Just to clarify, everything in the story so far happens before the events in Magi take place.
Aniou-sama = My brother and King
Mei-nee = Kouha calls Mei-Li older sister
Mei-nii = Koumei called by Kouha (this doesn't happen in this chapter, but for future reference.)
*Sorry if Koumei and Mei-Li's nicknames get a little confusing. Kouha just calls them that way.*
Chapter 3 King of Sindria
The ship arrived at Sindria, and everyone got off. In a matter of minutes almost everyone except Kouen and Koumei remained. The rest of them had run off around and gone to explore the newly met country. Soon a frown had been spotted on Kouen's face.
"Aniou-sama, please do not worry; I am sure they will be alright." Koumei had tried to reassure his brother.
"No, ... I'm not worried about Hakuryuu or Hakuei, I know they won't cause trouble. But... the other three, I'm not so sure." Sigh. The look on Kouen's face had Koumei trying to hide his laughter. It was a very unusual worried face. Moments later three of the eight generals had come to escort him to the palace. Kouen sighed, and continued walking towards the largest building in Sindria. Koumei was right behind his tall brother who had a very unfashionable goatee.
Meanwhile, Hakuei was trying to find Hakuryuu, whom she had followed. Hakuei as always was worried about Hakuryuu and followed him as he left the group. Hakuryuu had left to find a weapons store, hoping to discover a new useful weapon.
Kougyoku on the other hand was shopping for new clothes and hair pins, and once again Ka Koubun was carrying it all. "Princess, please wait! You cannot buy all of this!" Ka Koubun had puffed out. He was extremely tired from running around and carrying all her things. Ka Koubun could barely catch his breath, and Princess Kougyoku had noticed that. She stopped and faced him. "Ka Koubun" She looked down at his head and she sighed. "... I understand." She was sulking, completely unhappy with this outcome.
Mei-Li was walking around with Kouha, and noticed preparations for the upcoming Mahrajan. "Hey, what is all this for?" Kouha had asked a citizen of Sindria. The man looked up to see the two, he immediately noticed they were not from Sindria. When he took a closer look at the lady he panicked. He pointed his finger in disbelief. " Ah..Ah!" Mei-Li had put a finger to her lips as if she was keeping him quiet. The man nodded his head and moved on to answering the prince's question. "This is preparation for the Mahrajan. It is a harvest festival of Sindria's. If you have time you should come and see it." He then pointed them in the right direction, and walked away while carrying boxes into a store.
"Kouha, do you want to go see?" Mei-Li asked him even though she knew what his answer would be. Kouha had an interest in this when the man spoke about it with joy and excitement.
"Mmm. Let's go!" He began walking toward the direction the man pointed in, but Kouha suddenly paused and turned around. "Do you think Aniou-sama would be angry if we went?"
Mei-Li smiled at him, and patted him on the head. "Don't worry Kouha. Do you really think Kouen would get angry at us if we just went to watch? And if it comes down to things I'll take the blame, you don't have to worry about anything. Just enjoy the show." She smiled once again as she reassured him.
"Okay, I got it. Then let's go! But I definitely won't let Mei-nee get in trouble." The best place to see the Mahrajan was on the top of the cliff. The two continued to head in the direction of the harvest festival. As they passed the numerous stores, the citizens had stopped what they were doing and continued their focus on the two travelers. They were all murmuring about Mei-Li. Kouha looked up at his sister. " Hey Mei-nee, did you come to Sindria before?" Kouha had just asked her casually.
"Mmm. For a little bit." She casually replied to his casual comment and chuckled a little. They continued walking up the mountain cliff for over 10 minutes. "Ah. It looks like it's about to start." And she pointed at the ginormous blue sea creature. "See?" The creature had different shades of blue all over it's gills and scales. The people of Sindria didn't seem to be that surprised when they saw it. Kouha had looked down at the bottom of the cliff, and a look of excitement fell on his face. As it seems he isn't afraid of heights. However I guess that's to be expected when Leraje becomes a weapon. Mei-Li silently thought of how proud she was of her little brother, and how he had grown while she was away. She smile and let out a laugh. "Hey Kouha? Do you still think Kouen should be Emperor?"
"What do you mean, Mei-nee? And what about you? Do you believe En-nii isn't suitable to be Emperor?" Kouha for once had a very serious look on his face.
"Who knows. And, I'm taking it as a yes to my question?" She replied unfazed by his new expression. Kouha had nodded at her answer.
Kouha placed his hands on his hips, and confidently asked. "And? Why did you ask me something like that? I thought you already knew the answer."
Mei-Li smirked. " You're right. I did know, but I was more interested in whether or not that answer had changed."
"WOAH!" The screams and cheers of the citizens had Kouha and Mei-Li turning their heads. There they were the King and his Eight Generals, and as usual they had a very flashy appearance. "King Sinbad!" "Glory to Sindria!" Were the numerous chants of the people, and Kouha had been completely swept up in their passion. As he fell on the ground his sister had reached a hand out to him. When Kouha had gotten up with Mei-Li who was standing next to him, Sinbad had caught a glance in their direction. He had most likely noticed the giant sword Kouha had on his back. Mei-Li immediately noticed his reaction and dragged Kouha further away from the crowd, and from the King. Not yet. The time hasn't come. Once they got out of the extremely tight crowd they speculated the defeat of the dying blue sea creature from a safe distance. The festival had ended and the two were heading down back to the market.
"Kouha, since the festival's over you can go to the Palace and meet up with everyone. I'm going to stay in the market for a while."
"I understand. Then I'm going first.'' Kouha waved his hand good bye, and left towards the palace. Mei-Li left in the opposite direction as her younger brother, and off to the market. She was walking around the market by herself this time, so many people approached her.
"Mei-san?" She turned around. "Ah! I knew it! Everyone! Mei-san has returned!" When the lady in her mid-thirties yelled out, the people around her had gathered in a circle surrounding Mei-Li.
"Mei! You came back! How are you!?" A young blonde girl called out. She had suddenly begun dashing towards Mei-Li.
''Pisti! It's been a while. I suppose you're busy as always?" As Pisti ran closer she landed a hug on her dark haired friend.
"Yeah, but it's okay. It's my job as a general after all." She had a very happy smile, then grabbed Mei-Li's hands. "Mei, why did you suddenly leave without saying good-bye? We all missed you."
"I'm really sorry. But I thought if I said good bye it'd be harder to leave plus I think he'd find a way to make me stay, so I had to leave before I couldn't. I'm really sorry." Mei-Li hugged her tiny friend tightly, and continued to apologize. "I'm sorry for everything." Was a statement Pisti hadn't understood at the moment. Mei-Li began crying, and she couldn't stop the tears from falling down her face. She had a confused look saying 'Why won't they stop? Why are they falling?'.
"Mei? What's wrong? Why are you crying? Are you in pain?" Mei-Li shook her head lightly to assure her friend she had no injury or pain.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Those two words were the only things she continued to cry out. Why am I crying? Could I possibly be regretting my decision? She shakes her own head furiously. No. That can't be. This is something I got myself into, and something I started. I'll see this through to the end!
"Mei, let's go back to the Palace I think you should rest." Pisti had continually pulled Mei-Li's hand until it became red, and by the time they arrived at the Palace it was purple. Mei-Li was placed in the room she was always in before she left. "Ah sorry Mei. I'll get some ice." Pisti noticed how she had caused her friend's hand to become purple and rushed out to get something to cool it down. Mei just stared at her hand, and sat on the bed. When she finally pulled herself together she left the room to find Pisti. She didn't know which room Pisti was in, so she had no choice but to check every room.
Kou Empire & Sindria Meeting
"Why won't you accept the treaty!? I believe we have laid out equal and fair conditions for doing both business and trade as well as peace for the two countries! There should be nothing more you could ask!" Koumei had slammed his hands on the meeting table, and could not understand the reason why Sinbad would refuse the friendship treaty with Kou.
Sinbad began. "No, I understand your reasons for the treaty, and I am fully aware as to the benefits.-"
"Then why?-" Koumei shouted still not being able to accept the denial of the treaty.
Slam. "Because at the same time I am also fully aware of the 'Organisation' that has made Kou into a leading country it is today! ... And as Sindria is also a part of the Seven Seas Alliance I am afraid I will have to discuss this topic with the other nations as well." Sinbad noticed he was getting his emotions too into nation affairs, and considered other potential options.
"... I understand, however please do consider this meeting as a top priority. We currently have no intention as to engaging in war with Sindria now or any time soon, and we would most certainly not want the nations of the Seven Seas Alliance as a current enemy." Koumei finally settled down and took his seat by Kouen, who was completely silent as Koumei was debating with Sinbad.
As the room had finally fallen silent, the door creaked open, and a head popped through.
"Pisti? Are you in here?" Mei-Li had opened the door wide enough for everyone in the room to see her. This is bad! Her face went pale, as she backed away trying to get out the door, a large shadow fell over and caught her.
Hug. "Mei, you're back! And just as I thought, you were at the festival weren't you. Why did you leave without a word?" The King's grip around her was extremely tight, she couldn't throw him off.
"Sin-Your Majesty, could you please let go." She coughed a few times, but Sinbad didn't let her go. He only slightly loosened the grip around her.
Slam hands on table. "Could someone explain this? What is with this situation!?" Koumei was completely confused. Kouen still had a stone face, however he clearly expressed concern with this situation.
Sinbad had completely forgotten the two princes were there. "Ah, my deepest apologies." Sinbad let her go, and she walked out in front of him. "Let me introduce her, she is Mei. A guest? Here in Sindria I suppose." He didn't know how he should have introduced her. He knew she wasn't a general or just a friend.
She looked towards her two brothers and back at Sinbad. "It seems I have interrupted something, I'll excuse myself." As she headed towards the door Sinbad slammed it shut.
"No, ... actually, Mei I think you should join this meeting." Sinbad said. Mei-Li for once seemed surprised at his proposal.
''Hmm? ... I see. And? What is this meeting for?" She asked curiously.
"We're discussing the friendship treaty for Kou and Sindria." He answered.
Smile. This is perfect. When the time comes Sindria won't be attacked. "I'll join the meeting; I support the treaty. I would like to know which sides support which claim." She declared.
"Mei I meant for you to join this meeting to help me. I don't accept this treaty between Kou and Sindria!" Sinbad angrily stated.
"I never said I was going to help you.You're the only one who thought that. Well then let's begin the meeting!" Mei-Li was very enthusiastic about the treaty.
"...Fine. The friendship treaty between the two countries is understandable, but as the leading country of the Seven Seas Alliance there may be trouble with country disputes." Sinbad claimed.
"I believe none of the members of the Seven Seas Alliance hold any hatred towards Kou. And not only that I believe when we have established the friendship treaty, trade between Sindria, and of course the Seven Seas Alliance along with Kou will prosper." Mei-Li refuted.
"... Well Sindria doesn't make alliances with countries that contain slaves. Kou has many slaves, while Sindria is a country without slaves, and we intend for it to stay that way." Sinbad didn't have anymore reasons to give other than this. His personal feelings aside anyone would see that this treaty would be a sign of how Sindria has turned into a threatening country to Kou. The treaty's positive outcomes outweighs the negative ones very much, therefore there shouldn't be any reason to resist this treaty. This was his last chance of stopping the treaty with Kou.
"Hasn't Sindria already made an alliance with a country that has slaves? As I recall Heliohapt it was. They have slaves in their class system. And as you said, Kou is a country with slaves. However, our special system allows slaves to be freed after 5 years of service, and any mistreatment is prohibited by our laws. Are there anymore problems?" Mei-Li replied proudly.
"... No, none." Sinbad answered completely beaten and overwhelmed.
"I'll tell you one thing, as a King you must not involve your emotions in national affairs. You may dislike the Kou Empire, but do not endanger your citizens or allied countries! You are Sinbad, High King of the Seven Seas who founded his own country, and formed the Seven Seas Alliance. You bear an incredible amount of responsibility, don't ever forget that!" Mei-Li had raised her voice. The King she knew had fallen to his emotions, and she had to do something to fix it. "Well I guess we can call this meeting adjourned. I'm heading back to my room, if you need me I'm there." She glanced back at the depressed Sinbad and left the room. Her two brothers left the room following her.
"Mei-Li, there are a few things I would like to say. First, thank you for settling the treaty between Kou and Sindria. Sindria and the Seven Seas Alliance are strong enough to compare to us, the Kou Empire. Second, how did you know all that information without looking through any materials beforehand? And third, what is your connection to Sindria and their King?" Koumei had stopped Mei-Li before she went off to her room, and needed answers.
Mei-Li looked at Koumei. Sigh. Mei-Li placed her hands to her chin. "Let's start with the information, it's simply all in my head." She points to her head. "I've studied all this before plus I went to Heliohapt for a little during my trip." Smile. "And Sindria is just one of the places I went. Do you have anymore questions? If not I'm heading back to my room, I'm a little tired." Yawn.
"Ah, ah, yeah." Koumei stumbled on his words as Mei-Li left to her room.
Okay so Mei-Li's personality shows more in this chapter. Sorry it took like 10 days, I couldn't decide which way I wanted this to go.