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(Princely Training 3...)

The next 2 years were a blur. I was chained, bludgeoned, whipped, and cut. I would be dunked into water tanks surrounded by piranhas and forced to "fight" my way out. I had to punch stone walls until my knuckles bled, kick at tree barks barefoot until skin was ripped open, and dodge pendulum swinging axes while tightrope walking. Every day a new scar was healing. I had to admit I healed fast though, most scars disappearing altogether in days. Times with Kiwabare weren't so bad. I'd take some punches and then send him flying into the wall before sleeping. The more I hit him the more he'd smile. A dark twisted smile smothered in pain. I slept with one eye open, and Kiwabare would whisper in my ear constantly about how I was a weak and pathetic child who would amount to nothing until I discover my destiny. It seemed callouses could grow in both body and mind. It wasn't until my 15th birthday that I was finally allowed out in public. Gan woke me early in the morning and congratulated me for finishing my training. The shock of it didn't sink in so I disregarded him. I actually had a moment to say my goodbyes to Kiwabare. Oddly enough I felt I should. When I said goodbye I didn't expect him to talk to me directly...so for the first time that day I was shocked...

Kiwabare: "So now the boy runs off to be a man eh?"
me: "It's odd to hear you speak while I'm awake..."
Kiwabare: "Maybe it's all a dream? Maybe you've been dead for years and are simply too stupid to realize it?"
me: "I'm finally done with you, you crazy b*****d. Perhaps YOU are the dead one."
Kiwabare: "Oh I know my fate. In three years I will have my freedom, I will get my revenge for your cursed family and what they've taken from me! Enjoy the air you breathe while you can, boy!"

I shook my head in disgust and left, only to find my father pretending to be happy to see me. The Prince "returned" from his secret "journey" into the wilds, eager to secure land for the Samnaari Empire. If I didn't remember how to uphold a public image I would've punched him right there in the open. So my training was complete...