others.

"Well, it's good news, and slightly bad news."

"Why don't we hear the bad news first?" Gramps sighed.

"I won't be living here anymore sadly."

"What?! Why?!" The children hollered, and Gramps motioned for them to quiet down.

"That's the good news! I, as of today, have been made the princess's royal bodyguard!"

"Really?!" Even Gramps looked amazed.

"Yes! I'm going to save us some money, and get us an actually building in the city. Actual food, actual beds." Elsword looked at Gramps, "Unless you want to stay here?"

"Elsword. I want the best for these children. Thank you." Elsword nodded, and got up.

"Are you going already?" Kiln pulled on his pants leg.

"Sadly yes. I'm only here because I had to retrieve my things. Then I must return to protect the princess."

"Elsword." Gramps spoke softly, "You always were a good kid. Always watching out for your friends, even those who looked down on you. Take care of our beloved princess."

"I will." Elsword swiftly gathered his things, books mostly, a few small daggers, spare change, and a very special necklace. It belonged to his sister, who he lost before he ever got to know her. He knew she was a great swordsman, and pursued to follow in her footsteps, so the necklace had very special meaning to him. He bid everyone farewell, and to get things ready to move to a new home in the future.

Hamel Castle, Chung's room: 10:00 AM

"Has he returned yet?" Chung sighed. Elsword had only been gone an hour, and she already felt empty. Rena sighed.

"You've really fallen for him haven't you?"

"Oh Rena, I can't decide! My mind is in peril, should I tell him? He found my affection awkward for some reason, what do I do?!" Rena shushed her.

"Shh...Milady. You're being much to forward and direct. I know it's difficult, but you need to back off. Don't make him uncomfortable. Why don't you take your sister's advice?" Chung looked at her.

"But, it seemed like it would never work." Rena smiled.

"You can do much more to convince a man than you think my dear. Think, creatively as to how you can convince him that you love him." Chung thought it over, and glanced down at the main courtyard. She jumped up.

"He's back!" Chung sighed, "Do you think I should do what sis said?" Rena nodded.

"It's as good a start as any. I will leave now."

"Very well. I want to rest anyway, Eve will be in later for my lessons." Chung grimaced.

"Why do you hate your lessons so much ma'am?"

"All Eve has been teaching me lately is the 'greatness of the Nasods'." Chung groaned, "She's so conceited!"

"I won't argue there. Have a good rest majesty." Rena bowed, and left the room. She walked down the stairs, and saw Elsword approaching the corridor.

"Ah, hello Rena."

"Hello Elsword. Got everything?"

"Yes, not that I really had anything to begin with." Elsword sighed, "No matter."

"Don't worry about the princess. Eve will be along to begin her daily lessons soon, and the princess is currently sleeping." Elsword nodded, and headed for the back courtyard. Rena, curious, followed him. He made sure that the courtyard was clear, and unsheathed his sword. He flexed his other hand, flames briefly enveloping it, then he began to practice. Rena watched him, his sword swings strong and fast, and fluidly blending with his runic strikes. Rena smiled. He's very skilled indeed. Lady Chung will be safe in his hands. Elsword, I hope you will return her feelings. After all, you always watch her rest on the balcony when the sun falls down from the tower. Rena walked back into the castle, and headed for the ramparts.

Meanwhile, at Chung's bedroom balcony.

"Milady! Please don't get distracted!" Eve forced Chung to look back at her. Chung sighed, looked back, then instantly turned her gaze back to the courtyard. She watched Elsword practice, his movements making it seem like he was dancing. Eve paid more attention then, and realized something different in her eyes. They seemed to shine slightly as Chung stared at Elsword. Could it be...she likes him? Eve stood up.

"Yes?" Chung asked, not looking in her direction.

"Since you seem uninterested in your lessons today, I will leave."

"Very well Eve. May I ask if you could tell a servant I wish to have some tea?" Eve smiled, nodded, and walked out the room.

"Hmm, I should ask Rena what she makes of this." Eve told a servant to fetch Chung some tea, and set out to find Rena.

Elsword, after almost two hours training as he had Chung in his sight, seeing her watch him from her balcony, sheathed his sword. He headed back inside the castle, and up the western tower stairs. He knocked on Chung's bedroom door.

"Yes?" He heard her reply.

"It's Elsword ma'am."

"Oh! Come in, come in!" Elsword froze. I was just coming to tell you I was done practice and was going to stay guard, but...okay? Elsword slowly walked into the room, closing the door behind him. Chung sat by a piano, large and pearl white, "Please, sit down." Chung made room for him to sit next to her.

"Are you sure this is allowed?" Elsword knew this was wrong, but Chung frowned.

"Elsword, I am your princess, and you are my bodyguard. You listen to my orders, and are not to answer to anyone else except my mother and only if it is a matter of utmost importance, understand?" Chung sighed, "Now please, just sit next to me." Elsword sat down.

"I'm sorry ma'am. I'm still trying to figure out how I need to act around you."

"When we're alone," Chung smiled, "Act normally please." Elsword stammered briefly, then sighed.

"Very well, your highness." Chung put a finger to his lips.

"Please, call me Chung when we're alone."

"Alright, Chung." His face felt warm as he saw Chung smile. She turned, and placed her hands on the piano.

"Mind if I play awhile?"

"I'd like to listen." Chung blushed then, and began to play. The melody came smoothly to her, and echoed down the stairwell and into the western corridor. Eve and Rena heard the faint music, and sighed.

"Is this the plan you were speaking of? Wooing a man with musical talent?" Eve raised an eyebrow at Rena.

"Not to woo, just to show. To learn more about each other. Pray that Raven doesn't know she's playing for him." Eve nodded.

"That would be bad." Then Eve noticed something, "Come to think of it, I haven't seen Raven all day."

"Yeah..." Rena was worried. A great warrior he might be, but Raven's age, and his Nasod arm, finally had begun catching up to him. His combat senses have been reclining, the real reason the cultist had gotten past his watchful eye.

"Apparently he left for the city some time ago, and didn't come back."

"I hope he's okay."

"As do I." Eve turned deadly serious, "He mentioned looking for the Cultists."

"Oh no...he couldn't have possibly-"

"Rena! Don't worry yourself. Even if they did somehow manage to capture him, they wouldn't be able to hold him long."

"True." Rena jumped, turning to see Elsword standing in the doorway.

"Can we help you?" Eve asked calmly.

"Is that cultist still alive?" Rena and Eve stared at him, surprised.

"Yes, we've been trying to extract information from him, but nothing's been working." Elsword smirked.

"Let me see him." Rena glared, "Either I manage to get him to talk, or he dies eventually."

"The queen plans to execute him tomorrow if he still refuses to talk."

"If he doesn't talk, I'll do the job myself. So, may I see him?" Rena sighed, and stood up.

"Eve, watch the princess. Follow me Elsword."

Castle dungeon: 6:00 PM

The cultist hung from the ceiling, head lowered in exhaustion. Rena stood in the corner, watching closely as Elsword walked up to him. His hand lit up, and he waved it slowly in front of the cultist's closed eyes. He flinched in terror, eyes still closed, as Elsword had seared the skin together when he retaliated the day before.

"You know this flame. You've felt it, and fallen prey to it." Elsword extinguished the fire, "And you know why I am here." Elsword picked up a dagger from the table, and placed a rune on it, lighting it aflame.

"I won't say shit! The crown will fall!" The cultist screamed in pain as Elsword slowly sunk the burning dagger into his shoulder, the fire burning the flesh inside. Elsword sunk it in until the hilt, then left it there, the fire still burning wildly.

"Wrong. Answer." Elsword picked up another dagger, louder this time so that the cultist heard his action. Elsword set the knife on fire again, and slowly dragged its edge across the prisoner's nose, "Now, why do you want to kill the princess?"

"Go to hell!" Another scream as Elsword sunk the knife into his other shoulder. After he sunk it in to the hilt, Elsword kicked him in the chest, hard.

"Do not try me you pile of shit!" Elsword grabbed the cultist's neck, squeezing, "Either you tell me what your cult's plan is, where you hide, or I give you a slow, agonizing death." The cultist spat in Elsword's face, "Rena. Please leave."

"Elsword-"

"I won't feel comfortable mutilating this bastard while others are present." Elsword spoke coldly, drawing his sword. Rena saw the look in Elsword's eyes, and quickly left the cell. A moment's silence, then screams of agony filled the halls. Rena could clearly hear Elsword cleaving the cultist, slicing his flesh off, bit by bit. It lasted for almost thirty minutes, when the screaming finally ceased. Rena heard a thud, the sound of the cultist's lifeless body hitting the floor. Elsword stepped out, blood splattered on his arms, chest, and face.

"Elsword..."

"I'm sorry. I think I let my anger get the better of me that time." Rena glanced over Elsword's shoulder, and saw the cultist's body on fire. The heat was intense enough that even once Elsword closed the door, she still felt the fire.

"Elsword, I never knew someone like you was capable of something like this." Elsword sighed.

"Us orphans...we have to do anything to get by. I've killed, many times. For money, to protect, and to survive." Elsword looked at himself, and wiped his face on his arm, "Looks like I need a wash, as do my garments."

"Let me have the servants send for some extra clothes. The princess is waiting for you at the dungeon entrance, and I don't think it would be best meeting her drenched in blood." Elsword nodded, and walked to an unlocked, empty cell.

"I'll get changed in here, just drop my change of clothes through the door once they get here." Rena nodded, and walked out of the dungeon. She froze as she saw Chung, wide eyed and scared.

"Milady, are you alright?" Chung shivered.

"I...never thought...he could be...so brutal..." Rena sighed. She must have heard everything.

"Chung, Elsword was doing his duty. Raven, even I would have done the same." Chung still shivered, tears rolling down her face, "Come on, let's get you to your room, okay?"

"O-O-Okay." Chung still shivered. The images of the cultist, being tortured for information, then slowly being killed haunted her mind. The fact her object of interest did these things, made her all the more scared. She lay down on the bed, sobbing. Why is this all happening? What have my family done to provoke these people? Please...just stop. Just...stop. Chung continued to cry, knowing that no matter how much she hoped for it, these cultists would continue their plans until her guardians tracked them down, and ended their schemes.

Vayne: Wow, I'm messed up.

Elgang: Yes you are! And kinda evil!

Vayne: Hey! I was planning on making this fic full of drama and surprises, so look forward to more messed up stuff!

Reviews

Random troll guest: OMG MY FIRST TROLL REVIEW! I'M SO HAPPY! THANKYOUTHANKYOUTHANKYOU THIS IS A MILESTONE! SUCKS FOR YOU BECAUSE YOUR INTENT TO MAKE ME FEEL BAD ABOUT MY WRITING ABILITIES HAS FAILED EPICLY! HAHAHAHA -starts to cry from laughing so hard- I'M LAUGHING BECAUSE YOU FAIL SO BAD XD but seriously Problem? :3

DevilWolf641: I'm glad you enjoy my idea for Elsword and Raven's rivalry, and I dearly appreciate your support and encouragement, and for talking smack about the troll to, so nice to know I got readers who care! :D I'll do my best to make this just as good, if not better of course, than my other two great stories. If you haven't read them yet, check them out!