Chapter Two: Tea?
Rena and Aisha walked slowly through the vibrant forest. Oberon walked in front of them, tracking Chung with his sensors, and Rena and Aisha both sighed. They would miss having Elsword fight alongside them, miss having him cracking jokes and laughing around the campfire after a hard day's work. Rena felt a tear stroll down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away. They were back at the river, Chung waiting for them patiently just like they had expected, sitting on his Destroyer and reading a book. He was confused, and had a tight grip on his cannon when he saw Oberon.
"Where's Elsword?" Rena looked at him, then back over her shoulder.
"He wants...to stay here." Chung stared at her.
"What? Stay where?"
"There's a castle here, with a Nasod girl named Eve. She found Elsword when she was out here with her butler, some dude called Raven who ambushed us by the way." Aisha sighed as Rena looked at her.
"It was all a misunderstanding."
"He would have killed us!"
"He didn't know!" Rena looked at Chung, and continued where Aisha left off, "Elsword's wounds were too grave for him to recover, and..."
"And?" Chung was confused, as he now knew Elsword was alive.
"Eve had no choice but to turn him into a Nasod to save his life." Chung stared at them.
"So...Elsword is...immortal?" They both nodded.
"Pretty much. He'll only die once his systems stop working, and Eve will see to it that that doesn't happen. She gave us permission to come visit them whenever we please. She was kind enough to offer us the option to live here if the demon threat is ever fully taken care of. She even offered to convert us into Nasods if we want." Chung sighed, a look of small hope in his eyes.
"Maybe, if we ever succeed." Chung was holding Elsword's sword, and handed it to Oberon, "Can you return this to Elsword please?" Oberon nodded, and looked at Rena.
"Don't worry, we can leave on our own." Oberon bowed his head, and disappeared into the forest. Chung then looked at them with a determined gaze.
"Let's go. I have an idea that might just grant us this peace Eve has offered us." Aisha and Rena nodded, and the three left the valley, walking up the smooth rock path to the top of the mountain. They could see the castle from where they were, and began to tear up as they said their final words.
"Goodbye Elsword. We love you." They set off, hoping to make as much distance as they could in the early morning light.
Elsword woke up, feeling well rested despite his recent ordeals. The sun had just reached the top of the mountains, casting its vibrant glow over the valley. He was still trying to wrap his head around everything. So...I'm a Nasod now. Won't be dying anytime soon, but I'll outlive my friends, or at least Chung and Aisha. I hope they take Eve's offer. He looked up as someone knocked on his door.
"Elsword, are you awake?" He heard Raven ask.
"Yes." Raven walked inside, holding Elsword's great sword and a suit. Elsword sighed as he took his weapon from Raven. He moved his hand across the flat side of the blade, then remembered all the times he had fought alongside his friends. He would never be granted that privilege again, and he felt a tear roll down his face. Raven distracted him then.
"Lady Eve requests you to join her for breakfast on the balcony." Raven laid the suit on the bed, and awaited Elsword's answer.
"Sure, I'll go."
"Very well my lord." Elsword stared at him, confused he was addressing him as such, "I shall wait outside the door to escort you to the balcony." Raven walked out. Why'd he call me...maybe Eve told him to do so? Elsword got dressed, sighing as he didn't really want to wear a tuxedo. He left the room, and Raven motioned towards the end of the hall. Elsword stared at the numerous large paintings that lined the halls.
"Who made these?" Raven looked at him.
"It was me."
"They're amazing, Raven. Never would have imagined you as the painting type."
"I do all I can to make Lady Eve's life here enjoyable, my lord."
"Do you have to call me that?" Elsword didn't like being called something he wasn't. Raven remained silent, and Elsword just sighed. Raven opened a set of glass doors, and Elsword walked out onto a large, empty balcony. After a short look around, he saw the balcony was bridged to several floating platforms. Elsword could feel the heat coming from the large thrusters underneath each platform, and saw Eve sitting, with a cup of tea in hand, on the farthest platform above a massive garden that rivaled the royal garden of Hamel. They walked up to Eve, and Raven pulled out Elsword's chair. He sat down, and Eve glanced at Raven.
"That will be all Raven."
"Very well ma'am." Raven left the balcony, and headed back into the castle. Eve looked at Elsword, and smiled.
"Please, help yourself." Eve pointed at the large assortment of sweets, sandwiches, and tea. Elsword poured a glass, as it smelled great. He took a large gulp of tea, and sighed.
"It feels so good, to finally be able to wake up in the morning and not expect a day of hateful glares." Eve smiled.
"I know how you feel." Silence, and Eve shifted uncomfortably in her chair. What should I say? Eve tried to think about what she could ask Elsword about.
"Eve, do you have any family?" Eve jumped at Elsword's sudden question, and sighed.
"No. I never had a family, or at least, not that I know of." Eve looked at him, "What about you?"
"I have an older sister. I've been searching for her, it's the real reason I started traveling with Rena and the others."
"You've never found her?"
"No."
"What was she like?"
"She was hard. She was the one who trained me to fight, and I worked hard. The greatest reward I ever received was an approving smile." Eve felt like this sister of his was cruel, but then she heard Elsword sigh, "If only I could make her smile again."
"You're sister sounds like a talented warrior." Elsword nodded.
"She was well know as the Red-Haired Knight."
"Tell me about yourself Elsword." Eve smiled as he stared at her, "You...interest me."
"Um...I'm nothing special." Elsword looked away. Eve sighed.
"I beg to differ." He looked at her, "You're very special. The world hates you, and yet you still fought so hard to protect it. That's more than I ever did, I hate the world outside these cliffs." Eve's face became grim, "They can die for all I care." She muttered.
"You sound like you've had it worse than I have."
"Perhaps, but let's not talk about such matters." Eve stared into his eyes. It's like a red sea, so calming. "Why did you fight for the safety of those who hate you?"
"It's just the right thing to do. So I did it." Elsword sighed, "I wouldn't even be able to be near my sister if she knew I acted out of selfishness."
"Tell me about your friends." Eve changed the subject, as Elsword was beginning to tear up.
"I met Rena when I was attacked by Demons a few years ago. She was impressed with how well I handled myself, and that I had Conwell. She asked me if I would be interested in traveling with her, and I accepted. Even back then, everyone detested me, and I was always being run out of towns. I met Chung and Aisha soon after at the campsite."
"What are they like?"
"Rena is kind of like a mother, always looking out for us and making sure we don't fight each other." Eve stared at him. She sounds like Seris, I wonder if Raven felt the same thing. "Aisha is pretty annoying, but she keeps things interesting. We always had little competitions to see who killed the most when demons attacked."
"And this, Chung?"
"Chung is the prince of Hamel, but he wanted to protect the world, and left his home to travel. He's a smart guy, coming up with complex plans in a heartbeat, and then changing them the next second. He's kind of like Rena, but not in a parent like way."
"I see why you'll miss them."
"What about you? Any friends?" Just then, two drones flew up to Eve. She smiled, and picked the white one up, and hugged it tightly.
"Aww...did you miss me Reby? You little handful."
"Who are these?"
"These are my pets, Moby and Reby." Reby saw Elsword, and hovered slowly around him. Eve smiled, "Reby is a little nervous of strangers, but when it boils down to it she fights with me. Moby is a lot more protective." Eve giggled as Reby set herself down on Elsword's lap, vibrating, "Aw, she likes you."
"I feel like he's a cat." Elsword chuckled. Eve stared at him, as Elsword was looking away to look over Eve's garden. He's so sweet, and interesting. I should ask him. Moby hovered in front of her face, and nodded his head up and down. Eve received a picture of the cave network in the northern mountains. Good idea Moby! We can go swimming in the caves, and I'll ask him once he's comfortable. Elsword and Eve turned as Raven walked onto the balcony.
"Shall I bring up dinner Mi'lady?" Eve stood up.
"Actually Raven, please find Elsword something for swimming. I wish to go to the caves today, and I want him to accompany me, if you wish too."
"Sure, sounds interesting." Elsword stood up, forgetting Reby was sleeping on his lap. As the drone fell onto the floor, landing on the top of her head, Reby flew around in a panic. Everyone laughed, and Eve kissed the spot Reby had hit herself on, then set her on the table.
Eve left Reby and Moby to finish up the food from morning tea, and left the balcony to get changed into her swimsuit. She put on her old dress Raven had made for her once she developed her Exotic code, leaving an uncovered area that slightly exposed her cleavage. Eve sighed. Compared to Rena, I'm so inferior. After, she waited patiently in the main hall for Raven and Elsword. Elsword walked up to her, wearing a simple pair of black shorts and a black t-shirt. He stared at Eve, caught off guard by her new outfit. Whoa...she's beautiful. Eve noticed him staring, and blushed.
"Well, let's go." Eve stood up, and Elsword continued to stare. She even makes standing up elegant. This girl...I wonder...
Elsword looked around, amazed by the beautiful forest. Eve was smiling, but she was actually disappointed. She was hoping he would talk to her, about anything. She just wanted to hear his voice, she didn't care what he would talk about. No one's ever made me feel like this before. Elsword, how do you do it?
"So interesting." She murmured, and Elsword looked at her.
"Pardon?" Eve jumped, startled he heard her. She decided to just be honest, just to hear him talk.
"You're so interesting, that's all."
"What's so interesting?"
"You adjusted so quickly. I mean, I understand you're happy to be away from those cruel people of the world, but you lost your friends." Elsword just smiled.
"I haven't lost them. They'll come back to visit."
"But what if-"
"It'd take an army of demons to take just one of those guys down."
"Then how did you get injured?"
"I was shoved off a cliff by a demon commander, and it turned to attack my friends. I had been disarmed, and when I finally got up onto solid ground, the demon turned and hurled it's sword at me before I could even stand up straight. We were in a bad spot anyway, not easy to fight demons on a cliff, and we were ambushed."
"I see."
"And Eve, I'm just so happy now." Eve stared at him, noticing he was looking into her eyes.
"Why?"
"I've finally found someone who understands what it's like to be all alone in the world." Elsword gazed deeply into her eyes. Those eyes, they remind me of the color of honey. So soft, soothing, she's as sweet as honey too. Eve felt embarrassed Elsword was staring at her so intently, and turned around, blushing, "Sorry."
"It's...alright. I feel the same way." Eve turned around, smiling. Elsword blushed then, as she began to stare into his eyes. They're like a relaxing fire. Well, they certainly make me warm.
"S-So, where's this cave you were talking about?" Elsword wanted to change the subject, not wanting to do anything stupid. Eve smiled, and they stopped in front of a large cavern in the side of the mountain. Elsword could see a faint glow coming from within.
"We're here. The cave is completely submerged, but that doesn't matter in our case." Eve remembered then. Elsword didn't know how to engage some of his special survival Nasod programs, "Elsword, hold still please." Elsword did so as Eve placed her hands on the sides of his head, and sent a small spark through his ears to his brain. This triggered the implants for his lungs, making them manufacture oxygen internally.
"What did you do?"
"I had to activate your lung implants, so you can stay underwater. You don't need to breathe now."
"I'm gonna have to learn to do this myself."
"Once I tell you what each implant does, all you have to do is think about it and it will activate. Now, let's go." Eve began to walk into the cave, Elsword quickly walking after her. After a few minutes, they came to a large pool of water that was quite deep, and branched off into multiple tunnels. The water was filled with life. Glowing coral and plants, and fresh water fish swam around, going about their lives. Elsword turned as he heard a noise, and saw Eve disrobing.
"Ah!" Elsword turned around, blushing.
"It's alright, I have my suit on under my dress." Elsword slowly turned, and saw Eve was wearing a black, one-piece swimsuit, the area above her breasts still exposed. Her cleavage was more pronounce, and Elsword blushed. He took off his shirt, and tossed it on a nearby rock. They stood there awkwardly, Eve wondering if she should go in first. Elsword glanced at her, her pale skin lit up by the natural cave light. Her skin seems so...smooth, soft, tender. Eve blushed them, "Oh...thank you Elsword."
"Wha-"
"You sent me that compliment about my skin didn't you?" Eve stared at him, "Oh, it must have been an accident."
"How do I do that?"
"Just keep me in your mind when you think the words. They'll be sent to me so we can communicate." Like this. She thought, sending her thoughts to Elsword's brain. Elsword closed his eyes, trying to focus.
"Am I doing it right?"
"Yes, I can hear you clearly." Eve smirked then, walking slowly up to him. "So, you think I'm tender do you?" Elsword blushed.
"I'm sorry! It was a rouge thought, I didn't-"
"Shh ." Eve shushed him, placing her finger on his lips. She smiled, "I appreciate the compliment Elsword. Shall we get in the water?"
"S-Sure." Eve slid elegantly into the water, and Elsword got in after her. Eve's hair swayed in the water, and she tied it back into a pony tail to keep it out of her way. Eve began to swim down, not bothering with any of the other tunnels.
"Come on Elsword, follow me." Elsword began to swim after her, catching up quickly. I want to confess to you here. She thought to herself, making sure he didn't hear her. Elsword was thinking to himself, as he finally understood how this part worked.
"Hey Eve, where are we going?"
"My favorite place in the valley." They reached the bottom, and there was a large opening in the wall. They swam through, and began to swim up. They surfaced, and Elsword stared at the chamber in front of him. Countless glowing stones shined in countless colors, and in the center of the room, was a giant, amber colored El crystal. Lines of the crystal branched off into the walls and ceiling, as if it was one with the earth. Elsword got out of the water, following Eve to the crystal.
"What is this?" Eve smiled, her eyes matching the color of the crystal as she gazed into his eyes.
"This is why this valley is how it is. This El crystal surges with the force of life and nature, making the valley thrive in the perfect ecosystem. I, and the lord before me, protect this crystal." Eve stood in front of Elsword, staring into his crimson eyes, "But...I don't think I can continue to do it on my own."
"Eve?" Elsword didn't understand. Eve had Raven to help her already, what could she mean?
"Elsword, I've heard every thought you've had about me since you arrived here. And do you think a girl would not take being called 'tender' as a sign of affection?" Eve held Elsword's hands, and began to tear up, "Please Elsword. I've been lonely for so long, alone in my trials, as have you. Don't you feel the same way I do? Don't you want to be with someone who can help you cope with the pain of isolation, and help her with her own pain? Don't you Elsword?" Eve was close to him now, looking up at him. Elsword stared at her.
"I've been that obvious?" He thought to her, not wanting to ruin this moment with words of sound.
"Yes."
"Then I'll answer your question." With that, Elsword placed a hand on Eve's waist, and another on her cheek. Her skin was a smooth as he had thought originally, and he leaned down slightly, and kissed her. Eve wrapped her arms tightly around Elsword's neck, not wanting to let go.
"Elsword." Her voice was soft in his mind.
"Yes, Eve?" Elsword had a feeling he knew what Eve was going to say.
"I love you." Elsword held her waist tighter, pulling her in close.
"I love you too. I don't need the rest of this pathetic world, all I need is you."
"Oh...Elsword. I don't ever want you to leave me, will you promise me that?" Elsword stopped kissing her, and stared deeply into her eyes.
"I swear, I will always be here for you."
Vayne: So, what did you guys think? Cute? Romantic? Total fail? Let me know! This might just be three chapters, I'm not sure yet. I really want to start working on my big project, and I got a lot that will be going on soon. So, next chapter may or may not be the last one. Peace!