Larcie: I should have include Aisha in this chap but I need more lines and ideas for her amazing debut that will knock Elsword literally…so give me more time ok
Special Thanks to my Beta-readers:
kawaii-sama25
-My blooded Imouto who inspired me to write on fanfiction that I deliberately beg her to help me fix my bad English (Sadly she retired from writing because of work)
TMCraze
-Senpai! Thanks, for noticing me, I will work hard to make great ideas for my stories so don't hold back in criticizing my mistake, I will happily learn from it to become a good author.
Chapter 9
By: Larcie
Beta-readers: kawaii-sama25 and TMCraze
…
…
Two days had passed since the house got so lively. Every morning I wake up early to train with Raven, and as expected he is so strong. He is a bit strict regarding my training but I didn't complain cause I was the one who asked him to train me, besides this is nothing compare to my spartan sister.
Our routine usually starts with a few miles jogging around the campus then after warm-ups we spar using wooden swords. On the first day I usually got hit a lot, it was hard to read his moves, his one-handed sword play and a surprise attack from his other fist.
His movement was slower than mine but he easily reads my moves and could counter it efficiently. Honestly, I was starting to get impatient because I hate losing but I don't get mad. Instead I am grateful to Raven, he always gave me good advice to improve my skills and told me some unnecessary movements that I should get rid of. Eventually I was able to dodge most of his attacks thanks to his good teachings.
How should I put this... he looks like a reliable Aniki that I began to respect more.
During training, I asked something about Raven.
"Raven-senpai where did you learn your swordsmanship?"
I was curious as his style was different from mine. Like it focuses more on heavy strikes and throwing techniques at his right arm.
"Hmm…"
Raven pauses for a moment to think first before answering me.
"It's not actually a sword-style. I learned it when I was adopted by the Yakuza"
"Oh I see…Eh really you don't have the yakuza look!"
That surprises me, but I guess I did have a hunch cause he had a fierce look when we first met. Yet, as I got to know him better... he is indeed very gentle like Rena said.
"Before I became a yakuza, I use to be an orphan. The one who took me first was a kind Nun…I used to have close friends but…"
Suddenly he stops, it seems Raven remembered something unpleasant that made his stern face distress.
Ah, I recalled what Mari-san said to me. Those who were chosen by the cores where eventually assaulted by the Dark Lord pursuers. Most of them had a tragic incident that they barely survived but the most painful was they lost their love ones.
"I-I'm sorry, looks like I shouldn't ask too much"
I shut my mouth immediately as I gripped the handle of my sword.
"No it's ok. You don't need to worry about the past, just focus yourself to the present to become stronger"
"Yes!"
"Good now ready….Haa!"
"Ha!"
With that, our wooden swords collide.
…
Now let's talk about kitchen duties, since the tenants increased we decided to take turns, which I was so thankful of because it lessens my work inside the house but…
I quickly regretted it after these past two days.
Why?
Should I really need to tell?
Sigh…
First day: Rena's cooking…
She was the one who volunteered first, so it made me excited to taste her dishes the next day. Because for the first time in my life I'm going to eat a homemade meal from a girl.
I can't wait!
"…"
"…"
"Umm…Rena-senpai"
"Yes?"
"Where's the meat?"
"Oh my~ it's too early to have meat for breakfast you know~" She cheerfully said while wearing a cute green apron with a spatula on her hand.
"I see but…"
"No buts, you need to balance your diet carefully~"
"Hai…"
I agreed despite being disappointed about having my breakfast full of grass... I mean salads.
But it's ok there is still lunch and dinner, I will have my meat by then.
I talk too much…I learned Rena is a vegetarian which means during her kitchen duty she only cooks a vegetarian meal.
Even at school since I started to join them during lunch break, Rena was always there to meddle with my plate, lessening my meat while she adds more vegetable salad.
Second day: Eve's cooking…
Can Eve cook?
I hopefully do so…I'm still down after yesterdays meals from Rena.
But… she is suppose to be an Ojou-sama, can she really cook?
Surprisingly, she can the meal she cooked today is a high-class meal shinning right before your very eyes. It made me tearfully happy and at the same time drooling just by looking at it.
Hmm? Odd, why are the others having opposite impression about the food. They don't look happy instead they have this troubled face and gloomy aura which I don't understand.
Well never mind them time to dig in!
I enthusiastically cut the tender piece of pork, oozing with thick sauce and eventually putting it in my mouth. Meanwhile, everyone had focused their attention to me with an intense stare, especially Eve who was just sitting across the table watching me carefully.
As I continue I'm gently savoring the food flavor…the mighty salt surround the pork, the amazing sweetness of its juice, the stunning sourness on every chew, the spicy bitterness ofBAXXXMMMMXXXMMMMMXMMMMXXXM!
GXXXMMHH!
In my mind I screamed, I don't know what just happened. The strong god-like flavor had suddenly exploded, in which my tongue was unable to handle it that my whole mouth was aching like I have gargled a hazardous chemical liquid.
I quickly poured water at my mouth to subside the unbearable sting.
"Fuu…"I breathe out.
*Staarrreee…..*
Meanwhile, I notice Eve was intensely staring at me while patiently waiting…for what I wonder?
I look around to everyone they seem want to pass me a message for Eve.
As soon as I understand I gulped once again with my saliva, I was scared so I muster up all my strength before I face Eve straight to the eye while still nervously sweating.
"E-E-Eve your cook is super de-d-elicious…"
My voice is trembling a bit but I hope it was ok if I lied, it was indeed delicious but afterward no such words could have explained what just happened. I just wanted to make her happy even if I need to hide the truth.
"…"
I peeked at Eve, she was just staring at me completely unmoved.
"…I'm glad" Eve softly mumbled while she shifted her gaze away from me
Even without expression, somehow I could tell she was happy, I was quite relieve after hearing that.
"Elsword~ If you want more you can have my share cause I'm on a diet today" Rena winked at me while passing her dish to me.
Eh?
"M-Me too!" Chung also did the same thing.
Hold on!
"…"
What!, even Raven!
Now all of the meals where gathered in front.
You cheaters!
*Staaarrrreee….*
Eve stills penetrate me with her cold intense stare which I know why she's doing that.
"…I-Itadakimasu…" I surrendered
After breakfast, I didn't attend morning class, due to paying a long visit inside the bathroom.
…
Present day Third Day: Raven's cooking…
"Beef/Pork Jerky it's good, but do you even call this a meal?"
I muttered, while taking a bite of my meal—more like a snack.
"Well at least Raven didn't forget to put spices"
Right across me was Chung who is currently helping me with my studies.
"I guess I should be grateful then" I continuously chomped on the strip dried meat while taking some notes.
Today Chung and I are alone in the house, after morning practice with Raven I was called by Rena concerning about my studies. Since I just transferred during mid-term, my grade was falling behind.
I sighed, I can't help it I'm not a genius after all especially on studying but the most stunning news was they inform me that I joined in the Student Council without my knowledge.
To be blunt I don't know why I was needed to join, I clearly am not qualify to the position they gave me
"Vice-President? Earth to Vice-President Elsword!"
Hearing Chung's voice I quickly snapped back to reality
"Chung don't call me that"
"Why not? You really are the VP Student Council"
"Hai hai, it's because you guys forced me to"
Yesterday….
Due for being a late comer because of a stomachache, I was lately inform by Rena they say the seat was already reserved just for me.
"Damn it! I don't even know how to act or how to work as a V-Pres!"
"It's fine~ all you need to do is to stay beside to Eve, Oh! If she gets tired just give her a shoulder massage, you can even gently pat her head and praise her 'Good Job!' but if you want… "
Suddenly Rena leans towards me, she was excessively close that her emerald hair was tickling my nose with her flower scent shampoo then she gradually moves her red lips closer to my ear and whispers a soft seductive words.
"…you can use the private backroom for stress relief~"
"…"
Alone with Eve…inside a small room… privately…
I was greatly dumbfounded for a while, like for a second there did I imagined something indecent from those soft tempting words that my brain was going to melt and my body had gradually set on fire.
"No!, What the heck are you talking about!, I can't do—do something like that to her!"
"Oh my~ I do not know what you were imagining but…what I mean was on our backroom there are arcade games, psp and PS3 which are very useful for stress relief~" On the contrary Rena smiled to me innocently.
"…"
Again, I was speechless…
"Rena-senpai…" I slowly muttered.
"Hai?"
"Please don't tease me too much"
I feel like I'm about to cry.
End of flashback…
"El? Why are you crying?" Chung anxiously asked
"Eh? Sorry I just remembered a scene on a TV drama"
"Ohh… I guess it must've really touched you"
"Yeah…"
I should stop worrying about what happened yesterday and start studying.
Surprisingly, Chung is a good teacher. I usually have a lower than average mark on studying but thanks to his tutor time with me, I was able to understands the difficult lessons with ease.
"By the way Chung"
"Hmm?"
"I notice that you always call Eve as 'Queen', why is that?"
"Ummm…"
I really don't intent to bring it up, but I just wanted to have a small chat with Chung for a break that I did not expect him to be surprise regarding my sudden question
"It's ok if you don't want to talk about it"
"No!...the reason is, She's my Savior"
"Huh? Savior?"
I raised my eyebrow in puzzlement after hearing that.
"Well it's a long story…" Chung said while scratching the back of his head.
…
After a long narration, it seems that during the time when Chung was selected to be a core successor, he was attack during accompanying his father's meeting. His father was a great known general of the national military defense and a friend to Mari-san as well, during that time a horde of mechanical machines was about to attack the little Chung. Confused and paralyzed Chung could not move until his father came and immediately shielded him.
Fearing for his father's life the core reacted to Chung feelings, the Core of Aquanus with its power Chung protected his father and the soldiers around them but the enemies didn't stop, they force their way on breaking his shield barrier.
Unfortunately, Chung was still a child back then he didn't know anything he was scared and it depleted the energy of his core.
As the wave of attack was coming, he didn't know how to fight them and he thought he was going to die while in his father embraced.
However, they saw a powerful spark that blinded their view and as soon as the light faded, they had a clearer view of their savior.
It's was a 'Seraph' (Angel)
They were all mesmerized upon the celestial majestic power, which the enemies had finally fallen down.
Therefore, Chung began to admire her and phe promised that one day he will be able to return his debt as her knight.
"So you became friends with Eve since childhood?"
After listening, I follow up a question.
"Yes, we did, I devoted myself to her as a knight since then" Chung proudly said
"I see I'm glad you were ok"
I smiled but barely, I do not understand but there was a tingling sensation inside my chest.
"Actually I'm quite jealous of you"
While lowering his head, Chung confessed.
"Eh? Why?"
"Because you saved her first before I did and umm never mind"
Chung quickly closed the topic, I wonder why and how did I save her? Is it also a part of my memory that I have lost?
"Anyway, Sorry I acted childish last time…I didn't meant to go that far" Chung apologized while still gently bowing his head.
"Come on! It's already in the past! Besides you did it because you wanted to protect Eve"
I replied since I really have no grudge against him.
"Everything is gone to the past, so let's continue our self study"
I eventually return my attention to my notes while taking another bite from the meat jerky.
"El…"
"Yes?"
"Do you like Eve?" Chung bluntly said
"?!"
It was a killing blow that I did not prepared myself that I suddenly choked on my jerky.
*Cough* *Cough*
"What the hell!" I cried as I thumped my chest
"You don't?"
"Umm…it's not like that…well"
Well truth is I'm not so sure about my feelings, I indeed swear that I will be by her side to protect her and aid her with all my strength but...
Am I allowed to like her?
"Sorry I'm not sure yet so I can't answer that now"
"Phew…"
Chung suddenly sighed while on the other hand it left me flustered.
"You're a good guy El that why I'm relief because you honestly answered my question."
"Sorry I do not understand?"
"It means you have no intention of playing with her feelings which if it's you then I do not need to worry anymore"
"…"
I thought Chung was like an innocent child but I was wrong…he is more mature than I am.
…
Night time…
"I'm so tired…"
After we studied, the rest of the group came home. Obviously, Raven was still in charge of the kitchen but I greatly insist on helping him cook.
Convincing him…"It is a Kohai jobs to look after his Senpai!"
I told a lie but unexpectedly Raven believed me.
Once dinner is done, the girls took their bath first.
Actually, there were two bathrooms inside the house, one is at the first floor and the other is at second floor.
Mainly the first floor is for boys only.
So why are the girls using the first floor bathroom?
Rena said this "Someone clumsily broke the water faucet that it took about a week to repair it and a few more days for the water to come out"
"Who broke it?"
"A cute little fox~"
Is she still teasing me?
Therefore, I waited until it's my turn to take the bath and now that I'm satisfied for today, I wanted to take my sleep right away and as soon as I saw my soft comfy bed that I immediately hopped myself to sleep like a log.
…
…
Hmm?
In the middle of the night, I felt cold from the breezy wind.
Did I forget to close the window?
Still half asleep, I tried to reach out for my blanket.
"Hmm~Hmmm~"
Huh? Someone's humming?
"Yosh! Finally made it… *Yawn*"
A girl?
"I'm going to sleep then…Oyatsumi~"
A dream…
In my dream, I thought I was visit by a girl. Well it's just a dream after all that I don't really mind then suddenly something rustling was moving closer to me, which I continue to ignored it and once again, I slept like a rock.
"…oyatsumi" I mumbled in to my dream.
If only it was a dream…
…
…
I woke up early this morning that somehow I felt like I didn't sleep well, my whole body felt like cramps. I recalled during late night I dreamed that someone was punching and stamping me mercilessly, it's like a bad premonition or maybe just a weird nightmare that felt really real.
Even so, I tried to stand up stretching my arms high like I usually do then quickly fixing my bed in order.
While I was lifting the blanket that I used last night, I suddenly noticed something that I froze immediately.
"…"
"zuuu…zuuu"
I blinked I few times even pinch myself if I was still dreaming.
"…"
"zuuu…zuuu"
It's real…
There is a sleeping girl that I do not know and the most disturbing was her yukata was half fix...I can clearly see the cute light peach colored undergarments and her body figure as well.
Well compared to Rena this girl may have be rank second but she has I nice curve too and a child-like cute face…wait, what am I thinking! Stop! I should not look and prey upon such a defenseless girl.
So I tried to look away even if it was enticing I tried to control myself not to peek.
Eventually, the sleepy girl woke up because of my restlessness.
"O~hayo~Gosaimas~" Still half asleep the girl bowed her head politely as she greeted me.
"Umm…Ohayo…" So I greeted her back.
The girl yawned carefree, seems like she still doesn't understand the situation yet.
"Etoo…"
"Hai?" The girl replied earnestly while her eyes were only half-open.
"Your clothes…please"
I should ask 'Who are you' first but the clothes come first as the highest priority.
"?"
As I instructed the girl looked down on her unfix yukata, then blinked as she starts to look around the room with a confused face and finally she stop at my direction.
"Uwahh…wahh"
Tears were starting to appear on her lovely eyes.
Oh Shit! She's going to cry!
"Wait don't—guah!"
Before I could finish my sentence, I was pushed down to the cold floor while a blade no—a spear had pointed it's tip right at my neck just a centimeter gap.
It happens so fast that I didn't have time to react at all.
I repentantly looked up and saw her; she was not the same girl that woke up a few moments ago. The mysterious girl right on top of me had transform her hair into white as snow eventually white nine-tailed and two pointed fox ears appeared.
I was stunned as stone, half amaze and half fear because what reflected from those red beastly eyes was the blood-lust to kill.
And the prey was me…
…
…
End of Chapter…
A/N: A harem huh… I might reconsider it but I will still focus on my heroine, Eve
Oh! Rena is not allow to be part of Elsword harem, she only belongs to Raven xD
Thanks for reading!