Chapter Four: Test
Elsword slowly woke, and glanced out the window. He felt like it was still early, but then he remembered it was still the Harmony Festival, and that the sun would not return for quite some time. As he looked back, he was met by Chung's blue eyes piercing into his eyes. He sighed, and held her tighter.
"Morning Elsword." Chung smiled, and Elsword ran his fingers through her silky hair.
"Good morning, my love." Elsword chuckled softly as Chung's face flushed with red.
"Okay, if you want to play it that way." Chung pulled herself up, and kissed him. Elsword could feel Chung pressing her chest against his, and blushed furiously. Whoa, her breasts are bigger than I thought. AGH! Don't think like that! Chung broke away, smiling, "You like my body?" Smiling wickedly, and still blushing at what she was doing, Chung placed Elsword's hand on her breast, "I hope you do, because all you see is yours." Elsword was so shocked, and embarrassed that he was turned on, that it took him a few seconds to remove his hand. Oh god...why is she so amazing? Hair like silk, skin so smooth, and her...oh man...
"Um...I think...we should...get up." As in, please get off me before I get hard. Chung sat up, intentionally making her chest bounce, and Elsword felt her rear tightly pressed against his crotch.
"Eek!" Chung squeaked, and hopped off him, "Oh...my..."
"I'm sorry."
"Shut up." Chung kissed him again, "I'll get at that sometime soon. You can bet your...manhood on it." They both blushed, then got up, "I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm getting like this."
"Me either, if it makes you feel better, you really got me going." He felt Chung hold his shoulders, and press her chest against his bare back.
"Like this?" She whispered, smiling.
"Y-Yeah. Can we get dressed now?"
"Yeah." Chung kissed his cheek, then grabbed her clothes off the floor and headed into the bathroom. Elsword got dress quickly, and took a quick look over his blade. He heard someone knock on the door, and froze. Oh shit! If that isn't Rena or Eve, I'm boned!
"Chung?" Elsword heard Vayne's voice, "Elsword, I know you're in there. Don't try to hide from the man with the all seeing hourglass." He sighed as Vayne laughed, and opened the door.
"Yes?"
"You two are really late, it's almost noon."
"Holy crap! Really?!" Vayne nodded, then raised an eyebrow.
"My, was a certain pair a little 'busy' last night?"
"No! No we weren't!"
"I wish we were." Elsword jumped as Chung came up behind him and held his hand.
"Chung!" Elsword was thoroughly embarrassed.
"Ha! Ah, young love, ain't nothing quite like it. Now come on you love birds, party has already started." Vayne hurried down the stairs, obviously wanting to be back with Rena. Elsword hooked Chung's arm.
"Shall we?"
"Let's hurry, I want to dance with you again."
The party was as if yesterday never happened. Everyone was laughing, feasting, and dancing the night away. The queen however, seemed disapproving of something. Elsword and Chung took the floor, the nobles watching them intently as they danced. Vayne had taken hold of the organ, and the melody was both unsettling, and relaxing. Eve, feeling bored, pulled Raven onto the floor. Raven awkwardly placed his metal hand on her waist, and they slowly swayed from side to side. On the sideline, Rena smiled as she sipped some wine, her long, emerald green dress attracting the gaze of many a man, single and married, as her large bust was quite tight, and fairly exposed. She knew that Eve had a little something for Raven, and it was nice to see her making a move, as she could clearly see Eve talking to him quietly, and a blush creep across Raven's face. Vayne finished the song, and the guests clapped excitedly. They bowed, and the party resumed. Elsword and Chung walked up to Rena, and were soon joined by Vayne.
"See that?" Rena glanced at Eve and Raven, who were leaving for the garden.
"Indeed I did. Bout time to."
"What?" Chung and Elsword spoke in union, unaware of the truth.
"Eve likes Raven, she's finally making a move."
"Really?" Chung was amazed, then she smiled. The party was ending, and the sun would be up in a couple hours. After all the guests had left, Chung sighed, "I think this has been the best Harmony Festival possible."
"Aside from a kidnapping, yes." The queen spoke, walking up to them, "However, I need to talk to you about something."
"Y-Yes mother?" Chung could hear the seriousness in her voice.
"Do you think me a fool Chung? I know about you and Elsword. And don't worry, I approve of his character, but I do not know anything about his ability to protect you." The queen glanced at Vayne, who sighed.
"Madam, must this be how it has to happen?"
"Yes. Elsword."
"Ma'am!" Elsword stood straighter.
"You will engage in one on one combat with Vayne, for the next hour. This is your test." Elsword stood shocked, as did Chung and Rena, who knew more about Vayne's fighting capabilities. No...this isn't good. Vayne killed fucking Eretros for god's sake! I'll seem like a fool fighting him! But...I don't have a choice.
"Very well. I'll do it. I'll show you just how I can defend her." Vayne stepped up, standing directly in front of Elsword.
"Elsword, I must warn you. I won't pull any punches." He glanced at Chung's worried expression, "And I mean I won't pull any at all." He held out his hand, "Are you sure you want to follow through with this?" Elsword firmly grasped his hand.
"Let's do this."
"Very well." Rena, Chung, and the queen stepped onto the platform, and each sat down. A bright blue shine came from the queen's royal El stone, and the whole room flashed white, and a light blue field appeared around her and the others, "The hall has been made to allow any fighting to occur. Fight at your best Elsword." Elsword and Vayne stood at the ready on each side of the hall, weapons at the ready, "Begin!"
Instantly, Vayne propelled himself forward, an explosion of sand throwing him at Elsword. Elsword raised his sword to block, but Vayne stopped short, and hooked his long sword onto his staff, bypassing his block and impaling his shoulder. Elsword grunted in pain, and was then pulled towards Vayne, who unhooked the sword, still in Elsword's shoulder, and slammed his left leg against Elsword's sword arm, pressing the staff against the back of his leg to apply more force, and disarmed him. Vayne turned in a circle, kicking Elsword back into the pillar behind him, and hooked the blade, pulling it out.
"Agh!" Elsword yelled in pain as he hit the wall, then quickly picked himself off the floor, hands ablaze incase Vayne pressed the attack. Vayne simply kicked Elsword's blade to him.
"Come on! Fight like your life depends on it! Show me all you got Elsword!" Vayne lowed himself to the floor, crouching on one leg while the other extended forward. His staff pointed at Elsword, and his sword above his head, "Come on, strike me." Rena and the queen watched intently.
"Do you remember this Rena?"
"Yes ma'am." Rena sighed. It's just like how he trained Raven.
Elsword took a single, deep breath, then hurled a large fireball at Vayne. As it reached its target, it simply disappeared, replaced by a blast of sand that was sucked into Vayne's hand. Vayne noticed Elsword had disappeared.
"Using a distraction, very clever." He turned on his heel as Elsword struck with an overhead strike, and Vayne blocked with his staff, using the sword for support, "Gotta be quicker than that!" Elsword grasped the staff, and then kicked off, moving back and hanging from a pillar by his sword. Once Vayne had realized the glowing rune on his staff, it detonated. As the cloud cleared, all that was left was the staff and sword. Elsword looked around, then Vayne leapt down on him, tearing him away from his sword and throwing him to the ground. He rolled to his feet, and blocked a roundhouse kick. He countered with a smaller explosive blast, then moved back, creating two spinning, burning runes over his fists, "Again, clever. Improvising for hand to hand combat." Vayne's hands became clouded by sand, which violently circled his hand, "Last test Elword. Give me all you got!"
Elsword shouted loudly, sick of Vayne being on the offensive. Elsword dashed forward, moving for a right hook, but then catching him with a left. The burning rune easily cut into Vayne's arm, and if he had not dodged back, it would have surely removed his arm. Vayne countered with a flurry of kicks, the last catching Elsword on the chin, knocking him up. Vayne created a whip of sand, and threw Elsword back to the floor with an earsplitting crack. Elsword lay on his back for a few seconds, then slowly tried to get up. Vayne walked up to him, aiming to knock him out, but then the floor beneath him glowed brightly. He felt stiff, and couldn't move. Elsword's eyes seemed to leak fire, and he held his hand towards Vayne. Instead of normal flames, dark purple fire enveloped his arm, in the shape of a dragon's mouth. In the next instant, a massive dragon erupted from Elsword's arm, and engulfed Vayne. It flew at the large pillar behind him, and exploded violently. Vayne was still on his legs, his clothes scorched.
"Damn...it...ugh." Elsword collapsed, and the queen removed the protective wards. Chung ran to Elsword.
"Elsword! Please, don't leave me!" Vayne walked up to them.
"He'll be fine. That last resort took a lot out of him, but he'll recover." Vayne looked at the queen, "He is more than capable majesty. In fact, that last move caught me totally off guard." Rena turned him to look at her, and slapped him.
"You could have taken it easy Vayne! You could have killed him!"
"You know I don't kill when I fight people."
"Very well." The queen kneeled down next to Elsword, who was breathing heavily, and had snapped awake, "Elsword, I grant you permission, to marry my daughter." Elsword stared at the queen for a few seconds, then passed out again. Chung began to panic again.
"Oh my god! Elsword don't die!" The medics arrived, and carried him to the infirmary. The whole time they reassured Chung that his wounds were not serious, and he just needed rest. Chung did not sleep that night. Happy as she was that her mother had allowed them to marry, she still worried about Elsword. After several hours, Eve walked in and found Chung sleeping soundly on the balcony, head resting on her arms on the table. She smiled, and tucked her into bed.
"Good night Chung, and congratulations."
8:00 Am, infirmary
Elsword snapped awake, then groaned loudly. His body felt like a rock, stiff and sore from his test. Oh man, not pulling punches huh? No kidding, I feel like I'm dead. Elsword heard the door open, and Chung ran into the room.
"Elsword! You're awake!"
"Yeah. I had this weird dream that after the fight, the queen allowed us to be married. Funny huh?" Elsword groaned in pain again.
"That was no dream Elsword! Look!" Chung held out her hand, and on her left ring finger, was a solid gold band with a blue El stone on it. Elsword glanced down, and saw an identical ring on his hand.
"Then...we're really...to be wed?"
"Yes!" Chung kissed him, both on the verge of crying, "Oh! I have someone I want you to meet!"
"Who is it?"
"It's my sister. Sis! Come on in!" When the infirmary door opened, Elsword almost had a heart attack as he saw the figure who walked in. She stood at the foot of the bed, smiling deviously.
"Aisha?!" He exclaimed, pointing at her. She giggled.
"Yep! I'm Chung's older sister Elsword. Why do you think I always hid in town when the carriage drove by?"
"So...wait...you...Chung...are..." Elsword threw his hands in the air, "Fuck it, I'm not even going to try and make sense of this."
"Typical Ely!" Chung looked at Aisha quizzically, "It's my little nickname for him."
"And you know I don't like you calling me that Aisha." He sighed.
"Why not? I like it, Ely." Chung smiled.
"Okay, you calling me that is a whole other matter." Elsword held her hand, "Don't worry about me dear, just need a few more hours rest is all."
"You know Elsword." Aisha grinned, sitting down next to Chung, "My aim all the time was to get you and Chung here hooked up."
"What?" Elsword stared at her.
"Yep, I knew you'd both be the perfect match for each other, so I always kept an eye out for any jobs Rena was going to post for bounties and whatnot. I think you should thank me." Elsword embraced Aisha in a tight hug, "Agh!"
"I can't thank you enough Aisha!" Elsword sat up, stretching his arm. He could still feel the wound from when Vayne stabbed him. Suddenly, the door opened, "Speak of the devil."
"Hey." Vayne, accompanied by Rena, entered the room, "I'm sorry for beating the shit out of you."
"Eh, it all worked out anyway." Elsword sighed, and slowly stood up.
"Are you sure you're alright dear?" Chung stood close to him, in case he fell.
"Yeah, I'm good." Elsword noticed Vayne looking at him, "Something up?"
"Do you know what this marriage will do to you both?" Vayne addressed both Elsword and Chung, both shook their heads, "You will become one with the Water El, and won't pass away until your heir becomes married." Vayne glanced at Aisha, "This applies to relatives of the same generation as well."
"I know that Sandy, I paid attention when I was still living here." Aisha smiled as Chung looked ashamed, "Don't worry about it. Heck, you two would never even need to have kids. I think you're the perfect rulers for Hamel, and I'm not alone in that." She looked at Rena and Vayne.
"Chung, " Rena took her hands, holding her tightly, "You're the most kind hearted soul I've ever met. You always think for the people, and not yourself. You always do the best thing for those around you." Vayne stepped up to Elsword.
"And you, you're a strong fighter. Quick on your feet, and have a flawless sense of right and wrong. You can keep her safe from harm, rule beside her and keep her, and the people, happy. You'll make great rulers, and we will be honored to stand beside you."
"Guys, thank you." Elsword and Chung were fighting back the tears, but Chung caved in, followed by Elsword. Aisha got up.
"Come on, let's give them some privacy." Everyone left the room, and Elsword and Chung left soon after. They headed towards the garden, and laid on the grass beneath the apple tree.
"I wonder when the ceremony will be." Elsword saw Chung sit up, "Something up?"
"Actually, the ceremony is done already. These rings are my mother and father's. So as of now, we're part of the Water El, and rightful rulers to the Hamel throne. My mother will begin to grow old, and will pass away within the next few years." She began to cry, and Elsword wrapped his arms around her, "I don't...want to...see mom go."
"Chung. I think we both know, that your mother will pass away easy. You found someone to love, and someone who loves you back. You'll be safe, the people will have a caring ruler, and the kingdom will thrive. Do you think she will pass away with any regrets? I don't think so."
"You're right Elsword. Thank you." Chung wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. Then, she smiled wickedly.
"Chung?" Elsword felt slightly nervous.
"Tonight, I hope you make another dream of mine come true." She laid down on top of him, pressing her chest tightly against his. Elsword smiled, not even embarrassed.
"That all you got?" Elsword smiled, "Tonight, I'll make your heart fly like a hummingbird."
"I'll hold you to that, after I finish my work beforehand." Chung licked her lips, then kissed him again. They soon fell asleep on the grassy hill, tightly holding each other. Elsword would do everything in his power to make Chung's every dream come true. Chung pray that nothing would ever tear them apart. For the first time in their lives, they were completely, and utterly, happy.
Vayne: Okay! Next chapter will just be the good, good loving :3 However, it will also be, the final chapter. T_T I love this pairing so much, I had so much fun writing "Truth or Dare to Love", and after this one, I actually feel quite let down. I hate to admit it, but I think I agree with that troll, this story has not turned out well. Say what you will, but be honest. This story was a major let down, and I feel bad about it. I've run out of ideas however, and now all I can do is just end this jumble of drama and romance. I guess, I'll see you for the final scene between the royal princess of Hamel, and her faithful bodyguard and lover. Thanks for sticking with me guys, I know I'm not a good writer, but I try my best. Sometimes, like this, it just doesn't work out.