A Young Master(1)

As Kai Ren approached the Iron Citadel, flanked by two towering warriors clad in the insignia of the Iron Tiger Clan, he felt nothing at the sight of the fortress looming before him. The walls rose high into the sky, their formidable presence a testament to the strength and power of the clan that called this place home.

The air was thick with anticipation as Kai was led through the bustling streets of the citadel, his eyes taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling activity around him. Warriors trained in the courtyard, their movements fluid and precise, while blacksmiths hammered away at anvils, forging weapons and armor with skill and determination.

As they approached the heart of the citadel, Kai's escorts led him through the massive gates and into the grand hall where the Chieftain held court. The hall was cavernous, with banners adorning the walls and a roaring fire pit casting flickering shadows across the room.

At the far end of the hall, seated upon a throne of polished iron, sat the Chieftain of the Iron Tiger Clan. He was a formidable figure, his gaze piercing and his demeanor commanding respect. As Kai approached, he felt a sense of unease settle in the pit of his stomach, unsure of what awaited him in the presence of the clan's leader. Don't, however, mistake that for fear.

"Chieftain," William and the others bowed, momentarily, "we thank you for allowing us your time."

The chieftain scoffed, "you look well, William. You've grown out your hair, though. Your mother won't like that."

William nervously chuckled. "Haha, I know. But I kind of like it."

"Then good for you. Now then," he cleared his throat, "why'd you request this meeting?"

"Well, it was originally to discuss what we found down south, but I believe introductions are in order first. This here is Kai." He gestured.

The Chieftain bore his emerald eyes into Kai. He uncurled his fist from his chin, saying, "it's great to meet you, Kai." He said with a lighthearted smile, the mood shifting, "you may refer to me as Chieftain Grey or simply as Chieftain."

"Not Grey?" Kai's brows furrowed.

"W-woah!" William intervened, "he doesn't mean that Chieftain, haha. Of course he'll call you--"

"William." The Chieftain held his hand up. "Do not speak for the man. He is your elder, as am I." He said, William backing off. "So, what makes you think you're worthy of calling me by name?"

"You are not my Chieftain."

"And I am not your friend."

"I guess we're at an impasse then. For now, how about I call you, Fool?" Kai's eyes thinned.

'Is he crazy!?'  William thought, biting his teeth in anticipation. But nothing climatic followed, just the Chieftain's laughs echoing throughout the chamber.

"You are a funny one. I like that." He turned his head to William. "I imagine little Azaela here saw potential in him?" He asked. 

William violently nodded his head. "Yes! Very good potential she says!"

The Chieftain rose from his throne. As he stepped down the few feet of stairs, he said, "what's the request, my boy?"

"He intends to head East. We made a deal that we would take him when we too go there in a week. Uh, could he possibly stay here until then?"

Chieftain Grey chuckled, lowly, his tone guttural as he spoke, "your request is granted. However, I must ask Kai something first." He cranked his neck the other way, the only man in the room not kneeling. 

"Are you a cultivator?"

'The identity of Kai Ren as Bloodthorne was never exposed. I'm simply a nobody.'  He thought, a sudden memory coming back to him. One of the memories he received was how Bloodthorne was able to conceal his face when he was killed. 'I need to find a permanent solution to that. However, as Kai Ren...'

"You could say I dabble with martial arts."

"Hmph!" Chieftain Grey looked amused. "Guards, show this man to an empty room of ours. And how about we include him in tomorrow's event."

"Wh- Chieftain," William stumbled to find his words, "is that really a good idea? I mean, sure, he has potential, but he'll get killed out there!"

Chieftain Grey ignored his pleas. "What do you say, Kai? Are you up for some competition? It could be good for you."

The three warriors stared at Kai who kept his gaze ahead, determined. "Fine by me."

**********

Kai wasn't sure what to expect, but the room was not as nice as he though it'd be. The walls had a few cracks, a couple mirrors, a bed laid out on the floor, and a window peeking out from two stories above.

He looked back, two guards holding the door open for him. He nodded his head, "you may leave." 

The door shut.

Once again, Kai had to sit down and gather his thoughts.

'The guards said this 'event' is a competition held between members of the Iron Tiger. Hmm, if I, someone who is not a member, were to join, then I imagine I'd get plenty of unnecessary looks.'  He scratched his head. 'And that's not it, Azaela is a problem too. Just what was that?'  He recalled the golden thread, which he has continued to see around her neck the entire way here. 

'The neck is interesting. What if it's telling my she wants to commit suicide? No, that's not right. Bloodthorne said the thread was purely to kill me in the event I didn't carry out the revenge. So, she must be related to it, right?'

He opened his palms. 'I need to test it. What exactly is the thread trying to tell me?'

He stood up, pacing back and forth inside the room. He was in deep thought, but he heard faint yelling. He turned around, glanced out the window. There was a boy that looked like he was a teen, wielding a sword, standing across from what looked like an instructor.

Then it hit Kai, like a zap to the brain. 'He's the spitting image of Grey. Just with longer hair.'

He scoffed. 'And just like his father... he looks like a fool.'