The ride back to the store was a quick one.

  Cecilia wondered if this was to be her life now until they go back to their own timeline.She shuddered at the idea of more people just like the three lunatics in Mara’s party of misfits. The more time she spent with them, the more Cecilia learned. Roxas especially seemed like a stickler for history, despite having a laid back kind of personality. He may seem calm and cocky, but Roxas was easily bothered by something as simple as a historical event. Cecilia wondered what caused him to be this way. To be so serious about history.

  A lot of things happened, and Cecilia learned things she didn’t need to. Though, finding out Bucket’s name was actually spelled as “Bukut” was interesting.

  As she parked Mandy’s truck, Cecilia first noticed a black van parked as well. The young elf grumbled as she stepped out, knowing who this vehicle belonged to. The others didn’t question it. They only inspected the van, and compared it to the truck. Expressing great interest in the mundane machine, Vonryl began tapping away on the surface.

  Cecilia led them back into the store, a tired look upon her face as braced herself for what was to come. As the doors open, a stampede of goblins rushed out, followed by Zaz who was attempting to herd them back in. Everyone could only watch as the tide of green ran out. While inside, Mandy was doing her best to clean up the mess along with another goblin.

  Chapter IV: Home in Evergreen

  “Jim.” Cecilia greeted as she picked up a broom.

  “Sorry about the mess, I tried my best.” He said right before his eyes landed upon the five others. “Who are these?”

  “Oh, them? This is my brother and his friends.” The story they decided to use until they all got back to their proper timeline. Cecilia could only wonder how she allowed this lie to get so far.

  “Are those yours?” Gorzul growled as she helped out Mandy, one hand still held the books they borrowed. “These goblins are disorganized, unruly, and lost.”

  “I know.” Jim sighed. “But there’s only so much two goblins can do for their… family.”

  “You need help.” Roxas said as he strolled by. The rest went on their own, with Bukut back on the beauty magazines, while Vonryl busied himself inspecting machines, and Mara who snatched the box of books away from Gorzul. Before she wandered off to one of the available tables in the store to study. “You know, I can totally help keep an eye on some of the other goblins-”

  “No!” Cecilia and the others flinched when Roxas’ friends spoke in sync.

  “Fine.” He huffed as he joined Bukut by the magazines.

  For a moment, there was an awkward silence among them. Mara and Vonryl kept glancing at Roxas as if he was about to bolt off to nowhere. With how tense they looked, Cecilia assumed the two were ready to chase if Roxas did run.

  “So, where you been?” Jim asked innocently.

  “Oh, she and her brother’s friends went into town to visit the library.” Mandy explained before Cecilia could.

  The goblin eyed Roxas carefully. “Didn’t know you got a brother, Cici. Gotta say, he’s quite the looker. No offense.”

  Cecilia frowned. “You adding that in the end says otherwise.” She sneered. “Yes, he’s my brother. He just went on his own before mom and I moved into town.” The story had solidified itself well. Despite how fresh it was recently made.

  The four were almost done with the clean up. It was just like last night. Empty bags of chips, and spilled drinks. A mess that kept coming back again and again. And to think this could happen a second time today.

  “Well, it’s nice to meet you all then.” Jim said as he tossed a can into a bin.

  Gorzul only grunted.

  Mara appeared out of nowhere and took Jim's hand before she shook it. “A pleasure to meet you! I am Mara, and these are my comrades in arms! Gorzul, Roxas, Bukut, and Vonryl!” She introduced her friends by the closest first to the farthest.

  “Jim...” He pulled away with a hiss. “Quite a grip there, kid. Where you from? You and Roxas has got some weird accents. Eastern Elysium?”

  “Eastern Elysium?” Cecilia was the one who brought up the question.

  “Elven territory. Fancy pants capital. Blancaer, where you’re from.” Jim explained thoroughly.

  Cecilia was quick to scoff and turn away. “I didn’t know! I was only three when I moved here. Mom didn’t explain stuff either.”

  Roxas chuckled, magazine still in hand.

  “You have something to say, brother?” She leered at the taller elf’s broad back.

  “I make no offense, just that it shows that you hardly listened to class.”

  She shot up to her full height and marched up to Roxas, Bukut lowered her magazine with eyes narrowed at Roxas. “What was the damn point of school? Not like I need what they taught me. Because I’m here where I belong.”

  He only turned his head just enough to stare at her from the corner of his eye. “So simple minded. You’ve proven to me twice today that you lack proper knowledge.”

  Cecilia scoffed. “Listen. You snarky knife eared, psycho. I don’t want to have you criticize me like you know better. Don’t act like you know me at all.”

  The ranger tilted his head and flashed her a cocky grin. The way his grin formed sent a shiver down her spine. As if he was peeling back a mask to reveal his actual face. “But I do know you. Careful now, you look like you’re on your tipping point.”

  “Roxas, stand down.” Mara crossed her arms. Though it was unnecessary, Gorzul walked up to stand next to Cecilia. A clear warning to the elf to watch his tongue.

  He growled. Then glanced at the goblins outside. Zaz was successful in gathering the goblins into one spot with a piece of jewelry. “Very well. I shall be outside if needed.” Roxas dropped the magazine he was reading and left.

  Everyone watched as he exited. Bukut made sure to keep an eye on him as he stood a few feet from the store, his attention clearly on the goblins. Once again, Evergreen Stop was filled with an awkward silence. Mandy and Jim were unsure how to react from the faux sibling’s interaction.

  They remained silent as Cecilia went into the backroom with a huff.

  “Is that normal?” Mandy asked with concern for her friend.

  “We…” Mara held her tongue for a moment. “We are not familiar with Cecilia all that much. So we do not have a clue.”

  Gorzul grumbled. “But we know Roxas. And he has a sharp tongue. It proved to be troublesome.”

  Vonryl shook his head. “He and I nearly fought the first we met.”

  “I don’t know. I find his personality charming.” Bukut said as she still kept an eye on Roxas. Who was now interacting with the goblins outside, with Zaz watching next to him.

  “What’s your story? Goblins don’t usually go solo.” Jim asked as he approached Bukut.

  “That is a need to know basis. And you sir, do not need to know. And I’m not solo, I have my friends.”

  “Well, here’s a bigger question. Why are you all armed?”

  Bukut froze as she was flipping a page. The other two, Vonryl and Gorzul, quickly snapped their glare toward Jim. “Oh, that’s right! I didn’t notice that at first!” Mandy said as she inspected the three more thoroughly.

  Jim crossed his arms. “Don’t lie to me. I know blades when I see one. That dagger in your belt looks well maintained. And the way everyone dresses is absolutely suspicious.”

  “Just how we are, my fellow goblin.” Bukut rose to her feet. Her grin grew impossibly big, so much so that it almost covered half her face. “We are larpers. We enjoy living in a fantasy setting. Magic and imagination.”

  “Oh, that makes sense.” Jim backed away. “But for a whole day? I admire the dedication. Well, I kinda always wanted to get into that stuff, but I’m always so darn busy.”

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Suddenly, they heard a commotion outside. All eyes followed the direction and found Roxas was juggling goblins, who seemed to be enjoying themselves. Jim grumbled as he excused himself, then exited the building.

  At this point, Cecilia returned with a box in her hands. She said nothing as she stocked the shelves with proficient practice. Mandy chose to give her friend some space and left the building as well. The only ones that stuck around were Mara and her crew, sans Roxas. Who seemed to be enjoying himself with the goblins outside.

  The room was completely silent, saved for the hum of the machines. Vonryl and Gorzul spared no emotion or sympathy, while Bukut and Mara mentally tried to make up an excuse for Roxas’ behavior. But both knew him best, and that his words held some malice.

  Bukut flinched as Cecilia rose to her full height. She pressed her apron for wrinkles, then glanced out the window to glare at the only other elf in town.

  “Why does he hate me?” She finally said. But her question was like a knife brought down on their backs. Bukut didn’t want to answer. Mara took a moment to think about it. Vonryl only huffed while Gorzul grinned.

  “He doesn’t hate you, he hates how naive you can be.” Gorzul answered like she ripped off a bandage. “You remind him of himself, before venturing out of whatever forest he called home. And knowing Roxas, being clueless was the reason he’s with us now.”

  “You say that as if he regrets meeting you all.” Cecilia said.

  “Nyet, he does not regret meeting us.” Vonryl sighed. “Give Roxas chance to change his mistakes, he takes a bit.”

  “He is no saint.” Gorzul continued. “Out of the three of us,” She pointed at Vonryl then at herself. “Roxas carries the most guilt. Do not let his smiles fool you, for whatever his crimes are, he let it cloud his judgement.”

  “What did he do?” Cecilia couldn’t help but ask.

  “He did nothing.” Mara finally stepped in. She shot Vonryl and Gorzul a glare, both quickly recoiled under the young girl’s gaze. “And if he did, that’s his business. And it is up to him to tell us.”

  Cecilia was quiet. She could tell that whatever the story was, it was not anyone’s place to tell but Roxas’. A severe wound that- from what she understood- still haunted Roxas up to this day. And knowing how old he was, Cecilia wondered how long he had held this regret. The one thing that weighed him down more than the blood he spilt. Would Cecilia forgive him for this slight aggression? No, he needed to understand that there were other people in this world.

  There was some hope for that, of course. He was surrounded by caring friends. Mara had the best of intentions with him, and saw Roxas more than a subordinate.

  “He better watch his mouth next time.” Cecilia relented and continued her task of restocking.

  “I promise he will be at his best behavior.” Mara smiled as she gleefully clasped her hands together. “Anyway, thanks again for accompanying us earlier.”

  “Not like I was given a choice.”

  “Oh right! Bukut, go watch over Roxas and make sure he doesn’t…” Mara spared Cecilia a short glance. “Just make sure he doesn’t do anything terrible.”

  “On it, boss!”

  Cecilia watched as the goblin rushed out. She couldn’t help but notice the pause in Mara’s command. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. But she waved it off. Cecilia would rather not learn of whatever quirks Roxas had.

  As time went by, Cecilia had offered Mara to study in the employee breakroom, with Vonryl accompanying her. When the goblin crew had finally left, Bukut and Mandy walked back in. Roxas remained outside, and opted to hang around by the street, as if he was waiting for someone. As for Gorzul, she proved to be a fine addition to the Evergreen Stop.

  Despite her size, and intimidating demeanor, Gorzul proved to be sociable with the customers. She didn’t question, or even stutter. The orc showed Mandy and Cecilia that she was capable of menial labor. And not as if it was needed, but Cecilia was sure that Gorzul’s presence scared off any would-be thieves. Unheard of in all of Cecilia’s life, but it was nice to have someone to prevent such cases. And now that Cecilia thought of it, Mara’s party would certainly make quick work with anyone that wanted to cause Cecilia and Mandy harm. So there were some perks with having them around.

  Hours blurred, and Cecilia noticed a lot less mess throughout the day. Every customer that entered was polite and orderly. Not making a mess, or getting in each other’s way. Everything was peaceful, and Cecilia was truly happy. Until another vehicle parked right outside. This one even caught Roxas’ attention, and he couldn’t help but raise his brow.

  A well maintained pickup truck, and this one particularly was full of people Cecilia knew all too well. “Yo! Cici!” A burly orc burst through the entrance. Muscles bare and shiny as he marched in with his fellow muscle heads. Gorzul found herself smirking at the sight of these orcs. Each bigger until the last. Their form was magnificent, a testament of years of practice. Even when idle, their achievement was shown to all. Muscles flexed tightly, and bulged out of their clothing.

  Cecilia groaned tiredly as she watched the orcs head straight to the alcoholic beverages, basket in hand. Everyone watched as they practically emptied the fridges, and piled up the bottles and cans in the one single basket. The orcs then gathered at the check out, still they flexed obnoxiously. “Just the usual, Cici! The boys and I are all having a party tonight!” The lead orc explained himself as he showed off his chest, glistening under the light. “Can we also have some pizza? Three pies.”

  It was then that he noticed he wasn’t talking to Cecilia. Instead he was faced with the apron of the barbarian orc. All the orcs craned their necks upward just to meet Gorzul’s eyes. For the first time in their lives they just met someone far bigger than them. And perhaps far more muscular. They were all speechless in front of her. Mandy had started their order of pizzas, while Cecilia had just come to a realization. And it was that Gorzul was absolutely massive compared to these orcs. For the longest time, she thought they couldn't get any bigger. And now Cecilia was proven wrong. Cut down that massive red mane, and Gorzul would still look bigger than these orcs. For once, it was great to see someone tower over them.

  Gone was their bravado and might, replaced with utter astonishment as they finally met an orc like Gorzul. They had stopped their little muscle show off. Instead they gawked at Gorzul with their jaws hanging open.

  Gorzul pressed her hands on her hips and leaned forward. Her arms communicated in their language well. “Well? Do you have anything else to say?”

  “God damn, you’re massive!” The leader, who Cecilia knew as Fred, complimented Gorzul.

  “And you’re puny.” Gorzul straightened her back as she practically spat at him with that comment. “Are these the modern orcs? Is this the future of all greenskins?” She sneered.

  “You… Lady, you are amazing!” Fred grinned as examined her closely. “Look at that. The stance, the style, the form! Like you were actually sculpted by Michelangelo!”

  She arched a brow at every compliment. “Thank you?” She began to ring up the beers and whiskey. “You all look… lacking.”

  “The last thing these gym nuts need is more muscles. They all look like broccoli.” Cecilia said as she helped Gorzul.

  “We can always be bigger. And shinier.” Fred flexed just to prove a point. “But, honestly, you ma’am are far better than us. I mean, those hands look like they can turn coal into diamonds.”

  “Save your compliments for Koruk Uzgobog.” Gorzul said with a sneer, but couldn’t hide the smile on her face after.

  “You should totally show us how it’s done at the gym. Fred’s Iron Fortress, can’t miss it.” With that, the orc waved the two goodbye.

  They watched as the orcs hauled their drinks, and stuffed them at the back of the pickup. Roxas stared blankly as they backed out of the parking lot, his eyes traced their vehicle with no hint of emotion as they drove away.

  Gorzul glanced over to Cecilia with a frown. “Those are your orcs? Disappointing how they seemingly shrunk throughout the years.”

  “I didn’t bother to check, but you really are gigantic.” Cecilia blanched once she understood the height differences between them.

  To prove her right, Gorzul patted Cecilia’s head. The weight of the orc’s hand was heavy enough for Cecilia to feel an ache in her neck.

  Night came, and Mandy had already left once her shift was finished. Now it was just Cecilia and her band of oddities.

  Roxas remained outside like some kind of sentry. While Gorzul helped out with the cleaning. Mara and Vonryl continued to study in the employee breakroom. It was soon that she questioned Bukut’s current location. There was no hide or hair of the goblin around. Cecilia knew the rogues in fantasy were always sneaky, but never did she think that they’d be practically invisible.

  Cecilia continued to restock some products. It would seem that people were buying so much of a specific soda brand, that Cecilia was already running out. She would need to place an order later.

  The night seemed to stretch, and time itself slowed. The last customer that came by was some ratfolk in a green hoodie, and a very realistic rat skull mask. Cecilia was almost sure he was talking to himself.

  Now she was just heating up some meals in the microwave for everyone. She wasn’t exactly prepared to make something fancy or big. But with Gorzul’s suggestion, she was heating up enough food to feed twenty stomachs. If they didn’t have gold at hand, this would have put a hole in her income. These five weren’t people, more like beasts in sheep’s clothing, hungry beasts. Cecilia looked over at the clock, it was almost closing time. She didn't exactly have anyone for the nightshift.

  “I don’t sleep.”

  Cecilia nearly screamed as Roxas appeared out of nowhere. She was so engrossed with herself, that the older elf had snuck up on her. “You read minds?”

  “No, you were merely muttering out loud. Thought you were getting possessed by some foul entity.” He smirked. She really hated it when he smiled. It was like looking at something uncanny. “My offer still stands. I don’t sleep, so I can surely watch over your store for the night.”

  “The last person I trust is some sicko like you.”

  He pretended to recoil as if struck by a blade. “How cruel. Would it not be beneficial to allow someone who does not tire to keep watch of things. Imagine the profits you’re missing out due to your own weakness.”

  Cecilia growled. But she couldn’t deny the opportunity that presented itself. “Well, I have been looking for someone to take the nightshift. Doing it myself has been stressful. Fine. Go grab an apron. You better know what you’re doing.”

  He said nothing. Only continued to smile. That awful and emotionless smile. Like he was mimicking it and not being honest with himself. Cecilia shuddered as she tried to understand him.

  It wasn’t long when the food was ready, and everyone was gathered at the counter. Cecilia watched as they feasted on mundane quick meals. Of course even they weren’t impressed, but the process of heating it was what interested them. Vonryl especially was enamored with the microwave and its capabilities. Still, they ate as if the mediocre meal wasn’t such. They were smiling and laughing. Gorzul told them about Fred and the other orcs. How they were small compared to her. It was like watching a family gathering for dinner. Albeit, a very random collection of people.

  “Well, we thank you for the meal. But I suppose it is time for us to rest.” Mara stretched just before she began to gather up the rubbish.

  “Where do you guys sleep exactly?” Cecilia popped the question, curious about their sleeping arrangements.

  Bukut shrugged her shoulders. “We just camp out in the forest nearby. We’ve done it tons of times.”

  “Indeed!” Mara practically sang the word. “Nothing like embracing nature for what it is. Sleeping beneath the beautiful stars.”

  Cecilia grumbled to herself for a moment. “You’re a bit too young to be homeless. I understand you can probably fight off a whole pack of wolves, but as a responsible adult, I can’t ignore your current situation.” She jabbed a thumb to the back door, which led to the stairwell. “My apartment has plenty of rooms. You gals can share while the boys can sleep in the living room.”

  “We don’t want to intrude-”

  Cecilia shushed Mara, which earned her a sharp chuckle from Bukut. “Mara, you’re too precious for the wilds. Please, I insist.”

  Mara smiled sheepishly. “Well, it would be rude to reject the offer. You’ve been far too kind to us, Cecilia of Evergreen.”

  “Don’t call me that. Come on, I have a shower if anyone needs it.”

  “Shower!” Bukut screeched excitedly as she rushed ahead.

  Mara thanked Cecilia one more time before she followed the goblin. Gorzul merely grunted as she went ahead. But it was clear that the orc appreciated Cecilia’s kindness. Vonryl excused himself and exited the store. The dwarf went out to gather their camping gear, he said.

  All that left was the elves. Cecilia glanced at Roxas from the corner of her eye, and as she predicted, Roxas was staring at her with that damn smile.

  “What?” She asked with venom in her voice.

  “No need to be so hostile. I was simply waiting to thank you.”

  She scoffed. “I didn’t do it for you. I couldn’t just leave Mara out in the cold.”

  “The kid is capable.” He argued. Casually, he leaned against the counter. “You should see the things we have battled in the past. Many are far greater than that boar you’ve seen.”

  “Would you leave her behind if you were in my place?”

  His smile vanished instantly. That blank expression of his was certainly new to Cecilia. The way his lips flattened was somewhat gratifying. Roxas remained quiet as he looked at her blankly. For a long moment, an awkward silence was present, as the two were locked in a mock staring contest.

  “Yes…” She was so sure she heard him speak. But before she could confirm her suspicion, his smile returned. “You should go get some rest. Leave the store to me.”

  “Yeah, sure. Need me to teach you how to use the cash register?”

  He waved a dismissive hand at her. “No need. I was watching you and Gorzul work. And I was also listening when you were advising her. If an orc with brutish tendencies such as her could use such a machine, so could I.”

  “If you say so.” Cecilia hurried away. She didn’t want to be alone with Roxas. Something about him bothered her still.

  As she entered the, she glanced at Roxas one last time for the night. He was watching her. Not caring if he was caught. But there was nothing behind those eyes. Simply something calculating. As if he was trying to read her the same way she was doing. Both may have been elves, but there was a great difference between the two. With a small nod his way, Cecilia shut the door behind her.

  She wondered if it was even worth it to learn more about him. But that was a question for tomorrow.

  When Cecilia entered her home, she came upon a scene she couldn’t be mad at. Mara and Bukut were hard at work cleaning the apartment. Clothes Cecilia had long forgotten existed were now neatly folded. Books were now organized on their shelves. And a lot of junk was now being sorted in a box. Cecilia had left the mess building up for so long, that seeing the room in such order left her speechless.

  With a tired sigh and a genuine smile, Cecilia decided to help up with her chaotic lifestyle. Even if she was tired. This was a long time coming, and her mother would have been so mad in the first place. Still, it was nice to see her apartment cleaner than before. Maybe there were some perks with having these people in her life. Gorzul already gave Cecilia a glimpse of those perks.

  But she could only wonder for how long.