'The Meeting' The next morning, Elena got up really early and went to the outside from their van.(it's one of those van that you can live in) When Elena got outside, there was Brandan, sitting around doing nothing. "Brandan, what are you doing up at this hour?" Brandan turned to look at her. "Well, I have to get up early to make sure everything is ready before we leave. You know: check reservations, fill the van with gas, pack the instruments, and etc." "Wow, that's a lot of work," said a surprised Elena. Brandan gave her a cheesy smile. "Well, when your the leader, you have to do a lot of work." Elena gave a small laugh. "You know, Brandan, when you talk like that, you remind me of Ryudo." Brandan lifted his eyebrow a bit. "I always hear Ryudo this and Ryudo that, but I've never seen or heard of this guy. I think your making him up just so I don't ask you out. You don't have to lie, I can take a simple no." Elena frowned. "Ryudo is real. I'd introduce you but I don't know where he is." Brandan rolled his eyes, "Sure, Elena, and Jim will grow 10 inches in a day. Really now I'm getting sick of this Ryudo guy. One thing is that he abandaned you, another thing is that he's a geohound who talks to a bird. Last time a geohound came to my town, my Dad broke his leg and he's a nut if he talks to a bird." Elena shook her head and sighed, " He's not a nut and he wouldn't hurt anybody." "Well, I'm sorry, Elena, but I won't believe you until I meet this Ryudo and give him my greeting," brandan stated while cracking his knuckles. "Brandan, be nice," Elena placed her hands on her thighs and tapped her foot. Brandan put his hands up in defense,"Alright, I won't beat him up that bad, just one punch, he has to pass the initiation, remember." Elena Just smile at her friend. "Brandan, can I take a walk?" Brandan looked at his watch,"Sure, but make it quick, we're leaving soon." "Thanks." With that, Elena ran off to take her walk. Elena walked along the path, looking around and practicing for her next performance. Elena had an unexpected audience. Six Hell Hounds jumped out at her. Elena fell over and tried to get her staff, but he remembered she left it in the van. Elena was in trouble and began to scream as the monsters prepared to pounce on her. Elena then heard a shriek of agony from one of the monsters. A Howl! spell was cast and each ring hit each monster with such percise aim that it did more damage than a normal attack. Then, a girl about the age a 18 with long brown hair jumped out. The girl then summoned a lightening attack Elena had never seen. The lightening circled around the girl and formed a large lightening bird. The bird flew up high and then plunged downward and hit the monsters, killing them all. The girl then turned back to normal and turned towards Elena. The girl offered her hand to Elena and Elena took her helping hand. the girl then shook Elena's hand and said," Hi, my name is Elyssa. Seems like you got into a bit of trouble." Elena couldn't help but stare at Elyssa. "Thank you for saving me, I would of helped but I left my fighting staff at home. Your not hurt, are you?" Elyssa gave a small laugh, "Me? No way. I always fight of monsters like that. No biggy." Elyssa gave Elena a big smile, "You know what? I like you, we should hang out some time." "Ok, sounds good to me," said a smiling Elena. Elyssa jumped up to a high branch and looked down at Elena. "Hey, Elena, if you ever need help, just call me. I'll be there whenever you need help." With that, Elyssa turned and jumped her way from branch to branch. Elena then noticed that Elyssa had a purple tail as she jumped along. "Could she be......" Elena then realized she had to get back to the van so, she ran back at top speed. When Elena got back, Brandan was still in the same spot he was when she left. Brandan looked up at Elena, " That was fast, only 15 minutes, a new record. Congratulations!" Elena laughed a bit and followed Brandan into the van. Brandan sat down in the driver's seat and Elena sat next to him. "Elena, your in charge of map reading if we get lost. I've never been Cyrum." Elena's eyes widened a bit at what Brandan said. "Don't worry, I know how to get there. I've been there many times." Brandan was surprised, "Really? Well, saves me a lot of grief." Elena looked in back of her and noticed that Becky and Jim's door was still closed. Elena then looked at Brandan, " What about Becky and Jim, should we wake them?" Brandan shook his head," Nah, they'll get up soon. In the mean time, what did you do on your walk, you seemed a lot happier than when you usually come back from your walks." Elena sweatdropped a little. "Oh, well, I met this really nice girl name Elyssa. Now see's my new friend." Brandan gave an 'oh' kind of face, "Cool." Brandan turned the van quickly and then a large thud was heard. Jim opened his door and yawned. "Hey, take it easy on the turns, Brandan," said a very tired Jim with his eyes still closed. Jim then turned around and went back to his bed. Brandan gave a laugh, "Ha, I swear Becky and Jim can sleep through anything." "I know what you mean." Elena looked out her widow at the moving objects outside. Elena then look at Brandan, "Brandan, how long till we reach Cyrum?" Brandan still stared at the rode,"I'd say about half an hour." Elena looked at the clock on the dash-board of the van. It read 6:30 am. "Brandan, why so early? I thought the show started at 1." Brandan looked at her for a second, "It does, but we have to make arrangements at the inn, check out the stage, set up the equipment, practice, eat lunch, and get in costumes. There is a lot we have to do so I want to make sure we have plenty of time. If we finish early, I'll take you around Cyrum, ok?" Elena smiled a bit, "Ok, sounds fun. Maybe I can introduce you to King Roan." Brandan almost fell out of his seat. "Hold up!!!!!! YOU KNOW KING ROAN!!!!!!!! Or is this like that Ryudo guy story?" Elena gave him an angry look, "Brandan, I'm telling the truth! I'll show you when we get there. You'll see." Brandan gave her a look, "What ever you say, Elena, what ever you say." The van continued to make it's way towards Cyrum. Soon, it hit a bumpy path. The bumps were so large that van kept bouncing all over the road. Elena and Brandan were being smashed all over in their seats. When the van hit a very large bump, the van almost tipped over. Jim fell through his door and landed upside down in his boxers. Brandan turned around and looked at Jim. "Loving the show, Jim, but do us all a favor and put some pants on." Jim looked looked down and saw that he was only wearing his boxers. Jim turned bright red and ran back into his room and locked the door. Brandan turned his attention back to the road and sighed, "I know we want to make a good prophit, but stripping is getting a little too extreme. Besides, we can always get our money from Becky's finacially secure father," said Brandan, moving his eyebrows up and down. This caused Elena to laugh. After some more bumps, Becky and Jim came out fully dressed as the van came to a stop in the Cyrum Kingdom. Becky and Jim had to do all the jobs and make the reservation because they slept in late. That was Brandan's rule, if you sleep late, you do the work. Since Elena and Brandan had a free morning, Elena decided to pay a visit to King Roan. Brandan had no objections, he wanted to see how Elena could pull this one off. Elena led Brandan to the palace where Palk was guarding the entrance. Elena stopped in front. "Well, Elena, I see this is where the truth is revealed. We can't get in because of the guard." Before Brandan could finish, Palk stepped forward infront of Elena, "Miss Elena, what a surprise. Good to see you again. Are you here to see His Majesty?" Elena gave a sly smile at Brandan, "Why yes ,Palk, may we see him?" "Of course, King Roan will be overjoyed to see you. Right this way, he should be in his office. Shall I escort you and your friend?" Brandan just crossed his arms. Elena shot him another smile,"No thank you, I remember my way around." Elena and Brandan then stepped inside as the doors closed behind them. Brandan looked at Elena, "I'll only believe this when I talk to King Roan, himself." "Ok." Elena led Brandan to Roan's office. She knocked on the door and a young voice said,"Come in." Elena entered first and greeted the young king with a warm smile. "Hello, Roan. Long time, no see." Roan looked up and gave Elena one of his best smiles. "Miss Elena, when did you come to Cyrum? I'm so glad your here." Roan then ran over to Elena and gave her a hug. Elena smiled at Roan then shot a look at Brandan. "Ok, I'll believe you know King Roan, but I still don't believe the other story," said Brandan with his eyes closed. Roan looked at Brandan, then at Elena. "Elena, who is your friend? He isn't your boyfriend is he?" Elena laughed a bit,"No,no. Brandan is the lead male singer in my minstrel group. He is also a good mechanic." Brandan was humming a song to himself when he noticed he was be addressed,"Hmmm.. mummum....hmm..hmhmhm.....How what? Oh.....yeah....I also drive the van and Elena likes me the most. I'm like her little pet." "More like my man-slave," said Elena under her breath. Brandan then realized it was noon."Come on, Elena. We have to get going." "Alright." Elena turned to Roan. "We have to go practice for our show. Would you like to come, Roan?" Roan didn't think twice. "I would love to. See you at the show and good luck." Brandan left the room first and Elena began to follow. Before she left, Roan grabbed her arm and whispered into her ear, "I've heard that Mister Ryudo is around here. I'd keep my eyes open. I'll send him your way if I see him." Elena gave him a small nod and a smile as she left to catch up with Brandan. When, Elena caught up, the two made a mad dash for the van. The two got ready within seconds and everything was going according to sceduale. Becky, Jim, Brandan, and Elena ate their lunch, practiced one last time, and got into costume. They all got to their places. Brandan had his guitar, Jim had his drum, and Becky at her keyboard. Elena didn't sing in the first act, Brandan had to. Brandan and Jim knew how to play 5 different instruments and Becky knew how to play 2 different instruments so they could play different instruments because not all the songs had the same instruments. Elena was backstage watching the others start. Brandan began to play his guitar, then the other two came in. Brandan started his song. It was slow and quiet at first, but then it got fast and loud. Elena was amazed at how good Brandan could sing and how well he could play his guitar. She was also amazed that Brandan, Becky, and Jim could play different instruments with such skill. Now she understood why everyone said that they were the best group around. The song was about to end, so Elena got ready for part. As the curtain closed, Elena grabbed her tamborine and ran on the stage to her place. When everyone was ready, the curtain opened and they started to perform. The rest of the show went pretty much as planned except when the one of the sand bags snapped and hauled the curtain guy up 10 feet. Brandan had to lift Becky up on his shoulders so she could get the poor guy down. Other than that, the show was a success. After the show, the group took break because everyone was fatigued, especially Brandan. Everyone decided to go to a celebrate at the inn on account of the good show. In the mean time, Brandan decided to keep his promise to bring Elena around Cyrum, even though she was more familiar with it than he was. Becky and Jim were enjoying the peace and quiet in the van when Jim noticed someone outside their van looking around. Jim motioned for Becky to take a look. Becky didn't like this guy, she felt uncomfy around him. Plus, she noticed that he had a sword with him. "Jim, you stay here, I'll go greet our visitor." "Right, you do that," said a nervious Jim as he watched Becky walk towards the door of the van. Unkown to them, this person was really Ryudo who was looking for Elena. Becky waited by the door to strike at the perfect moment. Becky heard the stranger stop infront of the door. She slammed the door open and jumped infront of Ryudo. Ryudo was a bit shocked and reached for his sword. Becky didn't give him the chance. Becky slammed her thick skull against his. Ryudo was knocked unconsious and he flopped backwards and landed on his back. Becky stood up straight and put on a proud face. "Who is the greatest. I'm the master. No one stands a chance against me! AHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!" While Becky was still laughing like a maniac, Jim came out and looked at the fallen geohound. He noticed that Ryudo's head was bleeding and he noticed something else. "Hey, Becky?" Becky stopped laughing and looked at Jim,"Yeah, what's the matter? Is he getting up?" Jim shook his head,"No, nobody can wake up right away after you head-butt them. You have the hardest skull around. I was looking at this guy and he kinda looks familiar." Becky came over and looked at Ryudo."I've never seen him, have you, Jim?" "No, but he kinda reminds me of that guy Elena always talk about. Ryudo I think is his name. He was looking around, maybe it is him and he's looking for Elena?" Becky looked at Jim,"Maybe?" "Becky?" "What?" Jim put on a nevious face,"If this is Ryudo, and Elena comes back and sees him like this, she'll kill us,right?" "Most likely." "And if that's the case, she'll leave the group, right?" "I would think so." "Then, our ratings will go down, right?" "Yup." Becky and Jim look at each other and,"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" at the same time. As if on cue, Brandan comes by."Hey guys. I just need to get my ve.........whoa...." Brandan notices Ryudo on the floor and then looks at Becky. "Nice job, Becky. Was he tring to attack you?" Becky and Jim sweatdrop. "I thought he looked suspicious as I head-butted him." "That must of hurt.....poor sap. Well, leave him by the road, maybe nobody will notice." Jim walks next to Brandan and looks at him."Does this guy sound like someone to you, spikey, brownish-black hair, tall and muscular, greenish eyes, and a gold butterfly crest?" Brandan looks at Ryudo, then Jim,"Yeah, it's like that Ryudo guy Elena always talks about. So, what's the big deal?" Becky and Jim look at eachother, then Brandan. "Becky and I think that this guy is that Ryudo! And if Elena finds out, she'll get really mad and leave the group!" Brandan looks at Jim and says,"And your point is......." Becky and Jim face-faulted and stands up first and yells," THE POINT IS THAT ELENA WILL LEAVE AND WE WON'T OUR RATINGS WILL GO DOWN AND WE'LL LOOSE MONEY, YOU BIG IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!" "Oh." With that Brandan picks up Ryudo and easily throws him over his shoulder."I'll put sleeping beauty in the van, you two go and get Elena and tell her we found this guy hurt on the side of the road." "Good plan, Brandan. Come on, Jim, let's get moving." Jim and Becky run off to get Elena as Brandan places on the couch in the van. He takes a blanket and lays it on Ryudo and goes outside. He pulls out one of the folding chairs, opens it and places it in the shade, takes out his guitar and amp, and practices his newest song. Becky and Jim come running back with Elena. Elena goes into the van, while Becky follows her. Jim stops by Brandan stares at him. "Your real worried aren't you, Brandan?" Brandan looks up from his guitar and says, "Not as much as you." Back in the van, Elena goes to get the First Aid Kit. Becky stands next to Ryudo and noticies that the blanket was put over Ryudo's face. Becky is a little relieved until she hears Ryudo moan lightly and watches him shift a little. In a quick attempt to shut him up, Becky punches him on the head, causing him to stop."Finally, I've got the First Aid Kit,"Elena calls to a nervious Becky. "Um....Elena, i don't think you need my help with this guy because all he had was a bump on the , so I'm just gonna go outside with the guys. Uh...LATER!" Becky runs out of the van and slams the door. "I wonder what's up with Becky? Maybe this is some sort of trick? Only one way to find out." Elena lifts up the blanket to come face to face with a bleeding Ryudo. Elena is a little surprise at this. "Um....OW.....Hi Elena,"says Ryudo staring at her with one eye.