Hey Everyone! A new chapter is up! Today, it's back to Sakura and Kero in Sindria! I won't be revealing what's happening in this chapter however. But, warning, there's going to be mentions of a certain something...you know? The romance making? I don't really want to change the rating because it's not explicit, it's just there you know? But if it really bothers you, I will, just tell me. Hope you like it! Also, there are elements of bullying and curse words. Be wary when you're reading it.

Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or Magi.

Enjoy!

(P.S. Make sure to read the author's note at the end of the chapter!)

No One's POV: Sakura

As the sun flew across the brightening sky, its golden rays of light fell across the kingdom of Sindria. Fishermen on the sea stopped reeling in daily catches of fish to momentarily gaze at the beautiful sunrise. The citizens were just waking up and preparing themselves for another day. At the palace, it was no different. Soldiers switched out with their night counterparts and took guard as the sleepy men went to bed. Chefs in the grand kitchen began to prepare succulent meals made from the fresh seafood and juicy fruit the local farmers and fishers brought in. Even the Sindrian Generals had just awoken. Pisti yawned loudly, unaware of the heated argument Yamraiha and Sharkkan had started, a daily ritual the two did every morning. Hinahoho struggled to get his kids ready while trying to prevent a full on fight between two sisters. Drakon awoke the morning with his lovely wife who showered him with kisses. Spartos gaze at the rising sun, smiling as he remembered his childhood days. Masrur was out training in the forest, honing his speed and his monstrous strength. Ja'far was fast asleep at his desk, a victim of the late work he did nonstop last night. Kero was asleep in a makeshift bed on the second shelf of a clothes drawer, made with care by his master, Sakura. And speaking of the girl, one could see that she was not in her bed. Where did she go?

...

Sakura yawned slightly as she snuggled into her pillow, bringing up her blanket to covering her slightly cold body. She felt something warm next to her, and cuddled closer to it.

"Mnh...it's so warm. Why am I so cold anyways?" Sakura wondered to herself as she slowly opened her eyes. As she did however, she was met with a certain man. Sinbad, once again with no clothes. Sakura immediately stood straight up in shock. The blanket slid from her body, revealing her soft, pale skin. Sakura blushed heavily as she pulled the blanket up to cover her own nude body. "What?! Why am I-?! Why is he-?! What happened last night?!" As she began to panic, Sakura saw Sinbad begin to move as he turned himself over so his back faced her. Taking a deep breath, Sakura slowly got off the soft bed and onto the cold, granite floor. Looking around, she saw her clothes scattered around the room, as well as the king's. Carefully, she scooped up her articles of clothing and jewelry and put them on, trying to ignore the pain around her lower back and waist. After she made herself presentable, Sakura tiptoed out of the room and looked around to see if there was anyone there. Seeing no one, the brunette dashed down the hallway, not stopping until she reached her room. Then, she threw open the door, but closed it quietly when she saw Kero asleep in his makeshift bed of cotton. Sighing, Sakura looked down at her body as she hugged herself, playing with a ring on her finger.

"Urgh...How did this happen?"

Yesterday...

"...Yamraiha? Who are those women surrounding Sinbad?" Sakura asked the magician as they browsed a merchant's goods. Yamraiha, who was looking at a small, dainty glass figurine, looked over her shoulders to see Sinbad surrounded by beautiful women of all sorts. She immediately scowled.

"Ugh. Don't pay attention to them Sakura. Those are just some maidens from the kingdom trying to kiss up to Sinbad. They're all hoping he pick one of them to be his queen." The blue haired female explained. Sakura paused for a moment. Having put aside their differences and apologized to one another, Sinbad had taken the girl out to a street vendor event to as compensation for causing her emotional distress. Yamraiha came with them, claiming that she couldn't leave Sinbad alone with Sakura after the fiasco last time. But, as they soon arrived at the street, many women came out and barraged Sinbad. Not only were they extraordinarily beautiful, their bodies were the ideal hourglass figure men wanted. Sakura dusted her dress, the one she had worn when she arrived into this world, and looked at Yamraiha.

"...Queen?" Sakura asked curiously. Yamraiha sighed.

"Yes, queen. Remember that despite how childish he is, Sinbad is still the king of Sindria. Marrying him would mean you'd be queen as well, ruling by his side. Every girl dreams to be his wife. However, Sinbad isn't interesting in taking a wife right now, despite his nickname as the 'Lady Killer of the Seven Seas'. He's slept with plenty of girls, but hasn't had a single interest in sticking with them. So, they're all just-Sakura? Why are you blushing?" Yamraiha suddenly asked. Sakura's face had bloomed into a bright red color.

"H...He sleeps with w...women?!" Sakura stuttered out. She sure why she was so shocked. Maybe it was because the girl thought that Sinbad had devoted himself to Hope. Then again, he couldn't just wallow in grief forever. But, since he didn't take a wife, did that mean he still loved Hope as his true bride? Yamraiha seemed to have guessed what Sakura was thinking.

"Sinbad may have loved Hope, but in the end, he was still a man. And every man has to fulfill his needs. Of course, like I said, he hasn't been interested with settling down...that is, until you arrived." Sakura blushed even harder. Yamraiha smirked as she continued. "You should have seen Sinbad when he first saw you. He was literally jumping all over the place. Despite his love for Hope, I think he fell for you." However, she narrowed her eyes at the king. "...That man, though he told us he loved you, still beds with other women. Sakura, whatever happens, don't fall for his charms. If you really wanted to, test him. Make him prove himself." With that Yamraiha turned back to the figurine she was looking at and started ti bargain with the merchant. Sakura stared at the magician before she felt Kero come out of her bag.

"...Boy, does she sound serious. I really hope you didn't fall for that guy's charm." He said worriedly. Sakura smiled reassuringly at Kero.

"Don't worry, Kero. I didn't. Besides, he's much too old for me. He practically be my uncle!" Suddenly, she heard a depressed voice behind her.

"...Please. Don't say that. I don't want to think I'm old..." Turning around, Sakura saw that it was Sinbad. He seemed to have a depressing aura around him. The women, who had followed him, reassured the king.

"Oh King Sinbad! Don't listen to that silly girl! You're not old!" one woman said.

"Yeah! This girl's just too young to understand!" Another reasoned. As they continued to assure the king, Sakura had enough.

"...I'm leaving for the next cart. Yamraiha? Are you done yet?" She called out to the magician. Yamraiha who was practically glowing after successfully getting the figuring cheap, nodded.

"Yep! Hey, why don't we get some pastries? I heard they're making some kind of Kou specialty. I think they call it a 'mochi'. Let's try it." Nodding, Sakura left Sinbad to the flock of women and followed Yamraiha. Though she said she did't fall in love with him, what was this aching feeling in her chest every time she saw Sinbad with another woman?

...

Sakura, despite what happened earlier, fully enjoyed the fair. The mochi she bought with Yamraiha was delicious. Made with edible cherry blossom leaves, the dessert was pink and made into the shape of a sakura blossom. Biting into the sticky rice dough, sweet and salty flavors entered her mouth, with the salt enhancing the sweetness of the pastry. Next, they had tried a fried dish made from fish, but Sinbad didn't eat any, complaining that it was "too greasy". Sakura had also bought numerous trinkets that included a small jewelry case, two color sashes, a pair of pink flats, and a small doll outfit in which Kero wore with joy. As they continued walking, Sakura noticed that the crowd of women had not dispersed themselves and were chatting with Sinbad. She felt annoyed at that, but it quickly disappeared when they came across a performance happening in the middle of the square. Inching her way in, Sakura saw as costumed men tossed their partners into the air. As they flew up, the women danced, using the ribbons they had to created an assortment of shapes. Awed by their movement, Sakura became entranced by it. Too soon did the performance end when a spokesperson came onto the floor.

"All right! Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention! We will like to try something new! Would a volunteer from the audience come out and perform for us?" As the citizens murmured who should go, Sakura felt her hand raise up into the air.

"I would!" She cried out. As the crowd cheered her on, she Sakura saw Yamraiha stare at her in surprise. Walking up to the center, she saw, out of the corners of her eyes, Sinbad kissing a woman on the cheek. Anger suddenly flaring inside of her, Sakura turned her head away from him and smiled sweetly at the man.

"What would you like to perform? Do you need anything?" He asked. Handing him her bag, Sakura suddenly had a story and a song go through her head.

"...Yes. I would like the ribbons the dancers from before used. Be good Kero." She said to the bag. A small grunt was heard, but it remained silent after that. After receiving the ribbons, Sakura faced the crowd. Taking a deep breath, she began to sing.

I know they say that the space between

Can make it stronger than we've ever seen

With a flash, Sakura brought the pink ribbons up and began to spin, rippling the fabric as she did.

They might be right, but I disagree

'Cause I've never felt stronger than when you're with me.

Sakura then kicked her feet up and did a backwards flip. As everyone started to cheer, she could see Sinbad, who had been preoccupied by the women before, began to noticed Sakura dancing. Smirking because she got his attention, Sakura continued.

Sometimes I wonder why you even care,

'Cause even when I leave, you're always there here with me.

As she continued singing and dancing, Sakura could see the white birds flutter excitedly around the people. Some even began to surround her, and soon blended with the pink butterflies that surrounded her. Soon, the song was coming to an end. But, Sakura had gotten her wish, the one she'd never thought she wanted. Sinbad, paying his absolute attention to her. Not even the most delicate and exotic maiden could turn his gaze from her, and the brunette could see the birds around him flap around in delight. So, with one last twirl, she let go of the ribbons. As they slowly fell to the ground, Sakura finally sang the last of the words.

So far gone in you

In you

So far gone in you

She whispered out before gently falling to the ground. Everyone fell quiet before cheering once more, whistling and call out her name, though she was surprised that they even knew it at all. Smiling, Sakura waved at them before she retrieved her bag from the spokesman. Kero popped out.

"Wow Sakura! I didn't think you were a good singer like Tomoyo!" Sakura blushed slightly.

"He. Well, neither did I until I tried at that festival. Guess I'm also a good dancer huh?" She answered when she saw Yamraiha run to her.

"Sakura! I can't believe you did that! That was amazing!" The magician cried out. As Sakura listened to Yamraiha, she saw Sinbad walk up to her.

"That was a splendid performance, Sakura. As perfect as the one you did a few days ago." Sinbad complimented her. "...I must say, I was captivated by it. Won't you perform it for me again in the near future?" Sakura paused. He wanted her to perform again? While the main point was to get his attention, Sakura couldn't imagine even doing it again.

"...Maybe." was all she answered. However, that satisfied the king. Suddenly, a monstrous roar was heard, and Sakura turned around to see a giant sea serpent coming over the wall. "Another serpent? That's the third one this week!" She thought. Sighing, Sakura knew that if the beast was slain, there would be another festival that night. As she wondered who would defeat it, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Tilting her head, she saw that it was Sinbad, who's eyes glittered playfully.

"...How about you try your Djinn Equip on the serpent? After all, it'd be a shame if your skills stopped improving." Sakura stared at him before nodding slightly.

"Fine." She answered. Sinbad was right. Every since her battle with him, Sakura hadn't even tried to use the power. Maybe this was a good time to test to see that wasn't a fluke. Handing her bag to Yamraiha and giving a word of reassurance to Kero, Sakura grabbed onto her key around her neck. Summoning the power from her anklet, Sakura glowed and transformed. Examining the beast as she flew up, Sakura pushed back some of her snowy white hair back and willed the key to to transform into a rapier using the Sakura Card. With a slash, she aimed it at the beast's neck. The serpent paused momentarily before its head severed from its body, and the corpse fell down, blood still seeping from the cut. As everyone cheered, Sakura returned back to normal as she stowed the magical card away beneath her dress. As she got her bag from the blue haired magician, she saw Yamraiha frowning.

"...Be careful Sakura." She said. Sakura stared at her confusedly.

"Huh?" Yamraiha nodded towards the women that surrounded Sinbad.

"Those harpies over there? They'll do anything to get rid of competition. Even if it means dirtying their hands."

...

Just like the day Sakura and Kero had arrived in Sindria, the whole kingdom was bustling around in excitement. Children ran around wearing painted masks, giggling and chasing one another. Both men and women watched as dancers performed on stage, alluring more people to watch them. Breathing in the succulent smell of sweets and meats in the air, she felt pity towards Kero, who had retired back to their room, his stomach too full from eating the sweet mochi from before. Sakura smiled as she handed a man a flowery lei. She wore a similar outfit like the first time she attended the festival, but thankfully, it wasn't as revealing as before. Wearing a pink one piece that flowed down to her mid thigh, the dress itself was tight, showing off any curves she had. Wearing her anklet and headpiece, Sakura chose to leave behind her rope necklace, along with her cherry blossom pin, and instead took the mysterious colored necklace she couldn't remember having. Yamraiha and Pisti once again helped her appearance, choosing to pull her wavy hair into a ponytail with a braid running around her head. Sakura decided to join in on the festivities and donned on a masquerade mask, decorated with pink sequin and painted feathers, while she helped a young dancer pass around flowers. After giving the last of the leis away, Sakura reported back to the dancer who thanked her graciously.

"Thank you so much! The boss gave me twice the flowers this time and I had no idea how to give the all away in time! You really saved me!" She thanked. Sakura smiled.

"It was nothing really. Just enjoy the festival, OK?" Bidding one last farewell, Sakura walked away and wondered what she should do next when she saw Ja'far come running over to her.

"Lady Sakura! There you are! We've been looking all over for you!" The white haired general panted out. Sakura looked at him, surprised.

"Hm? You were looking for me?" Sighing, Ja'far straightened up and nodded.

"Yes, My Lady. King Sinbad has requested your audience." Curious as to what the purple haired man wanted, Sakura nodded back.

"OK. Also, you can drop the titles. Sakura is fine." A surprised look appeared on Ja'far's face before being replaced with a smile.

"If that is what you wish...Sakura." With that, the general led Sakura through the crowd and up some stairs. Reaching the top, she saw the other generals there as well, eating and chatting with one another. Looking around, she spotted Sinbad. With yet again another horde of women. As she watched the women crowd around him showing off their rather large curves and him actually enjoying it, Sakura simply stared in disgust.

"Do they have no shame, flirting and showing off their bodies in front of everyone? And him, enjoying it?" She thought in annoyance. Deciding that she rather be with the crowd than watch this, Sakura turned to leave when she heard Sinbad yell for her.

"Sakura!" Sighing, she turned to face Sinbad. By then, the king had left the women and was currently walking over to her, a worried expression on his face. "Is everything all right?" He asked. "I asked for you so that you could see the scenery, but you're leaving already? What's wrong?" A surge of anger and annoyance erupted inside her, but she managed to keep calm and smiled at him.

"Well, you looked rather busy with those women, so I decided not to bother you. I didn't disturb your playtime now, did I?" She said sweetly. Sinbad immediately turned red and began to sputter excuse when Hinahoho started laughing.

"HAHA! I told ya Sinbad! No girl's ever going to take you seriously if you keep doing that! Especially not anyone with Sakura's spirit!" Drakon shook his head.

"Sinbad, why didn't you listen. I thought you were serious about settling down with her." Sakura stared at Drakon as she registered what he said.

"Huh?...He...wants to settle down? With me?" She asked, dumbfounded. After a few moments, it clicked. "EH?! HE WANTS TO MARRY ME?!" Sakura screamed out. Sinbad slapped himself on the face as everyone cheered.

"...Thanks a lot Drakon." He murmured out. Sakura, not knowing what to do, did what any frightened animal would. She ran away. Everyone became silent as she disappeared down the steps. Sinbad, snapping back to reality, began running after her. "Sakura! Wait! Masrur and Drakon! Help me!" Shaking their heads, the two generals followed him while the rest began to laugh among themselves. However, one group did not join in. Instead, they glared down where Sakura took off as they excused themselves to execute the plan.

...

Sakura wasn't sure where she was running towards. Anywhere was better than the place she was running from. As she ran, thoughts began to go through her mind. He wants to marry her. A king of an entire country, wants her to be his queen. Out of all the women he could have chosen, he chose her. Why? They had known each other for only a few months, give or take. So why? Why would a twenty some year old man chose a sixteen, seventeen, at most, year old girl as his bride? As she began to feel the fatigue in her legs, Sakura slowed down as she reached a small garden. Looking back, she saw the lights of the festival far behind her. "How far did I run?" she thought to herself. Sighing, Sakura spotted a lone white stone bench near her. Sitting on it, Sakura took a deep breath and sighed once more, looking at the carefully tended flowers that bloomed in neat columns and the pruned hedges that resembled a maze. There was even a water fountain, the pool of water reflecting the full moon. As she smiled at how peaceful it was, she suddenly heard a voice behind her.

"So there's the bitch." Tensing up, Sakura turned around to see a couple of women standing behind her in the shadows. Still wearing their dancer outfits, Sakura recognized them as the harem that followed Sinbad all around. Sensing ill intention from them, Sakura stood up and went to summon the power from her anklet. However, as she looked down, she saw that it was gone, as well as her headpiece. Cursing and wondering when it flew off, the women began to close in on her.

"What's wrong? Scared?" One said with a laugh. "Of course you would be. You should be." As Sakura kept backing away, she felt the cold, stone wall behind her, and the girl knew she was trapped.

Another woman who had her slick black hair in a ponytail, smirked. "Poor girl. That's what you get for messing with us. No one can come and take what we've worked so hard for. The king is ours. And we're not going to let some virgin bitch take that from us." Suddenly, Sakura felt one of them grab her hair. As she cried out in pain, Sakura felt the woman drag her towards the fountain. Desperately trying to break free, Sakura saw her reflection in the water before she was promptly dunked into it. Bubbles started to pop from the surface frantically as the girl tried desperately to breathe. From in the water, she could hear laughter from the women as they began to mock her, hurdling insults at the girl. As she began to black out from lack of oxygen, she suddenly felt her head pulled from the water. As she coughed and gasped for oxygen, she felt a warm body next to her cold one. Still breathing heavily, Sakura saw Sinbad holding her up, and she saw Masrur and Drakon close in on the woman. No longer laughing, they looked scared as some whimpered slightly. Sakura felt Sinbad's grip tighten. Sakura gulped.

"Sin...Sinbad" She whispered breathlessly. Sinbad looked down and Sakura almost gasped. His golden eyes, hardened, were filled with anger. Sinbad was more than furious. He was livid, to the point where words would not even break his trance. However, it softened slightly upon seeing Sakura shivering slightly. Taking off his most outer robe, the king draped around Sakura still wet body and smiled at her.

"Don't worry. I'll make sure they won't hurt you anymore." With that, he glared at the women who all flinched. Sakura, sensing terrible dread if Sinbad went through with his punishment, grabbed his arm. Immediately as she did so, the necklace around her neck began to glow momentarily before fading away. By then, Sinbad's posture became relaxed, but he looked questionably at her. Taking a deep breath, Sakura spoke.

"...Sinbad. Don't. Whatever you're about to do, don't do it. They didn't hurt me much. So please, let them go." The women stared at Sakura disbelief when they heard her. Drakon did so as well, but Masrur smiled slightly before returning back to his neutral expression. After staring at her, Sinbad sighed.

"Fine. I know you're not going to back down anyways." Then, he returned his attention at the assailants. "...You're free to go. But, if this happens again, know that there will be punishment." Nodding shakily, the women ran off, and disappeared into the darkness. Sighing once more, Sinbad rubbed the back of his neck tiredly. "Whew. What a day it's been. And here I thought it was the perfect day too..." Then, he reached into his pockets. "Here, you dropped these." He said as the king handed Sakura her anklet and headpiece. "Masrur found these when he was following your scent." The girl thanked him as she took the jewelry. Glowing slightly, she sighed in relief that they weren't lost. As she put them on, Sakura noticed Sinbad stand awkwardly, his cheeks tinged slightly red. "...Sakura. Do you remember before? When Drakon said about me settling down with you?" Sakura nodded, feeling her face get warm. Taking a deep breath, the king took something from his pocket and kneeled down. "That was the real reason that I called you there. Sakura, will...Will you marry me?" Sinbad asked as he revealed a silver ring with a pink gemstone. The gem was carved into a cherry blossom, etched by a professional. Sakura stared at the ring. Thoughts ran through her mind. Wasn't she too young to marry? But, then she thought of her mother, Nadeshiko, who married her father at only sixteen years old. What would Syaoran, Tomoyo, and Kero think? Toya would surely object, maybe even Yue and Yukito. However, one particular thought stood out.

"...Before I answer you, Sinbad, tell me. Are you marrying me because I resemble Hope?" She asked. Sinbad's face remained neutral as he answered.

"...I would be lying to say that it hadn't occurred to me. But, in all honesty, I'm in love with Sakura, not Hope. Maybe you do have her face and her spirit, but I'm only concern with the woman in front of me. Believe me when I say this." Sakura's vision began to blur as tears started to form in her eyes. Rubbing them away, she could see, out of the corners of her eyes, Masrur and Drakon who both looked slightly worried.

"Yes. Yes, Sinbad. I'll marry you." Sakura finally answered. Sinbad's face lit up as he jumped up in glee. Then, he proceeded to pick up Sakura and twirl her around, causing Sakura to laugh.

"Haha! Oh Sakura! You've made me the happiest man in the entire world! I promise to make you happy!" He exclaimed. Then, he brought her closer and they shared their first kiss. Drakon smiled at the happy couple. Masrur looked slightly melancholy as he smiled bittersweetly.

Going back to the present...

Sakura sighed as the memories flooded back in. "Ugh. I remember now. After that, he took us to his room, and then we..." She didn't bother to finish the thought. Instead, she examined the engagement ring Sinbad gave to her. "So, I'm going to marry him soon...what will Tomoyo and Syaoran think when we meet again?" Suddenly, she paused. When she said Syaoran's name, her chest felt funny. A small, painful squeeze. There was no doubt that Sakura loved Sinbad. After all, wasn't that what she was trying to do all of yesterday? To get his eyes on her? Heck, she even agreed to marry him! But, why did she feel suddenly upset when she thought of Syaoran? Squeezing her hands together, a sudden blush appeared on her face. "Gods. Please don't tell me...after agreeing to a man's proposal...I just figured out there maybe another man I'm in love with? Was it a mistake? No...am I in love with both?!" Sakura groaned in denial as she slid further down onto the floor, unaware of the increasing number of white birds and pink butterflies that seemed to gather around her, especially around her abdomen.

As the story progresses, a shocking event has occurred. Sakura, who is now engaged with Sinbad, has just realized she maybe in love with Syaoran?! What will happen next? And the sudden increase of butterflies and birds...do they hint at something?! Until Next Time...

OK, there's definitely some explaining needed here!

The Engagement: OK, in all honesty, this was something I didn't plan. I was writing, and this was born. But, I am still going to honor the "love triangle" between Sakura, Syaoran, and Sinbad that you guys voted a while back. Sakura and Sinbad will not marry yet because of a serious of events, the nearest one happens to be the Balbadd Arc, so there is plenty of time to squeeze the love triangle in there. Besides, Sakura is not bound to Sinbad through marriage yet. After all, she could easily change her mind a certain someone *cough, cough* Syaoran *cough,cough* admits his feelings for her.

New Feelings?: Um, was that awkward? I'm sort of playing around here. You see, Sakura is actually pretty oblivious to romantic feelings, at least that was what the wiki said. So, I made it that she didn't realize she had feelings for Syaoran until after Sakura agreed with Sinbad's engagement. But, did I make it too weird?

Song: No, I did not make the song Sakura sang in this chapter. That was called So Far Gone by Thousand Foot Krutch. I found it by accident, but I thought it went pretty well with the plot. Check it out!

Increase of Butterflies and Birds: What do you think? Guess!

michelous: Glad you enjoy it!

12345678910: I'm really glad you enjoyed it! I will try, but school work may hinder me.

Until Next Time! R&R!