Notes: I know that this story is kinda boring (^-^*), but I assure you that around chapter 5 that all the action will start. And to my readers, this chapter is longer. Also, I'd love to know what you think of my story so far! ^-^


Chapter 3: Kyoko Revealed

Bart Fatima. . . . That name sounded familiar. Where have I heard that name before? As I searched through my memory, I realized that the Fatima family own the palace in Bledevik. If the family rules the city, then Bart is. . . .

"The prince! Bart Fatima!"

He grinned. "The one and only."

I was speechless. No words could come out and how would I speak to such a person? Should I bow to him? What should I say? He must of noticed how nervous and panicked I was, because he said, "Don't be nervous, miss Kyoko. I'm not that great of a prince, anyway. I've hardly ever been in the palace for a long period of time."

"Oh? How come?" I asked, finally comfortable enough to form words.

"Well, first, let's go sit somewhere else so we are less distracted by the people."

I nodded, half listening, still surprised that I was actually talking to Bart Fatima. Who would of guessed that the day I decided to run away from home, I would actually meet the prince of Aveh.

We walked through the street in silence and then came to a stone staircase. He smiled and we walked up and entered a dimly lit room. Looking around, I noticed some tables and a bar at the far end of the room. A staircase rose up to a second level on my right and soft music played.

Bart spoke,"Whenever I'm at Aveh, I always visit this bar and restaurant. They have good food and great-tasting margaritas." He grinned. "Wanna try one?"

I looked up at him in astonishment. "Drink? Me? But arn't you supposed to be a certain age?"
He laughed, causing some looks from the bar. "Naw. . .I don't know about other town's drinking limits, but here, you can drink even if you were five years old."

"Are you serious?"

"Yep. Most of the people that have children don't like the idea. They want something done about it so kids don't go out to get drunk. I don't want to get involved in passing laws again, because the last time, someone got killed."

We walked up the stairs and sat at a table, which was next to a large fishtank. I looked at the exotic fish thinking that I've never been to the ocean before.

"So Kyoko, what do you want?"

I looked back at Bart and asked, "What do they have here?"

"Well, this restaurant has a wide range of hobsteak dishes. I'm sure you've never had hobsteak before, right?"

"No, of course not. I've had some hobmeat before, but not hobsteak. Is it good?"

A wide smile arose on his face. "Yes! It's delicious."

A young waiter came to the table and took our orders. As he left, I looked down at the table and thought of all that have happened. I have only been in Aveh for about two or three hours when the robbery had happened. Atleast I'm not going to be alone on this trip. Funny how I call it that. My grandfather wanted me to go buy some goods and then come back. But unknown to him, I had other plans.

"So Kyoko, are you new here?" Bart asked, causing me to look up, startled.

"Well. . . .I'm just here to do some errands for my grandfather. I live in Dazil."

"Oh, I see. Dazil's a fine town. I've been there sometimes. Not many things to do, but it has a great gear repair place."

I nodded, all too familiar with the round, silver building.

"I've lived there all my life with my grandfather. I don't remember my parents and I don't know if I even have any relatives. My grandfather never talks about his family," I said, relieved that I finally had someone to talk to.

I continued, "My grandfather taught me how to use a sword. He taught me his special attacks and manuevers and when I defeated him in a sword match, he gave me his sword as a reward."

"You both must be very good."

"Yes," I smiled. "Our family has been using swords to fight for the past one hundred years. I would love to know my family history, but my grandfather says that he will tell me in due time." I frowned. "But. . .the first time I asked him about our family's past was two years ago. I get the impression that there's something in my family that he doesn't want to talk about."

"It must be an uncomfortable subject for him then. I wouldn't push him too hard to get him to talk about it." Bart scratched the back of his neck and smiled sheepishly. "Man. . .I didn't know I could give good advice."

I smiled. "Oh, our food is here."

The waiter came and set down the plates. "Two orders of hobsteak. Your payment is 45 G."

Bart paid the waiter and he left. "Well Kyoko, let's dig in!"

~*~

After the food was gone and with our stomachs full, we left the restaurant and walked back onto the street. It was still busy as ever and hard to walk through. I thought, Maybe there is one downfall of this city.

We walked and then came to a set of wide stairs that looked out of Aveh to the barren desert. It wasn't a hard walk from Dazil to Aveh. A couple of hours at the most was the average time. It would of been quicker to rent a sandcar, but my grandfather only gave me enough money for the goods that he wanted. I frowned, thinking of what my grandfather would think when I didn't come back. Would he come to find me? Would he be worried? My grandfather wasn't the kind of person to worry about trivial things. He hardly ever showed any love or care towards me, to tell the truth. I've wondered sometimes why he even bothered to teach me swordsmanship.

"Kyoko," Bart suddenly said, rowsing me from my thoughts.

"Yes?"

"So, where are you gonna shop first? I could help you find the things that your grandfather needs."

Oh yeah, I remembered. I didn't tell him the rest of the story. Well, I guess this is a perfect time than never telling him at all. Besides, he could probably help me.

"I should tell you something first, Bart." I sat down on the stairs and he did, too.

"Oh? What is it?"

"Well, it concerns me, my grandfather and why I'm not going to buy the things he wants."

"Hm? You're not?"

"No. . . .you see, I told you that I don't remember my parents. I've lived with my grandfather for I don't know how long. Well, he never shows me any affection. Lately, I've been more of a slave than a granddaughter. He wants me to do everything for him and I'm tired of it."

Bart looked ahead of him and replied, "Well, he might be too old to those things."

"I don't think so." I looked over at the prince (and a handsome prince at that ^_^) and realized that I haven't been this comfortable in telling someone (preferibly a stranger) my problems before.

"Why is that?" he asked me.

"When I say 'everything', I mean EVERYTHING. Cooking, cleaning, shopping, even sending his mail. He's rude about it, also. He doesn't ask me if I would like to do something, he forces me to do it. Sometimes in violence. . . ."

"Violence? Do you mean he hits you?"

I nodded and shivered, remembering some of the 'attacks'.

Continuing, I said, "Well. . . .yes. But it can get worse. Sometimes he uses a weapon, like a rope or other projectiles to hit me with." I pursed my lips and shook my head, as if trying to shake away the bad memories.

Bart frowned. "And so you're running away. I can understand the reason why. But I can't understand the reason for him hurting you like that."

"Neither can I, which is why I'm running away. I thought that if he let me go to Aveh, I could leave easily. I wanted to take some of my things with me, but packing lots of clothes would of been too suspicious. So, all I have now is my sword, the clothes on my back and some money."

Bart looked at me and said, "You could use that money to buy some supplies and. . .you can come with me!"

I looked up at him, startled. "Go with you?!" I looked down on the ground and thought frantically. I wasn't planning on this. Going with the prince of Aveh? Where would we go to? To tell the truth, I haven't on planned on going anywhere. Staying in Aveh was the thing I wanted to do. But, as I thought more about it, leaving Aveh would be the best idea. My grandfather would most likely come looking for me when he realizes that I haven't returned.

I looked up at Bart and smiled. "I would love to go with you!"

He smiled in return. "Great! Then let's go get you some supplies!"