Hi so I deleted the story before new-year since I realized that my plot is a bit messy and the chapters are too short, well I amended it now, as best as I can, so please enjoy! The story will cover up to Chapter 294 only so don't be confused if things in here will not go along with the latest chapters.

So, Magi belongs to Ohtaka Shinobu, I only own the plot and the Original Characters. Happy Reading! J

They say in this world, someone will always be above you.

And a particular five year old raven haired girl believes in that. Her mother, father, cousins, uncles and aunties, as well as the matriarch and patriarch are the perfect example of those who stood above her. They are guardians of justice and equality; they are the stars that embody great might and symbols of superiority. They are, in all possible ways, the personification of 'true legends'. Strength, radiance, fortitude and wisdom, they sure have it all.

(Seems like they don't.)

As her innocent golden orbs gazes into the face of her mother, her heroic image of them can nowhere be found. It's as if they were truly just a dream. A far away and overly ambitious dream. The eyes that used to shine with glee and compassion are now swollen red, void of any sign of mirth or tenderness. Her beautiful tear-stained face, is deprived of its youthful glow and hypnotizing radiance. Her hands that were warm and comforting are now cold and dispirited. But surely, she thought, they will be fine soon.

(Seems like they wouldn't.)

Her father who has an equally glum face is holding her mother close, trying to comfort her despite of his own grief. She heard her Auntie 'Anie' left them. She wonders what it meant as it is something that she still cannot comprehend at that time. Did her auntie forget how to get home? Did she find a playmate and lost track of time? Did her auntie not love them anymore? Ah, maybe they had a fight. She did have a fight with some of her friend before too and then they 'left' her after that. But her parents are different. They always resolve things before the day ends, right? Right. They always get through these things. Always.

(Seems like today isn't 'always.'.)

As a child, she does not understand the complexities of the world; and having only seen the good side of it, encounters like this is a whole new ball game to her. It's an unfamiliar territory where she's uncomfortable and wants to get out as soon as possible.

(Seems like there's no escaping it though.)

If there is one thing she sure does know that it she doesn't want her mama and papa to cry. They have to be happy again like the ones she looks up to. So even without any idea of what was happening, she got on her feet and made her way towards them. Once she got in front of them, who are currently sitting on the bed, she rested her head on her mother's knees- which is the highest part she can reach with her height-and hugged her legs saying,

"Mama, don't cry, you'll find her soon." She looked up at them with her brightest smile that they have always adorned "Kan-chan will help!" she added.

"Kana look at me," her father said.

She did as she was told and looked at her father's eyes.

"Promise us, that when you grow up you will protect your family and friends and never do anything that will harm them or hurt their feelings." Again, she did not understand what was going on, but she certainly doesn't want her family or friends to cry so she said...

"I promise I'll keep every member of our family and friends safe. I will not do anything to harm them or hurt their feelings."

A new wave of tears sprung from her mother's eyes, but this time her mother have a smile on her face and her eyes have a glint of hope. Her parents let go of each other and her mother lifted her off her feet and placed her between them, their hands immediately circled her small body and they rested their heads above hers, placing a chase kiss on the top of it. And once again she is back on her comfort zone, where her parents smiles at her and nothing's wrong.

(Seems like something is wrong after all.)

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In the Kou Empire

His life had been different when he was born as a Ren. Though he is not a prince, he is still a relative of the Emperor and only the Imperial family is above them.

(Seems like that would be changing soon.)

The land he was born into used to be a small country until they waged war to unite it with the neighbouring countries and bring peace to the world. He trained hard to help achieving that noble goal. He wants to fight alongside his cousins and uncle, that's all.

(Seems like destiny doesn't want it too.)

The strength he desired did came a few years later in the form of huge and unfathomed towers. People call them dungeons. He entered those peculiar towers, hoping to find what he had been seeking ever since who knows when, only to come out with an even stranger power. He thought this world is really mysterious.

(Seems like that's not all.)

People treat him differently either out of respect, fear or greed. But he didn't pay attention to them, he does what is good for the empire and part of that is accepting various people in his life whether they are good or bad. He believes that one day they will come in handy. Besides he can see through them easily. After all, nothing and no one, escapes from his sight.

(Seems like he missed one.)

He dreamed of being a pillar of strength to his kings, but it didn't come true. He had not dreamed of becoming a First Prince and yet it happened.

In the end, the scorching flames of an evil witch, which was disguised as their empress, claimed the lives of the people he looked up to. It was painful, nothing compared to the wounds he had during the battles he went through or the struggles in the dungeons.

He mourned for them. He thought in time it would fade but it was the opposite. The pain grew more and more to the point he regretted living. It was pointless. Living that is. It's only significant when there is something someone should fight for. He did have one.

He did.

It's gone now.

They are gone now.

And yet he had no rights to shed a tear as his name now bears a greater weight.

...

Every day he looks at his siblings and think of how different their relationships are compared to the relationship of his cousins, warm and joyful while theirs is cold and distant. Nothing like family. Yet he could only look at them as he now had a country to look after, a witch to look out for and lives to avenge. But on his own way Kouen adores them and believes that there is more to them than what people could see.

As more years pass by, their country had claimed lands and attained power from metal vessels. He had not only witnessed their country grow but as well as his siblings. Koumei polished his skill in making war strategies and was even able to conquer a dungeon, Kouha who had unusual bloodlust since childhood turned out to be a great fighter and-as unexpected as it might be, since he intended to be a household member-claimed his own metal vessel, Hakuei who always had a strong will and love for her country became a brilliant king vessel too and Kougyoku who used to be like a scared rabbit that jumps at every sound made around her grew to be a valiant warrior for the empire.

Perhaps, even his life that he regretted to have kept still has some use.

They certainly grew up for the better, but he is not oblivious of the fact that a black sheep was within their family. Hakuryuu. He knew of the darkness that lingers in the heart of his step-brother; his continuous rejection of Judar's invitation to a dungeon and the odd look in his eyes whenever they bump into each other.

Kouen knew.

He had always known his brothers and sisters despite the kind of relationship they have.

He once had the same expression in his eyes ten years ago, only, he was able to handle it and keep it to himself; revenge, the look of vengeance that can no longer wait to be fulfilled. He distrusts them that were a fact he knew well. He also knew that he desired to claim the Kou Empire for himself but Kouen will not support Hakuryuu to become a king. He is conflicted on what to feel about Hakuryuu, he is family but his hatred had been rooted in his soul way to deep and it might harm their country if he ever becomes emperor. Whatever the situation will be, he had to think of his country's safety above all and the rest comes second.

Then the death of his father came all of a sudden but not unexpected to him. Being directly exposed to the witch was never a good thing. He learned from the example ten years ago when his cousins were taken away from him.

He was expected to claim the throne and everyone had the same idea, but of course, nothing would come as swiftly as everyone thinks. As long as the witch is on the way he knew the throne is still a faraway dream. Not that he really wanted it.

Soon after, the Battle of Magnostadt came where he met Aladdin, the key to unveiling the mystery of the world. The key to the strength he needed to avenge his cousins. He had called for the aid of his siblings, who responded on his call immediately, well, except for one. But he did not really mind, he had always hoped to have the support of his siblings but if they are unwilling he will not force them to.

There was also the brat from Balbadd. He's naive and uncertain even of his own actions but he was comfortable enough with him to hand his sister to the brat. Maybe in time he will mature and be a useful asset like his siblings.

And then there is the civil war. It had not only broken their country into two but as well as their family. Kouen felt bad that it was all rooted on their family problem and drag along the lives of the citizens of his country. However, this time there is one priority that he had to protect. The Kou Empire. The country that was handed down to him, he had to protect it by all means.

/Throughout all this, a pair of eyes had been observing them all, lurking in the shadows and watching their destinies unfold.

"How cruel is our fate, to keep a promise I'll have to break the other."/

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Samon Island

Kouen breaks out from the abyss of his thought. He wonders how he ended up recalling everything that happened in his life. He looked at his surroundings. Well, in contrast to his drastically changing life, this place doesn't change at all. The dull stone walls were still as dull as it could ever be, the scent of sea still lingers around the room and the food they had this morning were still the same one they had yesterday, and the day before that.

He sighs.

The scroll he's reading will be finished soon. It's boring.

The only unusual thing that happened was the arrival of a healer a few weeks ago. A raven-haired woman magician with soft blue eyes; She was the younger sibling of a soldier that was living with them in the Island. But all in all her arrival doesn't really have any significant impact. And he barely sees them anyway. He can't really go strolling around the Island with his wooden limbs can he?

His world is now literally unchanging and unmoving.

Another sigh escapes his mouth.

Maybe, destiny is finally done toying with his life.

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(Well, seems like the cruel destiny is rather fond of him.)