Notes: Sorry I've been taking ages to update. I usually update at work, but we have no internet atm so I've been struggling to find time at home. Thank you for your patience. This story is slowly drawing to a close and I hope you enjoy it. Cheers


She'd never enjoyed travelling by sea. Her heart and soul belonged on horse back, over the vast grasslands and plains. The endless blue and white of the ocean bored her. And Reim was so very far away. Although she'd never been to the grand empire before, she knew plenty about it.

The female magi Scheherazade for two hundred had worked steadily to ensure the safety and productivity of the nation. Her hard work resulting in one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world.

If only Kou's magi worked that hard, Hakuei thought bitterly as she passed through the off white court yards and gardens of the nation's capital. Her meeting with the emperor had been short and thankfully uneventful. He welcomed her to Reim and outlined the plans he'd established with the ambassador on their new trade agreements. And of course, the matter of her new husband. She'd worn her usual pale loose robe for that particular meeting, but as per Koumei's request, she'd prepared her newly tailored kimono of grey and black. The soft ash colours to offset the glowing pink of her cheeks and radiant blue of her eyes. The emperor had been most insentient that she meet with her husband right away, but the princess had declined, hiding behind a shield of fatigue and informality. Thankfully the old man had agreed, but had quickly had set up a meeting between the future husband and the princess.

Hakuei was struggling not to laugh as she made her way through the now dark green and white gardens. Candles and torches illuminated their path as the princess and her assistant were directed by a collection of golden Reim guards to the designated meeting area. Thankfully the outdoor setting was left in relative piracy as the guards bowed and stood down beside the wide steps where they entered. Glancing at the empty table and untouched array of dinner, Hakuei raised an eyebrow at Seisyun who shrugged. Had her suitor not yet arrived? In Kou it would have been taken as a most grievous insult to keep a foreign princess waiting. Lowering herself into a squishy looking chair with a soft humph, Hakuei sighed. The robe showed off her blooming stomach perfectly. The tight little round bump of the baby balanced perfectly with her slender figure. Regardless of how boring pregnant life was at least she looked good. Shaking her head at her own vanity, a noise from the guards made her turn.

She smiled.

The first real smile not bore of formality or snark since arriving in Riem. His red hair made him incredibly distinct that and his height, wild eyes and silver piercing: It was Mu Alexius.

She'd met the Fanalis during the battle of Magnostadt. Captain of Reim's notorious Fanalis corps, the djinn user had been a powerful ally against the organisation. Although his reception with En had been frosty, his interaction with Sinbad had not been much better. Grand leaders with large egos always found it hard to get along.

But he was quick to smile and laugh. Had been good relationship with his men which was friendly without over compensating. But currently he just looked confused.

"Hakuei-sama?" He staggered over her name with a hopeful smile, awaiting her confirmation. Nodding, she went to get up, heaving herself from the comfortable chair with considerate effort. Rushing to her aid, the Fanalis Captain's confused expression intensified.

"Good evening Mu-dono. It's wonderful to see you again, your empire is lovely." Bowing slightly, she watched him return the gesture, his dark eyes shifting between her face and bulging stomach.

"Yes, I am most honoured to see you also. And thank you. I regret to say I have not toured Kou and have no intention to in the future." Glancing around the room, Mu looked back over his shoulder towards the outside garden.

"Are you expecting someone?" His reaction was strange as he didn't reply, but maybe the Fanalis were like that.

She was in truth thankful for his appearance. This made her job so much easier, already established ties could make this crossover much simpler. "I hope you've been well since our last battle." Meeting her eyes distractedly, the tall redhead smiled disarmingly at her.

"Yes indeed. And the same to you princess. You are simply glowing." His smiled warmed his eyes as he spoke, making her blush with pride.

"Thank you. And it is good to see you and your empire are doing so well." All things considered. The lost of their magi had been such a devastating blow to the nation, it pleased her to see it thriving in her absence.

"I don't mean to seem ungrateful for your presences milady. But I am so what confused by them." Eyes widening, Hakuei hide a small smile behind her hand. Grand and nobles leaders they might be but they were all a little dense weren't they?

"Are you not here to meet your new wife?" Mouth open in confusion, Mu cocked his head to the side, trying in vain to follow her words.

"I am..." Crimson eyes widening in surprise, the Fanalis blinked. "Hakuei-sama... but you're..." He shook his head, clearing his throat. Cheeks pink, the giant redhead knelt, his head bent. "Forgive my ignorance milady. I was simply overwhelmed at our reunion." Overwhelmed was an understatement, he looked about ready to run, his heels tensing off the floor as he stood. Smiling at him, Hakuei put a hand to his shoulder, hoping to ease his fears.

"It's alright Mu-dono. Please relax. I have no intention of seeking marriage." Heaving a huge sigh of relief, Mu smiled at her, his grin infectious as he offered the princess a chair. His change in mood was instantaneous and Hakuei was pleased as she lowered herself againinto one of the squishy chairs.

"Can I offer you some cheese? Strawberries perhaps? Wine? Um-'' Shaking his head as he approached her, the Fanalis threw her an apologetic look. "My apologies Hakuei-sama. Just the food?" She'd eaten before arriving, assuming she'd have no appetite while dealing the rejection of her possible husband. But now as she relaxed into the plush, softness of the chair, her stomach growled and the baby kicked.

"That would be wonderful! Thank you so much Mu-dono." Pulling his chair up beside her, the redhead offered the princess an overloaded platter. Laughing as she took the heavy plate, she set the miniature banquet between them. "Sharing dinner, how romantic."

"Sharing?" He looked worried for a second. "Too much?" He looked at the platter concerned for a moment. Shaking her head, Hakuei put a hand to his elbow.

"I'm teasing! However I doubt I'll be able to eat all of this."

"We will share then." Voice muffled behind the cork in his teeth as he opened a bottle of wine, the Reim General held the open beverage away from the pregnant princess. "Does the smell bother you milady?" Picking at a selections cheeses and grapes, Hakuei shook her head.

"No, should it? Is the wine here so different?" Sipping from the long neck and neglecting a glass, Mu sighed contently.

"I'm unsure milady, however some pregnant women in court despise the smell of wine. I did not wish to make you uncomfortable." Nibbling the array of delicacies on her plate, Hakuei assured him.

"I have had little difficulties through out my pregnancy. Beyond the odd aches and pains, and now with my size." She gestured to her front. "I am beginning to feel hampered for the first time." Nodding as he down more rich vino, the Fanalis licked his reddening lips. His smile was suddenly gone and replaced by a soft look of concern.

"I don't mean to pry Hakuei-dono but this situation feels... Forced." Finishing her meal, Hakuei thought over the best answer. As she'd discussed with Koumei on various different occasions should the international community discover how deep Al-Thamen was rooted in Kou, their nation would be invaded instantly. As such, she replied with a much more diplomatic answer, preserving her dignity in a foreign country was nothing compared to the safety of her homeland.

"I acquired this child in wedlock. My family especially were incredible disappointed in my actions and saw fit to marry me off at the first opportunity." She smiled. "I'm sorry that it comes down on you." Shaking his head, the bottle swinging limply in hand, Mu sighed.

"I am thankful for your honest milady. And I empathise with your situation, however Riem would never allow this marriage to occur under our laws while your bastard is involved."

"I am aware" she said airily, eyeing off some of the sweet treats littering the table. "If fact I was counting on it."

Jaw slack in confusion, the Fanalis captain decided against questioning the princess' logic. He'd often found the logic of women beyond his comprehension. "And what of yourself? Is marriage not appealing? Beautiful foreign princesses begging for your bed, bringing wealth and trade to your nation?" Swirling his bottle, Mu shook his head.

"I desire no wife." He paused, unsure how much he was willing to deluge to his comrade. "I no longer seek love or the company the women." He coughed, the swell of emotions in his chest choking his voice. "Now I only seek to protect Riem and Lady Scheherazade's legacy." Moved by his words, Hakuei touched a hand to his, reassuring the giant with a gentle smile.

"Then we share a goal captain." Raising a plump strawberry to the neck of his bottle, she gave an impromptu toast. "To not getting married off." Smiling Mu took a heavy swig from his bottle.

"And the health and welling being of your bastard."

Marga was a delight. Hakuei had always loved the company of children. Stemming from her early years of looking after Hakuryuu in her mother's absence, she'd always had a way with them and Marga was no different. The young girl was a bubbling ball of excitement and affection, it was intoxicating. And since Mu had introduced her to the inexperienced but powerful magi and his daughter, Hakuei had become firm friends with their company. But they'd made it easy.

She'd been locked away in Kou's capital for such a long period, spending time with so many new faces was greatly welcomed. Titus was wary at first, shielding his adoptive daughter from the evil foreign princess, but through Mu's supportive words and Marga tenacity his fears were quickly dismissed.

Sitting on a grassy hill above the Fanalis training grounds, Hakuei shared a small picnic with her new friends, watching the bright red hair of the Fanalis flash in the sun as they ran drills.

"I wish I could join them." Scanning the field as two teams clashed in a sea of red and gold, Hakuei sighed. "It's been ages since I've been in the field or rode a horse. Or done anything fun." And it had been ages, she was not far from her due date now. The situation in Balbadd appeared much more complicated then En and Mei had expected, all due to Sindria's interaction no doubt. But her marriage plans had been called off. Mu had handled the negotiations with a finesse Mei would have envied and while her name was now darkened in the empire, the approval of an enemy nation meant little to her. Not when she was this happy.

"Why in the world is running around getting all hot and sweaty at all appealing?" Pulling a face, the tanned features of Reim magi's personal healer Sphintus twisted unhappily. "I can think of much better ways to waste my time."

"It's training" Titus corrected, wiping strawberry jam from Marga's hands and face. "It's not like they're doing it for fun."

"It looks like they're having fun." Hakuei said, listening to the whoops and cries of the mock battle playing before them.

"Barbarians" Titus teased as Marga squirmed out of his grasp, and fled to the safety of Hakuei's lap. "Fighting, eating and nocturnal activities. It should be their motto."

"Does the Fanalis corps have a motto?" Hakuei asked, intrigued. Titus shrugged, fanning himself as the sun beamed down hard overhead.

"I doubt it. The squad's only been activate for fifteen years or so." Arranging the bouncing toddler on her lap, Hakuei smiled as tiny hands touched her tummy.

"The baby's moving again." Marga was right and it had been doing it a lot more these days. Growing more and more active as her date drew closer. There was no hiding it now. Even if she'd been living in Kou they would never have been about to hide it. It was becoming troublesome, especially with the increasing heat. She overheated so easily. Poor Seisyun had been run off his feet bringing her cold water during the evenings, and even worse now were her ankles and feet. She went barefoot as much as possible these days, otherwise her pain and fatigue become too much. Pregnancy was hard.

"They're going to eat all our food!" Marga wailed as they watched the crowds on the training pit spilt into groups and depart. The trio of the captain and his household swiftly making their way up the hill towards the picnicking group. "No." Hopping of Hakuei's lap, the auburn haired toddler stood fearless before the giants. "This is our food, you may have some if you ask nicely. And if Mu Mu sings me a song." Laughing at her boldness, the Fanalis Captain spared no time in scooping up the girl and bursting into song.

"She's becoming spoilt," Myron warned as she delicately took a seat beside Hakuei, "everyone spoils her far too much."

"Like you weren't a spoilt brat growing up." Growling as he snagged a wheel of cheese, the scarred Fanalis Lo'lo' stared down his half-breed comrade. "I guarantee you were."

"I was not." The women defended, picking at some berries with restrained ferocity.

"You were actually." Mu had ceased his song and with Marga perched on his shoulders, he paced around the picnic blanket in circles for her amusement. "You were horribly spoilt and you turned out fine." Blushing, the Fanalis female threw a pitying look at her brother.

"Brother must you? Can you not" Laughing as Marga pulled his hair, Mu shrugged.

"But I must. It is the duty of older siblings to make their underlings suffer." Groaning exaggeratedly Myron busied herself with her lunch, as Mu came to a halt and palmed the breathless Marga to Titus.

Hakuei couldn't help but smile. It amazed her that regardless of their superficial differences and location, how similar this royal family was to her own. It warmed her heart as she thought back to all the fierce teasing Kouen had dished out to Mei over the years. Or how the twins would bicker and fight over the simplest of things, primarily clothes. She herself was guilty of a certain level of mischief when Hakuryuu was involved. He'd always been such a serious child and doing anything to loosen him up she'd viewed as a success. Except for when he cried, a lot.

Hands resting on her stomach, she tried in vain to push aside the thought of her brother and family. It made her sad. She missed them dearly, now more then ever. And while she was thankful to be free from Gyokuen's threat at this vulnerable time in her life, it didn't stop her heart from aching.

"May I?" Jumping from her thought with a small jolt, Hakuei smiled across at the hulking Fanalis posing her a question. His hand was outstretched across the blanket, his fingers and palm a criss cross of jaggered scars and cuts. He'd seen battle, and a lot of it, Hakuei bore similar scars herself. But his hand shook ever so slightly, as if reigning in his colossal strength was an intense task, and for him it might have been.

"Of course Lo'lo'-san. It's more lively now then before."

The Fanalis she'd discovered, loved babies. Mu had secretly whispered to her that they were a pack culture were children were to be worshipped and protected. Especially since in more recent years most had either lost babies or younger siblings due to ill health, death or slavers. They'd never truly had the time to appreciate the gift of a child. The thought had brought Hakuei to tears and while Mu's soft words assured her that it was happening less and less, she still felt sick at the thought. Hadn't that been her mother's plan? To take her baby away the moment it was born, shipping it off to some foreign nation. There had been little sleep for her that night. Instead she's opted to stay awake, weeping for hours into her pillow, comforted by Seisyun and thanking the gods that she had been this lucky so far.

Back within the confines of her quarters Hakuei shed her scarf and collapsed on her bed. Her feet were killing her and the baby was playing havoc with her sleep and routine. Rolling into a pillow, she heaved a heavy sigh, listening to the quiet click of the door as Seisyun entered and made his way around the room.

"Do you feel like eating in tonight? I don't think I can join the company for din-"

It wasn't Sei.

Unique blue eyes mirroring her own stared back at her. The oddity of her brother's gaze was something completely lost on her. She'd loved his imperfection from the moment he was born and even now, eighteen years later, Hakuryuu's heterochromia was still very distinct and oddly beautiful.

"Hakuryuu...what are you doing here?"

"Told you she was preggers and with En's bastard too, the rukh are the same as his." Harsh words came from her window sill as the long absent Kou magi dangled his feet from the ledge and sneered at her. "Am I right Ei?" Blushing Hakuei focused on her brother. He'd grown bigger, taller, his build identical to Hakuyuu. It brought tears to her tears.

"Hakuryuu where have you been? We couldn't find you after Magnostadt. Kouen summoned you for the summit but you didn't-"

"Is it true?" Blinking in surprise, she looked down at her swollen stomach.

"Yes. En and I will parent the next heir of Kou."

"How could you!?" Grabbing her shoulders, Hakuei winced as his right prosthetic dug in deep. "After everything we've suffered. After everything. You still trust him!? Enough t-to...this!" He pushed her away, his eyes wild and unstable. This wasn't Hakuryuu. This wasn't her baby brother she'd loved and raised. He was a monster, the same one she'd glimpsed on the battlefield along the Tenzan Plateau. The same monster who'd attack her after their step-father's funeral. This was a true monster. Birthed of hate and vengeance, there was nothing left of her loving younger brother but a superficial husk.

"Hakuryuu... Please, don't."

"Don't what?" He spat angrily, ignoring Judar giggling in the corner. "Over react? It's hard not too Hakuei. He owns you now. You'll never be free of them. We'll never be free of them. What have you done." Shaking her head as tears streamed down her cheeks, Hakuei pushed off the bed, staring down her brother with all the anger and disappointment she could muster.

"What have I done? What have you done? En is trying to unite us, trying to unite the world. To work against the organisation. And you're holidaying with their magi."

"Hey we were doing stuff. Things." Judar yelled defensively from his perch. "And besides I'm not with them any more. The crybaby treats me so much better." Staring him down was harder now, the cold look in his eye coupled with his new found height put Hakuei at a disadvantage. That and the fact she was unable to intimidate him, her stomach stopping her from getting up in his face and forcing him to back down.

"You had a choice." Hakuryuu said, his face cold and stern. "You could have come with me. You could have been free from her." Taking her hand, he glanced at her stomach, face twisted in disgust.

"You've ruined it now. Now we can never be free. Now he'll own you and we can never be together." Her stomach rolled, swirling as her anxiety rose. Why wasn't Seisyun here? Surely he would have heard their quarrel? Or her embassy guards? The baby was kicking fiercely, kicking so hard she could feel it down her spine.

"Hakuryuu please, we can talk about this."

"There is nothing left to talk about." Pulling away, he stalked to the window, tears falling from his eyes. "You've ruined it now. I hope you're happy. You and Kouen and that... Thing."

Jumping from the window, the prince quickly fled, leaving his partner loitering on the sill.

"He'll hate you forever now. And good luck with En and trying to defeat Gyokuen. You're going to need it." Slipping off the sill with his usual cat like grace, the magi's flash of dark hair disappeared and promptly Hakuei found herself alone, alone and in pain.

She had lost him months ago, years if she was going to be truthful. But it didn't stop her heart from breaking. Her baby brother, the only real family she had left, the bouncing blue eyed baby she'd held so loving in her youth was gone. Lost to her in a sea of anger and violence. Corrupted by his hate, he was barely human any more. Like the beings he controlled and operated with Zagan's power, he was beyond her help, beyond anyone's help. She might be gaining a child, but she had lost her brother.

Her stomach wouldn't settled, the baby was stirring more then she'd ever felt it before. The banging on the door and Seisyun worried face was lost on the princess as she fell to her knees. Hands fisting in the silk of her bed sheets, Hakuei grit her teeth against the rolling pains that seized up and down her spine.

"Milady." Seisyun was there, by her side, as always. "Hakuei, what's wrong? Is it the baby?" Was it the baby? Hakuei wasn't sure, it was too soon for the child to be born. Not now, surely not now. The trickling damp between her thighs confirmed her fears as Seisyun helped her up.

"Not yet." She said franticly, but she knew and Seisyun's ashen face agreed.

"The baby?"

"It can't come yet! Kouen isn't here." Scrambling for words, the small man helped his princess to lay back.

"I don't think that's how babies work milady." Shooting him a dirty look, Seisyun cleared his throat. "Shall I summons the healers?"

"Please do." Her voice was strained. She knew giving birth was supposed to hurt. She'd received countless lectures and educational instruction for the residential Heliohapt healers on the subject. But feeling it now was a completely different story. "Please hurry" she added as Seisyun dashed to the door, a wild look in his eye she'd only ever seen in battle.

"I will milady, please just try and relax."

It was far easier said then done.