Chapter 11: Brewing (or would be 10 part 1)

Thirteen.

It was not the last time I would see this purple haired man. I'd be naive to think so, and although hopeful, this did not make me stupid. He hovers before me again. This time, Judal is not with me. Ever since my injury last year, that old hag has been keeping the boy busy. Even worse, puppets have been on my tail ever since. Even now, there are two by my side, following, watching.

It was just my luck to run into Sinbad, because this meant I'd have to be careful around all three of them. Sinbad recognize me as well, and was well aware of the high ranking puppets by me. It didn't take him long to realize I was someone of importance to Al-Thamen. With that in mind, he sent his men after us. Sure enough, his to-be generals shot out of their trading ships easily, keeping us a safe distance from the ships, but close enough to land for them to land. The puppets and I were airborne, but their attacks did not allow for escape.

Soon enough, the two puppets were kept busy by the others and it was left to Sinbad and I. This time, it was different. I may not have Judal, but the amount of guidance from the higher powers of Al-Thamen did not go to waste either.

"Well," he begins, hands already on his weapon, djinn already equipped, "You're not killing any of your guys this time." This man didn't know just how much his words could have damned me. The puppets were far off, but I could feel the puppets' lurking presence, keeping their eyes and maybe ears on me. It didn't feel good to be watched, especially for someone like me, it made my skin crawl, but this was crucial. At this point for all I know, they were already sending ruhk back to Gyokuen. I had to stop them beforehand, else I'd be finished.

Always, there is a part of me who does not want to ever fight this man. Yet the situation called for it. As much as I wanted to tell him I was Aru, blowing my cover to those puppets was the last thing I'll consider. My only option now was to either surrender to Sinbad and return to the organization alive, or kill those puppets and return alone. Both of which will arouse suspicion from the old queen. What a headache. While my annoyances came up with each path I considered, Sinbad began his attack by getting closer. The distance closed between us quickly.

Not good.

As well versed as I was in close combat, I couldn't come close to someone who's trained with experts. I was a long distance magician for Solomon's sake. Out of reflex, I hover backwards, zooming towards one of the puppets. I focused on casting a sealing spell for the ruhk as Sinbad chased close behind.

The spell was finished, but I was sure I was about to be as well. With the purple haired djinn user closer than ever, I could almost feel the electricity from his weapon as he swung it at me. A sharp dodge to the right leaves room for him to advance. I back again, this time casting a combination of spells to push him back. I didn't have much time to finish what I started with the puppets.

With my original problem in mind, I quickly send the puppets to their demise. The job is done, but Sinbad was not. After witnessing my actions, he seemed more convinced that I was somewhat telling the truth last time, but didn't fully accept that we shared a common enemy. Of course, however, every good general knew that 'the enemy of my enemy was my friend.' We may meet on the battlefield, yet one thing we shared in common was what we both strove to resist.

"Who exactly are you?" He began.

Several weeks ago, Al-Thamen began its slow, but sure mark on Magnostadt. And so, it was what I did resort to when Gyokuen decided to station me in Magnostadt. It was disturbing how early she had planned everything, actually. So as I attended Magnostadt, so did Shina. And through her, I requested to Ashen about what needed to be done. Ashen was now the figurehead of Night Co.. He relays my messages to my father and mother. Through Ashen, I find that my baby brother is almost born. For such a special moment, I hoped to be there, but alas, Gyokuen gives me a headache.

If not for my status in Magnostadt, my parents would have long been informed of my disappearance the past year. In my short amounts of time alone, I've sent them messages, but I dared not risk anymore. It was easier for me to contact my Fanalis friends without the use of ruhk. There was just a lot more attention I did not want direct to people I cared about because of the amount of eyes on me.

Part of me hoped someone could kidnap me so I could teleport home, yet my position in the organization gave me too many benefits for me to quit. Besides, it was too risky.

In Magnostadt, the discrimination on Gois, or non-magic humans, is astounding. However, this makes it easy target for vessels of dark djinns. To my knowledge, this place has directly or indirectly caused two vessels to take shape, Dunya and Mogamett, along with a lot of hatred from both magicians and non-magicians.

I — as Aru Sonjuu Bahemos — wasn't off the radar either. Unfortunately, Al-Thamen has all information on anyone that poses a threat because they are strong enough to, and I've made that category when they crept into the country of magicians. Excelling in several Zemi classes and graduating so quickly to become a professor was more than enough for them to be wary, especially when I seem to have no affiliation with any nation. My unstable position as visiting professor did not justify that I was loyal to Magnostadt, and they were right to assume so. On top of that, my dyssapearrance in the past two years do not help. It wouldn't be long until they find my connections to Night Co. and its trade to my family and the Sindria Trading Co..

It seems I was too careless, and in a matter of weeks since receiving this bit of information, I'd announced to all my colleagues at Magnostadt that I was going to Reim to further my studies. Reim was a location Gyokuen did not dare touch, yet. It was safer for me and anyone affiliated with me to rely on Scheherazade's protection for now.

I explained to my family the best I could about what was happening in Magnostadt, reassuring them that I was only abroad for a period of time. Mother agreed, but still worried for her alma mater and me. The harder part was telling them to be careful. they'd asked 'why,' and Mother seems to have noticed that there was more I wasn't telling her. In the end, I resigned to telling them that I, and maybe them too, are in danger. The best I can offer them is to stay in Reim or stay close to Sindria with Sinbad's crew. It was the only places I could imagine Al-Thamen would not target for now. With that, my family trusted in my words completely and promptly packed for their move. I revealed to them my key and quickly transferred them to the capital of Reim. They had little time to be shocked at that with a powerful organization looming over our heads.

My parents decided to make base at one of our branches here, renting a nearby place once Father made sure his workers would not say a word about his presence. Business would go on from here, and they would lie low for now.

I hated doing this to them, especially with a new family member on the way. I wanted this to end quickly; I refuse to let Al-Thamen be able to threaten me or the people near me like this.

As an extra precaution, I decided to contact Ashen and asked his family to relocate to Reim as well. It was safe enough, not too far from the where they currently reside. I could move anything they needed by buying a large piece of land in Reim. I had the budget for it, and Reim was safe enough for Fanalis. Even if it weren't, I could ask my father for help. I brought them back to my family, and after the introductions, Father suggested forging some documents to protect Ashen and his wife Shuuer. The two agreed promptly, requesting the same for Shina. She's currently attending the academy at Magnostadt, but I worry less about her. She has little connection to me that the outside wold knows of. She can also contact me anytime in case anything suspicious or urgent happened. The girl, were anything else to happen, would be safe, though. I could trust that.

As for Aru's absence, it'd be more suspicious if I were to disappear and more puppets kept disappearing. To set up a decoy, I's requested Ashen to spread rumors of my journey in the Dark Continent.

"I don't think I can show myself in front of the maids anymore." I tell the teenager in front of my. He was dressed like a general would, his red hair adding to the imposing aura he exuded naturally. The two pieces of metal holding his djinns on his body made him look closer and closer to the Kouen I knew. He's almost an adult, it's almost surreal to think back on seeing how Kouen's grown. All he's missing now is a goatee.

"What did you do this time?" He doesn't seem to take my words seriously. I look over to Judal for help. He decided to join me after seeing me sneak out of the bushes like I always do. I had told him not to stick to me, but I did feel happier that he did. Spending time wrecking havoc with this little boy was a source of happiness for me. I'd improved so much during my time with him. Now, it's dangerous to even be close to him as myself and not Arusa. If we were seen together, it would merely give the organization more reason to get rid of me.

Judal decided to pitch in, "She got mixed up with that old hag."

I could see Kouen's face scrunch slightly in disapproval, worry showed in his eyes along with anger. He looked at me and his tone demanded rather than asked, "What do you mean?"

"Oh, it's nothing major," Judal answered with a shrug, "She only took out about hundreds of that old hag's puppets."

"What?" Kouen stands up sounding shocked to his core. I flinched a little at the aggressiveness in his voice, "Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?" His hands are holding the edges of the table like he's trying hard not to hit us.

I tried to justify myself, slightly surprised and backing from his outburst, "I had help from Judal. It's not so bad when we know what to do."

"If it's not so bad, how did you get so "mixed up" in this first place?"

"Well, it was just me being in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people."

"So it was dangerous."

"I-" didn't have much to argue with…

"You shouldn't do that anymore." Kouen turned away from me with a warning.

"Hm? Why not? It's worked for Judal and me before. We can keep going."

Kouen clicks his tongue before adding, "Well you shouldn't have to fight alone. At least let someone help you."

I cock my head at his comment, "How do you mean? Judal is plenty of help already."

He sighs, as if he's given up. I know he means well, but I didn't want to involve that many people in dangerous tasks, especially when it puts their lives at risk. To the organization, anyone who gets in their way is another body count they have to throw aside. No amount of deception could mask that fact. My role fits said extra body count perfectly, and as much as I'd hate to admit it, they are becoming more alert ever since their decrease in numbers. Such a fast decline clearly meant there was a spy amidst, and no one was safe.

A fire broke out in the imperial palace of Kou — one so severe that it may even take many people of importance with it. Many of the servant rushed to put the flame out to the best of their abilities, yet it was no use. It seemed as if the sea of red could only grow further, expanding outwards in every direction.

Fortunately, the empress was not present, as she had left the palace conveniently to visit some officials. How timely indeed. I knew what this fire was, and I knew what it cost as it happens.

I came to my resolve several years ago, it was one of my options to halt Gyokuen's iron grip on the empire. The people that died in this fire left a cascade of unfortunate events to happen and forced roles to be fulfilled. If I were to change anything, now would be the time to do something.

I walked through the heated palace at ease, comfortably searching with the aid of magic. It was not hard to find the two I was looking for. I could feel a smile come to existence. I'd been looking forward to meet these two men that Hakuryuu looked up to so much.

As the two men were coughing and limping out of a building on fire, I looked up to them as they noticed me. Their first reaction to a little girl in between flames was panic and worry, which then turned to surprise as I extended my preservation spells to them. The men looked at each other, both appearing to be in their twenties, and then back at me. They both caught their breaths and said in between, "Thanks for saving us." and "Who are you?"

My smile grows as I show them my face, "Prince Hakuyuu and Prince Hakuren, it's an honor to meet you."