THE PRINCE RETURN 1

Content Warning: This story contains themes of dark magic, blood rituals, supernatural elements, and mild adult humour. All characters are 18+. Reader discretion is advised.

Intro:

Kanji lives a quiet life as a sales executive — but it is a borrowed life, one built on secrets and distance. He is a prince in hiding, trained for a war he hoped would never find him. When a royal summons arrives for his sister's wedding, he has no choice but to go back. This is Part 1 of The Prince Return series. Read in order for the full experience.

The Friends

Kanji lives a simple life as a sales executive with a retailer company. He lives in a modest one-bedroom flat in the highbrow area of town. He doesn't have many friends and lives as an introvert, attending just a few social parties he struggles to show up to — either dragged out by friends or by the company he works for. He lacks nothing and can get whatever he wants; money is not his problem, because he knows how wealthy he is, but can't say so because he is running from his past and living a life known to no one.

Kanji trains every day before and after work in karate, sword fight, hand-to-hand combat, arrow shooting, and how to be faster than the average human. He knows a time will come for his past to come calling, and he intends to be prepared.

Sharon is Kanji's friend, and people think they are dating — which they laugh off. Sharon works as an event planner, and due to her skills she is the number one event manager that the elite in society patronise. She has three close friends: Linda, Sarah, and Deborah — popularly called Debbie. These four friends are so close, yet they don't know that Sharon and Kanji are not dating, thinking Sharon is playing with their intelligence.

Linda is the bold one among her friends, and she is the one with an iron heart. She sleeps with men now and then and doesn't care what people say about her. She goes for what she wants and she gets it, no matter how long it takes. She is well known by all as a woman who knows how to use her power to get any job done, and in no time.

Sarah is the peacemaker among the friends and she is always calm. She has a boyfriend who cheats on her with every opportunity he has. She knows, but she is hoping he will change and marry her when he is ready, or when he gets tired of his cheating lifestyle. She has been advised by her friend Linda to leave, but Sarah is adamant about it and doesn't want to hear such talk again.

Debbie is smart and came from a humble background. Her dad is a plumber and she is the first daughter. She works hard to send money to her family for food and school fees for her younger ones. She works as a classroom teacher and is very shy when it comes to dating, due to her experiences. She has vowed to wait until a serious man who will marry her comes along.

The Summons

On this particular morning, while starting the day's activities in the office, Kanji got one of the messages he had been dreading — knowing he could never say no or turn it down. It was a letter coming from his home, and the royal seat at that, for his father the king had summoned him back home to play a role in his sister's upcoming wedding to a distant prince from another kingdom.

He left work without even a word to anyone, for he was thinking: ten years was not even enough, and yet he was going back to a place he didn't like or want to be, due to the hard life and the many challenges of being a prince. He had chosen to leave everything for his brother Bond, who wanted everything and who was the eldest. While he was thinking all this, there came a knock on his door. When he opened it, it was Sharon.

"What is wrong with you, and why are you sitting in the dark? I was at your place of work and was told you just left without a word. Kanji! What is wrong?"

"It is nothing to worry about, Sharon. Really, I'm fine."

"No way. You are not fine. Now tell me what is up."

"Like I said, it is not really, Sharon. It is just about my sister getting married and I have been summoned home."

"Wow! Congratulations — that is good news. Why this sad face?"

"Well, going home is another thing. Besides, I ran from home, away from all the... never mind."

"The what?"

"Just forget it."

"Okay. Anyway, at home, will you let me and the girls come along?"

"What?!"

"So you mean you are not inviting us?"

"Oh no, no, no. I'm sorry — I was not even thinking about it. Eh, see, I'm sorry, Sharon. My mind was just too preoccupied. Sure, you guys can come along."

"Good. Let me get the girls."

While Sharon went out, Kanji brooded even more. I can't believe I just invited them. Oh no, what was I even thinking? This is really getting out of hand. Besides, it is not even safe there, with all the talk of breaches. What am I even getting myself into?

Sharon made a video conference call with her friends, telling them about the wedding invitation from Kanji.

"I don't know about going — please, there is this client I'm about to catch up with in a few days' time," Linda said.

"Of course I will be there with you guys. Kanji is a nice guy and I would love to meet his family — as you all know, we know nothing about it," Sarah said.

"Sure, I'll go," Debbie said.

"Come to think of it, Sarah is right. Kanji has been a mystery. I think I will go. When is the date for departure?" Linda said.

"I think it will be tomorrow, because before I left he was already packing stuff," Sharon replied.

Going Back Home

When Sharon and the girls met Kanji, he was at the wheel of a Prado Jeep waiting for them.

"Hey Kan, where did you get this Jeep? Or is it a rental?"

"No, I just bought it today."

"Stop kidding — you don't have the money for such."

"Well, I'm not lying, Sharon. Are you guys getting in or not?"

"Oh, Sharon, stop the nagging, please," Linda said.

And they all got in while Kanji put the Jeep in motion. After driving a few miles, he turned into a dirt road and told them they would be resting at an inn at the end of the road before they continued their journey.

"What place is this? I have never heard of this place, and I don't even know where we are. Linda, have you been around here before?" Sarah asked.

"Why are you all looking at me like that? Am I the one driving the car?" Linda replied.

"You know — with men and places," Debbie said.

"Experience?" Linda repeated.

"You know what they mean," Sharon said.

"So you guys are mocking me just because I have plenty of male friends?" Linda said, before bursting out laughing.

Kanji was laughing at that.

"What is funny?" Linda demanded.

"Sorry," Kanji said.

"And will you stop laughing at me, Linda?" Sharon snapped.

"Everyone please calm down. Linda, it is okay — you know they mean nothing by what they said. We just want to know," Sarah said, before turning to Kanji. "Go on and tell us."

"Let us get there first. Before we reach, I will tell you guys a few things about me, for we are on the border between..."

"Okay, guys — shut it till we get to the inn," Sharon cut in.

And so they drove for more than five hours before arriving at the inn, which sat on a lonely part of a hillside mountain.

"Wow, so this kind of place exists and I know nothing about it. It is so beautiful. Wow — is that even possible?" Linda exclaimed.

"Funny enough, it is possible, and there is more to it too," Kanji said with a laugh.

"And I was thinking you were a dullard and an unrepentant introvert," Linda said.

"That is not cool, Linda!" Debbie said.

"Kanji, never mind. And stop videoing, Debbie — it is not nice," Sharon added.

"Can we even afford this place? Debbie, what is wrong? You look sick," Sarah said.

"I just got a text. My dad needs surgery and — oh my God! They said it will cost a million dollars," Debbie said.

"Oh, Debbie, I'm so sorry," Sarah replied.

"That is a lot of money, and things are already hard with your family. I'm sorry, babe — I will give you any help you need," Sharon said.

"I'm sorry. Kanji, can we head back tomorrow?" Linda asked.

"Please calm down. Debbie, call your family and tell them to take your dad to Doctor Richard at the New York Specialist Hospital. Do that now," Kanji said.

"But we can't afford it. That is one of the most expensive hospitals in the world!" Debbie started crying.

"Calm down, Debbie. Tell them to take him now. Your dad will be alright. Let me call Doctor Richard." Kanji brought out his phone — forgetting it was on speaker — and dialled. After a single ring, Doctor Richard answered.

"Richy, I need your help urgently — as in now. Please do not leave the hospital. There is an emergency case coming. A Mr. Andrew is being brought, and you should give him the best treatment. I mean the best, and as quickly as possible."

"Yes sir. Let me start preparing."

"Don't charge him. Forward every expense to the inn."

"Alright, boss."

K

At this, they were all looking at Kanji.

"What did I do?" he asked.

"He just called you boss," Sharon said.

"So?"

"There is a meaning to that — and the way you commanded him..." Linda said.

"That is that too," Sarah added.

"Kanji, who are you really?" Debbie asked.

"I'm me, Debbie. Anyway, since you are not around — can you please give me your mum's account number? Let me send them something they can use to hold their end."

"You have already done enough. Thank you," Debbie said.

"Forget it. Just give me the account number now, because we will soon be out of network range when we step into the inn."

In the Golden Kingdom

In the Golden Kingdom, the king was having breakfast with his family. He turned to Prince Bond, his eldest son.

"Son, do you think your brother Kanji will return?"

"Father, whether Kanji returns or not is of no consequence. We will proceed as planned with the wedding," Bond replied.

"You are wrong, son. There is more at stake than you know."

"What is at stake, Father? Any kingdom that refuses to fall in line or tries to cause problems will be dealt with."

"It is not as simple as you think, son. Besides, you can't use the sword on every fight."

"Father is right, Bond. We have to be patient, because the kingdom of the East has been up to something — cooking something — and yet we are not the enemy. We can't afford to fight among ourselves when the North is stirring little by little," Princess Lisa replied.

"Shut up! What do you even know? When men are talking, you want to say something too, eh?" Bond snapped.

"Your sister is right," Queen Lysandra told her son. "You need to be patient and calculative."

"Lisa, are you feeling something in that other awareness of yours?" the King asked his daughter.

"What awareness are you talking about?" Bond asked.

"You know, Bond — your sister and brother have magical powers. When the North stirs, they can feel it. That is why we need Kanji here," the King replied.

"Why don't I have them too?"

"I don't know, Bond. Your father and I don't have them either," the Queen said.

"Enough of this. And don't let people know about it, for it is our secret and our weapon," the King commanded.

"Alright, Father."

"And Bond — mind how you talk to your sister, and mind your manners."

"Yes, Father."

The Inn

Back at the inn, after Kanji drove in, the attendants saw him and rushed over with smiles to welcome him and his friends.

"Welcome, Your Highness. How may we be of service?" the lead butler asked.

"Calm down, Ray."

"You still remember my name after all these years, and even though I have aged this much?"

"Ha — Ray, I can't forget your smile. It is like a world full of hope."

"Don't flatter me, boy. Who are these beauties? Don't tell me you are doing four now."

"What are you talking about?" Sharon asked.

Linda was laughing at that.

"You can't be serious," Debbie said.

"I have a boyfriend," Sarah said.

"Oh, that has never stopped Kanji from having his way — if you want to know, he likes a challenge and goes for those already taken," Ray said.

"Ray! You are embarrassing me. Please."

"Are you blushing, Kanji?"

"Shut up, Sharon. And will you stop laughing at me, Linda?"

"Well, I can't stop laughing — and I was thinking you were gay."

"WHAT! Linda!"

"Oh, don't look at me like that. Why not, when a handsome man keeps to himself without looking at these titties and ass?" she burst out laughing.

"Ray, this is all your fault. Anyway, let me introduce my friends. This one here with the big eyes is Sharon. The one looking around with the calculative eye is Sarah. That one with the big titties is Linda. And the quiet one is Debbie. Now, where is Dave?"

"I figured he would be here soon. He has been sent for. In the meantime, let me get you all to your rooms."

"Ray, put us all in one room, please."

"Really, Kanji?"

"Just do it and don't look at me like that."

"I'm not going to cheat on my boyfriend," Sarah said.

"Oh, just don't be a kid. I thought you were smart — I figure he has something to say to us all and doesn't want to repeat himself. Right, Kanji?" Linda said.

"Thank you, Linda. Let us go in."

Ray turned to the workers standing around. "What are you guys waiting for? Carry their bags to the King's Chamber." After they were all settled and Ray had ordered food and refreshments, he left, promising to send Dave as soon as he returned.

The Magic Frame

After Ray left, Kanji turned to his friends. But before he could speak, Debbie turned to him and asked, "Kanji, why is it that those four picture frames are facing front with their faces showing, while the last one is not facing front but turned with the back showing?"

"Oh, that — go and turn it and see the face if you want."

Debbie went to the frame and tried to turn it, but her hand passed over it like smoke. She turned to him. "But I can't."

"Oh really, Debbie? You can't turn a picture frame? Really?" Sharon asked.

"Come and try it and see, then."

Sharon went to the frame and tried to turn it, but her hand too passed over it like smoke. She turned to Kanji. "Why can't we do it?"

"Because it is magic."

"MAGIC?!"

"Yes."

"How come?"

"Everything here is magic. That is why you can't make calls or send texts anymore. I told you guys."

"Sharon and Debbie, will you two keep quiet while Kanji tells his tale?" Sarah asked, before turning to Kanji. "Please, go on with your story."

Kanji turned to them. "Well, as you may have figured out — I am a prince. And this inn is owned by my half-brother Dave. Those people in the pictures are my family: my father, King Bruce; my mother, Queen Lysandra; my brother, Prince Bond; and my sister, Princess Lisa. The last picture is me."

"Why is it not showing, and why is it turned?" Sharon asked.

"That is because I kept it that way on the day I left the Golden Kingdom."

"But why did you leave?" Debbie asked. "I mean, you are a prince with a lot of privileges."

"I left because it was getting really bad. Power is really intoxicating, and I didn't want to cause conflict in the royal family. My brother is supposed to take over after our father, but he is not fit to be a king. He can't reason, and he is very aggressive — he shoots before asking questions, and every disagreement with him results in a sword fight. I just wanted a normal life. I wanted to be myself and live a quiet, uneventful life."

"Go on with your story please," Sarah said, casting Debbie a dark look.

"Well — there is a boundary between my world and yours, and everything there is magical. I don't know much about who my sister is marrying, so don't ask me that. Your government knows about my kingdom but can do nothing about it, since they know we are stronger. Besides, they work together to stop bad things from happening. Remember when the First Lady was sick and wasn't seen for months?"

"Yeah, we do," they answered.

"Well, she was taken to my kingdom for treatment."

"Wow."

"Can my dad be brought there too?" Debbie asked.

"I will ask Doctor Richard to bring him if he can't treat him."

"But how? There's no network here."

"Don't worry — Dave will take care of it."

"So, Kanji?"

"Yes, Sharon?"

"Your frame — how can it be turned so we can see your face?"

"Well, if I turn it to show my face, it means I will not be coming back to New York again."

"But can you turn it back if you want to?"

"It is not as easy as you think. I had to undergo some rituals." He paused. "Anyway, I will turn it, since I am going back to my land of birth."

He went to the picture frame and they crowded around him to see what he was doing. Kanji brought out a knife and cut his palm, then made an incantation with just one word — GAFRU — and smeared his blood on the frame. It went solid, and then Kanji turned it.

The Kingdom Reacts

In the Golden Kingdom, while King Bruce was admonishing his son to have manners and not to speak to his sister in a derogatory way, there was a slight vibration. They all looked up to see Kanji's picture frame turning slowly, with his face showing.

"He is coming home — finally!" the King declared.

Queen Lysandra was weeping. Bond stood open-mouthed. Lisa was smiling.

"Now we will be complete as a family — and to hell with whoever tries our family. Bond, prepare to welcome your brother. Choose the best soldiers and make it a secret. Escort him home safely — and you too, be safe out there, for it is not a safe trip."

"Yes, Father."

"Lisa, can you contact him?"

"I don't know, Father."

"Please try."

"Alright."

Lisa closed her eyes and accessed her inner power. After a few minutes she turned to her father. "Yes, Father. I can contact him. He is at the inn."

"Will the boundary affect you?"

"No, Father. Besides, we have done it before."

"Eh — really? But I warned you both about the danger."

"Oh, Bruce, now is not the time. Allow her to do her thing," the Queen said.

"Okay. Go on, Lisa."

She closed her eyes again. When she opened them, they were as white as snow. She pointed to the mirror in the dining room and said an incantation: "Ummbacuru er Kanji ba ka ki."

The Mirror Call

Kanji was talking to his friends when the mirror in the King's Chamber flashed. He turned to look at it.

"What is it?" Debbie asked.

"Sssshh. I think it is my sister. They know I'm here, since I turned the frame."

"How are you going to answer it?"

"Just watch and see."

Kanji went to the mirror, closed his eyes, accessed his powers, and opened them. He said his own incantation — OSHRU — and his family appeared in the mirror.

"Kanji, my son," King Bruce intoned.

"Oh, Kanji!" Queen Lysandra was weeping. "How have you been? Please come home."

"Mother, Father — are you well?"

"We are fine. We were just having dinner. Where is Dave?"

"He is not around yet. Is that Bond hiding?"

"I'm not hiding."

"And Lisa — I know you are the one creating this."

"Of course it is me, brother. Who are they?"

"Oh, they are my friends. They are coming to your wedding."

"Are you not going to introduce them?"

"Later, when we reach. Let me talk to Father."

"Alright."

"I'm sorry, Father, for how I left."

"It is alright, son. I understand, and I respect your decision. But things are changing, and you need to come back."

"I know, Father. There is much I have to tell you. I visited the Northern Land — you know where I mean."

"YOU DID WHAT?!"

"I know, and I'm sorry, Father. I was worried and needed to find out information. No one is capable of going there — you know how it is — so I had to do the needful."

"That is very risky and dangerous."

"Come on, Father — I'm here now, and even talking to you. Nothing will happen."

"Okay. I am sending Bond with some soldiers to wait for you at the pass. Until then, you are on your own. It is risky now — not as it used to be — so you will have to protect your friends alone until you reach the pass."

"Is there still transportation at the boundary?"

"Not that I know of."

"There is a guy who runs transport to the pass with his daughter," Bond said.

"Really, Bond?"

"Yes, Father."

"How did you know?"

"Well... I was hunting."

Lisa laughed. "And what were you hunting, Bond?"

"There are wild boars there, you know."

"Really — if I'm not mistaken, I would say it was this man's daughter."

Linda laughed at that.

"Shut it, you two," the King barked. He turned to Kanji. "Keep your wits and shine your eyes. The North is stirring — so says your sister."

"She is right, based on what I saw there. It is more than I can say here."

"Alright. Talk to your mother."

"Mother, don't worry — I will be fine and I will be there with you soon."

"Alright, son. I have missed you."

"I know, Mother. I'm not a kid anymore, you know."

"You will always be a kid to me."

"Mother, you are embarrassing me."

"Really? Which of them are you bedding?"

"No one, Mother."

"What a shame. I hope Bond can do it — with all four of them. He knows nothing except bedding every girl."

"Mother!"

"Oh, don't patronise me, Bond."

"Are you guys done? I'm getting tired," Lisa exclaimed.

"You need to keep practising, Lisa. It is simple."

"I'm not you, Kanji."

"Anyway, we have to go."

"Kanji — tell Dave that a time will come when he will have to return to the palace with everyone, until we sort out the North."

"Alright, Father."

"Good luck. Come home safe."

"I will."

Outro:

Kanji has crossed the first threshold — out of hiding and back toward the life he buried. His friends now know what he really is, and the Golden Kingdom has seen his face again. But the North is stirring, and the journey to the pass has not yet begun. The real danger is still ahead.

Continue to part 2 here: The Prince Return 2

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