Cloud's body began to expand and contract repeatedly as he flew around the small bedroom. The room was almost bare, having only a bed, a dresser and a wash basin.

"You are Hero Black?!" Cloud’s voice was full of excitement.

"I thought you know everything?" Jaejoong teased Cloud who was now hovering near one of the bedposts.

The pain coursing through Jaejoong's body had subsided and the shrieking in his ears had stopped the moment he let go of the sword. He also discovered that by wrapping the sword in thick rags, he could touch it without feeling the pain or hearing the woman’s screeching voice.

Since he kept his alter-ego's things and clothes in a secret hiding place in the city, he was able to change clothes and slightly alter his appearance using the lion mask. Jaejoong took off his lion mask and pushed back the hood of his cloak.

He took out the black pouch from his bag and poured its contents on the bed. Coins in all denominations used in Haldor spilled out. He began counting all the copper, silver and gold coins he currently possessed. Tomorrow, he would take out all of his winnings from the Fist Fight Arena from the local bank where he kept it. He would need all the coins he had in order to escape the Oracle. He had enough money to last him for several months, but if he kept a tight budget, it could last for a year.

Cloud glided beside him.

"I absorb ideas and knowledge the Oracle takes away from people," Cloud began explaining, "but when I gather facts and information, I need to be present in the place where that information can be found. I also need to hear and observe people to gain facts and gossips. I know about Hero Black, but I never thought it was you! Did you know that I even got to watch the championship you won last year?"

Jaejoong found himself laughing at the irony of the situation. Who would have thought that a black cloud that almost got him killed and was now responsible why he had become the most wanted man in Haldor was his admirer?

"You are the weirdest cloud I have ever met!" he chuckled.

"I am the only cloud you have ever met," Cloud corrected him.

Jaejoong threw himself on the bed. Every part of him ached. As if he had just been through all those ridiculous training Ji-ho always required him to go through. But it felt like he did those training non stop for one whole week!

But he was alive. That’s what counted. He needed to live one day at a time for now. As Hero Black, maybe he could continue living here in Klingston Block. No one would question him wearing a mask. Everyone knew him. And he could easily prove who he was by beating the out of the person who dared say he wasn’t Hero Black. But there's a problem with that plan. The Oracle could use her power and locate him. Or could she? If that were the case, Ji-sub's mansion should have been surrounded by soldiers and knights by now. In fact, the Oracle should have been aware that he was also Hero Black if she was really powerful.

But after escaping the fate she set out for him, Jaejoong now believed that the Oracle's power was limited. She wasn't all powerful and all seeing as he was led to believe as a child. There were things she wasn't aware of. Including the existence of Cloud.

Jaejoong began to study the small black cloud. Cloud was slowly drifting up to the ceiling. Jaejoong wondered if clouds sleep. As of this moment, his only ally was Cloud. Even So Ji-sub would kick him out of his house and probably even sell him out to the Oracle the moment it was discovered he was the wanted Prince Jaejoong.

Jaejoong's eyes settled on the Sword of Truth lying on the top of the dresser. It truly was a very powerful weapon. But like the Oracle, it also failed to live up to the stories he often heard about it. Jaejoong couldn't help but question the belief and traditions surrounding the Sword of Truth. Why was the sword always put back into the spring after choosing the next ruler of Haldor? Why create such a powerful weapon if it would only be used in a ceremony that required no fighting?

Maybe Cloud knew the reason. He turned to Cloud. The black cloud's body was expanding, turning into a thin smoke similar to fog. The ceiling was beginning to look like a fog-covered bog.

"What are you doing?" Jaejoong found himself asking.

"Relaxing."

Please Subscribe to read the full chapter