Hello everyone, here is another chapter for you. Now even though it's holidays for me, I have a lot to take care of right now. So I am not sure when I can update or write again because currently time is not my own.

Hope you enjoy this chapter

Again….there was nothing but darkness and when she called out in an effort to scream, her voice was lost. Dread filled her completely as the darkness began to clear to give way to an image that was fare more horrifying to her than eternal darkness. She couldn't feel anything on the outside, no warmth despite the flames. And when she saw the blood splattered and splayed along the ground, the pools of red; the chains rattling and screams echoing without vanishing she knew, it was happening again.

She clutched her head tightly, 'No, no, no!'

She wanted to just shut her eyes and wake up from this horrifying nightmare, the children and men in armour scattered the ground, drowning in a sea of their own blood. Amongst all of the agony, a single silhouette figure emerged from the flames, untouched by them, a confident stride.

'NO, NOT AGAIN.' Sakura tried to move but she was paralysed, it felt like a weight had been pressed up on her chest in an effort to completely crush her.

Then she saw 'it' again, the darkest embodiment of herself; what terrified the most was her eyes, those green eyes coloured with black sclera.

"Wasn't it fun?" Sakura stopped breathing as she heard the whisper so close to her ear, the figure now behind her.

Just like before, she couldn't respond. All she could do was watch and stare in complete terror.

The figure then stopped in front of Sakura, dropping the body of a familiar boy in front of her with lifeless eyes. Then it started crying, tears of red poured down before she fell to her knees, her wails becoming agonizing to hear.

"Was it worth it?" it asked and even though it wasn't looking, Sakura knew she was the one being addressed. The figure looked up at her, her eyes glaring daggers of hatred straight into Sakura.

"WAS IT?"

Sakura awakened with a heavy gasp for breath as if she hadn't breathed in so long. That dream, which seemed to play on a loop had suddenly changed; even though it was minimal it was just as unsettling. The monster mirroring her image, bursting into red tears. Sakura couldn't make any sense of it-not that her sleep deprived mind was able to put in much effort.

Glancing at her side, she saw Sinbad was sleeping soundly, lying on his side with his arm under his head. His breathing shallow and calm; obviously clear of any unwanted nightmares unlike her. Sakura could feel her sweat making her skin stick to the sheets and that was nearly all of her.

'It's just a dream.'

With that in mind, Sakura closed her eyes again and went back to sleep-one thing she knew about that nightmare, it did not happen twice in the same night.

Being trapped in a room with the strong scents of herbal plants that did not mingle well together, practically combatting for dominance in the air, enough to sting your nose and burn your eyes would make anyone change direction or open a window at least, but not Sakura. To Sakura, this was her sanctuary and her favorite part of her job description. She could sit and work at her table for hours, coming up with new and improve medicines and herbal remedies.

This Pharmaceuticals section was a recent branch of the company Sakura had been placed in charge of, as she had the most experience and ability in this department. She was also really the only one in this department; Serendine had a hand in helping as well but Sakura's medical knowledge exceeded her own. Poisons were more the princess's strong suit. Although Sinbad had mentioned that it would help if Sakura trained some of their current employees to help in this department. However, that would take up whatever free time Sakura had, so she put that off for now. If the department's products reached a certain demand, then Sakura said she would train other employees.

Sakura was crushing some herbs together, grinding it into a fine powder. Placing it into a cup, she then poured boiling water in it, watching the power dissolved. Bringing it closer to her nose to inhale deeply, catching its strong earthy smell. She was looking to make a tea to relieve fatigue; she was also working on creating food pills-similar to the ninja food pills. That would restore energy and relieve hunger. Sakura hoped to use the ingredients from the tea and then find ways to advance further into her food pill.

'Now the taste test.'

Since she wanted to ensure that her products were side effect free Sakura took to testing everything on herself first. When Sakura barely took a sip she spat out the tea, wiping her mouth.

"Okay that's not right." Sakura cringed, her tongue still numb with the bitter taste of the tea. She took a cloth, wiping up the spill on the table. She reached for her charts, eyes scanning over the ingredients as she tried to find a catalyst that would remove the bitter taste and wouldn't compromise its medicinal properties. "Worse than chewing on leather."

As Sakura resumed her work, she felt a presence behind her that sent a chill down her spine. Spinning around while raising her leg for a drop kick, Sakura barely registered the flash of purple and surprised golden colored eyes before she sent Sinbad across the room and into a wall.

"Ah-Sinbad-I'm so sorry!" Rushing over to uncover the body she just buried in the side of the wall. She pulled Sinbad to sit up straight and proceeded to heal him.

"I'm so sorry…" Sakura repeated, pulling back her hands.

"It's alright." Sinbad assured with a bit of a pained smile, patting the top of Sakura's head which was hanging low as she moped. He made a mental note not to attempt to surprise her by coming up from behind without warning. Somehow he knew he was lucky that she hadn't put all her strength into that kick or he might be dead right now.

"Are you sure? You're not in any more pain?" Sakura asked worriedly, holding out her hands, ready to heal.

"Yes Sakura, I'm fine," Sinbad reassured her, standing up and holding out his hand for her to take. He lifted her up off the floor and looked back to the wall. "You didn't even crack the wall this time, you must've really been holding back."

Sakura puffed out her cheeks in embarrassment; she had just barely registered that Sinbad was behind her and managed to pull back but not stop in time. "What are you doing here? Aren't you still working?"

"Yeah, but I need the completed update reports on the new products."

"You could've just sent someone instead." Sakura pointed, watching while Sinbad gazed around her work space.

"Yeah, but then I'd miss a chance to see you."

"Man, you're hopeless." Sakura snickered. She wrapped her arms around Sinbad from behind, kissing his cheek and pulling away, watching his face fall. She turned to the shelf in the corner, taking out four scrolls with her completed reports.

"What, that's all I get?" Sinbad pouted touching his cheek. "Take the time out of my busy schedule to come and see you and you first kick me and then only give me a peck on the cheek."

"This isn't exactly the best place to get heated Sinbad." Sakura stated, putting the scrolls on the table. "Speaking of which, what were you trying to do when you snuck up behind me like that?"

Sinbad grew still, contemplating the answer that he should give his girlfriend with the supernatural strength. "Well…..I was just going to give you a hug of course."

"Sure…" Sakura sarcastically drawled, her eyes fell on the cup she had left on the table and back to Sinbad. She smiled, taking the cup and handing it over to Sinbad. "Here try this, it's a new herbal tea that's supposed to relieve fatigue."

Sinbad took the cup, warily eyeing the contents. "It's not made from the same things as that pill I took in Heliohapt right?"

"I don't want you throwing up in here and I drank it myself so no." Sakura confirmed, although after Sinbad took the first gulp and spat it out, she burst out laughing.

"I haven't figured out how to remove the bitter taste just yet."

After wiping his mouth, Sinbad looked at Sakura with a playful and wicked smile which had the pinkette slowly back away to the other side of the table. Sinbad started running after her, the two were running around the table.

"Stop it." Sakura laughed, coming around the corner of the table, Sinbad following in pursuit

"Only when you stop running."

Sakura was on one side of the table then and Sinbad on the other, when they stopped.

"Good, now stay there." Sinbad started coming around the table, when Sakura quickly dashed to the other side where Sinbad had been, their positions swapped.

"Uh-uh, you're not coming anywhere near me with that look in your eyes."

Sinbad smirked, "Well I can only do that when I'm near you."

They started their routine again, Sakura and Sinbad running around the table of medicines and herbs. One attempting to catch while the other continued to evade.

Finally, realizing that she was playing cat and mouse with one of the most persistent, arrogant and determined men she had ever met, Sakura halted, holding up her hands in surrender as Sinbad charged towards her. "Okay-okay-okay. I apologize."

"Not good enough." Sinbad chimed, wrapping his arms tightly around the pinkette's waist. "You know what I want."

Rolling her eyes, Sakura pushed up on the soles of her feet, throwing her arms over Sinbad's shoulders. "Guess I owe you this much."

She gave a quick peck on his lips, but Sinbad held the back of her head to keep her in place and kiss her again, with fierce demand and wanton passion. When he did pull back, Sakura made sure to lean back and keep her head to the side. Flustered and short of breath.

"Geez, when I said I owe you, I didn't think you were gonna charge interest." Sakura said jokingly, moving back to the table. "Take the reports and then get back to work. You're not getting any happy hours during work hours."

Sakura went back to her work, but Sinbad's presence had not left the room yet. He came up behind Sakura again and pulled her into a hug from behind.

"Was there something else?"

"Not really; I just want to get a few more moments in with my favorite blossom."

Sakura should have known that this was going to happen; after their date Sinbad was back to showering her with the same level of affection as he did back in Heliohapt. She knew that she was partially to blame though, given the conclusion of their date that she had initiated. And since Ja'far had walked in on them, their relationship's development wasn't a secret any longer and Sinbad couldn't have been happier about that.

'Why do I keep putting myself in these situations?'

While Sinbad was respectful enough to take Sakura's opinions and final say into consideration when it came to these matters that didn't mean he wasn't persistent at swaying her mind given his determination. Although in this case Sakura knew she had to put her foot down. She had lessons with Serendine for the rest of her day and she was going to need to finish the last of her work now if she wanted that to happen.

"I love you, Saku." Sinbad muttered into the back of her neck.

"Love you too." Sakura replied, rather dull in response.

"Love you more."

"Okay, you win can I go back to work now?" Sakura giggled moving her neck out of Sinbad's range. She heard an audible moan in disdain from him.

"Noooooo."

"I'll call Ja'far."

Sinbad stepped back, grumbling as he gathered the reports. "Fine, but don't think this is over."

"It never is." Sakura sighed, closing her one eye on the side where Sinbad gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before making his way to the door. However the door opened on the other side and Ja'far stepped in. At first Sinbad and Sakura were under the assumption that he was there to drag Sinbad back to his desk, but that wasn't the case.

"Sinbad, you have visitors."

The visitors were the members of Barbarossa's Independent Nationalist Party. The same ones that Sakura and Sinbad had seen with Barbarossa when they went to Parthevia as part of King Rashid's escort. Dairu, was on the person that Barbarossa had addressed before. They had come personally to inform Sinbad that the Independent Nationalist Party had won the election and were now in power. Barbarossa, being party leader was now head of state. While this was good news for the company as a whole, Sakura wasn't all that excited at the idea of working closely with Barbarossa, despite the opportunity. It was for Sinbad, therefore she would endure him. She would also need to ensure that Barbarossa did not let the truth slip out about her.

Sakura had been contemplating since their date about when she should tell Sinbad the truth. It was her biggest secret-yet disturbingly enough there seemed to be plenty who already knew without her consent. The situation was like standing at the edge of a cliff on a scorching summer's day, a large crystal cool lake just below. All one needed was to gather up the courage to jump and take the plunge to relieve them of this painful heat but every time you thought of falling, you'd reel back.

Dairu handed Sinbad a scroll. "We've come to deliver, an invitation from his Excellency to our celebration. We've been sent to escort Lord Sinbad, President of Sindria Trading Company to Parthevia as a state guest."

There were a few shocked exclamations at the news; inviting merchants from a trading company as state guests wasn't something typical. Dairu pointed that they wouldn't have done that for any other trading company but this one was the exception. Sakura clearly understood why, but new arrivals like Pipirika was still in a state of shock and confusion.

"Let me explain." Ja'far said to Pipirika.

Ja'far elaborated, that their company, Sindria Trading Company was different from other trading company's; mainly for their trading conduct within an extensive territory. Such as Imuchakk, Sasan, Artemyra, Heliohapt, Balbadd and Reim. They had also recently acquired the property and trade routes of the Mariadel Company, which Sindria trading company had used as capital to expand their operations. Employees from all over the world were 3,000 in total, they also had 11oo personal warships. Sindria trading company had become one of the top trading companies in the world because of its accomplishments.

"I-I didn't know we accomplished that much!" Pipirika exclaimed while Mystras attempted to calm her.

Dairu looked back to Sinbad. "So, what do you think Lord Sinbad?"

Sinbad smirked, "Of course, I'll gladly accept your invitations."

"I'm sure his Excellency will be pleased to hear that."

Sakura glanced around the corner where she felt Serendine had been standing and listening in for a while now. She wouldn't allow their visitors to see them of course, she was still a runaway princess of Parthevia. Although Sakura pretended not to notice the princess, waiting to until after their visitors and the other's had left the room to see them off. Sakura then nudged Sinbad to look behind him, directing him to the corner the princess was hiding behind.

Sinbad and Sakura walked towards Serendine, who was leaned back against the wall, seemingly careless but obviously not to those who bothered to look close enough.

"You're going to Parthevia again?" She asked Sinbad.

"It's pointless to try and stop me."

"I won't… at least for now."

Sakura looked back and forth between the two; the silence becoming suffocating. While Serendine worked well at the company, she and Sinbad were on completely different terrains when it came to allying with Parthevia as it was right now. Whenever Serendine and Sakura had their lesson; Sakura always ensured to keep from mentioning the princess's country or convince her that its situation had changed for the better, simply because the monarchy were no longer the ones who held the real power in the country. Sakura definitely wouldn't have wanted to hear that her village or world was doing so much better without her in it; so why attempt to coax the princess to believe that of her own country?

"We should get start packing," Sinbad said to Sakura.

She nodded, placing her hand on his shoulder. "You go on, I'll be there shortly."

Knowing that Sakura wanted to speak with Serendine on her own, Sinbad left without question. Although Sinbad was gone, the tense atmosphere created by the two hadn't vanished just yet. Sakura stood in front of Serendine with her hands in front of her.

"Serendine…."

"I'm okay." She said immediately. While Sakura knew that it was not the truth, she didn't point it out as it was obvious and it wouldn't have been polite to poke at the princess's intellect by doing so. Instead, Sakura stepped closer towards her; wrapped her arms around her shoulders and pulled Serendine towards her.

The princess didn't say anything, only returning the hug. Her arms wrapping around Sakura's waist, as she rested her head on the girl's shoulder. Neither said a word as they continued to hold one another, comfort being their own necessity.

Although Sakura wished she could've told the princess that she wasn't all that keen about returning to Parthevia and seeing Barbarossa. Even though she hadn't said anything about going with Sinbad to this celebration; he had made the decision then and she wouldn't argue. Not when there was a still a chance Barbarossa would reveal to Sinbad what Sakura had been keeping from him. Setting all of their promises, hopes and progress alight and turn it into ash. She would not let that happen.

Sakura and Sinbad were not the only ones who decided to accept the invitation; Ja'far had joined them as well. While this was supposedly only a celebration for Barbarossa's party winning the election; Ja'far wanted to see the result of the new Parthevia for himself but more so; the man who had previously attempted to have Sinbad assassinated by none other than him. There weren't any objections to having the boy join them, he was one of the brightest in the company and more than deserving of the experience.

The celebration began in the early evening, right after the sun had set. Sakura, Sinbad and Ja'far had an argument for over nearly an hour before coming to the celebration hall and that was just on Sakura's attire. Both males were insistent on her wearing a dress and such for the event. Of course neither were bold or brave enough to attempt to force her into one, since they would most likely end up fatally injured-as Sakura had promised they would be should they try anything.

Sakura said that she did not want to look like some shiny accessory to be paraded around. That was not the impression she wanted to give and Sinbad was going to have to live with that. Of course Sinbad's intentions were far from such; he just wanted to see her in a dress again as there have only been few occasions and he enjoyed them.

"I am not here for your viewing pleasure!"

That is what she had said to him in return. Along with a string of words that were better suited to a drunken sailor than a pink haired kunoichi. Serendine might have been teaching her to draw back on some of her more instinctual practices and mannerisms that Rurumu was unable to tame; but that did not mean they were entirely deleted. The only reason they were there was for Barbarossa, the rest of the crowds were not of importance to her.

The Parthevia Empire's Celebration Hall, was a large two story building that could hold hundreds at a time. Although nowhere near that many were privileged to the chance. The room was filled with the expected number of high-class, high-born. Tables upon tables, neatly laid and arranged with platters and dishes of all kinds were seen in every angle, yet never causing crowds. As expected, the attire code was 'dress to impress' or 'over show the rest'. A tune that Sakura refused to dance to. In fact, she, Sinbad and Ja'far remained in the distance.

"No drinking." Sakura warned Sinbad as she took a cup from him.

"Come on-

"No. You're not losing your head tonight."

Sinbad grumbled but before it could turn into a real argument, there was an announcement that caught everyone's attention.

"And now it's time for a greeting from our Independent Nationalist Party Leader. Our Incumbent President Barbarossa."

Applause echoed through the celebration hall as Barbarossa made his appearance on the top floor of the building, overlooking the entire celebration hall. All attention fallen on the former Parthevian general as he gave his speak. Sakura, Sinbad and Ja'far looked up at him just as the rest of the guests did. Eager to hear what he had to say.

"This country has finally welcomed an end to its long history of war. The victory is a monumental step towards changing our country and towards changing our world."

Sakura grimaced at the last part of his sentence. What's more she felt as if something was trying to push into her, a nearly non-existent weight coming off in waves yet it didn't go through her.

'Must be my imagination.' Sakura thought

"All of you here tonight will become my witnesses. Parthevia will be reborn, as long as its proud citizens still exist!"

A loud rupture of cheers and applause followed after Barbarossa's bold yet moving speech. The audience cheered on as Barbarossa left the upper case; most likely heading down again.

Ja'far tugged on the hood wrapped around his head, surprise sketched on his face. "He's so popular!"
Sinbad was smiling, in a manner that seemed prideful-Sakura didn't really expect much else. "Isn't he? I was surprised the first time I saw him too."

The white haired boy looked around, observing the individuals in the high-born crowd. His eyes fell a man wearing gold armor, with a design that placed him from Reim "The Supreme Commander of the Reim Imperial army, Ignatus."

His eyes started to travel through the crowds and stopped again, as he pointed out yet another higher up. "Emperor Hakutoku, who turned three countries of the east into one new nation. The Kou Empire."

"What!?" Sakura's entire body turned to ice, completely rigid as she looked to where Ja'far had pointed and swallowed hard when she saw that it was indeed the Emperor of the Kou Empire and right next to him on his arm was his wife and the empress of Kou. Gyokuen.

'Oh crap.'

'This is probably bad, right?' Said Stolas.

"You think?" Gaap replied sarcastically, "The last time our king met with that women, she announced that our king would become an empress."

Sakura wasn't sure what kind of reaction she would receive if spotted by the pair; she had left Kou in the dead of night without a word of warning to anyone-aside from Kouen. He had no issues with letting her leave, but in a way, it could be considered disrespectful for a guest in a palace to simply take off without a word and after she was supposedly also courting the first prince-when there were also expectations for her to marry. At least Sakura couldn't see any cause for laughter in this particular predicament. She was going to have to make sure to avoid them spotting her.

"Hey Ja'far, could I use your wrap?" Sakura asked.

Ja'far gave her an odd look, "What? Why?"

Sakura let out a frustrated growl at the back of her throat, "Will you please give it here?"

Sinbad frowned at the pinkette's sudden bizarre behavior, "Sakura, what's-

"Oh, thanks for coming Sinbad."

Sakura, Ja'far and Sinbad turned around and saw Barbarossa making his way towards them with two of his attendants behind. Sinbad greeted him, first addressing him as 'Lord Barbarossa' before correcting to 'President' due to his change in stations; however Barbarossa told him to simply address him as he always has since they were friends.

The situation was like running through a maze and reaching a corner every time you attempted to avoid one; that was what it seemed like to Sakura. Barbarossa looked at Sakura, smiling.

"It's good to see you again, Sakura."

Plastering a smile in return, hard and flat she replied, "Thank you for inviting us, President Barbarossa."

"Congratulations on your sweeping victory in the election." Sinbad said,

"It's all thanks to the efforts of our party members and the support of the people." Barbarossa brushed. "Besides I couldn't go back on the promise I made you?"

Ja'far frowned, "Promise?"

Sakura and Sinbad jumped; realizing they were yet to tell Ja'far about another deal that Sinbad had made with Barbarossa while they were there.

"You haven't told him about it?" asked Barbarossa.

Sinbad rubbed the back of his neck, his sweat dropped at the side of his face. "Ah, no…"

"Well it was just a verbal promise and not an official proposal." Barbarossa stated, completely collected. "I guess a leader can't be expected to announce a matter that isn't settled yet."

'Or he just flat out forgets.' Sakura mentally added, crossing her arms. She peered her neck gently over in the direction of Gyokuen and Hakutoku. Both seemed rather occupied at the moment, so she could return to her other discomfort that was Barbarossa. It wasn't just her though; when Barbarossa asked Ja'far who he was, he simply replied that he was the chief accountant without giving his name. It sunk in that the last time Ja'far actually had relation to Barbarossa when he was an assassin hired to kill Sinbad. Therefore there was no risk of yet another disconcerting encounter.

"There is actually something I would like the show the three of you."

Barbarossa had them settle at a clear table, away from the masses-much to Sakura's relief. He then rolled out a map of Parthevia, pointing near the edge of the country and the parchment, a small splotch amongst the rest of the land. "Here; this island was once a flourishing port city, but due to the effects of the war it's been completely abandoned. So I was thinking of letting you have it."

Barbarossa continued to pitch the island to the three and while, Sakura, Sinbad and Ja'far were listening attentively; their reactions were quite varied rather than mutual. He told them that the island had a stable current and that it had the potential to become the central base of their trading routes between Reim and Balbadd. He didn't leave out the cons in his list like a desperate seller looking to make a quick deal before his merchandise lost its profitability, which added to appeal. Barbarossa told them that the island's weak point was it wasn't suitable for habitation, it was also quite small and experienced differences in temperature.

"But you could build a residential area in this sector." Barbarossa pointed to a spot, "Your country will be primarily a mercantile nation, after all. I don't think you will require any more than this but what do you think?"

Ja'far was looking at Sakura and Sinbad like they had completely fallen off the edge of a sail boat and wanted to drown. Sinbad was too caught up to be paying attention to the boy's expression but Sakura didn't miss it, even while she continued to keep a watch out for the Kou rulers.

'When did you decide this?' Ja'far mouthed to Sakura so that only she could see, he also added in some subtle hand gestures to clarify his question.

Sakura simply jabbed her thumb towards Sinbad, telling Ja'far that he was the one who had asked Barbarossa to find land to build his country.

"Aren't you missing the part where you suggested to him to make the offer?" asked Beleth.

'It was a thought and I told him not to take it seriously.' Sakura argued back. While in honesty, she wanted to discard any consideration she had on joining forces with Barbarossa, but if it meant peace with Parthevia and yet another advantage for Sinbad she would keep quiet and out of the way-just as Serendine did.

Sinbad was rubbing his chin, smiling at the map. "This island seems great…once things calm down a little, we'll have time to go check it out…

"Let's go now." Barbarossa announced.

"Huh?"

"This is precious and you have a company employee here with you and your partner. Let's go now."

Sinbad was quick to argue, although he wouldn't have minded, he didn't want to impose and make himself less desirable in perspective of what was happening. "No, no, we can't. After all you're the most important person of today's celebration…."

Barbarossa didn't seem offended and continued to insist, "It's fine. My subordinates are used to me doing things like this."

"Yep…" said subordinates replied, deadpanning.

Sakura didn't even think to go against the offer, if it meant that she could escape the celebration hall. She had already lost sight of Gyokuen and Hakutoku, but that didn't leave her feeling any lighter. There was the rush of anxiety that came as opportunity of escape was visible and all that mattered was reaching it before that window closed.

Sinbad appeared like he was about to launch another argument when Sakura cut him off, speaking in a rather high-strung manner. "That sound like a wonderful idea, if you're certain it won't be an inconvenience to you Lord Barbarossa."

"Not at all." Barbarossa said, playing along with the pinkette's act. It made Sakura wonder whether or not he actually picked up on it. Either way as long as he didn't attempt to poke holes, she was fine with his responses. "What do you say, Sinbad?"

Sinbad glanced at Sakura, he knew that she had placed on a façade. "Sure…"

"Excellent," Barbarossa clapped once, "I'll arrange for a carriage right away-

"S-Sakura?"

The entrance of the new voice turned their heads in the direction; Sakura looked as if she had been knocked off balance when she saw Hakuren standing behind her, Sinbad and Ja'far. He looked equally surprised at the sight of her, blinking rapidly, gaping like a fish out of water.

"It is you!" exclaimed Hakuren, pointing at her. Sakura found out quickly when she was at Kou that was a very easy-going person and he didn't have a very rigid persona in public. Behaving at a formal event as he would in his own home. Which Sakura thought was quite respectable.

Sakura wanted to believe that this was not happening, of course every logical part of her mind pointed to the obvious. That this was indeed real and that right now, she was caught between a rock and a hard place-both ready to pressed forward and crush her.

"Hakuren…"

The Kou prince stepped forward, Sakura wasn't sure what to expect but she let out a loud 'ooph' as she found herself engulfed in a tight hug. Although they were quiet, Sakura could feel Ja'far and Sinbad's stares on her as the Kou prince continued to embrace her.

"I missed you! Where have you been?"

"This is interesting. Who is this person?" asked Sitri, curiosity blended with a hint of mischief to make Sakura hiss.

"It is one of the Kou princes," Beleth stated.

"Oh…" Sitri trailed, figuring out the situation for her king. "This….may just become eventful."

"Prince Hakuren," Barbarossa greeted the Kou prince. Hakuren pulled away from Sakura, he acknowledged Barbarossa's greeting by lifting his arms, forming a fist and holding it with his other hand. A greeting in Kou.

"President Barbarossa, congratulations on your party winning the election." Hakuren said, never losing his smile or radiance that had appeared when he saw Sakura-who was still frozen as she processed the sudden overload of shock and her predicament, which was by far the most awkward. It was as if she had gone into some kind of shock induced coma.

"Thank you," Barbarossa turned to Sinbad and Ja'far-who still seemed to be gaping. "Sinbad, this is Hakuren Ren. He is the second Imperial prince of the Kou Empire. Prince Hakuren, this is Sinbad, he is the president of the infamous Sindria trading company."

"The Kou Empire?" Ja'far turned to Sakura, shocked. No doubt wonder how she had any ties to them.

Hakuren bowed his head slightly towards Sinbad, "I've heard a lot about you, president Sinbad."

Sinbad appeared to come out of his state of shock-paralysis to respond to Hakuren, "It's an honor to meet you Prince Hakuren."

"Likewise. What brings you to the celebration?"

"Sinbad is a personal friend of mine and soon to be a diplomatic ally." Barbarossa said. Out of everyone who was swarming with questions for the pinkette, Barbarossa was the first to vocalize his. "And it would seem that you already know his partner, Sakura Haruno."

Hakuren looked at the pinkette, "Yes, she is too personal friend. We met in Kou when she was staying at the palace as a personal guest of my cousin's."

Sinbad and Ja'far's stares pinned her.

"So you were in Kou before?" asked Sinbad. He remembered Sakura brought up the Kou Empire before in their meeting with King Rashid and she had specifically stated that she had not ever been there before. The fact that she would lie about it made him skeptic. Sakura wouldn't have done that if she didn't have something to hide. And Sinbad had a feeling that this prince was a factor into her reason.

Sakura felt like her mouth had run dry. "Uh…yes, for a little while."

Giving a nervous laugh, Sakura rubbed the back of her neck. Sakura could feel all eyes on her at this latest development, she kept herself from squirming under the stares. She was surrounded, not knowing from which point she was going to be attacked with questions. Things could not have gotten any worse.

Or so she thought.

"Hakuren, so this is where you were."

Sakura's breath hitched, turning her head so quickly it was as if she wanted to get whiplash. Standing tall, dressed mostly in white as it was a symbol of royalty and high-born in Kou, was the man that Sakura had once barely tolerated until her last night in Kou when he had caught her off guard with a simple action that had her leave Kou in a hurry.

'Oh no, no, no, no….'

"OH YES." Gaap cheered.

It was like she was living a nightmare, except she wasn't going to escape it by waking up. Now she was stuck between a rock, a hard place and a sword hanging over her head.

"Hakuyuu."

Sakura could barely pay any mind to her djinn's voices talking to one another.

"You know the saying our king told us once? It's got to get ugly before it gets pretty?" asked Sitri

"Yes." Stolas replied.

"Well I think she may have miscalculated because the situation went from ugly to horrifyingly gruesome."

"Maybe it will get gorgeous after this then." Suggested Gaap. "Assuming our king will make it out of this unscathed."

"Highly unlikely I'm afraid." Sighed Stolas.

"Will you all stop!?" Beleth demanded.

Sakura; couldn't even give a response for she was took caught up in those navy blue eyes that Sakura thought she would never see again. Apparently in this world, 'never' was defined as 'in less than half a year'. His expression, which was usually unwavering had a tinge of surprise on it as he held his gaze. No number of metal vessels were going to get her out of this mess.

Now Sakura knew that she couldn't blame fate for her predicament, given that an interloper was supposedly unaffected by it-but it looked like karma didn't make exceptions for anyone in any world. Her luck was really something else.

Hakuyuu, recovered from his daze well enough to look to Barbarossa and greet him, "President Barbarossa; that was a very moving speech."

"Thank you prince Hakuyuu." Barbarossa replied with an effortless courtesy. "I had just introduced Prince Hakuren to Sinbad; the president of Sindria Trading Company. Although it would seem that you are already acquainted with his partner."

'Kill me now.' Sakura silently begged. At this point; she realized her prayers were in vain, but that didn't stop her from hoping.

"Yes, she was a personal guest at the palace for some time." Hakuyuu stated, looking at Sakura who wanted to avert her eyes yet at the same time make sure that Hakuyuu didn't say anything she didn't want anyone in the room to discover about her.

"So we've heard." Sinbad said, still holding his smile. Of course Sakura felt like he was mentally straining himself.

"I nearly forgot, Sakura was initially an employee of your company, president Sinbad." Hakuyuu addressed Sinbad with formal cutesy; that gave way to nothing genuine.

Sakura winced; she really wondered how she was going to get out of this unscathed. "Yes prince Hakuyuu; I had actually been working with Sindria trading company for a long while but when I came to Kou, I was currently on a short leave of absence."

Hakuyuu gave a small grin, his eyes sharp still. "I believe we're well passed honorifics are we not, Sakura?"

Sakura flinched when Hakuyuu said her name like that. She wished she could remember all of Serendine's lessons on behavior and putting on an act, but at this moment she had been tossed straight into the pyre and she didn't know how to get out before she turned to ash. The way she was addressing Sindria and her relationship to Sinbad insinuated nothing bordering beyond professional. She did not want to give any of these males a reason to create a scene because she was at risk of being at the center of it and she'd rather keep it contained. There was still so much to be revealed that would cause a problem. Aside from her relationship with the Kou Empire's future leader's; there was the 'courting' ordeal that either Hakuyuu or Hakuren could bring up. Even worse; they could bring up the official declaration meant to coax Sakura into marrying into the Kou Empire's royal family and becoming an empress consort-or how she had run away because of it.

There were many reasons for Sakura's stomach to be churning like there was a tornado inside of her. Already, she felt that she was on thin ice with Sinbad, which was slowly beginning to melt from the heat of Hakuyuu and Hakuren's presence. She honestly hadn't even considered the sliver of possibility that Gyokuen and Hakutoku would bring their children with them!

"If I may President Sinbad; could my brother and I borrow Sakura for a bit?"

'NO' Sakura mentally screamed.

Sinbad appeared ready to reply, much to Sakura's dismay however Barbarossa chimed in before he could say anything. "Actually Prince Hakuyuu, I'm afraid we were just about to leave. There are a few diplomatic matters that require our attention."

"Well then, would it be possible for Sakura to remain here while you attend to the matter President Sinbad?" Hakuyuu asked, undeterred by the news that they were going to leave. "See, there are some things I wish to discuss with Sakura as well."

'Oh no.' Sakura glanced at Barbarossa, silently urging him to get her out of this celebration hall. Whatever Hakuyuu wanted to discuss, she probably did not want to.

"It is urgent." Hakuyuu continued to insist.

Sakura really wanted to insist that it was not.

Barbarossa looked to Sinbad, "What do you think Sinbad? She is your partner."

Sinbad continued to smile, although his eyes were sharp and focused. "Well I did say earlier that this celebration is in your honor Barbarossa and it is a bit late tonight. We can delay until tomorrow. I couldn't leave my partner behind on this matter."

'DAMMIT SINBAD.' Sakura mentally screamed.

"Very well then; we should enjoy the rest of the evening then." Barbarossa said, looking back to his subordinates, ordering them to arrange a carriage to take them out first thing tomorrow morning.

When Sakura saw Sinbad and Hakuyuu looking at her again, she actually thought about flash stepping out of the celebration hall and onto a boat back to Balbadd.

Hakuren hooked his arm with Sakura's and started tugging her away, "Thank you President Sinbad."

"Yes, thank you." Hakuyuu said bowing his head slightly, his expression stoic as he turned around and walked along to the other side of the hall. Sakura; was now caught in between the two Kou princes. She glanced back at Sinbad and Ja'far. Sinbad was smiling but it didn't reach his eyes as he waved at her.

'I'm a dead girl walking.'

Hakuren and Hakuyuu continued to make their way through the crowd, she caught the stares of a few of the other guests-mainly females. As a former twelve year old girl whose priority was mainly boys, she knew she didn't misplace those giddy expressions and those fiery glares aimed right at her head waiting for it to spontaneously combust.

"You know, everyone really misses you. Hakuei and Hakuryuu didn't stop asking about you for a whole month." Hakuren said.

Sakura gave a soft, yet near pained snicker. "Oh really? I didn't think they'd remember me."

"Hakuei, Hakuryuu, Kouha and Kougyoku cried the entire day after they found out you had left the palace." Hakuren stated. "When they woke up and you weren't there, they looked for you and after they were told you left, they just sat and sobbed."

Sakura's face softened, she honestly didn't believe her departure was going to affect anyone that much. "Oh….and how are Koumei and Kouen?"

"Well Koumei's still Koumei." Hakuren shrugged.

Sakura knew exactly what he meant by that, he was by far the most simplistic of the Kou's royals she had met although he hid a certain brilliance which would only be discovered after spending time with him. He and Sakura would sit in his room for hours going through the scrolls and created this game where they would create a problematic scenario revolving around diplomatic, political or military concerns. They would come up with their own problems and the other would have to create their own solutions to solving it. Whatever scrolls they read was usually the basis of their game-which often turned into debates. The one who came up with the most solutions would win.

Which was usually Koumei.

"Why did you leave so suddenly Sakura?" Hakuren asked finally. "Kouen said you told him you had to leave and that was it."

Sakura glanced over to Hakuyuu, who was still keeping a passive expression on his face, his eyes head as they walked, lips in a thin balanced line above his chin, appearing completely indifferent. It didn't sound like he told anyone about what happened that night (which gave her a silent relief).

"Yes; there was an emergency in Sindria Company and I left to help."

Sakura reasoned in her mind that technically, she wasn't lying because she did leave to help Sinbad after Yunan told her he had been taken as a slave. Only her course changed after she had left the palace and was about to leave Kou with no particular destination in mind.

"You could've at least left a clearer message." Hakuren pouted, tugging lightly on her arm. "We were worried."

"Sorry." Sakura said sighing softly. "I really didn't think that any of you would have minded my absence. It's not like I was doing anything of importance there anyway."

Hakuyuu stopped walking, in turn making Sakura and Hakuren follow his example. Hakuyuu kept looking straight ahead as he spoke, addressing his brother. "Hakuren,"

The second imperial prince seemed to clearly understand his brother's vague message transmitted through the manner in which he said his name. He nodded, turning to Sakura.

"I hope I'll see you soon Sakura."

Sakura stood dumbfounded as Hakuren leaned down, hugging her with a secure hold that lasted longer than expected, the grip growing before releasing completely. Hakuren then kissed her on the cheek and stepped away towards the crowd, disappearing. And leaving her alone with Hakuyuu.

"Come with me."

Hakuyuu did not repeat himself, nor bother to check if Sakura was following him. Despite the amount of time Sakura had actually spent with Hakuyuu in Kou; she knew he wasn't as complex as he appeared to be. He didn't talk unnecessarily and he wasn't ambiguous-That was until that night. Which still made Sakura's heart stop whenever she thought about it.

The Kou prince led them outside, away from the crowds closer to the back of the building. There were no torches lit at the back of the building, the only source of light illuminated from inside, coming through the multiple windows.

Hakuyuu turned around, facing Sakura once more, starring at her silently.

"What is it?" Sakura asked, her tone dropping all forms of polite and meekness.

"Do I really have to waste my breath answering a question you already know the answer to?" Hakuyuu countered swiftly.

Closing her eyes briefly, Sakura responded. "Not really, I have a few ideas in why you wanted to speak with me but it would be nice for you to elaborate."

"Let's begin with what you just said to Hakuren then," Hakuyuu took a step forward and Sakura, one back. "You believe no one would've minded your absence? You presence was of no importance?"

"Hakuyuu…."

"Do you not realize that throughout your stay, you had the attention of nearly every member of the Kou's royal family? Kouen, Koumei, Kougyoku, Kouha, Hakuei, Hakuryuu, Hakuren, the empress, the emperor and mine."

"I came to the palace, it was what Kouen wanted. I was his guest and he allowed me to leave because I wasn't of anymore use to him-

"Kouen still thinks of you," Hakuyuu interjected. "He sits under the Poinciana tree nearly every day."

She didn't' want to hear that. She didn't want to hear that Kouen missed her.

"Kouha has asked for a tutor to teach him swordplay and Kougyoku has become more diligent in her studies, she had made the same request as Kouha, asking for a swordplay instructor. Hakuei is now aiming to conquer a dungeon someday. I'm not going to ask you who you think pit those ideas into their heads."

Sakura knew that these developments were on account of her. She had told the children about her adventures in the dungeons and they were always so captivated by them. Now it seemed that they wanted to grasp the experience for themselves. Although it was clear that Hakuyuu was undermining her for what she had said earlier to Hakuren.

With her fists and teeth clenched tightly, Sakura replied in a frustrated tone. "What do you want me to say? You want to know why I suddenly left? Why I didn't tell anyone but Kouen? Why-

"Why you departed the very night I kissed you."

Sakura's rant came to an end, giving a soft gasp and taking another step back. She looked at him with her eyes as wide as possible.

"Tell me now, tell me what you want-do not hold back." Hakuyuu said, demanding firmness.

Sakura's breath was shallow, she swallowed back the lump in her throat but it still felt stuck there. Her head hung low, her eyes fixed on the grounds that were near black. "I don't understand...why everyone had become so attached to me; why your father would consent to make me a empress consort and risk his line of succession, why your mother would go so far to make sure that I married you-or…" Sakura breathed deeply. Her head lifted, looking directly at Hakuyuu, there was no longer flecks of anxiety or guilt in them, nothing but pure determination. "Why you-why you would kiss me when all we were doing, was enduring a charade."

Hakuyuu did not leave Sakura in suspense for long. "The answer is simple Sakura and you should already know it."

Sakura held her breath, her mind tracking back to her memory of speaking with Gyokuen and what she said. Sakura started shaking her head. "It can't be true."

There was the slightest movement in Hakuyuu's expression, revolving around a frown. "I told you that I wanted to confirm my suspicions and when you spoke my name, I knew."

Hakuyuu came towards her and Sakura did not step back, standing firmly while she felt her heart beat rapidly.

"So what? Now you're going along with this declaration and want to take me as your wife?" Sakura chuckled humorlessly at the end.

"Are you laughing because you find the answer funny or because you do not know the answer?" Hakuyuu asked, his voice boarding on frustrations now.

Sakura stopped, seeing the serious expression on his face. "Hakuyuu-you can't be serious."

"I am."

"You can't be." Sakura argued back. She glanced towards the doors of the celebration hall, shifting her weight under her feet.

"Don't." Hakuyuu said firmly, it also made Sakura feel that if she ran this time, he was going to chase after her and he wouldn't care if it was straight into the hall, in front of that crowd.

"Why?" Sakura asked exasperated. "I am not some high born lady that is going to sit quietly beside her husband, sit quietly, behave meekly and keep her opinion to herself in front of company to spare her spouse embarrassment. I will fight. I am not what you will expect-

"That is not what I expect." Hakuyuu said firmly. His arms raised and he quickly reached out to hold Sakura by her shoulders.

"I'm not the kind of girl guy's fall in love with."

Sakura felt like she had shrunk under Hakuyuu's gaze, he appeared out of reach even though he wasn't. He carried himself with true pride and power that could waver the most fearsome of men and make them submit to him. Good thing for Sakura, she was not a man.

"I want you. It's as simple as that. Your abilities, the declaration from the emperor and my mother's schemes play no part in my decision."

"Did that prince just propose?" Sitri asked

"I am not sure," Stolas admitted. "Doesn't it usually involve a question?"

"It sounded more like an expectation." Said Gaap "Proposals actually give chance to opinion and choice."

"Demand may be more fitting then." Beleth said.

"And if you are still confused…." Hakuyuu glanced at her lips for a moment before looking back into her eyes, "I can give you clarity."

Hakuyuu moved towards her and like before, Sakura went still like being bound to the floor by chakra. However as she felt the warm breeze brush across her lips, Sakura blinked rapidly, her hands flew forward pressed against the prince's chest. The manner in which she did it was not harsh nor supported with her full strength that would appear from reflex because Sakura was calm and aware of her actions completely.

Hakuyuu looked down on her for an explanation and while Sakura's eyes were fixed on her hands that were still pressing against his chest to keep the small distance between them, she knew that he was staring at her.

"Prince Hakuyuu stop." Her voice was strong as she spoke. "I cannot become your consort. I have already committed myself to Sinbad and Sindria Trading Company. To go to Kou with you would be an act of betrayal."

"Is it truly betrayal, when you claim commitment without validation or promise?" Hakuyuu asked and Sakura knew what he was implying. He knew.

Hakuyuu had known from the moment he saw her with Sinbad, that they were partners on intimate levels. They behaved aloof out in public, but he didn't need to see or hear it to know. However, he also had the intuition to tell that neither were out of the reach of other's-not so long as they showed no sign of promise to one another.

"It is to me. Even if Sinbad does not promise me anything, even if he chooses to forsake me. I will remain with him. I will do whatever is necessary for him to achieve all that he desires. I will not and do not expect nor need anything in return."

Both Sinbad and Sasuke's face came to Sakura's mind and immediately after, she felt tears gathering in the corner of her eyes. Soon, they were brushed away by Hakuyuu, his slim fingers lingered along her face, moving down to her chin before lifting her head. Their eyes met once again and Sakura spoke.

"I'm sorry."

Hakuyuu continued to stare at her, his thumb brushing along her cheek. "You have no reason to be; you fool."

But she did. Sakura knew the pain of caring about someone who did not share the same feelings. It was the worse experience and what's worse, it always lingered with you. And even then, when you truly loved that person, you would continue to love them even when they would not.

'And now I am doing it to him.'

For a moment, Sakura must have forgotten who this person in front of her was.

Stepping back, Hakuyuu looked down, flexing his fingers on his right hand and removing a ring. Pinched between his two fingers, he took Sakura's hand that laid slack at her side and dropped it into her glove covered palm.

Sakura gasped as she looked at the intricate design of the ring, there was an oval cut jade gem encased by a dragon made of gold that had a thick holding for the finger.

"Take it."

Hakuyuu's demand fell on deaf ears as Sakura stared at the ring in her hand; it didn't mix well with her worn out gloves, contrasting with its sharp appearance. Sakura shook her head, holding it out towards the prince, her hand visibly unsteady.

"I can't-

"You can." Hakuyuu stated. "I want you to hold onto this and when I become emperor of Kou, you can return it. Either have it in your hand or on this finger." Hakuyuu tapped the finger beside her pinky, the obvious implication caused Sakura to blush, yet she still wanted to deny it.

'There is no way he could want-

"Let's call it a pre-engagement arrangement." Suggested Beleth, sounding exasperated. "All these boys…"

"Our king's a smooth operator." Gaap snickered

'Shut up.'

Just like that night, Sakura had been paralyzed with shock, every muscle from under her skin was tense and would be hard to the touch. She heard Hakuyuu's soft footsteps against the stone ground.

"Until then, Sakura."

"Wait!"

Hakuyuu didn't get more than five steps before Sakura called out and when he turned, he was nearly caught completely off balance when slim arms wrapped around his torso and a comforting warmth settled in front of him. He did not say anything, only returned the gesture, resting his head on top of hers and placing his arms around her shoulders.

"Alright, then we'll leave first thing tomorrow morning to see the island." Barbarossa said to Sinbad and Ja'far as he rolled up the map. "I'm sorry we couldn't go sooner."

Sinbad shook his head, "No not at all, we'll get a better look in the daylight anyway."

Barbarossa sighed, "I was a bit surprised to see that Sakura was so familiar with the Kou's princes."

Sinbad and Ja'far glanced at each other; they were all clearly surprised by this but they weren't in the most appropriate position to question Sakura as they wanted.

"Well, I'll see you all tomorrow then." Barbarossa took his leave, with his attendants following behind him.

Ja'far looked back to Sinbad, "Do you want to go to the carriage while I find Sakura and tell her we're leaving?"

"No," Sinbad replied smiling. "You go on ahead, I'll get Sakura."

Ja'far cocked an eyebrow at him, he wasn't oblivious to his leader's jealous tantrums. "Sin; what are you-

"Nothing Ja'far." Sinbad assured, tapping his friend's shoulder. "You go ahead, I'm just going to get Sakura."

"Okay; just remember where we are right now."

With that Ja'far left and Sinbad started going in the opposite direction to the exit in search of the pinkette.

Initially it wasn't hard to find Sakura in a crowd, but after wandering around for several minutes and navigating his way amongst the dissipating number of people; Sinbad still couldn't find Sakura. However, he did see the prince Hakuren at a table, with a cool glass in his hand.

Sinbad approached him, "Prince Hakuren."

"Ah, president Sinbad." Hakuren grinned, his pale face was slightly flushed and his eyes were clouded. Obviously he might have had a glass and a half too much. "Would you care to join me?"

Sinbad held up his hand, maintaining his pleasant smile. "I'm afraid I have to decline, I was actually just looking for Sakura. We're about to depart."

"Well she and my brother have been gone for quite some time; I saw them leave out the back." Hakuyuu gestured to the large back doors leading out.

"Why would they need to go there?" Sinbad couldn't help but ask.

"Well if I know my brother, he is probably going to try and talk Sakura into coming back to Kou with him as his bride." Hakuren's current state of mind was making it harder for his thoughts to process logically, or he might have realized from the shocked expression on Sinbad's face that he should take back his words or at the very least stopped with that he said next.

"What?"

"Sakura and brother were technically courting and practically engaged before she left."

Sinbad didn't stay to hear anything more, his brisk footsteps on the tile floors made a noise every time he took a step but he paid no attention to them. He reached the open doors to the back of the celebration hall, stopping midway seeing the two figures illuminated by the dimmed light outside. Sinbad felt as if there was a hand reaching around his heart and squeezing it as he saw Sakura embracing Hakuyuu in silence.

Sinbad silently stepped away from the doors, further inside of the celebration hall. He couldn't hear the music coming from the musicians, nor the chatting that continued on a volume to topple other's but still remain discrete with their true intentions. He left the celebration, saw Ja'far standing in front of a carriage about to step in when he saw Sinbad coming his way.

Ja'far immediately noticed the expression on his face. "Sin?"

Sinbad walked passed him and the carriage, Ja'far heard him utter 'Valefor' before he transformed into his djinn equip and took off without a word or looking back. Ignoring Ja'far's calls for him.

"SIN"

Because of the status Sinbad had made as state guest in Parthevia, their lodgings were provided for and opulent. A well decorated room, pattern carpets, well carved and polished furniture that looked like it could withstand rain or fire and still look new and a large bed with too many plush pillows that would end up on the floor for taking up all of the leg room, there was also a small table set in the middle of the room with two chaise couches on opposing sides of one another. When Sakura had first arrived in the room, she had been in awe for but a moment, passing over her like the wind. After settling in and ready for bed, she waited for Sinbad to return.

Ja'far told her that he had flown off somewhere without a word and Sakura considered using her own djinn equip to look for him but Ja'far had talked her out of it.

"It looked like he wanted to be left alone. I'm sure he'll come back soon."

That was what he said and trusting the boy's intuition, they had left without him. However; Sakura drew that she would not go to sleep until Sinbad came back. So she sat at the foot of the bed and waited for him.

While doing this though, Sakura contemplated on the reason why Sinbad would have just stormed off in the way Ja'far described. Using his djinn equip to fly away-to get away. It left a sickening feeling in the pit of her stomach. After her run in with Hakuyuu and Hakuren; Sakura knew that Sinbad would want some answers regarding Kou. Yet with what had happened tonight, all Sakura wanted to do was curl up in bed and sleep until day break.

She was also contemplating weather or not she should tell Sinbad about what happened with Hakuyuu or just spare themselves the drama and tell him they just got caught up talking about her days spent in Kou; there were enough actual stories to make it believable. Reminiscence is one of the greatest distractions after all.

Sakura looked at Hakuyuu's ring she was fiddling with in her hands, the candle light seemed to bounce right off of the jade gem. The frame was thick and Sakura was sure it would be loose on every finger aside from her thumb-not that she was planning to put it on.

'What is it with the men in this world?'

Two hours later and she was still sitting in the same position waiting on Sinbad's return. Although the wait didn't continue on for much longer after that when the door opened and Sinbad stepped into the room. Sakura immediately hopped off the bed; watching as Sinbad removed his metal vessels and placing them in a drawer before taking off his clothing. All the while keeping his back to Sakura. It felt like there were waves of dismal pushing off of him.

"Sinbad; is something wrong?" Sakura asked.

Throwing aside his shirt, Sinbad shuffled to the window, starring out. "You tell me, Sakura. Is something wrong?"

Sakura frowned, there was only one thing that she could think of that would have him like this. "Is this about the Kou prince's?"

Sinbad snickered humorlessly, "And if it was? Are you going to tell me I'm jealous for nothing again?"

"Well yes since you have nothing to worry about." Sakura responded, folding her arms, pausing briefly. "Is that why you just took off in you djinn equip? Because you were jealous?"

"In a manner of speaking; but tell me Sakura do I really have no reason to be jealous after coming to get you and then to see you and that Kou prince embracing one another?"

Sakura felt something in the pit of her stomach drop. "It was not what it looked like."

With a forced laugh, Sinbad slapped the window sill hard enough to make the windows rattle. "Oh, really? Because when I found prince Hakuren; he told me something very interesting. Apparently, while you were staying in Kou, you were courting prince Hakuyuu and supposedly engaged!?"

"Sinbad-

"Is that why you lied about never being in Kou?!" Sinbad turned around to face Sakura, his eyes glossed over with pain.

"W-Wait." Sakura held her hands, "That isn't it!"

"Then what is it Sakura!?"

"Okay, yes I did go to Kou and I did stay in the palace but that's only because I had no choice. I was being blackmailed. I met ones of the princes in the dungeon and he forced me to come back with him."

Sinbad held up his hand, "You're telling me that, you- a girl who can devastate an entire landscape and owns four metal vessels couldn't go against one-

"He stole the Looking glass-that mirror I always had on me. He threatened to destroy it if I didn't do what he said. There was nothing I could do." Sakura said quickly. "I was still trying to get home and if he destroyed it I….." Taking a deep breath Sakura continued, "And as for Hakuyuu and I courting, we were only pretending because we were both in the wrong place at the wrong time and if we were caught the consequences wouldn't be good. Then there was this declaration given out by the Kou emperor that said, if I chose to marry one of the Kou princes, I would be allowed to-I wasn't engaged to Hakuyuu."

"You both still seemed rather friendly outside tonight." Sinbad spoke with bitter words. "No colorful past huh? Well the color blue definitely seemed to be in yours."

Sakura grounded her teeth to keep from screaming at Sinbad. "Hakuyuu developed feelings for me and I didn't realize it until tonight. The night I left, he kissed me and I-

"He kissed you!?" Sinbad exclaimed, "He kissed you and you didn't realize he had feelings for you until tonight! How naïve are you!?"

"We weren't even really courting!" Sakura shot back, running a hand through her hair in complete frustration. "It wasn't a choice I made and neither was going to Kou in the first place. The looking glass transported me there and then I was forced to stay at the palace after."

"Why?" Sinbad asked. "Why were you being blackmailed?"

Sakura 's turned to the open window, acting as if taken in by the clear night sky when in fact her mind refused to wander from the room and her situation. "I can't tell you."

Clicking his tongue, Sinbad shook his head. "That line again. Looking Glass, Kou, those princes, and your home. You don't want to tell me anything!"

Sakura reached out towards Sinbad, only to have him recoil back. "You said you would wait."

"Am I supposed to wait until the truth gets tired of you hiding it and come out through someone else!?"

"You're being ridiculous." Sakura scoffed.

"You're being unfair!" Sinbad exclaimed, throwing his arm out. "You're still lying to me, you're hiding things from me and I'm expected to just keep on waiting?"

"You said we had time-

"How much time before another truth pops up and tries to propose to you?" Sinbad sneered, "I'm already not the first person you've loved-hell I'm still not even the 'only' person you love! I wanted to wait Sakura, but I don't' want you lying to me anymore."

The room snapped to silence, Sakura stepped back unable to take her eyes off of the devastating sight that was currently Sinbad. His arms at his side, firsts clenched tightly as he continued to stare with a shrinking intensity.

"Sakura; ever since I got you, I've been worried about losing you. You're unlike anyone I have ever met before and I'm not the only one who can see that. You told me that you don't want just half of me-well I don't want just half of you either. I want to know the truth and I want to know it now-or…" Sinbad stepped in front of the door.

"We're done."

Sakura didn't know she was crying until her tears became big enough to completely blur her vision and she didn't bother to wipe them away. It had been a long while since she felt this helpless; this particular kind of helplessness and desperateness to hold onto something slipping away. It was just like that night Sasuke left. "What do you want me to tell you?" Her voice soft, but begging for him to take back what he said, to tell her she didn't have to go through with this.

"What have you been hiding from me?"

….

….

….

….

….

…..

…..

…..

"I'm not from this world."

Sinbad blinked, "What?"

"You want the truth-here it is."

Sucking in a soft breath, Sakura looked up to Sinbad, her eyes and face blank. "My name is Sakura Haruno. I am a kunoichi, from the Hidden Leaf village. My teammates are Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha and my sensei is-was Kakashi Hatake. I am-was the apprentice of the fifth Hokage, leader of our village Tsunade."

"Sakura, I don't-

Holding up her hand, she spoke. "Just listen."

Sakura gave Sinbad what he wanted. She told him everything that she had been keeping from him. Her village, where she had lived and trained to become a ninja. How one day she had come from a mission, returning to her village only to be taken from her world when she found the mirror known as the Looking Glass. The way the mirror shattered and how she had woken up in Beleth's dungeon, fighting her way through and conquering it. Told she was going to have to do keep doing this until she collected all of the shards of the mirror so that she could restore its power to take her back to her world. The Looking Glass belonged to a magi and the djinns that were summoned by the magi would have the shards on them. That was reason she was called Interloper-someone who was where she did not belong. It was the reason that Kouen had brought her to Kou after Gaap revealed the truth to him and Sakura had no choice because he threatened to destroy the Looking Glass. Sakura told Sinbad about the rules of the Looking Glass; how she would have to collect it straight from the dungeon or from a metal vessel user.

The last part gave clarity to a lot of things and all of a sudden, Sakura's behavior all these years, her abilities, her goal. The enigma that was Sakura Haruno-no longer existed this night.

"That's why…." Sinbad breathed softly, "You always left."

Sakura nodded, "If I get attached, I can't go back home because the Looking Glass won't work."

"Then what about back then, after Madaura. You said you couldn't go back."

Holding Sinbad's gaze, Sakura replied. "I was warned…."

"The Looking Glass has a very particular type of magi, I told you before attachments were what anchored you to this world-if you do this you will be solidifying that belief and you may find yourself incapable of using the Looking Glass again-it's just a theory but if it should prove to be correct…"

"But, you did it anyway. You always came back to me." Sinbad whispered, stepping towards Sakura but she stepped away from him, shaking her head.

"Don't come near me!" Sakura snapped. Clutching her head as images of the past flew across her face; the first day she was assigned to team seven, the introductions of Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke. Kakashi's bell test-which she would've failed if it hadn't been for Sasuke making the first move to break the rules for Naruto. Their first real mission to the Land of Waves. Learning to use chakra to climb trees. The Chunin exams-the written exam, Sasuke receiving the curse mark from Orochimaru. Naruto and Sasuke fighting one another. Sakura trying to stop Sasuke from leaving the village. Making Naruto promise to bring Sasuke back to her. Sakura promising Naruto she would no longer be dead weight.

"My name is Sakura Haruno, what I like…I mean the person I like…"

"This time you'll have to watch me from the background."

"On that day, you taught me that solitude is painful. I understand that so well right now. I have family and I have friends but if you were gone Sasuke…to me, it will be the same as being alone."

"Naruto, this is a once in a life time request. Promise me, promise me you'll bring Sasuke back to me."

"I'm sorry Naruto. You might have to wait for me a little while but next time-I promise I won't be dead weight."

"Sakura…."

"Don't you get it Sinbad; why I didn't want to tell you!?" Sakura's voice raised slightly at the end. "I will always have to bare the pain of knowing I abandoned my world for this one, but I did it because I want you. I want to be with you. I'm choosing my own selfish desires over my responsibilities."

Sakura threw her head to the back, tears streaming down her face, gathering at her chin and falling in big drops on the floor. "I had my path set; to do whatever it takes to get back home and then you came along and changed my whole direction! Now all I want is to be by your side!"

As if in pain, Sakura wrapped her arms around herself. "I chose you! Over my family, my friends, my promise, my morals, everything! I can't deny you-I'm weak!"

Sinbad swallowed, coming towards Sakura slowly as if he was approaching a wounded animal, in pain, unable to sense intent of those wishing to help them and willing to snap their jaws and snarl. "Come here."

Shaking her head Sakura continued to move back, whimpering softly with her eyes closed. She continued stepping away until her back hit the wall, ceasing all movement. Sakura's eyes snapped open, emerald met gold. Sakura could feel the gentle pressure of Sinbad's forehead against her own.

"You're not weak Sakura." Sinbad said, firm in his statement before his voice grew soft, boarding on hurt. "You've been carrying this burden on your shoulders for such a long time. You must've felt so alone. And I must have made it worse, by making you choose me all the time."

"You didn't make me do anything, I made the decision on my own." Sakura said, closing her eyes, taking comfort in her closeness with Sinbad. "That's the worst part."

"Sakura." Engulfing the pinkette in a tight embrace, Sinbad whispered softly in her ear. "I promise, I won't ever leave you alone. I won't only build a country to change the world, but to make a home for you as well and I will always be by your side. So let it go. Let it all go and just stay with me."

"But, but Sinbad; there's still so much…and what about Sasuke?"

"Sakura," Sinbad thought for a moment, wondering if he should tread lightly or not. "You love Sasuke don't you?"

"Yes."

"Then you shouldn't be upset," Sinbad stated. "After all, you're not the one losing someone who loves you, he is."

"Sinbad."

"Just let go Sakura. Forget it all. Stop your pain."

Sakura sniffed, resting her head against Sinbad's shoulder and pulling him closer towards her. She would do it. She would set aside her burdens, her responsibilities and debts to her world and forget everything she was leaving behind and start a new with Sinbad. No more pain, no more conflictions, no more solitude and no more fear. She would let go of it all. She wouldn't look back to her past anymore. It would be like a dream-a dream she has been woken up from.

"Yes." Sakura whispered, smiling softly.

That's all for now everyone, hope you liked this chapter. Don't forget to review!