Tai looked up from his map confirming that he was where he thought he was. The Rive Woods. It sat on the border of Lucach and Sagev. The Rive river, which carved its way through the woods during a violent storm about 70 blooms ago, cut the woods in half subsequently acting as the border line between the two territories. A little more than half way to his destination, Tai tucked his map into his pack and continued forward. After about a mile of pushing through thick foliage Tai finally reached the river. The current was too swift to swim across. And the river itself was too wide to jump, at least it was without using his powers. He was tempted to but he remembered Sahn telling him not to use them during his trip. "Only rely on you physical ability and your wit." Tai said out loud in an obnoxious voice, mocking his teacher. He looked around for a bridge but noticed instead a girl that looked to be around his age, skipping rocks across the water. "Shit!" the girl cursed as a rock she threw plopped into the water after only skipping twice. "Hey." Tai greeted. "Nice try." The girl stopped what she was doing and gave Tai the most annoyed expression her attractive face could muster. "Who are you supposed to be?" The girl asked casually, tossing a rock at him. Tai sidestepped the stone. "I'm Tai. It's nice to meet you." The girl tossed another rock at him, which he easily avoided. "I haven't given you my name so you can't say you've met me." "I don't think it works like that." Tai replied, avoiding yet another stone. The girl looked him up and down for a second then tossed another rock at him. "What do you want?" Tai caught the rock. "Do you know if there's a way across?" "The girl lobbed another rock at him aiming for his head. "There's a bridge three days walk up the river." "Three days?" Tai complained. Avoiding the rock by turning his head to look up the river. He sighed "Are you at least going to give me your name?" "I'm..." the girl started, throwing her last rock at him. "Out of rocks. So.... no." The girl turned and walked a few meters down river, where she pulled a small boat out from a bush, pushed it in the water, hopped in it, and paddled across the river. She somehow found another rock and decided to throw it at Tai from the boat. The rock landed by his feet as he watched her get to shore. Being used to dealing with difficult women, he turned and began his three day walk up river.

A day after crossing the border Tai arrived in Carvune City. The sirens blared in the distance were eventually drowned out by the indistinct chatter of people around him. The stench of old hot garbage sitting in bins near the street and the fumes of the motorized carriages filled his nostrils. He remembered Nanette telling him about those things. Cars are what she called them. The steep contrast between the city and the quiet countryside he was used to was almost too much, even the palace square wouldn't get this busy and full of people. But he took a deep breath and continued forward. He eventually came across a building with a big sign with bright strobing lights in every color. Tai read the sign outloud. "The See no Evil Hotel and Casino." Tai studied the sign a little longer. He looked around for a second, shrugged his shoulders, and walked in. The bells and chimes of slot machines filled the air as Tai wandered around the game floor. A crowd of well dressed people huddled around a table cheering. He walked up to the table and noticed the people rolling dice. This he understood, as it resembled a game his uncle Cassius and master Sahn would play. The person responsible for the applause was the same girl he had met back at the border. She rolled a seven and the crowd of people erupted into applause again. Tai smiled and waved at her when she looked up and noticed him. She quickly gathered her winnings and abandoned the table, weaving through people to lose Tai's line of sight. Tai however caught up to her quickly as she turned her winnings in at the exchange counter. "Hello again. You know, I never got your name." "That's because I never gave it to you. Now go away." She responded without turning to face him. "Did I do something wrong?" Tai asked. The girl sighed and turned to him. "No." She whispered. "People can't know I crossed the border. It's kind of taboo here." Tai looked confused. "So why'd you do it?" "Because it's taboo. That's kinda my whole thing, now go away." "Kash. Who's your friend here?" The voice came from a well dressed man holding two champagne glasses. "Just some kid who got lost. I was just helping him on his way." She answered, taking a glass from the man. "Don't be so hasty Kash, a new face is always welcome." He reached out to shake Tai's hand. "I'm Mizaru. The owner of this establishment. It's a pleasure to meet you." Tai shook his hand. "Hello sir, I'm Taivero. It's a pleasure to meet you as well." Mizaru looked him up and down. "Well Taivero, what brings you to my humble casino? You seem to be on a journey of sorts." "Well..." Tai answered. "I'm..." But he was interrupted by nearly everyone in the casino who let out a gasp as Cassius Capone The Outlaw King walked through the door. People stared and whispered to each other as Cassius and his entourage made their way to the exchange counter. But Tai spoke up. "Uncle Cassius!" "Uncle?" Kash whispered to herself. Eyes wide in disbelief. "Tai! You made it all the way here already?" Cassius handed his fur coat that was draped over his shoulders to one of his entourage as he went in to hug Tai. "It's good to see ya kid. I can tell you're getting strong. Can't wait to go a few rounds with ya without the gloves on when that old man finally gives the ok." Tai began to answer but was interrupted again, this time by Kash who jumped in front of him and began to shake Cassius's hand profusely. "Hi, Kashurra Shahadaku. It's an honor to meet you. I'm a huge fan of all you do." Cassius pulled his hand back and took two puffs of his cigar before blowing the smoke into the air. "This a friend of yours kid?" "Well..." Tai began to answer before being cut off by Kash again. "Oh yeah, me and Tai go way back. Ain't that right Tai? " Kash pinched Tai's arm urging him to agree. It didn't hurt but he got the message. "O-oh yeah, way back." Tai answered quickly. Cassius thought for a second then laughed. "Well she's cute. And don't worry I won't tell ol' Xtabay. I know how she gets. Anyway, Mizaru, you ready to talk business?" "Of course your highness." He replied. "Right this way." Cassius reached into his suit pocket and pulled out a bundle of cash and handed it to Tai. "You and your friend go have some fun on me, and when I'm done here I'll take you the rest of the way to Rue's place." Tai took the money. "But master Sahn said I have to walk the whole way." Cassius already walking away turned to Tai. "King of Outlaws kid, I don't follow the rules." Cassius winked and Tai smiled as Kash pulled him towards the bar, the bundle of cash somehow already in her hand.

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