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I do not own Magi.


Enigma

Chapter Eight:

The Conqueror and the Unconquered


"You're up at this hour?"

Gray eyes stained blue blinked, the younger girl's head turning to meet warm blue, a small smile on Yunan's face as he tipped his hat back. "Whatever are you doing?"

"Training." Kali held up her necklace in response, the metal feather between her fingertips as she gazed up at the magi. "Why are you up so late?"

"I was looking for you." Yunan idly waved his wand, two wooden chairs appearing as he took a seat. "You should get your rest you know; running low on magoi is dangerous."

"Camio always tells me when to stop." Kali murmured, taking a step back as a tree shot up from the earth, branches and vines entwining as it soared upwards in an attempt to reach the heavens. "He said the plants grow better under a full moon."

"I see." Yunan admired the towering tree before him thoughtfully. "You've been working hard."

"Thank you." Kali offered him a small smile, watching as the buds on the tree began to unfurl, silver tinted petals coming into view. "You've helped me a lot."

"I've done what I can." Yunan's eyes softened, and the blonde haired magi gazed down into his lap, a contemplative look on his face. The Rukh between the two swirled happily, filling the empty space.

"Kali."

"Hmm?" The flowers were in full bloom now, and Kali was waving her arms in slow motions, watching as branches stretched in a large arch over her head.

"What is it you wish for with this power?" Yunan wondered aloud, gazing thoughtfully at the young girl before him. Kali curled her fingers, vines reaching upwards as she cocked her head slightly.

"What do you mean?"

"You've obtained great power," Yunan smiled slightly, his eyes crinkling at the edges, eyes that had seen far and wide. "What do you wish to do with it?"

"...I've always wanted to see the world." Kali admitted, gazing up at the darkened sky before them, the full moon casting a silver glow down on everything around them. "Traveling sounds fun."

"You should." Yunan encouraged, but he was wise, and this girl before him was one that would come to leave a great mark upon this world—he only wondered how. "But what else?"

A small smile tugged at Kali's lips, knowing that she could never get anything past the kind man beside her; he was as much of a stranger to this world as herself. But magis were different, and according to Yunan, she was on a class of her own.

"I want to be free." A breeze fluttered and petals began to fall to the ground, sending a shower of silver down on the two below.

She was no longer shackled by those chains, but there were different chains around her now, and she would have to carry them with her less they tie her down. Yunan watched as petals fell down about them, gazing almost sadly at the young girl before him as he let out a quiet sigh.

"That is something that will require great strength."

Slowly Kali turned, silver petals caught in her hair as she met Yunan's gaze. She pressed the metal feather to her lips, and vines surged upwards from the ground. The earth groaned as a towering tree surged up behind her, arching forward and reaching beyond the first, soaring, higher and higher, stretching with all its might to grasp the moon.

Gray eyes met blue and Kali felt the words carving themselves into her heart.

"Then I'll obtain that strength with my own hands."


Kali wasn't easily angered.

She liked to think that she was rather patient, save for the fact that she could get annoyed, and when pushed to far, angry, and when really shoved back, livid, but it took a lot to get that way. She always did her best to remain civil.

But, she had to admit, right now, she was at her limit.

She hadn't noticed it at first, but after the spat with Kouen and his court, she'd been given a rather extravagant room. She wasn't quite sure if it was out of bribery, or the fact that they were once more proving to her where she stood, she had no idea. But she wasn't about to complain right?

Although, out of spite, she had messed up the room and done as she'd done with her own room in Sindria, and that involved letting various vines and flowers run amok.

The servant's reactions were priceless.

If they wanna play, I'll hit them right back. Kali lifted her chin up, walking tall and proud as she strode down the long hallways, one side open up to the air and sky before her. Had she been in a better mood, she would have loved to take in the décor, the paintings, the palace. It wasn't often you would get such a chance, and bitter as she was to be here, she could not deny the wonderfulness of it all.

But. Her eyes flickered to the side, watching from the corner as two soldiers followed several paces behind, faces neutral as she blinked. Are guards necessary?

"They have all reason to believe that you might try something." Camio admitted, and Kali scoffed, rolling her eyes.

They proved I wasn't going to be killing any time soon.

"Escape."

Ah.

It'd been three days since her meeting with Kouen, and since then, she hadn't seen a single bit of crimson hair or eyes. Half of her was thankful, and the other half was ready to start a battle she couldn't finish.

But really... Kali began to wonder if it'd be too soon or a foolish move to reveal her trump and disappear right before these guards. Then again...

Her eyes flickered and a grin touched her lips as she lightly began to drum her fingers along the wooden railing, occasionally glancing to the guards behind her. Though stiff and ready, after hours of following her throughout the day, it seemed that they had been lulled into a faint sense of peace.

Her finger dragged along the smooth wood, feeling the life of what once was thrum beneath her, responding to her call, and with a flick, the railing bent and crashed down, creating a blockade between herself and the soldiers.

As surprised cries left their lips, Kali was leaping and running across the courtyard, sooty hair whipping out beneath her as she grinned, letting out a triumphant laugh as she ran. Camio chuckled beside her, ignoring the shouts of the guards and calls for help, she was ducking and turning and weaving herself into the maze of the palace.

"You don't have to be so cruel." Camio chided, but even his words were half hearted as Kali simply grinned, feeling rather pleased as she rolled her shoulders. "Where's the fun in that? If Kouen thinks he's getting his way so easy he's got another thing coming."

"I would expect no less." Camio sighed, almost forlornly. "Though those poor souls were only doing their job."

Kali paused, glancing back to where the two soldiers were attempting to pry apart the wood. A small smile touched her lips and she curved her fingers, Camio responding, and the two watched as lilies popped from the wood, blooming and blossoming at a rapid rate.

There. Maybe they can bring those home and woo some lady. Kali offered, and Camio chuckled, causing her to grin. "What shall I do with you my king?"

Love me. Feed me. Kali's feet began to touch cool grass and smooth marble stones. Her eyes turned upwards, realizing that she'd seemed to have wandered into a garden.

Wonderful.

Immediately, the life of the plants around her began to hum, and Kali had to shut her eyes and breathe in the wonderfulness of it all. She was in her element here. Camio responded in kind, his power thrumming through her in response to the presence of so many plants. A small smile curled her lips upwards, and she idly stretched her hands out on either side, brushing along petals and leaves that bent and curved to her fingers.

Life was a certain power she could never quite understand. Fire, storm, illusions, they were all things she somehow managed to wrap her head around, but life, life was different.

It was alive.

She'd been thinking it over for awhile now, and Kali wasn't one to wait for her metal vessels to come to her, she'd have to retrieve them herself. She didn't know how long Kouen planned to play this game and let her roam; otherwise he must have some sort of trick up his sleeve if he truly believed she would turn to his side. She wanted her vessels, and she'd been teleporting throughout the palace in a weak attempt to get some idea.

And it was all much harder than she expected.

"We could... always trick them." Camio offered, though her Djinn sounded hesitant, and she had to agree. It was clear Kouen wouldn't be caught off guard so easily, but the idea of agreeing to his terms and walking back on them... A sour taste filled her mouth and Kali frowned at the idea, shoving it aside for a last tactic.

She wasn't honest, but she didn't fancy herself a traitor.

We'll think of something. The soft words of assurance did little, but Camio's presence helped, and Kali shut her eyes, inhaling softly. We always do.

Together.

Snap!

Gray eyes stained blue fluttered open, and Kali moved her gaze from the bundle of tulips before her to meet wide, doe like eyes, the color of a deep, pleasant magenta. The slightly older woman paused, blinking curiously at the younger girl before her, the dark pink haired girl's face contorting into one of plain surprise, her mouth falling open slightly.

Not a word was spoken, the girl probably a few years younger than herself, and Kali blinked once, titling her head to the side and offering a small smile. "Hello."

"A-Ah," Her eyes flickered to one side and she took a step back. Kali sighed well naturedly, probably some palace noble who thought she was some thief or something. "I-I-Intruder!"

"I—"

"Ka Kou—" The young girl caught herself, her eyes hardening as her hand shot towards her hair. Kali watched curiously as she slipped a hair pin from the magenta locks, the elaborate piece glowing as her eyes narrowed. "Who are you and what are you doing here?"

No, not a simple royal. Kali eyed her stance, the taut shoulders, and the look of fierceness on her face, her lips pulling upwards. More like a warrior princess. A dungeon capturer?

"I won't be patient!" The young girl raised her chin, and Kali remained silent for a moment as she narrowed her eyes. "Thieves and anyone who means harm will not be dealt with lightly, do you understand that?"

"My apologies." Kali offered her a small smile, the younger girl faltering a moment before she stiffened, eyes still narrowed at her in wary distrust. "I'm just a... well, a guest here. I'm sorry if I intruded on you."

"A guest?" The girl looked puzzled for a moment, halting momentarily before her eyes narrowed. "Then where are your escorts?"

Escorts...? Kali's eyes widened in realization as her mind flashed to the two soldiers she'd left behind.

Oh.

"I'm afraid I lost them." Kali responded, not quite a lie since she didn't know where they were by now. "I just wanted to see the place for myself, you know?"

"Don't take me for a fool," Her eyes flickered in warning, and she remained ready, prepared to strike. "You could easily be lying!"

Kali felt a flicker of softness in her eyes, and the smile on her lips curled upwards a bit further. She liked this girl. "I suppose, we would have no way of knowing, would we?"

"P-Princess!" Kali's eyes flickered from the young girl to the blur of yellow rushing towards them, a young man—and for some strange reason, he reminded her of a sly, weaker version of Ja'far—and his eyes widened upon the sight of them, quickly rushing to the young girl's side. "Where have you been? I've been tearing up the palace looking for you—"

"I'm sorry, Ka Koubun." The princess responded, but her voice was hard as her eyes narrowed. "But I was dealing with this possible intruder. Call the guards at once!"

"Intruder?" Ka Koubun's eyes flickered to Kali and the woman gazed at him calmly as his eyes widened in recognition, surprise flickering across his face before he turned, holding up a fan-like thing to his face as he turned to the younger girl.

A princess, huh? Kali frowned slightly, looking troubled. Just how many kids does this guy have?

"P-Princess, this woman is no intruder—at least for now—she is Lord Kouen's guest!" Ka Koubun whispered quickly, and the younger girl's eyes widened, a look of horror coming onto her face.

"B-Brother's g-g-guest?"

"Prisoner." Kali added silently, but the young girl had already turned, a wide eyed look on her face as a blush dusted her cheeks, her head dipping into a bow.

"I—I sincerely apologize for my rude behavior! I was unaware that I was speaking to a guest of my bro—Lord Kouen, please, forgive me."

"P-Princess!" The man beside her seemed to be throwing a fit, and Kali watched in amusement as he pointed wildly. "You don't need to apologize to this stranger! Do not bow your head! Even if she's a guest, someone such as yourself is bound to have a higher position than her!"

Rude.

"But Ka Koubun, she's brother's guest!"

"That may be so, my princess, but for all we know, this woman could just be some—"

"I'd prefer you not lower me to such standards." Kali commented dryly, realizing where this conversation was going, and after the virgin hunting she'd gone through with Ose, she was done with such topics for a long while. "I am no such thing. Merely an...observer. I'm receiving a tour of Kou for a few days."

"An observer?" Ka Koubun's eyes narrowed and a look of unsettlement crossed over his face. Kali held back a snicker, Camio sighing almost in amusement as he sensed her growing mischief.

"Lord Kouen has invited me from my country to come and view Kou," Kali explained, a warm smile touching her lips as she titled her head, "I'm the first princess, it is a pleasure to meet you as well...?"

"A-Ah—Princess?" The young girl's eyes widened like saucers, and Kali really had to hold back a laugh as her servant nearly fainted, his face turning ashen as the young girl swallowed, a look of panic coming onto her face. "I-I—I am the eighth princess of Kou, Ren Kougyoku!"

With a graceful fluster Kali could never imagine mastering; Kougyoku lowered her head slightly, bringing her hands together as she bowed. "It is an honor to meet one of my brother's guests, Princess..."

"Kali." I wonder if I should feel bad about this. Kali beamed, bowing her head and grinning brightly at the girl. "And really, it's my bad in the first place; I was the one to intrude."

"It's fine, really!" Kougyoku offered her a pleasant smile, a light blush dusting her cheeks as she idly tugged her fingers through her magenta hair. "I hope your stay in our country is well?"

"Fine, thank you." If getting held here against your will is well. Kali paused, looking thoughtful. "Your food is rather tasty though."

"Isn't it?" Kougyoku beamed, a bright smile on her face. "I really do enjoy the pastries the chef serves, the egg tarts are wonderful."

"The ones with the fruit, right?"

"Yes! I must say I'm particularly fond of fruits, and with the cream it tastes amazing."

"Hmm, I've a bit of a weakness for such things too. A country I know fancies in trading all kinds of exotic fruits," Her mind flickered back to the stalls and bazaars of Sindria, the sea breeze, the noise, the life. "And I must say though, Kou has a wonderful choice of them."

"If you'd like, our cooks can make whole servings of whatever you'd like." Kougyoku started, a look of excitement flashing through her eyes as a large smile began to touch her face. "Our cooks are some of the best!"

Kali simply grinned; she decided she liked this girl. "That sounds nice."

Kougyoku's face became one of happiness at the thought, a look of awe and hopefulness so bright that Kali was a bit curious. A sudden look of realization seemed to hit her though and Kougyoku blinked, a blush flushing across her cheeks as her head jerked to the side, her arms coming up to fold into her sleeves neatly. Kali blinked curiously as Kougyoku cleared her throat. "I'm glad that your stay here is going so well."

The calm regality of her voice didn't quite seem to fit, despite her charm in her expressions. Kali blinked, tilting her head in confusion at the sudden change. "Thank you."

"If you don't mind me prying, Princess." Kali and Kougyoku paused, glancing over to Ka Koubun as he eyed Kali thoughtfully. "What country do you come from?"

"Ah..." Hmm. "I come from Sinou." Kali offered a small smile, and Camio chuckled in her mind, causing Kali's cheeks to dust pink.

"That was the best you could think of?"

You're no help. Ka Koubun frowned a thoughtful look coming onto his face. "I see, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the country."

"Ka Koubun," Kougyoku glanced to the yellowed clothed man and Ka Koubun flinched, Kougyoku looking stern. "I'm not familiar as well, but you're speaking out of line!"

"M-My apologies, my princess—"

"Oh, it's fine." Kali waved the two off, letting out a small sigh as she blinked, glancing to the side. "This is a fine garden."

Kougyoku paused from where she'd been hurriedly whispering with Ka Koubun and smiled, her hands placed together in front of her. "I-I think so too. Not many people come out to enjoy it though."

"I'm glad you were." Kougyoku looked confused as Kali continued to smile, feeling rather carefree. "I got to meet you here because of it."

Kougyoku's cheeks dusted pink and she coughed, straightening her back. "I'm glad as well."

"Shall we do something then?" Kougyoku blinked, glancing to the black haired girl as she grinned. "I don't want to be wandering around all day, were do you like to go?"

"O-Oh." Could this be what having another female friend is like? Kougyoku's eyes widened at the thought, her heart thudding against her chest as she held back her hopefulness. She seems so nice—a bit odd, but kind! And so confident in her own way I suppose... And if she's here on business, perhaps I could even be of use! Good friends wouldn't go to war right? I'm sure, well, if she'd like to be friends, it'd be a plus...

She's kinda weird. Kali continued to grin. But I like her.


"These are really good." Kali swung her feet before her, missing the clink of her anklets as she dangled her feet over the porch, biting into a soft peach, the sweet juices exploding into her mouth.

"Right?" Kougyoku beamed, cupping the soft pink fruit in her hands and waving KA Koubun off as he offered to slice it for her. "It's such a nice day as well."

Kougyoku's smile was slightly strained, trying to hold back the questions she wanted to ask and do her best to look calm. But she really did want to ask if this meant they were friends or not, since she didn't have many, another friend like a princess as well... "I-It'd be nice to do such things everyday."

"It would." Kali paused, looking thoughtful as she chewed, gazing up at the blue sky.

She feels the same... Kougyoku swallowed, her hands trembling slightly as she glanced to the side, holding her head high. "Then... Does this make us friends?"

Kali blinked over her peach, gazing at the girl with wide eyes. "Hmm?"

"Friends." Kougyoku repeated, and Kali blinked once more, causing the other girl to blush as she opened her mouth. "But if—"

"I don't mind. Friends then."

...

...

...

"R-Really?"

"Sure."

"T-Then that means we can do things like each other's hair and make up right?" Kali blinked again as Kougyoku pressed forward, eyes shining in excitement. "And share secrets, stay over night, call each other by our first names, and all kinds of things friends do right?"

"I guess."

Kougyoku's went wide and she quickly sat down, a small smile on her face as she turned the peach in her hands. "I... I'm very grateful that we can become friends, Kali. You see, I don't really have many."

"I didn't either." Kali admitted, how strange, it was strangely peaceful to talk to her like this. "I'm not one to get too attached to people; it's not my kind of thing."

"R-Really? But you seem like you would." Kougyoku's eyes were wide with surprise, somehow glad in her heart that she and this young woman had so much in common.

"I guess I do now." Her eyes flickered, the people of Sindria flickering through her mind, all those she'd met over the years... She considered them friends. "How about you? You're pretty nice."

"You think so?" Kougyoku beamed, looking up somewhat haughtily as she smiled. "I just haven't really been blessed with friends... So I treat the ones I have well!"

"Take care of me then~" Kali bit into her peach, munching peacefully as she sighed, Kougyoku smiling happily beside her, and somewhere behind she was sure Ka Koubun was muttering to himself.

...She could get used to this.

Ah.

"You don't have to be so restrictive." Camio murmured, and Kali inwardly shrugged, her eyes lowering. "It's fine like this, isn't it?"

I'm getting used to things so easily. Kali sighed, shaking her head slightly. Sinbad is such a bad influence...

"Is something wrong?" Kougyoku frowned, looking worried and Kali blinked, finishing her peach and tossing the core into the trash pile they had growing and picking another.

"No, just thinking." Kali bit into the peach, munching thoughtfully.

There was something odd about this country, aside from the magicians and dark Rukh they had fluttering about, it was the lull of this place, the homeliness it offered that made her wary. It reminded her greatly of how Sindria drew her in, and with the ease and how nice it felt to just sit and talk here with one of their royals, she was worried.

Perhaps she was growing soft...

"B-Brother!" Kali froze, her mouth bitten into the peach, a trail of juice trailing down her chin as Kougyoku abruptly stood, bowing slightly. "W-What are you doing here?"

"Am I not allowed to pass by?" Kouen deep voice made Kali grow stiff, her mouth stiff bitten into the peach as she remained seated, her eyes gazing blankly in front of her.

"N-No, of course not! I meant, um...oh! Are you here for Princess Kali?"

Kali choked, swallowing the piece of fruit and inhaling deeply. Kouen blinked languidly, his eyes trailing over to the black haired woman seemingly ignoring his presence, and then back to his sister. "I had been originally. I'd heard she'd been separated from her escorts and came to search."

"M-My apologies," Kougyoku bowed her head, suddenly looking embarrassed and Kali realized that this girl clearly respected and admired her brother a great deal. "I was showing her around... I didn't think to report to anyone that'd I found her. Please excuse my mistake..."

"Showing her around?" Warily, Kali finally turned her eyes his way, instantly regretting it when crimson met gray stained blue, and Kouen gazed back at her evenly. "I see."

The silent stare off continued as Kougyoku somewhat excitedly rattled on about how she'd been showing Kali around, and how they'd talked over the different fruits they'd tried and all the kinds all over the world. Gray refused to budge under searing crimson and Kougyoku trailed off a few times, looking embarrassed at how eager she was, but really, the poor girl had finally made a friend—and a girl at that!—and she really did hope her brother didn't mind, or that she hadn't caused some trouble with his political affairs.

Kouen tilted his head slightly, chin titled upwards in a way that was both a challenge and so seemingly natural for the man. Kali remained silent, taking in his demeanor, his radiance, as his Rukh seemed to buffer against her, batting at her to the point of annoyance.

And slowly, Kali titled her chin slightly, gaze remaining even as she calmly bit into the peach.

Loudly.

And she ungracefully continued to chew as a trail of juice trickled down her chin. Kouen arched a fine brow, his face remaining emotionless if not barely interested as Kali continued to chew.

"Princess Kali."

Kali swallowed, wincing as it went down roughly due to her sudden surprise. She glowered as some air of triumph filled the air and Kouen simply blinked slowly. "I would like to request a meeting with you in the evening. I will send for escorts, so do not wander."

His eyes flickered to his sister and Kougyoku stiffened, back straightening as he blinked calmly, Kali unable to tell if this was his way of looking soft since his face still looked exactly the same. "Carry on as you were, Kougyoku. Thank you for taking care of our guest."

Kougyoku's eyes widened and she shook her head. "O-Oh, not at all!"

With a slight nod, Kouen swept forward, his dark cape flaring out behind him as he passed by Kali, not a word spoken between the two. Kali remained still until her had disappeared down the corner, and when she waited a minute after that, she finally bit roughly into her peach, a sour look on her face.

"I must say, this man is a different entity all together." Camio mused, and Kali grumbled, wiping at her chin and biting into her fruit once more. "He knows how to work his way around, doesn't he?"

He's different and not different from Sinbad. Kali glanced to the side, frowning. But if I can take Sinbad I can deal with this guy.

"Kougyoku?"

"Hmm?" The young girl turned, a small smile on her face and Kali blinked, realizing she didn't want to continue on with this after Kouen. It made her feel...weird.

"I'm not a princess."

...

...

...

"Eh?"

"I lied." Kali began carefully, watching Kougyoku's face as the younger girl simply blinked. "Though I am actually your brother's...guest, in honesty, I'm more of a simple traveler. Everything I've said otherwise is completely true."

"Y-You're not a princess?" Kougyoku shot up, a look of indignation and disbelief crossing her face, and perhaps a bit of hurt, making Kali feel a bit guilty.

"No, I was just playing." Kali gazed down at the floor, a thoughtful look before she glanced back up at Kougyoku. "Does that mean we can't be friends?"

"N-N-No!" Kougyoku shot up abruptly, eyes wide at the notion. "We can still be friends—right?"

"As long as you don't mind."

"I just don't see why you had to say your were a princess... Does that mean Sinou isn't real?"

"Not exactly. It was based off a country I'm rather fond of."

"P-Princess!" Ka Koubun swept forward in a blur of yellow and brown and Kali blinked at the sudden block in her sight. "You don't have to affiliate yourself with such a person any longer! Even if she is Lord Kouen's guest, such ill treatment towards you is unforgivable!"

"I don't mind joking around every now and then really..."

"She lied to you!"

"Mostly because of you." Kali tossed aside the peach core, watching KA Koubun whirl around and begin to lecture her about what a terrible person she was for lying to the princess.

In all honesty, Kali regretted weaving such a tale. But seeing Kougyoku so willingly forgive her for something like that was baffling, even if it was just a white lie, it seemed as if she didn't mind for a friend.

Which is beyond kind.

"Just no more lying, okay?" Kougyoku sat down once more, looking rather happy with herself as she smiled gently. "I don't really mind, it's just nice to have another girl to talk to."

I don't know if I can be much help... Kali frowned, knowing full well she wasn't exactly the most lady-like person in the world... But she'd do her best. If it was for this girl, she would try at least. "I won't lie to you." I can't say the same about anyone else here though.

"So this is where you've been old hag!" The familiar voice made Kali pause once more, near choking on the peach she'd bitten into, her head turning as Kougyoku stiffened, a look of fury coming onto her face.

"I'm not old! Stop calling me that!" With a heave, Kougyoku chucked several peach cores Judal's way. The black haired magi dodged them easily, a smirk on his face as he leered over the younger girl.

"All I see is an old hag!"

"Shut up!"

Judal grinned, somewhat affectionately ruffling Kougyoku's hair as the princess steamed, Ka Koubun puffing up indignantly. Crimson eyes slid over to her and Judal blinked, a look of surprise coming onto his face. "Eh? So you've been messing around with the virgin?"

Kali spat, cheeks dusting slightly as she gaped at Judal who began to cackle. "You two are perfect for each other! So what have you been doing, huh? Talking about—"

"Kali, you know Judal?" Kougyoku blinked, gazing at Kali in surprise, and the older female glowered.

"We met."

"Aw, don't tell me you're being sour." Judal snickered, striding over and resting his hand on his hips as he leaned over Kali. "What, don't like the fact that Kouen's got you beat?"

"More so that my vessels were stolen from me, magi." Kali grinned, Judal frowning as she glared. "Some magi you are... Aren't you guys supposed to be for the world? Yet two of you are tied to one country..."

"I like strong people." Judal explained simply, causing Kali to blink in surprise as he grinned, eyes lighting up in excitement as he waved his hands out. "And Kou is full of strong people—I've done a good job making them all dungeon capturers you know, enough to rival Sinbad!"

He knows Sin? Kali decided to keep her connections to the purple haired king a secret for now, gazing at Judal in slight fascination. "Strong people?" Does this guy have some sort of goal he's working towards? "Are you trying to create some kind of army?"

"Who knows?' Judal shrugged, tossing his arms behind his head as he grinned mischievously. "Even the old hag here is a conqueror!"

"J-Judal, don't be rude to Kali!" Kougyoku intervened, sticking up for her newfound friend, and Kali glanced back to the girl, eyes trailing to the hairpin she'd threatened her with before. I'd guessed when she held that at me... So young though... Kou really is someone to watch out for. "I'm sorry; I hope he hasn't offended you."

"Eh? You're sticking up for some girl you just met instead of me?" Judal frowned, flicking at peach core at Kougyoku and grinning when it hit her smack in the forehead. "Traitor."

"I don't want to hear that from someone as rude as you!" Kougyoku whirled around before she came to a halt, jerking back to Kali. "Wait, Kali, are you a dungeon capturer as well then?"

"I—"

"She has five." Judal ticked off his hands, letting out a low whistle before sneering. "But she's only got one on her now."

"F-Five?" Kougyoku's eyes went round and the young girl gazed at Kali with newfound respect. No wonder she's Brother's guest... "That's... That's really amazing, Kali..."

"But she's useless without them." Judal added, leering at the girl and Kali smirked, titling her head back as she drummed her fingers along the wooden floors.

"I can still kick at least your ass without them." Kali retorted and Judal smirked, leaning forward as well.

"Oh yeah?"

"I-I think that's still amazing!" The two blinked from where their foreheads were nearly touching and turned to Kougyoku, a wide eyed look on her face as she clutched her hairpiece tight in her hands. "I... I too want to be able to fight; I want to be a warrior for my country. So seeing someone else, and a girl as well... It really gets me excited!"

Kali blinked in surprise as Kougyoku glanced down to her metal vessel, a hesitant look on her face before turning to Kali. "I've just acquired Vinea, and I'm still training hard to do my best, but if you will... Surely for having five... Would you help me train as well Kali?"

...

...

...

"Kougyoku."

"Y-Yes?"

"You're really honest, aren't you?" Kali blinked in surprise at the girl, her emotions so earnest... It was different really. She'd grown so used to weaving her way through people, finding out their true intentions, but despite how dignified and haughtily she carried herself, Kougyoku was a really honest girl.

"Even the old hag has a cute side." Judal snickered, tossing a peach into the air and chucking it at Kougyoku's feet, cackling when she let out a shriek of surprise as the fruit splattered before her. "You should be asking one of your brothers, not a stranger, idiot."

"I don't mind." Kali frowned when Judal ducked the peach she threw his way. "If you want, I'd be glad to... I guess. What are friends for, right?"

"Wonderful!" Kougyoku's eyes lit up and the girl brought her hands together excitedly. "This is great—Kali you must show me your powers sometime!"

"I suppose—" Kali stopped when a fruit came smack with her cheek, peach juice splattering across her face as the remains of the fruit fell to the floor. Judal let out a mad cackle, falling to the floor as he held his stomach.

"That's a good look for you, prude!" Judal cackled, wiping his eyes as he continued to laugh.

His laugh cut off abruptly when vines wrapped around his legs, keeping him bound. Judal blinked and a flurry of peaches collided into him, juice and fruit splattering across his face and stomach, dripping down to the floor. Kali beamed, wiping off a piece of fruit. "Better a prune then a peach."

...

...

...

Several peaches and fruits from the basket went flying, Kali and Judal swinging their arms as they ducked and dived, shooting at each other. Kougyoku blinked at the sudden frenzy, eyes growing wide as peaches splattered everywhere.

"K-Kali, Judal, we shouldn't—"

A peach went sailing her way, but before it could strike, Ka Koubun leapt forward, the peach colliding with his face as he fell to the floor. "Ka Koubun!"

"P-Princess, you must escape!"

"Ka Koubun, stay with me!"

A peach collided with Kougyoku's face, causing the princess to pause, a slow rise of steam gently coming from her ears. Judal and Kali had paused for a moment, hands poised and ready as Kougyoku rose from the ground, whirling around with a look of fury on her face as she held up a peach. "Ka Koubun you'll be avenged! I swear!"

"It was the peach freak here."

"Shut up! Don't listen to her, hag!"

"I'm not old!"

"Hah, you got peach in your braid."

"Watch it get in your face!"


A terse silence was met by three pairs of ears.

Crimson eyes blinked slowly, a seemingly bored expression on his face as he regarded the sight before him. Kouen rested his cheek on his hand, gazing flatly ahead. Crimson eyes stained gold meeting gray stained blue.

Beside Kouen was a man Kali was unfamiliar with, then again, she wasn't familiar with really anyone in this country actually, so it wasn't much of a surprise. Though he looked young, perhaps a little older than herself. Long, messy red locks tumbled down his shoulders, sloppily pulled back into a pony tail.

Light acne scars dusted his nose and cheeks, and somewhat slanted eyes gazed back at her curiously, the pinker shade of red blinking slowly at her.

Sibling? It seemed the palace was full of them at this rate. Kali remained standing, bare feet feeling the cool wood below her as she gazed back at the two. From her perspective, she'd guess this was some kind of library or study. Her eyes flickered to the scrolls, maps, and assortment of books and papers, and she found herself wondering if her vessels were in any of these drawers.

But perhaps the silence was here not because neither side knew what to say, but more so it was because of the fact that she wasn't exactly in proper attire to be meeting with the First Prince of Kou.

Her tunic had been dampened and stained with various colors, mostly a pinkish tint thanks to all the peaches having been thrown her way. She'd grudgingly wiped off a few chunks and pieces, but the juice had left her feeling sticky and rather disgusting. Kougyoku had implored her to go and take a bath, but Kali had waved her hand and asked for her to use Vinea instead, after discovering it was a water Djinn.

That hadn't been the brightest idea.

And Judal had laughed so hard he toppled over, and Kali was left with the choice to once again pummel him with the fruit remains scattered about. The fighting had ceased when she'd grudgingly handed him a clean, not destroyed peach, and Judal had offered her one in return as they lazily swatted at the other's attempt to pick fruit off themselves.

Thus leading to her current predicament.

But in all honesty, Kali didn't care much for what the two men before her thought. In any case, perhaps this was some childish way of hers to give the man before her more problems. She wasn't simply going to comply to his will, he was well aware, but she wasn't going down so easily.

"You're covered in fruit."

It wasn't a question, and surprisingly not quite a statement. All in one sentence, Kouen had managed to deliver 'why are you like this', 'how did this happen', 'you're staining my floors' just like that. Kali felt a small grin crawl over her lips as she tilted her head, a trail of juice dripping onto the floor.

"I had a bit of a fall out with your oracle."

The man beside him winced, as if recalling some awful event. Kouen blinked once, in that languid way of his that was beginning to really remind Kali of some animal... A tiger? Perhaps a dragon...

"I see." Unaffected, Kouen straightened his already broad shoulders, lacing his fingers together before him and peering at her through smoldering eyes, the kind of eyes Kali found herself warily dancing around. "This is my brother, Second Prince of Kou, Ren Koumei."

The red head suddenly look startled, as if he'd been shaken awake. Koumei blinked at her and awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss..."

"Kali."

"Miss Kali." A yawn escaped his lips and Kali had to resist mimicking him. Yawns were contagious after all. "Welcome to the Kou Empire."

"Nice to meet you." Kali inclined her head to him slightly, but her gaze flickered back to Kouen as she shifted her feet, missing the clink of all her vessels. "And what would the First Prince of Kou like to request a meeting of a simple traveler?"

"To swear your loyalty to Kou."

"I was joking."

Kouen regarded her coolly, face unchanging. Kali met his stare evenly, not saying a word. Koumei was left to glance hopelessly between the two before sighing, rolling his shoulders as he shook his head. "Kali, I've been made aware of the situation between En—Kouen and yourself."

Gray eyes flickered upwards, her expression neutral as she swatted off a piece of peach, watching with faint satisfaction as it hit the floor with a smack. And she'd like to think that Kouen's brow twitched the slightest bit. "As you know, Kouen has requested that you stay in Kou for a month before making your decision about pledging your allegiance to Kou."

Koumei rubbed the back of his head once more, looking slightly unsure for a moment as he frowned. Blinking tiredly he glanced over to his brother, a frown on his lips. "How are we supposed to do this exactly? This is a new kind of situation..."

Kouen blinked, glancing up to his brother. "I told you to come prepared."

"I had to stay up all night making battle front plans." Koumei rolled his stiff shoulders, a weary look on his face. "Have mercy on me."

"To be honest," Kali spoke up, and crimson and pink glanced over to her as she offered them a slightly sheepish smile. "Kou has been great so far, it's nice. But I don't think you guys want me to be a part of your country, you know?"

Koumei frowned slightly, brows scrunching as he opened his mouth but Kali quickly swept on. "I mean, you don't even know who I am aside from my name." Not like I have plans of telling you any more than that. "I'm just some random girl you met dungeon capturing who just happens to have five now, look at that guy, what was his name? Sinbad! Doesn't he have seven? Wouldn't you rather have a guy like that at your aid than a girl like me?"

"Sinbad is a ruling king of his own country, Sindria," Koumei rubbed his chin, frowning at the thought. "An alliance with him would be far too complicated considering the fact that both our countries are so largely associated with other powers, his being the Seven Seas Alliance. Besides, both our countries obviously seem to have differing wills, and such a conflict would be to great for simple words on paper to bear."

Not bad. Kali praised the older male, her eyes flickering faintly in the dim light of the study. But not as good Ja'far. "Even if the two countries have differing wills, it doesn't mean that one country has to submit to the other in the case of joining forces."

Kouen's eyes flickered to life at this, his gaze watching the woman before him thoughtfully as Kali frowned. "Countries are ruled by people with goals in their minds, ideals they believe in that no other land can offer to them. But just because we all have different beliefs and wants, it doesn't mean we can't coexist together peacefully."

Slipping forward, her fingers gliding over the large map laid flat against Kouen's desk. Koumei watched curiously while Kouen kept his gaze fixated on Kali as she grinned faintly, fingers gliding across the map. "Thousands of people inhabit one country, different thoughts, different beliefs, and different wants for each person, no two are alike. So if all these people can live together harmoniously in one land, two people who rule can get along if not make a compromise."

Slanted pink eyes slid over to the young woman before them, her gaze hard, a light grin on her lips. In such a casual way she'd just orchestrated her own ideals, but in a way, her ideals were somewhat childish if not realistically optimistic. Kouen would easily be able to rebuff such ideals with his own and stomp them to the ground. But somehow, it seemed this woman's beliefs weren't so easily tied down by the simple ideal of everyone getting along. She wasn't stupid, Koumei could tell that much. Odd, not quite reliable, but not stupid.

Koumei's eyes slid over to his brother, well aware of his own brother's beliefs and goals, seeing as he was with him through thick and thin. But Koumei paused, a look of faint surprise flickering across his face as Kouen's eyes gleamed in the lamp light, casting shadows across his face as the corner of his mouth twitched upwards in a half smirk.

Ah. The younger brother paused, mouth opening slightly before he gently turned his gaze back to the woman before them.

It seemed she wouldn't be slipping out of this so easily.

"Of course, if things were that easy, we wouldn't be in such troublesome times." Kali sighed, giving a half hearted shrug as she gazed down at the map for a moment, before glancing back up. "People are greedy, selfish, and cruel, and we never know what might happen."

Her eyes flickered, her finger tapping lightly on the island that represented Sindria. "Your ideals, whatever they are, will probably end up different then this king's, but from the stories I've heard, he doesn't seem like such a bad guy—at least someone who'll keep their word."

A smirk crawled onto her lips and Kali beamed, causing Koumei to gaze at her carefully as she held her hands up. "I on the other hand, can't be said the same about."

Gray eyes flashed in the lamp light, and if Koumei was tempted to say he felt a chill run down his spine as she grinned, a somewhat feral look on her face. "I will not hesitate to turn on you for the sake of what I hold dear. And though you ask me to pledge loyalty to this country, there's no guarantee I'll stand by my word. The only things you hold against me are my vessels."

A sour look crossed Kali's face and she titled her chin upwards, eyes narrowing slightly. She wasn't one for things like this, she'd really rather just spend her days traveling the world at her leisure. But if her freedom was being threatened, there would be no mercy.

"I would not hesitate to retrieve them by my own means." Kali murmured silently, hoping she wouldn't have to come to such extreme measures. But she wouldn't shy away, she was no stranger to death, and if it came to it, so be it. "And asking me to stay here would be like letting a snake roam free in your home. I hold no loyalty to this country, or to you. If someone comes along asking me to betray you I might, if I decided I didn't believe in what you did I would attack you from behind. All of these risks for the sake of gaining a little power."

This has to at least work a little bit. Kali straightened her shoulders, lips curving into a smirk as she tilted her head back, eyes challenging. "Is it worth it?"

"I want you."

"No hesitation." Camio mused dryly. Kali blinked, face registering in surprise and she flinched, Kouen's eyes boring into hers with a fierce intensity that had her knees threatening to begin trembling. "Wh—"

"I said that I want you to pledge your loyalty to Kou, to me." Kouen's straightened his shoulders, head titling back slightly as he narrowed his eyes at her. "That has not, nor will not change."

Crimson red eyes threatened to burn as Kouen's gaze pierced through, leaving her frozen as she blinked in disbelief. "I want you."

This guy's whacked in the head. Kali felt her gaze flick from side to side, no way out except the door she'd come from. But she was closest and she'd make it there before them if it came to it. Koumei looked tired, a faint expression of exasperation and perhaps pity on his face as he sighed.

"You say that we don't know you," Kouen's voice snapped her attention back to himself, demanding it as he regarded her coolly. "Then tell me everything about you."

"Hold on now," Kali smiled nervously, laughing slightly. "I—"

"This Sinbad may have seven, but you have five. I myself have obtained three." Kouen's eyes narrowed. "Your power would be beyond welcome. A simple person with no ties would be safer to enlist then a king with his own motives."

"I haven't even used Ose yet." Kali butted in before Kouen could sweep on, her smile faltering as she struggled under this onslaught. "So in reality, only four really—"

"Then train." Kouen's voice commanded, echoing off the walls and causing Kali to flinch as if she'd been caught, her face growing slightly pale as she swallowed. "Grow strong, I will train you. Power is power, and such power at your disposal is indispensable."

He isn't even standing. Kali eye twitched in disbelief at the power this man seemed radiate; his words were like knives—no, nails, pinning her down and leaving her defenseless.

Kali was not defenseless.

"If your loyalty doesn't lie with Kou, it will." Kouen's eyes bore deep into hers, fierce, unwavering. "And any ruthless spirit can be tamed."

A drawn out silence followed, Kali standing a few feet away from the desk as she blinked, face slightly pale from the attack. Kouen was firm, unmoving, challenging as he gazed back at her. Koumei was glancing between the two, a look of faint exasperation on his face.

"My king," Camio sounded wary, his voice taut as Kali blinked, stilling herself. "This will not be an easy obstacle to clear."

"No."

Kouen blinked slowly, face unchanging as Kali frowned, a look of distaste coming onto her face. Koumei blinked, suddenly looking awake as he glanced to Kali. "What?"

"I don't want to." Kali stubbornly crossed her arms over her chest, tilting her chin upwards as her eyes narrowed.

"You don't want to..." Kouen echoed, his expression unchanging as the his eyebrow arched the faintest bit.

"Tying myself down to one country isn't my thing." Kali raised her hands upwards hopelessly as she sighed. "I like to travel."

Her eyes glittered faintly and she grinned. "That's what I do. My ideals don't exactly lie with wars and world conquest. So my wishes won't change. I'll remain the one month like you've asked, but I will not acquiesce to your will."

...

...

...

"You will."

Kali's eye twitched. "I won't."

Kouen remained silent, gazing back at her as she returned the gaze, a small smile on her lips.

"Is this what they call virgin hesitance?"

Kali spluttered, her cheeks dusting red as she jerked back, a look of indignation coming onto her face. Kouen remained unfazed, gazing at her flatly; the only change a gleam in his eyes that made Kali puff up in anger. "That has nothing to do with anything! Let it go!"

"It was the reason why a Djinn chose you above me as their user."

"I-It doesn't matter!" Kali exclaimed, embarrassment coloring her face, much to her dismay. "It's not a crime, damn it!"

Koumei choked, holding a hand to his mouth as he glanced the other way, his eyes blank save for the slight movement of his shoulders.

"It isn't!" Kali cried in frustration, somewhat in disbelief that the tightness in the air had been so easily washed away and switched to a different sort of air. If this was the kind of man Kouen was, it really wouldn't be easy to get away this time. "Leave me alone!"

"I see then." Koumei cast his brother a glance before coughing into his sleeve, standing upright and moving forward, beckoning to Kali to follow. "I'll escort you back."

Kali paused, arms caught in midair and she blinked turning on her heel and somewhat grudgingly following after Koumei. Her eyes strayed backwards, barely catching a glimpse of crimson before the door closed behind her.

And yet, the feel of burning eyes never left her.


"You know," Kali blinked, glancing up as Koumei spoke up, the slightly older male walking beside her looking rather tired. "To make my brother resort to such tactics..."

His eyes strayed to the side, peering at her beneath choppy red bangs he blinked thoughtfully. "You must be something."

"I can say the same for your brother." Kali sighed, rubbing the back of her head as a vine trailed from her necklace, entwining around her hand comfortingly. "That guy is stubborn."

"He is quite the man." Koumei somewhat agreed, swaying on his feet for a moment, and Kali found herself worrying that he was randomly going to collapse on her. "I haven't really wrapped my head around this situation either..."

A tired look came onto the young man's face and Koumei yawned, gazing at Kali dully. "Must you make things so troublesome though?"

"I'm sure you wouldn't be speaking like that if you were in my position." Kali retorted, eye twitched slightly before she sighed, gazing out where the evening sky met her, coloring into a bold red with orange tints.

She was beginning to think the color red was everywhere.

"My brother isn't a bad person..." Koumei trailed off, suddenly looking stumped. "He can be cruel... I guess. But he's a fine ruler."

Kali glanced to the side, gazing at the other Ren curiously as he yawned. "I trust him with my life after all."

"Big brother is a very kind person!"

"I like strong people like En."

Kali paused, her gaze flickering a moment before she shrugged it off. Her stare instead returned to the sloppy redhead beside her and she blinked, scrutinizing him closely. Koumei paused at the sudden stare and turned, blinking owlishly at her. "What?"

"You know, you remind me of someone I know." Gray eyes and white hair flickered through her mind, well kept clothes and that air of reliability. "Just lazier."

"...lazier?"

"And sloppier." Kali blinked, titling her head to the side. "And instead of scars he has freckles."

"...I see." Koumei frowned, looking puzzled for a moment before he sighed, shrugging, causing the large earring on his left ear to shift. "Well, I can only hope that your stay here in our country does you well, and that you change your mind."

"Don't get your hopes to high." Kali grinned, and Koumei blinked, gazing down at her somewhat pityingly.

"What?"

"No, it's just that... If it's my brother, it's almost certain then."

"Hey..."

"He has a way of getting things... He's a very... obstinate... man..."

"H-Hey, are you alright?"

"But you... seem to be... interesting..." Koumei's head lolled to the side and Kali blinked, eyes growing wide.

"H-Hey! Don't fall asleep on me—what am I supposed to do?"

...

"I'm going to leave you here then."

...

Kali blinked, a look of disbelief on her face at the idea that he so easily fell asleep, and also at the idea that he somehow managed to fall asleep upright. A sigh left her lips as she shrugged, waving her hands in exasperation and watching as the wood below them bent upwards, creating a flat surface.

Vines entwined about the flat board, covering it as leaves settled on top. With a push, Kali watched as Koumei tipped backwards, his back hitting the makeshift bed as he continued to breathe, eyes shut.

With a final wave a large leaf grew, big enough to barely cover him. Kali gazed at the sight and shook her head, her body flickering as she disappeared and reappeared back into her room.

"People from Kou are weird."

"I can't deny that."


"Your highness! Prince Kouha!"

"Master Kouha, where are you? Master Kouha!"

"Oh where could he be? Prince Kouha!"

The shrill cries of most likely maids made Kali flinch, her head shooting up and banging into the drawers above her. A low curse left her lips and Kali grimaced, rubbing her sore head as she backed up.

As quietly as she could, Kali gently slid the drawers back in place, rearranging everything as it was the way she'd found it. A slight sigh left her lips and she frowned, tugging at the metal feather on her chest and pressing it to her lips.

"We'll find them."

She and Camio had done the best they could to try and pin point their location, but like this it was near impossible. Kali bit her lip, clenching her fingers as she gazed out the stained glass window of the room she'd snuck into, her gaze lowering.

We've gone through at least a quarter of the palace. The week she'd been here now hadn't been spent wasting away, and while she did find herself spending a lot of time with Kougyoku and a times Judal, finding her metal vessels were her first priority.

And if that meant sneaking around then so be it!

"Your highness where are you?" Kali winced at the sudden cry, rubbing her ear when she jolted, the door slamming open and a figure darting in, shutting it gently behind them.

Kali froze in surprise, blinking thoughtfully as a snicker left the... girl? Her eyes dipped down and then back upwards. No, boy before her, a faint look of surprise coming across her face as the white clad teen turned.

Hair a soft, silky sort of pink-red trailed down his shoulders in two long strands, the rest coming shorter at the nape of his neck. Several braids adorned his hair and fringes, a hat rested crookedly atop his head, a white tunic-dress revealing bits of skin and falling over loose white shorts.

Eyes like a darkened pink blinked owlishly at her, the large sword hanging at his side barely skimming the ground as he titled his head, Kali unknowingly doing the same.

"Who are you?" The same question left both their lips and Kali blinked, while the teen frowned, a look of confusion on his face.

"You don't look like a servant," His eyes dipped up and down, before a grin crawled over his lips. "You're too pretty to be one of those ugly priests..."

Kali blinked, the compliment rather nice she supposed. "Thanks?"

"Gratitude shouldn't be a question." The young boy sighed, waving his hand at her. "You should know better and say thank you properly."

Idly, her fingers crossed over each other, and Kali found herself silently praying that she hadn't run into another of the siblings—there couldn't be that many, right?

With a roll of her eyes Kali held a hand to her chest, dipping in a bow. "Oh thank you, gracious stranger."

The boy's eyes flickered, a look of amusement crossing his face as he leaned against the door, a thoughtful look on his face. "If you don't know who I am then that means you aren't from here either..."

His eyes lit up and a look of excitement crossed his face as his hand gripped his sword. Kali felt herself grow wary as he tensed, eyes gleaming. "Could it be... You're a thief?"

"No," Kali raised a brow when a pout touched his lips, his hand slipping from his weapon as he sighed in disappointment. "Who are you?"

"Eh? That's rude." His brows furrowed and he wagged his finger with a shake of his head. "You have to introduce yourself first."

"You asked me a question first," Kali pointed out, a light grin threatening to pull on her lips. The teen blinked, a frown touching his lips as he pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Ah~ Fine, fine. I'm—"

"Prince Kouha! My lord where are you?" Footsteps thundered outside the door, Kali and Kouha blinking owlishly before Kouha grinned, surging forward and brushing past Kali as he pried at the window.

Prince...? Kali felt her head drop, a look of disbelief coming onto her face as she put a hand to her head, sighing. "You've got to be kidding me..."

"Prince Kouha? Are you in there?" Hurried knocks sounded on the door and Kali flinched, glancing up where the knob began to rattle. "Your highness—"

"Hey lady!" Kali turned, blinking in surprise as Kouha held a hand outstretched to her as he held the window open, halfway out. "Come on!"

Kali hesitated for a moment, gazing at the hand outstretched to her silently, realizing what he was offering and not quite knowing what to make of it. Camio chuckled in the back of her mind, amused with her in some weird way, and Kali found herself taking a small step forward.

"Prince Kouha!"

Her hand stretched out and Kouha clasped it in his, a wide grin spreading across his lips as he tugged them both out the window. A sudden realization struck her and Kali blinked as the window shut behind her, eyes growing wide. "Wait—we're nowhere close to the ground—"

"Who cares!" Kouha cried, jerking the sword from his side as Kali's grip on his hand tightened, prepared to teleport them safely to the ground. "I've been wanting to test this out anyways!"

Her eyes snapped to the sword where the familiar pentagram appeared, her eyes growing round as grinned viciously. "Yahoo!"

Before she could teleport them to safely, the jagged sword in his hands extended rapidly, Kali feeling herself jerk in mid air as the sword soared downwards, bringing them along with it until they were feet from the ground. Kouha pulled his sword from the ground and Kali leapt aside as she landed shakily on the ground, wobbling before she regained her footing.

Kouha beside her was laughing manically, holding up his sword in amazement. "Hey! Not bad!"

The sword suddenly extended forward and Kouha lurched, a look of surprise flickering across his face as he teetered pulling the sword back to its original size and blinking at it curiously. "Guess I still need to work on it."

Kou is full of crazy people. Kali stood, dusting off her worn tunic as she turned, gazing curiously at the teen before her. And most of them are royalty.

"Hey pretty lady," Kali paused at the unfamiliar term and turned, blinking at Kouha curiously as he spun on his heel, pointing his sword at her. "What's your name?"

She gazed at the sword for a moment, wondering if Kou was full of metal vessel users. Her gaze traveled from the blade to a grinning Kouha and she offered a small smile, unfazed by the blade before her. "Kali."

"Kali." Kouha tasted the name on his tongue. The young prince frowned, tipping his sword slightly, and Kali watched as vines gently tipped the blade the other way. "Kali is such a bland name... I'm going to call you Li!"

"Isn't that just shortening it?" Kali arched a brow and Kouha grinned, jerking his sword back and resting it on his shoulder.

"Li sounds cuter." Kouha's eyes glimmered and he dug his sword into the ground, leaning on it as he leaned forward, a sly grin on his lips. "And a cute girl needs a cute name, right?"

"If that's the case..." Kali gazed at Kouha thoughtfully, contemplating his name in her head as she frowned. "Kou...ha... Should I call you Ha then?"

"Bleh." Kouha stuck his tongue out in disgust and Kali grinned, finding herself rather amused at this prince. "You suck at nicknames."

"How else am I supposed to shorten Kouha?" Kali paused, her brows beginning to furrow as she titled her head, a thoughtful look on her face. "Kouha..."

Kouen.

Kougyoku.

Koumei.

Kouha.

...

...

...

"Does your dad have no naming sense?" Kali inquired, disbelief coloring her features as Kouha frowned, leaning against his sword. Or just an intense love for his country I suppose...

"How rude~" Kouha tsked, shaking his head disapprovingly. "You just insulted the Emperor of Kou you know."

Kali blinked, gazing at Kouha for a moment before titling her head to the side slightly. "Sorry."

Kouha gazed at her for a moment, as if scrutinizing her as he would a hair out of place when a grin split his lips once more and he laughed. "Since you've been doing well at keeping me entertained I'll let you off."

"Something about this child is rather off." Camio murmured, as if confused, and Kali blinked, titling her head in agreement.

"So who are you anyway?" Kouha pulled his sword from the ground, slinging it into his side as he continued to walk. Kali arched a brow in amusement at how he expected her to follow.

"A simple traveler." Kali explained. He was probably a year or two younger than herself; he looked rather close to Kougyoku's age actually. But they didn't look close enough to be twins.

"In times like this, it isn't uncommon for there to be half siblings in royalty." Camio explained, and Kali hummed thoughtfully, wondering what it would be like had she been born with siblings.

No. She paused, smiling softly at the thought. I'm better off like this.

"Then what're you doing here?" Kouha inquired, the two of them pausing to watch as a dragonfly zipped past, barely ghosting over petals and the small pond in the corner of the courtyard as it flew. "I don't really mind if you're a thief I guess, I mean, you can try but..."

He flashed a grin and Kali smiled, tapping a few petals and watching as they curled to her touch, extending upwards and around. "I'm not a thief. I'm just staying here for awhile it seems."

"Eh?" Kouha watched the flowers bloom curiously, crossing his arms over his chest. "Are you a magician?"

"Nope." Kali reached for the metal feather hanging from her neck, running her finger along it as the symbol appeared, glimmering in the daylight. Kouha's eyes widened in surprise, the younger male gazing at her curiously.

"If you're a dungeon capturer what're you doin' here?" He blinked. "Are you with Judal?"

"I'm a guest of your brother, Kouen." Kali explained, and Kouha paused.

"You're not kidding, right?" Gray eyes glanced up, and Kali was faintly surprised at the bordering deadly look Kouha flashed her over his shoulder, eyes boring into her intently, Kali gazed back before sighing, shrugging helplessly.

"No." Though I wish I were. "I am actually here as a guest... Your brother has offered me quite the proposition and implores that I stay in Kou for awhile to change my mind."

"If Brother En says so than you should do it." Kouha waved his hands about dismissively. "He doesn't just do things, if this is his idea than it has to be worth it."

"Such unwavering loyalty." Camio mused, a faint note of surprise coming from her Djinn. "I wonder if it is because they share blood, or because it is something like Sinbad?"

I dunno. Kali contemplated the ideal in her head, putting the people before her in comparison to the ones she knew so well back in Sindria. But whichever one, they obviously trust this guy with everything they've got.

"You're not trying to attack us are you?" Kouha frowned in annoyance; look slightly irritated, but more so disappointed at the idea. "I'd hate to have to see you die... But..."

Kouha's pink-like irises glittered and he smirked, lips curling upwards as he drummed his fingers along his sword. "I think you'd look pretty bleeding too, Li."

"...You're kind of weird aren't you?"

"Being normal is boring." Kouha whined. "Unusual things are so much more interesting, look at you."

"Thanks." Kali mused, her attention turning to the sudden shuffle that caught her ears. Kouha continued to pester her to her left, beginning to talk about how she should let him mess around and play with her a bit, but her eyes followed the sound and landed on a group of men who'd scaled the wall bordering the courtyard. Their heavy footsteps padded along the grass, crushing flowers beneath—how rude—as they made their way to one of the many rooms in the palace.

"Oh look, thieves." Kouha blinked in surprise, letting out a whistle. "I didn't think anyone really had balls to try and steal from the palace... Oh, well, guess it was bound to happen."

"You're taking this rather well." Kali observed, the two of them watching as the group of thieves snuck through the foliage of the garden, slipping past and pausing when a servant or soldier walked by. "What if they hurt someone?"

"That would be troublesome." Kouha admitted, swinging his sword over his shoulder with a heave, tapping it gently. "What should we do?"

"Your security seems rather well off." Kali said. Her eyes followed the thieves as a group of soldiers rushed over to the wall, most likely alerted that people had snuck in. "Do you think they can handle it?"

"Oh." The two blinked in surprise when a thief lunged, snagging a maid by the collar and pulling her back. A knife was held to her throat and the thieves crowded about, most likely interrogating her for information.

There was a moment of silence between the two before they were off. Kali gripped her necklace in her hand, a grin touching her lips at the sudden rush that filled her, how good it felt to simply be moving.

"Spirit of life and death, Camio!"

The earth beneath them rumbled, and Kali leapt upwards, Kouha following suit as roots speared through the ground, raising their heads as they took form into dragon-like mouths. Bare feet landed on the rough texture beneath her, and Kali grinned as the roots surged forward. The thieves' heads shot up, eyes widened in shock and fear as several roots shot forward.

Kali tsked when the man holding the maid leapt back, the woman still in his grip. The other three where flattened to the ground, the roots having knocked them over and successfully pinned them down.

"How ugly." Kouha sneered, tapping his sword against his shoulder as he walked across the bridge Kali's roots had made, a look of flat disrespect on his face. "What're old farts like you doing here, hmm?"

"Brat." A man spat, bringing a sword upwards and slicing through half of the roots. Kali frowned at this, eyes flickering, and vines began to creep along the ground, covering the grass. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"Does no one know who I am?" Kouha wondered aloud, a look of annoyance coloring his expression before he grinned. "I'm rather bored today, and you guys are getting in the way of my fun. So I'll give you two options—you can run and die, or you can fight and still die. Your choice."

"What the hell is he talking about?" A sneer touched the older man's face and he stood, baring his sword down at the two before him as he spat on the ground. "A couple of kids don't know anything—you better watch your mouth!"

So cliché. Kali realized, gazing at the thieves before her, clearly unimpressed. Is this the kind of criminals we have nowadays?

"My king, that statement doesn't sound quite right."

I'm just saying. If you're going to be a thief, have some class, you know? If it were me stealing— Kali broke off mid thought, when a whimper sounded and her eyes snapped to the man holding the maid hostage, a look of fear on her face as the knife pressed further into the skin of her throat. "Back off! Do you want this bitch to die?"

Kouha snorted, rolling his eyes at the display as he swung his sword around. "I was even kind enough to give you guys a choice..."

A purple smoke trailed across the sword, Kali watching in curiosity as Kouha swung it around behind him, and back around. A malicious gleam flickered through pink irises, and Kali felt her hair blow back from the force as the sword collided forward.

The two men who'd still been struggling to free themselves from the roots were in one fluid motion sliced in half. Kali blinked, hot liquid splattering across her cheek from the action. Her body instinctively cringed from the brutal display, and Kouha grinned, leaning against his sword, blood dripping from the blade.

"Ah~ I'm annoyed now." Kouha raised his sword from the ground, eyes narrowing as he grinned, a look of excitement on his face. "So you old guys should just die now, alright?"

"He's crazy!" Kali's eyes snapped to the man holding the maid, tears streaming down her eyes as the thief's eyes grew round, his hand beginning to tremble where it held the knife to her throat. "T-This kid is—"

"Shut up!" The other thief lunged, sword swinging. Kali's head snapped back as he lunged her way. "Then I'll just—"

Vines shot forward, several binding the man's feet and tugging them apart. His eyes went wide as more ensnared his wrists, traveling up and enveloping the sword. Another vine shot from the ground and wrapped around his neck, causing the man to choke as it jerked back, sending him flat to the floor.

Kali regarded the man coolly before turning back to the man holding the maid hostage. "Drop the knife and let her go."

"Young Lord!"

"Prince Kouha!"

The thieves eyes shot to where the soldiers came running, their footsteps thundering. His pupils went large and Kali tensed, keeping her gaze focused solely on the ones before her as she inched forward. "Let her go."

"Kill her!" The leader snapped, but a sickening swing of a sword and a choked cry reached Kali's ears, the man efficiently silenced.

"You! Drop your weapon at once! You're surrounded!" A soldier snapped, and Kali took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving the thieves. The maid shook, tears pouring from her eyes and over the man's hand as she sobbed, shutting her eyes.

"S-Stay back! Stay back or she dies!" The hand was shaking now, and Kali stiffened when a trickle of red trailed down the maid's throat. "Stay back!"

"Fear." Camio whispered and Kali swallowed, inching another bit closer. "My king, we must act fast, he is beyond reason now."

"Release her!"

"Stay back!" A shrill cry tore from his lips and Kali lunged forward, her hands outstretched and vines surging forward. But before the knife could be swatted from his hands, the thief jerked it across in a swift motion, the maid's eyes shooting open in horror.

Kali's eyes mimicked the maid's as blood began to pour from the wound and the maid tipped backwards, the thief released the limp body and he charged. Kali's hand hit the earth to push herself away, but his knife swung out, dragging the tip across her cheek.

A quick shot of pain ran through her, but her hands were reaching forward, gripping the maid's body and bringing her forward as vines shot from the ground and wrapped around her neck, stemming the bleeding. "Stay with me, miss."

"Seize him!" The soldiers pushed forward, but before the thief could even try to run, a swift crack rang through the air and he crumpled to the floor.

"Ah, this has turned into a mess." Kouha muttered sadly, striding through the mess of blood, not sparing the newcomer a glance as he made his way to Kali.

"P-Prince Hakuryuu!"

Kali's ears twitched at the new name, but her gaze was focused on the woman before her, focusing her magoi and surging it through the vines and into the wound, trying to mend what'd been done. Kouha leaned over her shoulder, whistling in amazement. "Is she dead?"

"Maybe." Kali shut her eyes and breathed, her hands sliding upwards and clasping around the woman's neck. She heard sharp gasps from the servants behind her, but paid them no heed.

"My king..."

Cam, do not be angry with me. Kali inhaled, feeling the woman's life beginning to seep through, threatening to leave her body. I know you don't like it.

"Your will is my command." Camio whispered gently, and Kali felt her lips tug upwards as she leaned forward. "I will do as you wish."

Then let us save this life.

With a surge, Kali felt her magoi slip from her body and into the woman before her. A white glow appeared around the vines and the body below her stiffened, fingers twitching as the life in Kali surged into her. Kali felt her vision grow blurry for a moment, and with a final push, the wound was sealed.

There was a moment of silence and Kali gently pulled her hands away, breathing out when the maid sucked in a breath, coughing as her hands shot up to her throat. "Take her to get some rest and water. She'll be fine."

"Y-Yes!" A solider and several servants swept forward, gently picking the maid up. "Thank you."

Kali blinked at the words, but the group was gone, taking the body safely away. Kouha hummed in slight awe, slinging an arm around the girl's neck. "You really are something, aren't you Li?"

"I guess." Kali shrugged. But her eyes strayed to the side, taking in the new figure that had appeared and knocked out the thief.

Sad. The word unknowingly shot through her mind as she gazed at the young boy. Eyes a icy, fierce blue gazed elsewhere, one shading a little lighter than the other where the side of his face was scorched in a scar. Hair like ebony framed his soft yet worn features, and Kali was struck with the urge to... comfort? Was that it?

"See to it that this man is taken care of." Hakuryuu ordered, and the soldiers nodded, sweeping forward and taking the thief away. Kali's eyes never strayed from this strange boy, finding herself somehow unexplainably drawn to him.

"Your Djinn's just like Brother En's." Kouha mused, reaching forward and attempting to reach for Kali's necklace, but the vines around her neck moved it stubbornly out of reach.

Prince... But he shares no resemblance. Kali found her brows furrowing slightly, unable to take her gaze off the young boy before her. She wasn't sure why, but she felt something different about him...

Pale blue eyes turned and Kali paused, their gazes meeting. Hakuryuu's face flickered faintly, as if in surprise, before it settled into a calm façade. The younger boy bowed his head, his hands coming together to clasp before him. "Thank you for your help. I apologize for the inconvenience."

"No, it's fine." Kali titled her head, eyes searching his face as she tried to put her finger on the strange feeling this boy gave her. It was almost like...

Her mouth opened slightly, realization flickering through her, but before she could speak a series of shrill cries cut her off.

"Your highness!"

"Prince Kouha!"

"My lord!"

"Eh? Jun-Jun, Jin-Jin, Rei-Rei, what's wrong?" Kouha gazed up lazily from where he had his arms draped around Kali's neck, the girl blinking curiously at the flustered women that appeared before them.

"Your highness we've been searching for you all over!" A series of bandages and talismans stretched over the otherwise beautiful woman's face, and Kali gazed curiously at the strange appearance of the three before her. "We were worried sick!"

"Forgive us for not being able to keep up with you!" Another added, bandages wrapped thickly around her hands. "Our deepest apologies!"

Wait, something seems wrong with this...

"We'll gladly take any punishment you have to offer!" They cried, bowing low and lowering their heads. Kali blinked, dumbfounded as Kouha sighed, waving his hand to the three.

"No need, you guys did well." Kouha addressed the three gently, and the women shot up, tears streaming down their faces as they surged forward.

"Your highness is too kind!"

"Yes, yes..." One of the three paused, turning and blinking curiously at Kali, who simply blinked back.

"Oh! Your highness, is this woman a friend of yours?"

"Well—"

"Yup." Kouha grinned. "Li here helped me fight off thieves."

"Thieves!"

"Oh my, thank you Lady Li!" Kali blinked when the three stooped once more into a bow, clasping their hands together beneath their sleeves. "Thank you for aiding our highness!"

"Uh, wait, I—"

"A friend of Prince Kouha is someone to be treated kindly too!" One of them... Jun-Jun? Shot up and beamed. "We will do our best to aid you as well!"

"No—"

"Thank you Lady Li!"

"My name isn't Li..."

"Come on, let's go do something else." Kouha stood, forcefully dragging Kali along with him as he grinned. "I'm bored."

"Yes, your highness!"

Kali sighed, some part of her admitting she was amused, the other half beginning to dwell into the temptation of simply disappearing.

But first... Her head titled back, eyes scanning the now empty space where the young prince had once stood, and Kali blinked slowly, a thoughtful look coming onto her face.

I hope to meet him again.

"How about we do your hair, Li? I think there are some good dresses that we can put on too. Rei-Rei, go tell them to get some dresses ready."

"Yes, my prince!"

She was really tempted to teleport away now.


Huh.

Kali wasn't quite sure what to say in this situation, or rather, she didn't even really know what to do.

Kouen stood before her, face expressionless as it always seemed to be, she realized, and gazing back at her silently, unwaveringly. Kali blinked; face neutral as she gazed back at him, eyebrow twitching slightly at this rotten luck of a meeting.

She'd only just gotten out of another office she'd snuck into, unable to find her vessels, and as she'd walked down the hall the looked out to the courtyard, she'd stumbled into Kouen. A bit literally.

There was a flat silence that followed after she'd mumbled a sorry, and now here they were, simply staring.

Kali didn't like staring that much. Well, if it was her staring at different things that was fine, but she didn't really liked to be stared at. It made her feel watched, antsy. And around a man like this, it seemed all he did was observe your every move.

Well, if she didn't know what to do in this particular situation, she'd simply have to do what she would in any other then.

"Nice weather, isn't it?"

Finely, gracefully, and somehow, intimidating, Kouen arched a fine brow.

Kali simply let a small smile crawl over her face, feeling it tilt up at one end in its own crooked way. Ja'far always said she had different smiles, and this one made her look like she was up to no good.

Gray eyes strayed to the trees and pebbles that lined the grass covered area and Kali turned, leaning against the railing and gazing appreciatively out into the courtyard. "I have to admit, it seems like there are gardens everywhere here—which is nice, by the way, I really like that kind of stuff."

Kouen turned his head as well, gazing out into the courtyard as he followed her gaze. "The late emperor was fond of such things as well."

Kali's ears perked at this, her attention trailing over to the male beside her. If it was a bit of history or some old tale, a made up story even, Kali always liked to hear things, learn things. "I don't really know much about the country of Kou, but for you to be first prince, the emperor is your father, right?"

Kouen's eyes turned to her in that slow, languid way of his, as if it were a lion glancing over to the prey in the corner of the room. He eyed her for a moment before gazing forward again. "The late emperor was my uncle. The current emperor of Kou as of now is my father."

"Busy man," Kali mused, and Kouen's gaze traveled to her once more as she gazed out into the courtyard. "His wife must be quite the woman to handle so many children."

From the corner of her eye, she swore that Kouen smirked when he turned his body to face the courtyard as well. "The emperor's wife is Gyokuen Ren."

Gyokuen Ren.

Camio stilled somewhere in her mind, and Kali was no better. Her fingers curled over the wooden rail, fingernails digging into the smooth wood at the name. Gray eyes flickered, years of blood and horrors beyond her flickering through her eyes as she simply smiled softly.

"On guard, my king."

"I heard Kou used to be three smaller nations... or something like that." Kali spoke up again, unable to resist the urge as she stretched her arms out, watching with a faint grin as flowers in the corner of the courtyard began to soar upwards.

Kouen watched the display silently for a moment, crimson eyes flickering with emotions she would never quite understand before he answered. "Our country has come far to be where it is today. Our goals are set and Kou is strong, wherever fate leads us we'll be prepared."

Kali blinked; rather surprised he was giving her answers, though a bit vague, answers nonetheless.

"Perhaps he's taking it that you're interested in Kou." Camio wondered, and Kali frowned, a sour look on her face at that.

"I can tell." Kali idly ticked off her fingers, counting the number of metal vessels they had at their disposal. "With so many dungeon capturers... You guys would give anyone a scare, really."

"My siblings are what have made Kou the way it is." Kali turned her head slightly, observing the man silently as he gazed out before him. His expression was neutral, but his voice was so firm, she would even find herself relying on it if she wasn't careful. "Their efforts and those of the people are what have made our country strong."

Brother is a wonderful person!

En's strong you know.

I trust him with my life.

I respect him after all.

A sudden realization made Kali still a bit, her gaze wavering at the thought. With the number of capturers they had, it matched up to Sinbad, and taking into account that each had their own household vessels... In number, she realized Sindria alone was a bit out matched.

But, to her annoyance, she knew in her heart she would believe in Sinbad to win such a battle. Sinbad was a great man, powerful, she would never be able to deny that, and she didn't try too.

"He has the Seven Seas Alliance as well." Camio reminded, and Kali inclined her head slightly. True.

But on the other hand... Kali set her hands down, turning to Kouen with a look of undeniable curiosity on her face. The crimson haired man turned his head slightly, meeting her gaze calmly.

His eyes are dangerous. The red tinting to gold were deep enough to ensnare you in whatever trap he had set. Red like fire threatening to burn and engulf you completely. The feeling of being under it gave Kali chills, in a way that reminded her of Sinbad when he was serious.

But gray stained blue met red unwaveringly. She had nothing and everything to fear, but years of standing by what she fought for refused to be dominated in a single glance. And with a tilt of her head, Kali felt her brows furrow slightly.

"What is your goal then?"

Kouen's expression was unchanging, immovable, and the red in his eyes made her whole body feel as if it were threatening to catch fire. A flicker in the flame, and his eyes were alight with a determination and steel resolve she could only see when she was fighting for her own freedom.

"To unite the world under one ruler."

To unite the world...

"That will never work."

Kali blinked in surprise, opening her mouth to question further, but she jolted back in surprise when Kouen shifted, half turning his body towards her. The action left his barely towering over her, and Kali took a step back as he blinked, his eyes following along her face.

"You got hurt."

Ah. Kali blinked owlishly, touching the place where the knife the thief had used had dragged a long cut down her cheek. Camio could have healed it then, but she decided to simply let it heal on its own. Seeing how healing herself still used her own magoi, and to Camio's dismay, it acted as a double edged sword in her case. "Just a scratch. That poor maid had it worse off."

"Kouha told me he'd slit her throat." Kouen stated, his eyes watching her as Kali paused, her hands tempting to stray to her necklace. "And yet she's walking about as if nothing has happened."

"Magic is something, isn't it?" Kali grinned faintly, and Camio grew warm against her chest. "But the cut wasn't too deep anyway, I was lucky enough to be there; otherwise she may have not been as lucky."

"Even so, such a risky healing session took even a toll on you." Camio murmured, and Kali gently batted him off. "Despite your amount of magoi, taking back a life from the brink of death is no easy feat."

"I see." A slick sound was heard, and Kali turned, only to stiffen and reel her head back in surprise as Kouen drew his sword. The metal glinted off the daylight, and Kali's eyes grew round as she took a step back.

"Whoa, let's not be hasty—" A yelp left her lips when a fir hand grasped the back of her head, jerking her forward. Kali stumbled and Kouen's hands kept their grip on her head, turning it slightly as he raised his sword. "W-Wait a second! What are you—"

A shot of adrenaline coursed through her, prepared to flee, but when her eyes met his she paused, stilling. The expression on his face wasn't one about to kill.

If anything, it was rather...

Calloused yet smooth fingers slid from her head and down to her chin. Kali stiffly allowed Kouen to turn her cheek the other way, and her eyes followed his blade warily as he raised it to meet with her cheek.

The cold metal sent a chill running down her spine, but her eyes caught the crimson irises reflected in the blade. Kali turned her gaze upwards and paused, not a word leaving her lips as she met Kouen's gaze.

"Phenex."

A soft light illuminated the piece dangling from the end of his sword. A gentle feeling enveloped her as something like feathers ghosted over her cheek, and in seconds the cut was healed.

Kali's eyes were locked into crimson, unmoving as Kouen lowered his sword. Something told her that if she didn't move, she'd be caught in that dreadful gaze longer than she would like. Kali's head pulled back and Kouen's hand fell to his side. The sooty haired girl blinked, touching her cheek where nothing but smooth skin met her.

"...Thanks." Kali was baffled to say the least, and Kouen simply turned, sliding his sword back into its sheath without another word. She'd take it that was his way of saying thank you then.

Brother is a wonderful person!

En's strong you know.

I trust him with my life.

I respect him after all.

Kali paused, the constant praises and words about this man floating through her head. She gazed at him for a moment before settling on something. Depending on how he did would determine if she could ever like or get along with this man.

"Say," Kouen didn't move his head, but his eyes glanced to her from the side. "Do you have any good stories to tell?"

Something about this felt eerie, considering it was something she often did with Sinbad. But Kali loved stories; she loved tales and anything like it. They were something precious to her.

Kouen regarded her coolly for a moment before glancing away. "What kind of a question is that?"

Huh. Kali blinked, glancing away as she settled on his answer, not really surprised, though a bit disappointed. I guess that settles it then.

"Kou first began out after the first emperor, Hakutoku Ren managed to unify three neighboring countries."

Kali found herself blinking once more, and slowly, a small smile began to turn up on her lips as she turned, facing the man beside her.

"What happened after that?"

Kou was full of weird people.

But perhaps she would manage somehow.


Hey guys! I'm sorry it took so long to finally get in another update, but I hope this seriously long chapter makes up for it a bit!

Writing this flashback for Kou is a bit different I guess, and my idea is to show the different events and times Kali ended up spending with the Ren family and co. All the way leading up to what happened and perhaps what pushed her to leave. ;)

I'm also realizing that I really like writing Kouen. Even though he never has any other expression, he's just fun to write. And Kouha. Especially Kouha.

I just really like Kou.

But I still really like Sindria, so look forward to the time we spend in Kou now, because these poor guys won't be showing up for a little bit following the plotline.

Or maybe they will?

Either way, I hope you all enjoyed the chapter as much as I did writing it. It's a rather long one so I'm sorry for the little errors here and there, but other wise, hope you enjoyed!

Marshmellow-

-OUT!