Hey Everyone! Another chapter is up! So, it's time we started going on to the Balbadd Arc! While we won't really be going to deep into the arc yet, the chapter is going to focus more on the events that will lead to it. The chapter will go back and forth between Sakura and Kero in Sindria and Tomoyo and Syaoran in Kou as they prepare for yet another adventure. Hope you like it!
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or Magi. Only my OCs.
Enjoy!
Gazing at the starry, clear sky before her, the woman, freed from her chains, laughed slightly.
"...I never thought I'd see the precious sky again..." She whispered to a small boy behind her. "Who'd have thought I'd be saved by you? Tell me, why did you free me?"
The boy, his blue eyes sparkling, smiled at the woman.
"Why wouldn't I? You deserved this freedom." The woman shook her head as she sadly smiled.
"No. No I don't. If the world is chained, then I must be as well. The ground that we walk on, the air we breathe in, the people...if the suffer, I must suffer as well. That is how it must be." The boy looked at her with a shocked look before it slowly turned into a grin.
"Well...what if we freed the world?"
Sindria
In the kingdom on Sindria, the people were buzzing excitedly as they went about their business. Sinbad, their king, had just announced his engagement to the sweet, kind, and mysterious girl, Sakura. While the women mourned their losses, most of the citizens were joyful. While they personally do not know their queen-to-be, they had seen her from time to time, especially when the girl had performed for them occasionally. Those that met are, though very brief, saw her as a good person, fit to be part of their growing kingdom. Despite the announcement being a couple of weeks ago, the people were still excited over the news, wondering when the wedding would take place and how it would be planned.
Up in the palace that overlook the kingdom, a certain brunette in a pink dress was walking around the hallways carrying an armful of papers, her trusty guardian floating at her side. Struggling to keep the feather light documents in her hands, Sakura precariously held her arms out to balance it. Kero shook his head at the mountain of papers she had.
"Man! They sure gave you a lot! Are you really going to read all that?" Sakura nodded as she walked towards her room.
"Yes, Kero. It's my duty to make sure I know the history of Sindria, or so Ja'far says, once I become queen...I just can't get used to that." She said with a sigh.
That night replayed in her head everyday she spent here. His confession, his question, and her answer...In only mere months, Sakura would marry Sinbad and become queen by his side. How on earth this happened was still fuzzy to her. While she worried whether or not she would be a good ruler, Sakura's main concern is how she was going to break it to her friends and eventually family if the girl ever returned back home. Suddenly, a wave nausea washed over her. Dropping the papers and covering her mouth, Sakura ran to the nearest window Opening the window, she began to retch, but nothing came out. This was happening frequently with her. Always, at the strangest time, the girl would feel sick all of the sudden. Sometimes, she would empty her stomach, and sometimes there would be nothing. While this worried her, Sakura decided to not to let the others beside Kero know. It wasn't that she didn't trust them. It was more that she wanted to prove that she could take care of herself after all that they had done for her. After a few minutes, Sakura slowly closed the window, thankful that she didn't throw up in case someone was below her. Clutching her stomach, she wobbled back to Kero who looked at her worriedly.
"...Sakura. I think you need to see a doctor. This is the tenth time this happened! You're lucky that the others haven't noticed, but what your condition is serious?" Sakura waved her hand, trying to reassure the guardian as she picked up the fallen papers. Then, her headpiece had suddenly glowed. A soft breeze swept through the hallway, picking up the papers gently. Slowly, they were placed in her hands with ease. Sakura smiled.
"Thank you, Windy." She thanked, her headpiece glowing once again in response before fading. This was also becoming a usual occurrence with the girl. Sometimes, her vessels would come to life and help with some chores, like picking up papers and showing her where to go. Once, Andromalius even summoned lightning when a thief tried to rob her. (That's a story for another time.) While she didn't know why they were doing it, Sakura was thankful for the help. With her erratic sickness ever now and then, it made her life easier. Steadying the papers, Sakura began to walk towards her room again, with Kero following her. Upon reaching her door, she reached out and opened it and was greeted with pink butterflies. That was also another strange situation with her. Similar to the white birds that she saw around Aladdin, Sakura had begun to noticed them a few days back. They shimmered in the light, and seemed to prefer the company of the girl. No one else seemed to see the floating beings, but Sakura didn't mind. As she put the stack of papers on her desk, a butterfly landed on her knuckle. Chuckling, she held her hand in the light to better examine the creature. Wings colored like a rainbow, the butterfly slowly halted it wings to a close at it laid there. Blowing softly on her hand, the creature flew away in an instant, returning to its flock floating around her ceiling. After watching them flutter for a bit, Sakura sat down in her chair and began to read the documents Ja'far gave to her. Kero, tired from following her around, slept in a miniature bed Sakura made for him. As she started to read the founding of the kingdom, a knock was heard on her door and a cheerful voice was heard.
"Sakura~! Are you in there?" Not even waiting for an answer, the door opened and barging in was Pisti. "I got some new snacks that I think you'd like!" She announced as she plopped down a plate of assorted cookies on her desk. Sakura smiled kindly at the cheerful girl.
"Thank you, Pisti. I'm sure I'll enjoy it." Reaching out to take one, Sakura suddenly heard another voice.
"Pisti! Where are you! Didn't I say not to bother-!" The voice said before stopping. "Pisti!" It yelled and the person who popped inside was none other than Spartos. Walking in a grabbing Pisti by the collar, Spartos bowed quickly. "My apologies! I let Pisti bother you!" Sakura giggled as she looked at the two. The blonde was struggling against the knight, while he held fast onto her.
"It's alright, Spartos. Pisti just brought me something to eat. Would you like some?" She asked, nodding to the snacks. Shaking his head, Spartos straightened.
"No, it's fine. I have to patrol harbor with Pisti right now...We will see you at dinner." With that, he dragged a frantic Pisti out the door.
"Ack! Sakura! Don't let him take me!" She begged as she disappeared out the door, just as Drakon and Hinahoho popped in.
"...Pisti was trying to get out of patrol again wasn't she." Drakon asked, his face a deadpanned expression. Hinahoho laughed heartily.
"Haha! Same old Pisti!" Then, he looked at Sakura. "Hello Sakura! Sorry to bother you, but can you come with us? Sinbad wants to see you." Frowning slightly, Sakura took a quick glance at a sleeping Kero and stood up. As she followed them out, she wondered what Sinbad could possibly want with her.
Kou Empire
Taking a deep breath as she enjoyed the fragrant scent of sizzling meat, Tomoyo tugged on Syaoran arm.
"Oh look! They're selling meat buns! Don't you want some?" Syaoran sweat dropped as he gave a slight laugh.
"Ha...You just finished eating a big bowl of ramen, and before that you ate two dozen donuts...aren't you full?" Tomoyo shook her head as she handed the cook some money for twelve buns.
"No, not really. I'm still really hungry." After staying at the Imperial Palace for quite some time now and teaching the soldiers, the two decided to take a day off. Judar, who had mentioned to them about a food fair in Rakushou, offered to sneak them out of the castle in exchange that Tomoyo promised to make him a special tart made from the peaches that grew from the tree in the courtyard. Agreeing to his demands, Judar disguised them and flew them to the streets of Rakushou, promising to pick them up at the same spot by sundown. Taking a big bite from the juicy and succulent bun, Tomoyo muched happily as she took in the view. For some odd reason, her appetite had become increasingly larger. She also had strange cravings from time to time, but she managed to hide it from the others with Syaoran's help. She was holding Syaoran's hand to keep from getting lost when the girl spotted a small merchant cart with miniature dolls on it. Her purple eyes sparkling brightly, she dragged a surprised Syaoran over to the cart.
"Look Syaoran! These are such cute dolls! I'm sure Kougyoku and Kouha would like these!" She gushed out as she examined each toy. Syaoran gave a nervous laugh, but smiled. Then, he noticed a particular toy that caught his eyes. A small, sewed lion with magenta colored mane sat by itself. Picking it up, his mind somehow turned to Morgiana. Smiling wryly, he remembered how fierce she fought, just like a ferocious lion. Deciding to buy it and give it to the red haired hair girl if he ever saw her again, Syaoran turned to pay for it when he saw Tomoyo finishing the man for nine assorted dolls. Sweat dropping more, Syaoran went to buy for his toy. Tomoyo gazed at her new treasures. Seven of them were meant for the Kou siblings, the other three for her, Syaoran, and Sakura. Eight were the representation of animals. A sparrow for kind Hakuei, a bunny for shy Kougyoku, a sloth for sleepy Koumei, a dolphin for silly Kouha, a tiger for prideful Kouen, and a wolf for brave Hakuryuu. She got Syaoran a dog for loyalty, which she gave him, and a swan for her graceful self. For Sakura, Tomoyo chose to buy her an angel. With its white wings and rosy cheeks, she thought it'd be perfect for her dear friend and cousin. Placing them all, except Syaoran's, in a bag to keep safe, she noticed that the sun was beginning to set. Sighing because the day was almost over, Tomoyo heard people beginning to start a commotion.
"Huh?! They're-?!"
"What are they doing in Rakushou?!"
"Look Mommy! It's them!"
Trying to see what they were talking about, Tomoyo tried to squeeze her way through the crowd when the pushed her back. Syaoran managed to catch her before Tomoyo fell to the ground, and turned to see banners of the Kou insignia flying above the people's heads. Suddenly, it clicked in his mind.
"...Uh, Tomoyo. I think I know who they are..." Within an instant that he said it, the people in front of them started to part away, revealing seven very worried and very angry princes and princesses and one very messed up looking Magi. Tomoyo gulped nervously.
"...Uh oh..."
Sindria
Following the Hinahoho and Drakon to wherever Sinbad was, Sakura began to engage in small talk with the two. By the time they arrived at their destination in the palace, Sakura was struggling to breathe from laughing too much at Hinahoho's story. Even Drakon was smiling, though it wasn't from the story.
"Here we are!" The Imuchakk announced. In front of them was a wide golden door decorated with Sindria's symbol, twin phoenixes. Drakon pushed the door opened, and Sakura saw her fiance talking with Ja'far. Brow knitted together and mouth pulled into a frown, Sinbad looked slightly distressed as his adviser pointed to words on the paper with a grave expression. Engaged in such a serious conversation, Sakura wondered whether or not she should bother them when Sinbad suddenly noticed her. Eyes sparkling and his frown replaced with his signature grin, Sinbad stood up and walked towards Sakura.
"Ah. My love. I'm so glad to see you." Embracing her, the king gave his fiance a kiss, making Sakura blush.
"Sin! Not in front of the others!" She whined. Ever since he asked for her hand, Sinbad asked the girl to say his nickname whenever they were together, excluding public places, which she obliged. Laughing, Sinbad hugged her a bit longer before releasing the brunette.
"Sorry, sorry. There's a reason that I asked you to come here." With that, his expression turned serious. "...Sakura. We may have to postpone the wedding until later." Sakura blinked her eyes in surprise before she nodded.
"...I see. Does it have something to do with what you were talking with Ja'far about?" The king nodded.
"Yes. You see, we were recently in a trade relationship with another kingdom, Balbadd. Then, we just received news that they've cut ties with us. Balbadd was a vital trading partner with Sindria. Without them, I fear our blossoming country will suffer from an economic strain. So, I've decided to go to Balbadd and see if I ca get the king there to re-open trade with Sindria. It may take a while, so I've decided that it was in our best interest to hold the wedding off...Which means I may not see you until much later." He explained with a sad smile. Sakura thought for a moment while she rummaged through the information given to her.
"...Why don't you take me with you to Balbadd?"
Kou Empire
"...And just were you two doing in the streets of Rakushou with no guard, no supervision, and telling not even us where you would go?" Kouen asked quietly, his anger evident in his voice. Tomoyo flinched while Syaoran avoided looking at the prince altogether. They were in the throne room, with the royal children. Despite the empty space, Tomoyo felt the walls close in on her.
"Prince Kouen...We didn't mean to worry you. We only wanted to take a day off from training the troops. We didn't have a chance to see anywhere but the palace, so the two of us decided to venture through Rakushou." Tomoyo explained. Hakuryuu shook his head as he walked back and forth between them.
"The least you could do was tell us! We thought you were kidnapped!" Tomoyo nodded as she bowed.
"My apologies." Syaoran did the same as well. Judar was in the corner of the room sulking, his clothes and hair disarrayed from the harsh beating he received from the siblings.
Noticing first that the two were missing all day, Kougyoku asked her brother Koumei whether he had seen them or not. After answering no, Koumei helped the princess ask around the palace. After meeting with all the siblings, they began worry. Then, it suddenly dawned on them that the had forgotten to ask Judar. Quickly rushing over to him, they finally realized where they were after their "interrogation" with him. Making Judar take them to Rakushou, the wandered the streets until Kouha managed to point them out of the crowd, and how they got to this point. Kouemi sighed as he wrote on his paper.
"Thanks to the two of you, I haven't finished my work." Kouha giggled as he threw his doll up into the air.
"Yeah, well. At least you'll have your doll Kami got to keep you company!" Though she knew it would not change her punishment, Tomoyo still gave them their presents. Kougyoku, Kouha, and Hakuei were delighted with their gifts, Koumei questioned why she got him a sloth, and Hakuryuu smiled for a moment before returning to his serious expression. Only Kouen's expression remained the same, though he did hold the toy with gentle hands. Kougyoku, who was arguing with Ka Koubon about keeping the doll, sighed.
"Oh well. All's well that ends well...I'm just glad the two of you are alright." The princess said before she sighed again. "I at least wanted to make sure I get to spend some more time with you before I get married off." Tomoyo and Syaoran stared at her.
"...Married off? You mean, political mariage?" Syaoran asked. Koumei nodded.
"Yes. Kougyoku is to wed the king of Balbadd as part of our agreement." Tomoyo, who was confused, suddenly recalled.
"Oh! You mean about the Huang currency deficiency in Balbadd? Have they found a way to fix it yet?" Tomoyo asked worriedly. Given the role of financial adviser, Tomoyo had all the access to the economic records. In one report, the king of Balbadd made an agreement to transition to Huang. However, since paper has a less value than actual gold, the king needed more Huang to trade with other countries that supported the currency. In order to do so, they gave all their political power away, even giving up their trading rights. Tomoyo didn't want the kingdom to fall into ruin just because of this mishap despite knowing that it would benefit the empire. Koumei started to nod before he shook his head.
"Not really...Kougyoku will marry the king of Balbbad under the Emperor's order. After that, I'm certain they'll make the kingdom part of Kou." Tomoyo froze in revelation of that.
"...I see." Was all she said. Syaoran grimaced, uncomfortable seeing Tomoyo's sad expression. Even Kouen didn't seem to like it because he walked over to her, his face emotionless. Kouen knelt down and lifted her chin up.
"We can not change the inevitable, but if you would like, I'll let you accompany Kougyoku to Balbadd." He said. Tomoyo stared at him.
"...Really?" He nodded.
"Yes. I want you to see why Balbadd will fall into ruin anyways. By doing this, not only do we save the people, but we gain their territory as well." The prince explained, his fingers running through her hair. Tomoyo blushed as she looked away. She had not forgotten about their night together, and it seemed that the prince had not forgotten his promise as well. He stopped sleeping with other women and began to devote himself to winning Tomoyo's heart, much to Hakuryuu's dismay. Just then, Tomoyo felt herself get pulled into the arms of Hakuryuu who was glaring at Kouen.
"...Kouen. You have said your piece. There is no need for you to touch her any longer." He said with a cold voice. Sparks flashed between the two princes as the others unintentionally stepped back. Tomoyo sighed as she slipped from Hakuryuu's grasp.
"Really? Must you fight over every little thing?" Tomoyo the turned to Kougyoku.
"When are you suppose to marry the king?" Kougyoku thought for a moment.
"Hm...In a few days or so.."
Sindria
"Huh?! You want to come with me?!" Sinbad yelled out in shock. Sakura nodded.
"Yes. Sin, I will be queen someday. The least I can do for my future people and my future husband is to figure out this situation. I'm not changing my mind." Sakura said with a huff. Everyone fell silent. Suddenly, Drakon chuckled.
"Haha...You really do remind of her...of Hope." His eyes turned to the window as he stared at the clouds. "When we first met, she was very stubborn. I recalled when we met in the dungeon, Hope tried to fight head on with a dragon. It sure shocked me." A look of melancholy swept through his face. "You aren't her, but it still shocks me how similar the two of you are...Forgive me if I insulted you." Sakura shook her head.
"No, not at all. True, I used to hate being compared to her, but now I don't mind. It just shows me how Hope has placed herself in both the heart and memories of the people." She answered, unaware that she touched her rainbow colored necklace when she mentioned the name. Hinahoho eyed her for a moment before turning his attention to his king who was deep in thought.
"Hm...You have a point. But, do you understand what you'll partake in? We could encounter something bad, and I don't want to place you in harm's way." Sakura rolled her eyes at that comment.
"Really Sinbad? How many times have I held out against you?" She asked, recalling the battles they fought with each other in order to hone her skills as a Metal Vessel user. Sinbad chuckled as he remembered.
"Heh...I know, I know. Very well. You can come along. We'll be leaving in three day's time." He finally decided. Sakura smiled as she kissed her beloved.
"You won't regret it."
Kou Empire
"...A few days? That isn't much time to prepare..." Tomoyo murmured to herself. Then, she turned back to Kougyoku. "Who will come with you?" The princess thought for a moment.
"Well, I will obviously be taking Ka Koubon, and a couple of soldiers as well. Then, there's also be three animal like soldiers, but they won't do anything unless I tell them." She answered. Suddenly, Syaoran tensed up. He looked around frantically, as if he felt someone. Everyone looked at him.
"Syaoran? Are you OK?" Tomoyo asked. Syaoran said nothing as he stood there. Suddenly, he ran out the room. "Syaoran!" Tomoyo cried out and began to chase him when Koumei stopped her.
"No don't!" He hissed at her. Tomoyo stared at him confusedly when she noticed robed men hidden behind pillars. And it clicked inside of her.
Al-Thamen, or so the siblings told her. Each expressed their distaste with them, except for Hakuei and Kougyoku, though the latter felt scared of them. Hakuryuu once went on a rage about them, blaming them for the death of his father, brother, and her. What that had to do with dislike for Kouen was one thing Tomoyo was unsure of, but it explained why Hakuryuu hated his mother. Gyouken was the leader of this supposed group, and so had a hand in the assassination of his loved ones. Whenever the two met, Hakuryuu would gently push Tomoyo behind him and glare at his mother. In return, the empress giggled before glaring at Tomoyo. Kouen was the same as well, though he showed it less. The prince once confessed to the girl when they were alone that the Gyouken once eyed him in interest before it was placed onto Syaoran.
Tomoyo looked around and spotted at least five members. That was most likely what Syaoran noticed, but why did he run out? At any rate, she couldn't leave in fear that they would do something to her, remembering the one time that a member had tried to assassinate her all too well. (Another story for next time.)
Syaoran panted as he continued to run away, farther form Al-Thamen's members. Informed by Tomoyo and the princes, Syaoran knew to avoid them. But, it was easier said then done as they seemed to constantly follow him everywhere. Syaoran knew when they were close because he could the pitch black birds that flew around, and the suffocating aura that leaked out. It choked him, it made feel like he was dying. Tomoyo seemed to noticed the birds as well, but it didn't affect her as much. So why him? Why was it that he seemed to see death at the sight of these birds? Why do they follow him everywhere, like a moth to a light? Judar was the same, with both white and black birds flocking around him. But, the Magi seemed to notice the discomfort it gave him, and simply stood farther from him when they were together. Though he was grateful, Syaoran wondered why Judar's even cared about about his health and comfort in the first place. Perhaps Tomoyo's influence changed him?
Soon, Syaoran arrived in the courtyard where he and Tomoyo had met said Magi. Leaning his arm against the tree's trunk, the boy took in large gulps of the cool air. The tree was beautiful tonight, its pink petals gently following all around him. Grasping the wrist that held his bracelet, a glow emitted from it as well as a ring of fire, calming the boy down. Syaoran had discovered this by accident, when he couldn't calm down after running from Al-Thamen. The bracelet would glow and produce a small fire that provided him warmth. Suddenly, is body froze up again as a voice was heard behind him.
"Oh there you are!"
Syaoran, trying to stop himself from hyperventilating, turned to see Gyouken, as well as some members of Al-Thamen. Gyouken, the woman who had tried to kidnap him as a child, who no doubt brought him here, and the person who seemed to hate Tomoyo. Why was it that he felt a connection with her? It was a feeling of something that was once special turned horrible, like a betrayal of some sort. The birds that surrounded the people started to flock towards Syaoran, and he felt his throat close up. Struggling to breathe, Syaoran tried to run only to fall down. Choking, Syaoran felt himself get lifted up into the lap of the empress as she stroked his hair gently.
"Oh my sweet child. Look at how Solomon's made you like this. You'll feel better if you accept our Father's will. All the pain will go away, and we will be together again." She whispered into his ear. Syaoran felt his body wrought in pain as the birds continued to fly around him, ad the boy his conscience begin to fade when a new but familiar face appeared in front of him. Her soft blond hair cascading down her back, her soft blue eyes looked with conviction at Syaoran.
"Don't give up! Fight my son!"
With a grimace and a yell, Syaoran gripped the handle of his sword, and it started to emit a blinding glow. With a hiss, Gyouken was forced to drop him and retreat back.
"What is this! This...This is not Solomon's power! Makhi! Are you using her power?!" She called out. Syaoran felt all the pain leave his body, and he could breathe again. The cherry blossom insignia began to glow even brighter as water sprouted from it, forming into mermaid like fairy. Made completely of water, she opened her eyes and bared her fangs at the people.
"Leave before I decide end your pathetic lives." She hissed out. "I, the guardian of the element of water and to my goddess, Watery, will not let you harm this child." The members of Al-Thamen began to whisper to each other at Gyouken narrowed her eyes at the being.
"Is your mistress not Lady Aini, the daughter of Il Illah?!" She questioned. "Why do you go against his will then?!" Watery scoffed as she summoned a spear of water.
"You magicians are all fools. There is one god, and that is not your 'Father'. Now, leave." Gyouken growled and eyes Syaoran before she walked away, the members following after her.
"I will get my son Makhi back!" She vowed before disappearing into the darkness. Watery watched them leave before disappearing as well, and Syaoran was left alone to contemplate what just happened.
Sindria
When she opened her eyes to see the pitch black void, Sakura knew it was yet another dream. It had been days since she last had one, after the encounter with Evelyn and the man. Walking aimlessly around, Sakura spotted a door. Both pink butterflies and white rukh flocked around it. Curiosity peaked, Sakura went towards it and opened the door. A blinding light engulfed her, and Sakura closed her eyes shut. When she slowly reopened them, she found herself in a hallway. Looking around, she spotted a painted flower and realized that this was the same hallway as before from a while back. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice.
"Aini. I'm worried about Solomon. He hasn't come out from his room for days. With our war with David's magicians, we need a leader to help us." Sakura gasped as she recognized the voice.
"Andromalius?" She questioned to no one. Indeed, as they turned the corner, it was Andromalius. At a normal person's height and no blue skin, the supposed djinn still retained some of his features. With his wolfish ears and snow white tail tucked around his waist, Andromalius looked almost human. Aini, who walked beside him, sighed as she gently rubbed her stomach.
"Andromalius. You weren't there when it happened. I purposely took him off so he could think of his actions...I am not a fitting leader in his place?" Andromlius shook his head, his short white hair glistening in the light.
"No, you are a wonderful leader. We achieved much under you. But, Solomon is the reason why we gathered in the first place...He is also my first friend when we were little. It's hard for anyone to even look at you normally when your just an experimental being." The man said, smiling bitterly at the thought. Aini gently touched his arm.
"No, you are not David's experiment. You are you, even if you were made from Windy's DNA. Don't forget that...But, I see your point." Aini said as she put her hand down. "...I will speak with Solomon." The scene briefly changed and Sakura saw herself in front of yet another door. Aini and Andromalius stood in front of it, as well as Sheba, Makhi, Ugo, and Arba. Ugo slightly nervous and Makhi hugged his mother tightly who in turn caressed his hair. Sheba looked at Aini and Andromalius.
"Are you sure we shouldn't get Zola and Nuria? Didn't they know Solomon as well?" Aini shook her head.
"No, not really. They three of them met through me, but only Andromalius is the person Solomon is comfortable with the most. Nuria and Zola don't see eye to eye with him, despite the latter being Zagan's younger sister. I'm afraid that they'd do more harm than good." Sheba nodded as she understood. Makhi then spoke up.
"Uh...Why do I have to come?" He asked nervously. Arba patted her son's head while smiling.
"Why, you and Master Solomon are practically friends. Who helped me find you when you got lost in the city a while back?" She asked. Makhi blushed as he turned away.
"Geez Mom! You told me you wouldn't tell anyone!" The woman giggled playfully as she gave her son a hug. Aini smiled before she turned to face Ugo who was slowly creeping away.
"Ugo." The man flinched as he turned towards her. Aini sighed as she went over to him. Grabbing his arm, the woman looked straight into his eyes. "And where are you going, Uraltugo Noi Nueph?" She asked, saying his full name. Ugo flinched again.
"Aini. Please. I'm the reason he's like this. If he sees me, it will make things worse." Sheba let out an annoyed huff of air as she pointed her staff at the man.
"Aren't you his friend? If so, then you should mend things with him!" Aini nodded as she held her grip on him. Ugo looked back and forth between the tow before sighing.
"...I'm not getting out of this, am I?" Andromalius let out a chuckle as he took a key from his pocket out.
"Heh...You know, for some who's supposed to be a prodigy, you really suck at reading situations." He said as he unlocked the door. "There, it's opened. Better head inside before he notices." The hybrid said before he slowly opened the door. Sakura took the chance to peek in. The dark room, with faint trances of light, was littered with scraps of torn paper and dots of melted candle wax. Sitting on his bed and staring at nothing was Solomon, his cerulean blue hair out of its usual braid. His sky blue eyes glazed over, in his hands was a crushed piece of paper with words on it. Sheba gazed inside and winced.
"Ooh. It's worse than I thought." She said clearly upset. Makhi peeked inside and froze.
"...Is he dead?" He asked slightly scared. Arba shook her head as she petted his head comfortably.
"No sweetie. Master Solomon is...going through something." She explained with some difficulty. "...Why don't we go for a walk around the hall? They others can call us if they need us." Arba said before leading him away from the door. Andromalius, clearly upset, looked at Aini.
"Can you help him? It hurts me to see my friend not his cheerful self...What will the others think when the see their leader like this?" He asked, thinking of the future if word got out. Aini nodded as she let go of Ugo.
"Wait by the door until I call you." Aini said to Ugo before walking, Sakura following her. Aini walked towards Solomon and stood in front of him. The man didn't even react to her. The brunette sighed as she sat down next to him, looking at where he was staring at.
"...I can't see anything." Aini said jokingly. Solomon didn't say anything as he kept staring. With a sad smile, Aini reached out and gently touched his pale face, her gaze looking kindly at the man. "Solomon." she whispered out. "Will you break the promise we made that day? To work together to free the denizens of this world from your father's chains?" Aini asked as she reached out and grasped his hand. "Solomon, our duties and lives are far too great a distance to cross, but we both dream of the same thing. To see the world we love be free and its species living in harmony together. Will you let some petty quarrel get in the way of it?" Suddenly, his hand tightened around hers as Solomon turned to look at the woman.
"...Aini. I don't plan to break the promises we made to each other that day. But, I love you, ever since we first met. I've worked so hard to get you to see me as a man, but...you'll always see me as the child from before, won't you?" He asked with a bitter smile. Then, he held out the paper in his other hand. "This...hold all the words I wished to tell you, but never got the chance to." Aini gently took the paper from his hand and read words. Eyes beginning to water, Aini put the paper aside as she looked back at the others before she returned back to him.
"Solomon...you don't even know. Even if I were to love you...are fates are too different. The curse that binds me...and my duty...You are better off with someone else." Then, she stood up. "Your friends have come to see you. They were worried for your health. Will you not amend things with them?" She asked, hinting the last part towards Ugo. Solomon looked and momentarily tightened his hands into fists before relaxing.
"Sheba. Andromalius...Ugo." He said, saying the last name coldly. Ugo flinched and tried to leave, only to foiled by Sheba and Andromalius who dragged him in.
"Solomon. Enough. Don't let a petty lover's quarrel get in between friends." Sheba said. Andromalius.
"Yes, though Sheba could have phrased it better...Solomon, the people need you to lead them through this war. Why can't you put aside your differences and help each other to ending this war?" Silence engulfed the room as Solomon remained quiet. Suddenly, Ugo broke it.
"Solomon!" He cried out. "I...I'm sorry! I never meant to hurt you, nor take the one you love away!" Aini went over and placed her hands on his shoulders as she looked at Solomon.
"If you want to blame anyone, blame me. I knew you loved me, but I kept silent about it. You have every right to not forgive me." She said. Just then, Makhi and Arba popped back into the room.
"Please don't be sad anymore!" Makhi shouted. "Or you'll make me sad too!" Arba nodded.
"Yes, Makhi is telling the truth. Master Solomon, we don't wish to see you upset anymore." Solomon looked at the people before he sighed. Standing up, he walked over to Ugo and placed his hand out.
"...Our friendship may be bent, but it isn't broken...Ugo. I'm still upset about this, but I've decided to put that aside for now." Then, he smiled. "Will you help me free the species from David's rule?" Ugo stare at him before he took his hand, breaking into tears.
"Yes!"
The scene faded, and Sakura found herself in the dark void once more. As she began to lose consciousness, Sakura could have sworn she saw two small children appear before her.
Kou Empire
"...How queer. Where am I?" Tomoyo asked Syaoran. The boy shrugged his shoulder.
"No idea. But, we must be in the same dream." He concluded. Having gone to sleep, the two opened their eyes to see themselves in a white void, unlike the usual black. Scanning the area, Syaoran spotted a child. With short orange hair, a small braid, and a red mark on his forehead, the boy seemed to be looking for someone. Then, he spotted Syaoran and Tomoyo and smiled widely.
"Ah! There you are!" He cried out as he ran over to them. "I was waiting!" Syaoran and Tomoyo looked at each other before returning back to the boy. Though they had just met him, the two felt like they had met him before. Still smiling, the boy held out his hand to reveal three bracelets-purple, brown, and orange. "Two is for you, and one for you!" He said happily as he handed it to them. Tomoyo held the two bracelets in her hands while Syaoran slipped the one on his wrists.
"What are these for?" Tomoyo asked kindly. Th boy gave an even wider grin.
"It's a secret! But, you'll find out soon! I'll see you eventually!" Then, he turned to leave. Watching him run away, Tomoyo spotted two people waiting for him and widened her eyes in disbelief. It was Setta and Arba. When the boy reached them, they began to walk away, disappearing from their sights. Then, they soon felt very tired, and darkness consumed them.
As one part of the journey ends, another takes it place. What are these strange symptoms that plague Sakura and Tomoyo and what does it mean? What will happen in the kingdom of Balbadd? Will the four of them reunite? And just who was that boy and why were Setta and Arba there? What did Watery mean when she claims that "Il Illah" was not the real god? Does she mean her mistress is-?! Until Next Time...
Hope that wasn't too awkward. After this chapter, we will be heading to Balbadd where the gang will once again meet Aladdin, Morgiana, and Alibaba!
12345678910: Glad you liked it!
Until Next Time! R&R!