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Chapter Thirteen

Rakushou

Morgiana and Hakuryuu have been traveling with Hakuei and her men for just over a week when word finally arrives from Rakushou. The emperor is ill. All of his children are requested to return to his side immediately.

Hakuryuu keeps his expression carefully neutral all the while as the messenger relays the news to him and his sister. Hakuei as well acts perfectly ignorant but Morgiana can tell that this news is exactly the confirmation she never wanted to receive.

Afterward, Hakuei calls a meeting with the heads of her household, Captain Dolge, Bator and Boyan, and explains the situation. They will begin riding for Rakushou without delay. The three nod and swiftly send word to the rest of the company. The men of Kouga all wear grim but determined expressions as they accept the change of plan without complaint.

The journey to Rakushou takes a full month. During that time, Morgiana practices with her metal vessel as much as she can. Hakuei as well as several of her men allow her to practice her illusions on them and their cooperation aids her immensely in mastering her new powers. The men actually get really into it. They find her ability fascinating and they even turn her practice sessions into something of a game. Someone who enjoys swimming will ask her for an illusion in which he can swim in the world's most luxurious pool, and in the midst of the illusion one of his buddies will ask her to do something ridiculous to sabotage him, such as filling the pool with meat. The results of such tampering are always humorous and the men all gather round and have a good laugh at the expressions made by the person who was pranked.

Morgiana really likes Hakuei's household. They are fun-loving and cheerful and they go out of their way to make sure she feels welcomed and respected. She finds they remind her a little of Sinbad's eight generals, though lacking much of their eccentricity. She particularly likes Captain Dolge. He has a quiet wit to him that comes out when he's sitting and chatting with his men during times of rest. She can tell that he is especially well respected within the company.

Hakuryuu as well warmed up to them quite quickly, in her opinion. Reflecting Hakuei, the group has taken to treating him like something of a younger brother. They give him "important life advice" in the evenings when everyone has finished setting up camp and gather around their bonfires to warm themselves. Hakuryuu is a bit exasperated by this because he's already lived to be the same age as many of them once before but he allows it. Morgiana thinks that he secretly enjoys their doting. She knows he hasn't been close with many people in his life so she imagines that the Kouga crew are something of a novelty to him.

It is during these times that Morgiana often seeks out the company of Hakuei. She finds the Kou princess is actually a very pleasing person to talk to. She's full of knowledge and wisdom that she imparts freely on Morgiana and Morgiana finds she just feels comfortable around her. It's odd because they're such different people from such different backgrounds but Morgiana has never really had the chance to make many female friends and she respects Hakuei for not only her prowess in battle but also her quiet strength of spirit and feminine grace.

Hakuei does her best to explain to Morgiana the secret of performing a djinn equip. Hakuryuu has tried as well, but all he's able to tell her is that it's a particular feeling—something akin to exerting your will to draw the djinn's magic inside yourself. Morgiana has tried this but she doesn't completely understand what he means and so she is unable to execute it successfully.

"You must first decide to what end you wish to utilize your djinn's strength," Hakuei explains. "If your heart lacks conviction, your djinn will be unwilling to dwell within you."

Morgiana nods. This makes sense.

"Your djinn is your servant," she continues, "But he is a servant who is constantly testing you. Whether your aim is ultimately good or evil does not matter; the key is to demonstrate fortitude in your thoughts and actions. To a man or woman who can do this, the djinn is compelled to lend his strength."

Morgiana frowns and touches her necklace thoughtfully. It sounds like all she has to do is prove to Belial that her will is strong. It's the same as what Hakuryuu said, but she thinks she understands better now.

"Start by thinking about the wish closest to your heart," she advises. "For me, my dearest wish is to make a peaceful world. To that end, I both command and rely on Paimon's strength. She is my servitor and my dear partner."

Morgiana considers this. The wish she holds dearest to her heart is to change fate. She wants to stop Arba from destroying any more people's lives. She wants a happy future for her friends and she wants to be able to continue to support them. She wishes for Aladdin to enjoy a peaceful life in the world that his mother and Ugo delivered him to. She wishes for Alibaba to succeed in freeing Balbadd and turning it into a proud and autonomous country once more. She wishes for Hakuryuu to continue to smile and show her a face lit with real happiness every day. These are the things she fights for. No, these are the things she needs.

She feels the warmth of her wish flow through her and somewhere deep inside she feels Belial's power resonate. She thinks that he has accepted her conviction.

"Thank you, Miss Hakuei," she says, giving the older woman a smile. "I understand now."

Hakuei mirrors her smile. "Of course." She reaches across to Morgiana's lap and takes her right hand in both of hers. The princess' expression becomes somber suddenly. "Miss Morgiana…" she starts, "I hope very much that you will continue to watch over my little brother. I know he wants to protect me and our country but he needs to remember himself as well. I can tell that you make him very happy." She squeezes Morgiana's hand. "I don't mean to rope you into anything, but I hope that you will continue to be his friend."

Morgiana's eyes widen slightly in surprise at the unexpected request but she nods. "Yes. Of course I intend to remain his friend no matter what," she assures her.

Hakuei smiles again and releases her hands. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

Morgiana is still somewhat confused, but she nods again. Hakuei doesn't have to ask for her to continue to be Hakuryuu's friend. She never had any intention of doing anything like ending her friendship with him. How could she when Hakuryuu has become someone she loves dearly?

All at once, she feels an unexpected clenching sensation in her chest. She frowns and places a hand over her sternum. She knows this feeling. She's felt it before many times in the past when she thought about Alibaba. It's a sensation she gets when she feels particularly strong affection.

She gazes across the fire at where Hakuryuu is chatting with a small group of Hakuei's men and looks hard at him. The flickering firelight bathes him in a warm glow. He is leaning back on his hands and his legs are crossed neatly. He's smiling. He's not doing anything out of the ordinary but everything from his expression to the way he holds himself is distinctly Hakuryuu and she finds it all very charming. She likes his careful neatness and the way he listens attentively when others are speaking and the soft, patient look in his pale blue eyes. Again, she feels the clenching sensation. She smiles. Of course, she thinks. She knew already that she feels strong affection for Hakuryuu. She has for some time now. She enjoys being with him and listening to him and touching him. How could she ever want to leave him?

She doesn't see Hakuei hide a smile behind her hand.

The day they are to arrive in Rakushou, an air of quiet excitement falls over the company. The men have all polished their weapons and brushed their horses until they shine and mended any tears in their banners. They are determined to make a good impression on the behalf of their beloved general. Hakuei and Hakuryuu are also dressed for the occasion. They are decorated with ceremonial armor and jeweled adornments and they look every bit an imperial prince and princess.

Morgiana too has been given a fine dress to wear for their arrival. It takes some help from Hakuei to put it on but the white and gold garment is lovely and not uncomfortable. The princess also brushes her hair and adorns it with a pretty flower pin. When Morgiana is shown her reflection she can scarcely believe that the girl in the mirror was once a slave. She looks refined and delicate like a real lady. Of course, Morgiana will never be a lady, she knows. She is a warrior and her tribe care little for finesse and delicacy, but pretending is still fun regardless.

"You look beautiful," Hakuryuu compliments her with a smile when he sees her. "The colors suit you."

Morgiana smiles proudly. It makes her happy to learn that even she has feminine charm. She wonders what Alibaba and Aladdin would say if they could see her.

"You could pass for one of my cousins with those clothes and that red hair," he observes with a grin. "I'll have to be careful not to lose you."

Morgiana's eyebrows shoot up. "You have that many cousins?"

He nods. "Apart from Kougyoku, my uncle has six more daughters. They're all married now, though."

Morgiana's eyes widen in surprise. Six more daughters? That means the emperor has—she does the math on her fingers—ten children total, assuming she's not missing any extra unmentioned sons. That's quite a litter.

Hakuryuu laughs at her expression. "Surprising, right? You'll get to meet them all soon enough," he assures her.

Morgiana wonders at the path her life has taken that between the two timelines she's already met more royalty than she can count on both her hands.

The sun is near to setting when they finally reach Rakushou. The Eastern Capital looks like it's sparkling in the low hanging sun as they advance. The guards at the main gate bow low as Hakuei guides her men into the city. Hakuryuu rides beside her and Morgiana joins Dolge, Bator and Boyan just behind them. The three Kouga men are wearing easy, confident expressions. If they are intimidated by the grandness of the imperial capital, they refuse to show it.

As they ride through the city people come out of shops and houses to look upon them in awe. Morgiana hears a man say, "Who are these savages?" but neither Hakuei or her household bat an eyelash. They continue to ride straight and proud. Finally, they reach the palace and servants direct them to the stables where they put up their horses.

The greeting they receive upon entering the palace proper is particularly grand, in Morgiana's opinion. She immediately recognizes the face of the man at the front of the welcoming crowd. He looks different from the last time she saw him, but Koumei is unmistakable with his thick crimson ponytail and freckles. "Lady Hakuei," he greets warmly as they approach. "And young Hakuryuu as well. You are the last to arrive." He looks behind them at her and the members of Hakuei's company and his eyes widen. "Who are these people?"

Hakuei smiles and gestures back at them. "They are the Kouga Cavalry. A hundred odd men. They are part of my household."

Koumei's eyebrows shoot up. "More than one hundred household vessel users?" he echoes, clearly amazed.

Hakuei nods. "It seems my Paimon is a fertile djinn. Perhaps because she is female?" She tilts her head prettily. "It's thanks to them that I have been able to fight until now."

Koumei lifts a hand to the back of his head. "Impressive," he praises. "When it comes to numbers and household battle power, My Lady is second to none."

He turns to Hakuryuu next. "And Hakuryuu," he addresses the younger royal. "I heard you captured a dungeon as well. Congratulations." He looks around. "But where is your household?"

Hakuryuu smiles benignly and brandishes his halberd. There's a flash of light and Zagan's dual bladed spear appears in its place. Hakuryuu point the tip at the ground and before their eyes an enormous, writhing plant monster appears from seemingly nothing. Its mouth gapes wide, displaying rows of wicked looking teeth. "Right here."

Koumei and his household take a step back in horror and Morgiana has to control herself to keep from smirking in amusement. Hakuryuu holds out his hand and the plant monster rubs its head against his palm affectionately. It drools happily.

"That is…quite a fascinating power," Koumei says when he has recovered. The men behind him are still looking at the monster with apprehension.

Hakuryuu pats its head and gestures toward the gardens with his spear. "Go on," he instructs. "I'll come back for you later."

The monster makes a slobbery whining noise and obeys, slithering off in the direction Hakuryuu points.

"Don't worry," he tells the shocked palace staff. "Just feed him a cat or something every few days and he'll behave himself."

Everyone gapes at him disbelievingly and nobody moves for a long moment. Somewhere in the distance a feminine screech of horror rips through the silence. Hakuryuu merely continues to smile.

Koumei finally composes himself and clears his throat awkwardly. "Anyway," he says, bringing them back on topic, "Why don't we take this inside. I'm sure our siblings will be very eager to see you both again after so long."

The group follows Koumei into the palace's entrance hall where many people in fine clothing have gathered to witness their arrival. They walk across the raised walkway that stretches the length of the hall and Morgiana sees Kougyoku and a pretty young man that she vaguely remembers is Kouha, the youngest of Hakuryuu's male cousins, waiting for them at the far end. Kougyoku's eyes widen when she spots her among the group.

"Hey, big sis Hakuei, little bro Hakuryuu!" Kouha greets with a wave. He doesn't appear bothered at all by Hakuei's sizeable entourage. "Brother En's been waiting for you."

Hakuei motions for all but Morgiana and her three household leaders to wait and they follow Kouha and Kougyoku into the next room. They are led through a series of corridors and finally reach an audience chamber where Kouen stands waiting for them. His household surrounds him looking intimidating as usual. His face is stern but he smiles just slightly when he sees his step siblings.

"Hakuei, Hakuryuu," he greets—not warmly, exactly, but with some amount of discernable affection. "Welcome home."

"It's good to see you again, Kouen," Hakuei responds, bowing respectfully. Hakuryuu says nothing but he bows as well. "Though it grieves me that the circumstances are so unjoyous," she continues. "Tell me, were we able to make it in time?"

Kouen lowers his chin just slightly. "It's regrettable, but your arrival was late, I'm afraid. Our lord emperor passed away in his sleep a fortnight past."

Hakuei's eyes soften. "I see," she says. "I'm sorry to hear that. May the great flow shepherd his spirit peacefully into the next life."

Kouen nods. "Thank you." Lifting his head to address the rest of the group, he says, "I'm grateful to all of you for coming in this time of grieving and tumult. Now that Emperor Koutoku has passed, the future of the Kou Empire rests solely in the hands of us, his children." His eyes flicker briefly to Hakuryuu but he moves them away before the gesture can become obvious. "From now, I think it would be prudent for the six of us to begin working more closely with one another for the sake of the continued prosperity of our great nation. Our late founding emperor Hakutoku dreamed of a world made peaceful through unity, and as ones who share his blood, so too must we present a united front to our allies." His eyes narrow. "And also to our enemies, wheresoever they may be found."

Koumei's lips thin and Kouha shares a meaningful look with Kougyoku. It is apparent that they have read Kouen's warning loud and clear. Morgiana watches them with interest.

"The funeral and subsequent announcement of the one who will become the third emperor of Kou will be held in two days' time. Until then, I hope to meet with each of you individually and discuss the direction of Kou from here on out." He looks around at each of them. "That will be all."

The five royal siblings bow and their households follow suit. After that, they file out of the audience chamber and a group of servants meet them to escort Morgiana and Hakuei's household to their quarters. Morgiana is reluctant to part with Hakuryuu but he smiles and assures her they'll meet again soon for dinner. Morgiana nods and allows herself to be led away down a connecting corridor.

It is a very good thing that Morgiana has stayed in this same palace before because if she hadn't she would worry about not being able to find her way back from her room. The imperial palace is labyrinthine and every chamber and hallway they pass through looks identical to every other one. Finally, they stop in front of a decorative green door. "Here, my lady," the servant, a pretty young woman with dark hair tells her, opening the door.

Morgiana steps inside and the servant girl bows and retreats after informing her that she'll be by again in a bit to fetch Morgiana for dinner. Morgiana takes a few steps into the room and looks around. It's a very nice room—simple but still lovely. There is a large bed and an ornate dresser and a low table surrounded by cushions. Off in a lonely corner is a small bookshelf and tall pot with flowers. Morgiana finds it very cozy, if a little impersonal. A large part of her is sad that she won't be staying with Hakuryuu anymore.

She's just finished unpacking her few belongings when she hears a light knock at the door. Thinking it's the servant again, she opens it only to be met with the unexpected face of Kougyoku instead. Morgiana's eyebrows rise. "Your highness?" she greets, full of confusion.

Kougyoku lifts her covered hands to her mouth and leans forward to peer at Morgiana with large eyes. "You are… Miss Morgiana, right?" she asks.

Morgiana just nods. She wonders why the young princess of Kou has come to visit her so suddenly.

Kougyoku claps her hands together and smiles widely. "I knew it! I thought it was you! I was just so surprised to see you with my cousins."

Morgiana steps back to let Kougyoku enter the room. "Yes. I have been travelling together with Hakuryuu since we left Sindria," she explains. She gestures to the low table and adds, "Would you like to sit down?"

Kougyoku thanks her and takes a seat at the table. Morgiana sits across from her.

"With little Hakuryuu?" she echoes, setting her hands on the table. "But what about Alibaba and the tiny magi, Aladdin?" she asks. "I thought you were travelling with them."

"I was," Morgiana confirms. "But we went our separate ways in Aktia. For now, I'm accompanying Hakuryuu until it's time for us to meet up again."

Kougyoku smiles and nods in understanding. "I see. How wonderful." She tilts her head then and regards Morgiana curiously. "Does that mean that Alibaba will be coming to Rakushou too?" she inquires. She looks hopeful.

Morgiana shakes her head. "I don't know," she admits. "He is busy training to become a gladiator in Reim right now."

Kougyoku's face falls somewhat. "Is that so…" She shakes her head and her bright smile returns. "I was hoping I would get to see him again soon. He's my precious friend." Her cheeks pinken prettily. "But I'm glad that you're here, Miss Morgiana." She leans forward across the table and takes Morgiana's hands. "If you don't mind… I would be very happy if you would consider becoming my friend, too."

Morgiana blinks, startled. She hadn't expected such a request so out of the blue. Kougyoku's large, doe eyes are overflowing with hope and sincerity and Morgiana can only nod. "If that's what you want…I don't mind."

Kougyoku's face splits into the largest smile Morgiana has ever seen. The Kou royal is positively glowing. "Thank you, Miss Morgiana," she gushes, nearly falling over the table in her excitement. "No, just Morgiana. We're friends now, after all."

Morgiana can't help but smile at the older girl's enthusiasm. She thinks she can understand Kougyoku's excitement. She too has only just become used to having friends, after all.

"You are my very first female friend, so please feel free to come to me if you have any troubles here at the palace. I know that court life can be intimidating, especially for girls. As your friend, it is my duty to help you acclimate and make sure your stay is comfortable, so don't hesitate to call on me, okay?"

Morgiana smiles and nods. "Yes. Thank you." She is very appreciative of Kougyoku's support. It will be nice to have another person she can talk to besides just Hakuryuu and his sister. She'd been a little worried that she wouldn't fit in here, but it looks like she'll have plenty of friendly company. She feels a small weight lift from her chest.

She hasn't seen any sign of Gyokuen yet, but she thinks that's probably a good thing. She imagines that if Al-Thamen's witch had somehow managed to catch wind of their plan she would have shown herself already. The fact that she hasn't is cause for some measure of relief, at least.

Two days, she thinks. She wonders what lies in store for them at the end of those two days.

oO0Oo

Hey, my peeps. I hope you enjoyed this longer chapter. I'm sorry the last few were so short. Now that our heroes have finally reached Rakushou the pace of the plot is going to start picking up again. Probably. (I'm terrible when it comes to getting sidetracked, so we'll see.)

I'm excited to finally have a few more characters to work with. Of course, Hakuryuu and Morgiana are our golden children, but the others are just so much fun and I've missed their diversity. I'm especially happy to have finally introduced Kougyoku to the story. I'm hoping that she and Morgiana will be able to get up to some shenanigans together but we'll see how it works with the pacing of the story.

An enormous thanks to those of you who have been supporting me with reviews/comments. I've really been enjoying writing this story and it makes me glad to know that you all are enjoying reading it too.

Next chapter: Due to budget cuts, the part of Gyokuen will be played by Garda the gorilla. I anticipate this not affecting the story greatly.

Hakuryuu: Mother! I have come to kill you at last!

Gyokuen: Raaaaaaarrrrrghhh. (No, son. I have seen the error of my ways and wish only for you, your sister and I to be a happy family once more.)

Hakuryuu (crying): Motheeer!

*tearful reunion*