Alright hey everyone, I know it's still a long way off from the 17th of July but I'm writing my last two papers the next two days and I wanted to get this posted up as soon as possible. I would also like to add that there are two new art works on my profile for this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

"What the hell do you want?" Sakura asked, impolite and brash in both tone and words, looking at the unexpected visitor to her little chamber of isolation, standing right outside the door was the head slave-Fatima as she recalled stood in front of her and he looked even less pleased that her, with a scowl marring his features.

"Guess Lady Madaura was right, you really don't have any respect. No wonder you've gotten so much punishment."

Sakura appeared impassive, arms crossed. "Are you going to get to the point?"

Fatima clicked his tongue, eyes layered with disgust as he looked at her, stepping to the back "Come with me and don't speak."

Sakura did not ask questions and simply followed after him, she never asked any questions or said much of anything when people came to collect her but in this case Fatima was a new face and he was leading her further away from the punishment chambers. They passed further down the hallway until they reached a flight of stairs Sakura had not gone up for an entire week. If anyone looked at her they'd find it a miracle she could walk straight or that she did not trip over the chains on her ankles, given the bruises red and purple dancing across her legs and arms, her face appeared shallow but her eyes, they still shone like emeralds, a fierceness within them, a fire that refused to be extinguished.

Coming back to the familiar room of cages and cries of slaves about to be shipped away, Sakura became worried, there wouldn't be any other reason to bring her here unless of course it was to ship her off as well. Her hands tightened in a strong grip, chakra ready to pour in through them and break her chains. If it was really going to come to this, then she was going to abandon her previous plans and fight her way to-

"Sinbad!" Fatima called, hand on his hip, impatient.

Sakura lowered her head, allowing her bangs to cascade down her face, covering her eyes completely, when she saw the extra pair of boots now in front of her, she knew he was there now.

"Yes?" Sinbad asked, he was holding several scrolls in his arms.

Fatima pointed at Sakura, his voice now holding clear authority and a sense of superiority. "Lady Madaura has requested you to take care of this girl."

Sinbad stared back at Fatima, his face impassive but eyes holding surprise. "Me?"

"Of course Sinbad," Madaura's familiar voice echoed through the large room, she began making her way down the stair case leading up, her slave Kil by her side as usual. Sakura could feel Madaura behind her but Sakura remained silent not once raising her head to pear into the eyes of anyone.

"Lady Madaura!" Fatima smiled in delight at the sight of his master.

"She has been very disobedient and does not respond to punishment as I had hoped, therefore I have decided it would be best to place her in your care," Madaura explained smiling at Sinbad.

Sinbad blinked wildly, "My care, why is that Lady Madaura?"

Fatima scowled, growling at Sinbad "Don't questions Lady Madaura!"

Usually he wouldn't but this was very unusual and too surprising for Sinbad.

Stepping away from Sakura, Madaura stood in front of Sinbad wrapping her arms around him and Sinbad appeared to relish in the feeling while Sakura held herself back from screaming out her disgust for the situation and Fatima sneered at Sinbad with jealousy

"You've become such a good boy Sinbad, I think you will be a very good influence on her, she will also be rooming with you and the other children from now on."

Placing her hand on his cheek, she spoke in a gentle, sweet voice of praise "Take care of your sister for me alright Sinbad?"

Sinbad smiled wider "Yes Lady Madaura…."

Fatima spoke in an embarrassed, flustered stutter "Um, Lady Madaura...I-

Madaura looked back at Fatima, her eyes narrowed, the gentle features morphed "Oh Fatima, you're still here? I didn't notice."

Turning back to Sinbad she greeted the boy, before stepping away from Sakura and going back up the stairs then the loud, irritated stomps of Fatima grew soft as he turned the corner leaving Sinbad to deal with Sakura.

"What's your name?" asked Sinbad after a long moment of silence.

"Sumire." Sakura responded blankly.

"That translates to violet, it doesn't seem to suit you." Sinbad said, his voice holding nothing to offend to compliment.

"It's a colour that annoyingly haunts me." Sakura stated, still not lifting her head to look into his eyes, she had seen how blank they were from a distance, she knew she would have a difficult time holding herself back if she saw them this close.

"Well, uh," Sinbad began, he sounded awkward which was odd given he never got tongue tied when dealing with women-but that had been another time and under different circumstances. "Let's get going."

"Fine." Sakura responded, moving before Sinbad to leave but she did not miss the hateful glare filled with animosity directed at Sinbad as they left.

'I hope this won't be a problem,'

Suffocating silence followed the pair and threatened to close in on them as Sakura and Sinbad walked together, despite how close they appeared to the naked eye, they were far apart. It was the first time Sakura actually walked through the building that wasn't leading to a torture chamber, it was like a palace on the inside as well. The halls held by pillars leading to wider spaces for viewing the outside as far as she could see.

"Are you hungry?" asked Sinbad

It was somewhat amusing that he would choose to destroy the silence by asking something like that but none the less Sakura chose to respond with a simple nod.

"I just need to hand these in and then I'll show you to the common room where you can get something to eat."

Instead of giving a verbal response Sakura nodded again and then continued to look ahead of her, she had waited for this opportunity but approaching it was still something of hesitance because of Sinbad's current condition, how he would react to her being here and then there was still Madaura that added to the problem. While she did not know the details there had to be a reason that Sindria trading company could not get their leader back and there had to a be a reason that force was not an option. If it was in any way going to lead to the undoing of everything Sinbad had strived to achieve then Sakura knew she could not take a direct approach without causing an uproar. She put Sinbad's position into consideration.

'I can leave this world, he can't.'

Sakura was going to find another way to free Sinbad without it giving him any grief after, how was another matter.

"So, you've been….punished?" Sinbad asked looking over Sakura, her marred skin but it was nothing that wouldn't heal over time.

"Yes," Sakura replied, giving away little.

"I know how that feels…." Sinbad's expression seemed to grow solemn "Well, at least Lady Madaura said she was going to stop and I'm sure in time Lady Madaura will accept you full as her child, aren't you glad about that?"

"I couldn't care any less," she bluntly replied, bitter words falling from her lips.

Sinbad gasped, "B-but aren't you afraid of being punished? I-I've also been-

"You don't need to explain it to me." Sakura cut him off, gritting her teeth, despite knowing what Sinbad had gone through she did not want to hear him give her disclosure on it. The discomforting guilt would begin to stir in her again if he told her about it.

"But-

"No." Sakura snapped.

The scraping of chains on the stone floors broke the silence that had fallen once again, Sakura and Sinbad saw a tiny figure covered in red, decorating his path with the blood that fell off of him. Sakura recognised the boy instantly, the Fanalis that had defeated Sinbad. Getting a closer look at him, he couldn't have been older than eight. Unlike the other slaves (excluding the head slaves) the chains on his legs were connected to two balls of weights but Sakura new that it was because of his strength.

'Is that really all it takes to hold him?' she wondered.

"Masrur!" Sinbad called hurrying over to him, he didn't' even seem fazed by the giant sword he was holding with one tiny hand. "You're all covered in blood, are you alright!?"

Masrur nodded "It's not mine."

"Hold on," Sinbad said rushing off somewhere.

Sakura looked over Masrur, moving her hair out of her face to look him in the eyes, even covered in red, his red hair and eyes stood out from the blood splatters, a different tone, he looked at Sakura with a blank expression which she returned with a smile.

Not long after Sinbad returned with a towel in hand, placing it over Masrur's head he began wiping off the blood.

Sinbad then turned back to Sakura who lowered her head again "Oh yes, Masrur this is Sumire, Lady Madura has placed her in my care, she'll be rooming with us from now on as well. Sumire this is Masrur."

"Hello." Sakura replied, a hint of a smile hidden beneath her hair.

"Hello." Masrur responded.

"I heard that since my appearance in the arena your matches have gotten more extreme with giant monsters as your opponents but, this really something. Aren't you tired of it?" Sinbad asked returning to wiping off the blood.

Sakura narrowed her eyes, starring at her feet as she listened to Sinbad go on with Masrur, talking about how the boy fought every day of his life in the coliseum, not knowing which day he might lose and die.

"You're definitely strong but you're still a child, aren't you tired of doing something like this?" Sinbad asked again.

Masrur looked down and gave a small nod with his head, his hands letting go of the towel on his head and letting it just hand there.

Holding the boy's wrist in his own Sinbad smiled "I see, well then I'll as Lady Madaura and see if you can stop being a gladiator. It's all right. If you become Lady Madura's 'child' I'm sure you can stop right away."

Despite realising the situation, it did not make it easier to see or hear Sinbad like this. Sakura held back the tears that wanted to fall and went for biting her lip till it bled though she did not register the metallic taste in her mouth.

Masrur turned around and began walking away.

"Hey where are you going?" Sinbad called. "Don't you want to stop being a gladiator?"

Turning back Masrur's spoke, his voice holding more than his face dared to give away, it was almost considered unnatural for a child. "I am a Fanalis…I'll do the job I'm given, I'll obey orders but I won't throw away my pride. Because I am a proud Fanalis!"

The fluttering, she heard it again, stronger and when she looked up she saw it around Sinbad, the rukh's reaction and Sakura knew that while it was only slight, there was a shift, a wave. Sinbad placed a hand over his chest and clutched the fabric in thought while Masrur walked away, leaving a trail of blood.

Sakura stepped passed Sinbad, waking him from his daze. "Hey Sumire, where are you going now?"

"Is there a bath?" Sakura asked, eyes still following Masrur.

"Several," Sinbad answered starring at her back "I think Masrur will be going to one now but-

Sakura didn't allow him to finish before she followed after the Fanalis boy once again, leaving Sinbad dumbfounded at her somewhat desperate attempt to escape his presence.

"At least someone else in this place still has pride."

And she knew he had heard her.

"Masrur!" Sakura called finally catching up to the young boy, he looked at her with a blank persona and as before she returned it with a smile.

"Sinbad said you were heading to the baths, mind if I join you?"

The boy simply stared back at her again-lucky for her, stoic and expressionless boys were somewhat of a speciality.

Running her long hair back and out of her face Sakura exhaled as the warm water touched her body, the warm water was a nice change from the freezing water she endured in the torture chambers. It was similar to the baths she had been to before, but she knew it was a different room, the waters were filled with sweet scented flowers as well. Masrur remained on the other side of the giant bath, washing away the blood, they were the only two here because of the time of day.

Without hesitance or a glimmer of bashfulness for being completely bare, she moved through the water swiftly till she was only a short distance from the young boy. There were times when she use to bath with Ja'far who had an uncanny ability to bath no longer than three minutes, always saying that assassins weren't able to let their guard down for very long-that and he always became flustered whenever she surprised him.

"Do you need some help?" Sakura asked noticing he was missing a lot of the blood that had already begun to dry and stick to the skin on his back and in his hair.

"You don't have to-

"I don't mind."

Masrur looked over his shoulder at her, he gave a small nod and turned back.

Sakura came closer to him, taking the washcloth from his hands and started rubbing his back, it didn't take long for the blood to be removed.

"So Masrur, you're a Fanalis right?" Sakura asked as she continued to bath him.

"Yes," Masrur responded, his tone dull and hushed.

Sakura watched the blood stains drip, none of it was his. "You must be very strong, of course I saw you carrying that big sword."

Masrur didn't respond as Sakura started running her fingers through the small boys hair, red started mixing with the water around them.

"You know you're the second Fanalis, I've met."

The boy's posture changed, Masrur turned around, his eyes now wide filled with curiosity and longing-he looked like a real child.

"You've met another Fanalis?"

Sakura nodded leaning to the back against the edge of the bath, starring up at the ceiling. "His name was Yaqut, he wasn't that much older than you actually."

Masrur shifted closer to Sakura as if he would miss a detail if he wasn't as near as possible. Sakura told Masrur about how Yaqut had run away from these slave merchants and straight into her, knocking her unconscious and then waking up to both of them in chains, in a caravan heading to the slave headquarters.

"You were both taken as slaves, is that how you ended up here?" Masrur asked

Sakura smirked, snickering softly before shaking her head "No, I escaped before anything could happen, although thinking back they did mention Madaura. I'm sure they were going to sell Yaqut to her as well."

Masrur looked entranced, he was leaning on both of his hands in front of him. "What happened?"

"We all broke free," Sakura said "The slave merchants were driven out and all of the former men, women and children who were taken as slaves were now freed, including Yaqut."

Starring down in to the water, Masrur lifted up his hands to peer at the in wonder, "He is free."

"Yes, though I don't' know what he is doing or where he has gone, I am sure he is." Sakura responded "He wanted to come with me but I told him he couldn't, it seems I had made a good decision. Don't' think I'd be able to forgive myself if he ended up in chains again. Especially when Madaura seems to really tighten the binds on her slaves."

"You don't like her." Masrur said

Sakura scoffed softly "I don't agree with her doctrine and she doesn't like that, which results in these," she gestured to the marks on her body under the water before letting out a shaky breath.

"She wants you to be her child."

Another snicker left Sakura's lips "Of course she does, otherwise how am I supposed to serve for her? What about your Masrur, are you her child?"

Masrur did not respond then, as if contemplating his own answer but instead of waiting for a response Sakura continued to speak.

"I will never become Madaura's child, because I will never accept this life and I will never accept her." Sakura said, her voice firm now and strong. When she looked down at Masrur, the young Fanalis felt an odd stirring within him as Sakura's eyes pierced through him, so soft and yet so powerful and promising.

"Suppose it's similar to what you said, you won't throw away your pride and I won't throw away my heart."

In that short span of time, Sakura had managed to cause a crack through the walls the young Fanalis had built through his time as a slave and something was slowly beginning to seep in through it and it was making him feel something he had not felt for a long time….

Hope.

"This is the room Masrur and I share with two other children, they're not around right now though," Sinbad gestured to the double beds lined up on either side of the room against the walls, semi-circle shaped windows lining the top and not much else. It was very simplistic, the purpose meant for nothing more than sleeping. Although Sakura couldn't help but think it was probably better than what most slaves would receive, even the common room where she was actually able to get a decent meal, there were children wondering around all smiling, none miserable or holding the sad eyes of human beings who had lost their rights.

Sinbad had gone on about how surprised he was when he first arrived as well, he told her that the children are allowed to do pretty much whatever they wanted under Lady Madaura's roof and that they were educated and given lessons to better themselves. She had not responded to Sinbad during that time, appearing unimpressed by what he was trying to sell her although it was also because she was holding back her rage, she had clenched her hands so hard under the table her fingernails dug straight into her skin drawing blood.

"Those beds are free," Sinbad said pointing to his left and then to the one's right next to it. "That one's mine and Masrur's."

"Okay," Sakura said.

Sinbad appeared a little deterred by her lack of enthusiasm, for some reason. "How was your bath?"

"Fine." She responded as plainly as possible.

"Do you want to go to back to the common room or perhaps rest?" Sinbad asked, although Sakura knew he was only doing that because he did not know what else to do with her.

Ignoring his question, she decided finally to ask her own. "Do you like being a head slave?"

Sinbad was lost for words, barely able to reply with an audible "Huh?"

"Do you like being a head slave?" Sakura repeated, keeping her head down.

"Well…..I'm only an apprentice head slave but um….why ask me something like that?"

This time Sakura didn't know how to reply but she didn't need to, she was sure now at least that Sinbad wasn't doing this because he enjoyed it; otherwise he would have answered the question.

"No reason…."

Sinbad rubbed the back of his neck as the uncomfortable silence fell over them again-well uncomfortable for him. The question taking root in his mind. He was training to become a head slave under Madaura's orders, there were not a lot of children around his and Fatima's age so it made sense since they were older than the other slaves but Sinbad's mind had been concerned about nothing more than avoiding more punishment, he did not question the role he was now given.

"Hey, about what you said earlier…." Sinbad said, referring to her statement before she left for the baths. Sakura looked at him, lifting her head slightly. "You shouldn't say things like that,"

That time she wasn't able to maintain composure and keep her face blank "What do you mean?"

Sinbad took a breath, he spoke in the tone that would suit a lecturer as if everything being said was vital. "Sumire, I can understand what you are going through but you need to accept things as they are. If Lady Madaura accepts you as one of your children, things will become a lot easier for you. All you have to do is accept her from the bottom of your heart and she'll make you one of her 'children'. It's better than getting shipped off right?"

Sakura scoffed, a painful churning beginning in the pit of her stomach. "What's the difference? At the end of either I'll still be trapped, I'll still have to wear these chains and I will still be a slave."

"That's just the reality!" Sinbad said stepping towards her but Sakura took two steps away from him.

"Stay away from me!" Sakura warned

"Why can't you just accept Lady Madaura and stop being so rebellious?"

Hands going up to her ears, Sakura shut her eyes tightly "I won't devote myself to that women because my devotion and my heart-

The door swung open, bringing everything to a halt, it was Kil. He looked up at the two with little expression.

"Lady Madaura wants to see you right now, Sinbad."

Sakura swallowed hard, 'This can't be good.'

Sadly-she was right.

It was hard when you did not realise the kind of problems that would develop in the future depending on circumstances but sometimes it wasn't any better being able to feel misfortune without knowing every detail in how to prevent or avoid it. Her eyes wandered around, the cages that were stacked up around the room, once filled with distraught people were empty…every single one.

Sakura stood a little ways from Sinbad, listening to the multiple questions-yelling from the enraged group of slave handlers, though questions, there was clear accusation in their tone. While Sinbad just stood there, a face filled with nothing and eyes just as blank. As if he was not able to process the words and therefore could not muster up an appropriate reaction.

"Sinbad, why would you let all the slaves escape!?"

"We trusted him, even though he's such a strange person…"

"AND WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR US?"

"This is why I was against it. Making someone like him a head slave!"

Something was not right about this, aside from the situation itself, it did not make sense because Sinbad-as he was, would not even consider freeing a single slave. It wasn't that he would the obvious person to be blamed just because he was a head slave, no it was because Sakura knew (though it wounded her) Sinbad was not capable of doing this, he was literally incapable, not in mind or body was he strong enough to gain the resolve for himself to do this. Although it didn't seem like that was put into consideration judging by the men all screaming their discontent.

Despite all of this one in particular stood out in the crowd.

"That's right! He's not fit to be a head slave! He betrayed your trust Lady Madaura, he should be given a suitable punishment!" Fatima stated.

Sakura didn't miss anything, the sickening tone of joy and triumph, the crooked smile, twitching fingers of excitement-Fatima was being too obvious. All of the others had been filled with rage, anger but not Fatima; he was happy and it was not difficult to decipher why. She had caught his look of hate towards Sinbad before and just as she feared, it was a problem.

'He would be a terrible gambler.'

Sakura's eyes landed on Madaura who was watching the scene unfold with a calmness equal to Sinbad's. Though the pinkette half expected the women to go into a rage about losing her merchandise, she was tranquil and Sakura hoped it would stay that way for Sinbad's sake, otherwise she would have to intervene and that could bring a lot of problems not just now but in the future as well-for this was the way of the world and it was not easy to overcome. If she escaped with Sinbad, chances were Madaura would pursue them, life for Sinbad would not go back to the way it was.

'Of course if she tries anything, that isn't going to matter.' Sakura thought watching as Madaura began making her way to Sinbad. 'If it's for him I'll-

A smile meant to convey warmth spread across Madaura's face, not a trace of hostility. "Sinbad. Everyone fails once or twice, I forgive you."

The expected gasps echoed around the near lifeless room now, Fatima was the most surprised and just as he failed to mask his excitement did he fail to mask his discontent and desperation. Grasping at threads unravelling, in hopes to bring his ambitions to light.

"W-What are you saying!?" This isn't something that can be forgiven!" Fatima stressed, only to be met with a kind reply, implying noting yet creating a feeling of dread.

"Oh Fatima, are you telling me what to do."

Fatima stiffened, sweat dripping down his face, his composure lost. "Of…of course. I'm only thinking of you, Lady Madaura."

Soon enough, Fatima was embraced by his master. "What's wrong Fatima? You're shaking so badly..I wonder if there's some reason behind it."

Another discovery Sakura made, after watching Fatima and Madaura and the reactions of the two. For whatever reason Madaura knew that it was not Sinbad who had set the slaves free and Fatima was afraid because he knew that if Sinbad was not blamed-there was only one other to blame. She had also seen the full extent of Madaura's ability. Madaura put on a performance for everyone here, one that would capture their hearts and make them submissive, un-doubtfully loyal and unable to take any action without having Madaura in their thoughts. Even when it was to benefit themselves. They thought Madaura flawless, the only light in this world of darkness because despite the situation they were in as slaves, they were 'loved'. Fatima in particular.

'Love is a powerful thing and this women has taken something so pure for her own twisted desires.'

"I don't want to see my cute little children fighting. The search for the culprit ends here. I'm going to overlook this incident."

There was not a whisper of protest, Sakura looked up one more time at everyone gathered, from the slaves to Madaura to Sinbad (who was yet to speak).

'I have to get him out of here.'

Waiting until they were out of the sight of prying eyes and ears that sharpened at these kinds of whispers, in a currently vacant hallway, Sakura finally decided to voice her thoughts.

"Why didn't you say anything?"

Broad shoulders visible stiffened and even from behind, it was possible to determined Sinbad's expression-one of nothing still. He did not respond and continued walking but Sakura refused to stop relenting.

"Why didn't you tell Madaura that it was Fatima who set those slaves free?"

Again no response, frustration grew within Sakura but she reframed from allowing it to control her actions-as much as she possibly could. This wasn't Sinbad's fault, she told herself, he couldn't help it, she repeated that in her mind a few times.

"Sinbad." Sakura called again, her voice firm she stopped walking and so did he.

He didn't turn around, not that she would let him see her entire face anyway so it was a loss cause but still, the way this girl addressed him, there was a familiarity when she spoke his name, as if she had said it many times before and knew just how to say it. How to make him speak.

"I am still just an apprentice head slave, I do have a set of keys to the cells but when I finish my work the keys go back to Lady Madaura."

Sakura gasped, that would mean that Madaura clearly knew the truth the whole time and yet…instead of pointing that out in front of everyone she chose to keep to herself, pretend she believed Sinbad was responsible and then show some kind of motherly 'forgiveness', that being the case however….

"Why didn't you say anything?"

"Because it wouldn't have mattered," Sinbad stated

"So you were just going to let them lie and accuse you of something you didn't do?" Sakura stomped her foot on the ground (not using chakra of cause to avoid cracks)

"Whether or not I said anything would not have effected Lady Madaura's decision, she already knew I handed in my keys so there was nothing to fear…I would only get in trouble if I made a scene-

Sinbad was barely able to get his last word out as he was spun around and then head snapped to the side, a prickly pain began to bloom across his right cheek, throbbing. He touched the area, fingers stilled and calm, eyes void of any feeling or reaction to the slap.

Soft pants left Sakura's mouth, her chest heaving, her hand stinging from the slap she delivered having not use chakra.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Sakura muttered, voice shifting from firm to a dim whimper, "How-how could you let this happen? Why did you let this happen? You should have stopped this, you should have…."

Sinbad looked at Sakura with a stoic expression, arms at his side as she crumbled to the ground, both hands over her face, uncontrollable sobs spluttering out in an ungraceful manner. Sinbad was clearly unaware of the real reason behind her crying but Sakura was all too aware. All those questions she asked, they were not directed at him but herself. She blamed herself for all of this, it was irrational but then again so were feelings and the people who harnessed them and what made her cry even more-the fact that she was crying.

'I couldn't do it-I couldn't stay strong-not even for him!'

Why? She wandered. Why was she trying hard, really? A flicker of fear coursed through her, as a question settled in her mind. One that she was afraid to answer…

The room was filled with soft snores, of the three children that laid in bed, sleeping peacefully but there were not only three children in the room-there were five. Sakura stared up at the ceiling, her eyes wide open despite her obvious exhaustion. After her outburst of crying, Sinbad had taken Sakura by the hand and lead her back to the room where he suggested she get some rest but no matter what her eyes refuse to close. Sinbad was disappearing slowly and she was afraid that if she looked away for too long, he would be gone for good. She knew that he was still awake as well but most likely for different reasons than her own.

She wanted to cry again but it was as though she did not have any tears left, glancing to her left, the moonlight shone through the windows depicting the silhouette and one thing came to Sakura's mind when she looked at Sinbad, he appeared shallow, nothing like the Sinbad knew. Madaura was taking him away piece by piece and right in front of her.

'I'll get you back,' Sakura vowed silently.

Though Sinbad did not turn, he knew without needing that the new girl and his charge, Sumire was a looking at him, with eyes that he was yet to see but he believed most likely to be filled with hate. Madaura had told him that Sumire was apparently a 'difficult child' and that she did not respond well to punishment, so he was placed with the task of looking after her in hopes of swaying her as he did with the other slaves but this girl, she was different. Resilient and stubborn not something you see around here. She invoked reactions from him, reactions that he had not revealed since he closed off and yet only a day goes by and she has begun to creep into his mind.

For the first time an image pushes its way through the barriers guarding his heart as he remembers her.

'Sakura…'

When morning came, the tension from the previous day had not dissipated between Sinbad and Sakura, their acknowledgements were brief, their interactions even more so. As if they were treading around a floor of brittle glass, ready to shatter any moment but because of Sinbad's obligations to take care of 'Sumire' under Madaura's orders and Sakura whose entire purpose of being here was to find a way to free Sinbad did not leave much room to full fill the idea of distance matter how appealing it may have appeared to be. Though Sakura had reached a peak of revelation there was still that awkwardness between her and Sinbad and developed within such a short period of time.

On their way to the common room for breakfast Sinbad was called in to Lady Madaura and Sakura of course came along.

Madaura did not appear angered nor disappointed when Sakura appeared with Sinbad, much to her suspicions, it was almost as though she wanted her here.

"Ah, good morning my dears, Sinbad has Sumire been behaving?" Madaura asked and Sakura felt a bitter taste in her mouth. Her hidden eyes glanced over at Sinbad in wonder, was he going to tell her about yesterdays….'exchange'. Right now to Madaura, Sakura was too strong willed and prided to control but if she heard about this little slip up, chances were she might attempt to take advantage of it-Sakura would of course rebel and in retaliation probably be punished once again and while she could withstand it, there was no way to completely disregard discomfort or pain at a certain degree.

'And I'll be separated from him again,'

What worried Sakura though, was what Sinbad was going to tell his oh so wonderful master…

"She has Lady Madaura," Sinbad said, his tone neutral.

It was surprising and Sakura did her best to hide but she couldn't help feeling a warm flutter in her chest at the simple gesture of deceit and perhaps kindness.

"Oh, well that's good to hear. I see you're already having a good effect on her, I am happy she is learning." Madaura smiled, moving to the exit of the study she gestured for them to follow. Sakura did not like the way she looked at her.

"Now I think it's time for another lesson,"

The sight to Sakura could only be described in one word-appalling, the dark bruises contrasting with light skin, bite marks travelling from the shoulders down, eyes that spoke of a long, tireless and fruitless night….though she had seen many terrible things on her travels, this was a new discovery and it was one she would have liked to live without, putting it bluntly it was horrifying. Fatima sat up in a large luxurious bed obviously not meant for him, the sheets covered his naked form from the waist. Sakura and Sinbad stood behind Madaura as she stepped forward.

"You were wonderful Fatima, our customer was very pleased with you." Madaura praised "It seems he has taken a liking to you!"

"It was all for Lady Madaura,"

With the weary eyes that still held happiness and not a sign of shame caused a knot to twist itself inside of Sakura as her thoughts came to place; Fatima was a head slave, absolutely loyal and devoted to Lady Madura so much so he was willing to literally do 'anything' for her sake. This has only opened her eyes further, allowing her to delve deeper into this women's mind, Madaura had retaliated against Fatima for freeing all of the slaves and his punishment came in such an obvious form yet because of Fatima's devotion of Madaura he was not able to see what was beyond the surface of her intentions.

"Yes, thanks to you our business negotiations went smoothly. And that gentlemen wants to hire you." Madaura spoke with a tone of causal praise, leaving nothing to be discovered. "It looks like you'll be leaving us Fatima, congratulations."

This time, Fatima became frantic, composure lost as well as concern of the consequences of them. "Why Lady Madaura, I've been such a good boy, why can't I stay by your side!?"

Sakura couldn't withhold a shudder, the concept of hearing and seeing really did give everything a different perspective.

'This women…' Sakura shuddered.

"Now, now Fatima, don't cause trouble for me." Madaura soothed the boy's hair "Every child has to leave the nest someday…now is that time for you. Besides the only child I could ever let serve such an important customer of ours, is you Fatima. There's no one I can entrust this but you...I mean isn't that the truth. You're my most reliable child aren't you?"

Sakura was in shock before but she was even further shocked by Fatima's response. Lady Madaura. Please leave this important task to me." Fatima smiled, his entire body trembling "Just leave it to me, you're most reliable child!"

"You've got to be fucking kidding me," Sakura whispered under her breath, but Sinbad had heard her because he nudged her in warning.

Fatima's departure was only minutes away and Sinbad and Sakura were going to see him off. Sakura knew Madaura's intentions of making her stay to witness this 'special occasion', after all what better way to help her understand her place here than making an example of one of her most 'reliable children'. Glancing at Sinbad's face, lips curved with disdain, eye brows coming together, it was obvious he had not expected this either but another realisation came to mind, while this was a deplorable situation she would take it as an opportunity. A chance to make Sinbad turn to the terrible truth that he was avoiding…

'I'll do whatever it takes.'

"You seem surprised," Sakura said, her voice now echoing with their soft footsteps through the halls.

"What do you mean?" as Sinbad asked this question, he kept looking ahead, unable to even turn in the girl's direction.

"Well, Fatima is one of Madaura's 'children' isn't he, yet she is giving him away so easily." Sakura said, her tone laced with a casual content that was far from truth.

"Yes, it is strange…"

Sakura scoffed "I didn't say that, I only stated a fact. After all at the end of it all, we're just slaves. Those who think otherwise are either fools or blind."

Sinbad frowned, he looked back at Sakura, "It's not that we don't know that-

"No, you don't know why? Because you forget. Forget that you were sold or captured, forget about your family and friends, forget about your goals and ambitions, forget about what has happened to you, forget that you were turned into slaves and forget that you're not her children!"

"Sumire-

"Start thinking about the real reason you are here and stop deluding yourself." Sakura hissed, turning around, like trying something for the first time and desperately wanting to succeed at it but knowing that the odds were not in your favour. She walked away from Sinbad, ignoring his calls of her fake name. She had just planted seed within a heart that already had vines growing around it, vines with poisonous thorns that would destroy anything that tries to outgrow it but Sakura promised she would not surrender-not until Sinbad was free once again.

The ache returned once more.

'I-

"Hey Sakura, I'm tired!" Sinbad slumped over his desk, arms stretched out across the untidy paperwork on his desk. Sindria trading company was silent, as the day and shifts had ended many hours ago, however the situation was different for the company's leader and his trusted partner.

Sinbad's eyes trailed over the pinkette who was sitting on a pillow on the floor with stacks of scrolls and papers neatly placed around her-tough Sinbad had tried, she insisted on seating herself where she could keep an and eye on him and makes sure he worked while keeping a 'safe distance' from him.

"Well then you'd better finish up the rest of that overdue paper work." Sakura instructed, holding back from rubbing her own tired eyes.

Despite the vigilance of his staff, it seemed that Sinbad had still found ways to duck out of his work and started developing a habit of visiting entertainment houses-the one place Sakura absolutely refused to visit after the last time when she was looking for Sinbad and someone assumed she worked there and groped her during 'service time' to put things kindly, the man was still alive. But after that she swore never to go in there again or any other establishment remotely similar.

"Honestly," Sakura shook her head "Could you be anymore sleazy?"

Sinbad frowned, "Hey I resent that comment it's not like I'm the only guy in the world who appreciates the comfort of a women."

Sticking her tongue out in disgust Sakura returned to her work, these kinds of conversations usually took a long turn for arguments that meant getting less work done and they didn't need that right now however the next comment Sinbad made had Sakura flying off her spot on the floor and in front of him in a second.

"I bet your love interest does the same."

Moving past the clothes, grasping the flesh of Sinbad's neck knocking him back into the wall, the shelves rattled as the pinkette held him in place, her eyes blazing in fury.

"He wouldn't, he's nothing like you." Sakura hissed like a snake, tightening her hand much like a coil. "Don't-ever-say-that-again."

Sinbad gasped for air after Sakura removed her hand, he made a mental note to never again slight the person Sakura proclaimed to love because-he wanted to keep his head. He had seen Sakura get angry, but it was an anger that came from care and concern but this time, there was nothing behind this anger but fury for insult and perhaps a natural desire to defend the one she loved and if he was honest…he felt a pang of pain deep within him.

"Sorry…"

Sakura let out a breath, already the feeling of guilt started to set in, berating herself for losing her temper as she had. There were already marks appearing from her grasp and she realised if she pressed further, she might have caused real damage-fatal damage.

"Damn," Sinbad chuckled, although it was obvious it was meant to lighten the tension "You've got a real grip on you huh?"

"I-I'm so sorry," Sakura gasped kneeling down, placing her hands over Sinbad's neck and watching as his wounds began to heal, the red mark being erased. In this position, Sakura could feel Sinbad's breathe hitting her forehead, reminding her of their proximity but she remained focused on the task at hand. Not a second later after he was healed she pulled back, Sinbad's hand ran over his neck immediately.

"Thanks."

Head bowed in shame, Sakura looked away "No, you shouldn't thank me. I was the one who just strangled you."

"Well…." Sinbad trailed "I did kind of insult someone you love, so I guess I deserved it."

Shaking her head, Sakura slammed her hand on the wooden floors, careful not to break them like the last time. "You did, I will always defend those I care about and I will not let them be slandered."

The blanket of silence fell over them, emerald stared into gold before one decided to react. "What's it like to be in love?"

Sakura froze, there was hardly ever a time when Sinbad hesitated to ask her questions about anything and she did mean anything so much so it stopped surprising her but if there was one topic she believed Sinbad would never ask and that was the topic he just ever so boldly brought up.

Just to make sure she heard him correctly she asked, "Um could you repeat that?"

"What is it like to be in love?" Sinbad asked again without struggle.

'Oh holy crap, he really did ask.'

"W-Why would you ask me a question like that?"

Sinbad shrugged, "I'm just kind of curious."

"Well it's um….." Sakura paused, thinking carefully about how she was going to word this. "It's not really a feeling you can explain, it's just something you know…You know you're in love with a person when you're willing to do anything for them no matter the consequences, no matter how much it hurts, even if it costs you everything…."

"That's a lot of sacrifice," Sinbad frowned, arms crossed.

Sakura shrugged "No one ever said love was fair but I do know this…" she placed a hand over her heart, "I would do anything for the sake of seeing the person I love happy even if it meant I wouldn't be."

Sinbad smiled. "Sakura, I am sure if I searched the world for someone like you, I would never find them."

'Perhaps not in this world.' Sakura thought laughing at her own joke.

Sakura's hand barely covered her face as she allowed tears to slide down her cheeks and drip onto the floor. Tears that came with nothing but truth and realisation.

'I don't care how long it takes, days, weeks, years or the rest of my life. I will save you.'

Of course with that resolve came a daunting idea, she would stay true to her word but what the actual consequences might be brought about a feeling of dread. Yunan had warned her she might never be able to return to her world and at the pace she was going…She shook her head.

'It doesn't matter, not anymore.'

…

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…

…

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…

"Sumire,"

She twitched as the feeling of a hand roughly shaking her shoulder but she did not open her eyes, only stir.

"Sumire."

Her lips twitched downward with annoyance, the night had been a long one, nearly sleepless again until she finally willed herself to rest.

"Sumire wake up."

Sakura just groaned and turned away, this person was addressing someone called Sumire that wasn't-

"Oh crap!" Sakura shot up, finally registering. Her forehead nearly colliding with a startled Sinbad's who pulled away just in time to avoid impact.

"What the hell are you doing?" Sakura hissed quickly covering her eyes with her hair.

"I need to talk to you."

"About what?"

Sakura's casual brashness dimmed after she saw the expression on Sinbad's face, it wasn't so much that as the look in his eyes, eyes that were once again shining with determination and strength that-she disappointingly must admit, thought to be completely dissipated.

"Sinbad?"

His expression did not change, "I need to speak with you about freeing all of the slaves and escaping."

At first she thought this might be a dream, a cruel, wonderful dream but she knew that in a dream-whatever elements of reality they may claim, could not replicate this vivid depiction.

And once again, Sakura cried.

That's all for now everyone, look forward to the next chapter and in the mean time please review.