THE PRINCE RETURN

Chapter 1: The Friends

Kanji lived a quiet life as a sales executive for a retail chain. He rented a modest one-bedroom flat in the upscale part of town. Friends were few, and social gatherings—even the ones dragged to by colleagues or Sharon—felt like chores. He wanted for nothing. Money flowed easily, but he never spoke of it. He was running from a past no one here knew.

Every morning and night, Kanji trained: karate, swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat, archery, and drills to move faster than any ordinary man. A day would come when his past knocked. He intended to answer ready.

Sharon was his closest friend. People assumed they were dating; they laughed it off. As the city’s top event planner, Sharon’s client list read like a who’s-who of the elite. She had three ride-or-die friends: Linda, Sarah, and Deborah—better known as Debbie. The four were inseparable, though none believed Sharon when she insisted she and Kanji were just friends.

Linda was fearless. She took what she wanted—men, deals, respect—and never apologized. Her reputation preceded her: a woman who wielded power like a blade.

Sarah was the peacemaker, soft-spoken and hopeful. Her boyfriend cheated at every turn. She knew. She stayed. “He’ll change,” she’d say, even as Linda urged her to leave.

Debbie was sharp, kind, and fiercely loyal. Raised by a plumber father, she was the eldest of five. Every paycheck went home—food, school fees, survival. A classroom teacher by day, she was painfully shy in love. After one bad experience, she vowed to wait for a man serious enough to marry her.

That morning, as Kanji settled into his desk, a message arrived—the one he’d dreaded for ten years. A royal summons. His father, the king, commanded his return for his sister’s wedding to a prince from a distant kingdom. He left the office without a word, mind racing. Ten years wasn’t enough.

At his flat, a knock. He opened the door to Sharon.

“What’s wrong with you?” she demanded, stepping inside. “You left work without a word. You’re sitting in the dark. Talk.”

“It’s nothing, Sharon. I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine. Spill.”

“It’s… my sister’s getting married. I’ve been summoned home.”

“Congratulations!” She grinned. “Why the long face?”

“Going home isn’t simple. I left for a reason—”

“The what?”

“Forget it.”

She folded her arms. “Home. Can the girls and I come?”

“What?!”

“You weren’t going to invite us?”

“No, no—I wasn’t thinking. My head’s a mess. Of course you can come.”

“Good. Let me call them.”

As Sharon stepped out, Kanji groaned. I just invited them. Into danger. With border breaches rumored… What am I doing?

Sharon video-called the group.

Linda: “I’ve got a client I’m reeling in. Not sure I can go.”

Sarah: “I’m in. Kanji’s family’s a total mystery. I want to meet them.”

Debbie: “I’ll go.”

Linda: “Wait—Sarah’s right. Kanji’s been a ghost. I’m in. When do we leave?”

Sharon: “Tomorrow. He’s already packing.”

 

Chapter 2: The Road Home

The next morning, the women found Kanji at the wheel of a gleaming Prado Jeep.

Sharon raised an eyebrow. “Kan, where’d you get this? Rental?”

“Bought it yesterday.”

“Stop lying. You can’t afford—”

“Not lying. Get in.”

Linda smirked. “Sharon, quit nagging.”

They piled in. After miles of highway, Kanji veered onto a dirt road. “We’ll rest at an inn up ahead,” he said. “Then continue.”

Sarah frowned. “I’ve never heard of this place. Linda?”

“Why’s everyone looking at me?”

Debbie grinned. “You’ve… been around.”

“With men, not backroads,” Linda shot back.

Kanji chuckled.

“What’s funny?” Linda snapped.

“Sorry.”

Sarah sighed. “Everyone, chill. Kanji, explain when we get there?”

He nodded. “We’re near the border. Between worlds.”

Five hours later, the inn appeared—a grand, isolated lodge nestled against a mountain. Lanterns glowed like fireflies.

Linda whistled. “This place exists? It’s stunning.”

Kanji smiled. “And there’s more where that came from.”

“I thought you were a boring introvert,” Linda teased.

Debbie elbowed her. “Not cool.”

“And stop filming,” Kanji added.

Sarah turned to Debbie. “You okay? You look pale.”

Debbie’s phone buzzed. She read the text and froze. “My dad… he needs surgery. They say it’ll cost a million dollars.”

The group fell silent.

Sharon hugged her. “That’s impossible right now. I’ll help however I can.”

Linda bit her lip. “Kanji, can we head back tomorrow?”

Kanji’s voice was calm. “Debbie, call your family. Tell them to take your dad to Dr. Richard at New York Specialist Hospital. Now.”

“But we can’t afford—”

“Do it. He’ll be fine.” Kanji dialed. The call connected on the first ring—on speaker.

“Richy, emergency. Mr. Andrew is en route. Best treatment, fastest. Bill the inn. No charge to him.”

Dr. Richard: “Yes, sir. Preparing now.”

Kanji: “Expenses to the inn. All of them.”

Dr. Richard: “Understood, boss.”

The call ended. Four pairs of eyes stared.

Sharon blinked. “He called you boss?”

Kanji shrugged. “So?”

Linda leaned forward. “There’s a story there.”

Debbie whispered, “Kanji… who are you?”

“Just me. Debbie, send me your mom’s account. We’re losing signal soon.”

“You’ve done enough—”

“Account. Now.”

At the palace in the Golden Kingdom, King Bruce broke bread with his family.

“Bond,” he said to his eldest, “will Kanji return?”

Bond sneered. “Whether he does or not changes nothing. The wedding proceeds.”

“You’re wrong, son. More is at stake than you know.”

Bond’s eyes narrowed. “Any kingdom that defies us will be crushed.”

“It’s not that simple,” Princess Lisa cut in. “The East is scheming. The North encroaches. We can’t fight among ourselves.”

“Silence!” Bond snapped. “When men speak—”

“Your sister is right,” Queen Lysandra said coolly. “Patience, Bond. Strategy.”

Lisa tilted her head. “Father, do you feel it? The North… watching.”

King Bruce frowned. “Your gifts?”

Bond scoffed. “What gifts?”

The king’s voice lowered. “Your siblings sense threats. That’s why we need Kanji.”

Bond’s jaw tightened. “I have no such power.”

“Enough,” the king barked. “Keep this secret. It’s our edge.”

Back at the inn, attendants swarmed Kanji the moment he stepped out.

“Your Highness!” the lead butler beamed. “How may we serve?”

“Easy, Ray.”

“You remember me? After all these years?”

“How could I forget that smile?”

Ray grinned at the women. “And these beauties? Four at once?”

Sharon’s mouth fell open.

Linda burst out laughing.

Debbie gasped. “You can’t be serious.”

Sarah flushed. “I have a boyfriend.”

Ray winked. “Never stopped Kanji. He loves a challenge.”

“Ray!” Kanji groaned.

Sharon smirked. “Are you blushing?”

Linda cackled. “I thought he was gay!”

“WHAT?!” the group shouted.

Linda shrugged. “Handsome, rich, no girlfriend? Math checks out.”

Ray chuckled. “Let me show you to your rooms.”

Kanji said, “One room. The King Chamber.”

Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

Linda smirked. “He’s got something to say. Doesn’t want to repeat himself. Right, Kanji?”

He nodded. “Exactly.”

Ray barked orders. Staff scurried with bags. Food and wine arrived minutes later. Ray bowed out: “Dave will join you soon.”

Once alone, Debbie pointed to five picture frames on the wall. Four faced forward. One was turned backward.

“Why’s that one hidden?” she asked.

Kanji’s voice softened. “Turn it. See for yourself.”

Debbie reached—and her hand passed through like smoke.

Sharon tried. Same result.

“Magic,” Kanji said simply.

“Magic?!”

“Everything here is. No signal, no tech. Welcome to my world.”

Sarah shushed them. “Let him talk.”

Kanji exhaled. “I’m a prince. This inn belongs to my half-brother, Dave. Those frames? My family. King Bruce, Queen Lysandra, Prince Bond, Princess Lisa… and me. I turned mine the day I left the Golden Kingdom.”

Debbie whispered, “Why leave? You had everything.”

“Power corrupts. Bond wants the throne. He’s ruthless—solves every problem with a sword. I wanted a normal life. Quiet. Unseen.”

Sarah urged, “Go on.”

“There’s a border between our worlds. Magic runs deep. Your governments know. They can’t touch us. We’re… stronger. Remember when the First Lady vanished for a month?”

The women nodded.

“She was treated here.”

Debbie’s eyes lit up. “Can my dad come?”

“I’ll ask Richard to bring him if needed. Dave will handle transport.”

Sharon pointed. “Your frame—can we see your face?”

“If I turn it, I can’t return to New York. Not easily. Rituals. Blood. But…” He drew a dagger, sliced his palm, and whispered, “GAFRU.” Blood smeared the frame. It solidified. He turned it.

A young man stared back—regal, sharp-eyed. Kanji.

In the palace, the frame vibrated. King Bruce stood. “He’s coming.”

Queen Lysandra wept. Bond gaped. Lisa smiled.

“Bond,” the king ordered, “take elite guards. Secretly. Meet him at the pass. Protect him.”

“Yes, Father.”

Lisa closed her eyes. White light filled them. She pointed to a mirror. “Ummbacuru er Kanji ba ka ki.”

At the inn, the chamber mirror flashed. Kanji froze.

“It’s Lisa,” he said. “They know.”

He approached, eyes glowing faintly. “OSHRU.”

His family appeared.

“Kanji, my son,” King Bruce intoned.

Queen Lysandra sobbed. “How I’ve missed you.”

“Mother. Father. You’re well?”

Bond lurked in shadow. Lisa grinned. “Who’re they?”

“Friends. Coming to your wedding.”

The king’s voice hardened. “I’m sorry for how you left. But things have changed. The North stirs. I visited their lands.”

“You did WHAT?!”

“I had to. No one else could. Bond will meet you at the pass. Until then, protect your friends.”

Lisa ended the call with a wave.

Chapter 3: The Pass

Dave arrived at dawn—a broad-shouldered man with Kanji’s eyes and a roguish grin. He hugged Kanji hard. “Little brother. You brought four women? Father will faint.”

Kanji smirked. “They’re friends.”

Dave eyed Linda. “This one looks trouble.”

Linda winked. “You have no idea.”

They loaded into two reinforced carriages—magic-forged, silent on the rugged pass. Dave drove the second with Debbie and Sarah. Kanji took the lead with Sharon and Linda.

The air grew thick with mist. Trees twisted into unnatural shapes. Whispers echoed.

Sharon gripped Kanji’s arm. “This place feels… wrong.”

“North magic,” he murmured. “Stay close.”

Halfway to the pass, the carriages halted. Shadows detached from the trees—cloaked figures, eyes glowing red.

“Ambush,” Dave growled, drawing a blade that hummed with runes.

Kanji leapt down, sword flashing. “Protect the women!”

Steel clashed. Arrows of black fire streaked. Kanji moved like a storm—parrying, striking, a blur. Linda grabbed a fallen dagger, slashing wildly. Sarah screamed as a figure lunged; Debbie yanked her back.

Dave roared, “LUMORA!” Light exploded from his palm, blinding the attackers.

Kanji severed the last shadow’s head. Silence fell.

Sharon stared, breathless. “You weren’t kidding about training.”

Kanji wiped blood from his blade. “We’re not safe yet.”

At the pass, Bond waited with twenty elite guards. His eyes narrowed at the women, then softened—barely—at Kanji.

“Brother,” Bond said stiffly. “Father awaits.”

Kanji nodded. “Let’s go home.”

As the gates of the Golden Kingdom loomed—golden spires piercing the sky—Sharon whispered, “Your world’s beautiful.”

Kanji’s smile was bittersweet. “And dangerous. Welcome to the real me.”

Chapter 3: Journey Through the Boundary

“Nice family you’ve got, Kanji,” Sharon said as they settled back in the King Chamber. “Lisa’s stunning—like a fairy-tale princess.”

Kanji snorted. “Don’t let her fool you. Lisa’s calm, calculating, and a master schemer. She plays the innocent card better than anyone.”

Sharon smirked. “Speaking of family gossip—Ray and your mom said you chase anything in a skirt. Especially the taken ones.”

Kanji rolled his eyes. “They meant Bond. Right, guys?” He turned—only to find four pairs of eyes staring, amused.

Linda leaned forward. “So… four at once? You’ve tried it?”

“Once,” Kanji muttered. “Not a big deal.”

Linda’s grin turned wicked. “Then I might have to bed you—if Sharon doesn’t mind.”

“What?!” Sharon and Kanji said in unison.

“Sharon, you in or should I take the first shift?”

A knock saved him. “Enter,” Kanji called.

Dave strode in, beard fuller than Kanji remembered. Kanji tackled him in a bear hug. “Missed you, man!”

“Your Highness—” Dave started.

“If you call me that again, I’ll throttle you. Just Kanji.”

“Mother contacted you?” Dave asked.

“Through Lisa’s mirror trick.”

Dave nodded. “I got your message. Sorry I wasn’t here—business. Private.”

Kanji raised an eyebrow. “Someone’s daughter?”

Dave winked. “This one’s different.” He turned to the women. “Ladies, welcome. Debbie, coy-smiling Linda, sizing-up Sharon, and Sarah over there. Hope the inn’s treated you well.”

Sharon smiled. “Wonderfully. Thank you, Dave.”

“Anything you need, ask anyone. They’ll jump.”

Sarah hesitated. “We can call you Dave?”

“Absolutely.”

Dave clapped Kanji’s shoulder. “Borrow him a minute?”

Sharon smirked. “Take him. Linda and I have… plans.”

Kanji froze. “That nonsense? Not happening.”

Linda waved him off. “None of your business. Go.”

Dave dragged him out. “Time waits for no man.”

“I can slow time, you know.”

“Shut it. Goosebumps yet?”

In Dave’s soundproof study, he poured wine. Kanji downed it in one gulp. Dave refilled—scotch on the rocks this time. Kanji sipped slower.

“What’s eating you?” Dave asked.

“Going back. It’s worse than before.”

“The pass isn’t safe. You’re traveling with four civilians who’ve never held a sword. How do you protect them?”

“I’ll manage.”

Dave’s voice dropped. “North and East are moving.”

“Details.”

“East wants the Golden Kingdom crushed. North is weakening the boundary with human sacrifices—to breach the gateway in force. Dark wizards worship the thing below. Missing persons? Whole families vanishing near the woods? That’s the boundary’s edge.”

Kanji’s blood ran cold. “I saw armies in the North. No sacrifices.”

“You weren’t meant to. I’ve been digging. If the barrier falls, this inn’s the last stand.”

“Father needs to know. He said bring everyone to the palace when the time comes.”

“I’m ready. But you convince him. I’ll keep investigating—low-key.”

“Careful, Dave. This is the Shadow.”

Dave grinned. “You know me.”

Back in the chamber, Kanji paused at the door. Please let their ‘plan’ be a joke. Knowing Linda, probably not.

Sarah slept. Debbie read. Sharon and Linda whispered—never a good sign.

They spotted him. “Ladies,” he said warily, “I’m not bedding anyone. Don’t try.”

Sharon laughed. “Relax, dummy. We want magic. Show us.”

“Born with it. Secret. No one needs to know.”

Linda pounced. “One trick. Please?”

Kanji sighed. He waved over Debbie’s book. It vanished.

Debbie yelped. “How?!”

“Manipulated its essence. Asked it to go invisible. Small touch of will.”

“What else can you do?” Sharon breathed.

“Anything. Summon storms, bend steel. I’m tired. Tomorrow’s brutal.” He waved; the book reappeared. “Sleep. We cross the boundary at dawn.”

Linda whispered, “This is the adventure of a lifetime.”

Sharon nodded. “Don’t get too excited.”

Sharon jolted awake. “Who’s there?!”

“Up,” Kanji barked. “Dress. We leave now.”

Chaos. Clothes flew. Sarah froze. “Breakfast?”

“Eat while walking,” Dave said from the doorway.

“Restaurants on the path?” Sarah asked.

Dave laughed. “Hell no. Kanji didn’t brief you?”

Kanji winced. “Slipped my mind.”

Dave handed out rope. “Tie around your waists. Kanji leads. Narrow path. You’ll see things—don’t step off. Focus on something you love or blank your mind. Rope keeps you in line if one falters.”

Debbie swallowed. “How long to the pass?”

“Time’s fluid. Two days. Three. No night.”

Sarah squeaked. “We just… walk?”

“Safe rests exist. People live there. You’ve got a warrior guide. Fear not.”

Kanji checked his watch. “Schedule, Dave.”

“Follow me.”

Behind the inn, a trapdoor revealed a curtain of shimmering light.

Linda stared. “That’s it?”

“Read this,” Dave said, passing papers. “In your mind. Release it to the boundary.”

I willingly give myself to the boundary to be used for good. If evil intent fills my heart, let the boundary kill me.

“Evil can’t pass,” Dave explained. “But vigilance—some twist magic. Backpacks have supplies. Good luck.”

Hugs. Then Kanji led them through.

The boundary swallowed them.

Birdsong greeted Debbie—good omen. Kanji’s brutal pace made sense; she matched it without complaint.

Sarah ached to explore. Berries? She glanced at Linda, remembered the rules, and seethed. Pig-headed pace. Movement in the shadows. She froze.

Linda felt Sarah’s stare. That thing looked nasty. The magic pressed like a weight. Albert the fat liar never saw this.

Sharon felt home. No family, just Kanji. Could I stay? A glimpse—her old neighborhood? She veered off.

The rope yanked. Linda stumbled, hauled Sharon back. “KANJI!”

He sprinted. Sharon clawed at the rope. “My neighborhood—”

“Werewolf illusion!” Kanji hissed. “Dark wizards use them to hunt strays. Skin for them, bones for spells.”

He produced four necklaces—runes glowing. “Wear these. Blocks mind tricks. Physical attacks? I’ve got.”

Debbie touched hers. “Thank you.”

“Keep moving.”

Hours blurred. Treacherous roots snaked. Illusions whispered. A bridge of bones appeared—Kanji shattered it with a word: “FRAGOR.”

Debbie gripped the rope. “I don’t like this, Kanji.”

“We’ll make it. Together.”

Sarah eyed glowing mushrooms. “Safe to eat?”

“Don’t risk it.”

Linda scanned shadows. “I’ve got your back.”

Sharon’s frustration boiled. “I need out—”

A growl. A hulking beast—fur matted with blood, eyes burning—lunged.

Kanji’s sword flashed. “STAY BACK!”

Steel met claw. The beast roared. Kanji danced—parry, slash, dodge.

Hope faded when a voice cut through: “Need a hand, little brother?”

Bond stepped from the mist, blade drawn. Twenty elite guards fanned out.

“Bond?!” Kanji gasped.

“No time. Fight!”

Brothers side-by-side—Kanji’s precision, Bond’s brute force. Guards formed a perimeter. The beast fell.

At the boundary’s edge, golden gates loomed. Kanji smiled, exhausted. “We made it.”

The women exhaled—bond forged in fire.

Bond sheathed his sword. “Father awaits. And little brother… welcome home.”

Kanji and Friends 

Kanji and Friends