- Oh, sweet Heaven of Relief, a million thanks for letting me ease my need! – Kese sighed as he literally eased his need. He should have known that four big glasses of water would take its effect on him sooner or later.

After he finished he returned to his room and let himself sink into his bed. He needed to make some order in the mess he called his head. The memories of his (or not his?) were in chaos; they had fun mixing with each other, worsening his already terrible headache. While he was sorting them systematically, looking for common patterns, he didn't notice he got overwhelmed by a new wave of flashbacks and fell asleep.

It was dark when he woke up, and heard his parents' quiet conversation while they were eating something; maybe nuts, he had seen some on the table before. He didn't understand his parents' speech, but he knew they were talking about him: he heard his name. And then suddenly...

*Crack*

This sound made him shudder. It was only the sound of a nutcracker in work, but it reminded him of something else. 'Oh, my god.' How could he not remember that? The sound of bones being crushed; the sound of a neck being broken. It was the pirate's he had killed. The first pirate he had killed a few nights ago. He finally remembered.

His eyes widened as he grabbed his pounding head with his palms. The sight, the voices, the stench from that night... Nauseating and terrific. He needed to throw up, but he couldn't, he had nothing in his stomach. The last thing he had seen then was the sea and his father at his side, and these calmed him down and cleared his mind. Even his nausea vanished. He rubbed his eyes and let his arms fell down. Now, he understood why Lehel had been so reluctant... He couldn't change the past now anyway, so after a few minutes of remorse and chewing, he decided to calm down and accept his deeds like how he had done it before.

Suddenly his stomach growled loudly, and it claimed his full attention. He reached to the table next to his bed and searched for a box of matches to light a candle, when he touched something else. It had a strange, familiar shape, like a key. He finally found it! He had searched for it for two full minutes before he had gone to the workshop that morning. He hadn't found it back then, but it seemed it had been right under his nose all along.

He put it on and searched further for those matches until he found them. Now, he only had to find some candles. He sighed and slumped back into his bed. Food can wait. Or not. He was still very hungry, but tired and lazy as well. So, he was just lying and listening to his parent's as they were eating those crunchy and delicious nuts.

'It's funny...' he thought. 'They are mixing languages. Heh, like how I used to do it when I came here... But wait, mother can only speak Magor! That means...' he focused on their conversation. They were quiet, but his door was slightly open, so he could hear them clearly. At first he understood only a few words, then more and more. It didn't take him more than five minutes to understand them entirely. He gaped at this. 'What the hell?! I've just learnt again how to speak Magor in all of a sudden!?'

He slowly sat up and quickly lit a candle. He had to stop for a minute because another flashback came over him, but after it vanished he searched for one of his booklets – he was glad the pirates hadn't burnt or taken them – and began reading it. He had written that one in Magor, and now he could flawlessly read and understand it. It was about his visions and the people he had used to see frequently. The text came alive and those characters materialized on his own body. He was surprised he didn't get surprised by this, but was amazed how lively and detailed this vision or flashback was. He could even see and touch the fibres of his changed clothes! He started to examine the well-forged weapons and equipments for some minutes and he found something familiar and interesting under his left sleeve when the flashback suddenly evaporated. Kese pouted and put down the booklet; and then the poor light coming from the doorway unexpectedly increased. At first his mother then his father also peeked into his room, knocking quietly. They must have heard him making sounds.

- Is everything alright? – Tas asked in Elementel with a very funny accent. The blonde blinked at the question, then gave them a huge grin. He surprised his parents by responding in perfect Magor.

- Yes, I'm just very hungry.

Kese didn't like cold mornings; they made him want to stay in bed. It was worse when he had to work all day, but now, he had the opportunity to sleep and rest because of his injuries. His stomach was still full: he had eaten up the leftovers while privately discussing the past events with his father. He had got to know why Tas hadn't found his mother and sisters at home before the pirates second arrival: they had gone to get some water from the stream. The blacksmith had searched for them in the village and its surroundings. Rozi and the girls had got home after the pirates stepped onto the island and they had hidden themselves in Kese's room, while their own room being looted. Later Tas had decided to return to the village, but run into a pirate and 'accidentally' beaten him up. The others had noticed this and gone after him, so he fled back to the abbey.

After this Tas had talked about what had happened after he had carried Kese into his bed. He had gone back to the cave, called other men besides Lehel, and they together had taken care of the pirates' bodies. They had carried the corpses into their boats, and after the storm had calmed down and the ship gone, Csík and some other fishermen had pulled them out and set them on fire. The current would carry their remnants to the North. Some other men had cleaned up the blood-stains and other things with uncertain or more than certain origins. The villagers had been a little nervous and irritated because they had spent the night in the cave, and they hadn't been told why.

There were losses: broken, shattered or stained belongings, but the real values had remained safe. The only life the pirates had taken was of Szeneske, but she had got a burial by Tas. Jolánta had cried a lot. But, on the whole, it could have been worse.

- We decided to keep it in secret. – Tas had explained and then shaken his head. – But it's an open secret now, because some dumbass told his wife everything and she spread it.

'So everybody knows I have killed them. Nice.' – Kese sighed rolling his eyes, and decided to turn to his other side. He nearly jumped out of his bed when he saw Karcsa sitting at his table, reading one of his booklets.

- Morning. – the boy stated in a neutral voice, and turned a page with his broken arm (it was a real challenge for him).

- Morning. – Kese rubbed his eyes. - How long have you been here?

- For twenty-four pages now. – he put down the booklet. – You've never told me you learnt your fighting moves from some visions and dreams. And you've never told me about these too.

- I never intended to. – the blonde stretched carefully while yawning a good, then massaged his aching head. 'Oh no, it starts this early?' – Why are you here by the way?

- You are bedridden and I've broken my arm. Both of us can't do any useful, so I came here to entertain myself. How are your wounds?

- Quite alright. And I'm not bedridden.

- Oh, I can see that.

Kese sighed and sat up. Karcsa was not only his best friend but his best critic, with all of his sharp mind, sarcasm and 'compliments' towards him. Only him. He resembled more his aunt than his father; and in exchange his cousin was the one who resembled Dombi.

- You looked like shit. – Karcsa chuckled, then immediately became serious. He looked out of the window. – Your father told me what was up with you yesterday... I... When you... when he... – he couldn't form a proper sentence, so he just sighed and waved it off. – Never mind, it's nothing. – he lifted the booklet he had read. – Do you have more of this cutie?

- Yes. But you can't read them.

- Aw, you bastard! – he pouted. Kese knew he had read every book on the island – even the doctor's medical books - and he was bored and disappointed because there weren't any more. – First, you don't tell me things, and now you won't let me read your writings!

- You misunderstand, it's not like I wouldn't let you read them. The truth is, you just can't read them.

- But why?!

- I wrote them on languages you don't know.

Karcsa blinked at him a few times. – You evil genius. No, evil bastard. – they both chuckled at this, but suddenly Kese hissed when another wave of pain was born in his head, causing a light and momentary flashback. – Why don't you ask Lehel for some painkillers?

- He gave me some, but they weren't effective.

- Why don't you go to the abbey then? Ince can surely give you some herbs to get high. Maybe he can even fill your head. – the blonde raised an eyebrow at this. – You know: what hurts has nothing inside.

Kese snored. – Asshole.

- You're welcome.

A week after the incident Kese had completely regained his strength, mostly the wound on his stomach remained to be healed. Again. But he decided to take a visit at the monks as soon as his father and mother get out of sight and he can sneak out. His parents didn't let him go, no one did him the favour to climb up to the abbey, his constant headache was killing him and he couldn't wait any more.

He was afraid he would go insane. He felt himself fine, but the flashbacks had got more and more frequent. They disturbed him so much he could barely concentrate on his actual doings, and he hadn't been able to sleep normally for days now. In addition, his sense of space and time had been failing him. For example, he once told Rozi he would go to the Chain Bridge and he wouldn't be home before dinner. And he said that after dinner.

So, to be more correct, he was afraid he was going to be insane shortly. He had to stop it; this kind of craziness wasn't funny. He hoped if he could reduce his headache the flashbacks would go away, not the other way – it seemed his visions and insomnia had affected his logic as well. He also knew his wound had something in it, but he waited enough for it to be healed. He couldn't speak to Lehel for the doc had been busy recently and wasn't able to visit him. But to be honest, the blonde didn't want him to know about his recent problems.

It was a cold, cloudy – and of course windy – morning when Kese skipped off. While walking on the street he received strange glares from the few villagers out there. He had been told some of them were thankful for him. In their eyes, Kese had not only eliminated the pirates, but also taken care of the villagers' future safety by chasing them away; some of them were even glad he had avenged Botond's death. But others thought he had - already - gone crazy and because of this they stayed away and were afraid of him. But it was a fearful respect for they knew he had risked his life for them as well.

Kese left behind the village without running into those he didn't wanted to and he was glad he hadn't had any serious flashback in front of the villagers. He reached the forest: the usually warm and friendly mass of trees was now a whistling and creepy forest for him. As soon as he stepped into it, he got flooded by those serious flashbacks he had expected back in the village. He didn't know how he managed to get to the abbey, but when they vanished, he was standing in front of Ince's door. He knocked several times, but no answer, so he checked the greenhouse and the other houses, only to find no one. He almost gave up when he ran into Emiko and she told him they were on the vineyard.

- Are they already picking the Furmint? – the monks made amazing vine from their grapes; Kese had had some very funny evenings after absorbing a lot of it. Hey, he just hadn't been able to stop drinking; that vine was so delicious and gorgeous, calling him into its beautiful embrace, making him feel he was the most fabulous and awesome being in the world.

Back to reality, Emiko answered his question with a no, and told him they were just preparing for it, or something like that. Another flashback came over to the blonde so he couldn't memorize anything from what she had just said. He thanked the old lady's help and went to the vineyard where he indeed found the monks.

- I need your help. – Kese stated after they greeted each other. Ince's friendly smile didn't fall; he told the others he would be away for a while then they walked back to the abbey. The blonde told him in a nutshell what had been with him recently, and he wasn't afraid of rejection. Ince was like a confessor for him, he had shared everything with the monk - except his affair with Emese, but Kese had a feeling he had already figured it out. Ince gave him good advises when the blonde had difficulties, and he kept all of his secrets and would keep that naughty one as well; but it would be so awkward just talk about a sexual relationship with a monk!

When they got back to the abbey, Ince searched for something in books and scrolls, then quickly began some preparation. He wanted to do it as fast as he could because of his young friend's worrisome look and state. The blonde just sat at the table, his hand constantly rubbing his aching head. Ince started a conversation, but he soon realized Kese wasn't fully there. Sometimes he had to say his name multiple times to get his attention.

- I'm sorry, Ince.

- You don't have to apologize.

- It's getting worse... What did you ask again?

- I've been pondering over something. It's about the pirates. – he noticed Kese wincing at this, so he decided to spoke carefully. – I've heard they were never interested in our goods in the first place, so I don't understand why they kept coming back.

- It was because of their treasure.

- Treasure?

Kese fought against another wave of pain, but he went on explaining. – They were looking for a treasure and they believed we had it. But we didn't.

- What kind of treasure?

- I overheard two of their satellites talking about it. One of them said it was something precious and powerful, something more than money or gold. But don't worry; it's just a myth of some superstitious sea-rat-bastards.

- And they thought it was on our island? – Ince blinked.

- Yeah. – Kese was glad his headache ceased for a short time.

- Like hidden somewhere, maybe inside the mountain?

The blonde looked at him with a questioning frown. – Yeah... You know something like this?

- Maybe... – Kese's eyebrows darted up. – When I was a child I got lost in the cave and found a strange place. But I've never had the courage to go back.

The blonde's mouth gaped, not able to form a proper word. He collected himself, inhaled and put on a serious look. – Could you lead me there?

- So... Are you sure we've got lost?

- Quite sure. Well, maybe. I start to think we should have taken the left last time. Maybe we should have taken the right at the very beginning. I'm not sure.

The blonde sighed. – Alright. And the way back? – he didn't get answer. – Ince?

- Kese, please, keep calm.

- So we've got totally lost and you don't know the way back. – he sighed again and put on a bitter smile. – Nice.

- I'm sorry. – the monk got depressed and he slowly sat down on the wet ground.

- Your clothes will get muddy.

- Oh, shi- uh, I'm sorry! – he jumped up. Kese was indeed right about his clothes, and he let himself chuckle at the monk before he looked around again. He had never known the mountain hid more than just the great cave. They had walked through several tunnels since they had left behind the lake. The tunnels were dark, wet and sometimes slippery; it was a real labyrinth. Why had the blonde been so stubborn and curious? He should have known Ince might not remember the path.

- I know where we are.

- Really?! Where?

- Inside the mountain.

- Aaaaargh, Kese! Tell me something I don't know!

- Okay... This rock seems dry enough.

And they sat down. Ince stretched and massaged his legs; Kese put down their lamp and rubbed his temples. He didn't know for how long they had been in there, and the others must have noticed his absence at home. 'Mother will be very angry at me.'

Another flashback hit his head. Its content surprised him. He was in a crowded city; there were people everywhere, roaming and rushing, mostly in and out of the large building in front of him. The sight changed, it became darker: almost as dark as at night. The citizens lost their colours; every one of them was covered with a thin layer of gray. Something caught the blonde's eyes: a hint of gold on the pavement beneath the mass of feet. His body moved and he approached the yellowish stain, to notice there was more of it, showing a way through the crowd. He followed this track, passing by more grey men and women; then entered the building. It was larger than he expected. What really stunned him was across the square he was standing on. Huge, loud, metal-covered, fuming machines. Kese had never seen such things, and never been at such place, but immediately knew where he was. – Eastern railway station. – he whispered on a language very, very similar to the Magor.

His face didn't show emotions, he didn't control it. His body moved, he followed the golden track again, and climbed onto a carriage. It was quieter than the crowded outside and he saw no one. But the gold beneath him was pulsating brightly, pushing him forth, so he moved on. He stepped into one of the compartments and sat down in front of the only passenger in the carriage. It was an old and overweight man in his sixties with a fading golden aura, wearing a suit and reading a newspaper, which he put away after noticing the blonde.

- Hello, my dear. – he grinned. In a perverted way. 'Oh you sick bastard' Kese thought, but he suddenly realized he was a young woman now! – I didn't expect such company. – he leaned forward and put his hands on the blonde's thighs, making his way up under his skirt. Kese noticed half of the man's face didn't move like the other half; it was partially paralytic.

- My name is Erika. – the mouth Kese possessed talked in a soft and charming voice. The blonde sat onto the old man's lap. – Nice to meet you.

The man grinned again and buried his face into Kese's chest, rather, breasts. The blonde lifted his left hand and with a frighteningly familiar move, a more frighteningly familiar blade came out of his sleeve, unseen by the old man. The blade had a hole at its point. – My boss sends his greetings to you, Sir.

- I suppose this greeting is you.

Kese got disgusted when the man started touching him everywhere. – Indeed. – the blonde chuckled. – Please, close your eyes and open your mouth. I have a delicious surprise gift for you.

The man did as he asked. Kese raised his blade in front of his face, pointing towards the man's gaping mouth. At first the blonde thought he was going to stab him, but instead of this, he tensed the muscles in his left forearm, causing some liquid leaving the blade at its point. The man tasted the liquid, still smiling; then frowned and his eyes snapped open. Kese showed him then pulled back his blade and smirked. The man's life faded away in his eyes and his head fell down to his chest.

The blonde opened his eyes and blinked at the scared monk in front of him. – Yeah?

- Are you alright?

- Yes. I just saw another flashback. It was... disturbing. Oh, dear god, why?

- You shall not take the name of God in vain, Kese.

- You should know by now that I'm not a believer.

Ince sighed and nodded in defeat. – Then what was it about?

- Oh man, don't ask!

The monk's question unwillingly brought him back to the beginning of his vision. He started to think about that golden track he had noticed and followed; it hadn't appeared until everything became darker. It seemed familiar. He had seen something like this many times, like before the pirates' attack, or before diving when he usually checked the water's surface if it's safe or not to dive into. The pirate's ship was red; and the water glowed in blue when it was safe for him and red if it was dangerous. In this flashback the golden path led him to a person he had killed after. That meant the man might have been his target.

An idea came to his mind. This golden path might lead them back; or maybe lead them to the treasure's place! But how could he summon this path? How could he see it again? Was it linked to the strange sense he had randomly used before? He decided to give it a try. He closed his eyes and concentrated on them. He really wanted to see it. He really wanted to find that place.

He peeked a little and was taken aback. He did see the golden path!

- Where are you going? – Ince yelled behind him after he jumped up and started to run in the direction the path led him. He wanted to be there as fast as possible. Of course, he had to slow down because of Ince; he was more than thirty years older than him and wasn't used to run.

Kese felt they were getting closer to their destination, the monk could barely hold back his rush. Suddenly, they walked into a tunnel that was different from the others. The blonde's excitement bolted towards the skies when the golden path came to its end. They stood in a small cave, and they didn't need the lamp anymore. The engraved patterns on the cave's walls glowed in an unearthly light.

Kese looked at his companion. He could see Ince's awe as he remembered, and he smirked at his expression. - I think we've finally found it. – he whispered and blinked at the beauty of the patterns and their glow. – Yes. We have found it.

Thanks for reading^^ If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask them^^