Chapter ten

It was a normal, sunny, day in Sindria. Most people were out and about, doing their daily things and living their happy, safe, lives. The generals went about their lives as normal too, unaware yet that their magi wasn't acting like herself.

Nishi had spent the past few days inside, just thinking everything over. "I wonder...why was I born?" Nishi rested her arms on her bedroom windowsill, her head resting on them.

"I don't know, but I'm sure it was for a good reason." Nishi was too tired to be surprised or mad that Sinbad had entered her room without knocking. "What's wrong? You've been shut inside your room for almost a week now."

Nishi shrugged lazily. She raised a hand and watched as a white rukh fluttered over and perched on one of her fingers. She watched the small bird for a few moments before lowering her hand and sighing, "I have something to tell you, Sinbad."

"What is it?" Sinbad stood a few feet behind her, watching her with concern. He'd never seen her like this. She wasn't acting like her normal self at all.

"I don't know if you're going to like hearing this, I never actually planned on telling anyone besides Yunan, but..." Nishi sighed. She wasn't upset over what happened last time her and Judar tried to meet, another matter was bugging her. She was sick of hiding it and trying to act like nothing was wrong. "No...Nevermind." Nishi stopped herself.

"Nishi, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing really." Nishi waved her hand, trying to dismiss the topic. "The other day a few men tried to have their way with me...and they succeeded." She silently hoped Sinbad wouldn't realize she was lying. It wasn't completely a lie, it did happen, but it wasn't what she wanted to tell him. If I told him...he'd kick me out of Sindria for sure...

"What? Who? I'll have them punished immediately!"

Nishi couldn't help but smile at Sinbad's concern. Nishi was pretty close to the generals, but she was closest to Ja'far and Sinbad, who she always told her problems to."Don't worry about it, I took care of it. They weren't citizens of Sindria anyway."

"Are you alright though?" Sinbad walked a bit closer to her.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I've just been kinda down the past few days over it. I'm alright now." Nishi stood and turned towards Sinbad, smiling. Surprisingly, she did actually feel better. I guess telling someone does help a lot, huh? There's no point in me being upset forever.

"Good. We're going to need you in the future." Sinbad nodded.

"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be by your side. No matter what path you decide to take." Nishi smiled again, and Sinbad visibly relaxed. I've just got to remember, I'm Nishi, Sindria's magi, and I am free to do whatever I please. I'll be fine. She assured herself.

~

"Hey, Judar-kun? I've noticed you go out a lot at night, where do you go?" Princess Kougyoku asked the black haired magi. She had noticed him leaving late at night several times, but never had a chance to ask about it until now.

"None of your business." Judar watched as Prince Kouha walked over. He noticed the prince was holding a peach, and took it from his hands once he got close enough.

"Hey!" Kouha exclaimed, trying to grab the fruit back, but stopping as Judar took a bite of it.

"Judar-kun, you can tell me." Kougyoku continued trying to ask about his night time activities.

"Hmm? Does Judar have a girlfriend?" Kouha teased, poking the magi.

"What? No!" Judar defended himself.

"Is it a boyfriend then? I didn't know you were like that, Judar." Kouha leaned towards Judar, his hands on his hips and a confused look on his face.

"No! I'm not like that! It's none of your business what I do." He pushed past the prince so he could leave the room.

"Aw, come on Judar, tell us!" Kouha whined, walking in front of him.

"Please, Judar-kun?" Kougyoku added.

"Go away. You're annoying." Judar tried walking past, only to be stopped by Kouha again.

"Oh, come on, tell us! Do you have a girlfriend?"

Kouha continued to pester him until Judar finally gave up and muttered, "She's just a friend."

"So there is a girl!" Kougyoku smiled while Kouha smirked.

"Yes. But it's not like that. She's another magi." Judar explained. "Now can you shut up about it?"

"You mean Nishi?" Kougyoku asked, ignoring his request to stop.

"Yeah, her."

"Really? You like another magi? Is she hot?" Kouha questioned, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"That's great!" Kougyoku pretended not to hear Kouha. "I invited Nishi to visit here! She said she'll be coming soon!"

"What?!" Judar snapped suddenly, shutting Kouha up. "Why?"

"She was always talking about wanting to see Kou, so I asked Brother Kouen and he allowed it." Kougyoku smiled. She was glad Nishi and Judar already knew each other, she had been worried they wouldn't get along. They might even be more than friendly with each other...

"Whatever. But you two have to swear you won't tell anyone me and Nishi know each other." Judar threatened the Ren's

"Why? Who cares?" Kouha frowned.

"Just don't tell anyone." Judar glared at him.

"Ok, ok. I won't, whatever."

"I won't either." Kougyoku promised with her sibling.

~