/Careful men. Don't make a sound until they're in place/ Caro wrote his group looking at the two approaching figures. They were walking leisurely as if not having a care in the world. Maybe they didn't.

"Are you sure he's there? What would he be doing in a place like this.." the older one wondered and the other one answered in an unsure voice. "The arrow is pointing that way" he said indicating the centre of the forest. "And he hasn't written me back yet. Maybe he's doing something very important and doesn't have time but would use a helping hand?"

The first one chuckled. "Maybe I shouldn't be too surprised about his newest playground. A normal person would have never gotten anywhere close to you."

The kid laughed but his face quickly became worried. "Do you think he'll forgive me? He had said that there will be no forgiveness..."

"Stop it! We've been through this too many times already. He's either going to do it or not and you'll know how much he values your friendship. Calm down, okay? I'll be there with you this time."

"Can you talk him into forgiving me in case he doesn't want to?" the kid asked with shining eyes and Caro felt for the grown up. How was one to answer that without loosing god's status in a child's eyes?

"Hey, you..."

/Boss, shouldn't we be attacking already?/

Caro focused on the road again and noticed that his victims had almost passed him. 'I almost missed it...' /Now!/ he wrote and jumped off the tree on the older guy. He felt a bit guilty but orders were orders and he was in a lot of trouble already after the unsuccessful take over of Vascas castle. There was no choice now.

He slashed at the guy's back and poisoned him with sleeping dust. It should take a minute or two for the guy to fall asleep so Caro glanced at the group that had to take care of the kid.

At first glance, it was an easy task but after having met a kid that destroyed his whole regiment alone and assassinated an acknowledged guild member, no one wanted to risk with children. All were regarded as a one man army and required a whole group of players to be caught. That had been written down in their guild's rule book, actually.

But to his surprise this kid was nothing of the like. His group looked like monsters of the worst kind abducting a wide eyed boy who was too scared to even move a muscle or utter a spell. And they were binding him in every way possible as if he was the one like that. There was everything wrong with that picture.

While he was daydreaming his own victim snapped out of the confusion and kicked him in the stomach. Caro was down for a moment but the guy was already on his subordinates and scattering them around like leaves.

"Take care of your own!" someone hissed and Caro rolled his eyes. Someone was too impatient to make the kid look like a mummy while he was already down from sleeping dust. As he expected, it was the loyal dog of the team who licked every foot that was above his head. Caro really hated that kind of people who cared for nothing but raising up the ladder of power.

"I'm on it, just get out of my way! Or you want me to unleash it while you're inside the range?"

Everyone scattered around as quickly as they could and dragged the kid after them. Child's protector looked furious but couldn't do anything. Caro had taken out his double swords and engaged him in battle. The guy wasn't slowing down at all so he decided that for some reason sleep dust didn't work on him.

That made clear, he had to catch him the hard way. Well, hard for the guy. Himself he didn't really mind it. Why should he if it allowed him to use some skills? No one ever fought him inside the guild.

"Dash!" he shouted out trying to close in on his opponent but the guy used his scythe like weapon to block his attack and take a step back to keep the distance needed for his weapon to be useful.

Caro didn't plan to have any of that. He used [Dissonance], an ability that made his feet take six steps that humanly wasn't possible. It allowed him to get close, evade the scythe and get in the guys face before he even had time to react. "Twin bites!" he said pushing the swords in the guy's sides. The man coughed blood but still tried to hit him so Caro ducked, rolling away. Having left his weapons he took out a long dagger, almost the size of a sword.

The man breathed heavily and blood ran down his sides so Caro hurried up to attack before he fell down. He jumped high up in the air with [Sky Reach] and started to fall right on his target who pointed scythe's blade to skewer him. That didn't look very nice so Caro used another of his abilities [Air-Dash] which allowed him to stop in mid-air and change his falls direction.

With it he easily evaded the pointed scythe and pushed his dagger inside the guy's back. That fell him on his knees. "Finally" Caro mumbled and bent his hands behind the back to handcuff him. Then he chained the legs too and breathed a sigh of relief. "That was more interesting than I had expected."

"Can we come over?" someone from far away asked and Caro raised his head to hear better. "Oh right. I didn't even use it. Too bad." he said to himself and then called to others. "Yeah, it's safe. Didn't even need to activate it."

"So we ran away for no reason? You just love to overwork us for no other reason than to entertain yourself. What did we do to deserve you as a leader..."

"Calvin shut your trap or I might do that for you!" Caro yelled back at him and sighed. He was taken as the lowest of the low, no one ever respected him but because of his exceptional fighting abilities higher ups had to keep him in a leading position. Otherwise, those who tried to make fun of him and had the authority for it often ended up in the graveyards. "How's the kid?"

"Out cold. Shouldn't wake up for quite some time."

"Good. Now we only have to find a way to get his guard dog quietly along."

"Why should we? Just kill him and be done. We were ordered to only bring the kid back!" Calvin said with a twisted smile.

"I think I told you to shut it? Or didn't you hear me the first time?" Caro asked, directing his glare to the offender.

"Why should I? You're nothing but..."

'Newcomers... They always think they're all so better. I think this one needs to be taught a lesson' "I'm nothing but what? A rabid dog? A killing machine? Yes, yes, I am all that. So tell me, please, why do you think it's a good idea to taunt me..? " he asked drawing out his twin blades from the bleeding guy's sides.

"You wouldn't dare to hit me! I know Gregor!" Calvin shouted out. He pretended to be brave but his voice wavered lightly.

"You sure? There's a rumour circling around that I'm crazy..." Caro said with a smirk.

The guy visibly shook. "Yes! You won't dare!"

"Good to know" Caro said with a laugh and dashed towards the guy who doubted him. His twin blades moved in synchrony to slash and stab for largest amount of damage. Before the guy had time to react to what happened, he was being kicked off the game. The surprise on his face made Caro feel like it was worth it.

It didn't last for a long time. He knew he was going to pay dearly for such a thing. "Does anyone else think he should test me?"

There was not a sound so he turned to his victim. "Why did sleeping dust not work on you? It would have been so much easier, you know?" The guy didn't even look his way, his eyes looking through him at something in the forest with a killing intent. Caro glanced that way and saw the kid being dragged like a sack of potatoes. "Drevin. Is that kid too heavy for you to carry or what? Should I do it for you?"

The person addressed had a stupefied expression before grabbing the kid by the collar and throwing him over the shoulder. It wasn't very gentle but at least it was better than being dragged.

If Caro didn't mistake it, gratefulness flashed through the dying guy's eyes for a moment before anger returned there. It was surprising, actually, that the guy hadn't uttered a word yet. How did he know it wasn't going to help at all?

"Owen! Heal him so he won't bleed to death and put a magical bind too. I don't want him escaping any time soon."

"But you want him to do it later on" Owen mumbled coming closer and casting two simple spells. He wasn't too afraid for his life as he was the only cleric in the group and untouchable for that. "I see no reason why I was told to aid you in such an easy task. It's an insult to my station."

"Keep the complaints to yourself or tell Perin. He's pulling all the strings at the moment."

"Like he'll listen! All he's been caring for the last few months is getting revenge. And he's using us as pawns in this stupid game" Owen said, getting out a bottle of beer. He drank it all in one go.

'Another drunk' Caro thought rolling his eyes and turned to his victim. "What is your name?" he asked squatting down.

"Is that the cue for me to become all friendly and tell all the secrets that I know and not? Sorry, not feeling up to that" the guy answered with a shrug.

Caro laughed. "It would be if I needed something from you. Now I'm just tired of thinking of you as that guy or my victim."

"Why did you attack us? We didn't anger anyone recently."

"You didn't, but someone else did. And you've had the misfortune of being his acquaintance" Caro said, looking carefully to see whether the guy will show any signs of knowing what was happening.

He didn't even try to hide it; his shoulders slumped down and he raised his eyes to the sky. "I should have known... What did he do now?" he asked. "I'm Monthu by the way."

"That's all? All I had to do to make you talk was mention him? You know, your situation hasn't changed at all."

"It has. Or more like I'm aware of it finally. That kid is playing another game and others are getting dragged in, want they to or not. Nothing new."

"You're talking in riddles... Get up and you can tell your story on the way. There's still a few hours till the base" Caro said and motioned for his group to start moving. No need to remain here any longer after the job was done.

"And what's in it for me?" Monthu asked standing up. It was a difficult task without using hands but nothing he couldn't do.

"Name's Caro and the time will pass quicker?"

Monthu smiled. "You think I'd sell him out so cheaply?"

"Why not? There's nothing worse than an oppressing silence while you go into an unknown."

Monthu thought about it for a moment. There were nine enemies; one of them a cleric and one of overly high level. His brother had been put to sleep and was being carried on some brute's shoulder. He would challenge that any time of the day for his brother's sake but he was bound by both iron and magical chains and had only ten percent of his health.

It was useless to even think about escaping for the time being so he might as well befriend his keeper. If it required telling all Ace's secrets, so be it. That kid was the only reason they were in this mess anyway. And it wasn’t like he actually knew anything important. The kid liked to keep his secrets hidden behind twenty locks.

"You're probably right. I should really tell you all I know and have him caught and taken care."

"You say you hate him? And for the record who is he? I want to be sure we're thinking of the same guy" Caro said. He wasn't sure how to take this Monthu. He seemed like a sensible guy but didn't he want to sell out his friend way too quickly?

"Little boy with golden hair, blue eyes and the most innocent expressions possible. The biggest lie in the universe."

"That one" Caro had to agree with a solemn nod. He hadn't seen the kid on their first meeting but he had plenty of time when he was found near the city walls and was forced on tailing duty. The boy looked so lonely and lost, his eyes pleading for someone to save him but once a threat was sent his way, he changed. The monster that could kill without a second thought and will was back. Shiver ran down his back. He didn't want to meet him when he was like that at all.

"You seem to know him quite well yourself" Monthu said with a raised eyebrow.

"Have you been to Vascas castle while it was occupied by goblins?"

"I've been the one leading the rescue army" Monthu said and it was Caro's time to raise an eyebrow. "Don't ask... Let's just say it wasn't of my own choosing."

"Okay let's leave it for some other time" Caro laughed. "So I was the guy that lead the goblins. Nice to meet you and congratulations on your victory against me."

"Hahaha. So were you the one tricked by his goblin act?"

"Did you know about it? I thought he was just running rampant."

"He was. He just for some reason felt the need to tell me that he was putting a goblin mask and wasn't planning to interfere any longer even though he had just infiltrated the enemy base..." Monthu said with a sigh. He remembered what happened then and shook his head. It's no surprise that Ace went mad if he had to live with that girl. Who was she to him anyway? He had never explained it normally.

"Really? It didn't feel like he was doing nothing..." Caro muttered. Was killing him nothing?

"Well, some things happened and he might have lost himself. As a kid he doesn't really know what controlling one's emotions is about."

"Tell me about it... One moment I have a friendly and extremely smart by goblin standards individual next to me and the next he's trying to kill me. I wasn't even able to get my weapon's out and had to fight with a dagger. It didn't go that well."

"No surprise. Your fighting skills are useless if you don't rely on that" Owen said butting in on the conversation.

"Do you need a show of it?" Caro asked, annoyed. He was getting tired of everyone trying his patience today. He couldn't even have a normal conversation with his captive without interruption.

"I'll just tell the boss you've been conspiring with your captive. Then you'll have a show of my power."

"Go to hell" Caro cursed but stepped away after an apologetic look. He had to at least keep to the ethics of capturing enemies, there will be trouble enough for him for killing the newcomer even if he deserved it and he didn't need charges of conspiring added to that.

Half way to the base a messenger stopped them coming from there. "You've got another mission!"

"Already?" Caro asked incredulously. He didn't even finish this one fully.

"The leader has died and the two vice captains too so their mission befalls you. I'll bring the prisoners back."

"What happened to Perin?"

The messenger didn't look happy but explained anyway. "The enemy had fallen for the trap and were transported to the sealed cave. Leader went to check on them as he wasn't alone and before he could leave after promising death, there was a dagger between his ribs. Same fate met his advisers." Monthu hearing that burst out laughing. "Shut up, you vermin!" someone from behind hissed and hit him over the head.

"Owen heal him and messenger make sure that he's not getting wounded. We had kept him on ten percent health and if you kill him, I'll pass the same judgement on you and I don't care who is standing behind you. Got it? And carry the kid, he's not an object to be dragged around."

"Why should I? He's just a useless tool meant to be thrown into lava!"

"Yes but he's not dead yet and you will take care of him. Do that and I'll think about mentioning you to The Witch."

The guy's eyes started to shine and all disagreement was gone from them in a blink of an eye. "As you wish. They'll live as most honoured guests until the time for their execution comes. I promise it on my name so don't forget it!"

"Yes, yes. Now do it and you lot let's go. We have some more people to catch and this will be a real challenge. There's as many of them as us and we know nothing about them!"

"You'll use that and we'll come to collect what is left. Got it." Owen said, turning around to face another direction and starting to walk alone.

"Or we could do it that way" Caro agreed and went after him, the rest followed.

Monthu looked at their retreating backs and for the life of him couldn't decide who they were and for what purpose they did what they did.

"Follow me now" the messenger said and he turned to go after his brother.

***

"I can't believe I was deceived by a kid... Just can't believe it!" Nein muttered to himself repeatedly walking around his prison.

There was nothing he could do to escape. No almost invisible hatch, no weaker wall where the door was or a magic cancelling stone. Absolutely nothing. "Could it be that teleportation is the only magic that works here? And only of the right kind? But who would create such an elaborate prison and to hold who?" he wondered walking a hundredth circle.

His puppet stayed in the centre. He was sitting with his legs crossed, a wavy dagger held in a right hand which was supporting his head. It was tilted slightly and there was an all-knowing smile on it. Nein had nothing to do with it and was amazed it took such a position.

Puppets had their body memory and tended to rely on it for doing most orders. If told to kill, a magician's body would start casting spells, if warriors, it would rush ahead with a sword and so on. The same went for normal actions like sitting, sleeping or walking. If he wanted to change that, he had to specifically tell it and sometimes even then it didn't work well. Humans were complicated like that and he had to do a lot of research before being able to successfully use one.

"What could the kid have possibly done? I'm pretty sure this place wasn't meant for me... Or was it? I hope not..." he murmured hitting the wall. It was as tough as everywhere else. Not even a slightly hollow sound.

"So will I be stuck here all alone for days until that guy revives and deems it safe to visit again?" he wondered finally sitting down. "Maybe I shouldn't have killed him... Baah! He deserved it! I can use this time to gain better control of my new toy" he said to himself and ordered. "High jump! Sneak! Roll! Round kick! Backstab!"

***

Darkness was everywhere as he walked through stones. There was no path and Ace didn't mind it at all. It was fine as long as he was moving to somewhere. Or from somewhere for that matter. The final destination had no real meaning when one didn't believe in happy endings.

'Where should I go now? Should I forgive Par? He didn't really follow my instructions so maybe I should go through with my threat? It's not like I'm bound to be nice to him just because he's a kid...'

As he went a bit more up, he appeared in a dungeon like cave. Looking around he saw no one and decided to explore it a bit. Going down the path he soon heard sounds of two people breathing. It was soft and barely audible but in absolute silence even it echoed far away.

Normally, Ace would have been careful in his approach but being a spirit simplified the matters. He was invisible to human eye.

Ten steps ahead he saw iron bars on the right and a small body lying inside. Coming closer he noticed the person was gagged and restrained with not only heavy chains but also some material that prevented him from moving at all. 'Is there someone worse than me?' Ace wondered getting even closer before recognising the kid's face.

'Par?' he asked incredulously. There was no answer as Ace didn't exist for most people at the moment and even if the kid wanted he wouldn't have been able to produce anything besides a whine. 'What's happening here? For the record, I'm hundred percent sure he wouldn't have done anything even remotely evil. How could he if he doesn't even know how to lie?'

Shrugging he left through the bars and went ahead. His path was blocked by heavy wooden doors but that didn't pose much of a challenge. A bit further ahead, he noticed another cell and in it sat a chained person. Monthu looked to be sleeping with his head down but once Ace got closer, he raised it as if sensing his presence.

"Why do I get the feeling it's you..." Monthu said staring right at him. Ace was surprised to have been seen but showed a sign that was supposed to mean that he cannot speak.

There was no reaction from the guy.

Ace came closer and noticed that the closer he was the more Monthu's eyes strayed to the right. Where was he looking? As Ace turned to there [Flare] caught his eyes. 'Not again...'

"So are you going to show yourself or what?"

'I can't do that and I'm not lying' he said and moved away. There was no point in staying here any longer.

"So you're just going to leave again?" Ace turned to glare back. "Par waited all this time, everyday worrying himself almost to tears, fearing you won't be his friend any longer and you're going to do just that. Such a noble warrior, true prince worthy of being thrown off his throne. People of your land are lucky for fate is smiling at them at the moment, hopefully it'll last long enough."

That was a low blow. Ace hissed like an angry kitten. 'You have no right to trifle with my fantasies! To try and interpret them! You have no right to even knowing them! That traitorous bastard! Like I'll ever help him again! Not a chance! Dream on!'

"And now you can happily storm off and vent out your anger on some unfortunate soul. That's what you do best after all; you showed it against Levin attacking him for no reason, making your group of rogues suffer and then leaving them to die and in the end killing everyone in the castle, even someone you had befriended. Well, your anger is more important than anything else in the world, after all. Such a sad bastard you are, Ace" Monthu said, lying down on his side, facing the other direction. Ace's eyes turned deep crimson and he dashed forward.

But he was powerless.

Not even material.

Or real.

Useless and pathetic that's what he was now. He couldn't even get back at someone making fun of him. That was the lowest of the low. His true position in life.

A kid that has no power to change anything or defend himself. Just breathing but not living.

A waste of good space.

Monthu turned around and there was understanding in his eyes. He knew it couldn't be a fun life but there was no forgiveness there. No excuse for the actions done. "I'm surprised, I'm still alive. And I feel it's not because you turned into a nice guy while I wasn't looking... So you've even managed to lose your powers? That's nice. Humanity might have a chance to take a breath."

'BURST!' Ace screamed in his mind. Bright light blinded Monthu as the small fire exploded into little sparks that fell in his eyes. They did nothing more than making him uncomfortable for a moment. "Is that all? I'm so scared of you! That's such power! Someone come and save me! I'm trembling all over!" Monthu said, faking shivers before a sneer bloomed on his face. "Better go play in the kindergarten. You don't belong in a place for grown ups, kid. Now get lost! I've played a good Samaritan and took care of an orphan like you for long enough already."

Ace's eyes widened and a horrible emotion flashed through them. Something hidden so deep within that he couldn't agree to it being a part of him. There was just no way. 'I'm going to get power... Some way... I'll become strong again! Who needs a body to live? I'll make them pay even without it!' he promised bitterly and in a swift motion left. He was going to do it no matter what. Even if it took him forever to find a way, he was going to do it. The bastard was going down!

When the flame left behind a corner, a small smile appeared on the lying man's face.

***

Ace walked down the path and racked his brain for something he could do, some way to make him suffer. It was unfortunate that Par will probably get hit by whatever he'll think of but it was his own fault for having such a person as his brother. And even admiring him! 'Humanity is so stupid. It always loves those who are stronger and believe them to be on par with gods. Par is just another one of those weaklings. I should have known that from the way he clung to me... It seems I'm as stupid as everyone else.' He laughed bitterly. Yet there was no sound and it annoyed him.

Now he was truly alone. He couldn't even talk to himself to hear someone's voice.

He shook his head and started to run. Someone had once said to him that moving helps to think clearer. It was time as good as any to put it to the test.

'What can I do? How should I become solid again without my body?' there was no answer so he just kept on running right through walls, doors and anything that tried to obstruct his path. He wasn't going to change his direction even slightly off to side.

Hours, days, even weeks or months could have passed until he came out on the surface. It was a bright day and the sun blinded him. Ace covered his eyes and for a long time stood like that, basking in the warm rays passing through his body. It was a welcoming sensation after the coldness of the dungeon. 'Wait, how do I feel heat? Does that mean I'm not absolutely incorporeal?' That was a dangerous thought. This ability wouldn't help him get revenge but it could be his downfall. Maybe he wasn't as non-existent to the world as he expected. While he could do nothing to it, it could kill him. Like always, the most fair of trades.

Voices of talking people reached his ears and he refocused on the living world. His thoughts can wait some time. He ordered [Flare] to hide in the bushes and walked forward. There was no fear that one of those people might be like Nein because in the bright light he could hardly see himself and he knew he was here. They had no chance to notice his presence.

It were two merchants going by a wagon and arguing over a price of swords. Nothing of use to Ace so he let them pass straight through him and walked forward. They had to have come from somewhere and Nein had mentioned a city being nearby. Perry's group should already be there. Maybe he could taunt her into following him into the base? 'Naah, she would only free Nein and maybe even Monthu and that's not what I want. I need someone who would go in to wreak havoc there in my place. Someone quite crazy.'

Some half an hour later he saw a huge wall mirroring the one he'd seen previously when he met the healer but this one was clearly different. It was either a first burnt try or someone else copying that one and failing. It was crudely made and sharp stones pointed at those who would try to approach it. Some might think it was more defensive but in reality it was only giving more handholds. Just to prove the point Ace did exactly that, getting to the top and it was a piece of cake. 'It's a lovely city for assassins to visit. If only L would have given me an order to come here instead of throwing in that little village for a test. Everything might have been different then...'

He jumped off the wall and dove down, only stopping himself next to the ground from where he soared back into the sky.

People were moving like dots on the ground to him and he followed their paths with his finger as if he was a god. That brought a smile to his face but it was too simple, he wanted some more solid proof of the fact. So he returned back to earth and started to play a game of his own.

With [Flare]'s help he would attract attention where it was not needed; a robbery happening, secret lovers meeting, conspirators having a chat about their future plans, or leading people on their life time adventures; some beggar to protect a lady from losing everything she has, a lonely because of his nice heart player to hear a dying man's last wish with which he leaves him everything he has or some vagabond to find a pouch of money with important documents having a name on them.

All of those people had a choice of how to act after the little flame disappeared without a trace just as it had appeared and Ace delightedly watched them do it. If he didn't like the choice, he would get another person following his fire and make a party while he watched off the sidelines how everyone struggled for their own futures. All wanted to make something of it and didn't give up in the face of danger; running away from authority or pretending to be the innocent party. To Ace's surprise one robber had such a golden tongue that he managed to prove to guards that actually he was the victim.

But Ace's favourite was a guy who found the papers and instead of giving them back and receiving great favour decided to blackmail the people. That was a fun choice and Ace decided to follow him around and see whether he would succeed, after all he still hadn't thought up a way to get his revenge. 'Who would be stupid enough to follow a little flame to a forest? And even to its centre?' Just as the followed guy was being caught by guards, Ace found his answer. There were people who would do it. Those who didn't know better. Or knew but didn't care like him.

'Burst' he murmured saving the guy's behind and left to find a good enough entrance to the dungeon. He dived to where he knew the base was and from the inside looked for a way out. Half a day later he found one easily accessible if one knew where to look. It was hidden under thick bushes and an illusion spell. They were amazing but had a fatal flaw; you could just go through them if you tried even without dispelling anything.

That done, Ace returned to the city and first went to see how his guy was doing. He was at a manor showing a single piece of paper to some noble. There was a scary smile on his face and the lord seemed to like that.

"Would you mind me asking what did he do to you to deserve this? You know he's going to be destroyed?"

"Oh yes, I do" the guy said, his eyes flashing. "And I don't mind. You see like a good citizen I brought this information to him first but he didn't appreciate it and tried to kill me. Luckily Gods were on my side and saved my life. I believe it was so that I could take revenge on one who was evil and most likely didn't follow the rules of his deity."

The noble laughed. "I didn't think you were a believer. So how did it save you?" Disbelief was clear in his voice.

Ace smiled seeing his chance and sent [Flare] to blind the man. While it was doing that he decided to look for something useful around the room. Nobles loved to hide things either in safes or guest rooms by the rule that the safest place is right under the eyes because no one will expect it there. He hoped this guy was of the latter type.

"Guards! Seize him! Are you trying to kill me?" he screamed and Ace's guy turned white. "No! This little flame saved me back then! I don't control it!"

"And you expect me to believe it?" the lord asked with a sinister smile. The flame danced around his head before flowing to where a fallen picture frame lay on a shelf. "What are you trying to show me?"

"I tell you it's not me!" the guy shouted, his body trembling. He felt like a god's plaything, like his life no longer belonged to him but the flame was one to decide whether he's going to live or not.

"You, look at it!" noble said to one of his guards and he went to pick up the picture. But the flame flew to sides as if saying no, wrong choice. "What is it? What you want him to do?"

The little flame flew towards the guy, made a circle around his head and returned back to float near the shelves. After the noble's nod guards released the guy and carefully he went to look at it. [Flare] moved deeper in the shelf and rested near a group of papers stuffed between books. He took them out and saw a beautiful women dancing with the noble, then they were in an orchard, riding horses and kissing.

"Marianne The Butterfly Lord Marion The Great's wife, you sure go high, my lord."

"How did you... Guards get out of here! And forget what happened!"

"Yes, my lord!" they said with a salute and made their exist. 'How obedient... They actually like him as their boss' wondered Ace, sitting on an extravagant chandelier. He was really missing being able to eat, he wouldn't even be annoyed if it was barley bread all he had.

"Tell me! Who told you about it? I need names! Please! I'll pay you anything! Just tell me!" lord pleaded, almost going down on his knees. But his pride won over and as if all his limbs had suddenly lost power he fell to an armchair he had been sitting before.

'So what will you do now?' Ace asked, lying on the chandelier and looking with his head put on his hands at his favourite pet. 'Do you care only about money? Your pride and maybe status in society? Or have you actually got a heart?'

"I told you I don't own the flame. It's something beyond human control and even though I think you're an idiot I will keep quiet about it. You can trust me on that. Now back to our business can you help me?" the guy said and Ace burst out laughing. 'He has not a drop of compassion but is religious! Hahahah!'

The noble sent him a tired glance that asked if he was an idiot and the guy smiled. He was going to get back at the one who tried to take his life.

Ace decided it was over and left. It was time for him to get on with his own revenge.

Outside he went to look for a kid.What kid? A random one that had rich parents, someone to come with an army when their little offspring gets caught and locked away.

Near the castle he noticed a group of kids playing around and a smile found its way on his face. This was even better than he had even hoped for, a group of noble kids and some even might have royal blood running inside them.

Not wasting any time he sent [Flare] forward but a bit to the side so it would be out of their reach. A minute or so later one of the kids noticed it and pointed for others. Ace walked into their midst while they argued and waited for them to decide to follow. To make them want it more he made [Flare] move a bit away as if walking ahead and leaving everyone behind. That hastened the process and all the kids ran off to catch it.

Ace ran among them and enjoyed the feeling while memories rushed to the front of his mind. How long has it been since it was like this for real? Is he really that old to be talking of things that have passed and now left a bitter taste in one's mouth?

They ran for a long while. Every time kids felt like getting tired, the light ahead appeared closer and it gave them strength to move on. Their destination was almost there!

Just as the fastest guy was about to grasp it, it disappeared in a thick brush. There looked to be nothing there but once he tried to touch with his hand, it passed right through. "It's a hidden dungeon!" he shouted in joy and other kids caught up to him. Most looked very exited so the two doubting ones kept their fears inside. "Let's go!"

Inside it was a dark cave only lighted by the little flame and kids followed it, huddling in a tight group.

Ace was about to follow inside when he felt himself leaving the game. 'What the hell?' he wondered.

An overly joyous face met him when he opened the cabin’s door and he wanted to run. Vera was standing over him and if she was happy that meant something horrible was going to happen to him. 'And it had to be now when I'm so close to finishing my plan! At least all the game pieces are in place and even if I don't return it should go well. But I wanted to see it with my own eyes!'

"Hi! What is it you want of me?" he asked her, getting out and stretching his muscles.

"I've got the best news for you! Your parents are almost at the doorstep!" she said with a bright smile, hugging him closely. "That's amazing, isn't it?"

"What?" Kirin screamed in shock and anger. His outburst surprised Vera and she pulled him away to see his face, but Kirin somehow managed to throw an extremely fake smile. "Really? That's great..."

'What do they want of me now? It's not Christmas yet for them to be coming back.'

They heard front doors open and Vera dragged him to the first floor where his parents were taking off their coats.

"Hi, Kirin. How are you doing? We've heard you've been making some trouble for everyone" father said and Kirin drilled holes in Vera's back with his eyes. She didn't know what she did. She thought that they were going to control him, tell him how to act properly, but around them he could be himself and not give a damn about reactions. 'You have failed so miserably but I won't forgive you. They shouldn't be here!'

"Come here, Kirin" Mother said so he walked to receive a kiss to a cheek and a warm hug. Father joined them and they stayed like that for a moment or two until Kirin's patience ran out. Past had to be left to the past and not brought back up every time they met.

"I'm busy now, we'll talk later" he said and walked up to his room, not forgetting to release the door so it closed with a loud bang.

Vera stared open mouthed after him. "What was that? I'm getting him right back here! I don't know what's gotten into him! Usually he's not that rebellious!" she said and was about to rush after him but father caught her hand. "Leave. We'll settle everything ourselves."

"But, but I have to be with him!" she said defyingly.

"And why so? Who are you to him?" Mother asked going into the kitchen and taking an apple from the basket on the table. It was deliciously red.

"Ang was my classmate! We're all worried about him!"

"You just said it yourself, he was. Now nothing connects you together so please leave."

"We're everything to him! You can't do that to him!" she shouted out, trying to go to Kirin again but father kept his hold strong. "We're his parents and have the right to decide what is best for him. We had asked you to take care of him but not once had we told to become obsessed with him. You're nothing to him and never going to be anything more. You should get over your childish crush on him and get used to the fact that he's not going to grow up into your prince charming, or anyone's for that matter. He is a kid and will stay that way forever" father said in a strong voice, making Vera cry. She looked at him with hatred filled eyes and ran out without another word. Doors made a loud bang when she threw them closed.

"Dear, maybe you shouldn't have been so harsh on her. She's just a little girl" mother said, throwing her husband an apple who caught it.

"I had to. It's been years since the diagnose was made but not even a single person here thought what it meant to our child. They keep on treating him like a normal kid. One who is going to grow up soon and he has to fake that every single day to belong here. Can one even call it life?" he asked sitting down tiredly.

His eyes caught on a picture strapped on a refrigerator. Their family was drawn there having a picnic in a beach with bright sun and calm sea in the background. It was dated eight years ago. One of the last pictures made by Kirin when he was still going to school.

The last picture was right beside it. It was made on the last day of school he had been when he already knew about his sickness. Teacher had asked then for kids to draw their future. Most drew police men, astronauts, royalties or happy families but not Kirin. His picture was dark blue, on a verge of being all black. Storm raged there and a white dot wasn't a coming end but a small boat falling over. Teacher had been so angry, she even called them and told there was something wrong with their child.

It was horrible to hear it from a person who knew nothing about how right she was.

But that helped them to decide to remove their kid from school even though he could have gone maybe a year or two more. He was very bright for his age.

He wasn't sure why they had decided to put the picture where it could be seen every day but they did it. Maybe it was a reminder of what was lost? The innocence that was gone in a week and why bitterness made a permanent residence in their child's mind from then on.

***

Ace returned to the game and caught up with the kids. They hadn't walked even half a mile yet.

Soon they were found and locked away in a prison until the leader got back and decided what to do with these strange guests. They weren't going to wait long. Perin was coming back in just an hour or two. Everyone was sure he wasn't going to be late.

Ace sat against the wall in the kid's cell and listened to their chattering. Most weren't worried knowing their parents will get them out soon and Ace knew that for a fact. He had made sure that many people will see them going into the forest and then had led them through the thickest brushes so pieces of their clothes would be left behind and make their path easily traceable. If that wasn't going to be enough, he wasn't sure what would be.

"Don't worry, Mary! They will come! I'm sure of it! Just you wait a little longer, they're already on our tracks!"