Disclaimer : I do not own Magi. All original ownership belongs to Ohtaka Shinobu.
Lyrics (translated) belong to dramatictealeaves.
I also realized/remembered that since this all starts before the actual story does the ages would be a little different.
* In this chapter I wrote that Kouen has no opinion on food/no sense of taste. I read in a fanfiction or website that Kouen had no opinion and whether the food was good or bad it wouldn't show on his face. So this will be a little new. Sorry for the change, I just really wanted to put it in.
Did anyone notice that Sinbad doesn't involve his emotions in national affairs due to Mei's influence?
Ei-nee : Older sister Hakuei called by Kouha
Entei : Kouen's nickname Flame Emperor (Kouen's name means Red Flame)
Chapter 5 Confrontation
Sigh. "Kouen, Koumei, Kouha since all of you already know could you explain the current situation to Hakuei while I go and speak with this idiot of a king. I'm sorry I won't be able to properly explain anything." Mei said slightly mocking the purple haired king. Mei walked away, and the king followed after her. The three princes' and princess were the only ones left with the Eight Generals. The mood immediately became tense, but was soon dispersed when the first and second princes began speaking.
"She only said she came to Sindria during her trip. That's all she's actually told us." Koumei said dissatisfied with the very little amount of information she had told him. Kouha nodded in agreement.
"Wait, you all know Mei?" The blue haired magician asked.
"Yes, Mei-Li is a very important person to us." Hakuei replied. The Eight Generals were shocked, and weren't very sure what to think. A little blond girl hiding behind the blue haired giant stepped forward.
"You all know Mei very well am I right?" All the Kou sons nodded and the only Haku princess nodded as well. "Alright since it seems she trusts you all I'll explain to you all how we know her. If you all weren't important to Mei I'm sure I wouldn't be tell you this. ... When Mei first came here our king, Ja'far and Masrur were all out on a meeting in a different country. By the time they left an unknown sickness befell everyone in Sindria. Of course that included the Eight Generals, or the remaining generals here in Sindria."
"Wait, how come none of this information ever reached Kou?" Koumei suddenly butted in and asked.
"Well, the unknown sickness didn't last long and someone had made sure none of that information went out of Sindria." Sharrkan replied.
"Someone?" Kouen asked intrigued my this mystery person.
"It is someone you all know well, ... Mei." Pisti replied which shocked her siblings even Kouen, but he didn't let it show on his face. "Alright will you let me continue on?" Koumei apologized and let her continue. "Sea beasts would usually occur during that time, therefore we set the Mahrajan festival at that time. However none of the generals were in any condition to kill it, and the sea beast would've wrecked havoc on Sindria." The Eight Generals all had very gloomy faces knowing they couldn't protect Sindria at that time. "But then, Mei came. She had just entered Sindria, but no one was there. She thought it was weird and went around looking and asking for people. It was dead silent, and only the stench of sickness had overruled the country. Mei had finally found people, but that was only when she finally entered someone's house to ask what happened to the people. When she saw the sick, and weak people do you know what she did?" Pisti asked.
Hakuei smiled and answered, "She aided them." Hakuei didn't reply with an uncertain answer. She knew, in fact all of her siblings knew she wouldn't abandon them. Kouha smiled at her idea, and Koumei sighed. Kouen and Koumei were thinking why she helped a potentially threatening country on the brink of death instead of leaving them to die. They had gotten used to Mei's personality over the years, and understood it was helpless to even stop her.
"You're right. She helped them much to the surprised of everyone in Sindria. She helped everyone eat, and covered them with cold watered cloths to reduce their fevers. At that point it was uncertain of whether or not it was contagious, but she didn't mind. She said she just wanted to help. And then, the sea beast came. Everyone was prepared to get up, and fight despite their body conditions, especially the generals. Mei stopped them and said she would take care of it. Which she did. Later that night she fed everyone the healthy and delicious soup she made from the sea beast. When Mei was cleaning after the festival had ended she said that the unknown sickness might be related to the sea beast because the food we all first threw up was that similar of the sea beast, and then she asked us when the last Mahrajan was. Then we understood everything, the closest Mahrajan was about a month ago where we had leftovers due to it being two sea beasts then the usual one. And then she said it might just be a kind of food poisoning where if you eat too much food that has gone bad it will stay in your system for a while, and then you'll throw up and feel very sick. Although it was unknown of how long it will be and whether or not it'll actually get better. But Mei reassured us that it would be fine and it would go away soon."
"Oh! I know why she said that! She probably said that because when me and Mei-nii ate Ei-nee's food we were sick for a week!" Kouha exclaimed. Hakuei was so sad Kouha said that about her cooking.
"It couldn't have been that bad, I ate it and I'm perfectly fine." Kouen retorted. Kouha and Koumei sweat dropped knowing their brother had absolutely no sense of taste while Hakuei exclaimed at the comment.
"Sinbad I want to add a few more things to the deal. Don't tell anyone from the Kou Empire about my connection to Sindria. Just like how you don't know my connection to them they don't know my connection to you. Also don't mention our bet to anyone including those from Sindria." Mei asked in a serious tone. Sin I'm sorry. The time will come when you will hate me, but I'm prepared for it. It's all for the good of this world.
"Mei, you can't keep hiding things from me. I'll find out one way or another. You know you can't hide from me. You can trust me, I'll protect you." Sinbad replied.
Mei looked in his eyes. She knew hiding things would be hard, but she couldn't tell him. "... You'll know in a matter of time, but when that time comes I guarantee you won't be on my side. ... Now can you agree to these new conditions?"
"... I'll agree, but I want you to know... Sindria will always be here for you." Sinbad said.
Mei knew she could always count on Sindria, but her betrayal will change all of that. " I know." They won't, and neither will you. She said with a sad smile. "I'll go out first, I'll see you in the morning. Don't drink too much I wouldn't want you getting sick."
Mei walked out back to the balcony first, and went up to the stage before anyone could say anything to her. " Everyone I have something I need to tell you all. I came here today for a certain reason, and now that has been completed I will no longer need to stay here. I also wanted to say that in the near future ... I will no longer be here, so I would like you all to do me a favor, and take care of Sinbad and Sindria. Your king is ..." The people listen to Mei intently. "An idiot who gets drunk, and leaves his duties to his generals while he goes and causes problems to all the women." Everyone in the audience both laughed and fell over at the remarkable comment she placed on their king. "But... despite his flaws he is a true king. Everything he does is for the sake of his people, and country, so if anything should happen don't let him do anything reckless. Of course that means the same for his generals, and you all as well. ... Well... I've said everything I wanted to say, so I'll be going to sleep now. I'm sure I'll have a nice dream now that I've said everything on my mind. Good night everyone, sweet dreams!" Smile. The audience stared in shock as she just left with that. She walked back inside the palace, and into the hallways heading to her room. Her siblings excused themselves, and headed out to follow her.
"Mei-nee! Mei-nee!" Kouha called out to Mei-Li. When she heard him she turned around, and found all of her precious siblings running towards her with the exception of Kouen actually running although he was present.
"Kouha, what's wrong? Why are you all running? If you were looking for me you could have asked someone I'm sure they would've told you where my room was." Mei replied. Everyone had the 'Oh, we didn't think of that' look on their face which caused Mei to giggle.
"Mei-nee! Don't laugh!" Kouha pouted.
"Sorry, Sorry. Well then I assume you all had something you wanted with me." Mei-Li asked with a happy smile now. Kouen stepped forward which surprised Mei a little.
"All of us know your connection to Sindria now, one of the generals explained it." Kouen told her.
"I see, and how much do you know about me and Sindria?" Mei asked.
"Hmmm... the tiny one only told us that you helped Sindria with some disease." Kouha said, with a slight insult to Pisti who sneezed at Kouha's mention of her name.
".. So just when I first came here. But you know Kouha her height isn't that much of a difference from yours neither is her status. She is Pisti a princess from Artemyra a country of the Seven Seas Alliance plus she's older than you. " Mei said trying to justify her 'tiny' little friend. She intentionally left out the 'exile' princess part. If they find out I'll just tell them I forgot to mention it.
"Really! She's older than me!?" Kouha gulped.
"Would I lie to you?" Mei asked.
"No, I'll go apologize to her." Kouha said.
"That's good. I'm sure she'll forgive you. Now I'll go to bed if there isn't anything else. Good night everyone, sweet dreams." Mei replied silently heading off to her room. Mei thought she forgot to mention something, and stopped in her tracks. When she turned around she remembered immediately. "I'm sure the sneaky king behind all of you will show you to your rooms." Her siblings all turned around and were surprised at the presence of the Sindrian king. Even the first imperial prince Entei didn't notice. Mei turned back around, and started walking off once again.
"Good night, Mei-Li." Hakuei shouted. Mei smiled with a wave.
"Alright I'll show the rest of you to your rooms now." Sinbad said and led them away.
~Morning~
I guess I'm up. I wonder what time it is. I think I'm forgetting something. ... The deal! Swift motion. That's right the bet. I have to get up. Mei quickly got up, and got dressed. She left her room looking for Sinbad's room. Now his room should be just around the corner. Is he even up? Pause. I forgot to watch over him! Drunk! Oh no, I have to hurry and find him! Slams door open. "Sin! Wake up did you forget about our fight?" Mei yelled across the room. Snore. Sinbad had completely forgotten about the bet he set himself. "Sin~ wake up~" Mei said shaking his bed trying to wake him up.
"Huh? Huh? What!?" He said having just woken up.
"Sin you forgot about our fight!" I have to calm down. Oh my goodness! If I didn't come here, and just left early then we wouldn't have to fight, and he wouldn't risk knowing about my connection! Oh, how could I forget! Hmm.. I guess that means I'll be fighting a half asleep Sinbad. "Sin, get dressed we have a bet to finish. ... I thought you wanted to know my connection to Kou." She said. That had gotten him up. Mei walked out, and waited for him in the hallway while he got ready. The door opened, and they were prepared to finish the deal. Mei and Sinbad both agreed to the idea of fighting outside with the nice morning sun and breeze. It was quite early, so almost no one was around.
"Sin are you ready?" Mei asked him. The king nodded his head in agreement, and the two readied their swords.
"I'll let you go first." Sinbad offered.
Giggle. "Since when did you become a gentlemen? And thank you for the lead, but it's fine you may go first." Mei said. Sinbad reluctantly attacked first. He directed the tip of his sword to her's, and she in return clashed swords with him. They continued the mutual exchange for ten minutes, and a few people had heard the clashes who later stood by to watch. Including a few members of the Kou Empire which did not go unnoticed by Mei nor the King. Mei stopped her sword, and lowered it down. Sinbad noticed, and did the same. This was the decisive moment when this fight would end.
This is the moment, I can't lose. I didn't expect him to be so good at swordsmanship alone. I suppose I was wrong thinking that he only relied on his djinn's power. Mei continued to think of a way to win against him. While Sinbad had done the same. He too had underestimated her way of fighting, but he was most certainly not going to back down now. In the long moment of silence the two simultaneously headed for each other, and both of them made one decisive strike. They stood back to back from one another in the opposites former position. The audience mixed with people of different countries all gasped, and murmured in surprise. The cracked sound of the king's sword echoed through the minds of everyone. The second princess had won the duel, and the king lost. Sinbad seemed in shock, and didn't move for a few moments. Mei turned to her friend, and tapped him lightly. When he didn't respond she was hesitant, but placed her hands on his shoulders and lightly shook him; snapping him out of his trance.
"Sin? Are you okay? Did I hurt you? Let me get someone. Just wait a second." She said, and was about to go run off looking for a doctor. He had grabbed her arm before she was going to leave, and wrapped his arms tightly around her. She seemed a little surprised, but thought things would come to this. The people surrounding them had seemed to have understood the situation, and mood around the two and left to leave them alone. Only the Kou siblings that were present had not left the scene.
"Sin, you have to let go. I'm not staying no matter what you say." Mei protested.
"...I know I've lost, but will you tell me this one thing?" Sinbad said quietly.
Mei wasn't sure who the person that stood before her was. A normally proud man was now hugging her tightly like a toy he didn't want to share. "What is it?" Mei responded quietly.
"Do you have special feelings for any of the Kou princes?" He asked very worried for her response.
Huh? "Is that what you were worried about? You have nothing to worry about." She assured him. "None of us feel anything like that towards each other. They're all important to me, but not in the way you're thinking. ...Sin? Will you let go now?" She asked again.
Sinbad didn't respond with words, and only reluctantly released her from his grasp. Mei smiled a little, and pushed him away lightly.
"Now that the deal is done; you can no longer ask me any questions concerning Kou and myself. Sinbad you have nothing to worry about." She said grabbing his hands before letting go, and walking away.
Everyone has gone back to their own rooms, and finished packing anything they received.
Knock. Knock.
"Come in." Mei permitted although she didn't know who it was. Her hands were a little bit busy rushing with the packing. When the door opened Mei instantly regretted her careless decision of letting the man in. The one man who could change all her plans had entered her room. "Sin..." She really didn't want to see him; hopefully he would let her leave without a problem. The problem with Kou had been settled but the problem about letting her go hadn't completely slipped the king's mind.
"Mei" The only word that came out of his mouth. He slowly walked towards her as she did the opposite. She knew she had to get away from him no matter what. If he caught her escape would be impossible. She was backing away without turning around to look where she was going which got her in a bad place. She was against the back wall, hitting it left only the morning light beaming out the window beside her. Sinbad placed his hands against the wall each beside Mei's head, while his head and body were right in front of her leaving her no place to run.
"S-Sin. I-Is something wrong?" She managed to say. Sinbad only continued to stare into her eyes which Mei tried avoiding. When she avoided his glance the king slid his cold hand against her warm cheek making Mei flinch. Mei reacted immediately from the cold touch, and looked up to him. He began leaning his face closer to hers, and gently placed his lips on hers. Mei's eyes widened unsure of what to say or thinking. Once he leaned back and his lips were no longer on hers Mei slid down onto the floor surprised. What? Sin? Tears began falling onto her palms surprising both Sinbad and herself.
"M-Mei? Are you okay? I-I'm sorry if I surprised you." Sinbad apologized looking sadly at her. He leaned down to her, and embraced her while softly apologizing in her ear. Mei shook her head trying to clear up the misunderstanding that he caused her harm in any way. Sinbad wasn't convinced. Something more was going on that he didn't have knowledge about and that was hurting her the most. He needed to know what it was, he had to. Sinbad's face had gotten more serious, and he lifted Mei's face to the same height as his. "Mei please tell what's going on. I need to know!" His voice began cracking; he was hurt by the fact that she couldn't trust him. He was worried, she could see it but she couldn't tell him no matter what. This was her plan, and her way of doing things. She was not going to get anyone else involved. She just shook her head once again avoiding his plead. "I-I'm sorry." She only said. Sin, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. ...I finally understand now. I wonder when it was? The moment my heart became chained to you. I can't endanger you any further, you're already being targeted as a First Class Singularity. I need to draw a line somewhere.
"Mei, ...I-I think I-" Sinbad began saying hesitantly, but was stopped when Mei place a finger on his lips preventing him from continuing his words.
"Sin, I'm sorry. I can't return the feelings you have." Mei bit her lip before saying this, and smiled widely at the king. "I believe you're mistaken our friendship for something else. It's a good thing I'm leaving today. You should think about it, I'm sure you know it deep down in your heart. Your true feelings that is." Mei said calmly. She then stood up, and reached out a hand to her purple haired friend that was down on the ground. "Your highness, I have to prepare for my departure, so may I ask you to exit my room?" She asked him politely trying to distance themselves with their status. Her forced gaze at the king rivaled his. He was demanding an answer, but he knew her too well. She wouldn't tell him once she decided it herself. She was quite stubborn at this sort of thing. Sinbad knew he wouldn't win against her, not at this. He was reluctant to use his djinn against her. She was too precious for him to control. He accepted her offered hand, and stood on equal footing with Mei. Although standing side by side their heights were not the exact same, not too short, not too tall. Just perfect for these two. Sinbad began walking towards the door, and stopped right in front of it.
"Mei." He started then turned around, his eyes looking right at hers. "Don't forget no matter what happens I'm here for you." He finished, and left the room. Mei was surprised, and her eyes widened at his last words. Sin, you're wrong because what's going to happen will make you hate me for the rest of your life.
Mei walked over to her bed, and continued packing while thinking over what just happened. When she was done she went out to check on her siblings to see if they were ready to go as well. They were all waiting for her at the front palace ready to head for the ship. Mei apologized for being late, and they walked through the market towards their destination. As they were strolling through, the citizens of Sindria had walked up to Mei. The women began sobbing, and huddling in a group around Mei slightly separating her from her siblings.
"Do you ladies remember the night I left Sindria?" Mei softly asked the female crowd.
"Of course, it was the night you gave us your words of wisdom." A woman from the crowd responded. The other nodded their heads in agreement.
She giggled at the naming of her advice. "How was it then? Did it help?" She asked.
"Yes! Of course! Everything's gotten better with your 'words of wisdom'!" Another lady said. Mei happily smiled, and nodded.
"That's good to hear. You're king is really a trouble maker isn't he?" She giggled. The ladies replied laughing with her.
"Mei-sama? Since we heard you were leaving last night we had hurried, and made a few things you could take with you. Would you accept these?" The young girl asked showing Mei the gifts behind her. Mei looked behind the young girl, and smiled. She was a little shocked at the gifts she was getting from everyone.
"I'll happily accept them. Thank you everyone." She said loud and clear with a smile. The crowd shed tears of happiness, and bowed. Mei stepped forward trying to get the people to stand back up, but they wouldn't budge.
"Mei-sama we thank you for being here in our time of need, and for being the wonderful person you are today. We bid you farewell and luck on your journey." Everyone said together while sobbing, and keeping their heads down. Mei had stopped trying to persuade them from getting up, however instead she took a bow in courtesy of them as well.
"Thank you everyone. I won't ever forget the time I spent here, and the memories I made. Sindria will always be a special place for me." Her head was slightly tilted down as well trying to hide her tears from sliding down her face. Everyone, I'm sorry. She finally brought her head up to see surprised faces, not just at her courtesy towards them, but the fact that their king had appeared before them. Mei seemed just as surprised as them. Her siblings had bowed, and Mei quickly did the same. "Your highness, it was very kind of you to see us off, however I believe it was not necessary as you are a king and have many duties. It may be best if you quickly returned to the palace." Mei suggested wanting Sinbad to go back. The king only looked at Mei then to her brothers.
"If that is the case then there is no problem. I have trust worthy and diligent advisers who I can leave my work to." Sinbad proudly bragged. Mei sighed in pity at the thought of his generals doing his work for him.
"Sin you should really do your own work. I thought you were supposed to be the king." Mei said forgetting about the distance she set between the two already. Sinbad was surprised the distance was gone so quickly, and found himself to be slightly happy to as he had a tint of blush on his face. Kouen and the citizens of Sindria took note of this, but everyone else was completely oblivious including Mei herself. "Well since you're here maybe you could escort us to the port. I'm sure the rest of the guests here aren't sure of where to go." Mei said to the king while looking back at her siblings. The king nodded in reply and moved in front of the group, and began walking towards the port.
"Mei-nee? Do you like Sindria better than Kou?" Kouha bluntly asked when he walked besides her. Mei was quite used to his blunt nature, but this question..she had no way of answering. Both her siblings from the far empire, and the king of the country they were currently walking in were paying close attention once they heard what the third prince boldly asked.
"Hmm... it depends. Their both very different, if it came down to choosing one then it would be which ever has more positives over negatives." Mei replied intelligently.
"Mei-nee, you just avoided my question didn't you?" Kouha asked sneakily. Mei sweat dropped having been caught by her younger brother.
"Well I did partially tell the truth, but to be honest... both countries have their extreme flaws that I can't accept. No matter what." Mei declared quite loudly for the group to hear. Her voice had gotten dark and serious at the last three words which made everyone around her shiver. They had all walked far enough, and had stood by the pier with the large ship from Kou awaiting them.
"King Sinbad thank you for your kind hospitality. I'm sure the alliance of the two countries will help the many people in need." Hakuei said then bowed to him. She gestured her hand for everyone else to leave, and go onto the ship first letting Mei and Sinbad be alone. Once Mei had been sure they were aboard the ship she walked closer to her friend, and began whispered something in his ear. "Sin.''
"...thank you. Good bye." Mei whispered quietly to him. The High King of the Seven Seas' eyes widened as Mei quickly walked away after their farewell. Mei made her way onto the over sized boat, and instructed the helmsman to quickly leave the port after she confirmed all her siblings were on board. As she looked back towards the country she always loved, and towards the man she loved small wet drops had fallen onto her cheeks. This time she knew exactly why. Farewell Sindria. Farewell...Sinbad. "Murmur" Mei quietly said so no one would hear.
Yes my king.
I'm sorry for making you stay quiet. I had some thoughts I needed to sort out.
It is quite alright my king.
Thank you. I have a request that may be a little difficult.
If it is within my abilities.
Then I will begin.
Gone in a swallow Love, Hate, Remembrance, Longing has become a mirage
I toast you a drink that will bring the morning
I'm in the South Pole reminiscing about Your Northern Star
I will wait for you, I will not believe that our hearts can't feel the each other
You are fate, You are the thundering hoofbeats
Being the passion of my love, you've chased me through icy sky and snowy ground
An inch of light, an inch of my love
A bloom of cereus, a bloom of cloud
A bloom of snowflake, a bloom of dreams
Held carefully in the heart of my palm
A single seed of dust, A Bodhi tree
A single falling star, and just only you
Held carefully in the heart of my palm
7 reincarnations of husband and wife, just the reflections of a myth
After the 7 reincarnations, we must wait for another 100 years before it begins again
you are heaven and earth, you are wind and rain, you are sun
You are the rebellion of tenderness
You turned the four season backwards.
An inch of light, an inch of my love
A bloom of cereus, a bloom of cloud
A bloom of snowflake, a bloom of dreams
Held carefully in the heart of my palm
A single seed of dust, A Bodhi tree
A single falling star, and just you
Held carefully in the heart of my palm
In spite of all, I hold on to you closer and tighter
In spite of all, I've become more and more greedy
Until a thousand arrows pierce my heart, my heart will only give up then.
My left palm holds an empty heart
My right palm holds a heart entrenched in love
My fingers interlock to hold prisoner the essence of the heart
The sacrifice of our love is embedded deeply in my bones
Is it possible to not accept the fate of our love?
Is it possible to not accept the destiny of our life?
If it is all possible then use my life to save yours
When she finished singing she had a pained look, and seemed like she could burst out crying at any minute. This was just the beginning of Mei's plan. Her voice and song were heard by the people of Sindria and of course, their king. This is my final farewell to you all.
"Mei" Sinbad quietly said as the wind flew his purple hair, and metal vessels. He gazed off on the ship she was on, and had to accept reality. He understood he had to let her go. She was free. She was her own person. And she wasn't his.
"Mei-sama" The way many referred may as even though she disapproved of it. They were reluctant to believe she settled for less.
"Mei-san" A few ladies in the market said. They all looked up at the sky that reminded them of Mei.
Flashback~
''Mei-san? Is something wrong?" The woman asked Mei.
"Have any of you all wondered what the sky meant?" Mei asked the people around her while still focused and staring at the baby blue sky with white puffy like clouds. They were confused. After all the sky was just the sky, wasn't it? "I think it represents the numerous ways and possibilities life has or gives you. But like life it changes, and things go wrong. But after everything has passed, and you've survived then is that all for the best? Will humanity be satisfied with just living? After a storm the sun will shine brighter and stronger than before. I hope you all will do the same." Mei wished and looked towards the crowd that were half confused and half moved by her words.
"Mei?" Sinbad called out.
"Yes?" Mei replied instinctively.
"Is something worrying you? If there is I'm sure we will all help you. After all you're the sun of Sindria." Sinbad boldly declared. Many women blushed at his smooth words. Mei only smiled and thanked him.
"Don't worry. I'm more worried about you. It seems Ja'far is very angry about you sneaking out to the market with me." Mei began giggling. Sinbad sweat dropped and had turned a little purple at the thought of his angry general. He quickly ran away when he spotted Ja'far with the look of a demon on his face.
"Mei-san. Have you seen Sin?" He asked running up to her in the crowd of women who were accompanying her today. Mei only responded with a finger pointing in the direction the lazy king ran in. Ja'far quickly thanked her, and ran after him. The women and Mei were giggling about how Sinbad, the mighty King of Sindria was running away from his adviser. After running around for a good 10 minutes Sinbad finally lost his general, and ran up to Mei.
"Mei! How could you tell Ja'far!?" Sinbad continued shouting and asking the question over and over again. He shouted in a non angry way, but it seemed more like a friendly little quarrel between the two. The Kou princess smiled which made Sinbad fret and sweat over how ridiculous this was.
"Sorry, Sin but this was your fault in the beginning. Maybe you should ask Ja'far next time you want to come out." Mei managed to say while still laughing. She tried to cover it up with her long sleeves, but it was quite obvious. After all she was the person he loved. He knew everything about her. At least he thought he did. Sinbad blushed from embarrassment about being lectured by her, and that the women around him were laughing at him. Not with him, but at him. If they had to choose which side to be on, Mei's or his Sinbad knew they would choose her. After all she was charming, kind, and relatively open minded about everything. Even he couldn't resist her which was quite odd considering he was the 'Lady Killer of the Seven Seas'.
This was probably the moment everyone who was present had realized the king's feelings, and that Mei just might be their future queen. The kind Mei who didn't hesitate in helping the citizens when they were in a time of need. The Mei who gave advice about what to do when their king had gone around bothering all the women. The Mei who miraculously was able to become friends with everyone. And the Mei who Sinbad loved.
End~
"Onee sama?" Kougyoku called out from behind Mei surprising both her and Murmur.
"Yes, is something wrong Kougyoku? Oh! I was wondering how did you like Sindria?" She asked. Mei faced her back towards Sindria, and looked directly at Kougyoku with her usual happy smiley face. Kougyoku could see Mei was thinking about something else. Though she didn't show it Kougyoku knew her long enough to understand her, in fact all of her siblings did. She may seem a little hard to understand, but her thoughts and actions are always for someone else. This was undeniable.
"Mei-onee sama, if there is something troubling you I'm sure we can all help in anyway possible!" Kougyoku intently said grasping Mei's hands; she was a little overwhelmed but faintly smiled knowing Kougyoku had grown up too. The little Kougyoku who loved to play with dolls, and wanted friends more than anything.
"I'm alright, thank you for asking Kougyoku. By the way you haven't answered my question, what did you think of Sindria?" The Imperial princess mischievously asked her adorable younger sister.
Kougyoku began blushing, and covering her face the same way Mei did when she tried to hide something. "I-It was lovely. The people, the clothes, they were all very nice." Kougyoku replied. Mei brightened up at the wonderful compliment.
"I'm sure the king and people of Sindria would be delighted if they heard you say that." Mei freely said while spreading her arms around to feel the wind. She spotted Hakuryuu and Hakuei walking towards her. Kougyoku noticed them as well, and quickly dismissed herself saying she was slightly hungry and left.
"Mei, when the time is right to tell us we'll be waiting." Hakuei mysteriously said not wanting to pry on something Mei wanted to keep secret. Although Hakuryuu didn't understand why his elder sister didn't just ask Mei directly. Mei silently thanked Hakuei in her heart for respecting her wishes. Though it did worry her that her siblings had caught on to what she might have been planning.
"Thank you, Hakuei. But I don't think that's necessary. I have nothing to hide after all." Mei smoothly lied. She wouldn't generally lie, and was always true to people. But this time it was different. Everything had to go according to plan. She continued telling herself that this was all for the best, and that no one would get hurt. Both Hakuei and Hakuryuu froze in shock. Their sister Mei was certainly not someone who told lies, but they knew that it meant whatever she was hiding was something big. Very big. They recovered shortly after and excused themselves leaving Mei alone.
My king what do you plan on doing now?
We're going to follow the plan. I've already strayed off path with Sin. I can't make any more mistakes.
Yes, my king.
I know this was pretty long. I wanted to finish this little 'arc' before the whole series actually began. And sorry for the slow update. I couldn't find a good place to stop, so I just finished it in this chapter.
Oh and I assure you Mei is not a cry baby. She just really loves Sindria and Sinbad.