Chapter 6
(Sunset, Balbadd)
"Spirit of Sorrow and Isolation, in the name of my Magoi, and my will to grant me a greater power, I order you and your members. Come forth, Vinea!!" Kougyoku shouts calling forth her djinn's power, a bright light surrounds her when it fades she was in her full djinn equip.
A fish-like skin covered the surface of her body, with gills and fins. In order to conceal her almost-naked djinn-equipped form, Kougyoku wears part of a white robe that serves as a skirt. Her hair turned from pink to blue, and her hairpin transforms into her djinn's weapon, her metal vessel turned into a long blue sword, ornamented with water snake on both sides, she gains two big earrings resembling fins.
Alibaba definitely enjoyed the view he was treated to, her perky C-cup breasts, toned midsection, thin waist, bubble butt, long toned legs, truly a warrior princess.
None of those things distracted him from analyzing his opponent, her sword looks like it is specialized for thrusting attacks, and if she can use her water ability freely that will allow her to add her water to all her attacks, which makes it unwise for his to take any of her thrusting attacks head-on chances are she will break through almost any defense he makes.
Alibaba wasn't the only one analyzing their opponent so was Kougyoku.
Kougyoku is very proficient in utilizing her djinn equip as she observed Alibaba she thought, 'he uses a fire djinn so I should have the advantage with all the water that's at my disposal in this country, yet he seems confident despite my obvious advantage due to the environment, he also knew I was a dungeon conquer even before he met me, it's also safe to assume that he knew full well what type of djinn I had, he probably had his spies learn as much about me as possible which probably includes how I fight, he only wanted me to be confident in the environmental advantage so I would be more relaxed and easier to take down,' when she looked at Alibaba he was now openly smiling at her as if he had read my thoughts.
"So that was a test for me then?" Kougyoku asked him.
"Indeed, most people don't pay close attention when things are in their favor, they usually get cocky or overconfident making themselves easy prey, glad to see you are not one of them," Alibaba said smoothly.
"Well, I don't like being tested so let's start this already," Kougyoku said getting herself in a ready stance.
"Okay," Alibaba says getting into his own stance.
They were off speeding at each other, when they were close Kougyoku went for a series of rapid thrusts, each of which was parried or evaded by Alibaba, after doing this for a while he started to attack with a combination of swift slashes that forced her on the defensive, she tried blocking at first but quickly realized that Alibaba's attacks had far more power than her attacks do, so she copies what he was doing by parring or evading the blows.
They fell into we'll choreographed dance with one switching from offense to defense and back again, Alibaba chose to up the ante by using his djinn's fire ability, he slashed at her like normal but as soon as their blades touched his sword released a surge of flames, she had but a moment to release a burst of water to defend herself causing a wave of steam to cover them both, they both burst out of the cloud of steam on opposite sides, Orange flaming aura burst to life around Alibaba, Blue water-like aura burst to life around Kougyoku, both were wearing excited grins happy for the challenge, Kougyoku sends several high speed jets of water at Alibaba these were cut down by Alibaba's masterful sword techniques who then sent a dozen condensed flame arrows at her as retaliation, Kougyoku tries to evade all the arrows but this proved very difficult due to the accuracy of the arrows, she dodged nine of them then the last three exploded in close proximity to her sending her spiraling from the force of the explosion, her exposed skin was slightly red from the heat of the attack she had no actual burns thanks to her defense, she shakes her head to clear it so that she can refocus on the fight, a brief flicker of orange was all the warning she had before a powerful palm strike impacted her abdomen forcing all the air from her lungs, she was sent flying through the early night skies of Balbadd barely righting herself before she hit the ground, Alibaba was standing where she was previously with his arm still stretched out from his attack, he gives her a smug grin of victory that triggers her temper she rockets to him unleashing a rapid barrage of attacks occasionally adding her water element to it, instead of being overwhelmed by the barrage he took it in stride matching blow for blow, fire for water, it was frustrating for Kougyoku not being able to hit him but it was the best fight of her life, she was constantly being challenged and she was more than happy to meet him head on.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, Kougyoku could see that she was overmatched when it came to swordplay, he had more physical strength than her, he more than likely has more Magoi than her given that she is getting winded and he is still looking fine, she has to try to end it in one move before he beats her by simply exhausting her in a battle of attrition.
"Spirit of Sorrow and Isolation… thou who controls the power to make kings, bring forth the great raging streams that judge the surfaced earth!!" Kougyoku recites her Extreme Magic Chant, while she is reciting the spell a large eight-point star magic circle appears behind Kougyoku it begins gathering a large amount of water enough water to flood the city," Vainel Ganezza!!" then she unleashes it, it takes the form of a giant tsunami.
The shadow of the tidal wave covers most of the city, standing in defiance of the looming threat is Alibaba looking perfectly calm despite the fact that his city is about to be submerged in water.
"Spirit of austerity and decorum… thou who grants the power to make kings, bring forth majestic purifying flames that judge the scorched earth!!" Alibaba recites his Extreme Magic Chant, a large eight-point star magic circle manifest behind him, large flames birth from the circle then starts to take form, the majestic flames turn into the large phoenix with six wings.
"Amol Al-Bador Saiqa!!" with that shout Alibaba released his attack the massive flaming Phoenix meets the massive tidal wave head-on, when the attacks made contact there was a massive explosion of steam that swept all over the city blinding everyone in a cloud of hot air.
Even though the massive cloud of steam one could hear the clash of blades announcing that the battle was still on it slowly died down until there was only silence, several minutes later when the steam dissipates King Alibaba was standing strong in the night sky he looked perfectly fine aside from a wound on his right arm, it was not a serious wound even though it was bleeding, Alibaba seems pleased with the wound smiling at Kougyoku who was far less put together, she had several wounds all over her body, and they were all bleeding she has lost that was obvious but no one could tell that from the bright smile on her face.
"I finally hit you," Kougyoku managed to get out between her heavy breathing.
Her form starts to sway but Alibaba was by her side in an instant, his left hand wrapped tightly around her waist pulling her into his chiseled chest causing her to blush brightly, he lifted her gaze to his face with his right hand under her chin.
"You were amazing, I can happily say I am looking forward to marrying you, you have proven yourself a strong, capable warrior princess earning my affection and respect," Alibaba says while gazing directly into her eyes.
Kougyoku is rendered speechless, she has never met a man who was both accepted her for herself and made her want to be better to stand as his equal.
Seeing her dumbstruck Alibaba decided to confirm something he has thought about the entire fight, he closed the distance between them bringing her into a passionate kiss she resists at first then surrenders to the kiss, he coaxed her lips to open then took the opportunity to explore the depths of her mouth, they were locked in the intense make-out session before they separate to take breaths into their lungs, yep she is totally into him.
Cheers rang out over the city from the people watching the fight, Kougyoku flushes with embarrassment realizing everyone saw her first kiss, she hides her head in Alibaba's chest while he just laughed at the situation.
"Princess Kougyoku!! Are you alright?!" Ka Kobun called out to her.
Alibaba flies them down to the palace courtyard where the Kou delegation is waiting along with Alibaba's own healers were waiting for them, as they land Kougyoku is taken to the medical wing of the palace by the healers, Ka Kobun, and the rest of the Kou following them.
"You went easy on her," Judar comments.
"I did not, I only matched my powers to her own, I am still up for a fight if you are interested," Alibaba offers.
He looks tempted for a moment then changes his mind walking away without a word.
"I am glad she is not weak," Scarlett comments suddenly appearing at Alibaba's side.
"New addition to the group," Morgiana states.
"I definitely think I will enjoy marrying her," Alibaba said.
"Let's return to the study Harahb wants to see you," Scarlett says falling into step with Morgiana as Alibaba makes his way to his study.
(Alibaba's Study)
They walk into the study to see Harahb and Magnus waiting, Alibaba nods in greeting then sits behind his desk then motions for them to begin.
"Everything went as you expected it to, we now have all we need from that front," Harahb gestures to a sealed chest sitting beside his desk.
"Then if things go well, we should be fully operational in six months," Alibaba says confirming their plans.
"Those things were finished being built months ago, the latest project will be ready for presentation by the wedding, and full deployment in a year," Magnus reports.
"That's good, now what about 'Sparta'?" Alibaba asked.
"It is going smoothly, complete overhaul will be done in two months," Magnus answers.
"Then as long as we ensure nothing happens from now till, after the wedding, all our objectives will have been achieved," Alibaba states.
They all agree then leave the study to finalize some things before retiring for the night.
(Medical Wing, Balbadd Royal Palace)
In a private room in the medical wing, the princess of Kou has been resting after her fight with King Alibaba or that would have been the plan if she did not have to deal with her most loyal retainer Ka Kobun.
"That was very reckless princess…."
"That barbarian dares to hurt….."
"We can not let this stand…."
"He even stole your first kiss like…."
Kougyoku has long since learned to let him rant and fume for he would not calm down otherwise, she also has to remind herself to ignore half of the things he said when he was venting or she might have to put his head through a wall.
She has been replaying the fight through her head, she knows that she did not see everything that Alibaba was capable of doing, but she was not unhappy that he held back against her, instead he chose to match her level of power to truly test her capabilities, it shows that he gave her respect as a fellow warrior even if she is yet to meet in the context of King and Princess she has at least earned his respect as Kougyoku the person.
Kougyoku's mind flashed with them kissing causing her to blush, she has been doing this on and off for a while now every time she thought of their kissing, 'nothing is should be wrong with it, we are to be married so actually being attracted to each other is a good thing, not a bad thing, this was not I dreamed of having my first kiss but this was so much better, a glorious battle of water vs fire, then the warrior king brings his princess into his strong arms, sealing their newfound love in a passionate kiss,' Kougyoku had to shake her head to clear her fantasies away before she lost herself completely.
"Princess Kougyoku are you alright?" Ka Kobun asked worry lacing his voice.
"Huh?" She says confused.
"Your nose is bleeding," he points to the trickle of blood running down her nose.
Her cheeks flame with embarrassment as she hurriedly cleaned her face and nose of blood, "it's nothing! Nothing at all! I'm fine ok! Totally fine!" She argues while glaring directly at him.
For reasons unknown to him Ka Kobun starts to fear for his life so he wisely nods his head in agreement with his Princess.
(Balbadd, outer walls)
Several cloaked riders make their way off into the night, completely unseen by all but by a lone figure shrouded in shadows, no one would know outside of those involved with those cloaked men the events that occurred this night nor the results of said occurrence for several years or months and even if one could somehow connect it would be too late to stop anything.
(Medical Wing, Balbadd Royal Palace)
There was a knock on the door to the private room, Kougyoku told the individuals outside to enter the room, the door opens revealing that it was Alibaba that came to visit Kougyoku, he smiled as soon as he saw causing her cheeks to lightly blush, he walks in and sits on a chair beside her bed.
"I hope I didn't disturb your rest Kougyoku," Alibaba says to her looking slightly apologetic.
"No you were not disturbing me at all, I was wide awake, so what brings you here King Alibaba?" Kougyoku says shifting into her role as a princess on instinct.
"First of all, call me Alibaba aside from when we are in public at least until the marriage is complete, secondly I came to see if you were alright after our fight," Alibaba says lightly.
"Ki- Alibaba thank you for your concern but as you can see your healers did brilliantly," Kougyoku says calmly with a warm feeling in her chest due to his concern for her wellbeing.
"That's great, so one other reason I came here was to tell you was the underlying purposes of our fight," Alibaba says with authority in his voice demanding attention be paid.
"What motive King Alibaba? If I may be so bold," Ka Kobun asked with narrowed eyes.
"My people," Alibaba says.
"Your people?" Kougyoku asked confused.
"Let's all be honest here, your Empire tried to take my country in a silent invasion and failed entirely due to my actions, then they tried to hold the debt over our heads but I strong-armed them accept payment on my terms or risk the collapse of their western campaign, they could not let this stand without getting something In return so our marriage was set in stone, with that move they had a foothold in my country also a high placed ally for their agendas, who could produce an heir of Kou royal blood for my throne or in the worst case sabotage the country from the inside," Alibaba summarized their situation.
Kougyoku for her part didn't want to think that she was just a tool for her father to use to get Alibaba's country, 'think about it, Alibaba himself said he humiliated the Emperor by forcing him to do what Alibaba wants with the world watching, there is no way the Emperor would let that stand, I mean one time a courtier made mistake with at the Emperor's birthday celebration a few days later he was found dead, no one said anything but we all knew the Emperor had him killed,' the logical part of her mind called to her to see the truth, her father is a prideful man who cares not for his daughters outside of what he can gain from marrying them off, it was a sobering thought that brought tears to her eyes but she should not be surprised she has not had a private conversation with her father her whole life, even when he told her she was to marry the King of Ballbadd it was done in the royal court as just another piece of everyday business before she was dismissed, she felt herself being brought into an embrace by two familiar pair of strong arms, she resisted for a moment but stopped at the sound of Alibaba's voice.
"I know what you are feeling Kougyoku, I am a bastard son brought in when my mother died by my father the king, I was always looked down upon because of my birth, I had to work four times as hard just for them to acknowledge me as something other than a street rat, I hardly spoke to my father but the times we did spend together I will always hold dear to me, when he was bedridden due to an illness he told me he made me his heir, that my half-brothers were unfit to rule, I accepted after asking if he had loved my mother he said yes, I didn't ask him if he only brought to the palace because his two other sons were failures and he needed the son he threw away to secure his country and legacy, for if that was true it would have broken me, he died soon after so I will never know the truth but I choose to believe he loved me, I am sorry that it seems your father does not," Alibaba said this with such raw emotion it touched Kougyoku deeply that he allowed himself to be this vulnerable to make her know she is not alone, tears burst out anew as she mourned the relationship she will never have as she was crying openly in Alibaba's arms.
An hour later she calms down, Alibaba has not let her go the entire time she cried and Kougyoku had no plans to move from his arms anytime soon, he has been running his hand through her hair in soothing motions.
"I would like to continue what I was saying is that okay," Alibaba asked softly not stopping his soothing motions.
"Okay," Kougyoku says quietly.
"My people were worried that Kou would retaliate and that the marriage was a new way for them to try and control them, I told them that was not so, that the marriage was to avoid war, and that the princess was not another weak-willed spoiled brat like the last king Ahbmad, they didn't immediately believe that to be true so I told them I would show them," Alibaba says.
"The fight you challenged me to," Kougyoku says in realization.
"Yes, not only did it bring us closer, it showed the people that you are not a frail princess but a warrior, the power you showed was great and the fact that I stood up to it unfazed, and I won proved that I would not submit to Kou even if I married to one of their princesses," Alibaba said to her.
"So, I guess I am not the big bad future Queen they were afraid of now huh?" Kougyoku said with a small laugh.
"No your not, and from what I heard the people saying you are the water nymph that has charmed their young king," Alibaba said while laughing as he can see her blushing to her ears.
"I think it is their king that charmed the water nymph not the other way around," Kougyoku said laughing as well.
"Well that might be true," Alibaba said then brought her into a kiss.
They spent the rest of the night, chatting, laughing, and just enjoying getting to know each other, until they both fell asleep side by side in the early morning.