I do not own Magi.
Enigma
Chapter Seven:
The Prince and the Pauper
"What shall we do now?"
The girl blinked, finishing up the final wrapping around her arms and setting the worn bandages aside. "What do you mean?"
"This one didn't work out... Should we try once more? Or shall we leave?"
Kali paused, a thoughtful look on her face. Vines idly wove around her and she absently stroked the thick leaves, turning her gaze up to the sky. "What should we do now?"
"Whatever you'd like, my king."
Kali smiled at that, her eyes softening as she rubbed her fingers along the metal feather. "Anything? That's a huge promise."
"If it is within my power, it shall be granted."
Kali hummed, leaning back against the meadow, the cool grass pricking at her bare arms as the smell of flowers and the earth enveloped her. The scent of fire and smoke and blood were all far away from her now, and until she charged into another one, she could relax.
She still had to control it.
"If I said I wanted to see the world?"
"An easy feat."
"Take over the world."
"You would make a magnificent king."
Kali was silent, her lips pulled upwards despite the sad, almost longing look on her face.
"Save this world."
Camio was silent then, and Kali inclined her head, fully aware of her own Djinn's abilities as she mulled over her own thoughts, ah, such a wishful thought that was. By now, so much blood had been shed; she didn't know what to think anymore.
And then quietly, just above a whisper, Kali shut her eyes to soak in the words that left Camio's lips.
"If that is your wish, than so be it."
Kali did not spend a few days in Kou as she'd told Ja'far. Nor had she stayed her regular week, or weeks, a month if she really liked the place.
No, instead, Kali had spent a little over half a year in the power dominating country.
It had happened in the two years she'd left Sindria. Later in the first year, if she recalled correctly, and Kali was pretty sure she did, since she'd never forget her time there.
She'd known Sinbad longer, but the longest she'd ever stayed in one place in Sindria was for about a few months, give or take the fact that she often popped in and out. But for this strange, dangerous, and ever so alluring country, the young woman had somehow ended up there for half a year.
And that was strictly against her policy.
Their meeting had been simple really, not a meeting of fate like Sinbad's, or a chance encounter like Muu's. The two had met under different circumstances.
Much more different.
"Did you really wish to enter this one?" Camio's slightly uncertain voice rang through her mind, and though her Djinn rarely doubted her choices, it was clear he didn't seem too confident in this one. "I'm sure there were others... Yunan wouldn't mind raising one up for you..."
"It's probably better not to hang around Yunan too much," Kali admitted, idly sticking her hand out and running it along the wall, mystified with the way water flowed horizontally across it instead of down. "I feel like he rubs off on us."
"But... This one?"
"Why? Someone you know?" Kali fiddled with the new hairpiece in her hair, a dragon that wove around the small braid on the side. She wasn't into things too elaborate, but it'd been her first time here in Kou, and the old lady who'd been kind to her had offered it to her for free.
It was rare that people were kind to strangers, and the action gave Kali hope that this world was still worth saving.
"No, not that. Ose is a rather pleasant woman I suppose, beautiful, but a tad bit...rough." Camio seemed to pause, trying to figure out what he was going to say next. "The only thing that bugs me is that this dungeon wasn't raised by Yunan."
"So?"
"It was another magi."
"That happened with Scheherazade too, and we walked out just fine."
"She wanted you to pledge your loyalty to Reim."
"But we got out of it somehow." Kali finished, swinging her arms at her sides as a wide grin split her lips. "Have faith in me Cam. Don't tell me you're doubting me now."
"I would never, my king."
"Then onwards!" Kali mockingly cheered, thrusting her finger up into the air as she disappeared into another tunnel.
But as soon as her foot landed on the slick floor, a deep rumbling filled the cavern. Kali paused, listening for the sound as the walls began to tremble with the force. Camio was silent and the girl stood, gazing around thoughtfully. "A warning?"
Before she could react, a rush of water surged forward, engulfing her in it. Kali's eyes widened and she managed to suck in a breath before the large tidal wave came crashing down, pulling her along with the ferocious current down the tunnel.
Vines surged upwards from her arms and entwined around the cracks in the roof, holding her steady against the current as she struggled for air. Kali winced as the waves battered and struck against her, threatening to pull her away. She struggled to reach into her clothes until she managed to pull out her dagger, gleaming and dripping as she breathed a heavy breath.
"Spirit of happiness and freedom, grant me the power of kings—Seere!"
And with that, a furious gust began to form at her feet, spreading the water apart with a force equal to its own and propelling her upwards. Kali snatched onto the vines at the top and breathed heavily, Seere keeping her in midair as the current rushed onwards beneath them.
"A little... rough?" Kali spat out a mouthful of water and shook her head, her eyes going blurry for a moment before she regained focus. Her clothes were soaking wet, dripping down and getting lost in the furious flow.
A frown marred her lips before she grinned, breathless and heart pounding. "I almost forgot how fun this is!"
Camio laughed in her mind, a weightlessness filling her as she eyed the rushing current beneath her. She'd conquered dungeons on her own a few times, the exception with Asmodeé with Muu, and Raum with Sinbad. But the last few dungeons she's conquered with Sinbad had been his, and she'd almost forgotten how it felt conquering her own.
That's what happens when you get too comfortable. Kali chided herself, shaking her head as she form a platform of wind beneath her, walking along the ceiling to avoid the current beneath her.
"I thought you liked it there." Camio murmured, and Kali shrugged, looking thoughtful.
"I did. But I think I was getting to comfortable." She admitted, hopping over a small gap and gazing around at the glimmering cavern, arching up in clear, crystalline pillars. "Besides, duty calls."
Kali's mood dampened slightly at the thought, and the breeze beneath her feet wavered. But what's the point of such a responsibility when you can't even uphold it?
"My king—"
"Help! He—" The cry was cut off by a low gurgle, and Kali blinked, glancing down beneath her where a few men were begin swept away with the current, arms outstretched and reaching. "Help!"
We're not the only ones? Kali blinked in faint surprise, tailing them from her makeshift bridge as the water carried them further down. Well, it is a dungeon.
The men's arms reached upwards once more before disappearing downwards and beneath the rushing waves. Kali hesitated, hovering above the water before she soared downwards, clasping her hands together.
"Spirit of life and death... Camio!"
Thick vines shot from the top, Kali maneuvering the air beneath her to come to a halt as they plunged down into the water. After a few seconds, the vines resurfaced, the men limp in their grip. Kali gave a low grunt, swinging the vines around and lowering the men down into an alcove above the current.
Warily, Kali lowered herself down to the alcove as well, keeping one eye on the men and one eye on the current as it began to slow down, the water beginning to die down with it. Camio made a small hum in the back of her mind. "Their clothes."
Kali glanced down and took in the white clothing and black armor, titling her head as she moved around the limp bodies. Soldiers?
"It would seem so." Vines curled over the limp figures, pushing downwards, and the men let out hoarse coughs, water leaving their lips. "They're alive."
"That's good." Kali rubbed the back of her head, gazing down at the three soldiers below her. "I guess?"
"They won't be much trouble." Camio murmured, the vines pulling back, and Kali uttered a silent thanks. "What shall we do with them?"
Now that the water's died down, they should be fine. Kali scratched the side of her head, gazing around her before she frowned. "But I don't think we can just leave them here, can we?"
Her eyes landed on the damp spears littered around them, and Kali reached forward, bringing the sticks to her. Raum flickered to life, and she pressed the sword to the spears, watching the wooden poles catch fire as she lowered it next to them. "That should be fine, right?"
"They must be from here." Camio observed, a vine tentatively tugging at one of their helmets. "Guards for the palace?"
Fancy. Kali grinned, glancing down the tunnel way, listening for the sounds of rushing water, or perhaps more footsteps. I have a feeling they aren't alone... We should get moving...
A low groan left one of their lips and Kali froze, gazing down at him as her breath came to a halt. "H...How...?"
His eyes flickered open and Kali blinked owlishly back at him as he squinted upwards, a dazed look on his face.
"A... goddess?"
Her foot suddenly swung out, delivering a sharp kick to the male's head, effectively knocking him unconscious once more. Kali flinched, bringing her hands to her mouth. "Oh shoot—sorry!"
"I don't think he can hear you." Camio mused dryly, and Kali winced, apologetically patting the soldier's damp hair. "What was that for?"
"I panicked." Kali offered another apology and as a gust of wind appeared beneath her feet, she took off down the tunnel, following where the water had come from. "I didn't want them to see me—instinct."
"Excuses, my king."
"I-I mean it!"
"Well," Kali kicked a piranha off her foot, tilting her head to the side as she gazed at the treasure room before her. "This was harder than I expected."
Several limp monsters were left in her wake, and cuts and bruises lined her arms and body, her tunic in slight tatters at the ends as she wrung out her clothes, watching it drip down into the low tide pool at her feet. Kali let out a tired sigh, rolling her shoulders as she sloshed forward, eyes traveling around the array of jewels, small bubbles bouncing around like round diamonds.
Dungeons never ceased to amaze her.
Avoiding a sea urchin, Kali gazed around the room thoughtfully. "Now, if I were a Djinn, where would I be?"
"Forward." Kali blinked, following Camio's direction and craning her head to gaze at the large oyster before her, the pearly white shell clamped shut. Kali tilted her head before laughing slightly. "Of course."
The water pulling over the colossal oyster parted, and Kali's eyes widened as the mouth began to pry open, the top of the oyster lifting upwards slowly. A wave of salty sea air blew around her and Kali blinked back, her hair whipping out behind her as a figure rose from the mouth, the towering blue body filling up the room.
"I am Ose." Long lashes opened to reveal eyes a deep, dark blue-green, constantly changing and churning like the sea itself. "Spirit of Harmony and Chaos."
Plump lips pulled upwards, and Ose rose to her full height, Kali taking a step back as the tide pools rippled around her. Sea-like irises glittered, and Ose revealed rows of pearly whites. "Who will be king?"
Hair the color of pearls tumbled down slim shoulders and over a voluptuous chest. A crown of seaweed and seashells lined her hair, the dark green a stark contrast to the pearly white. Long, ivory horns protruded from her head like coral, branching off in slender branches. Ose's eyes were like the sea, churning from blues to grays to greens, and the blue body was curvy and slender, trailing down to where instead of feet, was a long tail, like a mermaid.
Sapphire scales glimmered and Ose shifted, rows and strings of pearl and shells falling around her body as she leaned forward curiously. The beautiful Djinn blinked, shimmering shells covered her chest as she brought her hands up to rest her chin on her palms. "Oh? Have you come seeking my power, little minnow?"
The way the word minnow left her lips struck a strange chord in Kali, and the younger woman paused before nodding, a smile on her lips. "My name's Kali. It's a pleasure, Ose."
"Is it?" The Djinn sighed, leaning back and crossing her arms over her endowed chest. The Djinn arched a fine brow. "Is that who I think it is?"
"Ah." Camio shifted, and Kali blinked as her Djinn's voice seemed to echo outside. "Hello, Ose."
"Camio!" Ose's lips pulled into a grin, and the Djinn leaned forward again, an excited look on her face. "How have you been my friend?"
"Well. And you?"
"Bored!" Ose chuckled, her laughter like bells. "Why am I not surprised this is the one you chose?"
"Now, now... Let's not dwell on the past... Is she to your liking?"
"Well," Ose paused, pressing a finger to her lips as she eyed Kali thoughtfully. "Quite, if I do say so myself. You know how I love—well; I can't make my decision just yet. There are still others you see."
Kali perked up, glancing up with furrowed brows. "Others?"
"Mhmm." Ose smiled, glancing over her head as she blinked. "Speak of the devil."
Several footsteps thundered against the floor, and Kali turned, eyes widening in surprise as several soldiers filled the room, nearing the hundreds. The armor was not unlike the one of the men she'd saved, and Kali realized she hadn't been as alone as she would've liked—they'd come with a whole army.
Shit. Kali backed a step away, and the soldiers filed into the treasure room, eyes widening at the sight of Ose before them. If I'd known, I wouldn't have come in here...
"Be on guard, my king." Camio sounded alarmed, and Kali frowned, not liking the tone her friend had taken. "I sense trouble headed our way."
When is it not? Kali backed away a few steps, and she stilled, feeling an overwhelming presence fill the room. The young woman froze, and amidst the hurried footsteps of the soldiers, there was a pair of footsteps, calm, confident, powerful.
Gray eyes glanced up and she paused, and the sea of soldiers parted, revealing two men in the middle.
"My king, we should—"
The first looked young, a few years younger than herself at least, with long, dark black hair pulled back into a thick braid falling low to the ground. A muscled chest and slim body leaned forward slightly, and dark eyes eyed her with surprise, blinking owlishly at her.
But it was the second that made her wish her powers worked in dungeons.
He was tall—towering, perhaps Sinbad's height. Hair like fire—red, crimson came down to his shoulders, his broad and firm figure adorning fancy robes and a long black cape that fluttered behind him. A goatee was noted on his chin, and her eyes traveled upwards, meeting irises of a deep crimson, tinting to gold.
Everything about this man screamed power—dominance. His aura and the air around him demanded to be acknowledged, known, submitted to.
He seemed to radiate everything she fought against.
"My king," Camio sounded wary, and Kali had to agree as she hesitated to take a step back, suddenly feeling that every move she now made would dictate what this man would think of her. "I'm not sure about these men."
"I knew there were more," Ose mused, popping a bubble that floated close to her head. "Good job making it here, my dears."
Kali, meanwhile, was still frozen to her spot. The soldiers around her shifted, unsure of what to do, clearly not have expecting another person in the dungeon. The younger male had a confused look on his face, and the older one, greatly reminding her of a much, much more serious Sinbad blinked calmly, the faintest hint of curiosity on his face.
Slowly, Kali raised her hand upwards from her side, and the soldiers tensed, spears drawn and ready. The man's crimson eyes never left hers, and Kali shrugged slightly, holding up a hand. "...hi?"
"Eh? Who are you?" The younger man stalked forward, braid swinging out behind him as Kali took a step back. "This dungeon was raised for Kouen over here—so who are you?"
His voice was cold, questioning, and Kali glanced to the side, not sure how to answer. "Um... a traveler?"
"Hah?" The boy looked confused, his face scrunching up at her answer. "You've gotta be stupid to just wander into a dungeon—who are you with? Actually, how the hell did you get here anyway? I raised this for Kouen!"
Raised? Kali blinked, nearly slapping herself at her stupidity. Her eyes traveled around and she held her breath, the Rukh fluttering like mad around this young man, and she realized he was a magi.
Well.
"Magi." Kali breathed, and the male blinked, brows furrowing.
"How'd you—" He broke off, his eyes darting from her form to all the Rukh around her, and his eyes narrowed as he halted in his steps. "Hey... What the hell's up with you?"
Me? Kali frowned, holding her hands up in surrender as she took a step back. "I was just—"
"You're not a magi." His eyes narrowed and he tilted his head to the side, eyeing her suspiciously, but with that suspicion, was underlying and undeniable curiosity. "But the Rukh around you is weird."
The air around her grew tense, and Kali paused as spears were lowered and pointed her way, the soldiers forming a tight unit around her as he smirked. "So what are you?"
The air was heavy, taught, and Ose was regarding the humans below her curiously. The black haired teen was smirking, eyes vicious, and Kali was regarding the spears around her thoughtfully. "...my king?"
"Last time I checked," If he's a magi, there's no point hiding it. A furious gust of wind extended around Kali, bursting out in a thunderous burst that sent some soldiers stumbling back, spears flying from grips and clattering to the floor. The teen's eyes widened at the display, while the man beside him regarded her coolly, his cape and hair fluttering with the wind. "Dungeons were for anyone."
Kali titled her chin up, eyes narrowing as large bodies of wind flanked her on either side, taking shape into that of stallions, made up of wind as electricity crackled along their bodies. Sooty hair whipped around her and she laid a hand against her sword hilt, offering them a small smirk. "Even to simple travelers, right?"
"Ho?" The crimson haired man arched a brow, a dangerous look glinting in his eyes that fearfully reminded her of Sinbad. On the other hand, the black haired magi was eyeing her with newfound interest, and almost... excited?—look on his face.
Kali kept her eyes narrowed until she sighed, shoulders slumping. The stallions disappeared and the young woman scratched the side of her head, offering a small grin. "So it's fair game, right?"
Kali offered them a hand. "In the end, it's up to the Djinn after all."
"I see." The unfamiliar and deep voice rang out, and Kali continued to grin. But there was the sound of sword being drawn and she blinked, finding the pointed edge of a sword pointed her way. "Then the less choices the better, right?"
Kali blinked in disbelief at the sword in front of her, pointed to her throat, and her eyes trailed upwards, meeting fiery red stained gold, and she felt her shoulders slump.
What a friendly bunch these Kou people are. Kali paled slightly, and the man the magi had referred to as Kouen gazed at her, not an inch given to her as to what went on in his mind.
"By the looks of it, I think they may be royalty." Camio murmured thoughtfully, and Kali blinked, eyeing him up and down before silently agreeing.
Nobles? Kali frowned, titling her head to the side as she raised a hand to her head. Kouen's sword tipped forward, barely grazing her skin, but Kali remained unfazed, scratching her head in thought. By why would they have a magi?
This woman... Kouen blinked calmly. Is either more powerful than she seems, or stupid.
Rich kids? Kali glanced up to the ceiling, and Kouen's eye twitched.
"Who will be king?" Ose mused, and the candidates below glanced up, and the beautiful Djinn smirked. "I wonder who to choose?"
"Hey! Kouen of course!" The magi snapped, gesturing to the red haired man holding a sword at her throat. "Just look at this guy!"
Kali blinked somewhat hopelessly, offering a shrug. "I don't think I'm a bad candidate..."
Ose smiled, revealing pearly whites, and Kouen blinked at her calmly, almost impassively, and it reminded Kali of Masrur for a moment. "The choice is yours."
"Hmm, the hunky man..." Ose smirked, eyes glittering mischievously. "Or the seductive traveler?"
"S-Seductive?" Kali croaked, brows furrowing warily as Raum grew hot at her side, whether in envy or laughter she wasn't sure. Kouen blinked slowly, unfazed, and Ose suddenly clapped her hands together, shells jingling with the action.
"I know!" Her lips pursed and she leaned forward, waving her finger around. "Now, which one of you..."
Eyes like the sea turned stormy and Ose smirked, her finger coming to a halt before the two candidates before her. "Is a virgin?"
...
...
...
"Eh?" Kali blinked, a look of disbelief and confusion clouding her features as Kouen blinked once more, impassive, though the faintest furrow of his brows on his face gave way to his slight confusion. "What did you—"
"Which one of you is a virgin?" Ose clapped her hands together, looking giddy. "I think that will be what decides this for me~"
"W-What does that have to do with anything?" Kali questioned, vines sprouting from her necklace and pushing Kouen's sword aside, causing the man to narrow his eyes at the action, more so that she had a card hidden up her sleeve.
"Oh, plenty." Ose beamed, clasping her hands together. "Now, who is it?"
"I warned you, my dear."
"Virgin?" The black haired magi let out a tired groan, rubbing the back of his head. "You're out then, aren't you En?"
"It would seem." Kouen's sword slid back into its sheath, and he gazed calmly up at the Djinn as Ose pouted.
"A shame, but not surprising." The water Djinn waved it away. "As handsome as you are, there's no way you could be."
...
...
...
All eyes turned to the young woman and Kali flinched, her cheeks dusting slightly as she took a step back. "W-What?"
The magi was gazing at her deviously, Ose's eyes looked excited, and Kouen remained impassive, but his brow was quirked as he gazed at the unknown woman before him, awaiting her answer.
Kali shrunk back a bit, warily tugging at the braid in her hair as she glanced to the side. "Does it really...matter?"
"You are!" Ose squealed, and a flash of light illuminated the room, leaving a more human sized version of the Djinn before them. "Ah, I knew it. I always had a knack for sniffing you guys out~"
The now two legged woman nearly skipped, and Kali backed away slowly, uncertainty growing within her as Ose grew closer, near naked body coming much to close for her liking. "Now this is just wonderful!"
Before Kali could make a break for it, the Djinn's arms wrapped around her neck, pulling her flush against the curved and slender body. Kali's cheeks flushed at the proximity, while Ose smirked, leaning over the girl and dipping her hands lower, pressing Kali's lower back closer to her. "You see, I do prefer women, but I'll settle for men. What I really love though, are those cute, inexperienced ones!"
A slender finger trailed up her cheek and Kali paled, Ose's eyes glittering darkly as she leaned forward, nose brushing hers. "Like you."
Kali stuttered, trying to back away, and the young woman let out a squeak when hands grabbed her behind firmly, cupping it as Ose grinned over her head at Kouen. "You're quite the looker, but I prefer virgins, since they're so cute. And..."
Lips brushed against her ear and Kali stiffened.
"They're so much fun to...teach~"
"I give!" Kali shoved the Djinn back; causing Ose to blink curiously at the girl's flushed face. The young woman staggered back, holding her hands out before her in a weak form of defense. "I'm backing out—you can have her!"
"Aw, you're shy." Ose cupped her cheeks, turning to Kouen. "Isn't she cute?"
The crimson haired man blinked. "I see."
"I don't want this!" Kali cried, sloshing through the water as she trudged backwards. "Choose him! Any of them! Just not me—"
"But dear," Ose titled her head to the side, blinking at her with pearly wide eyes. "You're the only virgin."
Kali whirled around, her cheeks ablaze—despite having been exposed to such talk before—she was friends with Sinbad for goodness sake, and Sharrkan or Pisti didn't help—it didn't mean that she didn't have some modesty to at least be embarrassed. "That shouldn't matter!"
"This is hilarious!" A loud cackle reached her ears, and Kali jerked her gaze to the black haired magi who was holding his stomach, tears springing from his eyes. "You're this old and still a virgin?"
"I'm only nineteen!"
"En here's banged tons of girls!" The magi clapped the taller man on the shoulder, tears forming at his eyes from the force of his laughter.
Kouen's face remained impassive, and Kali found it hard to tell if he was being smug or completely neutral about it. But crimson-gold eyes met hers and she paused, gray stained blue refusing to give way to the power they seemed to radiate. The Rukh around him beat powerfully, and everything about this man screamed to submit, to bow her head to him.
In Hell. Kali's chin titled up, faint, a small act of defiance, but it was noticed nonetheless, and she awaited his response.
And to her surprise, the corner of his mouth twitched, curving upwards ever so slightly into the faintest hint of a smirk.
Kali slunk back at that, suddenly wary. The resemblance to the king she'd grown close to was frightening, especially in that aspect.
The magi continued to laugh, practically rolling about on the floor from the force of it. Kali blinked down at him in confusion—she'd met the other two, and this one was nothing compared to either of them. From the wandering, ambiguous Yunan, to loyal, determined Scheherazade—this guy was new to her.
Is he really a magi? The abundance of Rukh around him left little doubt, and Kali was near engulfed by the overflow of the white birds—a particularly large bundle coming from the man named Kouen.
It's so similar to Sinbad, it's scary. Kali's brows furrowed ever so slightly, and she gazed at the man out of the corner of her eye. Something tells me this man is important somehow...
And she also had the aching suspicion she should know the name Kouen, especially with it coming from Kou.
"Then it's settled." Kali blinked and Ose began to glow, a warm light enveloping her as her eyes settled on her hair, the dragon piece nestled into the side. "Do not disappoint me, my king."
The beautiful Djinn dipped in a bow, pearly locks falling about her face as she disappeared. Kali felt the side of her head grow warm and she pulled the dragon piece from her braid, gazing at the spot where the pentagram had appeared on the dragon's face.
"I don't need another Raum..." Kali herself deflate slightly, and gently, she slid the hair piece back into place. "I don't know if I should be happy or worried."
Sharp sounds rang in her ears, and before she could react, something hard collided with the back of her head. Kali could barely find the consciousness to curse herself and her carelessness as she fell to the floor, vision growing blurry.
Crimson appeared in her vision and Kali felt herself groan, head pressed against the cool tile beneath her, water lapping at the side of her face.
It seemed she should be worried.
"My..."
It was warm... and cold... both of them it seemed at the same time.
"...king."
What had happened?
"My king."
Ah.
Kali's eyes snapped open, and within seconds the girl was on her feet, hands reaching for Raum or Seere. But she soon found the action impossible when she paused, flexing her fingers and glancing down to find her hands bound by wooden blocks and chains. Blurry eyes blinked at the handcuffs in confusion before her eyes sharpened in realization, her breath catching in her throat.
"My king, calm yourself." Camio's soothing voice drummed out all noise, and she focused on it—brought it to her. "No more, remember?"
Steeling herself and refusing to tremble, Kali blinked once, shaking her head as she gazed around before her, confusion lining her face. "What happened?"
"Think."
Oh. Kali blinked once more, her face growing sour as she tilted her head, achingly remembering the spot Kouen or one of the soldiers had whacked her. The young woman let out a low curse, shaking her hair out of her eyes as she sighed in frustration. She'd only wanted to go conquer a dungeon, but no, it had to become far more complicated and involve her getting captured.
Really. Kali stood and gazed around—it was a well kept cell, surprisingly. Large but not spacious, with refined metal bars and doors to keep the prisoners at bay. What she cared about knowing right now though was where she was and what was going on.
Wait.
Her cuffed fingers fumbled along her body and Kali stilled, coming to the chilling realization.
Her metal vessels were gone.
Her breath slowed and Kali was frozen stiff in her spot, feeling her heart beginning to race as she felt the lightness on her body now, the familiar weight of her sword and dagger, as well as her accessories gone.
She felt naked.
Sucking in a deep breath, Kali shut her eyes, focusing on the fact that she still had Camio beside her. "How'd you manage to stay on?"
"I hid myself within you." Camio murmured, vines extending from the necklace and wrapping around her gently, comfortingly. "The rest are fine, but I'm not sure where they are being held. No harm came to any of them."
"Smart of them to remove all metal." Kali examined her bare wrists and ankles, along with the missing hairpiece she'd just acquired. "Who're we dealing with now...?"
"I do believe they are of high status." Kali stood, unable to shake the feeling of emptiness in her heart now that nearly all her vessels were gone, traveling alone, they'd been the only ones by her side, to have them disappear was truly being alone. "When they brought you in, I saw a palace of sorts."
"Rich kids who cheat." Kali gazed at the shackles on her wrists and ankles, looking thoughtful as she calmed herself—she could break from these chains, she wasn't weak like before. "Should we charge in ablaze, or go about more quietly?"
"...Quietly, my king." Kali paused, picking up the strange tone her Djinn had taken on. "I fear there is more to this country than we realized."
Kali frowned, not taking a liking to the foreboding tone. Focusing herself, her eyes slid shut and she leaned against the cool wall, feeling the Rukh, seeing it flutter about her as it filled the country, a pace so different from Sindria, yet not unlike it.
"Deeper."
A faint flicker, like a whisper, a lick of darkness, and Kali's eyes snapped open and she froze, heart hammering in her chest as she held onto the sleek thread she'd found, following the trail of Rukh as it seemed to go deeper and deeper into the heart of the country.
And then the white Rukh in her eyes turned black, and Kali sucked in a sharp breath.
Is this... The young woman's fist curled slightly and her eyes narrowed, unable to dwell any deeper into the flow. Such a strong flow of it...
"I believe we may have found ourselves in the heart of it." Camio whispered, vines curling around her arms. "I felt with the magi before... Something is off. Very, very off."
Kali gnawed on her bottom lip, gazing up at the ceiling thoughtfully. Fate really must be working somewhere along there for her to run into possibly the largest bundle of black Rukh she'd encountered in this world. Gray eyes lowered to the floor, and she felt her body shift, tempted to disappear.
"Perhaps we should dwell deeper." Camio murmured thoughtfully, but even he sounded wary. "I do not want you doing that anymore, it puts too much of a strain on your body."
A small smile twisted her lips, despite the weary look coming into her eyes. You worry too much.
"I have every reason too. Your body is not invincible."
"You there," The vines retracted and Kali raised her head, her gaze meeting evenly with the two guards that stood before her. "We've been sent to collect you."
"On guard, my king." Camio whispered, before lowering the necklace beneath her collar. Kali smirked inwardly, offering the guards a bright grin as she held her cuffed hands before her.
"Collect away."
She and Camio had been spot on when they guessed these people were rich somehow.
The soldiers had been one thing, but the large hall she stood in now made it clear that she wasn't dealing with average folk—she couldn't be. Lines of soldiers coated the wall, spears and swords at ready, eyeing her carefully, warily. Among the group she spotted a select few, tall and burly figures, far above average human height, and she paused thoughtfully.
Could they be... Kali's lips tugged downwards, they weren't Imuchakk, which meant that they had to either be from some other country she wasn't aware of, or fully assimilated household vessels.
But if there are household vessels... The magi appeared in the corner of her eye, grinning wickedly at her from the top of the steps, rising to a large throne seated in the center. Kali rocked back on her heels, the shackles at her ankles clanking together as she rolled her wrists within their confines.
Dark crimson entered her view, a black cape flaring out behind the towering man as he bore down at her from where he stood above the steps, arms crossed over his chest, crimson-gold eyes gazing down at her. Kali's eyes moved from the goatee on his chin to the sword at his side.
There must be a user.
"My king." Kali's eyes flickered to the direction Camio whispered and she paused, eyes scanning along the robed priests in the corner, white cloths shrouding their faces, staffs at their side.
"We have brought forth the prisoner." The two soldiers clasped their hands together and bowed. Kali observed the action curiously, taking note as well of the décor in the large palace.
The arching columns and beautiful tapestries were tastes different from what she was used to—but none the less, they were beautiful. She was one for admiring cultures, learning, and this country seemed to offer much.
If only I could find my way out of this situation.
"I don't recall doing anything against the law." Kali mused, drumming her fingers along the wood block binding her hands. A murmur went out through the people around her, and she wondered if she'd been sent to some court trial with all the people here.
"How impudent." Her eyes flickered to a thickly robed man, old, hair gray and long as he placed his hands on his bellies. "Speaking to Lord Kouen in such a manner..."
"I heard she even disrespected our priest, Judal!"
Judal? Kali glanced to the magi, who looked amused by this whole thing. That's his name...
"Still, to have conquered a dungeon..."
"This woman? Witchery!"
"No one can surpass our Lord."
It's called hard work. Kali breathed a sigh, and Kouen shifted, all eyes snapping to his dominating figure.
"Who are you?"
His voice was deep, bouncing off the walls and echoing in her ears, strong, full, not as light as Sinbad's. Kali's eyes met his evenly, and she blinked, smiling slightly.
"Kali." The girl dipped her head in a mock bow, offering her hands forward. "I'd shake hands with you, but I'm afraid I'm a bit caught up right now."
"The audacity!"
"How rude..."
"Do away with her this instant..."
Judal let out a laugh along the side, and Kouen's face remained neutral, his expression unchanging, giving her no idea what went on in his mind. Kali had to admit, it was a bit unnerving. She could understand Masrur since she'd known the Fanalis for so long, but this man was like a walnut.
And not knowing was a scary thing.
"What country are you from?" Kouen didn't slack off in getting his answers, and Kali shrugged.
"I don't have one." Gray eyes stared calmly into crimson, unwavering. "I belong to no country."
"Lies..."
"Right to his face!"
Kali frowned at the comments, wondering if they had no idea she could hear the lot of them. Kouen gazed at her evenly, and Kali was unable to tell if he believed her or not. "Every person was born to a country or land at some point."
"A philosopher?" Camio murmured curiously, and Kali shrugged, she could somehow see it from this dangerous man.
A wisp of a smile touched her lips, such a Sinbad-like thing to say. "I'm no longer apart of it then. It's been awhile actually... I've just been living out my days traveling around."
Kouen gazed back at her, crimson eyes undeterred, glinting in something akin to curiosity, and Kali was beginning to realize she was comparing this man far too much to Sinbad. But the strange similarities between the two were unnerving, and even she felt antsy being in this room.
If it weren't for Camio at her side or the idea that she could disappear if things went wrong, she would've been long gone within her own fear by now.
"Could she be a spy?"
"It seems possible..."
"They should just finish this..."
"You've asked me a question, now I'd like one in return." Kali's voice rang out; echoing along the room, but her face remained neutral. This wasn't her territory, she was out of her element here—and something told her that this man would put up quite the fight, his Rukh promised that. "To be fair."
Kouen remained silent, murmurs drifting along the room until he raised a hand, and once more they fell silent. "Very well."
"Who're you?" Kali frowned, tilting her head to the side.
"How could she—"
"This girl—"
The side comments were really starting to annoy her now.
"Lord Kouen!" A man stepped forward, his voice ringing out and booming across the room. "First Prince of Kou, Conqueror of the Eastern Front—Prince Kouen Ren!"
Several soldiers stood, bowing their heads and clasping their hands before him. The towering group did the same, looking out of place amongst the regular soldiers, and only the priests in the back remained unfazed.
Kali, on the other hand, found her face slowly draining in color as she registered those words, the name and let it sit in her mind.
Ren Kouen, fierce and cunning leader of the eastern front for Kou, dominating the world in days—weeks. Conqueror of three dungeons, leader of armies, but worst of all...
First prince of Kou.
Kali made it a habit not to get involved with royalty or those too important to countries; it tended to get her into tough situations, so she opted to avoid it. Sinbad had been an exception, since when she first met him he hadn't been royalty, but this man was a different story—he'd been born with his title.
Royalty through and through.
"First prince..." The title sent a shiver down her spine, and Kali felt herself shrink back a bit, suddenly growing wary as the realization of where she was hit her.
She was amongst the rulers of Kou, and with what was going on, she would not be simply allowed to stroll out those doors without resistance.
"Then I guess it's an honor," Kali offered, bowing her head slightly. "I was unaware."
Kouen looked unaffected, but the soldiers at his side and the nobles lining the court were bristling, angered by the idea that some lowly traveler would have no idea as to whom their future emperor was. Kali looked faintly apologetic, but not completely. How was she supposed to know anyway?
"Ko—" The furious and deathly glares sent her way made Kali pause, and she corrected herself. "Ren. If I may speak for myself, I have committed no crime. I've simply done as people around the world have been doing and conquered a dungeon."
"That I meant for En." Judal spoke up, crossing his arms over his chest as burnt irises glittered at her darkly, amusement and excitement shining beneath.
"And you have my deepest apologizes." Kali shifted, feeling her body grow tense. "But I can't seem to wrap my head around why that would warrant an arrest. And..."
Here her eyes rose, meeting his in a clash of gray-blue and deep crimson as her eyes narrowed slightly. "I believe you have precious things that belong to me."
"Is she accusing him of theft?"
"Insolent witch!"
"How can he stand to listen?"
Kouen's face was impassive and Kali felt herself bristle slightly, she didn't like not having them beside her, and the sooner they were back the better. "And I must humbly request to have them back."
"She's got one more." Judal spoke up, and Kali froze, eyes widening as she glanced to the magi, a smirk curling on his lips as he met her gaze, unwavering. "Just sayin."
"I see." Kouen looked faintly surprised—no, that was the wrong word. Kali frowned as she examined his face, crimson eyes burning holes into her soul as she tense, shoulder's stiffening. He was amused.
And the sudden realization as to why came crashing down on her. Kali held back a wince, her eyes scanning over the room once more. It was filled with soldiers, trained and ready for combat and household vessel users. She had no idea what powers those priests held, but she could bet they were magicians.
From the rumors and tales spread throughout the world, Kouen was in possession of three metal vessels, and if that wasn't enough, they had a magi on their side.
Kali was confident to a degree in her abilities. She hadn't strove through hell and fire to obtain power to accomplish her goals for nothing. If fully armed, she could fight this man—it would be hard, it would be taxing, and it could near kill her if she didn't get the upper hand, but she had the chance of beating him.
She had one djinn at her side, and as much as she was confident and reliant on Camio's abilities, he alone would be no match to household members and their user all together, combining that with the possible aid from magicians and the magi, Kali was cornered. She would loose this fight with no question.
Her only option was to run, and that she could do with ease, despite the bitter taste it left in her mouth. But she had no idea where the others were, and she would rather die than leave this country without her friends—they were hers. Her best option would be to run and teleport throughout the palace, searching, but by then, Kouen could have them moved and hidden with ease, and she'd have no means of finding them.
With a horrible realization, her body froze and Kali felt her heart begin to thrum painfully in her chest.
She was trapped.
"If I may, my lord." Kali's eyes snapped to one of the nobles as he stepped forward, clasping his hands together and bowing his head. "If what is said about this woman is true, someone with such power should not be allowed to run amok."
Gray eyes narrowed, and Kouen's eyes remained glued to her figure, unwavering as he addressed the other man. "Oh?"
"Yes, my lord." He raised his head, eyes narrowing at Kali. "She poses a threat to our country, especially since we know nothing of her whereabouts and her motives. It would be best to nip it at the bud."
I'm a flower now? Kali scowled, annoyance building up within her, partly at the people, mostly at herself for having gotten stuck in this situation. "I suggest this with the utmost certainty, my lord."
"My king," Camio's voice was one of alarm, and Kali grit her teeth, realizing what was happening. "If it comes to it, we shall leave."
I can't. Kali felt her fingers curl into fists and she near screamed in frustration. Not without the others.
"After all, we should only do what's best, right?" The noble man grinned, hands clasping together before his protruding belly, and Kali felt herself stiffen in disbelief as a smirk touched his lips. "The woman said it herself; she's nothing but a lowly traveler."
Let's see how far I can shove my foot up your—"My king!"
Kali's eyes widened as the group of nobles around her nodded their heads, pleased smiles touching their lips as the nobleman grinned. "Simply put, my lord, I advise that you execute this woman."
Execute. Kali stilled, the world around her slowing for a moment as she registered the words in her head. Death.
They wanted to kill her.
"My king, you mustn't—"
It was small, fleeting, but the dark storm hidden within the far corners of her mind snapped to light. Camio's voice grew alarmed and Kali felt her mind beginning to block out all noise, simply taking in the faces of the people before her. The turbulent feeling began to grow, swelling within her.
They don't even know me, and they want me dead. Kali felt her eyes grow dull, everything around her suddenly tinting gray as she stilled, her mind growing blank, Camio's cries of alarm ringing in the back of her mind, far off—distant.
Why? Her mouth opened slightly, and she felt the storm escalate, rising to engulf her completely, struggling for control as she gazed dully before her. What did I do?
She'd almost forgotten. Kali's hands fell limp to her sides and her head titled slightly. She was trying so hard, fighting with all she had to save this world, these people... But this was what she was trying to save?
Is it even worth it?
"My king, you can't—"
The priests lining the back of the room began to stir, dark grins creeping onto their lips as they leaned forward almost eagerly. Kali found her eyes gazing dully, unable to battle off the storm that began to cloud her mind. Who were these people to decide her fate?
Judal's lips had pulled into a frown, his brows furrowing as he gazed at her in confusion, eyes scanning over her figure. Kali's eyes caught the flicker of Rukh around her, vibrant, glowing, but the flutter was frantic, chaotic.
Barely a glimpse, a flicker, black flashed through her eyes and she paused.
Who were they to decide?
"My lord, Prince Kouen!" Dull footsteps sounded, and Kali heard the sound of hands clasping together. "If I may, I ask for the permission to speak!"
Kouen's eyes flickered from the woman before him to the two soldier's who'd stepped out of line. The nobles paused, frowns marring lips and the priests remained undeterred, eagerly leaning forward in anticipation as they eyed the girl standing before them, her eyes a dull glaze.
The first prince inclined his head slightly. "Speak then."
Swallowing, the solider nodded, bowing his head along with the other man. "I would, if I may humbly request of you, to reconsider the idea to execute the woman here today!"
Gray irises flickered to the two soldiers, pausing for a moment. The priests stilled, grins twitching downwards as the storm within began to veer, uncertain.
Kouen remained silent, the faintly interested look on his face prodding the soldiers on. The second one bowed his head respectfully. "While we were within the dungeon, we were swept away by the large current that attacked us. In all honesty, I had believed I was about to die."
"But we found ourselves on an alcove within the dungeon walls." The man lowered his hands, gazing at the feet of his ruler. "You can ask of the head general of the third line to confirm this. All our wounds had been healed, and we'd been saved from drowning."
"It was this woman that saved us." The second soldier bowed deeply. "Without any idea of our status and where we belonged too, she rescued us."
Kali's eyes widened, and in the split second of hesitation, Camio's presence burst forth, filling her mind and ridding all essence of the storm that had begun to brew. The djinn's presence filled her with a familiar warmth, any and most remains of darkness leaving her mind, retreating to the corners. A shine seemed to return and Kali was gazing at the two soldiers in awe and amazement, unable to believe the sight before her eyes.
"They don't even know you." Camio whispered, gently, his voice aching with relief. "But they want to save you."
I'll be damned. Kali's eyes softened and a small smile touched her lips. Camio... I'm s—
"There's no need." Her djinn whispered quietly, but Kali sensed the worry in his voice. "Be careful, my king. We shall discuss this when you are free."
Kali's eyes glanced away, shame and regret filling her as she touched the place where the feather would be, shutting her eyes for a moment. Of course.
"With this action in mind, we implore you, our lord and our prince." The two soldiers' knees hit the floor, and Kali's eyes widened as they bowed their heads, foreheads touching the ground. "To reconsider sentencing a woman that means no harm to our country to death!"
"Insolents!" The noble spat, cheeks ablaze. "You dare tell such stories and implore such demands on our lord? If anything at all, you must be working with this spy—"
"Tono." The nobleman flinched; raising his head as Kouen's eyes languidly flickered over to his form, crimson burning him in his spot. "Are you doubting my own troops?"
"O-Of course not, my lord." Tono bowed his head, clasping his hands together. "Forgive me. But if I may, why should we believe these soldiers? They could easily have been delusional within the dungeon. There are known for mysterious occurrences and powers—"
"We were not dreaming!" The man exclaimed, head lowered to the floor. "If you doubt it, than ask of this woman to prove her powers!"
A sharp murmur shot through the crowd and Kali was still frozen in surprise, half from the aid of these soldiers, and now from what was happening. The sooty haired girl stiffened, turning to Kouen who gazed down almost thoughtfully, expression unreadable.
"My lord, surely you aren't considering—"
"Very well then." Kali flinched in surprise, and Kouen stalked down the steps that would bring him before the girl. Kali resisted the urge to step back with every advancement, and she was reminded of some beast—a lion or a dragon perhaps, as Kouen approached her.
His expression was neutral, cape swinging forebodingly behind him as crimson hair wisped back. Like a predator he stalked forward, languid steps, unreadable expression, and Kali realized that like this, this man truly was someone to be feared.
Crimson clashed with gray, and Kouen came to a halt a few steps before her. The soldiers had tensed slightly, prepared to attack if she tried anything funny. Judal's arms were tossed behind his head, looking faintly curious but border lining bored.
The slick sound of a sword being drawn pricked her ears and Kali flinched, her foot moving back a step. Kouen's brow arched smoothly, as if amused, and the young woman bristled slightly, feeling a bit hostile now that she was trapped.
The formidable blade was at his side and Kouen raised it, and she caught a glimpse of her reflection within the blade, a look of pensive hesitation staring back at her. She tensed, if they wanted her to prove her healing powers, someone had to get hurt.
And though she hated to admit it, she had no idea what was going on in this man's mind.
Crimson eyes gazed back at her unwaveringly, and Kali swallowed.
Kouen's sword tilted and without a moment's hesitation, the sharp blade sliced across his palm, a fine line, but faintly deep quickly welling up as blood began to seep from the wound. Kali's eyes widened in surprise and outraged murmurs quickly escalated, soldiers flinching as if to move, and the large ones she'd noted to the back stiffened.
Kali felt her mouth drop slightly and Kouen gazed at the wound, assessing it as he lowered his sword, a thin trail of red lining the blade as he held his hand out to her.
...Did he just cut himself? The young woman blinked, unable to register the hand held out before her, a line of crimson trailing down the hand. He just cut himself.
"A... interesting man?"
"Do you need an invitation?" The deep voice send chills down her spine and Kali glanced up, Kouen gazing down at her, the faintest lines of irritation on his face.
Not my prince, not my problem. Kali inwardly grumbled, automatically resenting the man for trying to order her around—goodness, she hated it when people did that. She didn't make a show of her freedom for nothing.
Hesitantly, Kali swallowed the lump in her throat and reached forward. Her hands were dwarfed compared to his, small and thin, while his were large and firm. Her hands clasped around his hand, the skin warm and burning, and she could feel calluses along the smooth skin. These were untold tales of struggles and battles within these hands, years and choices she could never imagine making.
They were a king's hands.
Kouen's gaze was burning into her face, but she ignored it, soft fingers running along the firm hand before her before Kali shut her eyes. Vines extended outwards from the necklace around her neck, and the soldiers tensed while Kouen remained silent, watching as they curled around her arms, winding around and reaching his hand.
The thick vines extended almost tentatively, winding from Kali's hands to entwine with Kouen's, connecting the two. They ghosted over the cut, winding around it. The room fell silent as a white light began to glow, tinted green. Kouen watched the process calmly, unfazed as his skin began to heal and the wound disappeared.
"Just like our lord's Phenex!"
"They spoke the truth..."
He must have a healing djinn then. Kali brushed it off, waiting till the wound completely disappeared. When it did, her hands slipped from his, and his fingertips curled, brushing against hers for a moment. Kali felt herself flinch, pulling her hands away as the vines retracted as well. Kouen examined his hand, gazing at the handiwork.
Kali tensed, ready to flee at a moment's notice, she'd have to risk teleporting around the palace to find her metal vessels, but she had to avoid a fight with these people.
She would lose after all.
"Her power's are true." Kouen declared finally, sliding his sword back into its sheath. Kali's shoulders unwillingly relaxed and the first prince regarded the woman before him for a moment before turning. "Free her."
A solider rushed forward—the one who'd spoken for her. Kali tried to catch the man's eye, but he kept his gaze on her shackles. The wooden block fell from her hands and the anklets unclasped from her legs. The young woman quickly stretched her arms up over her head, a look of bliss on her face as she rolled her wrists and ankles.
A huge sigh escaped her lips and Kali shook herself, lifting her foot up and shaking it off, pleased to have the awful things gone.
She felt eyes bore into her and Kali blinked, opening her eyes and realizing that everyone was still watching her.
"Well," The young woman adjusted her tunic. "Since it seems that the matter has been fixed, I would like to request of you to return my belongings, please, and I'll be on my way and out of your hair."
"My lord!" Tono stepped forward, and Kali tsked, growing annoyed at the continuous outbursts from the nobleman. "I must implore you; we cannot allow this woman to run amok!"
"She means no harm." The soldier from before spoke aloud, bowing his head. "As you can see, she has no ill intentions towards Kou!"
"How about they let she decide for herself." Kali muttered, and Camio laughed wearily.
Kouen bore down on her, and when he shifted, the room fell silent. Kali found herself pausing as the first prince raised his head, staring down at her. "Your belongings will be returned to you."
Kali's eyes widened and startled whispers flew through the court. A feeling of hopefulness fluttered through her chest and Kali's lips turned upwards, the soldiers from before slumping in relief.
"M-My lord—"
"Tono." Kouen's voice was cold, hard, and the nobleman flinched as the prince gazed at him calmly. "Do you doubt my ability, as well as that of my siblings to keep this country safe?"
"O-Of course not your majesty—"
"Then be silent."
Kali found herself shifting, the sooner her metal vessels were back the better. Kouen returned his gaze to her, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught Judal smirking, a look of amusement on his face.
Why?
"However." Kali froze, gaze shooting up as Kouen's presence filled the room. The Rukh fluttered madly about and the image of when Sinbad had first offered her his hand flashed through her mind, but this was sorely different.
Kouen's arms crossed over his broad chest, his height making him bear down on her as he raised his chin. "You must swear your allegiance to the Kou Empire."
...
...
...
"Pardon?"
"My court makes the wise assumption that you may be a threat to our country," Kouen's voice rang out, Kali's face growing paler as the words began to sink in. "With five vessels at your disposal, you can in fact, be a threat, and it would be wise to take cautionary measures as such."
Kali's eyes widened and Kouen swept on, taking a step forward. "You say you have no allegiance to any country—then it should be no problem. Swear your allegiance to Kou; vow to never raise a hand against this country, to its people, to me."
Kali found herself stepping back unconsciously, and Kouen's height casted down on her as he bore down, his presence threatening to suffocate her. "And then, your belongings will be returned to you."
"Marvelous!"
"As expected of our prince!"
"He will make a fine emperor."
Kali was frozen, her mouth slightly open and her eyes wide as Kouen's gaze burned into hers, pinning her down. She felt the walls close in on her as the only option these people offered to her swam through her head.
Pledge your allegiance to Kou.
Bind herself to this country.
Pledge your allegiance to me.
Fall under the orders of this man.
"What is your wish?"
"To be free."
"I refuse."
The two words echoed off the walls, causing the chatter to fall silent. For a moment, a rare look of surprise seemed to flicker across Kouen's face, but it was gone before it could settle, and instead he arched a brow. "What?"
Kali's head snapped up, eyes ablaze, and Kouen paused, taking in the burning look in her eyes as she stepped forward. "I refuse." There was no hesitation, no indecisiveness; she knew her answer through and through.
A battle here she would lose, and she'd have to option but to run, but for the price of her freedom, it was a small wound to her pride. Kali's eyes met his unwaveringly, and her lips pulled back into a snarl. "I will not pledge my allegiance to this country or to you."
Raising her head, Kali's eyes narrowed. "I belong to no country, Prince Ren. And I fully intend to keep it that way."
Kouen's eyes flickered. "Oh?"
I'll have to get the others back on my own. Kali ground her teeth, fists curling at her sides as she stood firm. "With all due respect, I'll have to decline."
"How..."
"The audacity!"
"How can our lord even stand this?"
"Away with her!"
A loud laugh echoed throughout the room, and Kali glanced over to where Judal clutched his stomach, laughing loudly. "Entei this girl is great! Try not to kill her, alright? I still need to talk with her too."
"Despite the fact that your vessels are within our possession?" Kouen inquired, and Kali frowned.
"I will retrieve them myself."
A tense crackle flickered through the room. Crimson eyes burned into gray stained blue, and despite the shaking in her legs, Kali refused to back down. This was her freedom at stake, and it was something that could never be stolen from her.
Ever.
"If I may, my lord." Kali and Kouen's eyes snapped from each other and to the priest that stepped forward, white cloth draped over his face as he clutched his staff. "I may have a solution to this problem."
Camio's presence within her increased, obvious resentment flickering through him and Kali had to agree, her eyes narrowing and her body growing cold as she gazed at the priest before her.
It was their fault.
"Speak then." Kouen said, regarding the priest coolly, and Kali glanced to him in confusion, searching his face.
"It seems they're not close."
But this seems to be the heart of it... Kali frowned slightly, brows beginning to furrow. I don't get this country.
"Perhaps, Kali was it?" Kali responded with the downward curve of her lip and the priest continued. "Perhaps Kali should remain here in Kou for awhile—get to know the country, our goals. Afterwards, she may change her mind and decide she'd gladly give her allegiance to this country, no?"
Is he trying to help? Kali felt her lips curl in a snarl. She wouldn't trust them even if they were her last choice—never. And it only seemed to her that he was making things worse, why would Kouen ever—
"Very well then." Kouen turned, addressing her as Kali blinked in disbelief. "I find the priest's idea to be reasonable. You will stay here for a month, if you've decided then that you still refuse, and then you may leave."
Behind the white cloth, the priest's lips curled upwards, and Kali felt herself bristle, refusing to fall into and play they were trying to snag her into. But the fact was...
Kali pulled back, knowing full well that she was at a disadvantage. Her gaze flickered to Kouen and the prince gazed down at her. "And I get my vessels back?"
Kouen gazed back at her evenly, Kali waiting. To the girl's surprise and chargin, a small smirk touched his lips. "We'll see."
I'll have to take what I can get. Kali felt her shoulders slump, hating the fact that she had to give in this time—she hadn't expected to have gotten into such troubles within this country.
If I knew I wouldn't have come. Kali raised her head, meeting Kouen's gaze. "Fine."
Murmurs began to echo around her and Kouen's gaze was unmovable as he blinked languidly. "Very well then."
You've got to be kidding me. Kali shook her head in disbelief, running a hand through her hair as she sighed in frustration. Maybe I should get help... No, that's without a doubt out of the question. If Sinbad got word of this, then it'd be trouble.
"It seems we'll have to brave the Kou empire on our own." Camio mused, and Kali nodded her head absently, letting a sigh escape her lips.
Amongst the chaos and tension, a sudden realization struck her and Kali blinked. Slowly the woman turned to face Kouen. "Hey, Ren."
Nobles and soldiers bristled at the informal tone, but Kali was honestly tired of saying Prince before his name—a last name basis wasn't too informal, right? Kouen gazed at her silently, and Kali found her hands coming to rest on her stomach.
With a turn of her lips Kali grinned. "Do you have anything to eat around here?"
"How do you feel?"
Kali shut her eyes, searching through herself, her body. It was there, tucked into the far corners of her mind, but it was there, and it would never leave. Her eyes slid open and the young woman put a hand to her head, inhaling softly as she sat down on the plush bed—the room she'd been given was actually nicer than she expected. "I'm alright."
What'd happened early had been stretching alright. Kali glanced to the side, faintly ashamed, but beneath the shame came the underlying fact that she'd been afraid, very much so. She'd nearly lost herself for a moment.
"I knew it was too soon." Camio murmured, and Kali idly stroked the thick leaves covering the vines. "You just got back—you're body can't handle it. Such a large quantity and those thoughts was tempting fate."
"How was I supposed to know?" Kali mused, gazing dully down at the ground before her, lush carpeting and polished wooden floors gazing back at her. "My strength wavered... forgive me, Cam."
"Of course." The vines surrounded her paused, and she sensed Camio's worry. "You must be careful, my king."
I know.
"You're not invincible."
I know.
"Not even to the darkness of this world."
...I know. Kali shut her eyes, the vines a warm comfort to her barren body—it was wrong, she realized, to be without her vessels. And she hadn't realized how accustomed she grown to them on her person—without them, she felt as vulnerable as a newborn.
But she had no choice. Silver eyes shone in the faint light, and Kali gazed down and out the window before her, eyes scanning over the palace grounds. They ghosted over a young man training in the courtyard, a spear in his hand, past a young girl striding down the hall, a yellow clothed man at her side, and past the buildings to simply gaze at the country before her.
The wolf had wandered into the lion's den.
"There's much more to this country than we thought." Kali gripped the metal feather between her fingers, gazing out the window thoughtfully. "What shall we do now, Cam?"
"Whatever you wish, my king." Kali paused, her gaze leaving the window as a small smile touched her lips.
Then... The young woman turned, eyes glimmering. She'd play along with this then, she'd walk into their game, but she wouldn't promise to play by their rules.
Let's save the world.
And that concludes the first chapter for the mini-Kou arc! :D I'm guessing for about two more before we get back onto the story line, since that should be enough to explain what happened during Kali's time in Kou.
I realized that giving Kouen different expressions is actually kind of hard. 0-0. This guy isn't as expressive as Sinbad or any of the other characters, so I hope I did him justice.
On a side note, it's come to my attention from a few reviews that there's the idea that Kali is a Mary-sue, and I guess I'll address the issue. I can completely and totally understand why she would get that view, Kali's powers are great, without a doubt, almost stretching it, considering she has six djinns, along with the power to teleport at whim and see the Rukh, but I hope and I really want you all to understand that her powers do not simply come without a price. Kali has not been endowed with these powers just because, and she is not simply strong just to be that kind of character. I've given Kali this strength and power because she has her own motives, and since I'm only seven chapters in this story, of course no one would know yet why she has so furiously obtained power, and how she worked to get to where she is. But I understand why she would be thought of like that, and you have my apologies if she can come out that way, I honestly don't wish for her to be.
But since this story is still starting, you have yet to learn what these prices are. :) So I can understand why she would get the view. And I'd like to make it clear that Kali can see the Rukh, but she cannot call for their aid and use their power for her own like a magi can, she can only see them, that's it. And I'm grateful that those who commented told me, so that I could think more about her character, but please, if you want to tell me that she's a mary-sue, don't just say she is and that's she's unbelievable. Tell me how it could be fixed, tell me what you think would make it better, I'm always open to suggestions and ideas and comments from my readers, I want to make this story a good one, and I don't mind constructive criticism. :)
None the less though, I hope that Kali is an enjoyable character, and that you all like her. :) I promise I'll do my best to make her a good one.
Thank you all for all the kind reviews and PMs and favorites/follows, you guys are without a doubt, the best.
I love you guys.
I hope you all enjoyed! :D
Marshmellow-
-OUT!
