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After a short visit return, Kasume is non-theless is forced to return home. To return to Verdaneal.
Where he will find answers. Answers that would change his life... Forever...

"Is the boat ready?"
The boy nods and motions Kasume. Keeping low, as they do not wish to be seen.
"How much of a walk is it?"
"Not long mi'lord."
"Please... do not address me of such a order. I am no longer that person."

The boy only ignores the request and continues his crouched position. The night was cold, and Kasume wore
his Verd armour that he received as a gift many years ago. His staff latched to his back, like any normal day.
He had bid his few farewells, as he wasn't sure of his return. As he approached the shore, he saw just a small boat.
The boy had ran from the brushes of the trees and started his way down the shore. Kasume slowly walking out watching the young boy.
The boy quickly jumped into the boat and bent over, shaking something. A man jumped up from the bottom of the boat. Yelling as he saw the
boy, he quickly nodded his head and handed the boy something. Soon after, the boy jumped from the boat, running back to town.
Kasume, a tad confused, continued walking to the boat. As he approached, he saw a tall yet slinder man working on getting it ready.

"A tad small, don't you think?"

The man looked at him with a bit of surprise.

"Want to take any longer?"

Frowning at the remark, Kasume walked into the boat. Found himself a small board that had been nailed to the inside, he took a seat.

"So how long of a sail is it?"
"You're looking at a two week journey, Kasume."
"Two weeks?"

The boat pushed from the side as the man sat down.

"Of course, look at this boat! It's going to be a rough ride!"
"They couldn't send any better!? I was expecting us to be heading to a larger boat! With sails!"

The man shook his head

"Then you thought wrong."

Kasume sighed and slunched over. Thinking about what he was doing, leaving behind what he cared for.
Would she be alright? Or would everything just be a mess? Such a long journey, and thinking that it would be shorter,
he had not planned to be gone for so long. Yet this visit meant everything. If he did not do it, then he would be lost
into nothing forever. Then there was the fact of even making it to Verdaneal. On such a small boat, he would unlikely make it.
The boat would crash! And their storage of food would be depleted in days!

"What about food Sir?" Kasume only had to ask.
"Aye, food is not a problem. There are many islands on the way. And we can make a few stops there. Little of no problem."
"What if we don't find and island?"

The man chuckled.

"Then I'll just make us some food!"
"Make? Food? Out on this boat? You can't make a fire out here! Nor grow anything!"

The man nodded.

"Yes, but let's say I know a little magic." He replied with a wink.
"Magic food tastes horrible..."
"Bah! You get used to it. And you'll have to live with it anyways. Unless you don't want to make it."
"No... I'm making the trip. Don't worry about that..."

With that... The journey continued. Being rough ride the entire way. Only swaying some days, and only paddling on some.
But of course, nothing stopped Kasume from returning. In which he did... Kasume had returned for Verdaneal. For a short
amount of time.

Will be continued in a couple days.

After the long journey for his return. He finally felt as if home.

The man quickly started shoving his boat from the shore as soon as Kasume laid his foot on the land.
Kasume turned to look at him with a brow raising. The man seemed as if in a hurry of some sort. A drop of sweat
rolled down from his hair and he was finally able to get the boat off after much struggle.

"What's with the hurry?"
"It isn't safe here anymore, Sir."
"What do you mean... not safe?"
"Ever since Gondose passed the laws of arena fighting, warrior caravans have sprouted."
"Warrior caravans? Excuse me?"
"Well, in the arena fights, they use people that they found from the streets. Wilderness, anyone who can fight and make them
a pretty coin. They just give them the name Caravan, but really, it's just a huge orgnazation running a long trip to place.
They then put you to fights with beasts. Animals that the orcs used in the war. Very few have survived."
"You're sounding a bit dramatic about it don't ya think?"
"It's not a joking matter Sir. I wouldn't be surprised if they take you in. A heavy coin could be on your head."
"I'll watch my back."

Winking his eye Kasume turned around with a uneasy look. He didn't quite like the sounds of it. And apparently Gondose has gone
completely insane. Why would Gondose allow such things to happen? Investigation was required. But housing and a place to sleep was also.
Being at the main capitol, he could probably slick is way into a good room. Or, just immediatly goto Gondose and demand a room.
He would have rathered just slick it. Not wanting trouble for some un-apparent reason.

A few hours of walking and he came upon the capitol city. Quite large and organized, inside is where the decisions of the land are made.
Deep within, the lord, Gondose, lives. No doubt an old friend. And looking forward to meeting him. Apparently, the population had grown since he
was away. What felt like thousands yet only hundreds swarmed the entrance of the city. Not looking at Kasume, but the market stores.
The once great stronghold that defended the name of Verdaneal, now a damned market place for theives and merchants. Kasume had been angered about it.
But he of course, had more important problems.

It had finally come to the moment of meeting Gondose after the trip to Illarion. Taking a deep breath. He entered the palace. When he entered, he saw
many pictures of Gondose. What seemed like thousands. The long hallway which he had not remembered. Well decorated with red carpenting and the outlining of
white. Completely against the Verdaneal tradition of white with red linings. So many things had changed. Maybe putting Gondose was something Kasume was starting to
regret.

"You there..."

Kasume turned as he stopped walking. Still in the hallway. His armour clinging as he turned. He smiled. The man smiled in return.

"Is that you Gondose?"

Kasume straightened himself.

"Yes... It's an old friend."

He smiled.

"You look... well. A lot older my friend. It's been such little time."

Gondose nodding.

"Yes, some sort of ageing disease I caught from the war. The mountains of Demaklo. Suspected from the evil magics that lurked there."

Kasume smiled and chuckled

"It's good to see you... old friend."
"Same as for you. So what are you doing back so soon?"
"Well... It's quite a story Gondose. But basically, he didn't leave."
"What!?"
"He wants life returned to him. And he won't give up untill he's completely gone with no chance."
"You know what this means Kasume? The Council would know of something such as this!"
"I know Gondose. It's what I feared."
"Come Kasume. It's been a journey and I know you didn't have a good trip."

Kasume nods and follows the now aged man. Things would change for Kasume in the next couple of days. Much would change.

Kasume layed in his bed looking at the ceiling. Thinking of her as he stared up. The night was growing
and yet he could still not sleep. So long had it felt. So longed had he wanted to return at that moment.
In an instant...

The sun peeked over the plains. Kasume had not slept. Large footsteps pounded the nearby door.

"Kasume!" The large voice yelled.
"Yes? Something you need?" Calmly, with a touch of sadness came from Kasume.
"I have direct orders to bring you to the throne. By Gondose..."

Kasume raised an eyebrow. Much had been missed. Yet, was the throne necessary?

"Whatever then. I'll be down in a moment."
"Quickly, do not keep him waiting."

Kasume shook his head in disbeleif. Something wasn't right with Gondose. Direct orders to report him to the throne?
No... Didn't sound like Gondose to him.

Kasume decided to wear his formal Verd armour. A set was always available to the rooms that laid in the royalty.
Kasume opened the door to be greeted by several gaurds. He raises a brow and nodded. One of the gaurds bowed and started
his way. Kasume followed along with each gaurd following afterwards. Walking to the downstairs of the throne, he saw even more
pictures of Gondose. Against King regulations, it was an outrage. No where had he seen the old paintings of former Kings.

As they entered the throne, they were greeted by a row of knights. Most of them participants in the Last Stand battle. Gondose was
apparently not there.

"Where is he?" Kasume turned looking at a gaurd.

The gaurd only shrugged. Being confused himself. Yet momentarily a Knight from the rows approached them. Kasume raised a brow in wonder
and waited for something to happen.

"You are hearby under the control of Arena Fighting." The knight said sort of depressingly.
"What?"

The gaurds backed off as more knights approached grabbing Kasume's arms.

"By order of the King. You are given control to the Arena Fighting status."
"He can't do that!!!"
"He IS the king Kasume. Appointed by you..."
"This is madness! Why doesn't anyone do anything!?"
"You gave him your status Kasume... There is nothing we can do."

The Knights tugged on his arm as they chuckled. Some of them happy, some of them upset. Kasume chose not to fight them and only nudged and budged
them as they forced him down the hall. Eventually just walking along with them.

They went their way down the steps of the palace. And threw Kasume in a jail caged cart. The wagon trotted off. The dust blowing from it. As he held the gate and looked angrily back at the palace. No way was he about to end it here...

Kasume sat against the railings of the small metal barred cage. His eyes focused on nothing, he only thought.
He thought of what would happen in the coming days. He also thought of small memories of her. Smiling as he thought of her.
Sound seemed less important. Movement, less important. Living was all he cared for. To live to see her face once more.
Lifting his hand to his mouth, he started to rub his teeth on the upper joint of his thumb.

A few bumps from the dusty road. The horses trotting. And the day falling.

"So what's the goin price for this one? Why such the cage?"
"Because..." The man grins. "He's Kasume." The man leaning over with a wink.

The other nodded and turned to the cage. Looking into it. They were on sort of a cart wagon sort. The two were sitting on the front.
Pulling the cage. The man grinned.

"An exciting battle with the ogres! That's what we'll have!" The man laughed.
The other joined, "A few broken limbs never hurts anyone!"
"Except the one with them of course!"

Kasume looked up with a bit of depression in his eye. No emotions came from him. In the past five hours of riding in a cage depleted him of nothing.
No sleep for at least the past twenty-four hours. The large man just raised a brow at Kasume.

"Maybe if yer lucky... You'll die on the first fight."

Kasume only looked at him. With the emotions of nothing. The man twitched his nose and quickly turned his head. Looking out ahead of the horse,
he leaned his head over to whisper something.

"Why him?"
"It's just our orders... Follow them, and we get paid."

The man sighed.

Night began. Being so long since sleep, Kasume had been exausted from nothing. Yet finally, during the night, they arrived to their destination.
Kasume sat and looked at the metal gate section that would open. The men unlocked it and opened it. Moving through arms swiftly through the night breeze.
Motioning him to get out. Kasume slowly got up and hopped out. Looking at the two. Turning his head back and forth between the two. He smiled.

"So where now? Where is my new cage?"
"Follow us."

The two started walking. Leaving the horse and wagon sitting there. A small shack sort of place. Two gaurds standing at the door.

"Where's the arena?" Kasume asked, but was forced into the opening door. The door shut quickly leaving the room pitch black. Kasume looked around the room.
He could clearly tell that others were in the shack.

"Hello?" He whispered with a hoarsed voice.
"Hello?" Sounding of a softer smaller voice.

A ruffle and a snort. What sounded like a larger man. Almost at the instant of the smaller voice spoke.

"Wha... Who's? Who's there!?"

The man sounded as if he jumped from where he was sleeping.

"Just another friend..." Kasume said softly.
"Ehrrmm... What's yer name son?"
"Call me Malado."
"Malado? Sounds famaliar ya know?"
"You're not any Malado..." The softer voice spoke again.
"I'm not?" Asked Kasume with a surprised voice.
"No... You're not."

A small light flashed. A woman sat on the back wall. And the larger man layed on the left wall where he was sleeping.
The larger man looked at the woman, as did Kasume. What seemed like a small glow from the tip of her finger.

"Hello Kasume... Long time hm?" Asked the woman.
"Long? Time? Excuse me?" Kasume studdered.
"You don't remember... The palace? Remember?"
"The only women I saw at the palace yesterday were servants..."
"No you idiot! You're exactly the same as when you left!"
"I'm sorry mi'lady. Can I ask you your name?"
"You don't remember me!? Hmph... It's Jessica... YOU called me Jess though. As did my friends."

Kasume raised a brow and itched the back of his head. He smiled and chuckled.

"You must have me confused then..."
"No! I could remember your voice, face, anywhere."
"How come?"
"You don't remember!?" Her voice grew a bit tempered.
"No... I don't actually." Kasume looked at the larger man. He only shrugged back at Kasume.
"Fighting courses... First day! You were late and lost to me!"
"Uh? Heh... Mi'lady... that was almost fifteen years ago. I don't even remember that day though..."
"Well! It costed you several weeks of more training."
"Oh... uh? Well... Anyhow... What's that you got there?" Kasume pointed at the light source.
"Magic, Kasume. Combat wasn't my style. So I picked up some here and there magics."
"Malado's old teachings?"

She nodded.

"You must be good with it then."
"Best in my classes thank you."

Kasume chuckled.

"Well I'm sure you're powerful then. Who's this other one?"

Kasume turned his head to the man. The man raised his eyebrows and looked up from the straws of hay.

"Call me Ragnor." He bent over from his sitting position against the wall. For a handshake. Kasume accepted the hand shake. The hand shake was a strong one.
This Ragnor man... He was a brute. Just by his hand shake could he tell. Kasume smiled as his hand was being crushed.

"So you won an arena fight?" Pondered Jessica.
"No, I havn't even fought yet actually."

The man raised an eyebrow.

"Only winners get in here. First timers never do..."
"Well, I don't know. They just threw me in here."
"So how did ya get captured? Aren't the 'great' Kasume?" Jessica pressed more questions.
Kasume chuckled, "I'm not as 'great' as you might hear."
"Oh from the stories it sounds like you could take on an army of ogres."
"Oh? Well... Rest assure, I can't." Kasume grinned and chuckled.
Ragnor nodded. "Ya better hope you can take one tomorrow. Pretty sure ya goin against one if yer in here."
"An ogre? By myself?"

Ragnor nodded. Jessica grinned.

"Getting scared? Hero?"

Kasume turned his head at her swiftly and eyed her.

"I'm not the damned hero here... That hero is gone."
"Oh he is?"

Kasume nodded.

Ragnor looked between the two. "I say we let the man get some sleep. He's had quite a trip."
Jessica grinned at Kasume as he raised a brow at her. Kasume shook his head and nodded at Ragnor. A good night sleep would
do anyone good. Even if it was in a wooden room with straw laid down. Yet right before sleeping, Kasume had to ask...

"When do we get food?"

The morning brewed the dust clearly to the eyes of a man. Kasume opened his eyes quickly. Jumping up from his
laying position, looking around. Jessica was sleeping. Ragnor was sleeping. Kasume smiled at the two. People that
understood him maybe. Maybe some friends finally. A road he wasn't that familiar with.

Getting up from his spot. He brushed the dust from himself. He looked around the wooden room thinking. The wooden planks
of the shelter were quite old. How long it had been there was a mystery. Yet, if he knew of places like this before...

"What are you doing up?" A soft voice whispered.
"Just... thinking is all..." Kasume replied.
"Thinking of what?"
"Just... thinking. Little much concern for anyone." He turned his head to the voice. Being Jessica as he assumed. He smiled.
"So when do I fight?" He asked...
"Are you anxious?"
"Oh quite."
"You shouldn't be..."
"How come?"
"They put you to fight with old creatures of the war. Ogres is the obstacale today."

Kasume smiled and didn't reply. He looked back at the walls to think.

"So... You don't remember me?"

Kasume shook his head looking back at her.

"Well, I'm surprised then. I thought we were pretty close friends. I suppose I was wrong."
"I remember little of my past. Remembering the past means little to me anymore."
"But, I remember it..."

Kasume raised a brow.

"What's that suppose to mean?"
"Oh nothing... I am surprised you don't remember though."
"I remember... faintly."

Ragnor jumped and snorted looking at the two back and forth with tired eyes.

"Hey! Eh erg.. erm... Well... Has the food gotten here?" He said with his rugged voice.
"No, unfortunatly they forgot again Ragnor..." replied Jessica.
"I swear!! Damnit!!! They forget us one more time and this damn shack ain't gonna be here!"
"How come you don't just get out now?" Questioned Kasume.
"Cause... Cause I got no where to go... Nothin to do once I'm out. Mide as well work here. It's the only thing close to a life I can get..."
"I have something to goto... but unfortunatly, this brute won't help me for his own reasons..." Jessica slid in.
"Hey now! I just like bein stuck with the beautiful women!" Ragnor chuckled.
"Yea and your proposition was disguisting..."
"Bah! I was stupid then..."
"It was last week... and you propose it every other week..."

Kasume chuckled. Ragnor grinned at Kasume and looked back at Jessica.

"Well then... ya missin a lot Jessica..."
"Shutup you damned fool!"
"Now now you two..." Kasume tried to calm Jessica down.

Footsteps were heard nearby.

"We need Kasume!"

Kasume cocked his head and turned his body towards the door. Leaving is feet in the same direction, only moving the upper
half of his body. The door opened and three gaurds walked in. Grabbing Kasume as he turned trying to make some sort of effort to stop them.

"Hey! We want some food in here! Ya forgot about us again..." Ragnor yelled with anger.
"Shutup!" growled Jessica.

The gaurds ignored them and dragged Kasume by his arms. Kasume sighed and gave into them. Walking along with them. They pulled him and threw him into
another jail cell on a wagon. And the wagon started its way. Only what seemed like hours, they arrived at the arena. The wagon stopped at the entrance. Slowly, the
gates began to open. Kasume looked up at them. Large... gigantic... How could such things be built already? Mystery...

As the wagon entered the arena, crowds cheered. The sound of their voices yelling and screaming and cheering... it was sheer amazing. Kasume just looked around in his cage
at the thousands of people. Madness he thought. Sheer madness. Nothing but that. Eventually, as they got to the middle, the wagon completely stopped. The gaurds jumped from the side.
Opening the cage, they pulled Kasume out. They left him in the middle. The wagon then took its way back out. The cheering started growing as the wagon got closer to the exit.
Kasume looked around. Trying to figure out exactly what was going on. To get a sense of something. The cheering started to grow gradually. Kasume was still looking for something
to happen. The wagon had finally exited. And on the opposite side, another began rising. Kasume noticed it and stared. Ready for something...

The gate continued itself up. Slowly...
It hadn't even completely risen and an Ogre quickly started running out of its cage. Directly at him. Ravaging at him.
He widened his eyes and started backing up slowly. Finally realizing that that wouldn't do anything useful, he looked around for
something to use. Yet nothing. Only dirt. He looked back at the ogre charging at him. He looked to his sides. Wooden spikes, "perfect" he
thought. Looking back at the ogre he smirked with the idea. Side stepping slowly then completely turning to one side, running as fast as he could for
the side. The ogre slowly made a large turn after him. Gaining on him there was little room between them. The gap shrinking. Kasume kept his pace up
and dared not to slow down. It would cost him his life. His heavy armour still on, he continued. The ogre began swinging his wooden club in front of him.
In an attempt to bash Kasume off his feet sending him flying. They closed in on the side and Kasume suddenly stopped and ducked. Holding his hands on his head.
The ogre ran right over him. Kasume going right through his legs. The ogre quickly noticed and turned sliding towards the side. Barely tapping the spikes.
Kasume looked up expecting a little more. Yet he saw the ogre looking at him with a grin of victory. Kasume widened his eyes in terror.

"Hey!"

Kasume turned his head to the voice and a shield flew at him. Hitting him on the head. Kasume fumbled the shield and readied it. Looking at the ogre with
fear. The ogre smirking, he slowly walked up to Kasume. Standing almost right next to Kasume, looking down. Kasume's jaw slowly opened as the ogre got closer. Looking his
head further up. His jaw then started to shake. The ogre lifted his arm, and let it drop on Kasume. Kasume pulled the shield up to protect himself and blocked the attack. Sending a shock
through his arm. Reminding him of the last time he lost his arm. He widened his eyes once more and dropped the shield holding his arm looking at the ogre in anger. The ogre raising a brow.
Then the ogre lifted his arm when...

"Stop..."

The ogre dropped the club and looked around. The crowd shut their cheers and looked around as well. Kasume came from his new flinching position and looked around with them.

"Stop. He is not to be killed yet."

The ogre looked down at Kasume and huffed. Slowly walking back to the gate which he came from. Kasume looked around trying to find someone of where the voice came from. The crowd
just as confused as him. Suddenly, gaurds started jumping the first row of seats into the arena and grabbed Kasume by the arms. The ogre finally exited as they were grabbing Kasume. Kasume
looked at the ogre, he thought to himself, "You'll get your kill..."

The guards pulled Kasume off to the side and opened a VIP door. The muffled voices and cheers from the crowd began once more. And the fighting continued with others. Although, Kasume
was being dragged through the small hallways and stair cases. Where he was going, was a mystery. They finally came to a door and knocked on it.

"Come, inside."

The door opened and Kasume was pushed into the room. The door slammed behind him as he turned with a flinch. He looked back into the room.

"Welcome..." An old voice startled him.
"Who is that?"
"Who is who?"
"You..."
"Oh me?"
"Yes... you."
"Just call me friend."
"Ok then... 'friend.' Why the hell am I here."
"I ordered you here. I want to talk with you."
"About what?"
"Why did you return?"
"Why? Don't you mean how?"
"No, I was informed that you were returning. Giving me ample time to make some dealings with Gondose."
"So... you're in charge of this outrage?"
"Oh so much I am..."
"Well show yourself damnit..."

A man came from the shadows and smiled at him. And older man with brown robes.

"Hello then..."
"Hello..."
"So, why did you return? Kasume..."
"Well... Why should I be telling you?"
"Because I saved your arse. Be lucky that you're still alive. Now speak up. Why are you here?"

Kasume shook his head.

"Fine then... He never left. Ok?"
"He never left?"
"No, he didn't. And can you tell your gaurds to lay off the left arm for a while? I think the ogre broke it..."

Kasume held his arm flinching a bit and the older man nodded.

"As you wish then. So he never left?"
"No, he did not."
"I assumed that."
"You did?"
"Oh quite. It does not surprise me. Someone lived with such of nothing. Of course he wouldn't leave."
"Yet he's a legend. And his life was nothing?"

The man nodded.

"Well that makes absolutely no sense you know..."
"What if I said I could help you Kasume?"
"I would say I will figure it out myself."
"I doubt anyone else can help you Kasume. And besides, where are you going to go? I own you now."
"You don't own me... I can leave when I wish."
"Not with that arm you won't... Look, I can tell you how to rid him, if you just do what I want..."
"And that might be?" Kasume raised a brow leaning over a bit.
"Interested already?" The man chuckled. "Okay then. Just fight me a few fights."
"How many is a few?"
"Ten? Twenty? Thirty?"
"No..."
"Ok fine then... ten... Give me ten fights. That should pay off what I owe..."

Kasume thought about it for a moment. Ten fights, he's been through more than ten. What's ten more going to hurt? He decided that it wasn't a bad deal in reality.

"You have a deal. Only because I have no other options."

The man nodded in satisfaction.

"Good then! Now off with you!"

Gaurds bursted in and grabbed him by both of the arms. Pulling him out and dragging him back. He was returned to the shack. While on his way, he thought for a moment of her. He thought of what
she might be doing. If she was getting into trouble. Or who was annoying her. Then he grinned and smiled. He then thought of who he would have to kill when he got back. He chuckled after the thought.

That night, he was alone in the shack. Apparently, Jessica and Ragnor didn't fight to his approval...

Kasume woke in the middle of the night to the sounds of rustling. Kasume jumped up. The door opened and Jessica had been
pushed in. The door slammed behind her.

"Bastards! I could burn your arses if I wanted you know!!!!" She hit the door with her fists in anger.
"What the bloody hell is going on?" Kasume looked around trying to see something.
"Bastards dragged me! They pulled my arm like a puppet! Like some kind of doll! I don't trust them you know!?"

Kasume chuckled.

"Is something funny? This isn't funny!!"
"I know... I'm sorry..." Kasume nodded as he spoke.

She crossed her arms.

"Why so early in the morning though? Must you wake all the animals?"
"Shutup you idiot..."

Kasume chuckled.

"Well I'm sorry for whatever I've done. Where's Ragnor?"
"I don't know!! How should I know!! The damned brute didn't do good enough today! The idiot..."
"Maybe they gave him too much to handle?"
"Ragnor can handle anything. If he can't take it, no one can..."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Positive..."
"Absolutely sure?"
"Yes..."

Kasume chuckled.

"What can't he do?"
"Well, he had troubles beating the Troll Beserkers. Crazed beasts demented my magic. Can't help them... Too powerful."

Kasume nodded, "I'll see if I can get a match up with them then."
"You don't know magic though!"
"So? Must I need magic to beat them?"
"Ragnor can't do it with brute. But I was able to do it with magic. Magic IS the only way."

Kasume shook his head.

"I doubt it. Oh by the way, when do we get weapons to fight with?"
"After you win a battle. You get weapons and armours... Ragnor just uses his axe though..."
"Oh... Well I prefer a sword over an axe. A nice quick staff would do good too."
"No staves... Just axes and swords. Cheap ones. Leftover materials from the war. Very weak weapons... Almost worthless."
"Damn... How are we suppose to fight then?"
"Exactly, Ragnor knows what he's doing."
"Fine then..."

Jessica grinned and lit the tip of her finger. She walked up closer to him and sat next to him in the hay. Laying the light source
by her side. She looked at him and smiled. He smiled uneasily back at her.

"Yes?" Kasume questioned.
"Nothing..." She shook her head. "I can't sleep here?"
"Um... Sure... I guess you can sleep here."

She smiled and just stared at him. Kasume raised a brow looking back at the door with the corner of his eye. She looked away as well.

"Well, good night then..." she calmly spoke.
"Good night..."

Morning brewed. Jessica was gone. Most likely in a battle at the arena. Kasume ate the food waiting for him. And just looked around the room.
Trying to get a better look at the place. He smiled at the humble room. Just straw sitting on the ground for them to sleep in. Such a horrible place to sleep
yet felt like a treat to be in for Jessica and Ragnor. He thought of her and when he was sleeping in the royalty bed. When he decided to wear the royal armour.
And when he slipped his ring on. Smiling into the mirror. He then smiled. He played with his leggings and pulled out the small yellow ring. Smiling at it, he kissed it.
He wished he was there. He wished that none of this happened. He wished he was home. He wished he was with her. He felt as if he needed to be with her.

"Hey in there."

Kasume jumped up and looked around. The door opened and it was Jessica. She was smiling.

"Where are the gaurds?"
"They grabbed me again. So I took care of them. You're suppose to goto the arena. You should get going."
"You're not going to run?"

She shook her head.

"Nah, I have my reasons for staying. Just get going. Don't want to keep the crowd waiting."

Kasume nodded and slipped the ring back into his hiding compartment in his leggings. He nodded his head in a quick bow movement and started running. Afraid that
he might anger the old man.

When he arrived, he was greeted by the gaurds with a curious look on their faces. They just allowed him to enter and he made his way to the fighting area. Standing directly in the middle
as ordered looking at the ground. He looked up at the gate in which the next challenge would come from. The gate slowly raised. He took a deep breath and a small gulp. Praying he would make
it through this battle. His arm still hurt from the ogre bashing, he was somewhat worried...

Kasume squinted his eyes looking at the gate rising. Waiting for the next opponent. As it didn't even get half way
up. A large wolf creature jumped out. Immediatly looking around for something. Spotting Kasume in the middle, and started
its way at running. Kasume widened his eyes in terror and looked around. There was no way in hell he could take this thing. Being
almost twice his size! Orcs rode these beasts! Kasume looked around. Yet nothing. No ideas at all. He was lost at what to do. So much
flying through his mind. He then thought of something. At that instant he thought of something. He spread his arms out. Readied for the daring.
The beast drew closer and when it was almost in front of Kasume, he grabbed the beasts hair and pulled himself off the ground. The wolf still at its
slow down he jumped up on top of the beast. It soon started snapping out Kasume with quick motions. Kasume just flinched and looked around
the wolf's neck. The wolf snapped again and nipped his arm. Going right through the plate mail, making him lightly bleed. Kasume ignored it looking for something
on the wolf's neck.

"Gotcha..."

He pressed down and the wolf squealed. Still flinging its neck to try and get a bite in. It fell on the ground and just layed jerking around. Flipping on its side
bashing Kasume's face onto the ground. He then became dazed and the wolf jumped up again. Kasume lost his grip and layed still. The wolf growling at the motionless
figure. The wolf poked its nose at the body and Kasume grabbed the wolfs head pressing into its eyes. He angered his face and pushed deeper into the sockets. The wolf
squealing. Then picking one of his hands up, he bashed the wolfs head with one swing. The wolf let one last cry and completely stopped struggling. Only breathing.
Kasume stood up. Shaking his head, he was not going to kill the beast. He looked up at the crowd. Looking shamefully at them cheering. The clenched his teeth at the
ignorance of the cheers. Looking around, he saw the older man. Smiling he held his hand up. In which counted the fingers of one. Kasume shook his head. Raised his hand
and held the number two. For fighting the ogre. The older man crossed his eyebrows in a bit of anger and fustration. He lifted another finger showing two and nodded. Flicking
his wrist the gaurds came and escorted him back to the old shack. He was forcefully pushed into the shack and the door slammed. It still being day, he could clearly see
Jessica sitting, taking a nap. Ragnor also was in there. He was playing with one of his weapons.

"Hey Kas!" Ragnor said with a bit of excitement.
"Hello Ragnor..."
"How did the battle go? Well I assume?"

Kasume nodded."How is she?"
"Jess?" He chuckled, "She just got back from a farther arena. She's exausted. She's been improving greatly. Immensly infact. I've seen very few with magic like hers."

Kasume nodded and stared at her sleeping.

"How come ya ask?" Questioned Ragnor.
"Because... Wouldn't expect her to be sleeping. Anyhow, what are ya doing?"
"Just fine tuning this sword."
"Fine tuning? It looks like you're just fiddling with it."

Ragnor nodded. "So? What did ya have to fight?"
"Just some beastly wolf... Mean little thing it was."
"You? Won?"
"Yea... Is that a problem?" Kasume raised a brow as he looked over to Ragnor.
He shook his head, "You don't have any weapons!!"
"Well... It wasn't too hard. I think you could have pulled it off."
"Yea I could have... but you? That's just a bit surprising."

Kasume chuckled at his honesty.

"You should get a nap. I wouldn't be surprised if they come to ya for another fight."

Kasume nodded. Unfortunatly, they did not come back to him...

It had been the day after Kasume's tenth battle, was he finally released.

"Come on now..." The gaurds motioned Kasume to walk out.

Kasume slowly walked out. Breathing in as if feeling like a free man. He had been pretty scruffed up. The gaurds motioned him
to walk. As he did, they got the wagon. Loaded him in and they were off. To the arena. To talk with the man in charge. Kasume was overwelmed with
joy.

"Ya know Kasume. Even though we haven't gotten much to talk, just by watchin ya, yer pretty good in the arena."
"Thank you gaurd."

Kasume was a bit flattered by the comment. Kasume then looked over into the woods. Staring, he tried remembering the faces of Ragnor and Jessica.
For some unknown reason, they weren't at the shack that night. In which he didn't get to say his goodbyes. But, he would get over it in time. As they arrived to the arena.
He was brought to the center. The gaurds got off the wagon. And completely left him in the cage. Kasume started to wonder as soon as they didn't open his gate. The arena was completely
empty. It was dark. Kasume looked around yelling...

"Hey! You forgot to let me out! Hey!"

But the gaurds seemed to ignore him. Kasume began growing worried. He looked through the darkness and found one figure standing within the seats.

"What the bloody hell..." He calmly questioned.
"Hello Kasume!" It was the man in charge. Yelling to him.
"What's going on!? I thought you said I was free and that you would help me!"

The man shook his head.

"I changed my mind."
"You changed your mind!? What do you mean!?"
"What I mean is, I have a new proposition."
"A new? What?"
"I have a small problem to deal with."
"What?"
"You see, I still owe Ragnor and Jessica some favours."
"And?"
"Let me finish now... Now, it's either you, or them. Which leaves?"
"What!? No! That's not what I agreed to!"
"Sorry, but you don't have much of a choice. And you better start making your pick soon."

Kasume cursed and looked around inside the cage. Furious at the news. He grabbed the bars and jerked back and forth.

"Let me out damnit!!! I don't want to choose!"
"So you're friends stay captive? With me?"
"Fine! Whatever then! Just let me out! It's what I agreed to!"

The man smiled. He figured it. He then whistled. About a dozen gaurds came walking out. Walking along side Jessica and Ragnor.

"What the bloody hell are you doing?"
"They are being put to the test of my best warriors. Which will be here any moment now. If they can get you out of the cage, and defeat all of them, then you're all free."
"What happened to...?"

The man shook his head. The gaurds then took a run for it and closed the gates behind themselves. They all watched from the gate. Kasume looked around. Ragnor and Jessica were
both tied.

"Come on Rag! Just break the ropes!" Yelled Jessica.
"Fine fine..."

Ragnor then pushed his arms out to rip the ropes. Slowly tearing them, eventually making them break. He quickly pulled out a dagger from his side and cut Jessica loose. Then looking at the cage
to Kasume. Kasume shrugged, clueless of what to do. The man had taken off and was completely gone. No trace of him. Kasume cursed. Nothing he could do to get out. Ragnor then studied the bars. Thinking
of what to do. Jessica looked around to see if the warriors were coming.

"Come on damnit! Just let me use my magic on them." She immediatly focused her energy and heated the bars. Making them bendable.
"Now we can't touch it because of the heat!" Yelled Ragnor.
"Well! Use gloves!"
"Not metal ones!! You idiot!!"
"Don't call me an idiot you stupid brute!"
"Hey!! Grrr!!!"
"Whoa, you guys need to cut it out. This is not the time." Kasume tried to ease them down.

Ragnor banged his fist onto the bars in anger at Jessica. Making them bend. Kasume jumped back at being surprised. Kasume then grabbed the bars and widened his eyes in the burning sensation.
He pulled the bars and jumped through. Looking at his metal gloves as burnt to a crisp.

"Damn!! That hurt!!" He shook his hand in the air to try and cool it off. Yet didn't work very well.
"Wait..."

Dark figures jumped down from the stadium seats and started charging at the group in the middle. Ragnor readied his axe and let a loud roar. Jessica looked around and couldn't focus much on spells. So she pulled her
staff out for some hand to hand combat. Kasume unsheathed his sword and readied to fight. About five of them. Easy enough, thought Kasume.

"I got these two. Jessica take one. And Kas get the last two. Got it?"
"Got it..." Confirmed Kasume.
"Hey! Why do I only get one!? Because I'm a woman?!" Yelled Jessica
"Of course..." Ragnor chuckled. And the battle commenced.

The warriors were quick. And took much to really handle. Ragnor mostly just took great swings in fool hearty attempts to hit them. Kasume tried to learn their movement patterns. And Jessica sort of threw a few small spells
at her enemy. They were strong... Very...

Kasume bonked the two together on their heads and they fell. Jessica jabbed her staff on his foot and tripped him with her
foot making him fall on his back. He pressed against his chest and focused on his shirt. Setting it aflame, leaving him to struggle in his dark tight clothing.
Ragnor swung his axe hitting one with the side, sending him flying about three feet, knocking him out. Then he swung in the other direction slicing the other
in to halves. He turned to the other two as they turned with him. They disposed of them easily. Kasume turned his head towards the stands.
Seeing the man standing there clapping.

"Good work... Good work. My complements to you all. I underestimated you all."
"Yea well... You have to let us go now..."

He nodded.

"Of course, but... isn't there something else you wanted from me?"
"No... I changed my mind. Just let us free."
"No, we agreed to an agreement."
"Yes well I changed my mind. Now let us go."

The man laughed.

"You're not in the position to change your agreements towards me. You get what you need. And in price, your friends have to stay."
"Damnit! I don't want your twisted lies! I just want us all freed! Let us go! Leave us be!" Kasume grew anger as he threw his fists.
"Hey watch it Kas..." Ragnor tried calming him down by putting his hand on his shoulder. "If there is something you need from him, then take it.
Don't let me stop ya."
"Yea Kas, don't let us stop ya from getting to where you need to be." Jessica replied.
"You see, your friends want to stay. They want you to have the better of the deal."
"What was the point in all of this. There has to be a point..." Kasume thought to himself aloud.
"The point was destroyed when you won the battle."

Kasume looked up at the man again.

"Fine... Give me what I want."

The man nodded and motioned Kasume to come. A small door opened underneath him that led, what looked like, under the stadium. Perhaps where
he originally made the deal, he would end up at. Kasume turned looking at the other two smiling.

"I'll miss you Kasume..." Jessica smiled.
"I think I'll miss ya too Kas..." Ragnor grinned. "Yer a good man! Best of luck in your future."
"You speak too highly of me. But thank you..." Kasume frowned. He turned, and went walked towards the door. The other two, smiling at him.

As Kasume entered, it was sort of a small hallway sort. Many curves and turns. He sort of lost his sense of direction. He eventually came to narrow stairs. He had to carefully walk
down. As being such small steps; being slippery, for some odd reason. He slipped and slid down a bit on the bottom step. He finally came to a wooden door. Lite from the inside telling from the door's
bottom crack. He pushed the door open, as if it wasn't even locked. He walked in. Seeing the man smiling at a table. He motioned his hand to sit carefully. Kasume did so.

"So... Tell me. Tell me it all."
"Tell what?"
"Tell me it all."
"What is there to tell?"
"Tell it ALL."

Kasume raised a brow.

"From the beginning?"
The man nodded, "All of it."

Men started walking in heavy brown robes from the cloths hanging behind the man. Kasume motioned his eyes around looked in a bit of confusing look. They were
all lighting some kind of candle. Kasume looked back at the man smiling.

"Well, get to it."

Kasume nodded, and began.

"It started when I was a child. Chosen by the council members. Before my parents had ever lived, at that matter been thought of. I was chosen by the name of Kasume. To inherit the essence of the ancient spirit.
When born, I was given the name Kasume by the council men. To my parents, the reason had been unknown. Yet the council men knew little either of it. They just knew they must do it. Given no last name on purpose,
I grew like any normal boy. Learning the arts of the sword by my father and tutors mostly. At around the age 10, my tutor trainer told me that I was eligble for the prophecy test due to my extreme natural skill in
the art. I was brought to the old capitol palace. And given the test. In the meantime, I was given training courses by palace tutors. To prep for the tests. Eventually came the tests, and then the results. Although like
many children, I failed it. Meaning that any future war would not be true unless another child was eligble the prophecy child. Unfortunatly, no child was ever found. Then came the Orcish Horde Wars. Meaning that we were not prepared.
Leaving us in a disaster. Although now we have recovered. Now skipping almost eleven years, I am here today. Forced to release the ancient spirit within to lead our forces to victory after the last stand battle. Now we have even the Sirgaurden walls
under our control. Although, afterwards, the ancient spirit would be given up the joys of life. Being forcefully removed and gone. After thinking he was gone, I gave up dictatorship given to me, and gave it to Gondose. The newest King. The one
that allowed this disgrace of a law passed. Over riding my laws. Yet back to the story, after my return to my favourite island, I soon came to realizing that the ancient spirit had not left. Leaving me to fend and fight him off. Losing almost all
reputation on the island in the process. Orcs hunting me, farmers killing me."

"Farmers?"
"Long story..."

The man chuckled and motioned him to continue.

"Anyhow, it soon became a must to return here. To find answers to completely destroy."
"Explain when he takes control."
"Well, you lose all conciousness and it's completely black. That's what it feels like. Like you're floating in a world of black. Nothing to be seen, nothing to enjoy. And mentally, you're forced to do nothing but rest or fight for strength to return.
In the meantime, the one in control does whatever he wishes. Meaning he would do evil things. His attempt into ruining my life. Giving me little hope and completely giving up all life together. He wanted life, for himself. He missed it. He wanted it, he was
willing to give anything, do anything for it back. His attempt nearly won, but someone was able to give me the strength to fight through. She revived me. Giving me meaning."
"She?"

Kasume nodded.

"I see... well, why didn't he do this when you were just a child?"
"I spoiled him when I gave in. Gave him the taste of life again. And he didn't want to lose it. It was like a treat. And he wanted the full meal. He ultimatly realized how amazing it was to live. So he fought hard for it."
"Very well then. Is that everything?"

Kasume looked down at the table and thought for a moment. Shaking his head.

"The gods have heard your words. And chances are, you are cured."
"What? What makes you say that?"
"Because, we prepared this room for a ceremony to the gods."
"You did?"
"That might explain the candles to you if you still do not understand."

Kasume looked around. No one had entered, but all the candles were now snuffed out. Kasume raised a brow.

"I thought they were lit..."
"They were..." He nodded his head and stood up.

Kasume turned his head at the man.

"Why are you helping me..."
"Why? Why am I not at your feet praising you?"
"What?"
"You earned me millions... You deserve everything from me."
"What?"
"Meaning I have prepared a ship for wherever you wish. Meaning a free trip back to your island."
"What!?"

The man smiled.

"Whoa wait... this is going a bit fast."
"You're right... drink this." The man handed Kasume a bottled.
"What is it?"
"It completes the ceremony. Just drink it."

Kasume shrugged and gulped the entire thing down. He felt normal. No poison. He smiled at the man.

"So... I can trust you... hm..."

The man smiled.

"You're my walking gold mine! Come back whenever you want!"
"Yet you treated me like donkey droppings?"
The man nodded, "I had to."

Kasume shook his head and backed up a bit.

"So where to now?"
"Here... follow me. You're leaving tomorrow. So you should get your rest."
"What!? Tomorrow!?"
"Yes tomorrow. Is something wrong?"
"But my things! They are at the palace!"
"Don't worry, I had just about everything from your room shipped here. Everything down to the last pillow case."
Kasume smiled, "Good..."

Kasume would be returning shortly...

Preparations

Kasume woke in the morning to the small bed room. Musty, but still comfortable and cozy. He smiled at the morning. He left to return today. A small window
shined through with the bright morning sun. The cold grey stones as the walls. Yet he still smiled. The man entered the room and raised a brow at him.

"You're up finally."

Kasume nodded.

"Quite tired, haven't had a good sleep like that since I was at the palace."
The man nodded, "Well you're ship should be ready in about an hour or so."
Kasume jumped up, "Only an hour!?"
The man nodded, "You slept late today."

Kasume jumped out of the bed and started pulling his leather leggings up. He threw the plate top on and grabbed his staff.

"Damnit! How long of a walk is it to the shipping lanes?!"
The man chuckled, "Slow down now! I have my own private shipping lines that we can use. Just a couple miles."

Kasume eased his face and cocked his head smiling. He was liking this sort of treatment.

"I suggest packing your things now. Get what you want now. Mail letters and notes to whoever you want. I promise to see them there personally."
"What?"
"You know, any unfinished matters."
"Oh... Hm.. Well... Thanks..."
"No, my thanks to you."

Kasume grinned. The man was on his way leaving when Kasume thought of something.

"What's your name?"

The man turned. He grinned.

"I do not tell people my name. It would cost you all that you have received from me."
Kasume grinned returning, "Very well then..."
The man left, and before leaving, he quickly said, "Call me Sylvanis..."
"What?!"

The man slipped through the cloths and disapeared. Kasume ran pushed the draped cloths looking around. No trace of him. Completely gone. Already? Kasume was astounded. His name was Sylvanis!
Amazing! Yet Kasume had many other things to think about. Like returning. And getting his letters sent. For almost half of his time of what was left on his home, he wrote his eternal goodbyes to all
that he knew. His step brother, in which he hated. To the King, Gondose. To Jessica and Ragnor. And some of his buddies in the Orcish Horde Wars at the gaurd posts. Signing them all with only a K. He smiled
at his finished letters. And gathered them in a pile. He walked out of the room and looked at a gaurd standing by. He grinned and handed the gaurd the letters and nodded. The gaurd raised a brow and was sort of confused.

"You'll know." And Kasume winked. Kasume then began his way outside. Going up the stairs and finding himself on the outer walls of the arena. Cheering already, fights had already begun. Kasume walked around to the main entrance of the arena
and met up with a couple of gaurds. They knew exactly who he was and offered him a wagon ride to the private boats. Kasume grinned and accepted the offer. The ride felt long. Mostly of anticipation of finally returning. When arriving, he saw the greatest
ship his eyes ever met. It was truely amazing.

"Whose boat is that!?"
"That's the boss's."
"How did he get that boat?! Only royal courtships should have those!!"
"Boss is rich..."
"Bah! He still shouldn't have them!"
"You made boss lots of money. So don't complain about getting a free ride."
"I'm not complaining. I'm complaining of these damned laws!!"
"You should be quiet."

Kasumed sighed...

What time finally came to was the boarding. Kasume had one final word to say to the man. Right before walking up the run way of it. He turned in the middle of walking and crossed his eyebrows.

"You kill Gondose. I want his hair sent to me as soon as it's done."
"What?"
"Kill Gondose. Hire someone. I don't care who. Kill him in any possible way. He must be dealt with."
"Are you mad!? He is the king!"

Kasume completely turned.

"No questioning it. Just do it. You'll keep your damned laws. Just kill him."

The man nodded. Kasume smiled and jerked his hand in a waving motion.

"Good day! And thanks."
"No Kasume, thank you."

Kasume grinned...

The return home

Kasume layed in his rocking bed. The sea could be heard splashing the sides. The boat filled with people in the party rooms. Being night time. Kasume turned on his side and sighed. His anticipation was growing to an extreme extent. Then, something touched him.
He jumped up from his bed, sitting up. He looked around, yet nothing. He widened his eyes and fell back to laying. He clenched his teeth, he wasn't gone. The spirit hadn't been riden of. The voice stormed in his mind...

"One.... Last chance damnit!! You're not winning like this!"

Kasume twisted his neck side to side and clenched his teeth, "Leave me alone damnit!"
"No!"

The word repeated in his mind. He widened his eyes in fear. He opened his mouth to yell, yet nothing came out. Then returning to his clenching of the teeth. He soon rolled his hands into fists. Pounding the bed with his fists.

"Damnit no! He lied! No!"

The voice cackled. Kasume held his end.

"Damnit no!"
"Oh damnit yes..."
"Leave!! Leave!!! Leave!!!!"
Suddenly his hand reached for the dagger by his bed. Kasume took a quick glance at it and bit his arm. Sending a pain through him. Giving him control of it again.
"No way in hell..."
Kasume struggled on the bed. Kasume then sat up. Walked out of the room holding his head. The ship bells started ringing. It was time for Kasume to go.
"No damnit... Not now... Not when I'm returning..."

Kasume struggled his feet with his armour on. His staff by his back. Kasume made his way up the small flight of stairs to the deck.

"Come on Kasume... Do something that makes me kn..." The voice cut off in his mind.

The pain suddenly stopped. Kasume looked around at the people staring at him. His hair flinged and his eyes widened. Seeming as if a mad man. He gulped and brushed his hair down. Looking around.

"Your ride is ready sir. Your transport to the island."

Kasume turned his head around to see a seaman. He nodded and smiled.

"Of course..."

He followed the man and dropped himself down into the boat with him. Kasume looked up at the sails as the boat was being slowly dropped. He smiled at the Verdaneal symbol. So many years spent on these lands. And he was finally leaving for good. He was tired of trouble.
And so far, it's all that he found on his home. He was happy. To start living normal. His life different. Much had changed with him. The boat splashed in the water and the man started paddling.

"You're looking at a twenty minute ride sir..."
"Twenty minutes is nothing compared to what I've been waiting."

The seaman chuckled. Kasume smiled.

Kasume had returned... And he would spend the rest of his days back, hopefully.

OOC: And so sweet to be back...