Chapter 14
Serena looked in her body length mirror. Today was the day she would be married to Koumei. The lacy white bodice of her gown was embroidered with white pearls. It trailed behind her as the maids led her away. Her hair was swept up and away from her face. It brought out the blueness of her eyes. Her lips were cherry red. All the officials of Kou would be present, even the current ruler of Kou. She was aware of Kou's ties with Al Thamen. This troubled her slightly, but not too deeply. Today was her wedding day and none would ruin it. Surprisingly, her mind drifted to the mysterious Danni. She didn't think Danni knew, but the black haired woman had caught Kouen's interest; not romantically though. The sound of bells rang. This was one of the rare and happy moments the Empire shared.
-;-
Danni wandered around aimlessly, passing several Kou officials. The only reason she's here is because of Serena. From the moments she'd spend with the woman, she'd felt an inviting, friendly aura around her. She was here to support her. Walking into the grand court area, a lot of Kou residents and palace guards were beneath the large balcony. Everyone looked up at the balcony and awaited the soon to be princess's arrival. All the high officials stood behind the Ren family. Koumei stood, his general's uniform on, and smiled. Today was his day. Danni looked up, not knowing the fuss she was causing behind the scenes.
-;-
"Where's Danielle?" Serena asked, looking about frantically for her friend.
"She isn't here," one of the guards replied respectfully. Serena then calmed herself and looked down sadly. She was hoping Danni would show. Despite their short time together, she had come to respect the woman who talked herself out of the Kou Empire's hands.
"It's time to go," the head maid placed a hand on Serena's back.
"If she turns up, will you please bring her up to the balcony?" Serena asked the head guard.
"Yes, my lady," he bowed and the sent out his men.
-;-
Danni had never seen a wedding before. The grandness of it all was new to her.
'So this is how nobles get married,' she mused.
Her mind then drifted to when Sinbad brought up the word 'marriage'. She was beginning to take what he had said seriously. But then again, the kiss could have meant nothing. How could one man have her head wrapped up in so many thoughts at once? Shaking her head, she continued to watch the processions. Serena had arrived. To Danni, she looked like an angel. Her pale blond hair was put up, curls gently caressing her face, her red lipstick stood out against her pale skin. Her blue eyes just brought everything home. They sparkled as she and Koumei were pronounced husband and wife. The crowd started cheering. The newly pronounced couple looked out into the crowd. Koumei was probably stifling a yawn. Danni laughed at this assumption.
"Excuse me, Miss," a guard tapped Danni on the shoulder, "Are you Danielle?"
"Yes," she answered, "Why do you ask?"
"Princess Serena Ren would like to see you," he informed.
"Oh, okay," she followed the guard as he lead her to Serena.
A surge of power from an unknown direction was then felt. This caused Danni to stop in her tracks. It wasn't normal. She had felt this power before, she just couldn't remember when.
"Is something wrong?" the guard who was leading her asked.
"No," Danni shrugged it off outwardly, but at the back of her mind, questions and past experiences reeled.
At the top of the grand walk way the woman Danni assumed to be the ruler of Kou, the newly married couple, the Ren children, and all the Kou officials. They began walking toward Danni. Looking ahead, Danni kept a straight face. She then stood before the black haired lady who had a fan in her hand.
"Emperor Gyokuen," the guard bowed deeply. As for Danni, she stood there unmoving and uncaring. At Danni's unmoving expression, Gyokuen smiled under her fan.
"Danielle," Serena interrupted the stare down session, "I'm glad that you came."
"Congratulations," Danni replied, a satisfied expression on her face. Gyokuen remained in position, therefore, no one moved. Danni wasn't in their way, so why stop there? Danni then assumed she was waiting for her to bow. Behind Gyokuen, Judal smirked. This was all entertainment for him and that's why he liked having Danni around.
"Well, that was a nice wedding. I should be heading off now to see if there are any vacant inns," Danni tried to walk past the group of people. The officials behind began to murmur things like "Insolent Child" and other things. The Kouen and Kougyokou knew this to be Danni's regular countenance.
"No need to do that," Gyokuen never removed the fan from her face, "Serena has prepared for you a room." Gyokuen had an underlying plan and her innocent naïve daughter in law was helping her do it. Serena didn't know that, though.
Danni didn't have to stay next to Gyokuen for very long to notice that the powerful surges were coming from her.
"Shall we proceed then?" she asked, taking her posy along with her. Danni watched as they passed, some giving her scornful looks. Serena dragged Danni along with her. They were going to have a feast.
"I'm surprised she didn't react to your stupidity," Judal smirked.
"You know, my mother always told me not to talk to strangers. I disobeyed her just a while ago by talking to a woman I don't even know," Danni nonchalantly replied. Gyokuen heard this and continued to smile. Danni's indifference didn't bother her, it interested her.
"You don't know who that is?" Judal was on the verge of bursting into laughter. "You're one insane lady."
"I'm guessing she's of nobility," Danni simply replied.
"She's the Empress of Kou," Serena was the one to enlighten Danni. All the while, Koumei couldn't resist a sweat drop. Danni was truly a rare item.
"I see," Danni looked at the back of the woman's head. She did have an air of power and authority around her.
At the request of Serena, Danni was placed next to Judal. Different dishes and cuisines were laid out and Danni could literally see sparkles as she looked around the table. The wedding cake was so huge that it had to be placed on a different table. What stood out to Danni the most were the meat balls. They were small, but very tasty. Looking in her plate, she noticed all of hers were finished. Judal was deep in conversation with Kougyokou, or more like arguing. Danni used this opportunity to stick her fork in Judal's plate and steal all of his meat balls. Kouen sat on the other side of Danni. Looking over nonchalantly, he began to cut his meat in a sophisticated-like manner. He watched as Danni put the meat ball into her mouth quickly. Danni, sensing someone watching her, looked to her left. She looked into the crimson eyes of Kouen Ren. She then swallowed, still looking up at him. Meanwhile, Judal took this opportunity to steal the peaches out of Danni's fruit salad. Kouen also witnessed this, but said nothing. He just returned his attention to his food. The stealing of food between Danni and Judal continued. Kouha even decided to join. This formed a friendship between Danni and Kouha. A guard addressed Kouen and while they conversed, both Danni and Judal picked from his plate. Turning back around, Kouen's eyes widened a bit. Judal and Danni looked away, with Judal whistling innocently and Danni scratching her cheek. Kouen gave them both a scary look.
When the feast was over, Danni was showed to her room. She didn't know how long she would stay in Kou. She would probably stay another day or two and then return to Sindria. Deciding she wasn't going to stay in the room, Danni exited and roamed the place. A good book would do her wonders. That aspect of her never ceased, for she loved to increase her knowledge. She was a squelcher after all and to be a squelcher, you couldn't be a dunce. There were no signs to differentiate between the rooms. All the doors looked the same, and even worse, they were locked. Nevertheless, she strolled. The feeling that someone was watching her sprang in her mind, but she ignored it. She then came upon a door that was opened. Creaking open the door slightly, she witnessed Kouen, sitting quietly and writing on some documents. Opening the door fully, she could see the small library. She then assumed this to be his office. Kouen knew she was there but didn't look up from his work.
"Could I perhaps borrow a book to read?" she asked as politely as possible.
"Make sure you return it," he still didn't look up.
Danni caught a glimpse of what was on his table; a huge map with drawings and circles over different countries. Other documents were placed neatly to the side.
"You study maps?" she asked. Why else would one keep a big map on their desk?
It took some time for him to answer. "I do," he replied, still not looking at her.
Danni wanted to get into his mind, find out what he was thinking. He was probably more stuck up than she was.
"Why?" she asked.
"Because," he began, "It's good to know the territory you're about to conquer."
"I see," she then turned to the library and looked through the books. "Kou is so huge already. Why want to make it bigger? What are you after?"
"What I want is to unite the world under one king. There would be less trouble if that were done," he replied.
"Unite the world under one king, huh," Danni looked at another book, and Kouen watched her.
"So this is what drives you," she said in realization. "Personally, the whole 'one king world' is not something I would agree with."
"And why don't you agree?" Kouen wanted to hear the explanation behind this.
"People are just different, I guess," she shrugged, finally picking the perfect book, "That's all I can say really. I'm not a lecturer and to go deep into the moralities of it would take forever and a day."
Kouen continued to look at her. He figured she wasn't one to express her feelings much. The same could be said for him.
"Now my question is," he turned the tables on her, "What drives you?"
"What do you mean?" she asked, "You barely know me."
"I don't have to spend a lot of time with you to realize that you're quite bold," he said, referring to the silent incident with Gyokuen.
"I guess it's because I'm not afraid of dying," she said truthfully.
"And why is that?" he asked. "Don't you have goals?" He too, wanted to figure out what goes on inside Danni's head.
"I don't have any goals," Danni said, trying to locate if she really didn't have any. The bandits that killed her parents were gone, she'd learn to fight, and she'd made friends. The only thing that could really be thought of as a goal was joining Sinbad's ranks. This statement caused Kouen to think for a bit.
"Then why live?" he then questioned, "You're living your life aimlessly and being a burden to the world because you have power and you decide to do nothing with it."
Danni knew what he said was a hard, cold fact. She had left all her previous companions and teachers because she had thought she was being a burden to them. This is why she wanted to join Sindria. She wanted something to live for and people to die for.
"I do believe you have a goal, though," he watched as she stood still.
"And what might that be," her voice was quiet. Kouen knew he'd succeeded in getting to her.
"You're aiming to fight alongside Sindria," he surmised.
Danni gave a disdainful laugh, but said nothing. This action though, spoke thousands to Kouen. He would suggest for her to come over to Kou, but he could see that Sinbad had a hold on her, nothing forceful, but something deep. He really didn't want to tamper with that, so he left that topic alone.
"It was nice talking to you," she walked to the door. "I would love to have an intellectual conversation with you again."
This pleased Kouen, despite it not showing on his face. He loved to speak to smart people and the best type of woman in his opinion, was a smart one.
"Oh and another thing," she popped her head back into his study, "Your spicy salad tasted really good."
'So that's where it went,' he thought irritably. He liked spicy foods.
-;-
"That woman is a dungeon capturer," one of the men dressed in a white robe said.
"Ah," the feminine voice of Gyokuen contrasted with the murmuring men. "She's an interesting one." She referred to Danni's personality. "Bold." Not only did Gyokuen plan to chat with the younger female, but also 'play' with her a bit. She wanted to find out if her power was as bold as her personality.
"A little too bold," one man said.
"That would do nicely. I would love to have a chat with her. Maybe she could entertain me," Gyokuen smirked. It was hard to come across people like Danni. In her eyes, Gyokuen could see a past filled with pain and internal suffering, but somewhere, she could see a woman that wouldn't let it get to her on the outside. Gyokuen could only guess that Danni had abandoned emotional feelings. That interested her further. A mere human could discard of human emotion? Or maybe she just hid it well? Probably the latter. She would never know unless she asked.
-;-
Danni removed the book out of her face and rubbed her eyes. She had fallen asleep with it on her face. It was a good book. It was about a friendly magus. The main character sounded much like Yunan. She smiled and then wondered how Meow was doing. She had left her in Jafar's care. Ironic right? She was probably wreaking havoc in the poor advisor's room.
-;-
This was the second day of Danni's absence. During that time, Sinbad and Masrur had to part disagreements between Meow and Jafar. Jafar put Meow outside his room, but let her back in when she began to meow outside his door.
"You're worried, aren't you," Jafar asked his king.
Sinbad didn't answer. Danni, the woman he had grown so fond of, was in a den of snakes. She was closer to Al Thamen now. Sinbad had a gut feeling that something would go wrong. It wasn't like the last time. This time was different. He couldn't put his finger on it though.
"If she isn't back in two days, we'll go for her," Sinbad said, a serious look in his eyes.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Jafar asked.
"I've been fighting Al Thamen for years. I won't let them claim her life. Danni is strong, but Al Thamen is stronger," Sinbad stood behind his decision.
Jafar said nothing else. Sinbad's hatred for Al Thamen was deep. The organization would use Danni to get to Sinbad. They weren't above using that kind of mean.
-;-
Danni finished her daily bodily transactions and began to roam again. Since Kouen's study was locked, she couldn't return the book. That meant, she had to search for him. She walked outside and then stopped. This section of the palace looked like the entrance of a shrine.
"You can stop following me now," Danni didn't turn around, but she was very sure someone was following her.
"You're very perceptive," Gyokuen praised. Danni turned around to meet the Empress's gaze.
"Have you seen Kouen? I have to give this back to him," she held out the book.
"You speak of my son in law with such familiarity. You should have a little more respect," Gyokuen eagerly awaited for Danni to harshly reply.
"If you don't know where he is, then maybe I should ask someone else," Danni tried to step to the side, but it was too late. People dressed in white surrounded her. She couldn't see their faces, but she knew no good intent came from them.
"What do you want?" she directed this question to Gyokuen.
That was when someone knocked her out. Danni didn't see or feel it coming. It was so fast.
-;-
Opening her eyes, she squinted. Her head hurt like hell and her mouth was as dry as a desert. She recalled the events that took place and scowled. She didn't know what that woman had up her sleeve.
"You're finally awake, dear," Gyokuen smiled innocently. Danni didn't think she was pretty.
"If you're going to be two faced," Danni stood, "Then at least try to make one of them look pretty."
"You have quite the mouth there," Gyokuen smirked.
Danni didn't respond.
"What's the matter?" Gyokuen neared Danni and took her face in her hands, "Lost your spirit?"
"I never had spirit to begin with," Danni could have spit in the woman's face.
"What do you want?" Danni asked.
"I want," Gyokuen paused a little, "Sinbad."
Danni's eyes widened ever so slightly.
"So you show emotion?" the empress asked, "For a moment, I thought you discarded them."
Indeed, Danni had discarded emotions, but were gaining them back. She had met so many beautiful, bright people. They contrasted her dark countenance. If this woman got a hold of Sinbad, then the people that she had come to love will be destroyed. She couldn't have that happen. Maybe this was the breakthrough she had been waiting for; the chance to actually prove her worth in this world.
"Then why live? You're living your life aimlessly and being a burden to the world because you have power and you decide to do nothing with it."
Kouen's words rang in her ears.
"How are you so sure that Sinbad will come?" Danni asked.
"I know he'll come," Gyokuen sat in her royal seat. She then waved her hand to signal something. The creepy men closed in on her and then there was darkness again.
-;-
Sinbad and his eight generals all gathered in one place. Morgiana, Alibaba and Aladdin were present as well. One of their own was in danger.
"Is one-san okay?" Aladdin asked Alibaba.
"I don't think so," he replied solemnly, much to Aladdin's displeasure.
"I'll be going to the Kou Empire for a few days to see if Danielle is alright," Sinbad announced.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" Drakon asked. Sinbad was the King of Sindria. To be walking into the Kou Empire at this time was deliberately looking for trouble. "Couldn't you send one of us?"
"A Sindrian who was captured by Kou was let go and sent to give King Sinbad a message," Jafar informed, much to the horror of everyone.
"This is most likely a trap for Sinbad," Hinahoho said.
"Yes, but we can't take any chances," Sinbad was the one to answer. He was uncomfortable.
"At least let us come along," Yamraiha said.
"No," Jafar answered, "We have set up a plan and everyone will follow."
-;-
Danni awoke to the grumbling of her stomach. She hadn't eaten from who knows when.
"You're hungry, aren't you," the Empress smirked.
Danni couldn't help but cringe, but she had gone without food for longer.
"I'm impressed. You lasted a full three days without food and water," she praised.
"Your face is very becoming," Danni began, "Becoming uglier every time I look at it."
This caused Gyokuen to laugh.
"I gave the book back," she informed.
"Thanks," Danni replied.
"Guards," The Empress called, "Get this woman something to drink. I don't want her dying just yet."
If Danni looked as awful as she felt, she would have the capability of scaring a thousand men away. Not that that was really bad, though. There was a puddle beneath her feet. Looking into the puddle confirmed what she had thought. There were dark circles around her eyes which were sunken in. Her lips and skin were pale. Her arms were now held up by chains. The lack of food was weakening her. If Sinbad could only see her now, would he still feel the same way for her?
Gyokuen entered again.
"Looks like the idiot king is here," she smiled evilly. Danni's eyes widened. Why did Sinbad come? Was he looking for a death wish? She didn't want that to happen. Shaking her head, she tugged at the chains.
"No my dear," Gyokuen brushed a lock of hair out of her face. "Don't get too excited."
"I'd slap you, but that'll be animal abuse," Danni felt something wet sliding down her cheeks. Huge tears dropped to the floor and Danni used her shoulder to wipe them away. She could remember the day she thought she lost all ability to cry or even feel.
What was this feeling? This overwhelming sadness? Shouldn't she be happy that Sinbad came? She couldn't bring herself to be happy. She knew something bad was going to happen. On a different note, something was off about the Empress Gyokuen. To Danni, it was as if the woman that had stood before her wasn't real.
-;-
Sinbad was alone. He wore a dark brown hood over his head so no one would recognize him. When he reached the Kou palace, the gates were already open. He knew they had been expecting him. Sources told him that Gyokuen had sent away her children and step children on a conquest.
Therefore, there would be no disturbances. Now, it was just him, Danni and Al Thamen. He needed to see if Danni was okay. If she wasn't, he would tear them apart. Walking past the gate, he was met by a group of Al Thamen dolls.
"Welcome, King Sinbad," one greeted, but before he could sprout another word, Sinbad spoke.
"Where is she," this was more of a demand than a question. He kept his voice leveled but inside he raged. He shouldn't have let Danni go. Why did he even agree? Was it because she had rejected him? Was it because he needed a bit of space?
"Settle down, settle down," they sensed the anger in him.
Sinbad transformed into Baal. Pointing his sword at them, he blasted them away. He then flew up and searched the grounds.
"King Sinbad," Gyokuen smoothly said as he burst through the door. It was the throne room and in there, were more of Al Thamen's puppets.
"Tell me where she is," his voice was solemn and demanding. He truly was a King.
"Don't jump the gun now, Sinbad," she replied with a smirk. "Let's talk a bit."
Sinbad tried to calm himself. Getting angry, especially in the position he was in, was detrimental.
"Now that you're calm," she spoke smoothly, "Surrender yourself and country to Al Thamen and then you get the girl."
Sinbad's heart could have stopped at that moment.
-;-
Danni stood in darkness. She could barely let out a sigh. The door opened, and a silhouette of what looked like Judal walked in.
"You're in a tight spot there," Judal said, observing the way the chains were put on her. He then looked into her face. "On a different note, you look awful."
"Thanks," her voice was hoarse, but sarcastic nonetheless.
"Your Idiot King is here," he said, which was no news to the black haired woman. Danni didn't reply to him.
"Why are you here?" she whispered. Her throat burned like a thousand suns.
"To let you go," Judal simply answered. Danni's eyes widened and her head looked up into Judal's face.
"If it's a trap then I'd rather you not," she tried to shy away from the magi.
"Because I don't like that Idiot King, that doesn't mean I don't tolerate you," he answered, "Besides, this means you owe me triple!"
Judal broke the chains that bound her and her hands dropped to her sides. She fell into his chest and he didn't make a move to throw her off.
"Thanks."
"Hey Big Head," he spoke, "Get off me. This is as far as I help you." He then handed her some water and a loaf of bread. Looking at the water, she downed it gratefully. As for the bread, she refused to eat it.
"You're pretty ungrateful, you know that," Judal eyed her.
"I can't eat it. I won't be able to digest it properly and I'll throw up," she replied.
"Alright," he understood.
"Where is Sinbad?" she asked.
"It wouldn't be wise for you to get mixed up with that," he advised.
"I can't leave him here," she shook her head.
"You know you never listen to me," he put his hand on his hip.
"I guess that's just how it's destined to be," she shrugged.
He helped her off the ground and poked her in the cheek.
"You'd better stay alive, prick," he said and then removed his finger from her cheek.
"Thanks again," her voice was slightly better.
Judal showed her where they were.
-;-
"There's another option," she remained seated; "You can fight, but just know, you won't win."
Sinbad raised his sword and Gyokuen rose from her seat. They were both rulers after all and it wouldn't be acceptable if she sat down. She then smirked. Something was up her sleeve.
Staggering into the room was an old woman. She was bounded by the hands and feet.
"This," she pointed at the woman, "Is a Sindrian woman."
The lady's face was covered, so Sinbad couldn't get a clear view of her.
You see, Sinbad," Gyokuen walked over to the now bowing lady, "We want you alive and if you fight me now, you will not come out alive."
Sinbad still pointed his sword at her, not relenting.
"Are you sure you want to do that?" she asked.
-;-
Danni walked into the throne room and ducked to observe what was going on. She was greatly relieved that Sinbad was alive. She could tell he was angry and about to attack, but what she saw, that Sinbad didn't, was the Al Thamen puppet drawing its sword and about to strike him. Danni didn't know what took over her. With tears streaming down her face, she ran in front of Sinbad. They say that you can't love someone in your mind. Sooner or later, it will come out and make itself known. Similarly, you can't keep hiding your feelings. They will show someday, one way or the other. The sound of flesh piercing a human body was heard. Sinbad didn't want to turn around, but did so shakily. His eyes were wide with horror as he looked at Danni, a sword in her right abdomen. The strike wasn't meant to kill, though, and if treated now, she would live. He took it out and threw it aside. The room was then filled with black ruhk. Sinbad couldn't control himself. The black ruhk represented hate, regret, sorrow etc. It was overwhelming him. He wanted to destroy the place. Gyokuen was already long gone. In fact, that was just an imitation of her. Sinbad had found that out when she had stood from her seat.
"S-Sinbad," Danni winced as she spoke. This broke the King out of his reverie. The black ruhk stopped fluttering about when he looked into her eyes. "Told you I would be useful."
She coughed up blood, due to internal bleeding. Was there such a thing as being too sad and hurt to cry? Even if there was no such thing, it was happening to the Great King of Sindria. Al Thamen will pay. That woman will pay.
"Don't go after them. They're not worth it," Danni said, her voice labored with heavy breathing "And I'll be fine, so don't go crying on me."
Another convulsion came. Sinbad tore copious amounts of his clothes to cover the woman's wound, but the blood just kept coming. He flew towards the ship he had come on. It wasn't anchored at the Kou harbor. Instead, it was placed at an offshore island.
-;-
With a heavy heart, he placed her on the bed. He couldn't allow himself to think now. He just had to do. Reaching for her shirt, he lifted it up to observed the wound a bit better. She had lost a considerable amount of blood and it was his entire fault. He shouldn't have let her go. He should have at least gone with her. After bandaging her, and checking her pulse, which was slow, he let sadness and sentimental thoughts flood his mind. She had given her life just to make sure he was safe. He sat next to the bed and looked at her properly. Her eyes and cheeks had sunken in. She paled considerably. To him, she still looked like a goddess. How could one go through so much and still look so beautiful? He kissed her lips gently before sitting down again. He had ordered his generals to come if he didn't return in two days. This day had been the first day. Did Danni know what she was up against? How could she tell him not to go after them? She was probably ignorant of the fact that Al Thamen is an evil organization. He loved this woman. He loved her so much.
-;-
"So that woman interrupted the blow," Gyokuen sat down and picked sense out of the encounter.
"Yes," her minion answered.
"Don't worry," she smiled evilly. "There's always another day. We will have Sinbad out of the way."
"What about an all out war?" one asked.
"He wouldn't," she smiled knowingly, "On his part, it isn't enough. Not yet, at least."
-;-
AnimeFreak145
Hey guys! This is a very late update. School is starting again and I might not have time since I am in my last year of high school. *Sigh* Anyway, I will try very hard to update. Actually, as you would have guessed, I am rushing to finish this story. This is quite sad, but necessary. Please don't get angry at me. Oh and another thing: GO AND READ THE TWO STORIES THAT WERE WRITTEN BY MY FRIEND, SugarIsMyDrug. They are called Never Say Never, which is a Vampire Knight fanfic and Voglio Stare Con Te Per Sempre which is a Bleach fanfic. This goes out to all the Bleach and Vampire Knight fans. Also, thank you to the special people who reviewed for my last story. The reviews warmed my heart and made me blush with happiness. Thank You!