CHAPTER 44
"Huh? You want to have a djinn equip battle with me?"
"Yes." Sakura and Serendine affirmed, standing in front of the young male with similar expressions on their faces. Determination mixed with restlessness.
Sinbad was fairly lost on the nature of the situation; firstly he had noted that Sakura and Serendine were ducking out on work in the day. Serendine was understandable for a time, but then Sakura also started disappearing more often until the previous day, when she hadn't been seen the entire day. Now she was standing with Serendine and Judar in the office while he was in the middle of work, demanding a djinn metal vessel battle. Something which he wasn't entirely certain of agreeing to.
"What's the reason for this exactly?" Sinbad asked. "I mean, there's no real point, right? We'd just be wasting our magoi."
Judar quickly interjected, his tone of arrogance and confidence irking Sinbad. "You're just afraid of losing, aren't you?"
Sinbad pinched Judar's cheeks hard, pulling his face. "That's not what I said!" He then diverted his attention to Sakura. "And Sakura, why are you suddenly bringing something like this up?"
"I'm just interested in seeing how I'd fair against you in battle." Sakura replied, "And I'll only be using one djinn that I recently mastered."
"Is that why you've been ghosting around the company lately?"
Sakura didn't respond; she hadn't thought Sinbad would notice since the company was so busy lately. However it seems that he finally caught on to her disappearing act; it had probably happened round about the time she had made her presence nearly non-existent in the day, but because she had gotten her work done in the night she didn't think it would be a problem. The expression on Sinbad's face said otherwise.
"Come on Sinbad," Judar coaxed. "Don't you want to test your abilities? You wouldn't do something as lame as running from a match right?"
Sinbad's expression was completely severe; it didn't matter how many times Sakura had seen him look that way, she didn't ever feel like getting accustomed to it. Thankfully, it was usually fleeting.
"Fine." Sinbad sighed, not defeated by exasperated in a way. "I'll agree to have a battle with the two of you. I'm not particularly interested in fighting, but I am in seeing your djinn's abilities."
Sakura smiled, "That's fine with me, how about you, Serendine?"
The princess smiled back at Sakura, nodded.
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Word spread fast in the company about Sinbad, Sakura and Serendine's triple djinn equip battle that would be taking place and it had called for an audience. Ja'far, Hinahoho, Mystras, Drakon, Sahel, Tamir, and Judar were eagerly waiting for the battle to commence. Right in front of the company building.
The three drew their djinns simultaneously as you would draw weapons in a duel, and they spoke their chants to call on their djinn's power.
"Spirit of souls and puppetry."
"Spirit of falsehood and prestige"
"Spirit of inclination and consonance"
"Dwell in my body."
Everyone felt their breath catch in their throats in the instant as the three spoke their djinn's names.
"Zepar!"
"Valefor!"
"Gaap!"
Each became wrapped in the metal vessels' pure power, before it started shifting and shaping them, dressing Sinbad, Sakura, and Serendine in their djinn equips. Sinbad was the first to take to the sky in his djinn equip, and Serendine followed after. Those who were curious to see Zepar's djinn equip were somewhat disappointed and rather amused by the stocky appearance of the djinn equip that actually mirrored Zepar very closely. Unfortunately, they also tended to believe their eyes when comparing the strength between the two, even going as far as to believe the match was decided (such as Hinahoho and Mystras).
Gaap's djinn equip, lengthened and thickened Sakura's hair, changing its color to a mix of pink tinged with silver. A golden crown on her head, the center of her forehead adorned with a blue gem that seemed to hold the sea, her armor scantily clad her body, with silver scales on her torso that traveled across her chest to her waist, her legs were also wrapped in this armor with a skirt that slit all the way to her waist. A weapon that looked like a trident made of coral held steady in her hand.
"Definitely haven't seen this one before," Sinbad called from above, Sakura. He held up his hands. "Of course, it doesn't matter what form you take."
"Cocky as ever," Sakura observed, holding out her spear, looking back between Sinbad and Serendine.
Sinbad chose to take initiative and made the first attack, forming dozens and dozens of ice shards pointing sharply and directly at Serendine and Sakura in their individual placements in the sky.
"Garufo Zairu."
Serendine drew in a breath, and Sakura could already predict what was to come when her mouth opened. This move that she had stumbled over before was now being performed perfectly. A sound wave emitted in visible ripples around the princess, and turned the shards of ice into soft and easily breakable fragments.
Sakura's grip tightened her spear, she drew it back over her shoulder, water started to gather from nearby streams and sources that ran through Balbadd, all collecting at the tip of her blade. She swung down hard and watched as the ice clashed with it. Her influence over the attribute had exceeded normal boundaries of control, allowing Sakura to heat the water enough to melt the magoi-infused ice.
"Well…" Sinbad trailed, impressed that both girls managed to evade his attacks with their own.
Once again, Sakura raised her blade, gathering water until it was a shadow looming over like a pond in the sky. Then it started to move, taking shape to the wielder's desires before it shot out in the form of arrows, reaching straight for Serendine and Sinbad.
Sinbad kept his eyes on the attack even as he moved back to evade. He held out his hands as the arrows neared, and the air turned to frost around him as he froze the arrows, watching them shatter into tiny fragments. Serendine had repeated the same attack she used on Sinbad's ice; the water, after being hit with the vibrations of sound mixed with magoi, lost its shape and fell to the ground in puddles, dosing some of the onlookers.
"Okay, I'm getting nervous now." Mystras said wiping away a handful of water from his face. "They should've had this battle in a more secluded area."
"I agree." Ja'far hissed, his eyes fixated on the battle. He looked from Sinbad, to Serendine to Sakura-
"Wait." Ja'far looked around in the sky, frowning when he realized that there was one figure missing and he wasn't the only one to notice.
"Um, where is Sakura?" asked Mystras.
Hinahoho held his hand above his forehead to block out the sun and joined in the search. "I don't see her."
Judar smirked, "Ah, I get it."
Sinbad and Serendine were looking around them, wondering what had suddenly become of the girl. Neither had gone to attack each other for they felt more concerned about their missing opponent. Serendine was suddenly sent through the air, by a harsh force that had managed to cut her down to one arm.
"What?!" Sinbad was distracted by Serendine until he felt hot pain as his back poured warm blood and his flesh was sliced through like butter.
With a cry of pain and alarm, Sinbad quickly moved trying to get away. When eh turned around, that's when he saw his own blood dripping mid air, off something that made the tip of a blade with nothing to see.
That's when Sakura appeared, water falling from her body lie the cover of a silk mirror.
"Did you turn yourself invisible?"
"Convert water into steam and refract the light; it's really simple." Sakura said, putting a hand on her hip.
Sinbad smirked, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were taking this battle too seriously."
"I'd say you're not taking it seriously enough." Sakura pointed past Sinbad's form. He turned halfway, to see a blur that was Serendine flying towards him. Sakura had already flown higher as she knew exactly what Serendine was about to do and that it would be best to keep her distance.
"Hmp, what is she going to do with that small body?"
Serendine had answered Sinbad's question without having to say a word, she flew straight passed him, but he felt as though he had endured the slashing of another blade that sliced three of his fingers from his right hand.
Sakura quickly drew her blade and gathered water, she held out her spear with both hands and spun it around vigorously, the water also started spinning, resembling the shape of a tornado that directed towards Serendine when she came towards Sakura. This slowed down her movements, giving Sakura the chance to evade her attack.
"Idiot!" Sakura yelled down to Sinbad, his hand dripping blood, in good compliment to the wound on his back. "Zepar controls sound, which vibrates in the air."
"Meaning, I caused the air around me to vibrate, slicing up anything that comes into contact with it. It has a small range but it's a powerful attack."
"No wonder Sakura went to such lengths to evade it." Sinbad smirked, shaking his wounded hand, letting more blood fall. "I can't come anywhere near you then, but that doesn't matter."
That's when Sinbad's image started to haze, the girl's wiped their eyes trying to clear the blur but to no avail, his form continued to morph and meld with the sky and Sakura quickly realized they were caught in his trap. She had seen it used on the queen of Artemyra. Stagnation.
"Oh shit." Sakura realized that she wasn't going to be able to move much, like being frozen only you weren't aware of it yourself.
"So you figure it out." Sinbad questioned.
Sakura glared at him, it was a wonder why he hadn't used Baal to battle against them. Between Sinbad's djinn's, Valefor's djinn equip would be considered more docile. Sinbad had his own morals about fighting member of the opposite sex. She didn't know if it was his ideals or preservation but it annoyed Sakura to no end. She should have known she wouldn't get a serious battle from him.
When Sakura looked at Serendine, she saw her draw back her head, taking in breath and she knew what was to come. The attack that ended the battle. Hoping to be quick enough for this, Sakura drew her hands to her ears. She might not have made it time if Serendine wasn't also under stagnation's influence.
Sinbad and the other's (excluding Judar) weren't aware of Zepar's ability and thus all become victims of Serendine's attack when she opened her mouth, an eight-pointed start shining in the center of it, a loud, piercing sound spread across the entire area, reaching far out in Ballbadd and effecting everyone with the ability to hear. Their consciousness becoming lost to the sound as if under a spell.
When Sinbad fell unconscious, his djinn equip vanished and he began falling from the sky. Stagnation had also worn out in that instant, so Sakura sped towards Sinbad. Catching him before he hit the ground; the wounds he had received previously had vanished along with his djinn equip. Though he was unconscious; just like everyone would be in and out of the company and probably without a good distance of the area.
"Good job Serendine," Judar praised, still holding his hands over his ears.
"Wow." Sakura muttered as she looked around her. Serendine hadn't use her power to this extent when the two had sparred the first time, now she could see some actual results.
Serendine was still learning Zepar's attacks and Sakura hadn't figured out why Serendine insisted on battling Sinbad as soon as she had figured out how to use her djinn equip yet not entirely master it. The effects were therefore not long lasting and everyone woke up barely a few minutes later, dizzy with ringing ears but awake. Serendine apologized to everyone about her attack but since there didn't seem to be any real damage, it was easily brushed off.
"You fought well for you first time." Sinbad praised "This power will definitely be useful. I'll be counting on you."
Serendine smiled, "Yeah."
Sinbad then looked at Sakura next to him, "Why were you fighting like you were trying to kill me?"
Sakura gaped at Sinbad, "Because that's the way I've been taught to fight. Why were you fighting like you didn't want to kill me?"
"Why would I do that?" He mumbled, reaching for her face and cupping it.
Ja'far shook his head, muttering something under his breath as he listened to Sakura and Sinbad begin their antics. They always seemed to find conflict somewhere when they were together, yet they did just as well battling against it as a united front.
"So that means, we can count this match as our win right Sinbad?" Judar boasted.
"I didn't really lose" Sinbad stated
"Um, you were knocked out Sinbad." Sakura pointed, crossing her arms. "That's a loss."
"Yeah, don't be a sore loser!" Judar exclaimed accusingly.
"Shut up! I was only fighting to see the power of their metal vessels!"
Sakura scoffed, "Yeah sure but you still lost."
"Like you're one to talk, you lost too!" Sinbad pointed at Sakura to which she quickly retaliated.
"At least I wasn't knocked unconscious!"
Sinbad smirked, "Uh huh, you know if I used Baal I would have defeated you quickly."
Sakura glared at Sinbad now, roughly knocking her forehead against his. "You are one arrogant sore loser."
"He is." Judar nodded.
"Shut up!"
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"You really did a good job Serendine." Judar said as he and Serendine walked through the empty corridors of Sindria trading company.
Judar sighed, placing his hands behind his head. "Those guys don't suspect a thing about Zepar's real power."
Serendine had a semi-solemn face as she looked at the young magi; speaking in a low tone. "Is this really alright Judar?"
"Of course." Judar said without a moment of hesitation. "You have the word of a magi. Let's change the world together Serendine."
Serendine averted her gaze to the outside, catching sight of Sinbad and Sakura heading inside. Their lips moving simultaneously, but the distance would not allow the sound of their voice to carry to Serendine's ears. Although they appeared to be arguing by their expressions and just as quickly as she saw them, their faces changed, softening as Sinbad threw his arm over Sakura's shoulders. Kissing the side of her head before she pushed his face away, smiling.
Without taking her eyes off of the two, Serendine spoke. "Right."
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Sakura enjoyed board games; it hadn't taken her long to realize that most took more than luck to win, but real analytical ability and intellect, which she excelled at. She also found that despite the different rules and regulations for each game, each had a purpose as well as one thing in common; there was always a way to either win or lose. However; Sakura did not understand how playing chess was supposed to fit in as part of her lessons with Serendine.
After leaning their djinn equips and battling Sinbad; Serendine and Sakura had put a stop to their secret training regime and started taking the time to get together for other matters. Serendine had offered to teach Sakura all she knew about being a royal.
The two girls were in Serendine's chambers, sitting on the bed with a chess board in front of them. "What exactly are we doing Serendine?" Sakura asked, moving one of her pawns, one she intended to ensure would reach the end.
"You said you wanted to have what it takes to always be by Sinbad's side by learning what it takes to be a royal." Serendine replied simply, moving her own pawns.
"By playing chess?" Sakura raised her eyebrow, looking at the board. She moved her next pawn, skipping the position of one on a block. Creating her defense.
"Yes,"
"Shouldn't we be going through documents in politics or-
"You can learn all of this on your own, what I am teaching you is going to be far more important." Serendine stated firmly. "It doesn't matter how much knowledge you acquire if you do not know the correct way to implement it."
Sakura frowned, watching Serendine move her black pawn on the board; she left it wide open for the taking and Sakura took it. "I'm still confused."
"You are going to learn the fundamentals of being a royal in this game." Serendine looked up from the board to meet Sakura's eye. Serendine moved her bishop and took Sakura's pawn with her bishop, whose path had been cleared by Sakura taking Serendine's pawn. "So you had better play like your life depends on it."
Looking more carefully, Sakura moved her pawn, in hope of drawing out Serendine while giving her knight a free path to her bishop.
Three games and nearly two hours later; Sakura was still yet to claim a victory as Serendine had bested her in three games. Sakura wasn't a novice to the game, but she hadn't seen the kind of moves that Serendine made. She tended to take Sakura by surprise at times.
'She's as formidable as Kouen,'
"Alright," Serendine sighed, as she finished fixing up her pieces for the next game. "That should be enough of a demonstration."
"Serendine I don't usually say this, but I am completely clueless right now. Will you please just tell me what this game is really about and how it relates to my problem?"
Serendine didn't respond immediately, instead she made the first move of her pawn. They had continued to switch the board around to take turns with the first move. It was Sakura first, then Serendine, Sakura and now Serendine once again.
Serendine pointed to the board, "Sakura, you know the rules of chess right?"
Sakura nodded at the odd question. She might not have won any of their matches by far but she certainly knew the rules of the game.
"Then tell me, what is the most important piece required to win?"
"The king," Sakura stated. "If the king is captured, the game is over."
Shaking her head, Serendine pointed to the block beside the king on her side, "It's the queen. In most cases when the king is in check, the queen is the one with the best ability to remove the threat of capture in the next move."
Serendine took the queen and held it up to Sakura. "Once the queen is captured the king is useless. Which is why she is usually the last sacrificed."
Serendine gestured back to the board, "All of these pieces, pawns, knights, rooks, bishop, they all have one role-to protect the king. The king is a symbol of power, as I have said before but he cannot do much alone. You were right that if a king was captured the game was over, that is why there are so many pieces that stand in front of him. So that he does not have to and risk ending the game early."
Sakura was beginning to understand that this chess game wasn't so much about the game as it was about the real life of royalty and their positions. Serendine was using the game as a representation of reality. A clever metaphor.
Serendine knew that Sakura was well equip to play chess; that was why she had offered up this method of explanation to her. This game would serve as a reference as the pieces became the embodiment of something so much further than the rules of the game. "The enemy knows that a king is vulnerable without a queen. That is when they will strategize to seize his power. Even a pawn can take down a king-or replace a queen."
Although Serendine did not word it; Sakura felt that she shouldn't touch the chess board just yet, even though it was her turn. "So, how do you stop this from happening?"
"I first need to explain something's." Serendine said, holding up her hand. "You need to know that rank and position, is a poison. A sweet poison, but it can kill you if you fall for its temptation and do not limit yourself to the dosage."
"How do you limit yourself then?"
"That's up to you," Serendine pointed, "On what kind of ruler you want to be; you cannot play both sides. Pick one and decide whether you want to be the one to strike first or counter. It's literally black and white."
Sakura almost laughed at the reference to the chess board; she was definitely going to remember that piece of advice. "Dealing with matters, resolving conflict, no matter the case. You must always know where you stand on the matter and figure out what is the best move to make from there. For instance Sakura, how much are you willing to do for Sinbad?"
Sakura thought back to those moments in time she had with Sinbad and answered with no hesitance. "There are no limits; I would go to any lengths for Sinbad-even if I my entire being is against it."
Serendine asked something in confirmation. "What about killing for him?"
The kunoichi's entire body stiffened; it had been sometime but the answer was clear to her ever since the slave rebellion that she and Sinbad initiated and the deaths that would forever weigh on her conscience. "Death is what I consider a last resort."
"But it's an option." Serendine nodded. This made it clear to Sakura that she wasn't going to be subjective in her lessons and in Sakura's responses. Personal opinions were not to be mentioned in order to invite conflict, merely to understand where they stood on matters. "As for your conscience, remember this-killing to avenge isn't murder; it's justice."
"Do you honestly believe that?" asked Sakura.
"You have to make yourself believe it."
That phrase would certainly be sticking to Sakura for a while. Murder and Killing might produce the same byproducts but as a shinobi, Sakura knew she had to be able to compartmentalize death. And she thought she could until she realized that she had limits, and her depths were shallow compared for someone in her profession.
However, if she wanted to have what she needed to remain by Sinbad's side; she may have to take up a different perspective or at least become more tolerant.
"Now when it comes to dealing with certain matters, a king does not make the decisions alone. He is influenced by those around him. He needs to think in long term-who is worth keeping at his side and who would prove to be more of a liability than a benefit in his reign."
Sakura nodded, understanding Serendine's implications perfectly. Although these terms and advice was coming from a long ruling monarch base and Sinbad's country was going to be completely new and probably set differently; there was no promise that the country wouldn't fall into the same traditions as the rest of the world.
She also needed to consider that while Sinbad might take a different path, the rest of the world could not be expected to stray from theirs. They needed to find middle ground then and the best way to do that would be to know how both sides of ruling worked. These were after all fundamentals, as Serendine put it.
"You must of course still be wary of such people."
Sakura looked at Serendine questionably. "The kind who only support with their own agenda and reference to politics. This would make nearly every event, no matter how small or trivial with someone; a strategy for politics."
"So I suppose there isn't any real leisure for royalty?" Sakura asked, rubbing the side of her head.
"Not really; almost every single event is a strategy or plot for something greater. Be it finding information or covering for meetings. Which reminds me-royalty are typically made to put on an act. To keep the stability of power and often their heads-any sign of weakness is seen as a free tasting for power."
"How do you avoid this seemingly tight situation?"
"Always keep your enemy confused, if they do not know what you want they cannot predict what you are going to do next. At times make moves that have no purpose."
Then it clicked in Sakura's mind as she recalled their last three matches; Serendine had played often recklessly at times and Sakura believed she had either set some sort of strategy and masking it but the reality was otherwise.
Serendine smiled when she saw the look of realization on Sakura's face. "Figured it out?"
"You-You said to me, play like your life depends on it!" Sakura said "Of course I was going to take the match seriously, but you-you were completely fooling around."
"No I wasn't; I was masking carelessness so well that you mistook it for basic strategy and misread my moves on your own."
Sakura slapped her forehead, she looked at the chess board and moved her pawn, officially initiating the game. "Well not this time!"
Serendine moved one of her pieces. "A trick is far less exciting once you know the secret behind it; but it can also be cause for something greater. A special trick of your own."
A few minutes into the game and Sakura was watching the board pieces carefully. A few moves in and she and Serendine were playing on a completely different level compared to before. Sakura kept replaying Serendine's words through her mind, they were strong and it took a while for it to completely sink in. Although when it finally seemed to, Serendine's king was in check, now. All Sakura had to do was move her queen and take it.
"Well; that's it then." Sakura smiled before capturing her king. "Checkmate."
Serendine nodded her head in acknowledgment and then spoke of one more thing she wanted to alert Sakura of. Something she had waited for to the end. "Royalty is the symbol of strength, in a country and on a chess board. But just like in chess, it doesn't matter how certain victory may appear; power is always fleeting and it can be taken away with the stroke of a pen or the swing of a blade."
"Then how do you preserve that power?" Sakura asked, etching closer on the bed, her legs crossed over one another. Serendine looked down to the board again.
"A queen, is a symbol of power for the king just as the king is a symbol of power for his subjects. A queen must always be looking over her shoulder for those with the power to undo her. Do you know the best way to fend them off?"
Serendine closed her eyes when Sakura shook her head; understanding that this was the time to allow her nativity and vulnerability show. To fix what she had been lacking. What Serendine said next, made Sakura confirm that they were now looking beyond the chess board and into the real world.
"A queen's position never looks more open or vulnerable, than when she lacks an heir."
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Serendine and Sakura's first lesson had set the flames which lit the path to the next stage, which were more formal than playing a game of chess for hours on end. Serendine said it may have seemed foolish to deal with aesthetics, confessing she despised many of the lessons she was teaching back to Sakura; but they were a matter of caution. As the spider princess, she was viewed as unruly, ill-disciplined and invited many rumors (another danger). So when it came to certain events, she would put on a charade and make the higher ups waiting to see her fall, eat their words. Serendine was just as strict a tutor as Rurumu had been. Serendine would reference her to certain readings for politics and such; she would take Sakura out during her free time for more practical lessons. Which-unfortunately for Sakura; included dancing.
Her djinns continued to cheer her on in her efforts but even on this matter, their reassurances fell on deaf ears.
"This is cruel and unusual punishment." Sakura muttered, her hands on Serendine's shoulder and the other being held by Serendine's hand as Serendine played the part of the male dancer.
"If you focused half of the energy you spent complaining into remembering your steps; then we would have finished by now."
"I remember the steps but my body seems completely detached from my mind when I start moving."
Judar was sitting on Serendine's bed; with a big box of peaches he had taken from the kitchen in front of him as he watched the two girls. Since Sakura wanted to keep these lessons as private as when she was training to master her full body djinn equip, they had their lessons in Serendine's room-as Sinbad technically now shared a room with Sakura.
Judar laughed loudly when Sakura stumbled again over her feet and nearly over Serendine for what was the third time in the dance.
Sakura looked back at Judar, "I can't believe I'm saying this; but would you go and harass Ja'far for a little while?"
"No way, this is way more fun." Judar declared. "You basically just have to spin around in circles and you can't do that."
Sakura grumbled and huffed under her breath, Serendine gripped Sakura tighter. "You shouldn't let yourself become so distracted by prying eyes. It will only be worse in public events. Let's start from the beginning."
Pulling apart, Sakura and Serendine stepped back a few paces from each other, with the room offering enough space for that.
"Okay and begin." Serendine stepped forward and Sakura followed, when the two were at a certain distance. They held up opposite arms to each other, their hands touching as they started taking slow steps around in a circle before abruptly changing direction and their hands.
"Don't look at your feet." Serendine instructed. Sakura quickly looked back to her. "Always look at your partner."
"Not sure how I expect my feet not to cross over each other when I can't look at them." Sakura said, keeping her head.
"You have no problem maneuvering in battle, be it on land or in the sky. Compared to that, this is nothing."
"Those come more naturally to me." Sakura said, turning with Serendine. "I'm use to fighting."
"As am I, but that doesn't mean we cannot expand our reach to other forms of art."
Sakura and Serendine lifted their free arms that were at their side and held it above them, connecting in an arch as they turned. Then they started stepping together in more coordinated movements, back and forth with Serendine leading.
"Just keep your eyes on me." Serendine reminded Sakura as they lowered their arch. Sakura did as she was instructed, stepping around Serendine, who slowly spun with her. Sakura gave a quick and delicate jump while circling Serendine halfway and spinning as she moved under the other pinkette's arm, which Serendine had lifted for her.
"Here comes the jump" Serendine gripped Sakura's waist and lifted her into the air; Sakura had to remind herself not to leap too high or she'd end up toppling over her dance partner and also not to rely on her to pick up all of her weight, but rather to use the shoulders to prop herself up for as long as possible. Only letting her partner fully handle her weight when she was about to back down.
"And dip." Sakura had been so taken aback the first time Serendine had attempted the dance move, she slipped and landed on her behind. Serendine's hand was at the back of Sakura's neck, as she leaned down with the girl before coming back up again.
They separated at a short distance to spin around, one of their arms held out and ready to take the other. When their hands connected again, they started stepping together again in the form that was dance, with the occasional spin above the arm. Then joining their free hands together, with Sakura's behind her back and Serendine's more distance hand while their arms raised against to make an arch. The dance was slow, but intimate and that was resembled through the way in which the dancers would link their hands together, through the openings made with their arched arms.
Nearing the end, Serendine lifted Sakura slightly beside her to give a slow spin and setting her down again. They drew back for a second before coming forward again, placing a hand on each other's faces and moving in a circle again. Pulling away and drawing forward, holding both of each other's hands. Serendine bent down slightly, to signal the end of the dance and Sakura gave a curtsy before they moved back.
"Aw-you didn't stumble that time." Judar said in disappointment. He took his last bite out of a peach before throwing the pit back in the box.
Sakura covered her face, the smile stretching her skin to the limit. "I-I actually got it!"
"Yes; that was well done."
Sakura giggled, touching her warm cheeks. "I hope I get to dance with Sinbad like that."
Serendine gave a soft smile, her eyes glistening in happiness yet also pain. "Yes, I'm sure you will."
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Some things Sakura enjoyed, like royal swordplay that Serendine had begun to teach her, but because Serendine was giving her so many lessons in the day, there wasn't much time to focus on it as Sakura might have wanted to. That brought another thought to Sakura's mind. Sharrkan was very skilled with a sword himself (as he demonstrated in the Dark Continent) and Sakura figured that while she was expanding her knowledge of politics, that she would expand her skills in arms as well.
When she had asked the boy if he would be her swordsman instructor, he agreed with great delight. He was still a bit docile and hadn't been able to get on very well with the other children other than Masrur-who had heard from his 'mentor' that Sakura had asked him to train her in swordplay. Masrur then came in as well, saying he wanted to train with Sakura too, but in hand to hand combat, of course he would be the one learning.
"Does she not have a limit?" asked Gaap
"Honestly, if she does we are all yet to see to her reach it." Stated Sitri.
"Truly, I have wondered the same." Stolas said
Beleth chuckled, "That is our king for you."
Sakura thrust her wooden sword at Sharrkan, but the boy skillfully evaded her attack and countered just as quickly. His sword barely a sliver away from her neck; while Sakura was using a training sword, Sharrkan was using his real on, as it was adjusted to his height.
As Sharrkan drew back, he spoke. "You shouldn't lunge, it makes it easier for your opponent to topple your balance or slice your throat."
"Trust me, no one here would be fast enough for that." Sakura breathed, standing with a slight lean before attempting to attack Sharrkan again. Their swords clashed several times. Sakura found out quickly, that Sharrkan's style of swordplay was not only unique but it was also very powerful, enough to make a small timid boy, deadly. The movements were swift and unpredictable, so much so that it seemed very snake-like to Sakura.
Sharrkan seemed to greatly enjoy giving lessons to Sakura, he was always smiling when they sparred and Sakura was glad to have been able to do that. However due to her overwhelming stamina and reflexes, Sharrkan found himself getting in a real workout as well. Sakura might not have been adept in swordplay, but she knew how to fight, and she had to deliberately slow down her movements to match his.
"It's better to keep your free arm pulled back to keep up a defense." Sharrkan said, moving next to Sakura. He drew back her free hand so that it was grazing her back and moved in front of her. "See; if you do that, then you hold a better defense against your neck and shoulders."
"Alright, let's go again."
Masrur, who had been watching quietly, cut in. "How much longer before I can start training with Sakura?"
Sharrkan glared at Masrur, "Hey, I'm still helping Sakura. We each get one hour, it's not time yet!"
"But mentor, it's not like Sakura's going to need to know how to use a sword when she's got her strength and her speed and her metal vessels. So it's useless to her."
"Hey!"
Sakura snickered. "Now come on, Sharrkan and I will have one more spar Masrur and then I'll get to training with you."
Sharrkan mumbled something under his breath, but became serious when he turned back to Sakura. Holding his sword. "Okay, since this is it for today let's give it our all!"
Sakura nodded, happy that Sharrkan was showing a brighter light to himself, more expressive and childlike.
"Right."
Sharrkan initiated the first strike, coming at Sakura with full speed. Their weapons clashed, but Sakura hadn't moved from her spot, all the while Sharrkan was darting around her.
Their weapons continued to clash and then, Sharrkan side stepped when Sakura thrust forward. Sakura spun on her heal to strike, but Sharrkan bent back to avoid it. She then quickly turned back, her leg extending out and getting the boys leg, making him stumble to the ground. Sakura then quickly held the wooden sword near Sharrkan face.
"Got you."
Sharrkan panted softly, lying on his back. He might have been skilled at swordplay but Sakura outmatched him in stamina, which he was slowly building with his training sessions.
Sakura held up her hand and lifted Sharrkan from the ground. She looked back to Masrur and waved to come over for his turn. The Fanalis was already moving towards them.
When Sakura saw Sharrkan wince when he attempted to step, she turned back to him. "What's the matter?"
"My ankle."
Sakura sat Sharrkan back down and grabbed his leg to lift and inspect the damage. It seemed that somewhere along when they were training, he had sprained his ankle.
Placing her hand over his ankle, Sharrkan felt the pain begin to leave. A soothing cool sensation replacing it.
"You should have just said you hurt yourself." Sakura said seriously.
"But in a real battle, if you show you're weakened in anyway then your opponent can take advantage."
Sakura shook her head, "Well in future when you're training with me; tell me if you get hurt."
"But," Sharrkan looked down, blushing. His timid nature returning.
"What is it?" Sakura coaxed leaning down. "Don't be afraid to speak to me."
Sharrkan averted his eyes, "I was…having fun."
A wide grin spread across Sakura's face, she ruffled Sharrkan's hair. He looked at her with eyes wide in wonder.
"I am glad. Sensei Sharrkan."
Sharrkan turned completely red, evident despite his complexion. Sakura looked back around to Masrur who was standing patiently with his arms at his side. She gathered Sharrkan in her arms and set him on the side where he wouldn't get caught up while she and Masrur trained. Because there wasn't much space for training in the city, they went into the forest. Near where Sakura and Serendine had trained with Judar to master their djinn equips. The area was completely isolated and still, granting privacy and allowing them to go all out in training without worrying about causing any accidents.
"Okay Masrur, let's go." Sakura jabbed her right fist into her left palm.
Masrur was very powerful and taking into account his age, there was no doubt he was going to become even stronger; especially if he continued to train. Fanalis supposedly had a natural strength but Sakura wanted Masrur to nurture that strength and feed it through training. So that he wouldn't come to a moment in his life where he regretted he didn't. He wouldn't be able to place any loss on account of his own lax behavior or because he was weak.
Masrur's attacks were wild, reminding Sakura of some kind of animal-definitely a predator. With sharp instincts to attack. His usually dull eyes seemed to ignite with passion when he fought; the same as Sharrkan.
Stepping on the sole of his feet, Masrur lurched forward but Sakura ducked down, her hand shot up to catch Masrur's wrist and send a punch into his stomach that had him skidding across the forest grounds, creating a path of dirt from the grass that separated from the soil in which it had grown. She didn't put too much restrain in her attacks, but because she had unleashed her seal, she needed to keep control of how much power she used when attacking. She didn't need to accidentally break anyone's bones-least not in matches that were only training.
Masrur didn't stay down for long though, he stood back up and barely paused before he started rushing towards her again. Holding up her arms in a defensive position, Sakura waited for Masrur to reach her. He jumped towards her, but Sakura moved to the side and knocked him down with one swipe of her hand, the ground broke when Masrur hit it. Sharrkan cringed from his sight as he watched the two continue their spar-no it was more like a brawl. To any stranger's eyes it would probably look like a death match between two equally determined opponents who wanted to take victory.
Sakura and Masrur continued to exchange hits; Sakura continued to counter all of his attacks, blocking and swatting him back. Masrur hadn't been trained in any particular fighting style. He had just been doing what came naturally to him. That was where Sakura bested him, not just in her strength that was currently more advanced, but she had real training and practice; (Although Masrur was unaware), from a blonde women with a bit of a drinking problem, who did not know the meaning of the word beginners or mercy.
"You need to try and predict what your opponent is going to next and counter." Sakura told Masrur as she continued to block his punches and kicks, which were coming at her none stop. "Pick up a pattern,"
Sakura grabbed Masrur's foot and lifted him into the air, he twisted his body around to kick her head with his free foot but Sakura let go just when he did that and punched him back again. "Like I've picked up yours."
Masrur wiped the side of his face where Sakura had struck him, his face motionless. He shot forward again, his punches and kicks going amiss from their target. What Sakura noticed then though, was that he was far more focused. She could tell he was taking her advice in attempting to coordinate himself better.
She kept on swatting away Masrur's attacks; she could feel that they were becoming more swift and sharper. Then Masrur finally managed to take her by surprise when he squatted down and looked like he was aiming to punch Sakura's face, but instead, ducked under in the last moment and wrapped his arms around her waist while Sakura had both of her arms up to defend her upper body. Masrur threw Sakura on the ground and he felt an impact but then found he couldn't move. Then next thing he knew, he was up in the air before a fist came down on his face.
"Not bad." Sakura praised wiping off her hands. She chuckled at the dumbfounded look on the boy's face. "Good job Masrur, you managed to catch me by surprise." Sakura breathed, calming down.
He sat up, feeling the dirt stuck on his back due to the sweat that had provided a foundation for it.
"Are you hurt?" Sakura asked.
He nodded, feeling the light feather touch of Sakura's fingers running along his head.
What Sharrkan and Sakura witnessed next was what would be called a 'once in a lifetime' sight, Masrur's face painted a delicate shade of red, far lighter than his hair but still visible against his skin. Sakura and Sharrkan titled their heads to the side and moved closer towards the young Fanalis boy.
"Masrur; are you blushing?"
"He is!" exclaimed Sharrkan, eyes wide as he started laughing.
Masrur looked down, attempting to hide his face while Sakura started poking his cheeks teasingly. She gave him a sideways hug, rubbing her cheek against Masrur's. The young Fanalis boy just grunted, unable to find the proper words of protest against Sakura's fawning. Kissing him on the cheek, Sakura felt that the young boy was sweating quite a bit and he wasn't the only one. She and Sharrkan were also caked in dirt from today's training session
"Well that's enough for one day." Sakura said to the two fatigued boys.
"Are we going back to the company?" Sharrkan asked.
Sakura grinned, "Not yet."
..
..
..
Sakura took the boys to a skyline silver lake, so clear the rays of sunlight that fell on the water looked like a large puddle of painted light, its soothingly still atmosphere radiated strongly and immediately seemed to bring the three to a tranquil bliss, like a spell. Taking a large gulp of air, Sakura began removing her open toed shoes.
"Um, Sakura why are we here?" Sharrkan asked, looking around.
"It's hot, we've got some time before we need to get back, we've sweat through our clothes-we're having a swim in the lake." Sakura stated as she started removing her top and shorts until she was only in her underwear. She heard spluttering behind her and assumed it was Sharrkan being bashful, since she had bathed with Masrur before, seeing her barely clad wasn't anything new to him. She jumped in on the shallow side, her knees brushing up against the soft sand. She looked back at Masrur and Sharrkan, who were just standing there near the water's edge.
"Come on in," Sakura waved. It didn't take long for Masrur to jump in (fully clothe), although he kept to the shallows, splashing some water over his face. Sharrkan looked nervously at the two.
"Um, I-I can't swim."
Sakura couldn't say she found it that surprising, even though Heliohapt's culture of dress was different and rather open, Sharrkan had grown up in a country that was mostly desert not to mention he had been very sheltered and probably limited access to the outside. Then Sakura realized that she wasn't entirely sure what kind of background Masrur had either and whether he had gotten the opportunity to learn how to swim.
"What about you Masrur, can you swim?"
With a brief shaking of his head, Masrur gave his answer. "No."
Exhaling softly, Sakura drew closer to where the boys were and held out her hand towards Sharrkan. "Come on in Sharrkan."
The young Heliohapt prince took a step back, "But-
"Trust me."
Sakura kept her hand out, until Sharrkan finally took it after nearly two minutes of contemplation. He was drawn into the lake, near Masrur as the water didn't draw further than their stomachs from that point. The water was cool on his heated skin, washing away the dirt and sweat collected from training.
"See, nothing to worry about." Sakura ran her hands through her now wet hair. Clapping her hands to get their attention, Sakura made an announcement. "And now, I am going to teach the two of you how to swim."
Both Masrur and Sharrkan stared at her questionably and Sakura could only laugh.
'This is going to be fun.'
Both Sharrkan and Masrur were hesitant about learning how to swim. Sakura had to give reassurance that she wouldn't allow anything to happen to them, as you couldn't exactly use super strength or swordplay to keep yourself from drowning-Sakura knew that all too well from her experience in Gaap's dungeon. Eventually; Sakura managed to convince them to take the chance and let her teach them. Sakura began by teaching them how to kick; first she demonstrated herself the proper way to kick by placing her hands on the edge of the ground by the lake and doing the kicks herself before having them follow her example. It turned out to be simple enough and the boys practiced for a few minutes, beginning to fall into comfort in the water.
Sakura then took Masrur and Sharrkan one by one further into the water; she pulled them by their arms to keep them afloat while they kicked to work on their movements. Masrur went first. Sakura held his hands and stepped back, telling him to start kicking. She told Masrur to start putting his face in the water and coming back up. She led him around in a circle near the shallow area where Sakura could walk. She was continuously reminding Masrur not to kick wildly or he would exhaust himself too soon.
Then she came around to Sharrkan, who appeared ready to jump out of the lake and speed off into the forest when they weren't looking. Sakura had to practically drag him and he was still shaken at the concept of swimming.
"Don't be afraid." Sakura said reassuringly, she could feel Sharrkan's grip tighten on her hands. "I won't let go I promise."
Sakura stared pulling him along the water, Sharrkan had no choice but to align himself along the water and start kicking, he began quick, showing the panic but settled soon as Sakura kept a steady pace. Holding his hands tight while she pulled him along. It was still a bit humorous to think that two children, who managed to subdue vicious slave traders were actually hesitant to learn how to swim.
When they were nearing the end of their session, Sharrkan accidentally lowered his feet too much and slipped, stumbling forward and crashing into Sakura-who also stumbled a little before regaining her footing. She giggled, Sharrkan's arms were wrapped tightly around her waist in a vice grip.
"There see, nothing to worry about. I got you."
Sakura looked back to Masrur, extending her arm ad in turn to the wordless gesture, Masrur wordlessly accepted her hand, allowing her to pull him on the deeper side of the river.
The rest of the day was taken with Sakura teaching Masrur and Sharrkan how to swim and the two boys began to eventually begin to enjoy themselves. It started off with simple splashes that turned into a heavy water fight and only when the clear waters began to turn a deep orange, did they realize just how late it was. Sakura was certain she would have a mountain of work at her desk for the day but she felt it was worth it after having spent time with Masrur and Sharrkan. The boys were still having some problems adjusting to the company. Unlike most of the other slave children, Masrur wasn't a fan of learning, in fact according to Rurumu and Ja'far, Masrur had a habit of running off during lessons. Although it seemed that Masrur was afraid of Ja'far (given the first impression the ex-assassin had made when he beat up Sinbad and hit Sakura in the coliseum), so he was taking care of most of the Masrur's tutoring. Sharrkan had the education of a prince so he didn't really need to sit in for Rurumu's lessons; however, he had been struggling to make friends along with the other's. In a way the two were actually a good combination to vent off each other's loneliness.
'Because there's nothing worse than that, is there, Sasuke?' Sakura smiled bitterly as she carried Masrur and Sharrkan through the forest. Masrur was set on her back and Sharrkan in front in a reverse piggyback style. Both boys were tired after their long training session and swimming lessons, so Sakura opted to carry them both back to the company, seeing as they had lost track of time and Sakura still had work to get done once she got back.
Using chakra to enhance her speed, Sakura took off through the forest, cutting the time to return by less than half. Sakura had started jumping through the trees, barely getting one foot on a branch before leaping to another, which had startled both boys at first when she felt Masrur tighten his grip on her from behind and Sharrkan cry out for her to stop.
"Relax." Sakura told them, laughing to herself.
When they came to the end of the forest, Sakura decided to take her time getting back since it looked like they were going to make it before the last light of day. She made her way through the streets of Balbadd, which were relatively quiet as everyone was getting ready to retire for the night. The sun was still emitting its last ray of heat, warming Sakura's semi-wet skin before a gentle breeze cooled it.
"Sakura…" Sharrkan slurred, semi-conscious.
"Mmm?"
"I liked training today, thank you."
"Me too." Masrur added, his voice softer than usual, indicating his drowsiness. "Thank you."
Sakura smiled softly, feeling a swell of joy fill her along with pride. It was moments like these that she felt content with the decisions that had led her to be here. When she looked back, she didn't feel regret or wish she had done something differently.
"I'm glad."
That's all for now Folks. I hope this read gives you a breather from any tough times, and that 2026 will be your new best year! I've been working on new and old stories, and I'll be sharing them very very soon, so keep an eye out.
Thanks for tuning in, but now I've gotta tune out!
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EARLY CHAPTERS FOR MEMBERS NOW: BUYMEACOFFEE
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes chapter (97, 98, 99, 100)
-Kunoichi amongst Pirates chapter (43, 44, 45)
-Crossroads of Fate chapter (34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
-Through the Looking Glass chapter (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
- (Bleach crossover) Kunoichi amongst Reapers: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
-Commission: Demon slayer x My hero academia (PART 1 & 2)
- Kunoichi amongst Benders (Avatar x Naruto crossover) (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-Kunoichi amongst Heroes WHAT IF SPIN OFF: Dorms and Exams
-(SEQUEL) Through the Spyglass chapter 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6
-SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CHAPTER: Shinigami amongst Shinobi