Chapter Four: Acquiring Trade with the Sasan Kingdom
A/N: Alrighty then! More of this! Here we goooooo~!
"Looking hot there, Mystri!" Tora and Tettia exclaimed to themselves as Sinbad and their group entered the arena.
The referee of some-sorts said, "Apprentice Knight, Mystras Leoxses and current Knight King, Darius Leoxses."
Ja'far looked on and then said, "Sin, according to Tet and the gatekeepers, whomever is defeated will lose his head…"
Sinbad nodded and said, with his arms crossed, "I know. But, for now, let's just watch."
"A fair match as dictated by the doctrine… will now… BEGIN!" exclaimed the ref.
Mystras immediately lunged towards his father, yelling a battle cry. He thrusted his lance at the king, who skillfully deflected every one of his son's attacks. Onlookers were amazed at their speeds, "S-so fast?! He's not giving the Knight King any chance to attack… he's becoming even stronger than in his previous matches!"
The young scarlet haired Knight apprentice exclaimed at his father, "How about it, Father? Surprised?! In order to leave this country, I knew I'd have to fight you, so I've been training extensively. In order to defeat you!" Mystras kept thrusting his lance at his father and almost handed a hit. I've had my father's spearman-ship drilled into me since I was a small child… I've studied your habits, your tactics, even your counter moves… I've polished my skills for today! That's why… I'll definitely win! thought the young knight as his attacks finally landed on his father.
"His attacks hit the Knight King!" exclaimed onlookers.
Darius recovered from the blow dealt by his son. "It seems you do have some skill to brag about. However, I'll send your attack… straight back at you! Alloces!" he exclaimed, activating his Djinn, sending his son's attacks back at him. "I'll praise the fact that you trained yourself this well. Even as my son, you still managed to land a blow on me, the Knight King… but, no matter how well you planned, up against this power from the gods… it's pointless."
Onlookers continued. "Oh… that's the power of the gods that only the Knight King can use," said one of them. "There is the legendary tower that appears at times when the world is full of unusual phenomena… and the Knight King conquered it. That power returns any attack to the attacker. Is also protects him like an impenetrable barrier," said another. "There's no one but the Knight King that can wield such a power!"
Ja'far, Sinbad, Tettia and Tora looked over at the onlookers. Tettia and Tora looked at one another and laughed to themselves. "Just how wrong those two are is hilarious to me," snickered Tettia. Tora laughed as well, "Same, bitch, same! They are so fucking wrong!"
Tettia turned her gaze to Sinbad, who was looking at her and smiled a knowing smile. One that silently said, I agree with you, Tet.
Mystras was thrown into a wall and he looked at his father with unbelieving eyes. My attack was turned against me… this is the power of the gods…? This is the first time… I've seen this legendary power… so why do I have this weird since of deja vu? he thought to himself. He got back up and continued to attack his father, who was blocking his attacks with his barrier. Finally, he threw his spear.
"Oh my word… he threw his spear?" asked both Tettia and Tora, looking confused as all hell.
It turned out that Mystras had thrown his spear as a decoy, so that he could get close to his father. "The spear was a decoy! My real aim… was this!" he exclaimed, throwing a punch at his old man, who blocked it with Alloces.
"…I told you it wouldn't work. All that power, I'll send back at you," Darius said as sent Mystras's force back at him. The force of which sent his son flying away from him, into a pillar. Everyone watch on as Darius walked towards his son. Tettia stared with wide eyes, which were wide with horror and disbelief; Sinbad looked on with an serious expression; Ja'far looked on with his mouth slightly agape and worried eyes; Tora just glared at Darius. "…So this is it. Even as an apprentice and negligent knight… you can at least be a good offering to the gods," said the king as he raised his spear, ready to kill his own son. "Knight Mystras, I praise your brave efforts."
Sinbad smiled then called out, "Stop the match! Old man, you can't cheat in a sacred match."
Sighing out of relief Tettia said, "Finally! Someone pointed it out!"
"Who the hell are you two?!" exclaimed an angry onlooker. "You saw the match, didn't you? What the hell was cheating in that fair and square, one-on-one match?!" exclaimed another angry onlooker.
Darius turned and faced the young purple-haired man and his red-head accomplice. "This is a sacred fight, as dictated by Doctrine. There's no place for the trifling comments of outsiders here," he said sternly.
Looking at one another, both outspoken outsiders smiled. "Doctrine? You sure talk big for a guy that just won with a Djinn's power," said Tettia.
Sinbad smiled and continued for her, "You called it the power of the gods because you got it for conquering some legendary tower? It's often been called that. It really is a special power, but it's not a power that's just yours…"
That was when Sinbad activated his Djinn and Tettia pointed to him and continued, "This is the power of a Djinn given to a dungeon capturer. All dungeon capturers have it. And using that kind of power to win against someone that's not a dungeon capturer… what's fair about that, hmm? We can't agree with it…"
Darius shot the two a harsh glare. "Just who are you two? Especially the one with the same power of the gods?" he asked.
Smirking victoriously, Tettia said, "I'm Tettia, but you can call me the bitch that just ruined your day."
Sinbad laughed at her response and he said, "As for me, I'm Sinbad. A merchant traveling the seas of the world. And, just like you, am a dungeon capturer. …Hey, old man… have a match with me. As you see, me and Tet have pretty loose tongues, but it wouldn't be fair to have a two-on-one fight, so just fight me instead; we might just thoughtlessly say all sorts of things… but if you win, you can deal with us as you want."
"…What are you trying to accomplish?" asked Darius.
Tettia smirked as wrapped her left arm around Mystras, saying, "So glad you asked. If Sin wins, we'll take this little cutie. And… we'll have Sasan trade with our company. Isn't that right, Sin?"
Sinbad nodded, smiling widely. He really loved how he and Tettia were always on the same page. "Exactly. Deal?" he said.
"A match with the Knight King?! What the hell are they saying… seize those ruffians!" yelled guards.
An onlooker sighed, "But that power just now was, without a doubt, the same power of the gods that the Knight King has…" More chimed in, "Wasn't it supposed to be a power that only could be wielded by the Knight King? The doctrine should always be right…"
Tora face-palmed as Ja'far said, "I see… that's what you had in mind, Sin. The people of this country think, as their doctrine says, that no one but their Knight King can use the power of a Djinn. But that's not how it really is. Like this, their uncertainty about the Knight King will lead them to doubting their doctrine, because the leader of Sasan, their Knight King, wanted to hide the truth of the dungeons from them. But, why did Tet join in too?"
"Because she's a fucking dumb bitch who likes to be a smart-ass," mumbled Tora as an answer.
Hinahoho added, "In other words… they're striking at the opponent's weak spot…"
"Yeah… pretty fucking much," said Tora, sighing heavily.
Tettia and Sinbad smirked, the latter spoke, "So, what'll you do? Will you accept my challenge?"
Darius glared at the duo hatefully. "You're both rude, shameless people… as a trader and a woman from the outside world, even more so. That person is an apprentice knight who has been defeated in a duel. Whatever is done with him is of trivial importance. However, I can't overlook something that had to do with national affairs. I accept your challenge, Sinbad."
Mystras held his arm and was being helped up by Tettia. "You can't, Sinbad! You… can't win against my father!"
"Mystri…" said Tettia. "Mystras," said Sinbad as he looked at the scarlet-haired boy.
He continued, "Against that power, no matter how you attack, you cannot hit him. Father is protected on all sides by an iron barrier. On tope of that, no matter how strong your attack is, it strengthens it and sends it back. If you attack carelessly, we'll all be in danger! Because I just fought him… I know!"
Sinbad hummed and said, "…hmm… is that so?"
"Sinbad?!" exclaimed a serious Mystras. Tettia laughed at his seriousness.
Ja'far and Tora sighed, saying, "Stopping him is impossible." Tora went on to add, "He's as fucking stubborn as a damn mule."
Mystras turned to face them, having been done with Tettia's help. "But, like this he'll!"
Tettia laughed, "You're adorable when you're worried, Mystri!"
Once again, the young white-haired boy and the older purplenette sighed, "You're worried, right? So are we."
Hinahoho replied, "Sin is purposefully behaving like that to stir things up. Let's believe in him. Let's believe in our master."
Tettia burst out laughing, "Master!? HAHAHAHA!" Tora also laughed, but she could not really say anything, as Sinbad was technically her master — albeit in her and Tettia's present.
Sinbad started the battle, sending a great attack at the Knight King. They continued fighting and Darius was unexpectedly impressed. "Being at the same level with this much power… that's unexpected. But, I think your power's great, or it would be, if it was actually perfected," said the condescending king.
His comment had Sinbad scoffing. "Same level? I'll show you the true power of a Djinn," he said as he used his Djinn Equip. "Spirit of wrath and heroes… dwell in my body… transform me into a great magician… full-body equip." His body was changed, his hair was blue and his body was covered in blue scales. Tettia fell over, unable to deal with his handsomeness. "If you wrap your body in the power of the Djinn, it transforms you into a great magician. This Djinn Equip is the manifestation of a Djinn's true power. I wonder how long you can endure it?" he said, pointing is sword at the Knight King. Sinbad called down a beam of lightning and everyone was shocked. The now blue-haired Sinbad sent the Knight King into the air, flying with him.
Darius was shocked. "L-let me down!"
"Are you sure? Even if I let you go…" Sinbad said and let the Knight King go over a mountain. "Just as expected. It stopped my lighting attack, and withstood being dropped from such a height… your metal vessel's power is pretty good."
"What the fuck?! Tet, come back!" Tora said, slapping her best friend's face, trying to bring her back to the real world.
Tettia was moaning as she was slapped. "Nooo~ he was so attractive~" she moaned.
Rolling her eyes, Tora started to shake Tettia. "I. don't. give. a. fuck! Get over it!"
"Does he know me well enough yet~? I want ittttt~"
"No, he does not know you well yet, but I mean, go for it if you want to," replied Tora.
Tettia groaned, "But I told him to get to know me better~!"
Shrugging, Tora answered, dropping her and letting her head hit the ground, "Then you're fucked, bitch. Tell him you've changed your motherfucking mind. You apparently need the fuck!"
"Nooooooooo~" whined the half-Fanalis. Ja'far, Mystras and Hinahoho just looked at the two best friends with mouths slightly agape.
Sinbad and Darius came back thirty minutes later and everyone was asking how the battle went. Tettia had since came back and was sitting around, waiting. "…this match according to our mutual consultation, ends in a draw. We crossed swords, and I believe, without a doubt, he has conquered one of the legendary towers and obtained the use of the power of god. As possessors of the same power, we came to the conclusion that any further fighting was useless, so we decided to call it a draw."
Everyone was thrown into confusion and someone asked Darius something. "I believed that, just like you. However, according to Sasan's legends, that tower appears when there are unusual phenomena… currently, the world is full of unusual phenomena and disorder that it wouldn't be strange if other towers had appeared. Sinbad has also become a disciple of Sasan, which is a country chosen by god, for the world crisis, he's an ally who wields the same power I do! I want to welcome him into Sasan; as a disciple chosen by god!"
All of the Sasan people questioned their king. Ja'far gasped, "Ah, geez! SIN! What did you do to get things to turn out like this?!"
The knights made sure the people agreed with their king. Sinbad said to Darius, "Knight King… I apologize for me and Tet's threatening behavior… however, this alliance is something that's very important to me."
Tettia attacked Sinbad with a hug after what happened as they all waited for Mystras. "Way to go, Sin!" she exclaimed.
Falling backwards due to the force, Sinbad somehow regained his balance. "Why thank you, Tet. Also, I saw the way you reacted to my Full-body Djinn Equip," he said with a wink.
Tora laughed. "Glad you saw it too, Captain Moron!"
Sinbad chuckled, "Oh yeah, I saw it."
"I hate you both…" muttered Tettia.
"No you don't!" exclaimed Sinbad, kissing her forehead and ruffled her hair.
She blushed intensely. "F-fuck you!"
Combing his fingers through Tettia's semi-wavy hair, Sinbad winked down at her. "Oh, I'll definitely be doing that at some point… but with you," he retorted.
"Maybe you'll get that with Tet real soon, Captain Moron!" quipped Tora, smiling deviously at her best friend.
The half-Fanalis's blush worsened. "NO! Not real soon! Tor, shut the fuck up," she yelled in response.
Smirking devilishly, Tora replied, "If that's not the case, then why aren't you trying to push Captain Moron away, eh? His other hand is on your waist, keeping you close to him."
Noticing that what the purplenette said was true, the half-Fanalis still did nothing to get Sinbad away from her. Tettia stood there, her face turning impossibly redder. Shit! Tor's right! I can't push him away though, she thought to herself. "S-shut you, y-you bitch," she stuttered out, not wanting to agree with her accusation.
"Oh, so because you aren't denying Tora's claim, you're admitting that she's right, right?" asked Sinbad, pulling her impossibly closer to him.
Tettia was about to say something when Mystras exclaimed, running up to the group, "Sinbad, Tet, thanks for waiting!"
Still being held close to the group's master, Tettia said, her face still bright red, "Have you said your goodbyes, Mystri?"
Mystras looked at her, saw her position, then furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Why are you so close to Sinbad?"
"Tet just can't get enough of me," Sinbad said, smirking deviously at Mystras.
The scarlet-haired knight's eyes widened as he understood the nature of the adventurer's smirk. "Ooh! She can't, can she?" he asked, smirking deviously back. "Anyways, yes. I said my goodbyes and was also given a mission by the knights. Yeah, it seems like Sasan Knight can get permission to leave the country if they have a special mission," he said.
Sinbad spoke, still having Tettia close to him and his hand around her waist. "I guess the Knight King's the type of guy that can arrange to send his son away, huh?" he asked, leaning his head on Tettia's.
Tora snickered, she was loving this. The purplenette had not seen Tettia blush as much as she was since that one time she, herself, pushed the red-head into Sinbad; which caused them to kiss. "Welp! How does it feel, Mystras? Being able to finally fucking get outta here?" she asked, turing her attention towards the scarlet-haired knight.
"Honestly, it's like a dream," he replied.
The purple-haired captain smiled as he said to Mystras, wrapping his right arm around the knight's shoulder (he still refused to let go of Tettia's waist, so she was dragged with him squeaking a weak complaint), "Oh? I understand how happy you must be to leave, but I'll be puttin' you to work."
"Work?" questioned the knight, who then laughed at Tettia's adorable response to being dragged around.
Sinbad nodded and said, "As part of my alliance with Sasan, we formed a trade agreement. You're gonna be in charge of all contact with Sasan."
"Ah! That's how it was? Can I really do that sort of work?! If I cause you and trouble, my fathers and all the knights will be angry with me," yelled Mystras. Everyone laughed at his reaction.
"Brother! Please wait!" called a little child. The child was running towards Mystras.
Mystras turned around and looked at the child. "Spartos?" he questioned.
Tettia choked on her own spit. "S-spartos?!" she exclaimed.
"Why are you leaving without telling me?! You are so mean!" yelled the young Spartos, punching his brother in the gut. "I heard from Father. He said that you were promoted from an apprentice to a regular knight and that you were leaving on a mission. You never taught me anything. Am I really just a nuisance?!"
Tettia wanted to hug the young Spartos. Mystras promised that they would meet again someday and then they left. "C-can you let me go, now?" she asked.
"Nope~!" he quickly replied.
Tora laughed even more. "Why is this funny to me?! Are we almost to the sea?"
Sinbad nodded, "Yeah, we're almost there. After we get back on the ship, we're heading for the City of the Sky: the Artemyra Kingdom! I wonder what kind of place a country full of girls is…"
At that statement, Tettia elbowed Sinbad as hard she could in his gut, which made him release her. Tettia's crimson eyes practically glowed dangerously. "That statement is exactly why you have a long way to go before you get to do anything to or with me!" she hissed.
Tora shook her head in disappointment. "Goddammit Captain Moron… you almost had her!" she exclaimed. Tora grabbed Sinbad by his ponytail and led him off somewhere to talk to him in private. Once they were far enough away, the purplenette threw him into the nearest rock. "THE FUCK WAS THAT?! I was trying to help you get some, you fucking idiot! It was working, too! Tet was probably gonna let you do something with her! Had you not said what you said! Why in the fucking hell would you say something like that when you were so close to having her where you wanted her to be?!" yelled a seething Tora.
Sinbad rubbed his head and said, looking up at her from the ground, "What?! Tet knows I'm flirtatious, she's even called me a flirtatious twit. I thought she would be fine with it."
Tora resisted the urge to throttle the young idiot. "You fucking dumbass! Just because she knows you're one, doesn't mean she wants to hear what you said! IT'S OBVIOUS THAT SHE HAS A THING FOR YOU! And you, obviously, have a thing for her, too… despite only knowing her for about two damn days!"
Blushing slightly at her true statement, he said, "Well…"
"Well, nothing, bitch! If you want Tet to like you more, you gotta stop doing that as much, it's gonna make her think you don't want her. When, clearly, you both want each other," sighed Tora.
"I guess I can try…"
"And try you will. Now let's go back," she said, pulling him back with her. "WE'RE BACK! Sorry! I had to talk to Captain Moron! Now, let's get onto the boat," she exclaimed. When the two purple-haired individuals walked up, Tettia was smiling and laughing with Mystras. Tora saw this and smirked, "Ah, I see you and Mystri are talking quite friendly, aren't'cha, Tet?"
Tettia looked at Tora. "Yeah! Mystri asked me about my life, so I'm telling him about my life," she said, nudging Mystras with a huge grin.
Mystras laughed and pat her shoulder, "Yeah! I know a little bit more about her. You're pretty interesting, Tet, thanks for telling me about your life."
"You're welcome, Mystri~! Your face was so cute scrunched up in awe at my life!" she exclaimed, hugging the scarlet-haired knight in a side-hug.
The older purplenette crossed her arms and looked at Sinbad, who seemed slightly dejected at their sudden friendship. Well, well, well… this is just like what she did with Alibaba, but this time with Sinbad and possibly unknowingly, she thought with an internal laugh. "Welp! Let's go!" she exclaimed, shoving Sinbad towards Tettia. "You better do your best to make it up to her," she whispered to him as she pushed him.
Tettia was not prepared for a wild Sinbad being shoved towards her. "Wha!?" she exclaimed as the two fell to the ground. Instinctively, Tettia caught herself before her head hit the ground by bracing herself with her arms. Sinbad also braced himself, so he would not head-butt the red-head woman, by placing his hands on the ground by her waist. Their captain was on his knees, in between Tettia's legs (mainly between her knees), it was quite the awkward moment. The duo just looked into each other's eyes; crimson eyes darted away from the piercing golden gaze of Sinbad after a few moments. Her face became bright red because their faces were once again very close together.
Clasping her hands over her mouth, attempting to mask her hysteric laughter, Tora exclaimed, "Not, at all, what I was fucking expecting but, all right! Go Captain Moron!"
Ja'far gasped horrifiedly and yelled, "SIN!? What has gotten into you?! Get off of her!"
Barely noticeable, Sinbad was also blushing. Tettia finally pushed him away from her, slightly, and stood up. "Okay then…" she muttered, "I think it's time we leave now."
Sinbad followed her in standing up. "Yeah! Let's go! To the next kingdom!" he exclaimed.
Tettia rolled her eyes and mumbled, "Yeah… the fucking mostly girl country. Let's see who you try to fuck now…"
Wrapping her arm around her best friend, Tora leaned her head onto Tettia's shoulder and whispered, "Oh, I'm sure he's still gonna try to fuck ya~"
"Yeah… sure he will," she mumbled back, rolling her eyes once again. They all got onto the ship and set out on their new adventure.