Hello readers ~ here's chapter 18 which is weird for me but I'm happy. So much happens here as the truth is slowly being revealed. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: As always

Chapter 18: Coming Home

By Skorm, everything was absurdly quiet. The bugs that surrounded them dared not to sound their music or the beasts of the forest growl. Jet would give anything to help ease the tense mood between them. Since the night before things had been awkward, more likely for her than for him. The whole thing disturbed her in more than one way.

For one thing, no man had ever shown interest in her and to even get that close. There was more than domination in the equation which disturbed the teen even more. Ruler liked her. Whether if he would admit it or not there was some kind of affection for her. Things just could not get worse for her, could they?

'Skorm! It had to be me of all people! Of all clichés…' Jet cursed her luck and watched the ground before her. The ground had become faintly familiar and she turned her face to find the temple. Her eyebrows narrowed and venom oozed from her poisonous glare. Ruler turned his attention where hers burned and smiled. Jack of Blades had found out where she took up the name 'Sabre' for the Arena.

He turned back to her and she reluctantly met his gaze. Nothing was said but Jet read his message. She turned away from him and kept walking unsure of how to bring up other questions that haunted her.

Mostly questions like how did he know to be there, at the Arena? It seemed a little too coincidental for him to show up and beat the living crap out of her. Ruler broke the silence shoving her back to reality.

"You still had questions to ask. Ask now while we are unheard by other ears." Straight to the point. No dilly dallies. Jet cursed his almightiness.

"Yeah. For one thing, back at the Arena. How did you know that all of us fighters were there?" She dared her luck and turned to his eyes. When he looked down she shivered at the glowing orbs, vibrant with mirth and cunning. The teen felt cornered.

"It wasn't just coincidence that I was there." Jet searched his eyes in growing horror.

"Y-you knew?" A dark rumble echoed from behind his mask and she noticed the shadows around his eyes grew darker. If she could have Jet would run off and hide under a mountain. Something about his soul doors scared the daylights out of her.

"More than just knowing Jet." Jet's heart fell to the floor. He did not just know about the Arena, he planned it. The color of her skin was more than an answer for him. "Yes Jet, I planned the whole thing. Always have."

"What?" The air around them became heavy and thick. Jack of Blades turned his eyes forward to watch where he was going.

"Yes, you heard right. I have done this many times. Every five years I gather bandits that were caught and tell them to spread the word of the Arena opening soon. Those who think they can hide from me come to test their will and end up killed." Jet grew quiet and listened to her feet crunch the grass with every step.

If it happened every five years how come people were stupid enough to go and fight? Jet wondered why she had never heard of the Arena until her father said something just almost a week ago. Did he know? Her parents knew all about Ruler, so they must know of the Arena.

"Do my parents know? Of the Arena I mean…" My question seemed to surprise him from the eerie silence.

"Your parents do. Most of the adults in Oakvale in fact." Jet stopped moving at the revelation. Her parents knew and yet did not stop their own daughter from going? Or at least they should have tried to stop her. For once Jet felt betrayed.

"They knew?" It was a quiet whisper and Ruler had stopped to watch her. A light smirk graced his lips as the information sunk in. "They let their daughter risk her neck only to be killed? Whywhathow?" Her words slurred together as waves of emotions overflowed clouding her judgment. Jack of Blades stood watching patiently.

"YOU!" He stood perfectly still as she screamed incoherent words which he was sure were curses and insults. Tears flowed and her body shook. Something about this sight made Jack want to hold her close to his body, keep her company and soothe her raging spirit. When she calmed down and tears had left salty streaks behind he finally spoke up.

"Yes, I have forbidden them from speaking of the Arena but that does surprise me that they would follow that law. It seems your parents are in fact using you." Jet's heart wrenched in pain and still too out of breath she just growled at him. He rose a hand signaling to stop. She kept her jaw clenched but silenced her throat.

"I will explain. Think about back when you first held your blade. Why was it given to you?" Jet watched him warily.

"So that I could protect Oakvale…"

"Why you though? There are plenty of adults in the village but why were you chosen?" She blinked once processing his words. He was up to something and she knew it. Ruler was not outright saying what he wanted but rather had her sort things out. Jet was not sure if letting him know about the bargain was a good idea or not. It was too bad that she did not think of that sooner so that her hesitation could not be noticed.

"Ah, there is something that you do not wish to tell me. Some little secret that the village has kept from me the past quarter century? Well then, let's hear it." Her green eyes narrowed at the man. Skorm take him into the Void.

"It because of the bargain. That's all they would tell me."

"They?" Skorm's wrath with his details.

"…my parents." She gritted through her teeth. There was something in his eyes, Jet noticed, that seemed to click. He rumbled again and Jet rose an eyebrow.

"I think I know where it all started. Do you remember anything when you were young?" Her eyes rolled at that question.

"Are you referring to eight years or are you asking me – " the way his eyes slightly narrowed let Jet know that her sarcastic reply was not welcomed. "I'm not sure, but I've been having dreams of my house burning and a boy about two years older than me." He huffed.

"So your memories are returning to you." Ruler grew quiet and began walking again. Jet watched for a few moments perplexed at his odd mood. She started at a trot and caught up to him in a few short moments. Their strides matched evenly as the girl strolled next to the man.

She cast a side glance only to see his mask. Jet decided that now would not be the best time to pursue any more answers. Instead she mulled over the idea of her dream being reality. So, that little boy in her dreams was someone she knew a long time ago and she figured it was a family member. Making their way up the Cullis Gate Jet waited and after a few seconds they were back on the mainland. Despite it being her second time she still hated the whole traveling deal. Jet went back to thinking.

'Could I have an older brother?' The idea oddly was pleasing. To have someone to look up to and take care of her. She wondered if he did take care of her back then. Distinct crackles echoed softly in her ear.

She wondered if she had actually heard it and almost dismissed it until she heard it louder. Jet slowly turned her head to the left watching as embers consume the swampy land. The sight itself confused her but the growing image of a house totally blew her mind. It was not just any house but a house she remembers well and loved, her home. The door opened on it's own for her and she moved forward accepting the invitation. Darkness enveloped the entrance but as soon as she stepped through Jet was greeted with a fiery inside and three persons.

Her eyes widened and took a step back. The little boy looked up to her his brown locks messily hanging over his eyes, those bright shining blue eyes clouded with fear and confusion. Her heart heavily pounded in her throat and green orbs turned to the adults. Clad in makeshift leather armor and wielding steel swords were her own parents.

"No…" Jet took another step back tripping over an upturned root. She toppled and fell straight onto her back knocking the wind out of her along with making a large splash. The swamp water encased her face closing off any access to air. Bubbles jetted from her mouth and dirty water rushed in. Liquid filled her lungs and Jet struggled to grasp any sort of common sense.

A strong firm metal hand grabbed a hold of her arm and yanked roughly. Greeted with fresh beautiful air Jet began hacking and gasping trying to clear out the water that was drowning her. She felt a firm whack on her back and a mouthful of water flew from her pale red lips followed by strong heavy coughs. Jet gagged a few times before semi-normal breathing returned to hear and all either could her were her pants. Though peace was only short lived.

"I thought my orders were clear. You are not to leave my side at any cost." She took a few more breaths before properly replying.

"That counted as an 'absolute necessary'." His stare was hard and unnerving but Jet did not flinch.

"To kill yourself?" She shook her head.

"I saw a vision…it was my dream." She wanted to ask more now that she has seen a little extra than what her dreams gave. Jack of Blades remained silent. "Am I able to talk to my parents when we get back?" Their eyes met and Jet felt her heart make a couple extra beats sending butterflies to flutter in her tummy. Ruler made one short nod.

"Yes, and I will be there and they will answer all of your questions." Jet nodded breaking the eye contact and stood back up. Now wet and uncomfortable the two continued on with Jet at his side wringing out as much water as her strength could allow.

It was quiet between the two, the only sound made were their feet against the ground. Barrow Fields was more than welcome to her, especially after the week she had been gone. Had it been a week? Jet did not care to count the actual days she had been gone but only knew that she had been gone long enough. Traders respectfully bowed their heads to Ruler and looked upon the girl with pity. No one in their right mind would willingly follow Ruler or so they thought.

They headed through the gate and worked their way up the hill into the village. Jet watched the small flower field where she saw her first vision. Nothing came up and so Jet dismissed the small patch with nothing less than a scoff.

To Jet's dismay the villagers of Oakvale stood outside watching. Now more than ever did she want to run and hide under a rock, jump into shark infested waters, or perish in a wall of fire. Jet began to lower her head when Ruler's hand kept her face upturned. Her small sigh signaled a release and the teenage walked with false dignity. They passed by the tavern and Freyshack watched the two stroll by. He knew Jet and her pride was hurt and had little dignity left. Freyshack cursed Ruler in a whisper and his response was golden eyes turning to him. The boy froze.

Jet's home stood looming over her almost in a mocking manner. Ruler opened the door and looked to her. She started off with a sigh and strolled through taking a look around the corner toward the kitchen. Amber stood there with her back turned until she heard one of the boards creaked. She turned and watched wide eyed at her child.

"Jet?" Said person blinked slowly exhausted and boiling with mild anger. Her mother seemed to sense this. "Are you okay honey?" Jet shook her lowered head and after a few shakes gave a stern look to her mother.

"Call dad…we need to talk." Shocked and unsure Amber called her husband down and the blonde came down shortly after. He hesitated at the base when he caught sight of Jack of Blades. His eyes went to his daughter shortly after and seemed horrified of her outer appearance.

"Avo's mercy Jet. What happened to you?" Jet narrowed her eyes.

"You aren't in the position to ask me questions. You and mom sit on the sofa." The adults looked to one another shocked at their daughter's attitude and after a throat clearing from her they sat on the couch. Jet sauntered over and stared them down.

"Ruler is here with me, as dad saw, and will let me know if you're lying to me. There is a lot that you have to answer to so be prepared." James narrowed his eyes.

"What lies has – "

"What did I just say!? Keep your mouth shut unless you are answering a question and I think I already know the answers but I want to see if what I'm thinking is correct. Is that understood?" He nodded as well as Amber. The air was dense and heavy. After a few moments Jet sighed and forced out her first question.

"I have an older brother, don't I?"