I finally managed to finish this chapter, and because I am writing exams soon it will be a while before I get back to this, but it shouldn't take too longer. I'll start as soon as I'm finished.

Hope you enjoy!

There was a comfortable warmth that morning when Sakura had gone to the memorial stone. The grass was soft, the breeze was quiet and even her journey up the hill was light, unlike most mornings where she had felt as if the ground was trying to swallow her and she was trudging upwards through quicksand. As she prayed, she felt relieved. As if she knew she had been truly forgiven. That she would soon be able to live this one of many guilt's that hung over her like heavy chains waiting to sink her into despair.

Maharaghan had happened many nights ago, and she had believed that this would be the memory of a fresh wound refusing to heal. But as she discovered it had longed closed and now was a clear line, almost nonexistent. Only fragmenting the thought of survival not suffering.

"Sakura….."

Shame. There was no mistaking the dryness on her tongue, rendering her unable to speak, nor the way her muscles clenched, keeping her bound to be chastised as she rightfully deserved and the way her stomach wanted to lurch and her heart wanted to escape her chest as if she wasn't deserving of one. This was nothing but pure shame that she could feel, as she wore a face expecting nothing but anger.

She thought she could smile in greeting, but her eyes cast down.

"Is it…really you?" she heard Sharrkan ask, though he received no response from her.

Then she heard Drakon, "When-how?"

"As I explained earlier; it was Al-Thamen. They brought her back here, but we don't know for what purpose."

Drawing words from the mind to the tongue was challenging for both parties and it had been minutes before someone finally spoke.

"So she's been here….this whole time?" Hinahoho asked.

Sinbad nodded, "I realize this is shocking, but whatever your feelings you must understand her position-

He was cut off and not by words but an action taken by several of his generals, namely, Pisti, Sharrkan, Drakon and Hinahoho, all rushing past him.

Despite the warmth that enveloped Sakura, she immediately started trembling as if standing thinly veiled in a blizzard before realizing where she was. Her eyes burned from the salt in her tears that streamed down her cheeks. Hands folded around her back, clinging to her. She could hear the rukh fluttering around them.

There were no sentences or formal greetings that followed, not even a hello. Everyone merely uttered her name.

"Sakura,"

And that as enough to let her understand. She clutched onto the warm fabrics, sobbing and smiling all the while.

"I'm back everyone!"

There was, of course, a grand explanation to follow once everyone had recollected themselves. Sakura had taken especially long because she didn't understand how she could have been so easily forgiven for leaving. How no one had turned her away as she had to them. She grateful, for whatever force had kept her memory from decaying within their minds. The rest of the night was allowed to take in the shocking revelations and by morning, Sakura was much lighter.

Things were finally beginning to progress again and while she was still conflicted to voice this, she was grateful that fate had somehow lead her back to Sinbad. At the same time, she knew that nothing good would have come from her seeking him out and asking for help.

Now Esra, Badr, Aladdin, and Alibaba had begun their training under Sharrkan and Yamraiha; the young magician had also begun her project with discovering Al-Thamen's methods of drawing them back into this world. What they understood, for now, was that it had something to do with the mirror that Badr and Esra had brought home but that was currently all they knew because there were no fragments or remains to examine, like there was from the Looking Glass. Yamraiha had said she would do some more research on the existence of the magical item but it would likely take some time.

There was an alternative she had suggested but there was complications.

"The best thing would probably be to ask a magi on the subject," Yamraiha said.

"Yeah but we already established that we cannot" Sinbad countered, folding his arms, "Aladdin didn't even know he was a magi so I doubt he knows anything about this kind of magic tool. And the other is a wanderer. And Judar's obviously out of the question because of where his loyalties are."

Sakura wondered though, if Judar was connected with Al-Thamen then he might actually know more about this mirror than anyone. But he didn't even know she was back in this world until they met in Balbadd so maybe not. It seemed like a worthwhile risk, but she would probably have to go to the Kou Empire to have an audience with Judar and Sinbad wouldn't allow that.

"You know I learned that a Looking Glass is something a magi is supposed to possess," Sakura held her chin,

"You're wondering about why Aladdin doesn't have one," Yamraiha stated, "I'm not sure how they are manufactured, but perhaps I can find something on this and if Aladdin can master his magic…..

"That might be an option," Sinbad finished "But it's a far off one,"

Sakura sighed, "Guess we'll have to think of something else,".

With their options still fairly limited at the time, they didn't have much choice other than to let Yamraiha try and figure out a way to get them back home. She said she would do some close research on the Looking Glass if she could find any and then perhaps with this she could help Aladdin to assist them in getting back. Yamraiha was actually eager to do this type of research because it involved them, interlopers. Basically an untouched trove of knowledge that she was eager to be the first to unravel.

Things were slowly picking up a pace; but with the way, things had been revolving around everyone; Sakura had subsequently been spending more time with Sinbad to deal with matters relating to them. For example when commissioning for Esra's wand.

Sinbad had come to her saying he gave Alibaba a new sword for his djinn to reside in and while on the subject, he had been given the old chains Morgiana wore in her days as a slave to be reconstructed for a household vessel and Sinbad realized that Esra was probably going to need a wand or staff for her magic. They had asked Esra what she would have liked but she didn't care what it looked like so long as she could perform magic with it.

That left Sinbad and Sakura to the detailing and design. Knowing her daughter's taste, Sakura was able to sketch something and Sinbad was able to get it made for her quickly.

"Should we have it design similarly to Aladdin's or smaller?" Sinbad asked, staring at the blank scroll in front of Sakura and himself. Both situated behind the desk, less than a side-step away from one another.

Sakura leaned on her chin, "Esra might be more preferential to something light and I'd rather she not have an item she could use to club her brother with,"

With a somewhat disconcerted laugh, Sinbad said "Small it is. And what about the material?"

"I'd have to say metal, she's less likely to break it,"

Sinbad snickered, "Yes, because that use to stop you,"

Sinbad was nearly shoved to the side when Sakura jutted her elbow at him playfully; they chuckled. In these short moments, it was easy to forget where their positions were.

"I was not that bad,"

"Oh!" Sinbad threw back his head, "I recall a time we were coming from a red light district in Reim, and some men attempted to rob us, all armed and you snapped quite a few swords-as well as bones."

Sakura scoffed, "Yes and if I hadn't been there to drag you out of that entertainment establishment after you so shamelessly flaunted an unbelievable amount of gold at, then decided to get completely drunk and barely able to walk-you'd have been assaulted,"

"Well, the walking part wasn't entirely the drink's fault,"

Again Sakura shoved him, a little harder and almost knocked him completely off balance.

"You honestly haven't changed have you?"

"Is that a rhetorical question?" Sinbad raised his eyebrow, but then his expression softened. "I've learned to be a bit more cautious as of late. Before it was always you who would appear to drag me back safely,"

Sakura shook her head, "It was like I had become your full-time nanny. Always running after you,"

"If I recall, I had been giving chase to you quite a few times as well," Sinbad responded fondly,

They spoke for another hour about how to design this wand for their daughter, they were then easily caught in playful banter and barely noticed the moments shared but would recollect only after in the future.

Sakura had let down her barrier of indifference towards Sinbad and Sinbad himself was too infatuated with the moment to realize this All for the best supposedly, since he would have taken this as an opportunity had he not forgotten.

They looked at their final design, satisfied.

"It's not very complex," Sinbad observed,

"It's simple yes," Sakura agreed, before flashing a bright smile that made Sinbad think he was looking at her from ten years ago. Her smile was actually de-aging. "But it's beautiful,"

'Just like you,'

An amethyst gem carved into the blade of a kunai, linked with a black metal handles no longer than 20cm, lined with spiral carvings in gold at the top and bottom which had a round end.

That was presented to Esra in a small golden box with velvet casing inside, shaped to fit her wand. She took the box from Sinbad to further admire it and then remembered whom it was she owed thanks to.

"Wow, this is…..Thank you, Sinbad,"

"Of course. Your mother said that you'd probably prefer a simple design and thanks to that it was quickly made,"

Esra frowned slightly, "Mom designed this?"

"Well-both she and I," Sinbad admitted rather bashful at the end. "So it's from the both of us,"

Esra didn't give a response, taking the wand out of the box to get a better feel for it. Something-the only thing that was designed and made for her by both her parents.

While still conflicted, she felt compelled to say it again, "Thank you,"

Despite the hollow ground they stood on to get back home, Sakura was finally beginning to linger on contempt. She was with her children once again, she no longer bared the weight of guilt that hung on her as before and more selfishly she wasn't alone. This world wasn't empty.

She had constant visits from the eight generals, most of her past friends who wanted to check in as if to make sure that she was really there and not some fantasy. Having lengthy conversations, hearing about how everyone had changed and grew. It was awkward at first, a natural struggle with the length of time that had passed but it was overcome quickly enough with the unchanging past and present feelings aiding.

To be able to laugh, smile and actually hold a conversation with those who were as good as dead to her, it was a true privilege in Sakura's mind. She had missed it all and she was grateful, while not the circumstances that brought her to this point, but still she could not complain about being able to interact with her friends again after so long and to whatever force that had allowed them to accept her so easily once more.

'Thank you,' Sakura whispered, parting her hands and turning to head downhill once again.

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"Halharl Infigar!"

Flames shot into the air like a spring after the rukh gathered around Aladdin's staff; it cut through the clouds and went far into the sky. Yamraiha watched the output with impressed eyes. She wanted to test their current abilities after spending time only in the classroom.

Yamraiha had explained what is a magician and the different ranks, which went from the bottom tier of fortune tellers to magicians and then magi's. As well as what magic truly was, the transformation of magoi into different substances such as thunder or fire. While ordinary humans required magical tools like metal vessels or household vessels to achieve this transformation, it was magicians who didn't need those types of tools and could use the magoi within their own bodies, converse with the rukh and give special orders.

Aladdin breathed a soft sigh when he finished, "How was that?"

The answer was not what he expected, "Absolutely terrible. Your magoi output is certainly amazing. However, simply releasing a lot of heat is a bit too simple to be called magic. But before we get into that, let's see you have a go princess,"

"Okay," the violet haired said before stepping forward. Her anxiousness was clear as she held out her wand doubtful. She began to focus her magoi, hoping for something to happen. The rukh fluttered around her gently before becoming wild and she held up her arm, releasing a huge amount of magoi without any incantation but without changing it either.

'Such an incredible output as well,'

Yamraiha knew that magicians had more magoi within their bodies than other humans however there were still limits to what they've been able to produce and it was clear Esra had more potential if correctly taught. Then again, she was born to someone like Sinbad and what's more, her mother was an interloper so perhaps this wasn't a surprise.

"That's the best I can do," Esra said. "It's less complex than Aladdin's magic,"

"That's true," Yamraiha held her chin, "Princess is this how you've been using magic so far?"

The young girl rubbed her head, "Well to be honest, I don't know anything about magic and the only times I've ever really used it was when I was having some kind of extreme emotional turmoil and these things would happen; like flooding a field by destroying pipelines or causing shuriken to chase after people."

"You need to figure out what you want magic to do before you can create new magic. You must issue a command before firing. Try again and think carefully about the kind of transformation you want; whatever first comes to mind and feels natural."

With a heavy breath, Esra closed her eyes to concentrate, she listened closely and after almost a minute, she finally felt herself drawing on her magoi and molding it with effort before projecting it outward to the sky. This time a beam of pure light shot into the sky, it wasn't just magoi, but light.

Yamraiha was in awe, 'They're both so amazing!'

"Wow Esra, you're great!" exclaimed Aladdin.

Yamraiha nodded, "Okay, so it's obvious that control and complexity are what we need to work on. Magic does a lot more than what you've demonstrated. For example,"

In an instantly Yamraiha's form vanished; the two immediately started looking around for their teacher. When Aladdin felt a tug on his hand.

"I'm right here," Yamraiha reappeared from what seemed to be thin air. "This is done by giving the rukh three commands. Gather water, change the water into vapor and manipulate the refraction of the light."

"Commands?"

"I remember that guy from before mentioned something like that," said Esra.

"Magic is made of formulas. What commands you give the rukh will determine what actions will occur. This is the invisible truth that governs our world. To understand these formulas. To put them together and therefore to give rise to the different phenomenon is magic. With training, you'll be able to give the rukh dozens or perhaps even hundreds of commands and perform great magic,"

Now Yamraiha was certain she had received a good crop of students, by the shine in their eyes and pure eagerness that she had as a child.

Badr winced when his katana clashed once more with Sharrkan's sword, he overpowered his teacher in terms of physical strength but as far as swordplay went, he was outmatched. What's more, this was only one form he had managed to bring Vapula out in. Every time he tried using his crescent blade, he would only be able to project a beam of light once before the sword became too heavy for him to hold and he had to revert it. It was a tiring process.

Projecting beams of light from the double katana, however, were much easier.

"You've got to work on your output," Sharrkan said as they clashed. It was if they were doing an uncoordinated dance where any and all steps could be taken as long as you didn't lose balance because the one who lost their balance would be the one who loses.

"You're picking up quickly though, guess you've been taught a thing or two,"

"Yeah, from my mom," Badr grunted, swinging out one arm while defending from Sharrkan's sword with his other blade. Sharrkan saw this and jumped back.

"Oh yeah, guess who taught her?" Sharrkan gloated, sticking his thumb at himself.

"Seriously-

"You're open!" Sharrkan struck and Badr was sent skidding across the ground, his djinn weapon becoming undone. "And yes,"

"You okay Badr?" Alibaba called, the younger boy gave a wave of reassurance.

"Never let your guard down mid-battle,"

"I know," he mumbled standing up and dusting himself off. "Alibaba's already made his debut with Amon's sword; though his method of swordplay isn't fit for the blade he wields. As for you, your problem is that you've got no sense of managing your power and you're unable to handle your sword after striking once,"

Badr pouted. Alibaba had gone first in sparring against Sharrkan and he managed to summon Amon's weapon from the new sword that Sinbad had given him to replace his broken one but he wasn't able to properly fight with it. Sharrkan had dominated completely in that fight without even using his household vessel and Amon's blade was one that could cut through practically anything.

"So how do we fix those problems?"

Sharrkan looked like he was ready to say something when they heard the bell ring, signaling the time of day. More specifically, the end of their lessons.

"Well, that's it for today! Let's go drink something!" Sharrkan sheathed his sword.
"EH!? Come on!" Badr rushed after their teacher, "You didn't answer my question!"

"Sorry young prince, I follow the doctrine of not working outside my time!" Sharrkan exclaimed, throwing an arm around both boys.

"Now let's go drink!"

"I'm a minor!"

Days passed with what had become a routine for the interlopers and guests of Sindria. Every day, Badr, Esra, Alibaba, Aladdin, and Morgiana would have training with Yamraiha, Sharrkan, and Masrur. And Sakura, Ino and Hinata were often trying to sort through scrolls Yamraiha would leave out that might aid them in their search for the magic to return them to their world.

This often left them in the library and while they were there, some of the generals would stop in for conversation between duties. Sakura watched her friend's bonding over the common denominator that was now her and her children. They mostly discussed her past and history in this world and theirs. Some would turn Sakura bright red.

Presently the three women were engaging in one of Sinbad's many manuscripts that told the tale of his adventures.

"We're supposed to be researching," Sakura scolded the two women who had become infatuated with one story in particular.

"Sinbad didn't know that there were eyes that could reflect such sharpness and beauty of real emeralds, nor did he believe there was a body with enough strength to overpower the colossal men of Imuchakk. And yet was so fragile that he easily pushed her into the snow. It was only after their eyes met that they realized they were not meant to be enemies-

"What are you reading?!" Sakura blushed, taking the scroll from Ino. She scanned through it and grimaced, "I used to tell him to leave me out of these stories. His creative flare was a bit too much for me, and often stems from the truth."

"Is it?" asked Hinata. Now she was even teasing her.

Sakura shrunk into herself, "Most of it, but that doesn't matter now. We need to keep looking through these scrolls."

"We've been going through these for three hours, let us have this!" Ino protested.

"Are you ladies reading the king's manuscripts again?" Hinahoho asked stepping into the library, along with Pisti and Spartos.

"We were," Ino pointed, "When she and the king met in Imuchakk, for the first time,"

"That is your homeland isn't it, Hinahoho-san?"

He nodded, "Yes, I was there when those two met on the battle field. King Sinbad tackled her into the snow, they looked at each other and he instantly tried to woo her,"

Sakura folded her arms, "He just called me cute,"

Hinahoho shook his head, "Well it wasn't at first sight perhaps but he's always been pining after you. You just never noticed because you always emphasized your love for someone else,"

Hinata and Ino were quiet; already knowing who this person they were referring to.

"But this story sounds so romantic," said Ino,

"Yeah I especially enjoyed the part when Ja'far almost assassinated us in our sleep and then Sinbad tricked everyone into giving him the djinn's power in the dungeon," Sakura sarcastically waved.

Hinata laughed wearily, so not romantic as…..tragic?

"What about how they met in Sasan?!" Pisti turned to Spartos, "That's a funny story huh?"

Spartos neither accepted nor declined the question, "Well, King Sinbad did give chase to her in the city,"

Ino and Hinata tried to hold back their giggles. Sakura groaned, slamming her head on the table, "Spare me,"

Hinahoho laughed, "Oh yes I remember! It was after Sakura had left to journey on her own. I can't help laughing every time I recall that expression on her face when she saw us, or when Ja'far had to restrain her with his cords,"

"Yeah well here's how you all looked!" Sakura straightened her form, opened her eyes as wide as possible, dropping her jaw and pointed with a mockingly shaking finger, "S-Sa-Sa-Sa-Sa-Ku-Ra?"

The library rang with laughter, at the recollection of those memories.

"You guys can laugh at me all you want, but I've got a lot of interesting stories on all of you as well," Sakura reminded them with a sly smile.

All attention was diverted to changing her mind from revealing any of their personal and embarrassing experiences, but Sakura didn't get the chance because a messenger arrived calling for all the generals to present themselves at the harbor for the arrival of the Kou Empire delegation.

Winds delivering the fragrance of the seas and gentle samples cooling its visitors against the beating sun was the experience at the harbor. A large ship, neatly crafted and painted with green rimming, the Kou Empire's flag proudly above and its soldiers gathered below, silent and still with their hands clasped as their prince stepped off to be the first to greet Sindria's King and his generals. And of course with the generals came their students.

Coarse navy-blue hair, a right blue eye full of light and a left one dull and joined with scarring scattered across the left side of the face and with the mouth pulled into a thin line as well as the stature and the aura of severity created by all this; Sakura thought she was looking at a softer version of Hakuyuu, but she knew better, because there were fragments of Gyokuen in his face. This boy and his sister always seemed to lean more towards their mother's appearance.

'Hakuryuu,'

"You know him as well Sakura?" whispered Hinata and the pinkette nodded.

Knots were beginning to tie within her stomach and she wished she hadn't come down to the port. She clutched the rings around her neck.

Alibaba and his friends were also observing the young prince as he walked over to Sinbad, all with different thoughts. Aladdin thought about how similar he looked to his sister Hakuei. Alibaba was full of distorted feelings, and it was overwhelming. The Kou were the ones responsible for seizing his country and there was a burning in his arm and a voice that only saying one thing in his mind.

'Hate him,'

Badr and Esra seemed to sense the tension because they both glanced at Alibaba and asked if he was okay and he reassured them. Alibaba already knew that he had to endure this despite wanting to take revenge for what happened in Balbadd.

Hakuryuu clashed his hands, greeting Sinbad. "I am the Fourth prince of the Kou Empire, Hakuryuu Ren."

"I've heard of you from his majesty the emperor. I welcome you."

"Even without my step-father's commands, I wished to meet you."

"That's an honor. I will patiently hear what you have to say to me," Behind Hakuryuu's shoulder Sinbad saw another figure who had made their way down to them. "By the way, didn't I already meet the person behind you?"

Ja'far's calm smile dropped when he saw who was standing behind him, "P-Princess Kougyoku!"

"Was she also supposed to be coming here?" Ino asked softly.

"No, I don't remember hearing anything about that," Sakura said. "And something seems….off,"

"Eh, the princess who had an interest in King Sinbad that you were talking about right?" Pisti chided. "She chased him here."

"Isn't this kinda awkward?" Sharrkan asked, darting between Sakura and Kougyoku.

"What are you talking about?" A perfect pink eyebrow raised,

Sharrkan just

Kougyoku steeped up to Sinbad, smiling with her hands tucked under her long flouncy sleeves. "Thank you for last time. I was really happy to have met you again."

"I am as well," Sinbad replied.

Ja'far let out a breath of relief with how casual this encounter had ended up, "Thank god. Everything seems okay,"

"It's been a while! There wasn't even a single occasion to meet you while I was in the Empire. I'm really glad to have met you again,"

"There wasn't even a single occasion….to meet me huh?" Kougyoku's trembling was beginning to become obvious, her bottom lip curling in aggravation.

Before anyone could blink thrice, a piece of Sinbad's hair was scattered in the wind and the swiftness of a blade cutting the air was heard. Eyes were all that moved to see Kougyoku holding a sword.

"Damn you Sinbad!" the princess seethed through clenched teeth, "If you had apologized I was going to try to swallow my tears and deal with it for the sake of my country! But I can't let you get away with this!"

Drawing her metal vessel's weapon, Kougyoku pointed the much sharper and far more lethal sword in Sinbad's direction. "Duel me, Sinbad! You deserve nothing but death for disgracing a maiden's body with such barbarianism!"

All onlookers were either holding their tongues or gaping like fish out of water unable to breathe. Ino and Hinata both covered their mouths in disbelief, wondering if they had heard right and understood what the princess was implying.

"Oh this can't be good," Sakura said nervously.

"I knew it!" Ja'far exclaimed, glaring at Sinbad, "What did you do!?"

"N-nothing!" Sinbad felt the beads of sweat forming around his forehead.

Ja'far then turned his attention to Kougyoku, "What's the meaning of this princess!?"

Kougyoku hiccupped, dropping her sword. Every time she blinked the corner of her eyes continued to fill with more tears ready to pour.

Rushing forward, Sakura stood in front of Kougyoku putting her arms on her shoulders, "Whoa, whoa! Kougyoku what's the matter?"

The young princess broke down sobbing, hugging the pinkette as her only source of comfort. "S-Sakura! Bwaaaaa!"

Sakura allowed the other pinkette to cry on her, rubbing her back cautiously. "There, there….."

Biting her bottom lip, Ino leaned toward Hinata. "Well, this is quite the welcoming,"

"Uh-huh…."

Kakoubun then stepped into the open circle created, "Excuse me, it would be cruel to force the victim to say anymore. Please allow me to explain in her place,"

Sakura's sweatdropped at the term victim. Things must be severe.

"It was the last night of King Sinbad's visit to the Kou Empire. A lavish farewell banquet was held. The next morning, Princess Kougyoku awoke in bed to see…..

When Kakaoubun finished his statement, everyone just piecing the puzzle together to get a clearer picture were all sharing their expressions towards Sindria's King and the Kou princess. Most were too stunned to even conjure any words. Badr and Esra included.

Sakura grimaced, still trying to calm down Kougyoku who was attempting to swallow her cries. "Oh god…."

Sinbad choked, becoming pale. "W-W-Wait a minute I didn't-

"If you insist that there was nothing, please do explain how that happened!"

Sakura wondered how did this happen? Sinbad was certainly a bad drunk, but he was never 'that' bad and she knew from personal experience. He ironically preferred to be sober at least just enough to remember the next day and he knew what this would cost him should he even consider 'defiling' a princess from the Kou Empire. That was a call to war or worse….marriage. ON the other hand, she couldn't say that Sinbad has never lost himself to alcohol and done something to a woman….still she was solidly certain that he wouldn't have done something of this magnitude.

'So what did happen?'

Finally, Kougyoku was able to gather herself enough to send a disgusted glare at her so-called assailant. "You've disgraced the body of a princess of the Kou Empire. I'll duel you to defend my honor!" Drawing out a sword, tears continued to stream down the girl's face, "If you refuse, I'll kill you and then myself!"

"Okay, okay!" Sakura gently took the sword from Kougyoku's hold, "There's no need for that, I'm sure we can resolve this,"

"Right. Don't be so hasty princess!" Kakoubun said.

Meanwhile, Sinbad was trying hard to remember anything from that night, but he couldn't' recall a thing.

Ja'far then said, "The obscenities of the king of Sindria…" Sinbad froze as Ja'far took a step closer, "And the suicide of a princess all lead to war with the Kou Empire!"

Ino swallowed heavily, "Really a war?"

"Oh…." Esra covered her face, red with embarrassment.

Badr frowned, "That can't be what happened right?"

"Well…."

Sinbad did not know how he was going to escape this situation, especially in front of all these witnesses.

Sharrkan then intervened everyone's thoughts that were already drawing on disturbing images and theories. "Wait that night the king wasn't drunk at all!"

Spartos nodded, "Yeah,"

With his ray of hope visible in the mist, Sinbad sought to grab it, "That's right! I only had a few sips out of courtesy. After that, I went straight to my bedroom."

Sharrkan nodded, "Yes he did. We made sure he went there alone and he was asleep."

Sakura seemed in thought, "Well it does take quite a bit to get you drunk enough to forget anything."

"That's right. I didn't do anything with the princess." Sinbad said confidently.

Kougyoku sniffled, "Then why was I in your room?"

Sinbad paused, being as sincere as he could. "I'm sorry princess but I have no memories of that."

"Then why were you naked? Did you strip off your clothes while you were sleeping!?"

Sinbad shamelessly nodded, "I do that quite often,"

Sakura wearily muttered, "I can attest to that. But Kougyoku what happened on your end?"

The princess looked down at her hands, "That night during the banquet I hid in a corner of the room. But I couldn't muster the courage to speak to you. The banquet ended and after that, I was attacked by something, lost consciousness and woke to find myself in your room!"

"In other words!" Ka Koubun interjected, "Kind Sinbad did, in fact, become too drunk, grabbed the princess and-

"Okay no need to paint a vivid image, there are children here!" Sakura exclaimed "But if that's what happened there is a way that we can check,"

"Huh?!" Kakobun coughed, "What do you mean?"

"Ino," Sakura called to her friend and the Yamanaka stopped in her tracks.

"Sakura…..are you telling me to check his mind?"

Sakura nodded, looking at the distressed Kougyoku "That's right. Ino has the ability to enter into other people's minds. She can search Sinbad's memories of that night and see if anything did happen and if he's just pretending not to remember or rather even if he doesn't, she can still see what happened,"

Running up to Sakura, Ino protested. What was her friend thinking? "Sakura what if something did happen and I see it!"

"Then you're just going to have to tell us," Sakura then pointed to Sinbad, "Then once we find out, appropriate action can be taken,"

Ino didn't understand what the angle was here. If something did happen and she told them then that would likely lead to more problems for Sinbad so what could Sakura have been thinking….unless.

'Does she want me to lie?'

"Okay….."

Ka Koubun began to sweat, and then pointed out, "What if she decides to lie!? How do we even validate your response!? You could make anything up to protect the king!"

"Well, how else do we expect to find the truth?" Sakura added calm-disturbingly so. "Or would you rather skip that part and just say what it would take to remedy the situation?"

"Yes! Because it's obvious what happened!" Ka Koubun straightened himself, "King Sinbad, in order to take responsibility for your actions, you must marry the princess!"

"M-Marry!?" Sinbad's jaw dropped.

"Yes! If you are husband and wife then the princesses honor will remain intact!"

Ino swallowed, "I kinda see the point but….."

"Though you have children together, the two of you are unwed correct?" Ka Koubun pointed.

Sakura nodded, "That's true, and if he did commit such an act this would be the best course of action to make up for that."

Sinbad gasped, "S-Sakura!"

Hinata whispered to Ino, "She's actually agreeing,"

"Uh-huh…." Ino nodded unsurely.

"There's no other way," Ja'far said solemnly.

"It would eradicate any chance of war," said Spartos

Yamraiha whispered, "A political marriage with the Kou?"

"Yeah but….." Hinahoho trailed, everyone looking at Sakura who was still comforting Kougyoku.

'This is awkward,'

Sinbad looked back at his generals in disbelief, "Have faith in your king! Do you honestly believe I would get drunk and commit such a crime while on a diplomatic mission?"

With deadpan expressions, all of his generals affirmed their belief and reasoning in why their king would commit this act. His drunken habits were not the best but they didn't want to voice every case in exactly why this belief was so solid in their minds. Not in front of the king's children.

"Perhaps it's time for the prince and princess to go back," Drakon suggested.

The twins blinked, "Huh?"

"Hey, I told you I didn't do anything!" Sinbad cried out, "Sakura!"

When Sinbad turned to Sakura for help, she just said. She forced down her smile. "You do realize I am your worst point of reference for this topic right? Besides as of now your current choices are between marriage and war."

"Lose-lose either way," Badr muttered softly.

"How can you agree to terms like these?" Sinbad was nearly in complete disarray by now.

"Well, if you made the bed…." Sakura pointed, "And seemingly already laid in it,"

Hinata's sweatdropped, "The ex-lover telling her former to get married to a woman whom he has been accused of…." She couldn't even finish the sentence.

Ino nodded "Never thought I'd see a situation like this,"

His generals stepped forward with serious expressions, Ja'far spoke then, "King Sinbad, your decision."

Sinbad was in complete disarray and realizing that no one was going to come to his defense, including the woman whom he believed would know him better, he shouted. "I can't take this anymore! Yamraiha use your powers to prove my innocence!"

Yamraiha was worried, "Are you sure my king? I can only show you exactly what happened."

"That's fine!"

"Then please gather around. Princess you too,"

Kougyoku looked at Sakura and the pinkette nodded back, standing up and guiding her to the magician. Yamraiha held up one hand, water gathering around it. "I'll show you what really happened." The water that Yamraiha had then shot out into splashes of puddles on the ground that began to shift and form shape, one looked like Sinbad, the other like Kougyoku. The name of the spell was Sharrar Raqesa.

"What is that?" asked Hinata

"We'll have their rukh show us what really happened," said Yamraiha. More water shifted, to show the palace outline. Sinbad's water form moved to a bed. "This magic shows only the truth!"

Sinbad's form was shown to be sleeping as he had claimed, everyone then looked at the princesses' water figure who was walking. Then she stopped and seemed to slump and turned horizontally.

"She's floating!" exclaimed Aladdin.

"Oh this is kinda like watching a video," said Hinata to Ino.

"Yeah, the kind you wear a mask and glasses to rent and draw up your blinds for when you get home,"

"Someone is carrying her," Yamraiha said. Everyone watched eagerly as the princess was moved all the way to Sinbad's room and placed next to him.

"So Sinbad didn't do anything after all," Badr observed.

"Yeah, they're just sleeping," said Aladdin.

It was only really at that moment that everyone remembered there were still children around.

"He might've had someone carry her for him!" exclaimed Sharrkan.

"Ino, Hinata." Sakura gestured to the twins and the women quickly put their hands over the sibling's eyes to shield them from whatever happened next. Ja'far did the same for Aladdin and Masrur did so for Morgiana. While everyone else was leaning in, justifying that they had a duty to act as witnesses.

Some such as Spartos was disoriented about having to take such action. Then those like Hinata and Pisti were watching with red faces but, only one with a smile and the other with wracked nerves and those like Ino, Hinahoho, and Drakon were a bit too eager to find out what happened.

Kougyoku tightened her grip on Sakura, worried about what might be witnessed.

"I'm going to speed it up,"

Everyone watched closer but in a few seconds the darkness around the magic vanished and it became morning within it.

"They only slept," said Sakura.

"So nothing happened," Badr said, as the hands around his eyes were removed.

"That's kinda a disappointing climax; it's like when you get fooled by the cover-ow!" Ino yelped when Hinata pressed her fingers together, pulling on the skin around her hips.

There was a simultaneous breath of relief. Sinbad turned back to glare at his comrades, "I told you so! I didn't do anything! Do you have any idea how betrayed I felt!?"

Everyone just seemed to turn away apologetically. Kougyoku's eyes filled with tears again, her heart racing in embarrassment as she realized the magnitude of her accusations to what had proven to be false. What's more, it was all against the man she had begun falling for.

"Princess!" Sinbad called, "As you can see nothing happened. Both your honor and your body are uninjured."

"Y-yes…"

Hinata then spoke up, "But who was the one that brought the princess to King Sinbad?"

"Yeah," Ino nodded, putting her hands on her hips. "This just verifies that there was some kind of set up, for an arranged marriage."

"Yeah you're right," Sharrkan said

Ka Koubun was one of the few that didn't seem satisfied and immediately leaped in. "You mustn't be fooled, princess! Such suspicious magic does not serve as proof! Be a man and acknowledge your sins, King Sinbad!"

Sakura narrowed her eyes, 'Rather persistent….'

"Stop it Ka Koubun," Kougyoku interjected, still teary-eyed, "I thought it was kind of strange, honestly. Neither my hair nor my clothes were in any kind of disarray. But I couldn't understand. I was scared and caused a lot of trouble…"

Kougyoku started crying again, but she swallowed and turned back around bowing her head in shame and apology. "I'm sorry King Sinbad!"

Some of the princess's guards were becoming teary-eyed themselves, watching Kougyoku reduce herself to such a state. It was heartbreaking.

"I'm very sorry Sakura!" Kougyoku said, almost falling to her knees at that time. Sakura just hugged her again.

"It's okay. That wasn't as far-fetched an accusation….." Sakura stroked the girl's head.

"This situation is just so weird," Esra rubbed the back of her head. "So who did put the princess in bed with Sinbad?"

No one from Sindria knew the answer.

"You mustn't be taken in by them princess!" Ka Koubun insisted, "You must have King Sinbad take responsibility and marry you!"

Sakura narrowed her eyes again at the man who was Kougyoku's attendant, "If I may…..Where were you on the night all this happened to the princess?"

Ka Koubun took a step back, "Huh? What are you implying!?"

"I'm not implying anything, it's a simple question. You are one of her attendants after all, and someone should've been aware of the princess's presence or absence. Such as if she wasn't in her room. Sinbad's generals ensured that he had gone to bed alone,"

"W-What kind of-

Ka Koubun was cut off as two of Kougyoku's other attendants, who had become too sympathetic for their princess bowed, "We are so sorry."

"The whole thing was orchestrated by Ka Koubun!"

"And we assisted him,"

The man in question glared at them, "You idiots!"

Kougyoku's tears instantly dried and she looked at her beloved advisor, with confusion. Ja'far just pointed at him, calling for the guards. "Capture the traitor who tried to deceive king Sinbad!"

Sindria soldiers acted upon the orders and surged forward to Ka Koubun who had drawn his sword. "I will not be captured here!"

But before anyone from Sindria could take any action, Hakuryuu who had been silently observing through all of the dramatics, knocked the sword from Ka Koubun's hands. "Stop this farce. King Sinbad, this issue was the fault of my country's misconduct." Kneeling, with his hands pressed together and arms angled straight, Hakuryuu apologized, "Clairvoyance magic also exists in my country. I believe that water magic showed the truth. Am I wrong Ka Koubun?"

The man seemed hesitant but in defeat admitted, "No,"

"As the representative of the Kou Empire, I offer my sincerest apologies for the misconduct of my fellow travelers. As the purpose of this trip is unrelated to this incident, I beg of you to permit us to stay,"

Sinbad answered easily, "Of course permitted,"

"Thank you very much,"

Things ended easily after that, Ka Koubun was spared from the wrath of Sindria after he broke down kneeling on the floor and apologizing to the princess in the final scene. Ino was barely able to contain herself the rest of the day, saying it was one of the most entertaining things she had ever witnessed.

"This wasn't completely unexpected," Sakura snickered around the table with her kunoichi friends. "Sinbad's had tendencies."

"But Sakura, you really made him worry," Hinata said trying to hold in her giggles. "You only assisted in the last moments," She truly did feel sorry for King Sinbad, but at the same time, this was the type of memory you could recollect and just laugh. Sakura even admitted to them that she was certain of Sinbad's innocence but merely chose not to defend that belief.

"I'm serious! He's always done things like this and back when we were traveling, I'd often get caught up in it all!" Sakura stopped, took another bite of the meat on her plate, swallowed and then continued. "I can't even count how many times I've had to get him out of situations like that! His bad habits include, alcoholism and being a philanderer,"

Ino laughed mischievously, "A man who embodies the qualities you detest and yet you fell in love with him and had his children,"

Sakura shook her head, beaming with humor. "I did…."

More thoughtful, Hinata glanced out towards the window without curtains, starring out at the island bathed in the warmth of the sunset. Even the man who ruled over this land had his flaws and they were not small ones. But like many of her friends Hinata, always wondered about the kind of man who had managed to capture the attention of Sakura's heart which was always trailing after one. And somehow she had assumed that they would mirror each other; the only difference being that one was more attainable.

It was odd. How Sakura shared the same love for two men so different from each other.

"Oh, that young prince….is he?" Ino trailed,

"Yes," Sakura confirmed, "He is Gyokuen's youngest child."

"Do you think he would know something?"

Sakura didn't answer because she didn't know. There was a burn scar right across Hakuryuu's face, the assumption of the cause was almost too clear but still unconfirmed. She wanted to talk to him about this but she didn't know if it was too reckless to assume he would know anything or if he did that he would tell her anything.

Barely a moment passed when Sinbad knocked and entered the room with a casual stance. He came with a purpose and one look at Sakura told them what it was.

"Can I have a word?"

Torches were already being lit throughout the castle when the pair walked along the hallways together. Sakura simply followed alongside the king, without truly wondering why he wanted to speak with her. There were only a handful of topics that were of any interest to them presently and she wasn't particularly eager to converse on them, but this wasn't a matter of what she felt. It was a priority that towered above all else.

Sinbad however, decided to start with what they would probably forget in the near future, "You really enjoyed what happened a little too much, don't you think?"

"Eh?"

"That escapade with the Kou princess." Sinbad crossed his arms, waiting for Sakura's response.

"Well," she cleared her throat, attempting to keep her lips from curving up. "Of course I didn't enjoy it, that would be inappropriate considering the nature of that misconduct,"

"Then why were you snickering all the way back to the palace with your friends?" Sinbad asked rather snarky.

She responded too quickly to be the truth, "Inside joke,"

However mention of hours ago, just brought back the images of Sinbad's hopeless expression and his general's accusations that she couldn't stop her laughter, "Okay, I admit that was very entertaining to watch,"

Sinbad pouted, "With the way, you were so freely throwing your agreement for those suggestions of redemption, it's clear you had less faith in me than my generals! And you know me better!"

'Do I?' she wondered.

"Oh please," Sakura clicked her tongue, "If I believed you did what you were accused of; Kougyoku wouldn't have gotten the chance to duel you because you'd already be dead,"

"Oh well, that makes it better,"

Sakura gently tapped his arm, "Glad I could help,"

Sinbad had to smile but it quickly fell as they went onto a more severe topic.

"I had an interesting conversation with prince Hakuryuu," Sinbad kept starring ahead and Sakura did the same, knowing he would continue. "It was nothing in particular at first. He truly seemed interested in this country and studying here. I thought for a moment that he was nothing more than an ambassador for our friendly relations with the Kou,"

Sakura finally glanced his way, she didn't' enjoy the way Sinbad so carefully trotting around her with words. He knew her better.

"Just tell me straight what's going on," She hissed. The amusement in his eyes then told her that she had given the reaction he wanted. Perhaps this was a small sense of payback for what happened earlier today.

Taking her by the arm, Sinbad leads the pinkette to an empty balcony. Overlooking the island, and they just watched it all go by.

"How did you feel? Seeing the young prince after all this time?"

"What?" She frowned.

"He's the brother of the former first prince Hakuyuu. Someone you had been close with and his mother is a part of the organization that took you from your homeworld. So I would like to know where exactly your feelings stand on the matter with Al-Thaman and the Kou Empire, considering your relationship with the monarchy,"

Sakura tasted nothing but led inside her mouth, and she didn't know why she should. "What is this really about?"

"You have to answer me first,"

"I don't know," Sakura turned to the distance before her, "Nostalgia, I suppose. But he seems so different from that little boy I used to play within the gardens; so carefree and always smiling. But time doesn't wait,"

"It doesn't," Sinbad agreed, "And it seems that time has taken a lot from this young man," Sakura turned fully to Sinbad, letting him know she was giving all her attention.

"He wants to destroy the Kou Empire,"

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Hakuryuu shifted in his seat at the domed shaped window, overlooking one of the palace gardens stretching far out to the other side of the building. He gazed without seeing much though, his thoughts overclouding his vision of reality and ruining his sense, replacing the sweet Sindria air with that of black smoke and blood, the taste on his tongue bitter and the secure warmth that remained even at night was missed.

King Sinbad had given him an extensive tour of the palace, bearing no visible ill-will for what happened when they arrived. While he was showing him the royal facilities for foreign guests; the different towers for separate purposes, Hakuryuu had never strayed from his goal and when the opportunity presented itself he took it.

He had confronted Sinbad on his true feelings of the Kou Empire after speaking about wanting to keep a mutual friendship with the empire even though it was a lie and he knew the reasons. He believed Sinbad saw the Kou as a country of aggression, going against the foundation of the Seven Seas alliance not to invade or be invaded. And that's why he believed he could get Sinbad on his side to go against the Kou.

"Will you help me, to fight the Kou Empire?"

Sinbad folded his arms, his expression instantly falling to severe, "And if I refuse? To easily reveal such an outrageous scheme to the king of another country….I cannot help but say that you are naïve. What will you do if I present what we just discussed to the Empire?

"I don't think you will do that…but I am already prepared for that. I'm prepared to risk my life to obtain your trust. For that, I must openly reveal everything to you,"

That might have been the end of the discussion, but Hakuryuu decided to go further. "I know that the organization has been targeting your children and Sakura Haruno,"

That didn't take the conversation as far as he had hoped, but he had spoken the truth. He wanted to have an audience with Sakura as well with regards to this situation but Sinbad told him while he was at liberty to converse with whomever he chose; he wasn't going to get an answer from Sinbad until he observed and learned more about the outside world.

He wanted to object but there was nothing he could do to further sway him. However reluctant, he would abide, if that meant achieving his goal.

"That sure is a scary face,"

Hakuryuu nearly fell out of the chair when he heard the sudden voice behind him and he slipped further when he caught the source of the voice. Sakura, leaning her back against the door as if she had slipped through it without turning the knob.

"Sakura-ne-!" He caught himself, standing up, straightening his posture and bowing his head, "Forgive me, Lady Sakura,"

He heard footsteps nearing and instead of returning the greeting, he felt a weight on his head, again and again.

"What's with that greeting?" She pouted, "It's just me so you can call me like you always have or if you've outgrown Sakura nee-san you can just call me Sakura,"

Hakuryuu turned a little red, stumbling, "I-I couldn't possibly! That would be disrespectful and I'm-

She flicked his forehead, "You're Hakuryuu and I'm…?"

She was leaned forward, her head slanted to the side, hands on her hips. For a moment, he saw her as she was before, that seventeen-year-old girl in her worn-out clothing, and choppy short hair.

"Sakura,"

She seemed satisfied as she backed away, "Geez, that's not so hard. You don't have to look like that,"

"My apologies," he bowed his head again and heard her sigh.

"You sure you're that same little boy who used to follow me around the palace and beg me to play and tell him stories,"

Again his face turned red, but he contained himself. "That was a long time ago after all,"

"Mmm," She agreed, "It really was,"

Hakuryuu allowed the silence to settle for what he considered to be decent before asking, "What brings you here?"

"I wanted to have a word with you," While she didn't immediately describe the topic she wanted to discuss, he already knew it was severe and could also guess.

"Please," Hakuryuu lead them to the chairs by the window, setting them to face each other and waited for Sakura to take hers before he took his.

He was grateful that she didn't waste time, "Hakuryuu. Do you….know about Al-Thamen?"

"Yes," He didn't hesitate, "And I know that they've been targeting you and your children,"

"How do you know this?" She held herself straight, determined not to look like a wilting flower that needed delicate tending to revive. She wanted answers, but for whatever reason, those in this world still harbored feelings towards her and treated her with care.

"Because my brother's Hakuyuu and Hakuren knew," He saw her fingers twitch, "The organization has been targeting you for years, but I don't know the reason,"

"Hakuren and Hakuyuu…." It was only when she reached her hand up to her chest, did her see the rings around her neck, one being Hakuyuu's. It was supposed to be worn by the first prince of Kou, it was their father's before it was Hakuyuu's. And it was thought that the ring was lost in the fire.

"That ring…." Sakura's hand froze.

"Your brother gave it to me when we…" She swallowed thickly but it was like she had sand in her mouth. "On the last night, I saw him,"

Hakuryuu narrowed his eyes, "So you've already heard about what happened?"

She nodded however hesitant to answer, "I'm so sorry Hakuryuu. I doubt you want to hear this from me, but I am. I cared about them,"

"I know, they cared a lot about you as well. My brother was in love with you and wanted to marry you... He put off taking a wife until he was named emperor."

Sakura did her best not to wince. She and Hakuryuu may not have seen eye-to-eye but she did admire him and believed he would've been a great leader, she didn't want to mention any 'would've' to Hakuryuu. It was a little too late for her to even be giving her condolences.

"Sakura," Hakuryuu began again, disallowing her to collect her thoughts, "Do you know what really happened?"

She instinctively shook her head, despite hearing that no one actually knew the cause but after what Sinbad said the boy aimed to do, she didn't know.

Hakuryuu took her hand, as his first intimate action towards her since their reunion. "The fire….it was an attempted murder on my father, Hakuren, Hakuyuu and myself. It was meant to look like we had burned to death, but when the fire started we were all attacked. They were members of the organization. And all of this….all of this," Hakuryuu squeezed her hand tight, as though he was clutching onto his sanity that the mere memory was slowly cutting through.

"Hakuryuu," Sakura covered his hand with her other, and he seemed to come back loosening his grip, but she made sure to hold onto him.

"I'm sorry," He exhaled, a cold sweat on his brow. He looked up at her and she was stunned by the hatred in his eyes that struck like a hot iron, "All of this was planned by Gyokuen Ren. The witch of Al-Thamen; my mother,"

Sakura returned to her room in a dreamlike state, she wasn't even aware of when she arrived but it seemed like she was there in an instant. She curled up by the window but didn't admire the view. She didn't want to. Nor did she want the comforts of a bed. She wanted to feel her backache from sitting upright through till morning, she wanted her joints to creak to remind her that she wasn't numb and that this was just all in her head.

She could still see Hakuryuu's cold eyes; they were void of light and with his left side scared, the one eye was particularly dull and suiting to the expression, but even so, she didn't want to see it. There was seldom a time she had seen eyes like that, and it's for that reason she couldn't forget it. Someone who truly hated and someone who truly loved. The eyes of an avenger.

"Hakuryuu," Sakura hesitated for a great period, but she knew she had to say the words now or she would regret not finding the answer, "G-Gyokuen was the one…..?"

"She was," Hakuryuu hissed, "She murdered my father and brother's and she wanted to kill me as well. And my brother, in his last moments he told me to live and finish what he and Hakuren could not and strike down our enemy…my mother. And he told me to warn you that they were after you. He then took his blade to stab himself and drenched my body in his blood so that I could escape through the flames, and that was the last,"

She felt like stones were knocking around inside her stomach, "Sakura even in his last moments, my brother had you in his thoughts. He and Hakuren knew of the organization's pursuit of you and they wanted to guard you against it. One day, I'm going to avenge my brother's and father and when that day comes, I hope that you will join me. I know the stories of your strength and you might be one of the few I can rely on.

And I hoped to persuade Sinbad to help me as well, but he has requested me first. I intend to follow through with it if it will earn his trust,"

Sakura frowned, "Request?"

Hakuryuu was instructed to stay close to Alibaba and try to learn from him. Though he didn't understand the purpose but Sakura thought she had seen it. Both Hakuryuu and Alibaba had grudges to share against the Kou who has taken from them. But she was worried about the two being in such proximity to each other when they didn't know each other's pains.

She wanted to know what Sinbad's intentions were but she did not have the strength at this moment to move and would wait for the next day.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and had a few laughs on the way through. Don't forget to review!