Hey Everyone! Another chapter is up! Now in Balbadd, Sakura meets people she thought she would never see again and uncovers a heinous plot deep within the kingdom! Tomoyo and Syaoran are on route to the kingdom, and strange things begin to haunt Syaoran when he encounters a masked woman who know of him and Tomoyo?! Read to find out more!
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or Magi. I only own my OCs.
Enjoy!
Standing within the deep red hues of the rising flames, a boy stood there, gripping his golden staff as he used it as a crutch. Bleeding grievously from his wounds and the flames licking closer to him, the boy knew he would not survive.
"Run! You won't be able to fight them in your condition!" A man with purple hair shouted, trying to parry the onslaught of magic attacks. A young boy with orange hair hid himself behind the other boy, crying.
"Wah! Mommy! Daddy!"
But, he couldn't. He just couldn't leave the defenseless people to die, not while he still breathed. Teeth clenched, he snarled at the ringleader, who merely smirked in amusement. With a wave of his wand, the black haired man pushed the flames closer, engulfing more buildings and people. With a yell, the boy pointed his staff into the air, his gold flecked brown eyes glowing. Around him, the necklace of a phoenix shined until it shattered, freeing the bird of flames. With a screech, it engulfed the boy, and a tornado of flames formed. He knew that the forbidden magic would kill him, but he was dying anyways. He had to do everything he could to protect everyone. As the flames pushed the enemy back, he felt the magic begin to consume his body. Then, when the magic began to fade, he saw it.
The boy who had clung to him before was on the ground, burnt by an enemy magician. The brave man who yelled for him was nowhere to be seen, his golden staff the only indication that he was even there. Tears falling, the boy let out an agonized scream. And his powers went out of control.
All that was left were the flames, the red, deadly flames.
Everything has an end...but there is also a beginning to that end...
"...Ja'far? Have you seen Sinbad?" Sakura asked the white haired former assassin. Ja'far shook is head.
"No, actually...Wait. He couldn't have..." Suddenly, a dark look appeared on Ja'far's face. "...Don't worry, Lady Sakura. When I get my hands on him, I swear, that it will be his last time going off and getting drunk." Sakura laughed nervously.
"Haha...Ja'far? You're scaring me..." Just then, Kero popped from her traveling bag.
"Who cares?! We should be focusing on getting back the trade with Balbadd and whatnot!" Sakura rolled her eyes at his comment.
"And how are we suppose to talk with the king without another ruler to deal with the negotiations? I may be engaged to him, but I'm not queen yet you know!" She said with a sigh. She looked out the window where she could see the vast kingdom of Balbadd.
Easily convincing her fiance the necessity to bring her along, Sakura departed to Balbadd almost immediately. Along with Masrur and Ja'far, Kero tagged along. After a couple days of traveling, the group had arrived in the kingdom and checked into an expensive looking hotel. And almost immediately, Sinbad had wandered off, saying he wanted to "explore". Although she knew it wasn't his real intentions, Sakura let Sinbad off. The entire trip on boat left her completely tired and nauseous, so the girl gladly allowed him to go so she could be alone. However, he hadn't returned in the morning, and Sakura was now getting worried. She sighed once more as she looked at her outfit.
Wearing a loose fitting pink silk dress, Sakura also had on her anklet, necklaces, and headpiece. Her hair up in a messy bun, Ja'far had made her wear a small tiara, to "show that she was royalty" as he claimed. Unconsciously touching her necklace, Sakura felt a wave a nausea hit her and struggled not to gag. The frequent nausea attacks did not disappear, and she noticed that her stomach seemed to be growing larger as well. Blaming it on the food she started eating a lot lately, Sakura hoped the decrease of food and different diet could help ease her strange sickness. Taking in a deep breath of air, Sakura started to walk out of the room.
"I'm going to go look for him." She said. But, as she tried to leave, Masrur stopped her. He stared at her while the girl stared back.
"...No. You've been unwell lately and should be resting right now." He whispered to her in a quiet voice. Sakura widened her eyes in shock. How did he know? But, as she thought that, Sakura realized his instincts were sharper than most people were. Somehow, whenever she talked with Masrur or watched his training, she was reminded of Morgiana. Suddenly, Sakura felt a pang of longing. Not only were she separated from Tomoyo and Syaoran, but her new friends as well. Through the small time she had known them, Sakura had gotten close to them. Especially Aladdin, who had somehow found a way into her heart. Tossing the thoughts out of her mind, Sakura smiled warily at the Finalis.
"...I can't hide anything from you can I? But, please, don't tell Sinbad or Ja'far. I don't want them to get worried over such a trivial matter." She whispered back. Nodding, Masrur silently agreed with her request. Kero sighed as he had his head hanging out. Suddenly, his ears perked up.
"Hey! I hear a commotion from the entrance if this building!" Frowning, Sakura squeezed her way by Masrur and ran towards the entrance.
"W, Wait! Lady Sakura!" Ja'far shouted as he chased after her, with Masrur following in pursuit. Panting slightly, Sakura managed to get to the entrance where she saw a peculiar scene before.
"Wha-?! Sinbad! What are you wearing?!" Sakura demanded. The main cause of the commotion than the king of Sindria himself, Sinbad. For some odd reason, he was wearing clothes much(and I do mean much) smaller than him. The guards seemed to trying to restrain him. Sinbad gave a nervous smile.
"Uh, nothing dear! Just had a little problem, but I can handle it!" A large angry tick mark appeared on her head as she tossed her traveling bag, with Kero inside, to Masrur who had just arrived with Ja'far. The white haired man had an incredulous look while the red haired man shook his head. Sakura took off her white slippers and silently held them before throwing it one at a time with perfect aim at Sinbad's head.
"BAKA! WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN HANDLE THIS?! YOU LOOK LIKE A PERVERT!" She yelled out. Sakura grabbed the tiara on her head and threw at the king, who narrowly missed it. However, someone else had caught it. A young boy with blue hair and sky blue eyes, alongside a girl with red hair and magenta colored eyes. In her rage, Sakura had not noticed the two, and only saw them right now. She stared at them in shock.
"Al...Aladdin? Morgiana?" She managed to get out. Staring back at her, Aladdin suddenly ran up to her.
"SAKURA NEE-CHAN!" The boy yelled as he fell into the arms of the girl. Tears sprang free from her eyes as Sakura cuddled the boy.
"Oh Aladdin! I never thought we'd see each other again! I'm so happy!" Kero, who had peeked to see what the commotion was about, smiled.
"Well, isn't this interesting?" Morgiana, who was stunned, smiled as she walked up to Sakura and Aladdin.
"Sakura-san. It is good to see you again. I had hoped that we'd be able to meet so that I may thank you for helping me back then." She said with bow. Sakura looked embarrassed.
"Geez Morgiana. You don't have to bow like that. Besides, I'm glad I helped a friend!" A confused expression appeared on the girl's face, but it soon was replaced with a content one. Suddenly, Sakura could hear someone coughing, and turned to see Ja'far and Masrur.
"...Lady Sakura. Though I hate to break the reunion, I think we should focus on getting Sinbad squared." Nodding, Sakura put Aladdin down as she gave an evil glare at the purple haired man who flinched in response.
"Ja'far. Masrur. Get Sinbad into some suitable clothes. I'm going to catch with Aladdin and Morgiana, so call me when your done." Then, she turned to the people she spoke about with a smile. "So, what did I miss?"
What you have done before your end influences your life in the next...Have you been worthy to proceed into a new life?
As they past sandy dunes and couple of towns that were scattered all around, Syaoran was deep in his thoughts. Having left the Kou Empire on a magical carpet, it would still take several days to get to Balbadd. It had been a couple of days since then. Along with the people Kougyoku said would come along, Judar came with them, claiming that he was "bored". However, he later confessed to the two of them his real reasons.
"There are going to be three magicians from Al Thamen that will come along as well. They don't seem to like you, and are interested in the boy." Judar explained to Tomoyo and Syaoran. "I'm here so they don't hurt Kami, and see why they have such an interest in you."
Syaoran sighed as he held his arm up to the sky, examining the orange bracelet he received from the boy. Made from small beads of glass, it resembled flames. Suddenly, scenes of singed buildings and burnt corpses filled his mind, and Syaoran covered his left eye in pain. His eye was throbbing, as well as his head. He felt a soft hand on his shoulder, and looked back to see Tomoyo who looked concernedly at him.
"You alright? You seem to be in pain." Syaoran gave a small smile.
"Yeah. I'm fine." Just then, Kougyoku popped in.
"Kami! Teach me how to make dolls!" The princess begged. Ka Koubon, her attendant with purple markings on his face, began to protest.
"Princess! Yous should't-!" Tomoyo waved her hand and cut him off.
"Kougyoku can do whatever she wants, Ka Koubon. I suggest you do something worthwhile in the mean time." She said with a look that the conversation was over. The man sagged his shoulders while his two soldier companions tried to hold their laughter in. As Tomoyo began to take out materials to teach Kougyoku, Syaoran took the time to examine her.
Her appearance permanently changed, Tomoyo's purple hair was in its braid, and she wore a summer kimono with cranes on it. The purple and brown bracelet were around her wrist, along with her necklace around her neck and the bow over her body. Her silver purplish eyes sparkled in the light, and she smiled as she taught Kougyoku. Syaoran's eyes trailed down her body, where the small budge on her stomach was. He had some suspicion, but without definite proof, Syaoran could not directly say anything. Instead, he turned to his thoughts of Sakura. Having not seen her for a year or so, he dearly missed her. If they were back in their world, he would have confessed to her by now. However, this was not their world, and Sakura was nowhere to be seen. A strange sense of dread filled his heart, but he couldn't figure out what caused it. Suddenly, Judar, who was flying near them, came to sit by the boy.
"Hey. What's up with you? You look so depress." Syaoran sighed again as he faced the black haired man.
"None of your business, Judar." He replied. The oracle looked slightly hurt.
"Geez. After all these years, you don't even trust me?" The brunette glared at him.
"Well, let's think about this shall we? First, you have a horrible and arrogant personality that I despise. Second, you happened to belong to an organization that is trying to kill Tomoyo and brainwash me. Third, why do you even care? Shouldn't you be more worried about Tomoyo?" he said. Judar gave him a look that Syaoran thought he could never make.
"Listen. You're right. I am arrogant, but that's how I roll. I may be the oracle of Al-Thamen, but I don't belong to them. The only one who I really trust is Kami, and that's who they're trying to assassinate again...You're her friend and whether or not you realize it, she cares a lot about you. If you were gone, she'd be sad. Besides, I also have a personal reason." The Magi explained quietly. Then, he moved closer. "Your rukh. Both you and Kami's are unique, but your's even stranger. Along with the usual white and the new pink, there's also red, and I can't figure out why." Then, he moved away. "So, I'm keeping an eye out for you. Or more specifically, your rukh." Syaoran narrowed his eyes.
"...You mention the word, 'rukh'. What exactly is that?" Judar rolled his eyes.
"You don't know? Basically, the 'rukh' is the source of magoi, our life force and energy, and the world's natural phenomenon. It's where the souls of people go to when they die." Closing his eyes, Judar continued. "In other words, it's something like fate. The white birds indicate that you have accepted your destiny and such. However, if you're against it, the rukh around turns black. That's call depravity. I'm like that." Suddenly, the white birds around him began to become turn grey as black birds appeared. Syaoran's breathing became hitched as he clutched his chest. His skin turned pale, and his bracelet and sword began to glow. Judar frowned as he made the black birds disappear, allowing Syaoran to breathe easier.
"...I was right. You are strange. Even if they are 'pure', people don't react with the black rukh like that. The red rukh around you began to go haywire, and probably caused your distress. Even your metal vessels reacted...This just proves that Al-Thamen's plans aren't going to work." Syaoran took a shaky breath.
"What..do you mean...?" The man twirled his wand as he answered.
"They plan to make you fall into depravity, and become their figure of their god."
Syaoran's blood ran cold.
Tell me child of flames...has my power helped you achieve your goal? Or, has it caused pain for you?
"Wow Aladdin! That's sound like quite the journey!" Sakura said as the boy finished telling his tale. Sakura, Aladdin, Morgiana, and Kero(who tagged along) were currently walking around the hotel. Aladdin had just finished explaining where he had landed and the people he met. Morgiana was similar, but she tagged with a caravan instead of traveling alone. After being freed from Alibaba, the red haired girl decided to travel to Balbadd in search of him and thank the man who had also traveled in search of Aladdin. Smiling, Sakura at Aladdin who held her hand. Although she hadn't thought of it until now, he was really cute. Like a little brother. Cuddling next to her, Aladdin gave her a sparkling smile.
"Sakura nee-chan! What about you?" He asked childishly. "How did you come to now Sinbad?" Sakura gave a nervous laugh as her cheeks blushed.
"Ah...well...You see, Aladdin. When we got separated, me and Kero got transported to a different country. That's where I met Sinbad and friends. After awhile, we became close...He proposed to me you see." She explained as she showed them her ring. Morgiana gaped at the ring.
"Sakura? You are engaged after only a year?!" Sakura laughed nervously again.
"Haha...Yeah. I know it seems rushed, but then again, I sure fell for him. I only hope that the others can accept him..." Suddenly, she saw Morgiana sad expression. "Morgiana?" The girl, realizing that she made negative face, smiled.
"It's nothing. It's just that, I recalled Syaoran always talking about you during our time together. I had thought that you two were in a relationship..." Sakura blushed.
"Huh? Did he...?" She asked. In her mind, Sakura cursed herself. Not only did she realized that she probably liked Syaoran, but he might have liked her in return? Oh, this was going to be hard to explain! Suddenly, she realized that her hand was beginning to feel numb. Looking down, she saw an upset expression on Aladdin's face, his cheeks puffed out in annoyance. However, when he noticed her, Aladdin returned to his cheerful expression.
"Really? Then, Sinbad must be amazing!" Recalling Sinbad's flirtatious personality and his supposed harem and sleeping habits, Sakura couldn't help but shake her head.
"Well, I wouldn't say that. But, he did managed to win my heart, so I guess he isn't that bad." Just then, she saw Ja'far anf Masrur walk towards them.
"Ah! There you are!" The white haired man called out. "I already prepared a room for your friends. Will you come with us now?" Nodding, Sakura turned to Morgiana and Aladdin.
"I have to go now, but once I'm done, let's talk some more, OK?" She said, letting Aladdin go and following Ja'far and Masrur. Taking a peek back, she saw a maid lead the two to their rooms.
It didn't take long to reach her own room in which she shared with Sinbad. However, the few short minutes she spent with the two, Sakura knew that Ja'far was in a horrible mood.
"I can't believe that Sin allowed himself to get robbed..." He said under his breath. "Lady Sakura! You have to make sure that he won't do that when the two of you are married!" Sakura couldn't help but laugh.
"That man has a mind of his own. Even if I were to change it, he'd go back to where he was! Also, Ja'far. I told you to just call me Sakura. All these formalities are weird to me." The white haired man started to shake his head when Sakura gently put her hand on his shoulder. "Please. I want us to be friends, not some master to a servant. I told you this already." Ja'far stared at her before nodding and smiling.
"Yes. I recall. It's just that...you will be queen soon, and it's important for others to see you as so. But, if you wish it, I will do so...Sakura." Smiling, Sakura pulled open the door and headed inside. There, she met her fiance, who thankfully wore at least less revealing clothes. Upon seeing her, the man began smiled.
"So? Enjoyed the talk with your friends?" Nodding, Sakura took the satchel of of her and opened the pouch to let Kero out.
"Yes. It was wonderful to see the two of them again. Now, if I can just find the rest of my friends..." Sighing, the brunette fell onto the bed. Then, she looked at Sinbad. "Hey. You didn't get all your luggage stolen, did you?" Stilling smiling, Sinbad answered her.
"It got stolen." A look of shock befell her, along with Ja'far who heard his answer. "...Even your vessels?" She whispered out. The man had the audacity to look sheepish.
"Everything..." Sakura silently took everything in. Then, without saying anything, the girl sat up and crossed her legs.
"...I'm breaking up with you." She said unemotionally. Kero snickered at Sinbad's deadpanned expression.
"Hoho...that guys gonna get it~"
In the end, only one thing matters...the life of our goddess, and her guardians. Are you worthy of being by her side?
The words Judar said never left Syaoran's mind. As he replayed them over and over again, a horrendous sense of dread kept rising inside of him. Only Tomoyo seemed to notice his distress, who tried to comfort him despite not knowing what ailed him. Kougyoku also noticed, and gave him her newly sewed doll to keep the boy company. Judar himself promised that he would protect him, but Syaoran couldn't find comfort in those words, especially since he came from the exact same organization that came up with the plan. Clutching the handle of his sword, Syaoran's eyes often looked back and forth in paranoia. This wasn't like him. Syaoran was taught by his mother to never fear anything, and always strive to reach his goals. However, her lessons faded as his anxiety grew. The only reason he hadn't snapped was because he had to protect Tomoyo, and find Sakura. Shivering despite the heat, Syaoran suddenly felt someone staring at him. Taking a peek behind, he spotted a floating woman with pale skin and green eyes examining him. With lush eyelashes and a very nice figure, the woman wore a long dress with various shades of purple, along with a mask that covered her mouth. Black birds seemed to surround her. His breathing hitched again, Syaoran gasped for air, and felt everything close in on him. Grimacing, he swore the woman seemed to be smiling behind the mask of hers. Suddenly, he felt a hand on him. Thinking it was Tomoyo, Syaoran turned but instead of the girl, the small child from his dreams appeared. His short, mossy hair orange hair with a braid on his left side, his bangs covered a large part of his forehead, but Syaoran could see the worried look in his eyes.
"Are you OK? Do you need help breathing?" He asked. Gasping silently so the others wouldn't notice, Syaoran nodded slightly. Closing his eyes, the boy touched the orange bracelet on Syaoran's wrist, which began to glow. Immediately, the pressure seemed to have disappeared from him, and the brunette could breathe easier again. Taking a deep breath, Syaoran smiled at the boy.
"Thank you..." The boy smiled back before he looked at the woman from before with a sad look. Leaning closer to Syaoran, the child whispered into his ear.
"Please help my mommy. Me and Daddy are sad that she's like this. I want her to be happy again before I am reborn." Startled, Syaoran looked at the boy to ask him something when he disappeared. Frowning, Syaoran made a silent promise to the boy. Unbeknownst to him, the woman from before eyed at him with shock, the staff in her hand trembling. Tomoyo, who had seen the child and the woman, silently grasped the two bracelets on her wrist.
Unbearable pain has claimed you, and it is my fault that you have died...
"Hey. Why have you broken off trade with my country, Sindria?" Sinbad demanded to two black haired people, one king and the other one supplementary king. Sakura silently nodded as she sat next to the purple haired man. After assuring Sinbad that she would not leave him (much to his relief), the two had headed to another room to meet the king of Balbadd. Informed by her fiance that their names were Ahbmad Saluja and Sahbmad Saluja, Sakura couldn't help but feel disgusted at their behaviors. Not only did they seem to be unfit to be rulers, but the girl caught Ahbmad sneak glances at her body. As much as she wanted to plummet him, she knew that it probably wouldn't be a good idea to anger them. So, instead, she contended with herself to glare at them, which seemed to frighten them, to her delight. From inside her bag, Kero tried hard to stifle his laughter. Then, after what seemed like ages, Sakura decided to step in.
"Look. Just resume the trade with Sindria. The kingdom's an island country. Without Balbadd, it's greatest trading partner, not only will the country have a bad economy, but it will ruin the two countries' relationship." Sakura stated, recalling the pamphlets Ja'far had given her. At the, king glared at her.
"And who are you to tell me what to do? Some peasant girl who shouldn't even be in here?" Sakura smiled sweetly at him.
"I'm the girl who's marrying this guy, Sinbad." She explained, pointing at her fiance. "As a result, I will become queen of Sindria, so I am concern with my people's lives. You got a problem with a 'peasant girl' ruling? Why don't you take it with Sinbad?" The Balbadd royals seemed to shrink under the intense glare Sinbad gave them for dissing his future wife. Sakura smirked at that. Guess there was a plus for marrying a king who loved you. Abhmad cleared his throat shakily.
"Ah...I see. My apologies. It's sad...but we can't resume trade. It's impossible." As Sinbad and Sakura began to protest, the king yelled.
"That's how it is! Right now, I have my hands full with Balbadd's domestic issues!" Sakura blinked her eyes.
"...Domestic issues?"
But, will you succumb? Or, will you rise up to your potential?
"...Syaoran. Is it just me, or is that woman looking at us funny?" Tomoyo asked her friend. Syaoran nodded.
"Yeah. She's been staring at me for a while now." After Kougyoku began to complain about getting airsick, the group decided to land near an oasis and take a slight break. While the troops examined their supplies, Kougyoku went with Ka Koubon to discuss her marriage arrangements. Syaoran was drinking water when Tomoyo came with her predicament. The same woman from last time, Syaoran couldn't help but feel like he knew her. It seemed that Tomoyo felt the same.
"She look really familiar, but this is the first time I've seen her...Do you know who she is?" Syaoran recalled the little boy's wishes.
"...Maybe. Remember the little boy from our dream? He showed up to me and asked to save his mom which is this woman." Tomoyo widened her eyes in surprise.
"Really? I saw the boy earlier, but he disappeared before I could talk with him. That's his mother?" Syaoran shrugged his shoulders.
"Apparently...Looks like she's coming over." The brunette warned when he saw the woman making her way over. Her eyes closed, she made a small gesture that seemed like a bow.
"Greetings. I am Falan. Tell me, has the journey been well with you?" She asked. Syaoran saw the black birds appear again, and could feel Tomoyo's grip tighten around him. Feeling the pressure, Syaoran was shocked when it disappeared and looked down to see both bracelets began to glow. Falan looked at them with distaste.
"...How foolish. These things are preventing you from achieving your greatest duty. Why do you resist?" Flashes of memories went through Syaoran's mind. A happy looking woman with orange hair with her husband as they watch their son, the boy from before, playing with him. When she fought, she used made puppets out of her enemies. And when her son, he watched her break down in anguish. And her mind that went crazy when her husband sacrificed himself. As they faded, Syaoran's eyes began to glow as flecks of gold appeared. he felt sympathy, betrayal, pity, and anger towards Falan.
"...Greatest duty? Are you kidding me? Your organization's attempts at making me fall have almost killed me." Then, he leaned until their faces were only a few inches apart. "Tell me, are really doing this for you god? Or, are you doing this out of spite, for your son and husband that died so long ago?" A look of rage appeared on Falan's face. Grabbing his shirt, she pointed her wand threateningly at him.
"Don't...you...dare. You may be her son, but I won't let your intolerance go unpunished." She seethed out. Syaoran didn't look afraid. As Tomoyo tried to free him, Syaoran continued.
"...I pity you, Falan. You can't even see your son who stands next to you. I'm sure you sensed him when he spoke with me, but it's not the same, is it?" The woman looked confused. Tomoyo looked and saw what he meant. The boy from before was grappling the woman's clothes, pulling on it.
"Mommy...Mommy...Please. Don't do this." He begged. However, the woman didn't even notice him as she frantically looked around. As if she couldn't see him. Wrenching himself from her grasp, Syaoran patted his clothes down.
"If you don't even understand the situation, don't even try to predict mine...I will tell you this. Your son and husband are hurting because of your actions. You think you are avenging them? Think again. Don't ever touch me again, nor Tomoyo." He said ending with a threat. Grabbing Tomoyo's hand, he led her away from the woman who leaned against her staff for support. The small boy followed Syaoran and Tomoyo, looking back at the pitiful sight that was his mother.
Will you right the wrongs and mistakes those who suffered made? Are you able to?
As she walked down the dusty streets of Balbadd, Sakura could feel the eyes of the poor stare at her. Carrying a large bag of gold coins with Kero keeping guard, Sakura tried to find a shop that would still accept gold and was still open that night. Sakura recalled what Abhmad said.
"About 2 years ago...they broke into the palace's treasury and pillaged it. With that as war funds, they also acquired power. The political system has been unstable and those guys have steadily been gaining supporters. They're ranks have swollen to hundreds of men! Further more, they acquired knowledge of some black magic. They've become such a powerful anti-government force that I can't control them anymore! Not only that, but they distribute the gold and food to people, making them viewed as heroes!And further more, a troublesome has joined them! That 'wonder man'!"
After that, Sakura couldn't take it anymore. Excusing herself, the girl took her bag and left, much to Sinbad's and Ja'far's protest. Masrur simply nodded, as if he understood her reasons. By the time she returned to her room, the sun had fallen. With determination, Sakura grabbed all the gold she brought from Sindria and set out to a merchant shop. She had seen the poor livings standards when they arrived, but Sakura never knew that it was this bad. So, she sneaked out to see what she could do to help. After a while, Sakura managed to find a open stall. Gratefully taking all her gold, the stall keeper gave her all the produce he had. Apples, oranges, bread, fish, and milk. While they certainly weren't very fresh, it was really spoiled, and it was better than nothing. Giving her a small wagon as a bonus, he bid farewell to Sakura. As she carted into the area where the poor supposedly lived, she gasped in shock. There, sitting in their own filth, were the poor. Scrawny and patched clothes that could barely keep their heat in, Sakura became disgusted with Balbadd's king. How could he ignore the poor who were literally starving to death? No wonder they turned to the vigilantes as heroes! Quickly, Sakura put the wagon down and started grab the goods she bought. Then, she distributed them all around.
"Here. It's not much, but take these fruit." Sakura said as she hand a man an apple and a piece of bread. He stared at the food before he began gulping it down.
"Solomon bless you miss!" He thanked, crying in joy. Smiling, Sakura began to give more out as the people of the slums began to come to her. Handing everyone at least one fruit and bread, she noticed a skinny woman weakly cradling her baby. A sense of sadness filled Sakura as she handed the woman two pieces of bread and fruit each, along with a full cup of milk.
"For you and your baby." The brunette explained. "A child who can't even defend himself should receive a bit more." The woman started to shake, tears streaming down her face.
"Bless you! Oh, bless you! My baby and I will survive the night because of you!" she cried out. Resuming back to her work, Sakura had just handed out the last of her food when a black sword was suddenly held towards her face. On the other end was a man with dreadlocks and gold eyes. Next to him was a man and woman, the man wearing an eye patch and the female with piercings. There was also cloaked man behind him. His golden eyes widened in shock as he recognize Sakura. Inching the sword closer to her, the dreadlocks man narrowed his eyes.
"...What is a noble doing here, giving out food? Is there poison in them?" Sakura scowled in disgust.
"Are you kidding me?! Why would I poison these poor people who are barely surviving?! No, I'm only doing this to help them!" She exclaimed. Then, Sakura shook her head. "Also, you got one thing wrong. I'm no noble. In fact, I am technically considered poor, at least compared to where I once lived." the brunette explained, thinking of Sindria. The man scowled.
"You're lying." He growled, and closed his sword in closer, her neck beginning to bleed. Suddenly, an electric current went through the sword, and the man jumped back in shock. As he held his slightly smoking hand in pain, Sakura took this chance to run. Seeing her flee, the man held out his sword, and black fog began to emit from it. Soon, the caught up with her. Sakura fell down from its pressure, and began gasping for air. Growling in frustration, she grabbed the smoke as though it was tangible, and began to pull on it. Suddenly, where she touched, the smoke glowed. Soon, the smog surrounding her glowed a brilliant white before it dissolved into pink butterflies and white birds. The butterflies fluttered around her neck, and healed the cut given to her. Amazed, Sakura realized how dire the situation was and quickly stood up to run again. However, a familiar voice stopped her.
"Sakura?" Gasping in shock, Sakura looked back to see the cloaked man. Slowly, the man undid the mask, and revealed himself to be none other than Alibaba. Covering her mouth, she shook her head.
"It can't be...Alibaba? Why are you here? Don't you know that Aladdin and Morgiana are looking for you?" Alibaba nodded.
"I know. I was looking for them too, until I realized how bad things were in Balbadd. Sakura, you've seen the slums with your own eyes. How can you just ignore that?" Skaura averted her eyes.
"I'm not. Why did you think I was giving out food? Alibaba, even if I wanted to do more, I can't. I can't directly interfere with Balbadd's issues." Alibaba nodded.
"I know. Which is why...will you join our cause? To freeing the oppression that has descended on the people of Balbadd?" Sakura closed her eyes. She wanted to help the people, but violence was not the answer. A familiar feeling befell her, as though something similar happened to her in the past. Then, she thought of Sinbad and his country, how bad it would be for them if she helped them since she would become queen soon. Opening her eyes, Sakura smiled sadly.
"I'm sorry, Alibaba. There are ways to fix things then this way...But we have the same goals. Our paths will cross again, and I hope we meet as friends instead of enemies again...Alibaba. Third prince of Balbadd." Suddenly, Sakura frowned. "Third prince...? What did I just say?" But, it seemed correct, as the blonde man looked shocked to hear her say that. Taking that as a chance to escape, Sakura ran under the cover of the night, and soon disappeared from sight.
Tell me...Tell me, wielder of fire. What will you do?
Another chapter has been written...Reunited with Aladdin and Morgiana, how will Sakura fare against Balbadd's domestic issue in order to protect Sindria, especially since she now knows who one of them is...? Heading towards Balbadd, Syaoran uncovers the dark plan of Al-Thamen. What will he do now? And, how will fulfill the promise he made to the boy? Until Next Time...
12345678910: Well, they don't get to meet her just yet, but they will soon! And in that chapter, Yue gets a chance to appear!
Guest: I can't wait show you either, but I will say this. All the babies will inherit their hair and eye colors from their fathers, with the exception being one of Sakura's baby who also inherits her mother's.
Until Next Time! R&R!