And here we have the final conclusion to the Kou Arc!
I do not own Magi.
Enigma
Chapter Nine: The Tiger and the Bird
There was a story she read once.
An old tale she'd stumbled upon while she was traveling along a trading rode. The old man who'd been there had offered her the worn papers, and she'd taken them with gentle hands, opening up the old tale.
"In land of war and peace, the world was to the beasts.
There were the towering giants, giraffes and elephants of all kinds, soaring and fierce dragons, sly foxes, and the majestic animals of the sea. There were the slithering snakes and the lonely wolves, the gentle lambs and the thundering horses.
But among all the beats, there were the mighty felines of the world. The proud, bold lions and the mysterious, powerful tigers. These beasts towered amongst the others, conquering the world with their might—their power. The lions roamed the earth with thundering roars and golden pelts, the tigers the silent warriors of the night, a dark flame within the shadows.
All the creatures alike bowed their heads and lowered themselves in comparison to these wild animals, the true kings of the land. No animal dared cross their path for fear of the thunderous roar or the burning strike.
Although, amidst the beasts, there was an animal unbound to the rules of the earth.
The bird.
The free bird was an animal of its own. Not a beast, nor an animal of the sea. She was a creature that roamed the skies, untouchable by the boundaries set on land. The bird was one that all animals had no choice but to look up to, for she always soared high above them.
She was untouchable.
For Lion and Tiger, the idea of Bird was an interesting one. For two animals who ruled the earth being second to none, there was animal who soared above themselves.
A cunning and slippery creature, Bird spent her days soaring through the skies, traveling the world, and only occasionally resting amidst the towering trees the earth provided. And after years of looking up to the soft, fluttering feathers, and the gentle flaps of her wings, a strange occurrence shook the land.
The Lion and the Tiger fell in love with the bird.
On a evening day, the sky tainting to the darkening colors of the sun, the Tiger approached the bird, silent, powerful, stripes shimmering amidst the waning light as the Bird landed on a branch, her ebony feathers glinting in the light.
'Bird,' Tiger began, his voice a slow, deep rumble. 'Why do you fly?'
'I fly because that is what I am made to do.' Bird replied gently, and she spread her wings, feathers like the night. 'I fly because it is what I love.'
The Tiger lowered himself to his haunches, eyeing the bird coolly, his crimson eyes glimmering. 'Do you not love anything else?'
'I love many things.' Bird chirped, craning her head and fluttering to another branch. 'But it is not a choice to love flying; it is simply a part of me, dear Tiger.'
'Does the ground not suite you then, Bird? The green grass and the towering trees?' Tiger's tail swung out behind him, his eyes watching Bird silently. 'Do I not suite you, Bird?'
'It is not a question of what I am best suited too.' Bird chirped once more, fluttering so she rested on a branch lower to Tiger. 'I love my skies. They are all I have. And besides, dear Tiger, you can have whatever you wish.'
'I want you then, my Bird.' Tiger replied, and the Bird paused, silent as the Tiger stalked forward. 'But so long as long as you fly, you will never be mine.'
'I visit you often.' Bird replied, tucking her wings beside her as she blinked at the King before her calmly. 'Does that not suite you, dear Tiger?'
'I wish for you to remain at my side.' Tiger's eyes flashed, and with a mighty lunge he had Bird pinned beneath his claws, unable to move. She was no match to such strength after all. 'Lion wishes the same, but you are not his, you are mine.'
'Do you love me then, dear Tiger?' Bird inquired, her wings were spread beneath his paws, and with a simple move, they could be broken. The great, powerful things that allowed her to soar miles on end, over mountains and oceans, with a simple touch, could be so easily broken.
That was the price then, it must be, for a freedom so great.
Tiger said nothing, his gaze never leaving and Bird fluttered her feathers. "What do you love about me then, dear Tiger?'
'I love your voice.' Tiger answered, his eyes holding the Bird before him captive in his paws. 'I love the way you soar and your wings. I dislike how close you are to Lion. Your feathers and your faults, the stories you bring of distant lands. I suppose then, that I love you, Bird.'
'If I were to never fly again,' Bird began, her voice gentle, sweet. 'I would be too saddened to sing.'
'I would be there to make you well again.'
'If I were to never fly again,' Bird began once more. 'I would never be able to soar or spread my wings.'
'I will love you nonetheless.'
'If I were to never fly again,' Bird began, her feathers gently brushing the paws which held her captive. 'There would be no stories to tell.'
'We shall make up our own.'
'If I were to never fly again,' Bird began for the final time. 'I would never be able to be the Bird you love.'
Tiger paused, his eyes flickering as his claws receded. With a gentleness no animal could fathom, he released Bird. She gently stood and ruffled her feathers, spreading her wings as she dipped her head. 'You are kind, dear Tiger.'
'Fly then.' Tiger growled, his eyes boring deep into hers as he swished his tail in annoyance. 'But return to me.'
Bird smiled, and with a great heave, her wings lifted her upwards with a great stroke. Winds blew through the forest, and Tiger stood, gazing up with dark eyes at the Bird before him, claws digging into the earth.
'So long as the sky remains above you,' Bird began, her wings battling the great sky as they lifted her higher and higher. 'I shall return.'
Without another glance, the Bird took off, her wings spreading far and wide as she soared. Tiger gazed after the accursed Bird, crimson eyes flickering before he stood. But his paw touched something soft and smooth, and he glanced down to find a black feather in between his claws.
'I see.'
With a low chortle, the Tiger turned, feather in tow as he disappeared into the shadows.
'You won't get off as easy next time.'
"That sounds like a stupid story."
Kali blinked, turning her head to face a slightly bored looking Kouha. The red haired prince frowned, turning on his back amidst the fluffy lush pillows. "I like it."
"If the Tiger loved her so much, he should've just clipped her wings." Kouha scoffed, reaching up and tangling his hands in Kali's hair. "Then she can't fly away."
"That's not the point though!" Kougyoku sniffed, her eyes slightly shiny as she covered the lower half of her face with her sleeves. "He loved her enough to let her go!"
"I thought of it more as an investment." Kali mused, titling her head downwards slightly as Kouha began to part her hair, twisting it this way and that. "He let her go so she'd come back to him."
"Either way, it was beautiful!" Kougyoku declared, rubbing her eyes and nodding her head in determination. Kali smiled slightly while Kouha rolled his eyes, more focused on braiding Kali's sooty locks. "If you love something, let it go, right?"
"If you want something keep it." Kouha retorted, his fingers slipping through Kali's hair. "Hey, Li, your hair's a bunch of different lengths, which makes it harder to braid."
"It's getting long, huh?" Kali glanced back, picking up a strand, causing Kouha to grunt in annoyance as he braided another part once more. "Maybe I should cut it..."
"I think your hair looks lovely." Kougyoku offered, a small smile on her face as she took a sip of the tea that'd been set out for them. "It'd be a shame to cut it."
"Yeah..." Kouha admitted, frowning before he rolled over, slinging his arms over Kali's neck as she bit into one of the pastries left for them. "Why don't we give you a make over then?"
"I like how I look." Kali answered, admiringly the sweet kick to the cake as she shifted under Kouha's weight.
"I-I think it'd be fun too!" Kougyoku's eyes lit up at the idea of being able to do anything related to beauty. Kali grimaced and inclined her head, letting out muffled 'no thank you'.
"Then let's go out into town." Kouha waved his hands, standing up and with a surprising amount of strength, hauling Kali up as well. The young woman blinked, the cake in her mouth as Kouha began to lead the girl out of the room. "I know tons of markets with pretty dresses for you to try on."
"We can go to my favorite stores!" Kougyoku cried in excitement, grabbing onto Kali's other hand as the two siblings led the girl away. "Come, Kali!"
"Yeah, come on, Li." Kouha prodded, tugging at Kali's hand.
Gray eyes glanced between the two red headed siblings before her, blinking in slight disbelief and perhaps exasperation as Camio chuckled in the back of her mind. In all honesty, she really didn't mind spending time with them, especially since these two were rather nice to be around, but she'd been hoping she could've done some more searching.
Maybe this is all part of Kouen's plan. With a small smile the two before her beamed, well, Kougyoku beamed, Kouha simply smirked as they continued to tug her along, Jin-Jin, Jun-Jun, Rei-Rei, and Ka Koubun following behind. Get me to like his siblings so we'll all be friends?
But then again... Kali found herself musing, eyes softening for just a moment before she followed after the prince and princess. I would've liked them anyways.
"How about these, your majesty?"
"Too dull, get something with a little more color—but not too bright."
"How about this, princess?"
"Oh, these are quite lovely!"
And so, the weary and wandering traveler found herself gazing somewhat dazedly up at the intricate ceilings, following the arches and tapestries of the large store the two had brought her into. Servants rushed about, tearing things apart in an effort to please two of the royal siblings of Kou. Kouha browsed through dresses and designs, Kougyoku happily looking through ornaments and accessories.
Kali remained seated, sprawled out of a lush, soft couch as some servants lifted her arms and legs here and there to take measurements. Gray eyes stained blue blinked, and Kali turned her head to watch as people ran about.
"Familiar, isn't it?"
It is. It reminded her of how often Sinbad tried to spoil her with things—partially bribery and partially because he simply seemed to like showering her with things—the generals not any better. She remembered how many times it took for him to finally understand that she wasn't one to be coddled. But then again, she never complained when it food he brought to her.
Kali hadn't ever really lived a life of luxury. When she was younger far from it, but after she'd left that life behind, she'd simply lived happily. With all the things from dungeon conquering, she supposed she could've lived a rather extravagant life style, but she preferred to just be happily well off with a little extra. But she had to admit...
A servant set down a tray of cakes sweetened with honeyed frosting, and Kali leaned forward, swiping one and popping it into her mouth.
It was rather nice every now and then.
"How about this one, Kali?" Kali glanced upwards, Kougyoku gesturing to the dress the servants held up. "I think it would suit you wonderfully!"
Though Kali would never imagine herself in something so intricate, she had to admit it was pretty. The long, loose robes were a gentle cream, layers of a sky blue sewn in; ribbons of a stormy gray lapped over each other, and the sleeves were done in with hand woven designs of birds. Kali gazed at it for a moment before smiling softly at Kougyoku. "It is pretty."
Kougyoku's eyes lit up and she beamed. "I thought so too! I think more natural colors are like you, you'd look beautiful in this!"
"Ah, you've got it wrong." Kouha said, and Kougyoku blinked, turning to her half brother as he frowned, rubbing his chin before he snapped his fingers. "Lower the sleeves so that they'll fall around her shoulders, the ribbons should be loose here and tight here... And she'd look much better with—"
"Kali said it was fine as it is." Kougyoku protested, looking offended as the servants glanced to each other, holding the dress carefully "Why change it if she likes it like this?"
"Li would obviously look better like this though." Kouha retorted, rolling his eyes as he waved the servants away. "Right?"
"I think so too!" Jun-Jun spoke up happily, Rei-Rei and Jin-Jin nodding in agreement.
"The princess' opinion is fine enough!" Ka Koubun spoke up as well. "Her judgment is without fail!"
Kali watched the confrontation before her for a moment, a look of soft fondness flickering through gray eyes before she glanced away. She motioned to one of the servants and smiled warmly. "Could you do some of the alterations he's requested? But try to leave it the way it is, please."
"Of course." The servant bowed, stooping low, and Kali found herself smile as they walked away, dress in tow. "You, come help me."
Kali paused at the sudden address, her eyes straying to the side where a middle aged woman slipped out from the shadows. The brown clothes she wore were in tact; fine really, they were nothing out of the ordinary. Gray eyes were unmoving as the other woman ordered the woman in brown clothes what to do, and with a nod, she gently took the dress and slipped off.
"...my king." Kali remained silent, not a word leaving her mouth as her eyes simply observed. With a turn of her head, she realized that the people she'd assumed were servants were dressed in green clothing. The only difference to their outfits the ornaments or little things they wore.
"Li~" Kouha's arms slung around her neck and Kali blinked, turning her head as Kouha began to fiddle with her hair. "We should go and get your hair done—Rei-Rei, would you go and order more of the shampoo I use?"
"Of course, your majesty!"
"Kali, what about this?" Kougyoku pointed to the case of jewelry a man held, his head bowed as he presented it to them. Kali's eyes were on the man for a moment, observing his brown clothes before turning back to the jewelry. "Aren't they lovely?"
"They are." And they truly were. Different jewels and metals all combined to create beautiful pieces. Kali's eyes strayed over the different ones before landing on small glass-like leaves and feathers, small ornaments to add onto a bracelet. Her mind flickered to the anklets she wore, recalling the loose chains on them, and she wondered if she could connect it.
Pink-red eyes were watching her thoughtfully before Kouha waved his hand, and a woman nodded as she gestured for the brown clothed man to take the items and place them in a bag. Kali frowned, turning to Kouha. "You guys don't have to be doing this you know, I can pay for this myself too. I feel bad—"
"Don't worry about it." Kouha said, waving off her concerns. "This is nothing."
"It's what friends do, isn't it?" Kougyoku murmured shyly, twiddling with her fingers.
"Such kind children." Camio said, and Kali found herself agreeing, despite the thoughts lingering in the back of her mind. She didn't want to get too close to these people, but the way they seemed to sweep her in was deadly. And somehow, she found herself wondering if she could ever raise a sword against them. "...thank you."
"But if you really feel like you owe us," Kouha spoke up, causing Kali to blink as he twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. "You could always just keep me entertained some more."
"After we hang out more," Kougyoku added, causing Kouha to send her a look of distaste and faint annoyance, which she simply responded to by taking a sip of her tea.
"...Old hag."
"H-Hey! Only Judal can—no, wait, no one can call me that! We're the same age!"
It seemed she wouldn't be raising a sword against them anytime soon anyway.
"My, this is a lovely surprise."
Kali was baffled for a moment before her gaze turned warm, a wide smile stretching across her lips as she stood before the old lady gazing up at her. "It is. How are you?"
"I've been wonderful, and you, my dear?" The old woman smiled kindly, setting down a hair pin she'd been offering. "It must be fate that we meet again."
"I think so." Kali found herself increasingly in a pleasant mood as she titled her head, eyes soft. "Thank you again for that hairpin, I love it. I'm afraid I left it back in my room though."
"Oh, little problems." The old woman waved her off, still smiling pleasantly. "I'm glad you like it, I thought it would suit you."
While the carriage had been pulling them along, Kali had been distracted by Kouha's continuous tugs at her hair and Kougyoku's pleasant small talk. But a glint and the familiar cave of the street caught her eye, and Kali glanced out to spot the old woman that had given her the hairpin her first day here in Kou.
It'd been a little over two weeks since then.
"A month is coming to a close."
She'd asked to stop, and while her two companions had remained in the carriage, Kali had approached the woman with a bright smile. "I still feel that I should pay you back though."
"Nonsense. I should be the one paying you back." Kali frowned, brow furrowing in confusion as the older woman continued to smile. "You see, my son is in the military, he works directly under Prince Kouen himself as part of the army."
Kali was silent, waiting for her to continue as she gazed down gently at her stand, moving aside a few boxes. "Your heart always gets a little tight at the thought of sending your only grandson into such danger, even more when they go to conquer those dungeons. When he came back home, I was so relieved, and even more so when I learned he'd nearly died."
Kali's eyes began to widen slowly in realization, and the older woman continued. "He told me of how a strange young woman had saved him—he thought she was a goddess at first, too. And he also told me about how she had the gall to stand before our prince and talk back to him as if he were another man on the streets."
Word spreads it seems. Kali laughed nervously, and the old lady turned her head upwards, silvery strands tucked back into a bun. "I asked him about this mysterious young woman, and he told me the only thing he could remember was that she was wearing a dragon hairpin like the one I sold."
Mystified, and awed, Kali remained silent before the presence of this woman. The Rukh fluttered about in a calm, warm, generous embrace, engulfing them in the flow of the world as fate worked its magic on simple lives happening to entwine. With wrinkled, gentle hands, the old woman reached for Kali's smiling up at her warmly. "Thank you then, my dear, for bringing my grandson back to me."
"...It was nothing." Kali said, her voice barely above a whisper as the woman simply beamed up at her.
"Fate works both ways." Camio murmured gently, sounding faintly proud. But Kali could take no credit for what had been done. Even if she'd saved their lives, they had done the same to her, and now the grandmother of one of them had done even a little more. And they'd asked nothing in return.
This was the kind of world she was trying to protect.
Kali eyed the woman more carefully this time, finding some strange relief when she realized the old woman was dressed in silk white robes, like several other people walking up and down the street were dressed in. Kali didn't quite understand the structure of this land quite yet, but she felt she was drawing close.
"Now, I was thinking after you'd left, that this would go rather well with what I gave you." Kali blinked out of her daze as the old woman stretched upwards. Without hesitation, Kali bent lower, and something soft brushed past her face before she felt the old woman fiddle with the small braid on the side of her head. With a gentle click, a new, feather-light weight was added.
Kali paused, reaching upwards as her fingers brushed over something soft—feathers. She reached around and pulled them to her, gazing at the long, silvery feather, tinting to a dark blue, and the downy white feather, shades of black and red lining it. Her eyes turned back to the old woman who simply smiled. "I knew it would look good on you. I was hoping to see them on with the ornament, but this will have to do."
Something fierce and wild sprang in Kali's chest, burning warmth so strong it threatened to take her whole. Kali gently gripped the side of her head, careful so as not to harm the feathers. Her eyes slid shut, relishing in the warmth and the wonder of such genuine kindness. Images flickering beneath her eye lids brought her back to the present, the heat of flames, the screams of terror, the cold drip of blood. Gray eyes hardened, refreshed, and Kali bowed her head, carefully clasping her hands in the very way she'd seen the people of Kou do so often.
"Thank you."
"Hey, Ren?"
The ruffle of papers was Kali's only reply. Her gaze remained upwards, staring into the darkened wooden beams of Kouen's study, a thoughtful look on her face. Kouen remained silent, not a word or even a grunt leaving his lips as he seemed to be reading through documents, quite a different sight from Sinbad she had to realize. But it was this silence and the quiet rustle of papers that made her continue. "I have a question about Kou."
Somehow, in some odd, strange way, Kali had found herself wandering into Kouen's office despite her initial distaste. And even though the office's man occupant was someone she preferred to kind of avoid, the office itself kept bringing her in. Even though there were many libraries, as she'd joyfully discovered, something about this study room, locked away, dark, silent, drew her in. Not to mention, his scrolls and books on the history of not only Kou, but nearly the world, was something she liked to read more into.
And she'd be lying if she said she wasn't at least a bit interested in trying to figure out Kouen more herself. Though she could care less, she supposed she had to at least have a general idea of this man, and what it was he desired.
"I want to unite the world as one."
Green clothes, brown clothes, and white clothes flashed through her mind.
"Then speak." Kouen said, his deep voice knocking her out of her daze and forcefully dragging her wandering mind back to him. Kali felt her lips twitch upwards, but her face couldn't muster up a smile right now.
"Is Kou a slave country?"
It surprised herself how neutral she made the word slave sound. Camio's presence was like a warm hand on her head, reminding her that things were alright. But despite how carefree Kali was, there were things she was serious about.
Kali hated slavery with every fiber in her body.
Kouen's papers rustled, the familiar sound of him setting them down. Kali did not turn to look at him, her gaze still turned upwards as she sprawled out on the couch he had towards the center. The fabric and wood did nothing to stop the feel of burning eyes on her though, and Kali remained silent, not saying anything further as she waited for his reply.
"It is."
Chains. The clank of metal on skin, lost souls, sunken eyes, the smell of hopelessness and despair. Slavery was an existence Kali refused to acknowledge, a stain on the world that was both necessary for the advancement of life, and the end of it. Her fingernails dug into the couch, threatening to split through the fabric as a vine wove itself around her neck. For someone who stood so strongly for freedom, slavery was a touchy subject to her.
"I see." Kali couldn't hide the slight dip of disappointment in her voice, something Kouen easily caught as he gazed at the young woman before him, refusing to meet his gaze. "For how long?"
"Kou has been a slave-trade country for many years," Kouen said calmly, not an ounce of guilt in his voice, and Kali cringed slightly, "with laws and policies governing the entire process."
Kali was silent, idly gazing at her ankles and imagining chains there. The feel of cold metal biting into skin, relentless, unbreakable. The only difference now was that she could break those chains; she would never be bound by them.
"Does that bother you?" It wasn't sympathetic or mocking. Kouen's question was simply a question, and Kali reminded herself that her response was to simply be a response.
Her head was half turned, Kouen's fingers lacing together as he gazed at her over his hands. As Kouen did not sound guilty, she did not sound apologetic as she blinked, gazing out into the rows of books and scrolls, but her mind wandering beyond that.
"It does."
Kali turned then, her gaze meeting smoldering irises evenly. Her brows furrowed despite the crooked smile on her lips. "I hate slavery."
Kouen made a noise in the back of his throat, eyes never leaving hers as he seemed to be thinking. This man was a different entity all together for her, and yet, she was starting to understand him a little more than she would like. The red haired man blinked slowly. "Many people do."
She felt she should be annoyed that he seemed so nonchalant about this, considering her own feelings. But for some strange reason, she couldn't find the heart to be annoyed because as much as she wanted to be, Kali was not stupid. She could whine endlessly and preach about the wrongs of slavery, but her word was but one voice amongst millions, and it would be washed away without a care. This was not her country, these were not her people. Kouen was a ruler, even if he wasn't the emperor, he was next in line, and he would not simply acquiesce to the will of a stranger who held no ties to his land simply because she told him it was morally wrong.
But Kali was childish. She found her head turning away again, refusing to meet his gaze as she straightened her shoulders, doing her best to restrain herself from spouting nonsense that would do nothing. Camio's soothing words were little bits of help, but her eyes slid shut and she wanted to block out the images of those people she'd realized were all over the empire, dressed in simple brown clothes.
She hated slavery.
"Five years."
Startled, Kali's eyes blinked open, her head tilting back in acknowledgement that she'd heard him. The burn of eyes on her head was relentless, and Kouen's voice reached to her, echoing in the small study. "Five years of work, and slave are allowed to be freed and work for themselves and as free citizens of the Kou Empire."
She turned her head enough so that she could watch him out of the corner of her eye. Kouen was unfazed, blinking calmly. "There are various protocols to undergo in the instance of slavery, and contracts and liabilities to be signed. Mistreatment and misconduct of slaves is prohibited and can be punished by law."
Kali hated to admit it, she really did.
But she'd never heard of any form of slavery with such fair and just laws. And her mind refused to accept the idea that slavery could ever be fair.
Kouen turned his head, gazing at one of the shelves, various scrolls and documents piled together. "There are several documents and laws of slavery and how it works within the Kou Empire. Everything is done and created to ensure that the best is done for the country."
"If I didn't know any better," Camio said, sounding a bit reluctant. "I would believe he is comforting you in some strange...odd way."
Comforting? Kali played with the idea, shrugging it aside. I'd say he's just knocked any anti-slavery believer off their feet.
"Cases have occurred in which slaves are mistreated, but those cases are dealt with fairly and justly." Kouen's voice rang through her head, refusing to be cast aside, demanding to be acknowledged, to be heard. "More often than not, slaves are not referred to as 'slaves', but servants. And though name does nothing to change status, it shows that people are willing to turn from the uglier discriminations of such use and practice to a better and just way."
"A fine emperor this man will one day be." Camio murmured, but there was a second bit that went unsaid.
What a fearsome, dangerous man Ren Kouen would be.
A wry grin touched Kali's lips. "It seems you guys have quite the system working here then."
"Everything to ensure the prosperity of Kou." Kouen answered simply, and a look she missed flickered through his eyes, something like relief or satisfaction. "We value the life of every citizen, despite title or name."
"Worded anyway else, this sounds like a fair, just country."
Kali would never say slavery was right, but if it had to be done, Kou was doing it the best she'd seen so far. That thought alone sent a sick shudder through her as she grimaced, her mind reeling at the thought of slavery being right. Kouen said nothing more, and despite trying hard not to be, Kali was relieved.
Five years of work and then freedom. Her eyes were somewhat glazed as she turned her head up to the ceiling. They have something to work towards, something to hope for.
And hope was a powerful thing.
"Of course, if you wished to change the idea of slavery so bad," Kali glanced up, instantly regretting it as Kouen leaned his head against his palm, eyeing her like a predator hidden beneath the foliage. "You could always become someone with power in Kou, enough to propose such an idea and watch it follow through as slavery is abolished."
"Clever young man."
"And what if I said I'd pledge allegiance to Kou if you got rid of slavery?" Kali inquired slyly, eyes glittering in the dark, glinting silver. The flame from the candles made Kouen's eyes smolder as he gazed at her.
"Ho? Is that an honest proposal then?" Kouen said, and Kali arched a brow, titling her head back and grinning at him.
"If it is?"
"Then I would agree to your terms."
Kali nearly slipped off the couch, looking up at him in disbelief. Kouen remained unfazed, Kali blinking. "You're kidding right?"
Kouen's face did not change.
"You're not kidding." Kali gazed at him a bit distastefully, frowning at him in clear dislike. "That's cruel of you to say."
"Was it not your idea?"
He was giving her the option of free hundreds of people for the enslavement of her own.
Ren Kouen was truly, without a doubt, a fearsome man.
A gentle knock sounded on the door, and the two turned, Kouen stating a gruff 'enter' as a servant slipped in, bowing her head. "I am sorry to disturb, your majesty, but if I may inquire, would you care for some tea?"
Kali offered the maid a small smile while Kouen turned his gaze back towards his papers. "Two cups."
"Would you add some sugar and milk to mine please?" Kali said, and the maid nodded.
Kouen glanced up, gazing at Kali. The gray-eyed girl turned, gazing back, a neutral expression on her face. The red haired man seemed to scrutinize her for a moment, Kali meeting his gaze curiously before he turned his head back down. Kouen stamped another document before he answered. "Some small snack and that will be all."
"Is it me, or is he—"
Hush, Cam. Kali remained silent, wondering the same thing herself as she waited for Kouen to finish.
"Any preferences?"
"Something sweet." He said nothing else, and Kali blinked owlishly while Camio seemed to chuckle. Maybe he likes sweets too.
"Yes, of course my king."
The maid nodded, bowing before she slipped out, the door coming to a gentle shut behind her. Kali eyed the exit for a moment more before deciding against it, the urge to leave gone as she settled back onto the couch.
"Why does everyone where different clothes?"
"Servants wear brown, common people green, and those of nobility wear white." Kouen said, not glancing up from his documents this time. Kali frowned, looking disturbed by the idea.
"That sounds awful."
"It's a simple distinction decided sometime ago." Kouen responded simply. "Anyone can rise up from their current rank into a better one if they work for it, so everyone is on equal footing."
Unite the world as one.
"Still sounds like a terrible idea." Kali repeated, swinging her feet over the couch as she landed on the ground and made her way to the other side of the room, where books on the history of Kou were. "Colors to separate people doesn't make sense."
Kouen said nothing, and Kali knew by now that it meant she was to continue. "In different places, people wear tons of different colors." Her gaze grew fond, a smile on her lips. "White is such a simple color, everyone wears it. Common folk to slaves. Everyone and every place is different."
"Simply because the world is full of different ideals and conflicting beliefs." Kouen answered, and Kali turned, eyeing him thoughtfully. "If all ideals were the same, there would be no conflict."
"If all ideals were the same, the world would be a boring place."
There was no further conversation after that for awhile. Kali wondered if that meant she had gotten the last word in, but the idea was shrugged off, because it didn't really matter did it? It wasn't as if she'd changed his whole out look on life. The tea was later served, and Kouen didn't touch the sweets on the platter, Kali idly munching on them as Camio laughed in the back of her head.
"It suits you."
Kali stared at him owlishly, a cookie in between her lips. For a moment, her mind mistook the statement that he meant that it suited her to have a cookie stuck half chewed through her lips. A flicker of defensiveness came to life, but she followed his gaze to the side of her head and blinked once more, swallowing the cookie.
He meant the feathers.
"...thanks." Weird. Kali eyed him carefully, making sure he wasn't about to flip switches and become some completely different person—she decided she had no clue with this man. Something akin to annoyance flickered through his eyes and he returned to his paperwork, saying nothing more.
"It would look even better with the hairpin it was supposed to go with."
"Shame," Kouen said flatly. "That it remains unused due to stubbornness and indecision."
"I'll fight to get them back."
"An interesting declaration of battle when you have crumbs on your face."
Kali said nothing, not even bothering to wipe the crumbs on the edges of her lips as she simply gazed flatly at Kouen, bringing a cookie to her lips and biting down. Several crumbs fell to the floor, creating a mess.
Yes, Ren Kouen was a man to be feared.
But Kali was a woman to be wary of.
"What?"
"I said I could take him." Kali repeated, and she bit down hard into the soft peach, sweet juices instantly filling her mouth—goodness they had good peaches.
Judal was gaping at her, the magi which had been a bit of a nuisance, was somehow endearing in a weird, knife stabbing, gut wrenching sort of way. Kali found his presence bearable, and she would never say to him out loud that she found him good company. And unbeknownst to her, the magi was rather interested in her as well. Judal liked strong people, and this young woman was strong.
But he was still beyond offended.
"En would have you beaten in seconds!" Judal snapped, waving his wand at her threateningly, and while Kali felt she should be flinching away from the pointed end of the thin, sharp staff, she could careless as she dully gazed out the garden before them. "You wouldn't stand a chance!"
"Not right now." Kali admitted. "I would give him quite the fight, but he'd beat me. If I had my vessels though, I could beat him."
"You could not." Judal argued, looking annoyed by the very idea. "En's strong you know!"
"Three to six is a tough ratio to beat." Kali stated flatly. Truth be told, she knew fighting Kouen would put her in a tough position, but if she had to, she would come out on top. Now, if his siblings and his army were to join in, then Kali would be in trouble. "But I could take him."
"Nuh uh."
"Uh huh."
"That's insulting." Judal looked disgusted, flinging his half eaten peach and watching as it collided before several servants, causing them to shoot up in alarm and cover their heads as they fled for cover. "He's my king candidate you know."
I wonder if Yunan would argue on my behalf. Kali wondered suddenly, titling her head to the side. I guess I'm technically his king candidate... But Yunan doesn't seem like the type to care.
"Oi! Pay attention!" Judal lifted Kali's chin with the tip of his wand, causing her to blink as she returned her gaze back to him. "En would beat you easy."
...
...
...
"If he had help, I guess so."
Judal scowled, looking annoyed for a moment, but then excitement flickered through his gaze and he suddenly looked eager, causing Kali to lean back for safety. "Then we should try it! Just watch, En would beat you even with your lousy vessels from that stupid weirdo."
Yunan isn't stupid. Kali inwardly protested, but she paused. I guess he is weird though. "If you want, I don't mind." But I can't promise I won't run the second I have them back.
Judal grinned maliciously, leering towards her as Kali chewed thoughtfully. "Ready to get your ass kicked, prude?"
Kali spat the peach core at him in response, watching as it bounced off his forehead.
Judal lunged, tackling her to the ground. Kali grinned, grabbing at his hair as he pulled her braid, his free hand prepared to shove a peach into her face.
"Prude!"
"Peach!"
Kali jerked back on his braid, Judal growled, spinning his wand between his finger tips. Kali blinked when several tips of ice were pointed her way. Quickly she rolled over, dodging the barrage and bringing her hand up, a wall of wood peeling from the floor and shielding her. "If I can beat you, don't you think I could beat Ren?"
"You against a magi?" Judal laughed aloud, grabbing at her hair as she pushed his face upwards with her hand. "Just because you can see the Rukh doesn't mean anything if you can't use it!"
Judal suddenly paused, blinking at her. "Why can you see it anyway, prude?"
Kali rolled her eyes, swatting his hands from her hair, especially since her head was now sore, but Camio recoiled and she froze, a dark presence washing over her.
Judal paused, but Kali's head turned, following the trail of Rukh as it flickered, and like that, a burst of black came washing around her, flapping about wildly. Kali inhaled softly, a sick, raging feeling burning in the pit of her stomach as she raised her eyes, coming into sight were two priests, their faces shrouded by white cloths.
It's their fault. Kali was finding it hard to breathe, slowly rising as Judal moved off of her, his head turned to gaze at the priests.
Al Thamen.
"Hail! The eight pointed star!"
"Cautiously, my king." Camio said gently, but the vines around her neck were growing thorns.
"Oh, you guys." Judal looked bored, sitting up, Kali remaining motionless beside him.
The two priests bowed their heads, staffs glinting in the sunlight, making Kali's eyes narrow. "Our esteemed magi, we were in search of your whereabouts."
Scum. Trash. Monsters. Despicable, horrid—"Yes, my king, I understand." Kali felt her lips pull back, resembling a snarl as she fought to keep her face a cool mask, refusing to break in audience with these people. She knew, and she would bet that they knew as well. Every instinct in her body roared, wanting nothing more than to wipe their existence off the face of the earth.
But there were bounds. Her eyes didn't stray to Judal beside her. She didn't understand his relationship with them, or what it was he truly wanted, but he was not her enemy. And this was not her country, they were here within the palace, they were people of Kou. Attacking them would be her sole declaration of war, and she would stand not a chance against an entire nation.
"He would come to your aid without a second thought." Camio murmured, but Kali raised her chin, face unwavering. Sinbad was the king of his own country, and she would never put his people through such danger.
This was her battle.
"What do you want?" Judal inquired, tossing a peach up and down, and the priests bowed their heads.
"We simply wished to know of your whereabouts." One answered, and his head titled to the side, letting the cloth slip enough to reveal his mouth, lips turned up into a grin. "And we would like to meet with Lord Kouen's guest."
"Try it." Camio spat, the thorns around her neck sharpening. Kali inhaled, eyeing them calmly as her nails began to dig into the wood. "With me?"
"What do you want with her?" Judal's nose scrunched up, and the priests simply remained calm, grins beneath their cloaks.
"A meeting has been requested." Kali's stomach curled inwards. "If she would be so kind as to join us."
I could easily refuse. Kali paused, hair sliding over her eyes as she remained silent. Or I could go with them and wreak havoc.
"Not without harm to yourself."
I could do it.
"Your body would not be able to withstand such pressure. Not with their power."
As if to mock her, the black Rukh flickered, fluttering by like a wisp of air. Kali did not recoil, allowing the black stains to land and disappear, lost amidst the chaos hidden deep within her.
"No." Kali blinked, her eyes turning round with confusion as Judal hauled her upwards, and before she could understand what was happening, her knees collided with soft fabric, fluttering beneath her. "I'm busy with her right now, so find a different time."
Before the priests could protest, Kali suddenly found herself being lifted higher and higher, the ground beneath her growing smaller. Confusion ruled her mind before a surge of fear gripped her, hands gathering fistfuls of cloth beneath her as Judal cackled, standing up without a care. "A-Are we flying?"
"What, never done it?" Judal grinned, crossing his arms over his chest as the magic carpet continued to rise. "You really are a prude."
"We're flying." Kali declared breathlessly, her eyes wide like saucers as she peered over the edge, holding onto the cloth to make sure she didn't topple off as the buildings and rooftops became smaller specks. "We're flying."
"You're seriously slow." Judal rolled his eyes, grinning maliciously as he peered down at her. "Don't tell me you're afraid?"
"We're flying!" Kali reached upwards, gripping his shoulders. Judal staggered back in surprise, the carpet dipping below their feet, but Kali was unaffected, her eyes wide with amazement. "This is magic right? Of course it is! This is amazing!"
Judal gazed back at her, red eyes filled with confusion as his face remained baffled. Kali let out a hoot, peering over the edge excitedly. "I can do something like this with Seere, but this—this is amazing! I've read stories about carpets and turbans, but I've never had the honor to see one—I can't believe it!"
Dark red eyes gazed at her owlishly. Kali turned, gray meeting red as she flashed Judal a huge grin "Judal, you're amazing!"
"Monster."
"Devil child."
"Our esteemed oracle."
"You're amazing."
"You just figured that out?" Judal titled his chin upwards, smug smirk on his lips. "Of course I am!"
"I take back what I said, Peach Boy." Kali said, letting out an appreciative whistle as she gazed down at the palace before her. "I could never get tired of this."
"Magi's are great after all!" Judal declared, a look of excitement flashing through his eyes as he took a seat beside the girl. "This is nothing!"
And the two paid no heed to the blackness that was driven away by the abundance of white.
"Any progress?" Koumei held back a yawn, only to fail as it slipped past his lips. Kouen blinked calmly, long strides taking them down the hallways of the palace, alongside the courtyard, open to the fresh air.
"I suppose." Kouen said simply, but there was a ghost of irritation if not undeniable curiosity, and the realization of that interest was the partial reason for his irritation. "She's quite the vixen."
Koumei arched a brow, faintly wondering what was going on in this young woman's mind to stand so strongly against his brother and king. But a strangely troubled look seemed to flicker like a ghost over Kouen's face, expressed only by the faintest furrow of his brow. "She disapproves of slavery."
"Many do," Koumei said, realizing the new hurdle before them. If she stood so strongly against it, there was little chance she would swear loyalty to a country that worked off of it.
"I overlooked such a fact," Kouen said lowly, but his face remained neutral. "But it shouldn't matter. Such things can be easily countered with."
"If you say so," Koumei glanced to the side, gazing out at the courtyard without much a care. "I must say, she is interesting. I heard she was warming up to everyone rather well."
"Good." Kouen said, looking subtly pleased with the news. Koumei blinked, eyeing his brother for a moment before tapping his fan against his chin.
"Aside from you of course."
There was no reply. Kouen simply gazed at his brother from the corner of his eye, his expression bordering a glare as Koumei glanced towards the sky instead.
"Wohoo! Holy—this is awesome!"
The two paused, glancing upwards only to have a fierce gust of wind blow past them; billowing through robes and lifting Kouen's cape, as well as their hair. Two blurs of black flashed past, a mad cackle and shouts of joy ringing through the air before they were gone.
Kouen and Koumei said nothing, the crazed gust dying down as it leveled to a wispy breeze. The sound of cackling and cheering began a faint echo as they stood, simply processing what had just happened.
Koumei adjusted his robes, glancing to the side where Kouen simply stood, face blank, hair in disarray. And slowly, Kouen raised a hand, running it through his hair, straightening the matted crimson locks. Without another word, he turned, and proceeded down the hall.
Koumei sighed, beginning to feel tired once more as he started down the same direction, headed the same way the flying menace of black had gone.
Kou really had gotten more interesting.
But that just meant more work for him.
Kali was beginning to realize that with most of her time spent here in Kou, majority of it went to one past time, and it seemed no matter whom she was with, it was unaffected.
Eating.
Said realization made the half eaten cake in her mouth a little less sweet as she strode down the deserted hallways, idly wondering about what to do. Kali was not shy to the idea of eating, she loved it. She always had a taste for good food, it was a pleasure of hers, and though she didn't really mind getting a little round, Camio ended up working her so that she wouldn't loose her touch.
But her arms and legs were beginning to feel taut, her body restless. Sure running around with Judal or spending time with Kouha or Kougyoku kept her busy, she felt like she wasn't doing anything. And sitting around with Kouen wasn't doing her any good either, despite how oddly nice it felt to just spend time in that study.
Focus. Kali stuffed the rest of the cake into her mouth, chewing thoughtfully as she wiped away any crumbs on her mouth. Her bare feet made soft noises against the ground as she continued to walk, hoping to come across something that would help her with her current dilemma.
I guess I could always provoke Judal into giving me some action. Kouha always seems eager for a fight. Kali frowned, not exactly pleased with either idea as the hallway widened out into open ground, the buildings providing a large space amidst the courtyard. I could always run around. But last time I did that I ran into Kouen.
"Upwards, my king." At Camio's request, Kali did so, and the ringing echo of metal hit her ears. Kali's eyes landed on a lone figure, a young boy with ebony locks, dressed in white and black, a scar covering part of his face and eye.
Prince Hakuryuu. But Kali's attention was not on his name, or who this young boy was. Instead, her eyes followed as he gracefully turned, swinging his pole arm with him before he lunged, slicing through a wooden dummy.
Sparring.
A look of excitement flared in gray eyes and Kali leapt over the railing, her feet hitting the ground. Hakuryuu froze, his eyes flickering to her as Kali approached. A look of surprise came onto his face before turning into confusion. Hakuryuu stood, gripping his pole arm in one hand as he gazed at her curiously. "You..."
"Kali," with a grin she outstretched her hand to his. Hakuryuu blinked, raising his free hand to meet hers. "Hakuryuu, right?"
"Yes." The young prince still looked baffled, as if not quite believing what was happening before him. "You're Kouen's..."
Hakuryuu paused, a strange expression flickering over his face before he settled for a calm demeanor, facing Kali evenly. "It is nice to meet you, Kali. I apologize for not having introduced myself before."
"Don't worry about that," Kali waved him off, her eyes glittering. "You were sparring right? How about—"
"And I must thank you for saving one of our maids," Hakuryuu clasped his hands together, pole arm in between. "It is wrong of us to impose on a guest, but the action was gratefully appreciated. So thank—"
"Wanna spar?"
Hakuryuu blinked at the ground before glancing up to the girl, a look of confusion on his face. "Pardon?"
"Spar." Kali repeated the word, gesturing to his pole arm as she grinned, eyes shining brightly at the idea. Finally! "I don't mean to impose, but I'd love to finally start moving, and if you want to thank me so much, a friendly spar wouldn't hurt, would it?"
Hakuryuu still looked confused. The young prince didn't know what to expect of his step-brother's guest, and even more so didn't know how to act now that he'd realized that he didn't have any idea what kind of a person she was. Kali was something new to him, her demeanor and actions a change amongst the people he already knew.
"I... I guess not—"
"Great!" Her eyes darted around before landing on a weapon rack. She strode over and eyed it for a moment before sliding a sword from the rack. The shape was rather close to Raum's, so she could make do with this. "Ready?"
Hakuryuu gazed at her for a moment, realization seemed to finally down on him and he straightened, holding his pole arm out before him as he narrowed his eyes. "Prepare yourself then."
"You don't normally go up to random people and ask them to spar." Camio mused dryly, but Kali paid him no heed, a wide grin on her lips as she and Hakuryuu gazed at each other for a moment. Relax, for some reason, I kind of like something about this kid.
And without another word, the two lunged.
Kali surged forward first, charging head on, sword drawn. Hakuryuu's eyes narrowed and he spun, dodging the blow and swinging his pole arm around. Kali grinned, feinting downwards and surging up, her sword colliding with the wooden middle. With a mighty swing, Hakuryuu curved, dragging his weapon along the blade and swinging downwards. Kali leapt upwards, her feet landing on the pole. Hakuryuu's eyes widened and she grinned, using the momentum to surge upwards and bring her foot down.
Hakuryuu bent down on one knee, raising his pole arm up to block the kick. Kali swung herself around, bringing the sword with her as Hakuryuu ducked and brought his own weapon up to counter. A rush of adrenaline surged through her, her bodying becoming loose as she swung the sword around once more, nearly catching Hakuryuu off guard.
"He isn't bad." Camio praised, and Kali let out a breath when the pole arm swung by her head, Hakuryuu's leg shooting up and nearly catching her in the side.
But. Kali grinned; her eyes glimmered before her head shot forward. Hakuryuu reeled back, preparing to strike, but Kali followed her move instead of backing, taking the blow to her side as her foot hooked under his. Hakuryuu's eyes widened and he toppled backwards, landing on the floor.
Kali swung her sword upwards, flipping it to the dull edge as she swung downwards. There was a flash in the air and the Rukh fluttered past her as half the sword spun upwards, arching over their heads and landing off to the side, imbedded into the earth. Kali blinked, Hakuryuu's face on of slight surprise as well as he gently lowered his pole arm.
Nothing like Raum. "Guess it's a draw then." Kali grinned, idly spinning the half sword still in her grip. "Sorry about the sword, by the way. I can get it replaced—"
"Our armory has plenty to spare." Hakuryuu waved her off, looking down at his own weapon. "I must be the one to apologize. This was a spar, and I used magoi manipulation on my weapon."
Magoi manipulation? Kali inwardly cringed at the move, something she wasn't too particularly fond of thanks to Sinbad. "I never said you couldn't."
Hakuryuu blinked, turning his head to gaze at her with slightly wide eyes. Kali found her lips remaining in a permanent grin as she offered him a hand. "It takes guts to fight with random strangers." Blue eyes and gray eyes met, and Kali found herself deciding she liked him. "Thank you, Hakuryuu."
Slowly, Hakuryuu's hand rose to meet hers, and Kali reached the rest of the way, clasping his hand to hers firmly as Hakuryuu rose. "You are quite the fighter, Miss Kali. Your skills are very different from what I've seen."
"I'm not the cleanest fighter." Kali said, not looking guilty as she absently slipped the half broken sword into her sash. It'd make a nice souvenir. "Thanks for sparring with me though."
"It was a pleasure." Hakuryuu bowed, clasping his hand together. "It's an honor to be chosen as your sparring partner."
"Is it really?" Kali looked amused, and the corners of Hakuryuu's lips seemed to twitch upwards before it settled into his neutral face. "I did just come out of nowhere and ask that you spar with me."
"It is the duty as a prince of Kou to see to his own guests." Hakuryuu said calmly, and Kali eyed him for a moment, her lips tugging upwards.
"I'm not your guest though."
Hakuryuu paused, looking up as if he'd offended her, but Kali simply waved him off instead this time. "I was joking, don't worry about it! Besides, it looked like you needed to loosen up too."
The black haired boy looked a bit confused at this, but Kali was enjoying herself to much right now to bother with little things. She hadn't felt this good in ages. "You know, you and your brother—"
"Step-brother."
Kali blinked, a look of confusion flickering across her face before she registered his words. Hakuryuu suddenly looked apologetic, turning his head slightly and gazing elsewhere. "Lord Kouen is my step-brother."
"So?" Kali smiled faintly, watching Hakuryuu turn and eye her curiously. "I could care less about Ren—tell me about yourself then! We have time don't we?"
"Miss Kali... I suppose so. But I don't see why you would want—"
"Alright then, I'll tell you about myself to, fair?"
"That wasn't really—"
"You say something, I'll say something. But I can't promise to tell you everything."
"...all right then."
"And you can just call me Kali, you know. Especially since I've just been calling you Hakuryuu."
Mystified, and overall confused, Hakuryuu found himself minutes later seated peacefully beside Kali along one of the porches along the palace, gazing out into nothing as they simply talked and told each other about things. He didn't understand why he was hanging out with one of his step-brother's guests, nor did he comprehend how easy it seemed to be sitting her with her as if he'd done it all his life. The comfortableness of it all drew close to how easy it was to simply be with his sister.
Perhaps they were alike?
His gaze landed on the young woman beside him, grinning crookedly as her feet swung lightly. His sister was kind, graceful, intelligent, a truly amazing and capable woman. So he couldn't fathom why this strange stranger made him feel so at ease.
But as Kali told him about how she'd purposely rearranged all of Kouen's documents in a different order 'just because', he found himself not really caring about all those thoughts running through his head.
And as the sun began to reach for the earth and descend from the sky, the two continued to talk, not a soul in sight but the two, and only the two themselves.
Kali was never one to complain about food.
She dearly loved all things edible after all. Unless food tasted bad, she simply didn't eat it. And she'd been lucky enough not to run into bad food that often.
But this was just...weird.
Seated at one end of the long, elegant table, Kali busied herself with rolling up the silken sleeves of the outfit Kouha and Kougyoku had picked out for her. The silken birds on the sleeves seemed to look aghast as she simply rolled her sleeves up, intent on keeping her hands free instead of looking good. And honestly, she'd be much more comfortable in her regular attire, but they would have none of it for dinner tonight.
In front of her was a vast array of fine, delicate dishes. There was a roasted duck, stuffed full and glistening a sweet, tangy aroma wafted off from it. Several dishes with fruits and vegetables and other meats and probably more foods she didn't even know were arranged together, fine and mouthwatering. Steam rose from not only the soup but from the entire meal, and Kali would imagine the entire end of her table was near sparkling.
But. Past her little personal heaven, the table ran downwards, empty and unoccupied except for the fine table cloth. Towards the very end, opposite to her own, a vast array was also finely displayed, mimicking hers except for a few changes.
Kouen occupying the other seat was one of them.
It seems a shame to have a table this large with only two people. Kali gazed around the arching ceilings and the empty, echoing hall they seemed to be in. I figured he would have asked his siblings to eat too.
"Perhaps he wishes to have a meeting with you?" Camio said, his voice unusually bland. Kali inwardly shrugged, the scent of mouthwatering food drawing back her attention.
"Is it not to your liking?" The deep voice echoed off the empty walls, and Kali blinked, glancing up to find Kouen looking uncaring and ever so nonchalant as he sat before her, several chairs away.
"It actually looks really good." Kali simply grinned, putting her hands together. "Thanks for the food."
Ignoring the flat, empty silence that followed, Kali reached out, placing pieces of food onto her plate. For the dishes she had no idea about, Kali simply stuck a fork into it and then placed it in her mouth. Her eyes went slightly round at the assault of flavors, some dishes clearly rising above the rest as she continued to eat in peace. Kouen at the other end of the table was eating as well, a neutral expression on his face as he dug into his food with an air of confidence and grace Kali didn't understand.
It'd been earlier that day, she was sitting with Hakuryuu, chatting idly about his sister, a topic he never got tired of, and how her food was when a servant had come with the message that Kouen had requested dinner with her. For the beginning of her stay, Kali had meals delivered to her, later on though; she began to eat with Kougyoku or Kouha. On rare occasions she'd run into Koumei and they'd settle for tea, and as of late, she'd had a meal or two of Hakuryuu.
But sitting here now, she realized the closes to meal with Kouen had been eating in his study or tea when she happened to stumble into him in the palace.
It was most definitely different.
While the gentle, lulling silences that enveloped them in his study, Kali found the silence at the dinner table rather unnerving as she slipped a piece of honey roasted pork into her mouth. To say the least, the meal right now was surprisingly uncomfortable.
"Think about the food?"
I'll try? Kali spooned some of the soup into her mouth, her nose instantly wrinkling slightly as her brows furrowed. Unknown to her, Kouen's eyes had slid to her face as she swallowed, a look of distaste on her face as she realized the soup had carrots and broccoli in it. Well, everything else is good.
Whether or not Kouen was affected by the silence was unknown to her, so Kali simply continued to eat, a bit glumly, as hooves echoed in the resounding silence.
Wait, hooves?
Kali blinked owlishly, craning her head around to find a pair of large, chocolate brown eyes gazing back at her. A different sort of silence filled the air as Kali simply stared, the ebony stallion gazing back at her. Kouen blinked at the other end of the table, an undeniable look of surprise in his crimson eyes.
...
...
...
There was a horse at their dinner table.
The stallion shook his mane, snowy white locks tumbling down the side, some pieces braided with ruby red ribbons as he huffed, air ghosting past Kali. His hoof hit the ground, and the horse leaned over slightly, his eyes straying from Kali's round ones to the food situated at the table, a gleam in those brown irises.
Yes, this was a very different dinner than she was used too.
"Ryuu!" The hurried, panting cry came out, and a stable boy rushed in, looking hounded and haggled as he panted. "Ryuu! What do you think you're—" His sentence fell flat as he met Kouen's equally flat stare, and Kali's round eyed one. "...doing?"
And slowly, a look of absolute horror and mortification come onto his features, his eyes growing round and his face ashen as the situation at hand came to light. With shaking knees he dropped to the floor, lowering his head. "M-My deepest apologies, your highness! This is solely my fault, Ryuu—the stallion managed to escape the stalls while I was cleaning and found his way into palace—you have my deepest, sincerest apologies. I understand that what I've done is completely inexcusable!"
Kouen looked better at ease, finally understanding the strange situation. His expression was neutral, though his eyes were unrelenting as they somewhat bore into the servant who had yet to collect his horse, apologies and promises to pack his things at once and leave coming from his lips. Ryuu's ears flicked backwards and swiveled forward, unaware to his master's current despair as his gaze remained hard on the food. Kali gazed at the towering animal thoughtfully before she reached forward.
Brown eyes followed her hands as she nudged the soup bowl to the side, watching as the horse snorted, remaining still for a moment. Kali nudged it a little closer, and without hesitation, the stallion dug in, nose barely fitting into the wide opening of the pot as he began to hungrily down the soup of carrots and broccoli.
"I will take whatever punishment is bestowed upon me—Ryuu!" The stable hand let out a gasp of horror at the sight of the horse digging into Kali's soup, and he hurried to his feet. "What are you—forgive me my lady, I am terribly sorry—"
"Don't sweat it." Kali grinned, her eyes shining as she reached a calm hand forward. Ryuu's ears twitched, his eyes rolling up to meet her gaze before he settled back into the soup. Her hand landed on the white star on his forehead, and she gently rubbed his nose, a warm smile on her face. "He's a beautiful thing, isn't he?"
The poor stable hand looked ready to take his own life, but the earlier wisps of annoyance that were flickering across Kouen's face disappeared as he arched a brow, watching the interaction between Kali and the horse. Crimson eyes never moved as Kali's eyes grew warm and her smile bright, her hands reaching up and combing through silky white locks. "You must take great care of him—do you like, Ryuu? What a wonderful name for someone like you, hmm?"
"My lady, I'll take him away at once and send word for a new meal to be prepared—"
"Do you mind?" The stable hand blinked owlishly as Kali held up a plate of grilled fruits. "This is alright, right?"
"I—yes...?"
Kali beamed, offering the plate to Ryuu. The horse let out a low whinny as his tail swished back and forth, eagerly digging into the plate held out to him. "Aren't you a funny guy, huh?"
The stable hand was at a lost for words, certain his job at the palace was gone—he'd be lucky if he walked away with his life. But the bright grin on Kali's face as she continued to feed the horse left him confused and baffled. The faintest hint of a smirk ghosted over Kouen's lips. The corner of his mouth barely curled upwards before he settled his gaze into a neutral one, continuing to observe the young woman before him as his gaze flickered, the ghosts of an emotion coloring the crimson.
A sharp whistle broke Kali's cooing to the stallion; who was not only lapping up the food, but the attention. Both their heads turned to Kouen as he gazed calmly at the horse, blinking slowly. Ryuu's ears flicked backwards, and Kouen silently lifted his own bowl, resting his chin on his palm as he tilted his head, eyeing the horse.
There was a moment of silence, the horse unmoving as his ears twitched back and forth. Kali gazed at Kouen thoughtfully, faint surprise flickering through her eyes. Smoothly, Kouen arched a brow, and with that, Ryuu neighed, trotting over to the other end of the table where he dipped his head, lapping up the bowl Kouen held out to him.
Kali's eyes brightened and she stood, piling food onto her plate as she made her way around the other side. She pulled out a chair and sat beside Kouen, slipping food into her mouth and offering it to the ebony horse as well. The poor stable hand simply stared, some part of him faintly hoping that maybe he would get to keep his life for this otherwise unforgivable mistake.
"See to it that he's clean and escorted safely back to the stables." Kouen's voice caused him to jolt, and the stable hand nodded eagerly.
"Y-Yes, your highness!"
"Then you are dismissed for now." The stable hand's eyes widened as Kouen set down the bowl, a look of disappointment seeming to come over Ryuu's face before Kali reached over past Kouen, holding a ripened apple to the stallion.
"You'll soften him."
"Please, any working animal deserves a good treat." Kali brushed Kouen's remark aside, a small smile on her face as the horse chomped down on the apple, juices trailing to the floor. "I'd want to stuff my face after a hard day's work too."
"Fitting."
Kali glowered, her gaze flickering to Kouen's neutral expression. "I think you should be the one careful about their weight if you eat like this everyday."
"It seems I won't have to if this is what happens."
With slow steps, the stable hand left the room, assured that his horse was in strangely good hands. A look of confusion on his face as he realized he would never really understand what had transpired that night.
Afterwards, Kali's meals were no longer sent to her room, and if she wasn't eating with one of the other Ren siblings, she was to have dinner with Kouen.
And she never did notice that carrots and broccoli failed to ever show up in her food again, unless skillfully concealed.
"This is the Kaega tribe," Koumei said, and Kali was silent, gazing out over the hill they resided on. "As of one month ago, it was conquered by the Kou Empire."
Kali didn't have anything to say to that. Seated atop a proud Ryuu, the black stallion shook his mane, as if sensing her somber mood. Gray eyes stained blue turned down from the sky to the village before them, huts and houses built together along the wide plains, trees bundle together and shielding the homes and the village from harm. But it seemed to have been useless against the very might of the Kou Empire.
The idea of conquest didn't sit well with the young woman, and a harsh gust billowed past, sending the cape she wore flying upwards behind her. A servant had given it to her a few days ago, stating it was a gift from Lord Kouen. Kali had been somewhat mystified at the silk white fabric, gray birds sewn in flying from the bottom upwards, and while her hood was down, the clasp keeping it around her shoulders had soft feathers hanging from it.
It seemed they'd decided on some sort of bird pattern with her, but it wasn't as if she minded, she liked birds, and feathers.
Glad to be in the familiar feel of easier clothes, Kali's hand found itself to the metal feather around her neck, rubbing her fingers along it gently.
She didn't know why Kouen had wanted her to come today, or what his plans for her being here were. If it was battle, she'd only fight if her life were in danger, if it was to try and make friends with the people to make the Kou Empire look better, she'd spread the nastiest rumors she could think of. But somehow, the ideal of such things seemed lost on Kouen, and Kali had simply been dragged along, riding atop a proud Ryuu as the semi-small army Kouen had led to check in and complete finalizations with the Kaega tribe took place.
"One month ago?" "Our own month is coming soon to a close." Camio whispered, and Kali inclined her head, prepared to face whatever challenge Kouen had prepared to get her vessels back.
"Indeed," Koumei nudged his horse forward, following along the line as the trekked down a path to the village. "There was a bit of a battle, two casualties from our side, and twenty from theirs. With the numbers and means, they were easily outnumbered and out done. Though they claimed that the band that had attacked had acted on their own, and afterwards, the village leader went through some negotiations, and now they are apart of the Kou Empire."
"You guys are pretty into this conquest stuff," Kali said, a tad bit sourly, and Koumei glanced to her before turning his gaze forward.
"My brother and king has his own ideals and goals to reach for," Koumei explained simply. "And to do so, he will shoulder any burden he must."
Kali glanced to him at the last comment, a thoughtful look in her eyes as she turned forward. Her gaze landed on the head of crimson leading the group, tall, broad—dominating, riding atop an ivory white steed.
This is what they want me to help with. Kali set her gaze forward, the familiar banners of the Kou Empire waving in the wind. Conquering the world.
But she was out to save it.
"Welcome, Lord Kouen." An elderly man bowed his head, clasping hands together as he offered Kouen a small smile. "It is a pleasure to see you again."
Kouen inclined his head; a soldier came and gripped the reins as he dismounted, easily towering over the old man. "Have preparations been completed?"
"As you requested." The old man said, nodding towards the group of people who were moving about, papers and different items being relayed to a larger, stone building that had been built amongst the huts. "Majority of the people have written in their citizenships."
Kouen's crimson eyes flickered. "Majority?"
The leader of the Kaega tribe seemed in wince, but he put on a gentle smile, nodding his head, an apologetic look on his face. "Some people still have yet to get their things in order, but I will see to it that it is done."
Kouen's gaze remained on him for a moment before he nodded, turning away with a sweep of crimson and black. "See to it, then."
Kali let out a low whistle, slipping off of Ryuu and giving him a gentle pat on the nose before she moved off, Koumei alongside her. "It seems like a nice place."
"I suppose." Koumei spoke to a few soldiers, nodding and giving orders before he turned back to her. "Work is being done to expand the village and make it a more habitual territory."
"Wasn't it fine the way it is?" Kali wondered aloud, and Koumei paused, his fan covering the lower portion of his face.
"Perhaps."
"By the way," the lighter haired prince turned, blinking as Kali jutted a finger behind her. The two soldiers following behind paused, looking slightly confused. "It's not like I'm going to try and make a break for it you know."
"Oh," Koumei tapped his fan. "Let's just say that for now, I trust you more than these villagers."
"Ah."
"Is there something we could get for you?" Kali blinked, turning her head to the side as a young woman offered her a gentle smile. "Our village is greatly known for the vegetables we grow—perhaps a meal?"
"I'm fine, thank you." Kali found her gaze taking in the bags beginning beneath her eyes, and the gentle way her hands reached for each other, locking tightly. "But some tea or water would be fine."
"Of course," she bowed her head and turned on her heel, disappearing beneath a tent flap. Kali gazed after her, looking thoughtful as she surveyed the village, huddles of the Kaega people moving about, going on their daily business. But there was tension, the hunch of shoulders, the shift of eyes as they kept their heads lowered, some raising chins and narrowing eyes as they continued about as if there were nothing wrong. Others began to see to it that the delegates from Kou were being treated well.
They were their new rulers after all.
"Before the Kou Empire made their move, this village was undergoing a famine." Koumei's voice began, breaking her from her own reverie. "Bordering nations were cutting off supplies and forcing the village into a decision between choosing alliances, after all, they didn't want them to be taken in by the Kou Empire as they are now."
A famine, huh? True enough, several villagers still seemed to have the remnants of such a possibility, but even so, most were now full, seemingly healthy if not somber. "They would have been driven to the brinks, and they were at their ends when we swept in and took control."
"But you can't really use that to justify, can you?" Kali murmured, and Koumei glanced to her. "A famine, so the people were going hungry, they were being invaded by other nations as well, and the Kou Empire plays the savior by taking the country in as it's own. But then there's always the idea that they could have easily been fine joining forces with another nation as well, perhaps more of their own will and without bloodshed."
Koumei said nothing, looking not at all defensive, meaning he was already aware that this was all true, and he knew it. Kali gazed outwards into nothing, her gaze moving beyond the people and the fields, into some place far off. "We're never the ones allowed to decide what would be best for other people. There is always the chance that they would've been fine, even without the Kou Empire."
"And there is always the chance they would have perished as well."
Kali's lips tugged upwards, a somewhat sad look turning gray stormy as she turned. "Is it alright if I look around?"
"Would it matter what I say?" Koumei yawned, and Kali grinned, turning on her heel and casting a wave over her shoulder.
"I might've thought about it."
A bit surprised, Koumei and Kouen allowed her to wander off, a soldier following a few paces behind. Gray eyes ran over the village, the firmly built huts and homes seemed to be under some reconstruction. The people milled about, doing their daily business, some carrying things, others building, and a few simply talking.
"It seems as if there's nothing wrong."
But then how are you supposed to act when the independence you once had is gone? Kali couldn't quite wrap her head around such an idea, but she did know that conquest wasn't a favorable idea. It never would be. Spiteful? Lifeless? Or simply move on and continue?
"Against the tide of fate, nothing stands a chance." There was a note of somberness in Camio's voice that made her pause, reaching for her necklace. "And to avoid the idea of rejecting destiny, we can only continue to move on."
A sharp sting in the back of her head made Kali stop. The young woman winced, reaching up to the back of her head and turning around to find her assaulter. A jagged rock lay on the floor at her feet, and gray eyes landed on furious brown irises, a small young boy glaring hatefully at her. "Get out of here, witch!"
Ouch. Kali arched a brow, the young boy looking absolutely spiteful as he glared at her. The soldier who'd been following stiffened, turning on the boy. "Hey! You brat, do you understand—"
Kali held a hand out, shaking her head, and the solider looked momentarily confused, as if unsure if he should follow her orders or not. But she wasn't about to wait around and Kali took a step forward, causing the boy to flinch as he chucked another rock. This one barely grazed her head, thanks to the instinct to dodge. Kali regarded him curiously. "I haven't even met you before, so what did I do to deserve getting stoned?"
His expression flickered before it hardened, his lips curling back. "You and your rotten empire! You're all the same! No one wants you here! No one asked you to come! Just leave!"
No one ever thinks nice things when I'm with Kou apparently. Kali smiled slightly, her brows furrowing. "You would blame the actions of my rulers on me then?"
His hands trembled, but his glare remained hard, something swirling so spitefully, loathingly, that even Kali found herself slightly disturbed. This wasn't something to be taken lightly, in the eyes of a simple young boy who should see nothing but happiness; she saw true, raw hatred. "Then what did we do to deserve this! We were fine on our own!"
His head dropped, small shoulders shaking as droplets fell to the ground. Kali's eyes widened and he jerked his head back up, small hand clutching the stone painfully tight. "Who am I supposed to blame then? Show them to me! I'll make them pay! It's their fault!"
The Rukh rushed past her, buffeting and wild—fierce. Brown eyes glistened with tears and the little boy glared hard at her. "It's your fault my brother's dead!"
His brother?
"Twenty casualties."
In this conquest, a little boy's brother was killed.
"Roka!" A woman rushed out from a hut, gathering her son in her arms as her eyes were wide, fear and disbelief in them. "What do you think you're doing? Are you insane?"
The little boy's eyes went wide, and the solider behind Kali stepped forward. "Is this your boy then?"
The mother turned, fear flashing across her face before it was taken in by remorse. Kali remained stock still as the woman bowed, her knees hitting the floor, following her head. "Forgive me, my lady, my son—he's still grieving. I apologize for everything he's said and done, and I will take any punishment, but please, leave him aside."
Kali felt sick.
"You should teach him some manners." The solider said, a look of slight annoyance on his face as he rested a hand on his hip, fingers grazing a sword hilt. "Going out of line like that against those higher than him won't get him into good places."
"I understand, thank you for not doing anything. I promise to take full responsibility." The mother vowed, her head barely lifting from the floor to look at Kali with imploring eyes. "Just spare my son."
He's the only one I have left.
"Stop—get up, mom!" Roka tugged on his mother's sleeves, tears in his eyes as he ground his teeth. "You don't have to apologize! They're the ones who're wrong! It's their fault!"
"Roka!" The boy flinched, and her mother kneeled, gripping his shoulders fiercely. "Our lives are so much better now; the Kou Empire has done us a favor. They've saved us from hunger, you yourself were on death's door had it not been for—"
"They killed brother!" Roka shrieked, and Kali stood still, countless thoughts beginning to run through her mind. "I would rather be hungry again, because we were hungry together! I'll take it all back! Just bring him back then!"
The mother's eyes glistened, and she bowed her head, clutching her child to her. "Apologize."
"I won't!"
"Apologize!"
"I won't say sorry to them being murderers!"
"War."
It's awful.
Kali took a step forward, the mother flinching and whirling around, clutching her son to her as she bowed her head. "Forgive me my lady—"
"It's our fault your brother's dead."
Roka's eyes widened, meeting Kali's cool ones, a look of fury crossing his small features and he reeled his arm back. A rock struck hard onto Kali's cheek, and she would admit that it hurt like hell, but she didn't say it aloud, simply gazing back softly at the boy. "He made his choice."
Tears dripped down his face, but the young boy refused to buckle, his mother clutching his arms and pleading with him to apologize. Kali felt her stomach knot and she stepped closer, ignoring how his mother flinched as she held him. "Believing in the ideal that he could fight to protect you, he died."
"You don't know anything!"
There were more people now, the Kaega people watching on with wide, fearful eyes. Some eyed her with scorn, not even aware that she held no ties to the country that'd done this to them. Kali remained firm, taking in the hate, the burning fury within the little boy's eyes, and gladly willing to take it from him.
"I've never met him before." Kali agreed, and the Rukh were beating, darkening around the young boy. "But no one wants their efforts to go in vain."
Roka's eyes widened and Kali bent down, picking up one of the jagged rocks and holding it out to him. "You can hate me; you can hate the Kou Empire, that's fine. But let that be the only thing you hate. Nothing will change, and a few rocks from one boy won't take down an entire empire."
The rock was biting into her palm, but gray eyes never left the fierce brown. "If you fight now, it won't get you anywhere, and the people your brother fought so hard to protect will end up getting hurt, and then what? Your brother's death would have been in vain."
"Shut up—"
"But change that hate," Kali's hands gripped his firmly, refusing to budge when he tried to yank them away. "Turn it into something else—fight for a future. To continue on and keep living, so that you can protect the ones you love."
The Rukh blew past her, disguised in the eyes of everyone else as a gust of wind as her cape fluttered, and Kali left the rock in the boy's hands, rising and gazing down at him. "You can't go back to the past that you want."
No matter how hard you try.
Kali's lips turned into a smile, her gaze softening. "But you can still fight for the future you want."
She turned then, walking away from the crowd and the boy, the smile beginning to slip from her face. Kali stared at the floor, thoughts beginning to swarm her head as she took in what'd just happened. She wasn't shy to war; she knew how bad things could get. Kali understood what it meant to seek out your goals and do whatever possible to accomplish it; she was going the same thing.
But she'd never get used to it, nor would she ever be able to simply turn her eyes away, because with war meant a victory and a defeat, and for the defeated, there was no other way.
Fate was inescapable.
"So we fight to change it." Camio murmured, and a warm presence filled Kali. "For the future that we want."
Musings and thoughts were stopped abruptly when Kali found herself slamming into some hard. The familiarity of the situation reached her mind, and she didn't even need to look up to know she'd run into Kouen. Kali simply took a few steps back, Kouen's gaze landing on her face. Firm fingers brushed beneath her chin, tilting her face upwards and to the side.
She gazed at him from the corner of her eyes as Kouen's brows creased ever so faintly, examining the swelling mark on her cheek where a small cut lay. His face was neutral, save for his constantly burning eyes as he leaned back.
"Who?"
It was one simple word, and within it were a multitude of questions. Kali would've grinned at the idea that he somehow managed to demand five different things from one work had it not been for her mood. Kouen's other hand touched his sword hilt, but vines spread up from the necklace, touching Kali's cheek and healing the mark. Kouen said nothing, a fine brow rising a bit as he gazed at her.
"Why did you bring me with you?"
The question was simple, giving way to nothing she was feeling within as his fingers slid from her chin and returned to his side. Kouen regarded her thoughtfully; Kali's eyes betrayed her voice, unable to hide the sadness behind them. Crimson eyes met gray, and Kouen said nothing, simply silent.
"It's as if he knows there's more for you to say."
"You're not stupid," Kali's lips turned upwards, faintly bitter. "So I'm sure you can tell that I don't like things like this. But I don't..."
Kali paused, frowning. Her hand went up and she ruffled her hair, feathers shaking with the motion as she turned then, meeting his gaze solidly. "What is that you want?"
She'd turned this question over and over in her head, never quite understanding what Kouen wanted. He was a man with a goal, that was undeniable, to unify the world was all he'd said to her, but she couldn't wrap her mind around the idea. Under one ruler? As one world?
"People go through unimaginable lengths to obtain whatever it is that they want," Kouen said, his voice calm, deep, echoing throughout her. "Countless struggles, decisions, burdens, and even sacrifices are made to accompany these goals."
Crimson was aflame, gray stormy. "I wish to unify the world, and with that, there are goals I wish to accomplish for my own. To do so, I will overcome any obstacle, obliterate any challenge, and make the sacrifices I have to."
"Such strong belief." Camio spoke quietly, Kali drawing strength from his silent presence.
"There is no easy way out in reaching my goal." Kouen's gaze swept out to the village before him, firm, burning. "And I am prepared to shoulder any burden that comes along with it."
Kali's eyes widened slightly, the Rukh engulfing her as Kouen turned, his eyes meeting hers, eyes burning. "I will get my hands dirty, for the sake of what I wish to accomplish."
Dirtied hands.
Even if it means being home to that organization.
Taking the lives of families, stripping people bare of what they believed.
"For the sake of what he wishes to obtain." Camio's voice was a lull in the back of her head.
And the eyes of Kougyoku, Kouha, Koumei, and all the people that followed behind Kouen, striving, fighting, reaching for the goal that he wished to reach, standing beside him every step of the way, came into her mind.
Kali turned, her gaze following the way Kouen had once looked, out into the rolling fields, stretching out into the horizon to lands she had yet to travel. And she began to wonder, picturing this strange world that Kouen envisioned.
She was beginning to understand the kind of man Ren Kouen was.
"It was a pleasure to have you, Lord Kouen," the village elder bowed his head, Kouen inclining his head as well. "We wish you a safe journey."
"See to it that preparations are complete." Kali stood off to the side a bit beside Koumei, mind wondering as they prepared to leave.
"What did you think?" Koumei inquired, and Kali's nose scrunched up.
"I hate war."
A snort came from the taller male beside her, using his fan to cover the lower half of his face as he turned his head to the side. "I suppose most people do."
"My lady," Kali glanced up, finding a young man offering her a slight smile. In his hands were softly rounded dumplings, and Kali's gaze brightened at the sight of them. "In apology for the event that happened earlier...please, take these."
"Of course." Kali grinned, stepping forward as the young man smiled apologetically. Kouen's eyes moved from the old man to Kali, following her movements carefully as she approached the other man. "It wasn't anything really, don't worry about it."
"I must insist though," her hand stretched out to accept the gift when alarm bells fired off in her head, Camio reeled in alarm, but the large arm was already circling around her neck and pressing her back. Kali's eyes widened in slight surprise as the bag of dumplings fell to the floor and a jagged blade pressed to her throat, her body held tightly to the man behind her.
Huh. Kali found herself blinking in disbelief at the sudden situation, not quite understanding that her life was technically in danger as the soldiers stiffened, moving to encircle the man, swords and spears raised. Koumei's eyes had widened and Kouen's had narrowed, an emotion she didn't quite know flickering through red as the man pressed the knife closer to her throat, cold metal ghosting over her skin. "Stay back or she dies!"
Why do things always happen to me? Kali frowned, looking unsettled with the fact and slightly annoyed as people let out cries of surprise, and the soldiers halted, unable to press further while she was held hostage.
"Perhaps he thought you were the easier target?"
Kali's frown deepened. That's offensive.
"Leave," the man ground out, and Kali felt his heart thumping, his hands gripping her hair tightly as he held the knife to her throat. Ouch. "And never return, and she lives. Give us back our freedom, everything!"
"Are you declaring war?" Kouen arched a brow, looking unaffected as he titled his head back, regarding the man coolly. Jerk.
"You killed us, so it's only right to get even then, isn't it?" The knife pressed closer, Camio shifted in her mind as a small cut opened up, a trickle of blood trailing down. "Her life then. One of your nobles—or if you leave now, and never come back, she lives."
"They'll simply return and wreak vengeance." Camio sounded faintly annoyed, mainly that the knife was threatening to cut into the vines holding her necklace together. "Fool."
He's desperate.
"What do you think you're doing?" The old man hobbled forward, eyes wide at the man. "Are you a fool? What good will any of this do—"
"We can fight!" The man spat, pulling Kali's hair back and causing her to wince, but she was oblivious to Kouen's eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "We'll drive them away, we can do it!"
His eyes turned back to Kouen, his breathing was erratic now, and Kali remained silent, knowing she could very well break free if she chose to, and Camio himself was getting anxious. The idea of a knife at someone's throat would she supposed. "Leave now, and we'll send her back to you, unharmed. Make a move, and she'll be slaughtered like a pig!"
"If he does this..."
Then he'll drag everyone else down with him.
"Are you prepared then?"
The man blinked, his eyes turning downwards as Kali remained still in his grip, but her eyes were shut, focusing. "You shut your—"
"Doing this is an act of rebellion, meaning war." Kali's eyes slid open, gray stained blue turning upwards along with her head to meet the man's gaze. "Killing me or allowing me to live will mean the same thing regardless."
A stone shot out from the crowd, catching the man in the cheek. Kali's eyes flickered in surprise before she instantly used this to pull away. The man's eyes widened and the soldiers pressed in, but before they could move, roots shot from the ground, wrapping around feet and knocking them to the ground. Kali didn't have to turn to know Kouen's gaze was boring into the back of her head, and that Koumei's fan was beginning to glow a bit.
The knife was wrenched from his hands and a vine entwined itself around Kali's arm, setting the weapon in her hands as she gripped it softly, regarding the wide eyed man before her. "Are you prepared for what that means?"
"Of course!" He stepped forward, and Kali didn't falter. "I wouldn't have done this if I didn't!"
"I see." I'm tired. Kali raised her free hand upwards, and with the movement, thick roots shot upwards from the ground, breaking the earth and rising forward, taking the form of gaping jaws and twisting dragons. "I'm strong. I myself am a dungeon conqueror, and as you should know, those who have conquered dungeons have obtained unimaginable power."
The roots holding the soldiers rose slightly, lifting the struggling bodies upwards as Kali's gaze never left the wide eyed male's. "If you truly are prepared to declare war, I will even give you my strength to fight them."
Koumei coughed, and Kali smirked at the man, setting the soldiers down and raising her head. "But you must be prepared. Going into war will mean that you are gladly accepting the fact that you are bringing this entire village that you so dearly want to fight for into war as well, and no one will be left to spare."
Kali's arm swung out, the knife in her hands as she gestured to the people all around them. "Then that means you are prepared to watch their blood spill, to watch these people fall and perish. You are prepared, to shoulder onto yourself the burden that will never cease to exist, and that is the fact that you lead them to war."
The man was frozen, eyes burning and churning with emotions she didn't bother to read. Kali raised her chin, eyes narrowing as she gripped the knife, blade first, not caring that it cut into her palm and let blood drip to floor as she held it out to him. "Are you ready then, to dirty your hands?"
"What would you like us to do?" Koumei's gaze turned to his brother, awaiting his orders on what to do. But the younger brother paused, his eyes widening slightly in surprise at the expression on his older brother's face.
He'd seen his brother interested before, he knew the familiar expression when discussing ideals on history and of his brother's theories and his search for knowledge. The expression on his face rivaled such a thing, except for that fact that it was directed onto a person, not a book or scroll.
And Kouen's eyes were intense, crimson gleaming and burning as he gazed at the back of Kali's head. His gaze was fierce, unwavering. It was an expression Koumei had never seen before, yet somehow understood in the moment as he gazed at the young woman, her small shoulders squared, her eyes ablaze as she gazed at the man who had dared to raise a hand against the Kou Empire.
And Koumei suddenly found himself slightly pitying Kali as he tapped his fan gently, turning his gaze another way.
Slowly, the man's hand reached upwards. Kali watched him silently as he took the knife from her grip. She let her hand fall to her side, vines wrapping around her palm as blood came to a slow stop from dripping to the floor. The man gazed at the knife, and his lips pulled back into a snarl as he hurled it to the floor, a look of frustration flickering across his face as he fell to his knees then.
Softly, Kali bent down and picked up the bundle of dumplings. The man froze, and Kali's eyes softened slightly. "Thank you."
She turned then, sliding a dumpling out from the bag as she raised her head. Her gaze met Kouen's evenly, and the crimson eyes were burning, his face a mask as she simply blinked, biting into the dumpling and continuing to walk where Ryuu stood, pawing the ground waiting.
She would not fight for him, nor alongside him. But she would remain in Kou for a little longer.
Because as the black Rukh disappeared, her gaze hardened.
There was still work to do here.
"You should've just let the soldiers do their job." Kouha reprimanded, combing his fingers through her hair as he braided random strands together. "Idiot~"
"Kali was being a good person," Kougyoku defended, looking up from where she was trying to slice peaches.
"Siding with others over your siblings," Judal tsked, snatching a peach from Kougyoku. "Shame on you, old hag."
"Hey!"
"It's fine." Kali gazed out into the courtyard, blinking calmly now that such events were far behind her. But her mind had been focused on the current problem coming into her midst.
Tomorrow would be one month.
Judal seemed aware, but didn't care as he rested on his side, propping his head up with his arm. Kougyoku most likely didn't know, and Kali couldn't tell if Kouha knew about her predicament or not.
"It looks like the peach blossoms are beginning to bloom." Kali glanced up at Kougyoku's comment, her eyes finding the tree the young girl had pointed out. Hakuryuu had said the same thing when she'd went to talk to him the other day, and Kali stared at it for a moment.
A gentle breeze blew past, caressing the group below and causing the branches to waver slightly. Kali continued to stare, inhaling softly before she shut her eyes, stretching her arms over her head. "Today feels nice."
"Hey!" Kouha protested. "Hold still, would you?"
"Are you alright Kali?" Kougyoku questioned. Kali blinked, looking thoughtful.
"I'm tired, I guess."
"Then sleep, prude." Judal commented over his shoulder, and Kougyoku nodded, looking worried.
"You shouldn't tire yourself out; it'll be bad for your health!"
"And your face." Kouha added. Kali simply continued to gaze out into the garden, an overwhelming feeling of peace beginning to fall over her as she let her lids lower, and her gaze softened gently as the breeze brushed by them once more.
"It is a nice day," Kougyoku said softly, a small smile on her face. Kouha hummed in response, while Judal simply continued to eat his peach. "It's nice to get away once and awhile and just enjoy the scenery."
"Not like you do much anyway."
"S-Shut up!"
"It is," Kali agreed, and she let herself fall backwards, her back hitting the wood of the walkway they were lazing about in. Her eyes slid shut, and Kali allowed the breeze to rustle over, listening to the sound of the wind and the trees.
And it really was. For a moment, just listening to the things around her and not thinking about a single thing, no battles or bloodshed, no worries or troubles. Simply peaceful.
"Eh~ Let's go play, Li~" Kouha tugged at her sleeves, and Kougyoku swatted at his hands.
"You should let her rest!"
"Tch. You're no fun."
"I-I can be fun!"
Judal paused, looking past a bickering Kouha and Kougyoku to Kali's silent form. The magi blinked, sitting up and peering down at the girl. "She fell asleep."
Kouha and Kougyoku drew to a halt, turning their heads in Judal's direction as they glanced down. Sure enough, Kali's eyes had slid shut, her chest rising and falling gently as she breathed softly, a look of peace settling over her face.
"...should we wake her up?"
"We should let her sleep!"
"Let's draw on her face."
"J-Judal!"
"Well, what else are we supposed to do then?"
"The final papers and documents have been written up by the Kaega Tribe." Koumei read off the papers, walking alongside his brother as they strode down the hallway.
"I see," Kouen said. The crimson haired man had a few other matters on his mind, but it was easier to know that things were beginning to fall into place. "Were their any problems?"
"Nothing was reported," Koumei answered. The lighter red head glanced down to his papers, letting out a yawn. "On the other hand, the neighboring tribes..."
Koumei's voice drifted off when he realized his older brother was no longer focused on what was being said. Koumei blinked in surprise, wondering what could have stolen his attention. Turning the hallway and following his brother's gaze, Koumei blinked once more in surprise, a slightly baffled expression on his face.
Beneath the over hanging peach trees, the walkway that stretched out into the garden was currently blocked off. Sprawled over the ground, the silent bodies remained still, save for the rise and fall of their chests, and Koumei was blinking, rubbing his eyes to make sure he was seeing things right.
Kali's eyes were shut, a gentle, peaceful expression on her normally mischievous, unreadable face. On hand rested on her stomach, the other sprawled out beside her, where Kougyoku was peacefully curled up into her side. On her left side, Judal used her stomach as a pillow, his hands resting on his stomach as he dozed away, and Kouha lay further down, using her lap as he breathed softly. The four of them sound asleep.
Koumei's head titled to the side in disbelief, not quite sure what to make of the sight before him. A few fallen petals scattered about them, and overall, he had to admit that they looked rather...peaceful.
His gaze turned upwards, watching Kouen's expression. There was an unreadable look on his face, something flickering through his eyes. The two elder princes simply watched the group for a moment before Kouen turned, continuing on his way. Koumei gazed after them for a little longer, a yawn leaving his lips as he followed after his brother.
Must be nice.
Later that evening, Kali found herself sprawled over the couch in Kouen's study, stretching out her now sore limbs from the odd way she'd decided to take a nap earlier. Camio seemed amused, and rather in a good mood, leaving Kali in a good mood as well as she simply relaxed, silent as Kouen worked at his desk.
Part of her began to wonder if she should bring up the fact that it would be one month tomorrow. But then again, she didn't know how to deal with the situation, or what exactly would happen. If she declined, would he give her back her metal vessels? Or would she have to get them back herself?
"Whatever it takes." Camio said.
Whatever it takes.
"Open that drawer for me." Kali paused, craning her head to find Kouen inclining his head slightly to the left, where rows of drawers lined the bottom of the shelves. "The last one on the left."
Kali simply stared at Kouen, not moving from her spot. Kouen glanced up at the lack of movement, meeting her flat stare evenly as he arched a brow.
He's joking right?
No reply was met to the silence, and Kali blinked in disbelief, stubbornly savoring the idea of ignoring him. Since when did he think he could order her around like that? Camio chuckled in amusement, and as Kouen continued to stare, Kali refused to move.
Looking unaffected, Kouen glanced back down. Kali bit her lower lip and stood, trudging across the room till she knelt before the drawer he'd motioned too. With a roll of her eyes, she slid the bolt aside and pulled it open.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Kali was silent, unmoving, and unable to do anything but simply stare. The sound of Kouen's writing was the only sound that reached her, she was frozen.
In the faint glimmer of the candle light, the metallic glint greeted her. A rush of something warm, powerful spread through her body as she gazed down at the familiar sight of her metal vessels, all of them gazing back at her, untouched, unharmed, simple objects hidden safely within the drawer. Kali exhaled softly, thoughts running through her mind at a speed she couldn't comprehend, and Kouen was silent, saying nothing as he continued to write.
Slowly, gently, Kali leaned forward, her fingers brushing along all of them, pleasant shudders running up and down her spine as they greeted her with a spark, life igniting in her chest. Without a care, Kali gently grasped all of them within her arms, clutching them all tightly to her as she took them out of the drawer and laid them before her.
"My king," Camio breathed, and Kali felt her heart thud against her chest, happiness and relief welling within her and threatening to burst. They were here, she had them again...
That was all she needed.
I should've known. She never thought to look in Kouen's study, since it was a place for books and scrolls, and he was always in it, so it never came that she should look in such a risky place.
They'd been here all along.
Gently, Kali's hands reach forward, fingers enclosing around the cool metal of her anklets, chains dangling from the ends as she silently slid them on.
"My king."
The leather bracelets clicked around her wrists, the metallic flowers gleaming in the candlelight as she ran her fingers over the familiar smoothness.
"...my king."
Kali parted the side of her head, brushing the feathers over as she slid the dragon hairpiece into her braid, letting it entwine around the strand of hair.
"My new king."
Her hand then reached for the cool hilt of her dagger, sliding it into its rightful place close to her heart, beneath her tunic, hidden amongst the folds.
"My king."
And finally, Kali stood, bringing the sword around and sliding it into the sash around her hips. The blade grew hot against her side, warming her fingers as she gripped the leather hilt, the curled dragon ornament dangling from the top.
"My king!"
Kali inhaled and exhaled, shutting her eyes and simply reveling in the moment of having her vessels back—her family. The things that meant the world to her were back, and she would make sure that she would never let them slip away again.
She turned then, her gaze landing on Kouen as he simply continued to work, looking unaffected. The familiar weight of her vessels ironically made her feel lighter as she walked towards him.
Her hands laid themselves on his desk, and Kouen's writing came to a halt. Kali leaned over the desk, her head tilting a bit past his so that they were side by side. The smell of spices masked in the musky air of the study assaulted her senses. Kali blinked softly, tilting her head so that it barely brushed against his, sooty locks mingling with crimson red, like flame and soot.
His grip tightened ever so slightly on the brush as Kali's breath ghosted over his ear, and crimson red eyes gazed from the corner of his eyes, trying to get a glimpse of her face.
Kali smiled, her eyes sliding shut for a moment.
"Thank you."
For perhaps only once in her life, Kali had the pleasure to watch Kouen's normally stoic face turn into one of surprise, shock coloring his unreadable features as her body flickered before him. Kali leaned back, flashing him a crooked grin. She saw his shoulders tense as he seemed to prepare to rise from his seat, but she was quicker.
And just like that, she disappeared.
"What's wrong with En-nii?" Kouha questioned, looking over to where Kouen was walking ahead of them, shoulders broad. "He seems annoyed."
"I'm not sure," Koumei paused, a thought flickering through his mind for a moment. "But I might have a guess."
Kouen said nothing, not even sparing his brothers a glare as he continued to stride down the halls, his neutral face set in a bit of a glower.
Ren Kouen was a formidable man.
And he was not to be out done by a so-called simple traveler.
Ren Kouen was, though he did a good job keeping it under cover, annoyed.
"So this is all of them?" Kougyoku's awed voice reach his ears, and he kept his gaze forward, his expression flickering. "We must spar sometime! I heard you've been sparring with Hakuryuu!"
"If you want," a laugh echoed in his ears, breezy, loose. "I can't say I'm too practiced with Ose though, so you may have me beat in terms of water Djinn."
"We can train together!"
With a longer stride, Kouen stepped forward, rounding the corner and instantly turning his head. Sooty hair tumbled over slim shoulders as Kali continued walking, chatting amiably with Kougyoku, a small smile on her lips, glints of metal shining in the sunlight.
Kouen said nothing when Kougyoku came to a halt, eagerly greeting her brother. He inclined his head to her, gaze not leaving the woman at her side as Kali simply blinked, gazing up at him, and an unreadable expression on her face.
Koumei, Kouha, and Kougyoku blinked at the silent stare off, looking slightly confused until Kali suddenly grinned, turning around with a flourish to Kougyoku. "Hey, Kougyoku, wanna see something cool?"
Kougyoku blinked, Kouen's eyes narrowing slightly as Kali held out her hand. "Give me your hand."
Complying with the older girl's orders, Kougyoku set her hand in hers. Kali purposely turned her head, flashing Kouen a smug smirk as she winked. Before their eyes, the two girls disappeared, leaving Koumei and Kouha baffled, while a flicker of annoyance crossed over Kouen's face.
"P-Princess?" Ka Koubun began to run about, panicking as he called out for his beloved princess.
Kali and Kougyoku appeared a moment later, a look of complete awe on Kougyoku's face, a small smile on Kali's face as she turned back to Kouen, holding up a small bag.
"Let's have this with tea later." And with a grin, Kali trotted off and past the red head, Kougyoku bowing to her brother before she followed after the girl, chatting excitedly about what'd just happened.
Ren Kouen was a dangerous man.
But Kali was a worthy adversary.
Kali was confused.
Clad in silk robes, the only thing beneath being the usual cloth she bound around her chest and a bit downwards like half a shirt and a pair of shorts, Kali gazed upwards dully between the two signs, having absolutely no idea how to differentiate between the two.
Kougyoku had mentioned after sparring with Kali that the palace had outdoors hot springs for them to use, and while Kali had mainly taken her baths in the private quarters of her room, the younger girl had insisted that they felt wonderful. So Kali, being the curious soul she was, took the girl's advice, and was shoved down by the servants to where she was now, gazing at two sleek wooden doors, each bearing a different sign.
She had enough common sense to assume that one was for males and the other for females, and since this was only accessible by the royals, Kai figured it'd be some good alone time to just slip away...and maybe practice with Ose a bit.
"Shall we guess?" Camio offered, and Kali frowned, looking uncertain. Then again, the worst thing that could happen was that she just walked in on someone if it was the wrong bath.
Having left her other Djinns in a safely hidden spot, she'd come down with only Camio, Ose, and Seere tucked away in her robe. After loosing them once, she wasn't about to do it again.
With a shrug, Kali reached into her robes, setting Seere down on the floor. She gripped the hilt and gave it a spin, watching as the dagger spun around for several turns until it slowed to a stop, pointing to the door on the left.
"...alright then." Kali slid the knife back beneath her robe, sliding open the door and slipping in.
There was a wide, spacious room that met her. Sleek wooden floors looked polished as Kali slowly made her way to cupboards, sliding open one and shedding her robe, tucking Seere into the very back and keeping it hidden deep within. Clad now in her bindings and shorts, Kali paused, feeling rather open and wondering if she should take them off as well.
It is a bath... Warily, Kali shed the bindings around her chest and slipped off her shorts, thankful that there was a towel, she wrapped it around herself, sliding open the final set of doors that exposed her to night air.
A shiver ran down her spine at the sudden coolness, but the warmth from the bath came upwards in wafts of steam. Kali padded over and gazed down into the slightly murky water. Tentatively, she stretched her foot out and dipped it into the water, pleased to find it a nice, bearable warmth.
Kali gently began to wade into the water, deciding to keep her towel wrapped around as she slid in, her feet meeting smooth rock. A pleased sigh left her lips and Kali begin to walk further along, glancing around through the steam to find that the water was murky enough that she couldn't even see herself.
She waded over to a line of smoothened rocks and pressed her back against it, setting the soaking towel down beside her as she lowered herself deeper into the bath, a slightly blissful look on her face as the water barely submerged the lower half of her face.
I have to admit, this is nice. Kali blew her lips, watching bubbles rise to the surface before disappearing.
"You deserve to relax every now and then." Camio agreed, his voice gentle. "You push yourself to hard."
There's still a lot to do. Kali turned her gaze upwards, the black sky above glistening with stars. And we've only been able to do so much in two months.
"Kouen keeps you busy."
True enough, if she wasn't with any of the other siblings, he was always having someplace for her to be or something for her to do alongside him. Though Kali didn't always show up as he requested, and sometimes she ended up milling about with Hakuryuu instead.
Idly, Kali's hand reached upwards for the dragon hair pin. Kali shut her eyes, letting out a breath of air. "Spirit of Harmony and Chaos..."
The head of the dragon began to glow, and Kali grinned. "Ose!"
The murky water of the bath began to churn, and with a wave of her hand, Kali watched with a large grin as the water surged upwards, beginning to rise and form a trident within her hand. The long pole was sleek and shimmering, as if made from pearls, beaded shells and seaweed wove together around it. The top part ended in a jagged edge, sharp as the teeth of the sea monsters back in Sindria, and equally as formidable. But as the water rose, the steam began to clear, and as Kali waved the trident around in awe, her gaze following where she pointed it and landing on a flat faced Kouen.
...
...
...
Wait, what?
Slowly, realization began to creep into Kali's mind as she stared, the trident returning back to the water, leaving Kali gazing open mouthed at an expressionless Kouen.
She was in the bath with Kouen.
...Ah.
"R-Ren!" Kali shot backwards, clinging to the rocks behind her for dear life as Kouen continued to gaze at her, looking slightly bored as he rested his head on his palm. "Hahaha, I guess this is the wrong bath...then..."
"It would seem so." Kali swallowed, glancing away nervously as she began to edge a little further away, even though Kouen was on the opposite side of her. "I guess I should be, uh, sorry for intruding and all—"
"You didn't."
I see. Kali paused, searching the top of the rocks for her towel as she grinned sheepishly at Kouen. "Oh, well, that's good."
Crimson eyes bore into her own, Kouen's face a mask, unreadable, but the faintest arch of his brow made Kali grudgingly realize that he seemed amused by this whole thing. Her face settled into a glower, but Kali paused, gazing at Kouen a moment longer.
Flaming crimson locks tumbled close to his shoulders, dusting over his head and sweeping to the side, the color matching the goatee on his chin. Kali suddenly realized that he looked so much more at ease without his get up and armor. Broad shoulders gave way, leading down to a muscular, hardened chest.
Oddly, some part in the back of her mind wondered if Sinbad or Kouen was more muscular, and then the biased part of her settled for the fact that Sinbad was, despite Kouen's broader, more dominating frame.
"He seems rather unaffected by all this." Camio muttered, Kali silently agreeing.
With decency, Kali turned her head, cheeks flushing slightly, leaving her unable to see Kouen's scrutinizing gaze. The red head was silent while Kali continued to search for her discarded towel, Kouen following her movements, watching the slim, bare shoulders slope downwards, sooty black locks obscuring the lightly tanned back from his view. But against the skin, he caught glimpses of black ink, and his eyes narrowed, trying to figure out what lay beneath her hair. A small noise of triumph left her lips when her fingers enclosed around damp cloth.
"Move your hair."
Kali paused, blinking as her brows furrowed and her towel flopped onto the water's surface before she dragged it under, tucking it around her body. Slowly she turned, gazing quizzically at Kouen's slightly annoyed yet curious face. "...What?"
The red haired male did not repeat himself, and Kali arched a brow, her mind wondering what he was trying to say before she blinked, realizing her was referring to the permanent marking inked into her skin. Kali idly reached behind her, fingers ghosting over her bare back, where she knew by heart where the mark lay.
The sound of water sloshing hit her ears, and Kali turned her gaze upwards, promptly freezing when she realized Kouen had raised himself from the water, and his chest was no longer the only thing exposed as he gazed down blankly at her.
Furiously Kali turned her head around, cheeks flushing red from both the heat and the embarrassment. Kouen arched a brow at Kali's sudden actions, while the black haired girl searched more furiously for her towel, refusing to turn her head around.
"Have you ever seen a man naked?"
Kali spluttered, almost turning her head around. "W-What?"
"You haven't." Kouen's voice was deadpan, faintly unimpressed, though he wasn't surprised. If she was a virgin, it only made sense then. And the idea left him faintly pleased.
"I-I have!" Kali muttered, gritting her teeth as she clenched a fist in annoyance. She would not be teased like this, damn it!
"Who?" Kouen's voice was sharp, causing Kali to flinch.
Sure enough, Kali had seen Sinbad naked before, most of the time it was only really halfway, and only once had she seen him fully naked, the man stripped in his sleep, she was going to see him once or twice. And there were a few times when Sharrkan would be caught a little less clothed than he already was, but it was never anything...bad, she guessed. And it didn't mean she wanted to see people naked, Kali respected personal space.
"I have some...companions with rather ...bad habits." Kali finished, figuring that was the best way to put it, and she was blind to the way Kouen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Then why are you acting like such a prude?"
Is there some problem with practicing modesty and respect? Kali ran a hand through her damp locks, Camio whispering words of encouragement. "I'm just respecting people's privacy—it's no big deal!"
"Then look at me."
Kali froze; face paling at Kouen's request. It really wasn't like she had a problem or anything but still; she didn't look forward to seeing people naked.
But her pride was at stake.
So slowly, keeping her gaze as far upwards as she could, Kali turned her head, meeting crimson eyes and refusing to budge from there. Kouen arched a brow once more, looking unaffected as Kali stood stiff, eyes never straying from his crimson irises.
"See?" Kali grinned, crossing her arms over her chest haughtily. "Nothing impressive."
Kouen continued to stare flatly at her, amusement changing the hard lines of his face as he turned, leaving Kali gazing at bare back, and her eyes slowly rose upwards to the sky instead as he moved through the water to the other end. Kali's eyes widened and she made a move to rise, moving from the water slightly. "You don't have to leave—I'll go—"
"Stay." Kali paused, finding herself slowly sinking back into the water as Kouen turned, a thin, flat cup in his hand as he settled back into the water. Kali blinked as he tilted his head back, sipping the liquid. As he set it down, crimson eyes gazed at her over the rim and Kouen blinked slowly.
A tray had been nicely set beside the bath, a bottle of what Kali realized was some sort of alcohol, and Kouen wordlessly raised his chin, drawing her attention to the spare cups on the tray.
"Oh, no, I'm fine." Kali shook her head. "I'm not a drinker."
Kouen's gaze turned flat, once more unimpressed, and Kali blinked, her eye twitching. "What?"
Kouen titled the cup upwards, leaning back against the rocks as he set the cup down. "Virgin."
The water made ripples and waves back and forth as Kali sloshed through the water, feet soundlessly stomping against the ground as she remained submerged in the water. Kouen simply stared as she settled a little ways away from him, back against the rock so she was in arm's length reach. Pointedly, she held out her hand, and Kouen set a cup in her waiting fingers. Kali grumbled beneath her breath, bringing the cup to her face as she hesitated, a wary expression making its way through the irritation.
She really wasn't much of a drinker.
But pride wounded and refusing to fall, she muttered a curse Kouen's way and titled her head back, downing the liquid as it slid past her lips. It was something like wine; Kali realized, but not quite, rice wine? But either way, the liquid went down with a low scorch to her throat, warming her even more with the heat of the bath. Crimson eyes followed a droplet that fell from the corner of her mouth and disappeared along her neck.
Kali set the cup down with a slam, near cracking the poor thing as she turned her head, glaring hard at Kouen. "I can drink. I just choose not to drink."
Besides, he didn't need to know she had a rather low alcohol tolerance, something she'd learned during her time in Sindria.
Kouen blinked languidly, tilting another cup to his lips. "Weak."
Kali's gaze went flat, and without any hesitation her hand flung out, sending a splash of water Kouen's way. The red haired male easily tilted his head back; avoiding the spray, save for a few droplets. Slowly, Kouen turned, giving Kali the flattest, dullest look she'd seen yet, and the sooty haired girl simply returned his stare.
"Child."
"Jerk beard."
Kouen arched a brow, and Kali, satisfied, leaned back against the rocks, letting her shoulders relax slightly as the coolness of the rocks fought back against the slowly growing warmth of the bath. The red head said nothing more, and tipped back another cup.
But as the silence enveloped them, serene and cool in the night air, Kali realized that her cheeks were beginning to grow hot, and it was getting almost suffocating to remain in the bath any longer. Her cheeks felt flushed, and she turned her head, contemplating whether or not to press her face against the rocks. A sudden chill pressed against her forehead and Kali froze before she jumped, the sudden chill jolting her.
Kouen said nothing, simply pressing the rice wine bottle against her forehead. The pleasant chill sent a wave of bliss over her heating face, but Kali was left blinking owlishly ahead of her for a few moments before she slowly reached upwards, taking the bottle and holding it herself as his hand slipped away.
I don't get this guy. Camio was silent, and Kali paused, focusing on her Djinn.
"...I can not say that he is rather favorable to me."
You don't like him? Kali raised a brow in surprise, the bottle truly making things much more relaxing as the coolness fought off the growing heat. I mean, I can see why though. He's not the best man... Bearable though.
"I suppose I am simply being wary," Camio murmured, and Kali slightly shook her head, taking any word from him as honest. She would never doubt Camio. "But I would choose Sinbad over him any day, if I had too."
I think Kouen is okay. The coolness of the bottle a growing reminder that she really didn't understand this man. But I don't think we can get along.
"How so?"
Our views are far too different.
The realization made Kali pause, the chill of the bottle a dull numbing to the heat from the steam wafting up from the water. Her head tilted upwards and she gazed into the endless darkness, the faint twinkle of stars far beyond her reach.
Like so many things.
She'd feared it the moment she decided to stay here longer. That slow bud, the gentle warmth that slowly began to creep into her chest—the peace this country somehow began to provide was luring her to a path she couldn't tread. But there was something different, it wasn't like Sindria, and try as it might, it would never triumph the silent temptation Sindria offered to belong. Kou did something different, and she found herself growing fond for those who inhabited it.
Except. She could never love Kou so long as they remained here. And though no country was without its flaws, this one was one she could not overlook. This was why she stayed, why she should be staying. Not to grow fond of people she would only strive to protect, but to change the course laid out for the world. The one these people were trying to create, and the one she fought so hard to destroy.
The peace that had slowly entwined about her began to lose its hold, and with a sigh of regret, Kali slowly rose from the water. Kouen's eyes flickered to her as she gazed up at the sky, her towel soaking and threatening to fall. But crimson eyes were focused on gray stained blue, Kali's gaze turned up to the night sky.
And the light of the moon and the lamplights beaming down on them, gray was turned silver, Kouen gazing at a gaze that didn't meet his own. Kali's eyes glimmered, and she turned, black locks damp and clinging to her shoulders as she offered Kouen a faint smile. "I'll be taking my leave then, Ren."
Kali began to wade her way through the water, pausing a moment to scratch the back of her head. "Um...thanks."
Her hands moved to her hair, shifting it to the side so she could wring it out as she made her way from the bath. But the towel began to slip downwards, revealing her back, the lower half concealed beneath the murky water, but enough for Kouen to see the ink markings etched into her skin.
Curving, arching, long spikes lining the back, a black, slightly open mouthed dragon covered the length of her back. The black markings were inked permanently into her skin, the dragon looking feral as it bore its fangs. Kouen's eyes took in the picture with great interest, eyes flickering at the intricate design, its tail dipping and following along the line of her back to disappear beneath the water. But a long, thin scar ran down part of the dragon, a faint line disrupting the pattern.
"A dragon?" The question made Kali freeze, her eyes widening in realization as she clutched the towel to her, craning her head around only to remember she could barely see it like that. A nervous laugh left her lips, Kali shuffling awkwardly in the water.
"It was... It's something I've had for a long time," Kali explained finally, slowly inching her way to the edge of the bath.
The way dragon had left his lips sounded almost pleased, making Kali think back to the various paintings of dragons and fierce animals lined along the walls of the Kou Empire. Perhaps they were special? But Kouen's eyes were gleaming, predatory as he followed the markings, silently tracing them within his mind.
"Fitting." His voice was deep, echoing through her ears, and Kali laughed slightly, fiddling with the necklace around her neck.
"It was sort of a tradition from where I'm from."
"Where you're from," Kouen echoed her words, and Kali paused, her gaze flickering as Kouen's gaze bore into her intently. "And where was that?"
A slow, small smile crept onto her lips. Kali turned her head, eyes silver beneath the light, near feral, and some part of Kouen's mind realized that the dragon tattoo was achingly fitting. "Someplace even you'll never reach, Ren."
The idea lit up like a spark in Kouen's mind, curiosity and intent beginning to burn like a growing flame. The red eyes lit up like fire, searing and scorching, and Kali was suddenly feeling as if she should leave the bath...now.
Not looking back, she ignored the burning eyes threatening to sear her soul, and quickly escaped to the safety of the dressing room. She gathered her things without a second to waste and disappeared, not feeling safe till she was in the comfort of her room, safe and sound.
It only took her moments after that though, as she let the towel slip from her body, that she realized something. Camio whispered soft words, and the black dragon seemed to gleam against the moonlight streaming through her window.
She'd called it her room.
"Come on~" Kouha tugged on her arm, draping himself around it as he whined lowly. "All you've been doing is hanging out with En-nii~"
"I ditch him for you guys a lot," Kali protested, smiling slightly as she relaxed against the couch. "But your brother's a demanding man."
"I guess I don't mind, since its Entei," Kouha said finally, looking a bit rueful. "But you could hang out with me more than the old hag!"
"Don't call me that!" Kougyoku snapped, setting down the cup in her hands as she glared at Kouha.
"Old hag," Judal tipped back a cup, pressing it to his lips. Kougyoku whirled around to him in a fury, but Ka Koubun beat her to the punch, beginning to reprimand the oracle about addressing his precious princess.
"Why aren't you drinking?" Kali blinked, turning to Kouha as he tipped a cup to her. "It's no fun if you just sit there."
"Well, I don't drink." Kali said simply, a small smile on her face.
"Eh? That's no fun~"
"Prude." Judal snickered, causing Kali to kick the table so it collided with his knees. Judal flashed her a glare, Kali glancing aside. But a glass was pressed to her lips, Kouha grinning evilly.
"Come on, Li! Just a few sips won't hurt!"
"Oh yes it will."
"I don't—" A muffled protest was all that was heard as Judal shoved the cup the rest of the way, cool liquid spilling past her lips and running down with a searing burn past her throat. Kali smacked the cup aside and breathed heavily, rubbing at her mouth as she coughed. "What the hell was that for?"
"You should just shut up and start working with me," Judal smirked, slinging an arm around her neck as he ruffled her hair. "You're strong! Ditch that loser weirdo!"
"He's weird, but he's not a—"
"Judal, that was very rude!" Kougyoku gently patted Kali's back, the older girl's cheeks flushing slightly as she shook her head, trying to rid the taste of rice wine from her lips. "Are you alright, Kali?"
"Fine," For now. Kali felt her lips purse as her throat burned from the earlier assault. Alcohol was not her strong suite, and all she'd wanted was to snack and drink juice. She didn't intend to get drunk.
That'd only happened twice in her life, and she intended to keep it that way.
"Why the hell," Kali slurred, sprawling over the couch as Kougyoku hiccupped at her feet. "Do all your names...start with... wha? K... Ko-co... Kou!"
"Why not?" Kouha snapped, jerking his arm into the air as he hiccupped as well. "It sounds—hic—fine!"
"It's stupid." Kali shot up, her eyes glazed over as she patted her chest. "Like, is there some meaning? You... you guys should have... cool names!"
"I like my name though," Kougyoku mumbled sadly, her cheeks flushed as she gazed down into her cup. "Isn't... Isn't it pwetty?"
"Y-Your name... is fine." Kali sloppily patted Kougyoku's hair. "But it makes it so damn hard to give... nickels... nicknames!"
"Da hell?" Judal spluttered, kicking aside an empty jar as he patted his own chest. "My name doesn't start with Ko... Kou!"
"Why do you need a nickname?" Kali snapped, her forehead colliding with Judal's, causing the magi to reel back in pain. "You're peach!"
"I don't wanna be a fruit, prude!" Judal slurred, chucking a couch pillow at the girl. Kali toppled over, gazing upwards dizzily before she flung a different pillow out. The soft projectile bounced harmlessly off the borg that appeared around Judal's form, and collided into Kouha.
"Who did tha?" Kouha shot up, whipping his head back and forth. "Imma... I'll cut you!"
"I can't even call you guys Ren!" Kali added, her eyes growing wide in horror, cheeks flushed and her hair slightly matted to her face as she shot up. "Cause... Cause you all have the... the same last name, damn it!"
"Li~ Let's play~" Kouha flung himself into Kali's lap, tugging at the girl's tunic as he whined. Kali blinked, sluggishly patting his head as well.
"But I—I wanna hang out with her!" Kougyoku turned, tears springing in her eyes as she rested her head on Kali's lap. "S-She's my fwend!"
"What am I?" Judal kicked at a table. Kougyoku turned, waving her hand at him.
"You're my fwend too!"
"I don't have time." Kali stood suddenly, nearly causing the two siblings to fall off of her as she staggered across the room, making it to the other side of the couch. "I have... I hafta save the world!"
"Don't waste—hic—your time!" Judal flung his wand carelessly into the air. "It—The world sucks!"
"I know that, stupid..." Kali turned to Judal, a look of annoyance on her dazed face. "But I gotta, cause everyone's stupid!"
"My king..." Camio's voice was a low throb in the back of her mind, his presence clouded over by the looming, overpowering presence of alcohol. "Can you understand me? Focus—"
"Shaddup!" Kali stomped her foot, nearly falling with the action. "I wasn't talkin' to you!"
"The hell you talkin' too?" Judal looked up at her, a look of confusion on his face.
"Li's gone crazy~" Kouha sang, and Kougyoku giggled before her face turned into one of horror upon realizing she'd laughed at her friend.
"I was talkin' to my best friend in the hole... whole world!" Kali slurred, wiping at her eyes as if it would cure the blurriness. The older girl stretched her arms out wide, reaching as far as she could. "I love him...this much!"
"I warmed, my king. But I must insist that you retire—"
"I can't retire, Can—Cam!" Kali held her hand out, a look of determination on her flushed face. "I hafta save the world!"
"And we will. After you rest and wake up from this—"
"I wanna help!" Kougyoku raised her hand, a look of excitement on her face. "I can help! I'm strong!"
"The world's stupid." Judal bitterly muttered, kicking at a jar. Unfortunately, this one was not empty, and rice wine spilled over.
"I can help," Kouha added, but he paused. "But you should ask En...Entei! He's strong!"
"I can't," Kali shook her head stubbornly, her entire body nearly falling over with the motion. "He has... Somethin' else to do."
"Like laundry?"
"No, no, more important." Kali paused, a troubled look coming over her face. "I have something important to do, too."
The sooty haired girl turned, nearly toppling over as Camio tried to steady her, help her mind to focus. "I've got to go now."
"Bye." Kougyoku hiccupped, and Judal raised his head, but his eyes narrowed at Kouha's face.
"The hell? Why do you look like a peach?"
"Are you callin' me fat?"
Kali's feet landed on smooth, wooden floors when she reappeared in her room. Her head was pounding and—god, she felt hot. Kali grappled with her tunic, finding it a worthy adversary until she realized she could win by pulling free her sash. The loose fabric fell from her shoulders and piled at her feet onto the floor, leaving her in her bindings and shorts.
Somewhat satisfied, Kali sluggishly made her way to the large bed centered in the room, satin red sheets, rippling like flaming waves coaxed her closer. Unable to hear the whispers Camio tried to break through to her mind, Kali flopped down onto the bed, letting out a groan of pleasure as cool sheets hit her burning skin.
Kali rolled over onto her back, shifting this way and that until she settled, a blissful look on her flushed cheeks as she dozed off, the cool sheets a welcoming embrace.
But the young girl failed to notice one very, very important detail.
This was not her room.
Kouen didn't say a word, simply remaining silent and observant. The unconscious mess on his bed furrowed her brows and shifted, spreading her arms out and a happy look settled on her face. The first prince of Kou had faced many challenges, and one of them here posed a new challenge he had yet to experience.
His eyes landed on her cheeks, flushed and bright red, with wisps of hair sticking to her face. Sooty black locks spread out beneath her head, a messily assembled halo. A blissful look remained on her face as she continued to sleep. Kouen arched a fine brow, tilting his head to examine the pile of clothes at his feet, and then back to the girl before him.
The bindings around her chest remained fastened, loyal, but the loose shorts that stopped mid thigh had ridden down her hips, exposing more skin to open eyes. Kouen remained silent, simply gazing at the soundly sleeping figure before him.
There were many different ways any man could have interpreted the situation. Some would have jump to the chance, others would shyly turn away. But Ren Kouen was no ordinary man.
The smell of alcohol hung heavily in the air, alerting him of its presence. Without another word, Kouen's hand reached upwards, and a soft, resounding click echoed throughout the room. With a thud, the heavy coat fell to the floor, easily enveloping the clothes previously discarded. The small crown accessory adorning the top of his head was placed on the table at the bedside, his armor and sword following suit. White robes were spread across his chest, revealing rippling muscles, lined with years of unspoken battles.
Heavy steps overlapping the soft breathes, and the bed dipped beneath the weight added. Firm hands planted themselves on either side of the sleeping face, crimson eyes boring down into the unaware expression. Kouen was silent, face revealing nothing, save for the glint of his eyes as he leaned downwards, his body caging the smaller one below him.
To leave oneself so vulnerable, open, Kouen was faintly mystified by the guts or simple stupidity this young woman held. But as her brows creased slightly and she shifted, Kouen titled his head downwards, crimson locks barely mingling with black—like fire and ash. The smell of rain, plants—of the earth, mixed with the faintest hint of something sweet assaulted his senses as Kouen's lips parted.
"Fool."
There was a low glow that attracted his attention, and Kouen glanced down to the metal feather resting against her skin, the gentle glow resounding as if in warning. A curious expression came onto his features, and his weight shifted to one arm, his free hand reaching downwards.
His fingers barely brushed the metal ridges when Kali's eyes flickered, sluggish and dazed gray irises coming to life. Kouen remained as he was, unmoving, expression neutral. Kali gazed up at him, looking confused before a small smile pulled at her lips. "Hey, Ren."
"Do you even realize," Kouen began slowly, bearing down on the girl before him. "What sort of situation you're in?"
Kali blinked, confusion clear on her face as she tilted her head. Kouen's hands pinned hers on either side of her head, her necklace thrumming to life as Kali simply blinked dazedly up at him. "How vulnerable you are?"
A look of sluggish realization seemed to dawn on Kali's face. Kouen prepared for her move, but her finger's twitched beneath his. Kouen stilled, brows furrowing ever so slightly as Kali simply grinned up at him, small fingers slipping through his own. "There's nothing to worry about."
Kouen arched a brow, and Kali beamed up at him. "It's you after all."
Strange. There was a low thrum in the back of his head, and Kouen simply continued to gaze down at the inebriated woman before him, wondering if she was even understanding the situation at hand.
"It's me," he echoed.
"Mmhmm," the words noise left like a drunken slur, and Kali grinned. "Ren wouldn't do somethin' like that."
"You have that much faith in me?" To think so was strangely pleasing, and Kouen was somewhat surprised that this seemingly cunning woman could be so naïve.
"Nah," Kali's gaze met his own, somehow focusing through the hazy sheen they shone with. "Besides, there'd be nothing for you to gain from it."
Nothing to gain. Kouen paused, unmoving. The faintest twitch of his lips turned upwards, and the crimson haired male sat up, running a hand through his hair as Kali blinked dazedly up at the ceiling. "Fool."
"Mean," Kali rolled over, rubbing her eyes as Kouen leaned back against the headboard of his bed. "You keep callin' me stupid."
"Considering your state, it seems reasonable."
Kali blew a sigh through her lips, a hiccup escaping as well as she turned onto her stomach, propping her chin up on her palms as she narrowed her eyes at him. Kouen returned her gaze evenly. The sooty haired girl sat up, leaning forward as Kouen simply watched.
Small hands slowly cupped his cheeks, soft yet worn, not at all the hands a lady should have, yet so fitting for this strange woman. Kouen made no move, simply watching her, faint curiosity in his gaze as Kali gazed at him straight on.
"Your beard makes you look like a goat."
Kouen's gaze flickered and Kali grinned, flipping over back onto her back beside him as she laughed, loose and breezy, like the wind. "Then I guess that's why it's a goatee, huh? Maybe I'll call you Goat from now on."
"How interesting the consequences would be," Kouen drawled, and Kali simply pouted, her brows creasing.
"But you guys are all Ren, so I can't call you that," Kali looked unsettled, her brows creasing. Kouen refused to roll his eyes at the childish problem, reaching over and pulling forth a metallic pipe, the ends curved to resemble and open mouthed dragon.
"Then simply call me by my name." Kouen breathed, smoke mingling with the lingering air of alcohol as it made its way through the room. Kali was silent beside him, and he felt his shoulders slump slightly, the faintest bit of tensions from the day easing.
"Kouen."
Calloused fingers paused as they gripped the pipe between his lips. Kouen paused, his head titled slightly, crimson locks spilling about him as he registered the single name that had been uttered amidst the silence. He turned his head, burning gaze turning downwards.
Kali's cheeks were flushed, less red now, but her gaze met his and she beamed, childishly happy. "Kouen."
The sooty haired girl turned her head upwards, a mystified look on her face, oblivious to the way Kouen's fingers had curled ever so slightly against the sheets, gripping it. "Kouen." She tested the name out on her tongue, looking slightly pleased. "That sounds kind of nice, actually."
Kouen grunted in response, letting another breath of smoke leave the end of the pipe. Kali rolled over onto her side. "Must be nice... Ren Kouen. It sounds complete, doesn't it?"
Crimson irises turned, meeting the face of the black dragon brandished on her skin. His eyes lingered on the tattoo as Kali continued. "Kali. There's nothing else after that though. Just Kali. I kind of like it too, but it doesn't sound complete—like something's missin', you know?"
"There are many names with nothing else to bear," Kouen answered simply, unaffected. Kali grinned slightly at that.
"I guess some people can pull it off—Sinbad has a nice ring to it, huh?"
"Why don't you have a last name then?" Kouen inquired. He was a prideful man, be he was a cunning man, and he knew when to take advantage of the situation.
"I didn't get one."
"Another tradition?"
"Maybe," Kali mused, her eyes drooping slightly as memories flickered through her mind. "I wouldn't really know."
"What place is this mysterious homeland of yours then?" Kouen continued, watching Kali carefully.
"Somewhere far, far away," Kali mumbled, her eyes sliding shut as she snuggled closer to the plush pillows and the silky sheets. "You could never...go there."
Kouen's eyes flashed, that look of intense curiosity, the eagerness to learn, understand, taking hold as he gazed down at the young woman beside him. "And why is that?"
Kali exhaled softly, a small, low breath against the darkness of the night, and the light of Kouen's candle.
"Because it's gone."
"My king."
Kali's brows furrowed, a low throb in the back of her head beginning to grow as she grimaced. Camio's gentle voice sounded almost foreign amidst the chaos in her mind right now, and Kali found herself rolling over, only to frown when she came in contact with a warm spot in the bed.
"Please, awaken my king."
Kali's eyes flickered open, dazedly glancing around as a bright light streamed through half sheathed curtains. Kali blinked once, twice, before she rubbed her eyes, slowly rising from her spot as she yawned. The dull throb in the back of her head was constant, but she shoved it aside, gazing about in confusion before she glanced downwards.
She was near naked.
...
...
...
Ah.
Kali blinked, her head whipping around this way and that as her surroundings suddenly came to light. Realization dawned on her that this was not her room, and she had absolutely no memory of what had happened the night before and hell, her head hurt.
What happened? Kali groggily tried to remember what had happened the night before, only to cringe as the pounding in her head increased. Cam?
"I'm afraid to inform you that you were rather... drunk last night." Camio answered, causing Kali to pause, her mouth turning downwards into a grimace. Where am I?
"...I'm also afraid to say that you're—"
"You're awake."
Kali froze, the deep voice sending not only pain running through her head, but a slow sense of dread as she slowly turned, her gaze meeting flat red irises, and the expressionless face that belonged none other then to Ren Kouen gazed back at her.
So she was in Kouen's room.
Huh.
Kali's face turned pale, her eyes growing wide as her lips parted, gaping at Kouen like a fish. The first prince remained unaffected, standing a few feet from the bed as he gazed down at her. Kali's mind raced to catch up with her and she jolted, her hands instantly slapping her chest. Her fingers clutched fabric and Kali glanced downwards—she was still partially clothed, so she couldn't have done anything stupid right?
"You're untouched." Kouen said flatly, causing Kali to jump, her cheeks dusting as she whipped her head upwards to argue, only to quickly regret the action as she groaned, clutching her head in her hands. "I prefer my women to be awake when they throw themselves at my feet."
"That's good to know," Kali could not function, the headache growing ever so painful as she grimaced, not even caring what words were spilling from Kouen's lips as Camio whispered soothing words to her.
Kouen arched a brow, simply taking one step forward, catching Kali's attention as she glanced back up at him.
"You're awake."
...
...
...
Kali shot back, disappearing and reappearing across the other side of the room, her back pressed flat against the window as she eyed Kouen suspiciously. The sudden movement disagreed with her growing hang over and Kali winced, not evening caring about the look of amusement in Kouen's eyes as she teleported back and curled up into a ball on his bed. "Never mind, I don't care. Just please, don't make this head ache worse."
"To put yourself in such a position in front of a stranger was foolish." Kouen said simply, and Kali groaned, rubbing her head.
"You're no stranger." The girl managed to bite out, but Kali settled instead to remain quiet. Kouen watched her form for a moment, his gaze flickering before he turned on his heel. "Don't worry, I'll leave—"
"See to it that you are fit once more." Kouen said, and Kali blinked, craning her head upwards as the crimson haired man opened the door. "It would look shameful to have you stumbling about."
Kali was tempted to stick her tongue out at him, but the girl chose instead to simply grunt, rolling over and burying her head into the soft, plush pillows. Kouen glanced to her for a second before he stepped out the door.
"Thanks, Kouen."
The mumble was the last thing he heard as he slipped from his room, crimson eyes focused ahead. Kali blinked as the door slid shut, and she sighed, wondering if she could sleep this awful thing off.
A low knock sounded on the door, eliciting a low, animalistic groan from Kali's lips. The door slid open and a maid offered Kali a soft smile. "Good morning, my lady. Lord Kouen has requested this be brought to you."
Kali peeked through the pillows and sheets to spot the steaming bowl and cup on the tray the maid carried. Warily raising herself upwards, Kali frowned as the maid smiled, walking forward and setting it down before her. "What's this?"
"The soup is well known for curing alcohol induced sicknesses," the maid explained gently, causing Kali to blink in surprise as she gazed at the meal before her. "The tea is often known to help and work wonderfully on headaches."
"A strange, strange man."
Wow. Kali gazed at the tray before her, the warmth from the tea and soup warming her face as she blinked, frowning in confusion. I don't get this guy. But if he's just trying to be nice, it shouldn't hurt, right?
"I would suppose not." Camio sounded a bit wary, and Kali patted her necklace. I'm glad I know I have you to look out for me, Cam.
"And what's this?" Kali pointed to the small bowl of crushed powder. "Do I add it to the tea?"
"If you'd like," the maid beamed, a warm smile on her face. "The older maids figured it would be very helpful for you to relieve the pain."
"For my head?" Kali reached forward, gazing down at the powder curiously.
"Oh no, my lady, for the lower half of you."
...
...
...
"I don't need it."
"Oh?—oh. M-My apologies my lady—"
"It's fine, don't worry about it."
"It was my mistake, I thought that you two—"
"Please. Don't worry about it."
"Kali, what do you desire?"
Gray eyes stained blue glanced up from the book she'd been reading, the history of culture within the Kou Empire. Her head turned to meet Koumei's thoughtful gaze, the lighter haired red head sliding his arms into his sleeves. "What do I desire?"
"My brother and king greatly desires for you to be a vassal of the Kou Empire," Koumei began, and the corners of Kali's mind stirred, assessing the situation, the voice, and she sensed something was coming. "I'm sure you must be aware of that."
"He isn't quite subtle." Kali grinned, tilting her head back as she tapped the edge of the book against her lips.
"There are many things becoming a general has to offer. With your power and skill, you could easily rise to be an outstanding force—one day, my brother would most likely appoint you the head of a country." Koumei said, his eyes watching her from beneath shaggy bangs, trying to read the slight tilt of Kali's lips. "You could obtain whatever you wished, with great ease. The Kou Empire would not simply use you. You would be one of us."
One of us. Kali held the book shut, letting it rest against her chin as she gazed upwards. "What do I desire... You're offering to give me whatever I want to join you guys?"
"In a rougher sense, somewhat," Koumei blinked, finding it faintly unnerving he couldn't tell what was going on through her mind. "But we're not simply trying to bribe you. My siblings have all seemed to grow rather fond of you, and you'd be welcomed as one of our one, really."
"I'm honored," Kali's eyes softened and she grinned, shutting her eyes for a moment. "But what I desire is not something you can give me."
"Oh?" Koumei arched a brow, turning his head to face Kali. "And what is that?"
Kali turned her head as well, gray eyes meeting pink crimson. Koumei paused, suddenly realizing that the expression on this young woman's face was one that almost rivaled the intensity of his brother's.
"I want two things," Kali began softly, a small grin turning upwards on her lips. "But with wanting them both, I can't have one. So do you think you could give me both, then?"
Kali's eyes shone in the dim light of the study, and as the door swung open and Kouen stepped into the room, Koumei found he could not look anywhere else but the pools of gray and blue turning silver.
"I want to save the world."
"Then I will grant you that."
Kali froze, her eyes growing round for a moment before she smiled, her head turning as Kouen's slow, echoing steps made their way around the room to the desk in the center. "That's a huge promise."
"If you wish to save the world, I will make it my power to do so. Whatever it is you wish to save it from." Kouen's chin titled upwards, his eyes unwavering as he gazed at her. "If you give yourself to me, and become a general for the Kou Empire."
There was a heavy, terse silence that followed. Koumei kept his gaze on Kali's face, partially shielded by bangs. To save the world? From what then? What did she wish to save the world from?
"Tempting," Kali's voice broke through the silence, and she set the book down on the small table before her, careful so that the pile of scrolls wouldn't fall down as well. "But there's only one person I can entrust such a wish to."
"And within whatever power we obtain, it will be granted." Camio murmured, and Kali's lips turned upwards.
"I'd be interested to meet such a man," Kouen said, but his eyes flickered at her words.
"He is quite wonderful," Koumei winced at her choice of words. But Kali turned, unaffected as she gazed at them.
"Tell me then, what do you guys want? All I've heard is that you want to unify the world don't you? Make it one?" Kali's eyes shone with curiosity. "What do you mean by that?"
Kouen and Koumei glanced to each other, a momentary pause settling between the two before Kouen inclined his head. Koumei nodded, turning and facing forward as he met Kali's gaze. "The way it is now, the world cannot move forward."
Kali's ears perked up at this, and the young woman turned, gazing at the two brothers thoughtfully. "Should the world continue as it is, with people constantly fighting one another? Or should the world instead advance into a future in which we all understand each other and coexist?"
"The choice would seem obvious." Camio murmured, and Kali inclined her head, remaining silent.
"People are constantly fighting each other because of what? Humans themselves are creatures who are greedy, selfish, but they are willful and strong beings. No one can ever understand each other, it's impossible." Kali's gaze flickered and Koumei swept on. "People are constantly fighting each other because they continue to increase their numbers within groups that all disagree with one another. One group may believe the sky is blue, the other black, and when these thoughts overlap, war ensues."
"People disagree," Kali murmured slowly. "It's natural."
"Exactly—it's natural." Koumei moved his hands outwards, as if enveloping the world. "So what if what was once natural is changed? What if instead, it were simply natural that no one disagreed then?"
"An interesting world it'd be," Kali mused, but her eyes were wary.
"The Kou Empire wishes to unite the world under one king. We wish to create a unified, whole world, in which there is no differences, there is no disagreement, because everyone is undeniably the same. If people continue to grow, each fighting for their own ideologies, their own wants; it will only end up destroying the world. Over and over again in history, countries have grown and been demolished due to the fact that others disagreed with their ways and beliefs." Koumei nodded to the book she'd set down. "The same thing occurred even within our own history."
"But the world will always be different."
"As you said before, even within the same country, people constantly share different beliefs—then we have no choice but to unite the world as one!"
"But you can't simply change the fact that people will always think differently," Kali spoke up finally, her face a mask as Camio stirred in the back of her mind. "You can't ever change the fact that people are born with free will, and with it, they will always think differently then others."
"Then we will unify the world and all these different ideologies," Kouen spoke up, and Kali's brows furrowed, her heart beginning to race as the realization of what these people were truly fighting for slipped into her mind. "We will unite the world, and in doing so, we will erase the fact from our history, from everyone's belief, that there were different thoughts."
Erase...history? "That's impossible." Kali gazed at Kouen in disbelief, her eyes growing wide at the very notion. "You can't erase history—it's not simply words on paper that can be burned or torn away—its years of people's lives, of decisions and mistakes made in which we've all learned from."
"And if such a thing were to be done," Camio's voice sounded grave. "What kind of world would it be then?"
"History is simply a representation of human life themselves, so it can in fact be distorted." Koumei said. "For the sake of the peace that is to come in the future."
"The world will be united under one king."
"Fools."
I've never heard you speak like that. Kali inwardly mused, making a small reminder to question Camio herself later on. "One world under one king. To do so, you have to conquer the world first then."
Kouen's eyes lit at the bitter note her voice ended on. "You aren't naïve. You understand that to achieve peace, sacrifices must be made. And if must, we will carry whatever burdens on our shoulders to unify the world."
Crimson eyes lit like flames. "You yourself are a metal vessel user, owner of six. To be a metal vessel user is to be a king's candidate—but what is a king's candidate then? You have been chosen because the Djinn that chose you believed you could be a king, the magi that stands behind you believes so as well. Why they were created is unknown yet to me, but surely they weren't given to us so we could fight and kill each other. In a unified world, there would be no need for these conflicts of kings and their vessels, if there is but one king."
"Did you know that word unite, can also be spelled as untie?" Kali mused aloud suddenly, and Koumei and Kouen paused, turning to her. "To unite the world, you would be unraveling all the ties that have been created, untying history itself."
Kali stood, walking over to the table laid out before them, a large map, one of the entire world spread out beneath their hands. Kali set her hands down on the map, turning her head upwards and meeting Kouen's gaze. "I don't want a world like that."
Koumei's brows furrowed, turning to the woman before them, but Kouen remained silent, waiting to hear her piece. "I can't believe in a world like the one you envision."
"The world isn't meant for one king."
"Why are there three magis? Each one would choose a different king then, right? If that's how it's been, what's wrong with that?" Kali's eyes shone, gray turned silver, bright, illuminating. "The world is meant to be different. People were born with different minds and different beliefs because the world is different. There is no one, there is all. No two minds will ever be alike; no two beliefs will ever be the same. Though we fight, we struggle and we destroy, all for the sake of our goals—that's not it."
Kali's hands splayed out against the map, as if she were enveloping the entire world within her hands. "We protect, we unite, we create for the sake of the dreams and the goals that we all fight for. The world is as it is because so many different ideals have overlapped, creating new ones, allowing the world to move forward. Some will move slower, others faster, but we are all already united in the way that we are bound to our destinies. There is nothing more that needs to be united."
"People will never see eye to eye though." Koumei interjected, his brows furrowing as Kali's smile simply continued to grow, her eyes shining. "To hope for such a thing would be foolish."
"And people will never forget history." Kali swung her arm out, gesturing to all the books and scrolls in the room. "You cannot simply change the past—it has already been done. But you can fight now in the present to change the future. History is the mistakes made, the lessons learned, we look back to it so we don't repeat what's already been done."
Her eyes grew soft, Koumei's thoughtful, and Kouen's bore intently into the woman before him, unmoving. "People think differently, so they fight, they make mistakes. But from those mistakes they learn, they adapt, they change. They think of something new, something better to make it work."
"With the work of everyone, every living thing, the world will move."
She was delivering her piece impulsively, Koumei realized. This wasn't in any way thought out or rehearsed; she was simply speaking from her mind. The idea was irrational, speaking as she went along, and though Koumei's mind could not be swayed, he saw what she meant, he could understand, and the idea was somewhat disturbing to think so.
"It's all these different ideas and mistakes that come together to create this world we live in, this imperfect, cruel, beautiful world." Kali's smile turned wide, and the Rukh fluttered, bright and vivid. "The world that you want is perfect—and that's it. If everyone were to think the same, act the same, and live about peacefully, it wouldn't be living."
"Yet there are many people who would give anything for such peace." Koumei murmured, and Kali's eyes softened.
"Without a doubt, it's simply my own opinion in such matters. Everyone wants to live, to eat, and to simply be in peace." "And yet..."
"But I could never live happily like that," Kali began, and the Rukh burst forth, shimmering, unseen as she grinned. "A life like that sounds no better than a content pet."
Koumei turned his head, gazing at his brother, only to pause.
The expression on Kouen's face mimicked then one he'd seen a few months ago, back with the Kaega tribe as Kali in her own, odd way, defended and insulted his brother. But it was stronger, burning. The expression on Kouen's face was aflame, crimson eyes burning, threatening to engulf the very existence of this woman whole as he simply gazed at her. Koumei blinked, his eyes widening slightly as he searched beyond his brother's face. This time though, he was not gazing at this strange woman as if he'd found a book of secrets to the world.
There was something more.
His mind settled and it clicked, and Koumei unconsciously took a step back, gazing between the two silently as his mind churned, coming to realize that there were many things he'd thought he'd never see.
Perhaps it was presumptuous of him to think so, how should he say—cliché of him to believe so. He'd wondered but never thought on it, and now, as it happened, finally settling into place, he had no choice but to accept it.
"You're ideals are to give up such a life, simply because it would be boring?" Kouen questioned, and Kali shook her head, gray eyes meeting crimson.
"I'm giving it up because I believe that everyone deserves the freedom, to make that choice." Kali leaned forward, and Kouen's gaze dipped down to the map, following hers. "I believe that everyone deserves the right to decide what kind of life they want to live, the mistakes they want to make, the path they want to take—what they want to believe in, what they want to fight for—its their choice."
There heads titled forward, Kali's gaze on the map, but Kouen's traveled upwards, focusing so intently on the woman before him. "If we are all bound, united by our destinies, then I want the world to have the freedom to live."
Kali paused then, gazing down at the map before her, the lands and countries small patches beneath her finger tips. Yes, that was the world she wanted to fight for, the world she wanted to protect.
"And we will do so."
Three people each came to their own realizations then and there.
Ren Koumei had never thought he'd say the day, the moment, to be more precise, that his elder brother and king would fall in love.
Kali truly understood why she'd decided to stay longer in Kou, and that she would never, ever allow that organization to do as they'd please, not as long as she was alive.
Ren Kouen would become the one king to unify the world; that was his plan, so long as the world was united. But he realized now, that there was one more thing he desired.
He wanted this woman, this strange, naïve, cunning woman by his side, and his side alone.
"I should return within the month." Kouen voice did not echo as it would have within the palace walls. Kali simply blinked, gazing up at him as she stood beside Kouha and Koumei, several daughters apart of the Ren family she didn't recognize standing a little ways away, Kougyoku behind them.
"Save travels, my brother and king." Koumei clasped his hands together, bowing his head slightly. Kouha grinned, doing the same, as well as the other sisters and Kougyoku. Kali turned, barely catching a glimpse of Hakuryuu somewhere amidst the people gathered before the front of the palace.
"It should be easy for you," Kouha smirked, and Kouen waved his hand, the army before him moving and getting ready to set off.
Another conquest. The idea made Kali pause, but the feel of eyes on her made her turn her attention elsewhere. Kouen's gaze met hers, crimson against gray, and Kali offered him a small grin. "What? Don't tell me you want a good bye from me too?"
"Such insolence..." A nudge was delivered swiftly to the shoulder of Kokuton, and the bull-like household member whirled around, glaring at Seishuu, who simply grinned. "What was that for?"
"Isn't that the woman our lord has taken an interest in?" Hair resembling snakes shifted as he eyed the two before him thoughtfully.
"If she can get away with talking like that, she must be good in—" Kin was cut off when Kouen shifted, and the household members silenced, waiting patiently as they observed their lord with interest.
"I expect no coup's to take place," Kouen said simply, and Kali blinked, looking mildly offended as she grinned.
"The fact that'd you would leave me here with all your metal vessel using siblings says enough." Kali beamed up at him, overlooking the flicker in his eyes as he gazed down at her. Something akin to...reluctance perhaps?—shown through, and Kouen look half tempted, Kali unaware that he was wondering if he should drag her along with him.
"Do you think our lord does fancy her?"
"Probably just some woman who managed to weasel her way up from just a concubine."
"Very well then." Kouen turned, and his men moved with him, setting off as he bid his siblings a final farewell. "I will be back once this is finished."
Kali's gaze met his, and she smiled, her eyes softening. "Safe travels."
Kouen inclined his head, a wisp of a movement, and one only those close to him caught as the first prince of Kou turned, for once, a faint lingering of hesitance swirling through the back of his mind. He had faith in his siblings, but even then, Kouen could not quite predict whether or not at his side or with his siblings was the safest spot for this troublesome woman.
After all, there were snakes amid the grass.
"My sister... Hakuei..." Kali glanced up from her cup of tea, turning to where Hakuryuu sat beside her, idly running his fingers along the rim of the cup. "If you'd like to meet her, she should be returning from her campaign soon."
"I would," Hakuryuu glanced up, and Kali beamed at him, her eyes soft. "If she's as great as you keep saying, I really must meet her then."
"I-I'm sure she'd like to meet you too." Hakuryuu smiled, and Kali realized the young boy really looked so much younger when he did so. The pale scar that marked his face made him appear so much older, burdens she knew she could never carry for him on his shoulders.
To think that someone would turn on the empire itself. Kali set down her cup of tea, gazing out into the courtyard. Is no place safe? Taking away a family from two is wrong.
"That is the world we live in."
Now that I think about it, I've never even met the Emperor of Kou, have I? Kali looked thoughtful. With all the time I've been spending, I figured I'd meet him at some point...
"Perhaps you are a matter Kouen has kept more so to himself."
With a sigh, Kali let herself fall to the side. Hakuryuu stiffened, as her head collided with his shoulder. "K-Kali?"
"You're really strong, you know that, Hakuryuu?" The fourth prince paused, his eyes widening as Kali let her eyes flutter shut. "But you're so nice... Even though things have happened to you."
"...you're being to kind, Kali."
"Stay like that, okay?" Hakuryuu glanced down at the head of black before him. "Don't change."
"P-People might misunderstand, you know." Hakuryuu began, and Kali blinked, looking confused. "I don't think Lord Ko—"
"Ah, who cares. You're like that little brother I never had." Kali beamed, ruffling Hakuryuu's soft locks. "I always wanted a little brother—spoil me, would you?"
"Forgive me," Hakuryuu blinked, looking slightly confused as well. "I'd thought that you and Lord Kouen—"
"What about Goat—I mean, Kouen?" Kali turned her gaze Hakuryuu's way, eyes slightly round in curiosity. Hakuryuu blinked once more, looking a bit awkward as he rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I... I assumed... You two have been spending a lot of time, and I heard..."
There was a flicker in the air, and Kali felt her attention shifting. The hair on the back of her neck began to rise, and Camio stirred, the vines around her neck sharpening ever so slightly with the appearance of thorns. Kali let a small smile remain on her lips as she grinned at Hakuryuu. "Hey, would you mind getting me those cakes? The one with strawberries?"
Hakuryuu blinked, looking startled before he nodded, eager to switch the conversation. "Of course, would you like anything else?"
"Nah, I'm fine. Thanks!" Hakuryuu shook his head, standing and making his way across the walkway. Kali watched him leave, waiting till he was out of sight, and even once he was gone, she waited, counting in her head before she turned, facing ahead of her as she gripped the hilt of her sword. "It's only been two weeks since he left... you guys move fast."
"We have been informed that Lord Kouen would be returning in a few days," the black Rukh swarmed past her, two priests staring her dead on beneath their white veils. "We figured now would be the best time to approach you about a meeting."
"It seems there's always some sort of guard," a grin spread across the other's lips. "How kind of you to send the boy away."
"Like I'd let you scum touch him." Kali grinned, her eyes glinted, feral as she stood, sliding her sword from her sash. Raum burned beneath her fingertips, threatening to ignite. "But really, what did I do to get you guys show up personally?"
"The bird has wandered into the snake's nest," one priest chanted, and they gripped their staffs, Kali's eyes narrowing. "She must be careful so as not to get bit."
"Be wary my king." Camio's voice was firm, laced with his own passive anger, but he refused to let her act wildly. "You know what they want."
After all they've done... Kali ground her teeth, forcing a tight lipped grin. "Birds eat snakes, you know."
"Caution."
"Yes, but what shall we do with the strange, ugly thing we have before us?"
Kali froze, the entire world slowing down as the sickeningly sweet voice assaulted her ears. Camio whispered urgent orders, telling her to keep calm, but Kali was beyond that, turning ever so slowly.
Those gray eyes, steel, with the faintest bits of blue gazed at her, happiness and sick, sweet contempt in those irises as she smiled, plump lips curving upwards on the smooth, pale face. Kali's body went rigid, winding, tighter and tighter as she slowly began to seethe, unable to take her eyes off the woman before her, flanked by several magicians, cloaked in black and shrouded with Rukh as black as their clothes.
Everything...
"My king!"
Is her fault.
"Spirit of Passion and Destruction, in the name of my magoi and my will, dwell within my body, envelop me to grant me greater power, I order you and your members." Kali's eyes ignited and Raum burst forth, a flash of light searing outwards. "Raum!"
"My king!"
Forgive me, Camio.
A scorch of heat soared over them, borgs appearing and shielding the magicians, as well as Gyokuen herself as she simply smiled, eyes alight as a furious roar shook the air.
Hair once black burned a deep, flaming crimson, the ends disappearing into flickering flames. Long, sleek black horns curved over her head, and Kali's gray eyes tinted gold instead of blue. Her hands were sheathed in ruby red scales, running upwards and halting at her elbows. Similar scales sheathed part of her chest, following downwards in a dip before leaving her abdomen bare until silk red robes overlapped over her hips, stopping mid thigh. The sword in her hands was aflame, a deep, bloody red color, the familiar blade curving upwards.
Kali gripped the sword, leather biting into her flaming skin as she glared hard at the woman before her, her canines slightly sharpened. Gyokuen blinked, bringing her sleeves to cover her lips as she smiled, her eyes glittering with amusement. "What should we do then, now that the strange bird that shouldn't exist is here before us?"
"Destroy." The priests raised their staffs, hitting it to the floor. "Erase her."
"I won't let you," Kali seethed, flames circled up her arms, taking the form of a dragon as she braced herself against the ground. "Not this time."
Gyokuen smiled, eyes barely crinkling.
"Disappear."
"Die!"
Burst of black shot towards her, projectiles deadly aimed. Kali simply surged forward, flames propelling her faster and faster, destroying and enveloping all that tried to hit her. She felt borgs crumble and shatter beneath Raum's blade, dolls clattering to the floor. But her gaze was focused on the one woman, the one who was responsible for everything.
Her sword swung downwards, and Gyokuen beamed, her borg colliding with Raum as Kali surged forward, attempting to cut down this woman—this witch. "My, my, such an angry face you have."
A burst of electricity shot from behind her, but Kali was gone, reappearing as she swung down on Gyokuen once more, but she couldn't break her borg, not that easily. Kali's form constantly flickered in and out, dodging projectiles and slicing through other borgs as she fought, trying so desperately to make a dent.
"Do you really think you stand a chance?" Gyokuen mused, gazing up at Kali as she glared down at her, Raum's flames battling against the black emitting from her borg.
"No." Kali breathed, and Gyokuen paused, a look of fury, rage disrupting her perfect little face as Kali set a hand down on her borg, a feral grin splitting her lips. "I know I do."
Black Rukh shot upwards, slipping into Kali's hand with ease. The projectiles sent her way increased, but Kali was focused, channeling the Rukh to her and making it disappear as she would herself, teleporting it elsewhere. Gyokuen staggered back, her lips pulled into a furious smile. "You ugly, ugly thing. You shouldn't exist."
"But I do!" Kali swung Raum upwards and brought it down. Amidst the chaos, a resounding crack split the air, and the deep crack in Gyokuen borg gazed back at her. There was a moment of silence before Kali surged forward, Raum sticking halfway through the dark borg. "And I'll make sure you don't."
"KALI!"
Kali's eyes went wide, but before she could teleport, a single mass of black shot through her stomach, the tip barely grazing Gyokuen's borg as Kali froze.
She toppled backwards, blood seeping from the wound impaled through her stomach. Kali blinked, her mouth opening only to cough as blood fell from her lips. Kali's knee hit the floor and Raum clattered to the ground, her Djinn equip refusing to buckle as Kali held a hand to her stomach, gripping the metal rod that'd been shot through. It disappeared, sent somewhere else, and Kali's hand replaced it, vines quickly growing and covering the wound, healing as fast as it could. "Shit..."
"Now, now, none of that."
Kali's eyes widened as a magic circle appeared beneath her, black Rukh shooting upwards and coating the skies. A cry tore from Kali's lips as she gripped her head in her hands, her form trying to disappear, but unable to with the disruption of the flow around her. Camio's vines wrapped thickly around her, trying to numb the pain, but Kali slammed her sword into the ground, rising upwards on shaky feet despite the electricity crackling along her body.
"Filthy thing, you're still moving?" Gyokuen's borg cracked, splintering and crumbling as she stepped forward, brandishing a staff in her hand as she beamed down at Kali. "You should be dead by now."
Kali's form flickered, and she glared up at Gyokuen through matted bangs. "I... can't die... before... you."
"How shall we do this then?" The staff tipped forward, the lower half tipping her chin upwards. "Shall I strip you of all your Djinns first?"
Gyokuen's hand ran down the blade, fingers tapping the glowing pentagram at the head of the dragon branded into her sword. Raum came to life, the sword in her hands sprouting forth blood red flames as Kali glared at her through crimson bangs. "Try it."
She was loosing blood fast, and if she didn't drop her equip, then Camio wouldn't be able to heal her properly. But if she were to drop it now...
"We have one singularity in this world," Gyokuen leaned forward, offering Kali a dark, sweet smile. "We don't need another."
You shouldn't exist.
"Funny," Kali coughed, blood dripped down her chin as she peered up at Gyokuen, her eyes flashing. "I was thinking the same."
In a flash, Raum's flames flared out and Kali surged upwards, arching the sword along with herself. Her body toppled to the ground, wounds flaring at the impact. Kali wheezed, clutching at the ground as Camio's voice flooded through her head, doing what he could instead of depleting her magoi. A drop of blood hit the floor, but it wasn't Kali's. Gyokuen paused, bringing her fingers up to touch her cheek where a thin, long gash went down the skin.
A strangled cry tore from Kali's lips as a foot slammed down onto her arm, harder, harder—snap. The sick sound made Kali freeze, her eyes wide as she gazed at the floor, shaking, threatening to faint as the searing pain in her arm went numb, vines wrapping around the mangled, bruised appendage. Her arm just...
"My king, now—I'll destroy the circle, then you must teleport—"
"You've obtained six metal vessels," Gyokuen's lips curled as her foot stepped off of Kali's arm, a trail of blood streaming down her cheek. "But what use is it if you can't even use them?"
"Do not listen to her, my king. You're strong—you've proved that! How many others could shatter her borg?"
"And now here you lay, my, fitting isn't it?"
"Fight."
Blood poured from the wound in her stomach, and Kali crumpled in on herself, Raum letting out a roar of protest as she flared, Camio trying to force her from her equip so he could heal her—but damn it, if she stopped now, she couldn't...she had too...
"You must live, my king. I will do as you wish, call for me!"
"I think..." Kali breathed, clutching the ground, dirt and blood mixing beneath her nails as she grinned up at Gyokuen. A drop of rain hit her cheek, stormy clouds enveloping the skies as a flash of lighting flared, thunder booming alongside it. "That scar will...suit you."
"My king!"
"Disappear."
But Gyokuen was there one moment, appearing as a blur before Kali's eyes, in the next, she was gone. Kali blinked, head lolling as she struggled to stand, but her only good arm crumpled beneath her wait, and Kali breathed, her chest heaving as she rolled over onto her back, gritting her teeth as rain pelted her face.
"Kougyoku, gather healers, Ka Koubun as well—now." Kali gazed dazedly up at the stormy sky, blinking back droplets of water as blurred figures appeared around her. "She may be too injured to move at this rate, have the room ready; we'll have to teleport her there."
Koumei. Kali turned slightly, gazing up at the head of red, nothing but a blur in her eyes as she blinked slowly.
"Hold fast, my king."
"They're gone." Kouha. "Ran the second we showed up."
"I didn't expect them to do something like this." She felt something brush against her forehead, and she managed to focus on Koumei's face, gazing gravely down at her. "Kali, I need you to get out of your equip. We'll help you. You're going to be fine now, don't worry."
It hurts. Kali reached up, fingers shaking, and Koumei's hand enclosed around hers. "Please, Kali. Trust us."
Trust them?
"I am beside you my king."
"Focus..." Kali mumbled, her fingers struggling to keep their grip. "On where... you want me... and I'll take... us..."
Koumei's hands clasped around hers, and Kali inhaled softly, focusing, letting the Rukh flutter about her for a moment, filling her. And with a surge of strength, they disappeared and reappeared. Wood collided with her back and Kali coughed, her body flashing as her Djinn equip left her, and as shouts and cries, hurried footsteps all assaulting her ears, there was only one voice she could hear.
"Sleep now, my king. When you awake, I will be beside you. I will protect you."
And her eyes fluttered shut.
That moment, within the Kou Empire, the first prince had just returned from his campaign over in the west.
And within the palace, Ren Kouen was an unstoppable force.
The door to the medic ward was near torn open, had it not been for the fact that Kouen wasn't a man to be so easily expressive. The door swung, and he stepped in, his presence enveloping the room as he said nothing, servants and nurses hurrying out of his way as he made his way to the sole bed in the center of the room.
"Welcome back, my brother and king," Koumei bowed his head, Kouen returned it with a nod as he came to a halt, gazing downwards, face unreadable. "For now, she's stable."
"When did this happen?"
"Moments before you arrived," Koumei motioned to a servant and a chair was brought, but Kouen did not sit, his gaze never leaving the pale, pained face below him. "Kouha and his men are scouting the grounds for any lingering pests, but they've gone without a trace."
"I had assumed, but I didn't think there was any connection." Kouen spoke up, deep voice echoing throughout the room. "You've done well, Kougyoku."
"T-Thank you!" Kougyoku's head shot up, her eyes wide and slightly puffy, but she refused to show tears before her brother. She wanted to be a warrior, the person before her had helped her strive forward to the goal, and she wasn't about to let one of the first people to have become her friend slip away just like that. "Ka Koubun tried to give her immediate medical attention, but..."
"Anytime anyone tries to get close, it seems she rejects it." Koumei explained, and Kouen's eyes narrowed. "We were able to stop immediate bleeding from her stomach, but all other wounds would not be tended too."
"She's out cold," Kouen said, gazing down at Kali's pale face. Blood had been wiped off, but scratches and a few bruises remained, and the awkward bend her arm was set in did nothing to stop the growing storm threatening to cloud his mind. "How could she reject treatment?"
Koumei inclined his head and Kouen drew his sword. The gleaming tip glinted in the lamplight as he lowered the blade. But before he could utter a word, vines sprouted forth from her neck. Thick and fast, the enveloped Kali's body, entwining about her like snakes. The under part was soft, mossy, cool against her skin, the outer ends sharpened, and thick, long thorns protruded outwards, warning away all outer beings.
"I don't understand though," Kougyoku murmured, looking deeply troubled as the vines moved slowly, curling around Kali's body. "Why would she..."
"Release her."
Everyone paused, turning to Kouen with wide eyes, but his hard gaze was burning, focused solely on the point bellow Kali's collarbone, a metal feather beginning to glow with a white light. Koumei's eyes went wide, a look of surprise and disbelief coloring his features. "It's the Djinn?"
"Or will you be a fool," Kouen brandished his sword, eyes narrowing in clear, undisguised contempt and annoyance. "And allow her to die simply out of your own stubbornness?"
Thorns sharpened, and Kouen's grip tightened, a dark look coming over his features as he bore down on the vines. "I will heal her."
In response, a gentle white light began to emit from the vines, and slowly, bruises began to face, the pain on Kali's face receding partially. Kouen nearly ground his teeth, but he kept his eyes narrowed. "Depleting her magoi won't solve anything."
"It isn't using her magoi," Koumei and Kougyoku turned as Judal stalked into the room, his gaze focused on the metal feather hanging around Kali's neck. "He's cheating."
Kouen eyed the oracle thoughtfully, and Judal let out an annoyed sigh, running a hand through his hair as he gazed down at Kali. Something flickered through his expression, caught only by the sharpest eye before he turned. "Look."
Sure enough, the vines traveled down the medical bed and roots were growing from the floor, pulsating and growing rapidly as the white light grew, Kali's wounds beginning to heal. "He's taking it from somewhere else."
"Is that possible?" Kougyoku murmured, and Koumei frowned, gazing down at the vines with a thoughtful look.
"I've never heard of a metal vessel acting of its own accord."
Kouen's eyes flashed, annoyance clear on his face as he sheathed his sword. His hand jutted out, and the thorns grew in size, moving over Kali protectively. "Then use me."
Silence befell the room, the vines refusing to relent as Kouen glared down at them, beyond tempted to hack the retched thing to pieces. "The longer you hesitate, the longer she remains like this."
There was a pause, and a vine slowly extended outwards, binding around Kouen's hand and settling, Kouen gripped the tough thing, as he felt his own magoi slowly slip outwards and through the vines. Kali's arm regained its normal color, loosing the bluish tint, and soft vines gently set it back into place.
Kouen paused when Kali's eyes fluttered, dazed gray irises wincing before she settled, breathing softly. Kougyoku was instantly by her side, offering words of encouragement and asking if she needed anything. Kali's lips turned upwards slightly, but her gaze was unfocused as she turned her head, her hand stretching outwards.
"...sels."
"What was that?" Koumei inquired, and Kouen tilted his head down.
"My...vessels..."
There was a flare of annoyance through Kouen's eyes, more so that she would worry over such things over herself. But Kougyoku stood, reaching over and setting the sword down beside her. Kali blinked, turning her head as her hand gently wrapped around the blade. It thrummed beneath her fingertips, and her face relaxed, a look of relief filling her expression as she breathed softly.
Kouen paused when soft fingers ghosted over his own, and his opened up his palm, letting them settle there, so widely dwarfed by his own hands.
"Thank...you..."
That day onwards, Kali found herself never alone. If she wasn't with Kouen, she was with Koumei or Kouha or Kougyoku, even Hakuryuu.
And while she pretended to be annoyed, there was a small part of her that was slightly grateful.
She wasn't strong enough yet.
And the fact scared her.
"Do you want it?" Kali blinked, her eyes growing round as she turned to Kouen. The strange, glass case of oddly shaped leaves and seeds gazed back at her.
"I can have it?" Kali's gaze turned from the odd gift to Kouen, her eyes wide. "Seriously?"
"The tribe offered all kinds of things I don't need." Kouen said flatly, his face expressionless as he nodded to the caravans full of items and foods and different things from lands Kali had never been too. "I've given my siblings there things; I don't need any of this."
"So he's offering you his trash."
One man's trash is another man's treasure. "Thanks!" Kali grinned, disappearing and reappearing beside one of the other caravans. "Hey, hey, what's this?"
"Old teas they use for different healing properties."
Kali's eyes shone and she was appearing and disappearing through the caravans, her eyes alight as Kouen followed at his one pace, answering questions that left her lips as she poked her head into things and stuffed new foods into her mouth.
"Doesn't this..." A solider paused, turning to one of the maids Kouha had ordered look after Kali as she blinked thoughtfully. "Look a bit like..."
"Like what?" The solider followed the strange woman and his lord, turning back to the maid as she titled her head, looking thoughtful.
"Well, you didn't here it from me," she added mindfully before she tapped her chin. "But if I didn't know any better, this looks an awful lot like courting to me."
The soldier near dropped the box in his hands, the man turning around and gaping at the female before him. "C-Courting? As in—"
"As a woman, that's simply my guess." The lady sighed, looking rueful. "I suppose if its her its better than some old woman or little girl offered up to unite a few countries—but it is a shame to see Lord Kouen off the market."
"W-What? What would make you think such a thing?" The maid arched a brow, turning her gaze back to the two as Kouen stood beside Kali, explaining something as she held a large, ivory tusk in her hands.
"Call it a woman's hunch then." The maid sighed, and her eyes strayed to the box in the soldier's hands, the sweet aroma wafting from them catching her attention. "Where are you taking that?"
"Lord Kouen has ordered this be brought to the lady's room."
...
...
...
"I see your point."
"My, the other maids will cry once they hear about this."
"Are you sure—"
"I've no use for it."
Kali blinked, gazing at Kouen owlishly as he simply gazed back at her, the mountain of items behind him gleaming and glittering almost eerily as she blinked once more. Several servants behind Kouen waited, prepared to move the things at request.
"But there's so much stuff."
"If you don't want it, it'll be disposed of fairly." Kouen answered simply, gazing down at the shorter woman before him, his eyes never leaving her thoughtful expression.
"Well, nothing to do about it then." Kali looked slightly exasperated, but a bit childish as she grinned, roaming amongst the items and pausing when she came to a case of gems and a boxes of silk. "Hey, since you'll sell of everything else, would you send these things to a shop in town?"
"If the lord says no, you're imaging things." The soldier whispered, and the maid nodded.
"Deal."
"A shop?" Kouen questioned, and Kali nodded, turning to him with a small smile as she fiddled with the dragon in her hair, adorned by downy feathers.
"I'll bring them myself—is that all right?"
There was a pause, the soldier prepared to tell the maid what for when Kouen simply blinked, inclining his head. "Do as you will."
Kali beamed. "Thanks, Kouen!"
"They even call each other by first names—she's either stupid or his lover if she can do that."
"I don't know..."
"Watch, in a week's time, we'll be preparing the wedding feast."
"Hey Kouha!" The pink haired prince perked up, turning on his heel as Kali trotted towards him. "I've got some free time, wanna—"
A heavy sighed interrupted her, causing Kali to blink as Kouha shook his head sadly. "I've got some boring business to take care of with stinky old dudes, I can't right now."
"Oh, don't worry about it, have fun then," Kali offered, and Kouha grinned, playing with a strand of black locks as he beamed up at her.
"I think Entei's free though."
"...okay?"
"See ya, Li!"
"...bye?"
"Kougyoku! Would you like too—"
"I'm afraid the princess has lessons today." Kali blinked as Ka Koubun blocked her way to Kougyoku's room, a firm look on his face. "She cannot spend time with you, and she sends her deepest apologies."
"Oh," Kali blinked, looking surprised before she nodded. "Tell her I said hi then."
"I shall."
"Thanks, Ko-bun."
"Ka Koubun!"
As Kali disappeared, Kougyoku sighed heavily on the other side of the door, a rueful look on her face as she fiddled with her sleeves. Forgive me, Kali. I would love to spend time with you, but not right now... There's someone much better who you should be spending time with!
"I'm sorry, but Prince Hakuryuu has gone to greet his sister over on the western front for a few days." Kali waved her hand as the maid bowed. "My deepest apologies, my lady."
"No, don't worry about it." Kali found herself aimlessly wandering the halls of the palace, a slightly put off look on her face as she gazed at the floor. "Everyone's busy..."
"They are royalty after all."
"Yeah..." Kali's thoughts came to a sudden halt when her face collided into something firm. Kali blinked once, recognizing the feel as she craned her head upwards. "Hello, Kouen."
The first prince stared at her for a moment, crimson boring into gray before he arched a brow. No words left his lips, but Kali sighed, in one action, he'd somehow managed to ask 'what's wrong with you'. "Nothing really, it seems I've caught everyone on a busy day..."
Kouen was silent, Kali idly playing with her sash before the red haired prince turned. "I'll be having tea in the garden today."
Kali paused, looking thoughtful for a moment before she shrugged, following after the sweeping black cape, striking up idle chit chat that Kouen occasionally responded too.
"Kids?" Kali nearly choked, setting down the cool cup of tea as she gazed owlishly at the maids before her, Kougyoku at her side as well. "Like having them?"
"Forgive us if it's too personal," a maid bowed and Kali shook her head, still looking slightly surprised. "I simply couldn't help but wonder why someone of your age wasn't married off yet."
"Oh, well, I guess I've got more control over my life than most I suppose," More like total. Kali blinked, looking thoughtful as she tilted her head upwards. "...I don't think I'd mind."
"I'm sure you'd have beautiful children!" Kougyoku gushed. "You and br—a very suiting husband will have children no one could ever compete with."
Kali laughed, her cheeks dusting lightly as she shook her head. "I think it'd be a bit of a pain though, but I've always wondered what it'd be like."
"I'm sure you would have wonderful children." The maid agreed, and Kali simply grinned, laughing slightly.
Later that week, Kali didn't realize it until Camio had pointed it out, but a lot of the food in her meals came from plants meant for helping fertility amongst women. Kali had paused at that, looking mystified and confused, but Camio had become silent, thoughtful.
"My lady, Lord Kouen has requested your presence with him in his study."
"Huh? Oh, sure."
"My lady, these are for you."
"They look delicious—from whom?"
"Lord Kouen has sent them from his latest campaign."
"My lady, these are for you."
"Oh, thank you, are they from—"
"Lord Kouen? Yes."
"We've been hearing his name an awful lot lately." Camio murmured, sounding slightly wary and Kali blinked, slipping a sweet bun past her lips and chewing thoughtfully.
It reminds me an awful lot of when Sinbad tried to spoil us. Kali slipped another bun into her mouth, smiling pleasantly at the taste. Except he's always giving us things he said he has no use for.
Camio was silent, mimicking Kouen in front of her as he read over scrolls. After discovering her knowledge of the Torran language, she was beginning to see an awful lot more of his study, but Kouen as well, now that the others were so busy.
"One day its tea, every evening its dinner... My king, do you suppose—"
Hey. Kali paused, her gaze landing on a particular fruit, looking thoughtful. Aren't those from Sindria?
"They are."
Kali's eyes shone and she reached forward, her hands cupping of the slightly spiky, gentle purple fruit, and she grinned softly. Doesn't it remind you of him?
"Perhaps if you drew a face and added jewelry, yes."
Kali grinned, laughing lightly. Kouen's eyes flickered to her, assessing the fruit in her hands and then landing on her face, the look of faint happiness in her expression causing him to pause. Kali recognized his silence and spoke up, her lips turning upwards. "Silly as it is, this fruit reminds me of someone I know. It even looks like him actually."
Kouen's ears caught a single word, and he gazed at Kali for a moment, watching the fond look flicker over her face. A fruit came her way and Kali blinked, dropping the purple fruit onto the table to catch the new one, and it took her a moment as she gazed at the slightly pinkish fruit, dusted with bumps.
It looked like Koumei.
A laugh tore from her lips, Kali shoulder's shaking as tears sprung from her eyes. Kouen silently set the purple fruit back into the bowl, mindful to keep it towards the bottom.
"My lady, what colors do you think would go best on a dress?"
"A dress—well, I think simple colors would look nice. White and silver... Maybe blue here and there."
"My lady, is there a particular flower you like?"
"Oh, there are a lot."
"My lady, of the dishes you've had during your time here, is there one you happen to find favorable?"
"Hmm... That's a tough one..."
"My king," Kali glanced up from where she'd been sorting through the things Kouen had given to her as of late. "I sense that something is amiss."
"What do you mean?" Kali moved some boxes to the side, mindful of the gentle cases and set them down.
"It's just that... Have you not noticed anything...well, odd?"
"Kouen's scarily nicer than I expected." Kali admitted finally. "Why?"
"That's just it... I feel as if—"
"What's this?" Kali blinked, her hands enclosing around a gentle scroll, the paper smooth beneath her fingertips. "Is it mine?"
"Open it."
Kali did so; pulling the string and watching the scroll unravel. Kali took a seat on the bed, sinking downwards as her eyes scanned over the page before they lit up, realizing it'd been sent from the old lady from the shop before. She's telling us thank you!
"Good deeds come a long way."
And she mentioned the silks... Kali grinned, sitting up as she felt her heart thump happily. And how honored she is to have been helped out by Kouen's wife.
...
...
...
Wait, what? Kali blinked, rereading the message, a look of confusion on her face as she grew silent. And that the dresses will be on their way—what dresses? I didn't know Kouen had a wife...
"He does not."
Oh. Kali gazed down at the scroll, gently setting it aside as she laughed, a nervous look flittering across her face for a moment as she rubbed the back of her head. She must've assumed then, huh?
"...It would seem so."
Gray eyes met crimson, refusing to buckle. Kouen remained silent, intently staring, and Kali did the same, gazing at him over the rim of the pipe, a trail of smoke leaving the top.
There was a pause before a cough escaped Kali's lips and she set the pipe down, sticking out her tongue and shaking her head. "I don't even understand how you could use something like that."
"Figures." Kouen said simply, causing Kali to glare at him as her feet swung from his desk, a slight pout on her lips.
"Yeah, yeah." Kali paused, looking outwards thoughtfully, not meeting looking at Kouen as he read through some documents. "Hey, Kouen?"
There was no reply, and Kali smiled slightly, tipping her head back. "Do you really want to be the one king under this unified world of yours?"
Kouen paused, glancing up, but meeting the back of Kali's head as she gazed elsewhere. "If need so, then I shall."
Kali turned then, her brows creased as she met Kouen's gaze. The crimson haired man paused, a few thoughts running through his head before Kali blinked, smiling softly. "Doesn't that sound...lonely?"
Kali paused, looking troubled before she grinned slightly, shaking her head and gazing at him silently. "No, I'm just being sentimental—but I can't help but worry. When I think of one person trying to rule the world...it just doesn't seem... right."
Almost like it's happened before.
Kouen gazed at the woman before him, her sooty locks looking like ebony in the light, and gray eyes shone in the candlelight, gazing solely as him as she grinned slightly.
Ren Kouen did not consider himself an impulsive man.
"Then stay by my side." Kali perked up as Kouen spoke, lacing his fingers together and resting them below his chin.
"Right, right, as your General, huh?" Kali grinned, rolling her eyes as she turned, her back facing him once more.
"As my general," Kouen echoed, confirming her words. "And as my wife."
Kali grinned, a laugh beginning to leave her lips before she paused, the words finally registering in her mind. Everything around her froze, Kali growing still, Camio frozen as well as slowly, she turned, continuing to grin as she laughed nervously. "You're funny—"
"It was no joke."
...
...
...
"...what?" Kali managed to squeak, her eyes growing wide as she suddenly spluttered, a nervous, frantic expression on her face. "I think you might be a bit off today—"
"Becoming a general would mean that your ties must be solely to Kou, an easy way of doing so would have been to have you married." Kouen stood, and Kali shrunk as he gazed down at her, head tilting forward. "Anyone would have been fine, but it would seem now that I myself, would be the best choice in such a matter."
Politics. Kali's mind began to chant. He's talking politics—that's all! "Well, I'm honored, but I don't plan on being a general—"
"That will be no problem." Kouen interrupted swiftly, crimson eyes burning into gray and refusing to let go. "Just become my wife then."
"...what?"
There was a flash of faint annoyance through Kouen's eyes as Kali braced herself against the desk, prepared to move off and back away. "Perhaps you've had too much tea—"
Kali let out a surprised squeak when she was swiftly turned around. Her back hit the desk, scattering quills and documents this way and that. She gazed up with wide eyes and Kouen gazed back down at her, pinning her to the wooden surface as he simply stared.
"I do not repeat myself," Kouen spoke up, his voice sent shivers down her spine, and Kali suddenly wanted to block out every word that left his lips. "This is not a joke."
"B-But then," Kali's eyes went round, her mouth agape. "Y-You j-just, y-y-you want m-m-me—"
"Marry me." The two words made Kali's entire world crumble around her, and expression she'd never seen on Kouen's face bearing down on her as she simply stared, Kouen's eyes—burning, searing, pinned her themselves. "I told you once, become mine and mine alone. Swear your loyalty not to Kou this time, but to myself."
"M-M-M-M-M-M-Marry?"
Kouen did not repeat himself, his eyes simply continuing to bore into Kali's. Slowly, a light blush began to envelope her cheeks, and Kali struggled, setting her hands on his chest as she panicked, laughing nervously. "B-But we barely know each other—"
"You hate carrots and broccoli." Kouen began, causing Kali to freeze. "You prefer being outside, you like your tea warm, you love all kinds of food, but you have a fondness for sweets. You enjoy doing as you wish and you speak your mind without thinking. You're naïve and cunning, and yet, you can come off as rather thick."
"...I don't know you!" Kali blurted, her eyes wide as she pushed at Kouen's chest, gently trying to gather space between them, but his form did not budge. "I don't know—"
"I will tell you everything you wish to know." Kouen's head dipped lower and Kali froze, eyes like saucers as he gazed intently at her, firmly, immovable. Emotions Kali would never fathom in his eyes gazed at her, and her alone, locking her in place. Crimson bangs ghosted over her forehead, making her flinch slightly.
"M-My king—"
"B-B-B-But—"
"I want you." Kali was only able to gape, her cheeks flushed as Kouen's forehead brushed against hers, and his breath ghosted over her lips, flaming eyes never leaving hers. "Kali."
She never realized what kind of an impact her name had on herself until now. Kali swallowed before her hands moved, cupping Kouen's cheeks. The red headed prince blinked slowly, gazing at her as Kali held his face firmly, refusing to allow it to advance any further. "D-Don't you think—sudden! This is really sudden—"
"It should have been obvious." Kali flinched, her face paling in realization as Kouen gazed at her as if she were stupid.
"It seems he was courting you."
I thought he was giving us his trash! Kali's mouth opened and closed, and Kouen's eyes flickered to her lips for a moment before he simply allowed her to continue holding his face, his hands beginning to dig slightly into the desk. "But—I mean—me?"
"I said that I want you." Kouen's eyes bore holes into her soul. "There should be nothing else to explain."
Marriage. Kali was beginning to feel dizzy, her mind swirling far to fast for her to think. He wants to—Kouen wants—I thought—marriage? But when you marry someone, you do it because you...
Because you...
You...
"Love them."
"Time!" Kali exclaimed, nearly colliding her forehead against Kouen as the red head's brows furrowed ever so slightly, the corner of his lips turning downwards. "T-Time! I need time!"
"There should be no need." Kouen's voice sounded faintly strained, and he glared down at her. "There should be one answer."
"Arrogant, isn't he?"
"N-N-Not like this!" Kali flushed, trying to push Kouen away as she rambled on. "I can't—I just need to time to think is all—time!"
There was a moment of silence, and Kouen simply gazed at her. Kali blinked in realization before she shook her head. "Like—can I sleep on this?"
Kouen's eyes flashed, looking faintly irritated. But Kali shut her eyes, and Kouen gazed down at her, cheeks flushed, eyes shut, and he felt her hands, soft against his cheeks. "Please?"
Kali waited, hoping, praying, and then Kouen shifted. A weight left her and Kouen gazed down at her, eyes intense and narrowed. "I will await your answer in the morning."
Gray eyes blinked wide with surprise, but before Kali could celebrate, Kouen had a hand to her tunic, fisting it as he jerked her towards himself. Her hands landed clumsily on his chest and she nearly sat on him had she not braced herself. Kouen gazed down at her, eyes unrelenting as he leaned forward. "However, if you decide to run, know full well that there will be no mercy."
"O-Of course," Kali murmured, grinning nervously as she gently slipped from his grasp. "I won't run, I promise. I just need some time."
Kouen let her slip from his fingers, his eyes flickering as she took a step back. Kali inhaled heavily, trying to calm her dancing nerves as she offered him a small smile. "I'll see you in the morning, and you'll have my answer then, I promise."
Kouen said nothing, and Kali's eyes softened as she titled her head. "Thank you, Kouen."
And with that, she was gone.
"Are you ready?"
"Yeah," Kali shifted the leather sack over her shoulder. There'd been so many things she'd wanted to bring, but there was only so much she could carry along with her. Kali let her eyes slid shut as she sighed, clasping the silk white cloak together. "Am I forgetting anything?"
"I would say yes, but I'm sure you won't approve." Kali offered wry smile, a look of guilt clearly written on her face as she tucked the last of her souvenirs into the bag—the broken sword, gifts, things she realized she couldn't leave without. We spent so much time here.
There was a thin scar now across Kali's midsection where she'd been impaled. Her hand moved to the mark, knowing it was there, and she shut her eyes, feeling her fingers curl into fists.
She wasn't strong enough. The thought had haunted her the rest of her time here, never leaving, refusing to give way, and Kali had nearly fell to her knees in frustration. But she could get stronger here, she'd realized. Kou was not only a great place to train, but there was so much it could do for here, and when she was ready, she could finally do more than just shatter that woman's borg.
But Kali could not remain in Kou.
"For more than one reason."
Kali's cheeks flushed and she winced, guilt clear and unchangeable as she gazed at this lovely room one last time. "It's for the best...right?"
"If you believe so, my king."
Memories began to flicker through Kali's mind. She'd never stayed this long anywhere before, Sindria she came back to only after so long.
But Kali realized that because of her decision to stay, she would never be able to truly raise her sword against these people. Not unless the situation truly called for it. Kali shut her eyes and sighed, setting down the small note as she stepped away.
"Are you ready?" Camio murmured once more, and Kali blinked.
"Yes."
And with a final, regretful, guilty glance, Kali offered the room a small smile.
And she was gone.
For good this time.
Kouen gazed down at the small scrap of paper between his fingers, two simple words scrawled over.
Thank you.
His expression was neutral, not a word leaving his lips. Kougyoku gazed down at the floor, looking saddened by the news, Kouha pouted while Judal tried to keep his snicker in, and Koumei eyed his older brother carefully, not saying anything.
"Why's Mei so worried?" Kouha whispered, and Judal snickered this time, shaking his head.
"En got stood up."
With that, it was as if Kouen had been woken from a spell. The paper in his hands crumpled beneath his fist, and the occupants in the room flinched, turning their focus to the crimson haired prince as he turned. "Koumei."
"Y-Yes?"
"Gather up men and horses; send them to scout out the entire country."
"Y-Yes." Koumei blinked, his eyes wide at first before he swallowed, turning away and beginning to pity the existence that was Kali as he stepped aside.
Kouen swept through the room, his face unreadable as he began to walk out the door. "I myself will lead one of them, we will depart at once."
"Shall I alert them that this is a search?" Koumei inquired, and Kouen suddenly came to a halt.
To the horror and surprise of everyone there, a slow, menacing grin stretched across Kouen's lips. Crimson eyes burned, flames as his face darkened, a truly predatory look on his face, one that reminded Koumei of a tiger.
"Tell them that this is a hunt."
With that, Kouen left the room, his feet echoing menacingly down the palace halls as he made his way to where his men and horses would be waiting.
"I promise."
Kouen smirked, eyes darkening, a force truly far, far more frightening then any other in the world in that very moment.
"And there will be no mercy."
And with this, super duper extra major long chapter, the Kou arc has finally come to a close!
...Bet you guys didn't expect that, huh?
Or well, maybe you did.
:D
I apologize for this long, long read, and I'd thought about splitting this into two chapters, but I really wanted to finish this up, so instead, I just finished it off as one, huge chapter.
I really hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and all the Kou-central time, especially since we won't be seeing most of them for awhile. So to all of you who've decided you're on team Kouen, you'll have to wait. Sinbad shippers, rejoice. And also, I'll be having a little extra bit next chapter.
AND IT WILL BE CALLED, ASK KALI.
So if any of you reviewers have questions you'd like to ask our dear traveler, do so! Kali may or may not answer them, but she will do her best!
Kali: I'll try. I actually promise this time.
But she just ran out on poor Kouen, so perhaps you shouldn't trust her.
It was really fun writing this, and I enjoyed Kali's new interactions with such complex characters, especially someone like Kouen, and I hope you guys loved this little arc as much as I did. And...
WE'RE ALMOST AT THREE FLIPPIN HUNDRED GUYS.
In response to this wonderful, happy occasion, I would like to inform all of you that THERE WILL BE A MINI CONTEST! The person who is lucky number 300 will get a special prize! I'm thinking about writing a one-shot or something along those lines, so good luck you guys! Thank you all so much for the continued support!
P.S – FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ALSO READ JUST YOU AND ME, AN UPDATE WILL BE COMING SOON.
I hope you've enjoyed!
Marshmellow-
-OUT!
