After a week had gone by, Kak-Yak's wounds would go to slowly heal, healing magics and other forms of healing now being able to actually help, well, heal him. Eventually his injuries would go to fully heal, allowing him to finally leave.

  "AHAHAHAHAHAHA. I am BACK!!! Better than ever!! Man it feels so good finally being able to move around!!!"

  Being discharged, Kak-Yak quickly left the medical center, longing to feel the suns rays hit him. Upon exiting, he realized that he was within a place he did not recognize.

  "WOAH!!! This city is HUGE!! Hehehehehehehe. Exploring time!!!"

  Bystanders looked on in both confusion and annoyance at Kak-Yak's loud way of speaking. Walking into the main streets, Kak-Yak took in the sights of such a bustling and healthy town. Merchants sold various items, citizens walked and went about their day. Even some hero's here and there could be spotted. The atmosphere of the relatively small city and its inhabitants brought a sense of calm to it all.

  As he walked the bustling streets, he walked past a notice board. Taking a few steps back, he turns to the board, a list of multiple notices plastered onto it. Find my pet. Cook needed! Things like that. What catches his eye though is something related to a performance within the town today. Apparently it's something everyone's looking forward to, as said on the notice.

  "I see you're feeling better."

  Turning around, Kak-Yak immediately smiled from head to toe upon seeing Lyra. She wore new attire, the Wolfian wearing a mixture of black, white and purple now. The coloring matches well with her grey and black fur. Asides from looks, the outfit also provides good protection, having guarding around vital areas.

  "WOAH! Now that looks good on you Lyra!"

  Looking away, blushing,, she waves a paw. "It's just a little something I bought from within the nearby city." She quickly composed herself.

  "CITY?! Wait, isn't, like, the next city faaaaaaar away from this one?"

  She nods "It is, but you can easily arrive there within a few days." Looking to the listings on the board, she looks over the one Kak-Yak was observing. "Performance. Sounds...interesting."

  "YEAH!! Now that I'm thinking about it, I rarely have seen performances. Can't they vary?! I don't remember. Oh!!! Now I wanna go see it now!!" Closely examining the notice, he sees that the performance starts tonight, within the main square of the town. "Hehehehehehe, this is gonna be a good night." He quickly turns to Lyra. "Hey!! Seeing a performance could be so cooool!! C'mon, let's go buy tickets or whatever we need to go see it!!"

  "W-wait, hold on. I never said I was going to any play. Besides, I have important hero business to take care of."

  "Awwwww man." Shrugging it off, he puts on a big smile. "Whatevs, it's all cool! I'm gonna go see what this performance is all about hehehehehe."

  Running off, Kak-Yak goes to where the location of the performance is supposed to take place. Lyra watched as he left, the small smile on her face disappearing as the cheerful Suxarine left.

  Entering the main square of the small city, Kak-Yak saw many citizens getting ready for the performance, a large gathering of people all conversing with one another. There was a long line to get into the actual venue however, guardsman present to make sure no skipping or pushing occurs. With it still being day and the performance not happening till nightfall, our hero decides to go and chat with the many citizens in the square. Walking up to a group of dwarves, Kak-Yak speaks up.

  "Hello there good sirs!! What do you think of tonight's performance?! I'm already exited! Well, given the fact i have rarely seen performances."

  Looking to one another then back to him, one of the dwarves speaks up. "Rarely seen performances?! You been living under a rock aye lad? Don't know what places you've been, but the town of GoldenLeaf loves performances!"

  "Aye lad. You shoulda been here for the last one they played. "Of swords and monsters" twas it was called, aye. Named it after a book they did. Best dang live depiction of the book i've seen yet ahaha! Marvelous i say, marvelous."

  The two dwarves laugh together, their voices loud and booming. Kak-Yak turns his attention to other things, mainly an elf woman exiting from the venue, dressed quite beautifully. Two performance actors pursue her, trying to calm her.

  "Solana, please, he'll turn up soon. He's ju-"

  Turning to the two, the elven woman spoke. "I already know of his state. Drunk! How is our main star supposed to act as the handsome, young fearless hero if he can't even tell his pinky toe from a worm? We must find a replacement, but whom?

  "We still have time Solana."

  Hearing the conversation, Kak-Yak gives a cheeky grin. He walks up to the three and speaks. "Hello there! I am Kak-Yak, a fearless hero who does not kneel to evil! I could not help but overhear that you are in need of a replacement for your star performer! Fear not, for i am here now!" He poses, causing one of them to chuckle

  Quickly speaking up, one of the performers steps forward, his face not at all showing his liking of the idea. "While i admire your attitude, we need those who actually have acting ability on stage. You must under-"

  "Hush hush hush!" Stepping forward, the elven woman speaks, an interested and intrigued look in her eyes. "You say you are a hero did you not? Well there's no better position for you! You will need to go over some lines yes, but I've a feeling you will be a perfect replacement! And besides, we are on a strict time schedule, we cannot spend our time looking for replacements."

  The more quiet performer spoke up. "As long as you have the spirit and personality, the crowd will like you. Besides it's not like this has not happened in the past."

  Gesturing for Kak-Yak to follow the group, she led them to the entrance of the venue. A guardsman, upon seeing Kak-Yak loudly spoke up, stepping in front of the Suxarine. "Hey! You cannot enter the venue witho-"

  "Silence!" She pulls Kak-Yak to her side. "He is to be our replacement for the main performer! This man does not skip! Does not try to sneak in! He will enter, without the need of a ticket."

  Kak-Yak grins, giggling. The guardsman, embarrassed, speaks lowly. "Sorry, just needed to make sure is all. Doing my job and all that." Turning to the other guardsman, he speaks up. "The Suxarine with the performers is the replacement actor! Don't mess with him, inform the lads inside the venue as well."

  With that issue sorted, the group leads Kak-Yak inside. Upon entrance, he looks in awe at the decorations, lighting...and of course, food. "This place looks so fancy! OH MY GOSH IS THAT WHAT I THINK IT IS?!?!"

  Running up to a platter, Kak-Yak observes grilled and seared prowler fish, one of his favorite foods. "OH HOW I MISSED THE SMELL OF PROWLERFISH OH MY GOSH!!!"

  A guardsman, standing guard near the food speaks up. "After introductions, all within the venue are free to eat to their hearts content. Afterwards is when the performance shall begin. It is why so much food is prepped."

  "IT'S A BUFFET?!?!" Giving a mischievous grin, he looks down to the prowlerfish. "I'm coming back for you, you delicious beauty."

  Leading him backstage, Solana begins to go over the jist of what Kak-Yak has to do. Remember lines mostly. "Tell me, how well are you with crowds Kak-Yak?"

  Smirking, he poses, "Haha! Crowds are no issue, for i am Kak-Yak! The fearless, brave and strongwilled!!"

  "Yes, Yes! That raw passion, the spirit and confidence you have is brilliant!"

  Minutes go by as Kak-Yak reads his lines, sitting on a cozy couch as a dresser finds the perfect outfit for Kak-Yak to wear, all the while a hair groomer makes Kak-Yak's fur neat. "I've never worked on a Suxarine before but i must say, you have the most well kept fur i have seen. You would not believe the pain i had to go through trying to groom a stage cats fur. Paaaaaainful let me tell you."

  ...

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Within the span of a few hours, night time comes as everyone within the venue converse with one another. As for Kak-Yak, he shows off his swordsman skills as he wears an expertly crafted outfit for the performance.

  "Absolutely perfect swordsmanship. The style, the movement, so clean. And let's not forget about the attire. Dazzling! The red upon the cape and the black as night outfit! Matches beautifully with your natural fur!"

  "You think so? HIYAH!!" Showing off his other styles of fighting, he cackles as he attacks the practice dummy. "Man oh man, this is gonna be so good! I can already see it! A big round of applause as i finish the final scene!"

  Observing him, Solana speaks to the co-director as he too observes Kak-Yak. "Is he not perfect for the role? His booming personality, confidence, ability to play the role of the hero perfectly is simply magnificent!"

  "I suppose so. At first i was skeptical on why you would bring someone with no confirmed acting skills onto this job, but now i see why. Yes, his overall personality and nature fits the role flawlessly." He turns to the elf. "It should be time to feast. After everyone has finished dining, we should begin the grand performance. I'm dying to see how well this...Kak-Yak, performs on stage."

  Waving a hand, Solana scoffs. "Please, he shall perform well. Watch."

  "Of that i shall director."

  Moving to the buffet area, Kak-Yak cackles as he begins filling his plate with food. Mostly prowlerfish. "AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Most look at him in confusion, others in amusement at his manic laughter. With a plate full of food, Kak-Yak goes to sit down, ready to dig into his meal.

  The buffet area was a mixture of voices and laughter. Bards played their instruments flawlessly as the combined sounds brought pleasure to the ears of many. There was even some who danced as they ate, causing others to join in. Soon, many were dancing along to the songs the bards played, creating a lovely and inviting atmosphere. Amongst the rowdy and dancing individuals...was another Suxarine, wearing clothing right from his homeland. Stepping past the growing crowd of dancers, he sat down with his plate, ready to eat a long awaited meal consisting of prowlerfish, steak and crab. As he was about to begin eating, he noticed in his peripheral vision another Suxarine! He quickly glanced at the other member of his species, and immediately he recognized the variety of colors and unique patterns of his fur.

  "Full moon...hmmmm"

  Back to Kak-Yak, after much eating later, he eventually finished his large plate of food, leaning back in his chair stuffed. He looked around, seeing that half the venue goers were now dancing to the beautiful music.

  "You. Look here please."

  His ears perking up, Kak-Yak turned to the source, coming face to face with another Suxarine! "WOAH!!! Another Suxarine! WOOOOOOOW!! Your outfits cool!"

  "..." The Suxarine, his blue fur blending into his white attire spoke lowly and professional like. "Fellow of my kind...greetings. It is rare to see another Suxarine outside of our homeland. Tell me...what is thy name? I shall go first. I am Zel-Quith." He gives a bow. "I am a head scientist and researcher from within our homeland."

  "That's so cool!!" He does his own goofy bow, smiling wide. "I am Kak-Yak the fearless!! A hero!! My goal is to protect the weak and fight monsters!! AND look cool while doing so hehe!"

  "Noble." He quickly looks around then back to Kak-Yak. "I do not want to take up your time. When the performance ends...meet me outside the venue. I wish to speak with you, but not now. Now...enjoy your time, Kak-Yak."

  Giving one last bow, the Suxarine goes back to minding his own business. Kak-Yak, both interested and confused wonders what this other Suxarine could mean.

  "Attention everyone! The performance shall begin in a few minutes!"

  Hearing this, Kak-Yak springs up from his seat and burst through the backstage door. "I...AM...HERE!!"

  ...

  Seated and ready for the performance, the audience waits. And sure enough...an announcement is made.

  Stepping onto stage, the announcer speaks loudly. "Alright everyone! I hope everyone had a great feast! We have two wonderful performances to show everyone. The first performance shall be named "The duality of love." Such a beautiful title. I know what you all must be thinking. What of the other performance tonight? Well that one will have to be a surprise ladies and gents! Now, without further ado, enjoy our wonderful first performance. Which is all about a hero and his prior love pushing aside their past mistakes...to save the future!"

  Act 1 - "Sitting quietly near the riverbed, our nameless hero takes in the night sky, heart beating slow and his breaths calm. However, his ears twitch, hearing the footsteps of a person approaching him from behind. Gripping the handle of his blade, our fearless hero speaks!"

  Hero: "I can hear you. Speak. Who are you, too so fearlessly approach i?"

  "The night rays shine down upon the stranger, who speaks lowly in her nervous and saddened tone."

  Stranger: "Upon hearing my voice, you shall know who i am my love. I seek your help once more. The city is in grave danger. And only you can help stop the growing threat."

  Hero: "Ah...it is you, my love. Azure."

  "Our hero turns to face his prior love, their eyes meeting one another in a tense, and sad state."

  Hero: "You come to me for this...city, when i have been cast out. Let the countless other hero's deal with this so called threat you speak of."

  Azure: "Please, my love."

  "In a fast movement, she gently grasp her hand in his, the two sharing a quiet and tense moment."

  Azure: "Please. Even the most strongest of hero's are being bested my love. If not for me, then for the innocent citizens...i beg you to help. Only a demon...can truly fight another demon head to head."

  Hero: "My true from is hidden deep within me! I...i long to forget of my demonic form. I am of this world now."

  "Our hero gulps, knowing that he needs to let past bygones be bygones."

  Hero: "I will help...but i am ONLY, helping make sure the innocent remain unharmed."

  Azure: "That is all i ask of you, my love."

  Act 2 - "Cornered and badly injured, two knights struggle to hold off the growing monsters as they become outnumbered. However...in a bright, flashing light, the monsters are pushed back and promptly dealt with by our hero."

  Knight: "Y-you! It is you!"

  "Our hero scoffs, giving a quick smirk. The flames of the burning structures around reflect off of his black as night cloak."

  Hero: "Yada yada yes, I'm back. Now how about you two relax while a hero handles this."

  "Our heroic hero jumps through the fire and flames as he lands onto a pile of hay. Quickly looking around, he spots the main streets and heads into a main district. Our hero looks to the chaos and carnage. With a snarky grin, he makes himself known."

  Hero: "You merciless and annoying buggers...how about you come pick on someone who can REALLY go toe to toe with you."

  Act 3 - "The remaining monsters desperately flee into their portals. What they did not account for, is that the hero would follow in after them! He fearlessly entered the portal, which soon closed after his entrance."

  "Our hero, all to familiar with the environment, was now within his home world."

  Hero: "Alright you annoying pest, tell me who exactly sent you all into the mortal realm. Now."

  "With a boasting laugh, a towering figure shrouded in fire and darkness stepped forward, towering over our hero."

  Villain: "It was none other than i. You thought that after all these years i would forget your rebellion?! HA! Foolish of you. Now the mortal realm must pay for your actions."

  Hero: "Even though they did not a thing! You punish them for something i did! You are the base definition of a monster. Which is why I'm going to enjoy fighting you."

  Act 4 - "In a blinding explosion, their duel lightens up the realm, the hero and villain clashing as both of them sustain injuries. The monsters all around begin chanting and chanting, all placing bets on which one will win the fight."

  "Move after move, strike after strike, the hero was growing tired, a villainous smirk forming on the villains face. However...unbeknownst to the villain, this was actually in the hero's favor, as before he could land the finishing blow, the hero charges up a devastating punch, and launched forward, connecting it right to the villains heart. In a blinding display, the villains darkened soul began to light up the realm as his soul exited his body, slowly both his body and soul vanishing."

  "Victorious, the hero took a deep breather as the monsters looked at him in awe. In a show of respect, one of them opens a portal for our hero, who promptly walks through, back to the mortal realm.

  Act 5 - "Awaiting him, his one true love stood their, embracing him once he had returned. Although reluctant, he hugged her as well.

  Hero: "I'm sorry...for way back when."

  Azure. "I am too. We both did some things that we regret."

  "Our hero looks his love within the eyes, love reforming."

  Hero: "Let's start again...because Azure...i never stopped loving you. Ever."

  Azure: "M-Me too." *Sniffle* "Me too."

  ...

  With this performance/play coming to a close, their was silence in the audience for a bit. Keyword, bit, because a round of applause swiftly came, sounds of clapping and praise sounding the air.

  "Man, i didn't think the hero replacement would be this good. The new guy nailed it."

  "I heard the actual guy may have had to much to drink. It's why they replaced him. I ain't complaining though."

  Backstage, Kak-Yak received praise as he basked in the aftermath. Solana endlessly praises him. "Magnificent! I knew you would not let us down."

  Smirking wide, he rubs his head laughing. "I'm just surprised i remembered my lines haha!"

  The co-director walks up to him, handing Kak-Yak a coin pouch. "This is how much you've earned. Don't spend it all in one place."

  "Hehehehehe." He pockets the pouch. "Oh!! What's this second performance supposed to be?"

  Solana's smile falters. "It involves singing! Sadly dear, we are in no need of last minute replacements in this one. Oh! I know! If you wish to join our little group, you can stop by here tomorrow and we'll begin making you a member of our group!"

  "Sorry miss, I'm not really looking to be in the acting and performance business. Besides!! I'm a hero haha! Got monsters to fight!"

  *Nod* "I see. Well, if you ever wish to find us again, or perhaps visit one of our performances again! Here's our business card! It list all the city's we'll be performing in this year!"

  After examining the card, he pockets it. "If I'm within a city you'll be performing in, you can bet I'll see you guys in action!!"

  "Wait. You don't have to leave immediately. You can stay and watch us perform the last act! You can watch us from right here."

  Seeing the location she mentioned, Kak-Yak smiles widely. "Hehehehehe."