《Sinbad: High King of the Seas》Chapter 37: "The Seven Seas Alliance Will Protect You, Heliohapt!"

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They make it out of the dungeon and Annalise giggles as she stands beside Sinbad. Serendine complains about sand in her hair and Annalise shakes out the sand in hers as she sat on her hands and knees. Sinbad stands up and he holds his hand out to her. She takes his hand and he helps her stand. They head down to the King and find him waiting. It had been decided as they were returning that they would still go to the dark continent to try and find Annalise's family or at least to pay respects for them giving birth to Annalise regardless of what has happened in her life.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, your majesty. We've conquered the dungeon and returned the royal tomb to it's former state just as we promised." Sinbad says and then they head towards the royal tomb.

"So this is the royal tomb?" Sinbad asks.

"What do you think? It's the largest complex of royal tombs in the world and the pride of Heliohapt." Narmes says, "It was created using our best construction and is a symbol of the authority of the king."

"It's huge." Annalise says.

"This magnificent structure was built as a tribute to Heliohapt's unbroken line of royal power spanning centuries. If you think of the effort that went into it's construction, you can understand how vital the king is to this country." Narmes says.

"The people of this country built this?" Jafar asks.

"It reminds me of a dungeon. Amazing construction techniques." Sinbad says.

"From the scale of this structure, you can see that Heliohapt is a wealthy country." Jafar says.

"I wish that was the case, but... our country's present condition is pretty desolate." Narmes says.

"The magnificent royal tomb, the palace and many other great structures in Heliohapt were built generations ago. We've only inherited the legacy of the past. Heliohapt no longer has the power it once held." Armakan says, "No matter how outstanding our technology may be, this country is still largely desert. It's obvious that we ill eventually need to rely on imported goods. Looking at things from a global standpoint, Heliohapt is just a small country. In order to progress we have to open up relations with the rest of the world. We must lead Heliohapt down the road to prosperity. That is the mission of those who are entrusted with its future."

"Hmph. As expected the young king knows nothing." Petra says, "You think opening our borders will make this country prosper? This is why we can't leave ruling to inexperienced youths."

"What are you saying?" Narmes asks.

"It's true isn't it? What is the biggest threat to our country? It's the Reim empire. The great Reim empire has already extended its influence as far as Katargo. If they attacked us, we'd be helpless to defend ourselves. The only reason we've been overlooked by Reim so far is because we're a small country with few resources. What do you think will happen if we start diplomacy with other nations and draw attention to ourselves?" Petra asks. "Won't we just be giving them an excuse to attack our country? Heliohapt has no way to defend itself from Reim. We'd be annihilated. Are you willing to risk the danger of getting our country mixed up in all that just to realize your ideals? Do you really have the resolve to do that, young king?"

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"I'm really getting tired of her insulting him." Annalise says and Sinbad grabs her waist and pulls her back. She blushes as she ended up with her back against Sinbad's chest with him not budging to release her.

"I won't deny that it's a possibility... but we should settle things by starting discussions with Reim." Armakan says.

"Oh! You want to discuss things with an empire that spends all its time at war? How optimistic! You can't govern a country if you can't see the big picture, can you? Although, in a few hours, Sharrkan will be the one sitting on your throne, so it hardly matters. We'll be off then. Young King." Petra says and her group walks away. Annalise was still growling in a fiery rage. She stops when Sharrkan walks by. He had a sad look on his face as if he was about to cry.

"Sharrkan..." Annalise whispers.

"Narmes, let's go." Armakan says.

"Lord Armakan?" Narmes asks.

"We'll see this through till the end." Armakan says.

"It's a difficult problem, isn't it?" Jafar asks.

"But some variation of this type of conflict happens in every country." Serendine says, "Just thinking about a boy the same age as my little brother being used as a pawn in a power struggle is such a heartbreaking situation. It pains me."

"Sin." Annalise says and looks at him.

"Oh, dear, that look again." Sinbad says.

"AWK! THE LOOK." Jafar says.

"Isn't that the same look she had when she decided she wanted me to stay with you all?" Masrur asks.

"And she got her way twice." Drakon says as they walk.

They enter the tomb and head up to the Sarcophagus of the former King. They find the sarcophagus has nothing written on it. They look around and Annalise squeals as she almost falls in when Mytras moves the tomb open if it hadn't been for Sinbad grabbing her.

"Uh, guys, I found something strange." Annalise says.

"A scroll?" Narmes asks before he grabs it and reads it aloud, "I am Atenkumen, this is my final will and testament. This is a deviation from the custom of carving one's will into the sarcophagus, a custom established by the generations of kings. Listen carefully, all those of the royal family... I am personally putting an end to this royal custom. I will not choose the next king. The ones to choose the next king will be you. Armakan. Sharrkan. As the two princess of Heliohapt, you must work together to decide who will be the next king."

"Huh, wow." Annalise says.

"What does this mean?" Narmes asks.

"The former king didn't choose a successor. That means... Armakan. Sharrkan. The one to become the next king has yet to be decided." Sinbad says.

"Unbelievable... nothing like this has happened before. The king has always chosen his own successor. That is the royal family's tradition. That's... I can't believe that our long-standing custom, one that has continued for centuries, would be broken like this..." Narmes says.

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"That's impossible. There's no way the former king would do that. Right? Sharrkan's name was supposed to be carved into his sarcophagus, wasn't it?" Petra asks, "Sharrkan, you said so, didn't you? You said you would become the next king... didn't you tell us that? Answer me Sharrkan!" Petra looks at Sharrkan who stood scared.

"Oh, is that it?" Petra says grabbing him, "You deceived me! Even though you're just a puppet! We should have just kept using the dungeon and the curse to drag Armakan from the throne! You worthless child!" A slapping sound is heard and everyone gasps in shock to find Annalise standing protectively over Sharrkan as she'd just made Petra release Sharrkan.

"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!" Petra asks.

"Touch me and you die." Annalise says. Everyone begins fighting as Petra demands that Annalise is killed. Sinbad watches all the arguing and he looks back and forth.

"Hold on a minute!" Sinbad yells and everyone stops yelling to look at him, "I can solve your problem. No... the Seven Seas Alliance can. The Seven Seas Alliance will bring an end to Heliohapt's dilemma."

"Say what now?" Annalise asks and she looks at him before seeing the look in his eyes. She nods before she looks at the others.

"Alliance? What in the world are you talking about?" Narmes asks.

"According to the former king's will... we have no option but to work together to decide his successor. But as long as we adhere to parallel lines of thought, we won't be able to converge on a solution." Annalise says.

"And you say that you are capable of solving such an impossible problem?" Narmes asks.

"I am. And it's a problem only I can solve." Sinbad says.

"First of all, both sides are concerned about the future of their country. Both sides are right. That's why there isn't an answer. But that's not the real issue here. The real source of your difficulty is... the Reim empire." Annalise says.

"Reim is the biggest threat to Heliohapt's survival. That's the reality. This country has carried on by monitoring Reim's moods and obeying their roles." Sinbad says, "But why has it come to that?"

"It's because this country doesn't have the power to defy Reim." Annalise says.

"What should a country with no power do? That's simple. You either have to gain that power yourself or borrow it from somewhere else. Allow me, Sinbad, the dungeon conqueror, to protect you with my power that rivals Reim's. f you do this, you'll no longer need to fear Reim. You can live freely." Sinbad says.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Petra yells, "Alliance? Power to stand up to Reim? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! You're only a merchant... and a foreigner. There's no way you could do any of that! Even if we could protect this country by borrowing your power, then we'd just be forced to obey you instead of Reim! How dare you, an outsider, spout such nonsense like it's a good idea?!"

"You're wrong. That's not how it will be. It's an alliance. And that's not the same as an invasion. We don't role or expect anyone to obey us. The world is full of injustice. Poverty, war, discrimination. The world is full of people who are tied down and suffering—people who don't have the freedom to choose their own way of life. It's wrong for someone with more power than you to take away your right to decide your own future. I want to save people like that. I feel the same way towards this country. I have conquered a dungeon and gained the power of a metal vessel. A metal vessel contains enough power to destroy an entire country overnight. This power is more than enough to help a small country stand up to a larger one." Sinbad explains.

"We've already formed alliance with several other nations. Imuchakk, Sasan, Artemyra... they're all small but powerful countries. We've promised to cooperate with one another and combine our strength. We respect the independence of each individual country. We don't invade. We don't let ourselves be invaded. A unique international alliance that believes in collaboration and nonaggression." Annalise explains and Sinbad nods.

"We protect the international stability and aim to unify the seven seas... That is the Seven Seas Alliance! This is the alliance that Annalise and I have founded." Sinbad explains, "Heliohapt can maintain its autonomy, and the countries of the alliance will not hesitate to lend you their assistance."

"How absurd." Petra says, "That all depends on each country's circumstances. Considering our location, such a plan is not so simple. Besides... Alliance? Union? What idiots would believe that you have that much power?" Annalise grins as she looks at Sinbad.

"I understand. I'll show you my power." Sinbad says.

Annalise, Jafar and Sinbad stand together. Sinbad was transformed with Baal and Annalise had her arms crossed.

"Sin, as far away from the city as we are, please still try to use a little restraint." Jafar says.

"Have you ever known him to?" Annalise asks.

"That's the point." Jafar says.

"Annalise is right. Of course I'm giving it all I've got." Sinbad says, "BARARAQ SAIQA!"

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