NOVEL WEB Chapter 11: Sitri
When Sakura first discovered she was trapped in another world, she thought of nothing but returning to her own, then she met a boy who captured her interest. With that she strayed from her path to walk alongside him; determined to help him achieve his goals while she began to integrate into this world; she started forgetting the reason she was here-she was forgetting that she was trapped. Finally, the fact that she would never truly belong here hit her, and in shame-filled she abandoned those she had grown close to continue with her journey, alone with no distractions.
After she left the city of Naporlia in Reim; Sakura opened her eyes and found herself in what she would describe as the middle of nowhere, a forest where it appeared no man has ever treaded before; with no clear path out. However, she knew that there had to be a dungeon somewhere in the area. It has been four days already of traveling through the dense forest and while beautiful it was also very deadly. The animals didn't take kindly to intruders but then again Sakura was no ordinary intruder and while she did her best to respect the forest; she would do whatever it took to survive. She had been in the forest many times before and could make due even when she had nothing on her. During the day she traveled; managing to make great distances thanks to her ninja abilities; she would stay in the trees to keep watch out for any huge tower that could pass for a dungeon.
At night, however, Sakura rested, she would make a fire, eat, and sleep replenished for the following day.
Once again when she used the power of the Looking Glass, all she carried was the clothes on her back and her djinn. Of course, when she thought back she realized that she didn't have anything else, other than the clothes Sakura had left behind in Reim there was nothing else, she didn't have any trinkets and such-well except for the hairpin she had gotten as a gift from Sinbad that had gone with her as it was still in her hair at the time. When she was there she never even thought about those things because she was so busy helping with the company.
"You are not a very materialistic person are you my king?" asked Beleth
"Hmm; I'm not sure about that perhaps it's only in this world since I won't be able to enjoy it for very long." Sakura said before munching on an apple "It's not like I can take things back with me."
"Why do you think that?"
Sakura shrugged this time "I'm not sure; maybe I don't want any reminders that I was ever here."
"What about me? Surely you don't intend to leave me behind once you return?"
She started laughing out loud "Oh I didn't think about that but no, I couldn't leave you behind. You are in the headband of my village. Say, is it possible to give you to someone else?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Is it possible to give you away to someone else and let them use your power?"
"That I am uncertain and please do not sound so casual about discarding me, I do feel pain," Beleth answered honestly and then he asked .
"I was only teasing Beleth," Though power could corrupt, Sakura relished in the new abilities the djinn offered her and she had come to see the entity as a friend. He offered her advice and kept her loneliness at bay. She could never trade him in for anything.
"Do you not miss them?"
Sakura sat up a little straighter at the question, there hadn't been mention of Sinbad or his companions since she left but it seemed that that was a temptation topic that couldn't be resisted for long.
"No," Sakura replied "I don't. Besides I highly doubt my presence will be missed, once they get over it they'll see that this is the way things are meant to be."
"Are you referring to them or yourself?"
Beleth was met with stony silence.
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"Finally," Sakura sighed in relief as she looked at the building before her, shadowing her presence.
After nearly an entire week in the wilderness; Sakura finally discovered a dungeon deep within the mountains. The tower stood tall and lean, carvings etched into it; Sakura began walking up the long flight of stairs that lead up to the entrance. She peered at the top, clouds were gathering around it from the top like a hurricane about to appear. Sakura looked at the doors and reached forward.
"Here goes nothing."
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Do you know that feeling you get when you're falling from somewhere really high? Your stomach clenches, your heart speeds up, and you feel the wind against your face hitting you so hard it hurts and you can't even breathe. That's what Sakura was feeling; she was falling; falling from the sky.
"This is not what I was expecting!" Sakura exclaimed closing her eyes and shielding them from the harsh wind. She hadn't caught sight of the ground, just soft-looking clouds that she continued to fall through.
Nearly fifteen minutes now and Sakura was not close to seeing the bottom of this dungeon.
"Beleth, do you think this dungeon has a floor, or am I just supposed to conquer this dungeon while falling through the sky?"
"I don't know my king, perhaps there is something you have missed."
Sighing Sakura held out her hand in front of her "Let's find out, BELETH."
Her hand transformed and then dark flames came out, Beleth's flames were not normal flames; Sakura discovered they were able to mold and take the shape of anything she chose, Beleth had informed her that it was not all his flame could do but Sakura had yet to discover what her djinn's other talents were. Mastering the equip was difficult for her because it was a power that differed from chakra, which had become second nature to the kunoichi.
The flames cut through the clouds and from it, appeared what looked like a cobblestone floor. Sakura smirked as she landed down with a loud crash, the ground beneath her cracked and bent; breaking into many pieces but Sakura remained unharmed. After dusting off her ragged and tattered clothes Sakura got a proper look around.
"What's going on?"
There was nothing here other than a small round cobblestone ground, running along tiny paths where water flowed freely down, a few trees growing within it and blue sky as far as the eye could see, and also a giant stone head standing in the center of it but other than that there was nothing. Nothing that Sakura could consider a way to make it through the dungeon unless she started falling again but that wouldn't bring up much result.
"Beleth this can't be right." Sakura said reaching the edge before looking down "There's nothing....whoa!"
Looking down Sakura discovered many different floating structures similar to the one she was currently standing, however, they were all different; some had more trees that could make for a forest and others were barren with only water flowing down, others had lush green patches of grass and others had visible structures on it like small rock hills, there were even some structures smaller that lead to the other structures like a path.
"I don't know what kind of djinn I'm getting but they sure have good tastes in dungeon designs."
"My king; please do not let your guard down. Even though it may be pretty; doesn't mean it is safe. It's still a dungeon."
"Of course," Sakura said snapping out of her trance "Now the question is; how do I get to those other floating isles?"
Turning back to the large stone in the center Sakura saw something written on it. It was in the language known as Tran. A complex language that Sakura had begun to learn while she was in Reim and though it was hard she had gotten a decent grasp on it; she never would've thought it would be used in a dungeon.
She began to read the inscription on the stone.
To reach what you wish to claim you must complete three tasks.
Clear the land of its enemy before it peaks
Find the key of hearts
Enter through the gate of gold
Journey through the sky using its gates but do not let it be your guide.
Trust the way of the wind and return to the beginning.
'Why couldn't this dungeon be simple like Beleth or Valefor?' Sakura thought sighing; she placed her hand on the stone tablet when she did a bright light shot from it and followed it with her eyes and landed at the end of the aisle, there now stood a circle spinning in the air.
"Okay.....weird."
Sakura stepped closer and closer to the object and reached out towards it, after that a force pulled her in and she felt her entire body being sucked through, there were flashes of colors all around her before they vanished and she found herself in another area. Then her thoughts wandered to how she got to this area of the dungeon just when she was in another.
Sakura gasped as it finally clicked "Oh, now I get it, those are the gates I have to use to get around this place."
"So it would seem."
This isle was much different than the previous one, it was surrounded by a lush green field with a few trees surrounding the area which was also much larger than the previous one; there was a single beautiful pink-colored budded flower near bloom.
'A bud waiting to bloom,' Ino would've been able to tell her what kind of flower it was. Her best friend was always so knowledgeable in that department as her mother owned a flower shop. It reminded Sakura of what she said when they were children.
"I don't think of you as a flower at all Sakura but a bud waiting to bloom. That's why I helped you because I thought it would be sad if you withered away as a bud, I mean how sad is it if flowers never bloom? For all, we know that little bud may become a flower more beautiful than a Cosmose."
She shook her head; it was stupid to think about that now. Even when she began to change it was not for the better, her confidence become arrogant, her strength made her oblivious to her weakness and her ideals of love cost her, a friend.
"Argh, I don't have time for this."
Sakura was now trying to make sense of what exactly it was she needed to do here she began reciting the instructions she memorized from the tablet.
"Clear the land of its enemy before it peaks, find the key of hearts, and enter through the gate of gold. Simple enough..." she muttered the last part sarcastically. "Now what enemy; am I supposed to-
A loud shrieking noise cut Sakura off from her thoughts like a blade through the water. Her eardrums vibrated from the intensity that threatened to erupt them. It was so painful she had to cover them tightly in hopes to avoid bleeding.
Looking up she saw dozens upon dozens of creatures appear in the skies, they had human faces-if, not distorted ones, with high ridged noses that pointed almost like beaks; feathers around their long bodies, sharp talons on the feet, large wings by the arms, their eyes seemed hallow but Sakura knew they could see her. They were monsters called Harpies.
One swooped down towards her with its claws ready to attack similar to how a hawk would swoop down to its prey with talons bared. She ducked before it was able to make contact, with a sidestep which she countered with a quick punch that sent it crashing into a nearby island.
"Take that cha!"
However more were coming which didn't give her much time for celebration and this time they were swooping down all at once trying to claw out her eyes and probably the rest of her.
'There's no way I'm letting that happen!'
Sakura was ducking and dodging all of the attacks however the harpies were flying extremely fast, their bodies lean but agile. They just looked like blurs and while she was able to avoid them but she wasn't able to go on the offensive with them all coming at her one after the other.
When a large number of enemies surrounded one target, Sakura knew that more than a handful couldn't attack at a time, but it was the consecutive motions over a long period that could become the disadvantage.
One of them had managed to get their talons to scratch across her back tearing her clothes and ripping through her flesh creating a light gash, nothing she was too concerned about but it did tick her off.
"THAT'S IT"
Sakura stood up taking a fighting stance as the harpies prepared for another assault. This time when they charged forward, Sakura grabbed hold of one harpy's legs when they tried to claw at her and then flung the creature into one another skidding across the ground before tumbling and falling.
She jumped into the air and began fighting while she was air-born; she attempted to aim for the wings to destroy their flight mobility to give her more of an advantage.
The battle was fierce as more seemed to be appearing out of nowhere; Sakura wasn't entirely sure but she knew she didn't count as much as there was now.
"Beleth!" exclaimed Sakura, her hand changing into claws and her skin becoming red she threw her hand into the air and unleashed the flames of her djinn; in that single attack the heat could be felt at an incredible degree. The concept of magoi was still something Sakura couldn't fully grasp but that didn't mean she was oblivious as to how to use her new powers.
She heard the harpies shriek in agony as Sakura managed to envelop them all in her flames as it was clear, the smell of burn was strong in the air. Landing back down she watched as the harpies began falling through the clouds to who knows where.
"Well I think that takes care of 'clear the land of its enemy'" Sakura said huffing
However, before Sakura could properly turn around she hear the familiar screech of the harpy and saw that there were more appearing from beyond the clouds and heading for her. She stomped her foot on the ground angrily.
"Oh come on!"
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Sakura panted heavily as she watched yet another harpy fall from the sky. She wasn't feeling too good about the victory as it wasn't over. She had been battling these creatures for hours. There was no end to the harpies that continued to swarm her from every direction. She wasn't sure how much longer she would be able to fight. No matter how many she defeated there were always more appearing and there was hardly a second to breathe. As a shinobi she could go for days in battle, however, Sakura's chakra wasn't at full capacity.
When she started training with Tsunade, she had started storing half her chakra in a damn within her so that she could create the Byakugo seal as her master. That required a constant flow of chakra for three years and it wasn't completed. That was a drain on her stamina.
'I don't get it,' Sakura thought feeling like she was about to fall over. Several scratches from the sharp talons marred her skin.
"My king; please think! there must be something you missed."
Sakura started racking her brain, there had to be something but the only thing carved in the tablet was these exact instructions as she recalled word for word.
"Clear the land of its enemy before it peaks, find the key of hearts, and enter through the gate of gold," Sakura said looking up at the sky as more harpies began gathering and there were way more than ever before. They always seemed to increase with everyone she defeated.
One soared down towards her and Sakura barely avoided it, she flew across the ground and rolled a couple of times before coming to a stop. Her vision blurred slightly but as she opened it she was met with the budded flower....that was beginning to blossom right before her eyes, it was near all the way open. The petals on the outside were this magnificent shade of blue blended with pink; Sakura stared in awe as if it would be the last thing she ever saw.
'And it might be....' Sakura thought, a pitiful feeling beginning to fill her as she realized she was helpless, her body refused to move as the harpies began coming towards her. Tears of frustration filled her eyes.
Was this it? Was she destined to die in this place where no one would ever find her? How long has it been since she felt this useless? She had trained all those years to catch up to her friends so that she wouldn't be a burden to them. Then she went and got herself trapped in another world where she swore she would do whatever it takes to get back home.
'I can't....' Sakura thought gripping the earth tightly in her hands as she looked at the flower bud about to be in full bloom; the wind blew across the grass as she felt it kiss her skin, it was a nice feeling and sound "I can't die here..."
"Kukuku..." a voice filled her ears making her gasp and look around for the source but there was nothing "Foolish little girl; a stupid little girl. Abandon everything and accept the end..."
Still unable to find the source of the voice Sakura's eyes settled back on the flower but then she saw it as the flower opened a bit more, a dark presence was given from it; the grass around it began turning brown instantly. Eyes were forming on the petals, dark eyes that were looking right at her, and in that instance, Sakura remembered.
"Clear the land of its enemy before it peaks."
It made sense now, what she had to do.
The flower looked directly at Sakura and she heard that sinister voice snicker "Stupid girl realized too late, soon everything will die as I bloom including you and you will fail."
Sakura growled as she attempted to draw up Beleth's power but realized that she was unable to. She had used her djinn too much in the battle against the harpies that it tired her out.
'Th-this is the end....'
Dread filled her now, unable to speak as she looked at the flower so close and yet so far.
And then the flower said something "Too weak."
Weak; how she despised that word more than anything. It made her blood boil every single time she heard it. All that effort she put into maintaining her composure was lost in an instant; her blood boiled. Rage filling her caused her aching muscles to move on their own as Sakura stood up and looked at the flower with a menacing expression, blood dripping onto the ground was being absorbed by the odd plant.
The flower started to grow; extremely fast and extremely large, vines came out of it and whipped around. The harpies that were attacking Sakura fled the sight in fear.
"It's too late!" the flower exclaimed "You have failed."
Sakura looked up at the huge plant; it was obvious she wasn't going to be able to use Beleth but she was far from finished. Gathering chakra in the palms of her hands Sakura spoke "You know Ino told me it's sad when flowers don't get the chance to bloom however I bet it's even sadder when the flowers you waited to bloom turn out to be so ugly on the inside."
The vines whipped towards Sakura but she vanished and materialized in the air as she came down to the ground she said "One way to get rid of bad plants is...PULL OUT THE ROOTS."
With a power chakra-filled fist Sakura cracked and crumbled the ground around the plant luckily she didn't destroy the fairly large ground or she would be falling through the sky again. She watched as the plant fell however what Sakura was aiming for was to expose the roots of the plants. When the smoke cleared the ground was completely broken apart viewing the roots but she saw something else that horrified her.
Bones; all scattered beneath the earth as well as fresh carcasses of harpies and humans that must've also wandered into this dungeon. The stench was overwhelming and made Sakura feel like throwing up. An extra thick root Sakura could see and it was wrapped around something....a blue spear with something floating inside of it; it was decorated with feathers and shaped like a heart."
"The key of hearts," she said out loud before something slammed into her from behind hitting her open wound and sending her flying to the back. Sakura groaned in pain as her back ached, then something dark came over her before slamming down onto her hard again.
"Stupid girl; stupid girl; stupid girl; stupid girl." Said the plant over and over again as it whipped her back swiftly and painfully.
Sakura screamed in agony as she felt another hit on her back, it was like it was being split open.
'I-I can't get up....'
"My king" Beleth's voice ranks through her ears "Do not give up, you must stand and fight"
"I-I can't."
"You must!" Beleth cried "You still have strength; your power cannot be limited! You must fight. Do not surrender."
"I can't do this...." Sakura cried allowing the hot tears to fall on the ground "I'm not like them; I'm not Naruto or Sasuke. I-I can't fight-
"You must; aside from your life there is something else you must fight for your pride." Beleth said in what sounded like a frustrated tone "Fight with everything you have to guard it, fight to protect what you are."
As another vine came down towards her Sakura grasped it in her hand tightly; squeezing it so hard a purple fluid began to seep out of it and burn her skin but Sakura didn't heed it as she forced her way back to her feet and then releasing it she moved forward avoiding the vines that came at her.
"OH SPIRIT OF STRENGTH AND DISCORD HEED MY CALL; USE MY MAGOI AND GRANT ME POWER TO DESTROY ME ENEMY; BELETH."
A powerful surge of power ran through Sakura's body as she felt herself being engulfed by a warm light. From it she emerged completely transformed, a third eye appeared in the middle of her forehead but it was black, her pink hair became a reddish-gray, two horns were sticking out from her hair; bat-like wings on her back; her clothes she wore had changed into a black robe that tied from behind her neck was cut off in the center in a diamond showing off the center of her chest and stomach, then it closed and fell in three parts of material down revealing her legs that were now kept in long silver boots.
Sakura's face had become blank as she looked down at the dungeon creature now standing in the air; she raised her hands in the air; a sphere of black flames began forming and growing.
"Khilaf NAR"
The flames engulfed the flower and everything else destroying the entire isle, Sakura watched as nothing remained except for the key. Flying towards it Sakura reached out with a talon hand and clutched it close.
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She quickly rushed towards another aisle and landed feeling her power depleting, the second her feet touched the ground she transformed back feeling exhaustion finally take over her as she ungracefully fell to the ground and fell unconscious still holding the key.
'I did it.'
"Sakura.....Sakura...SAKURA WAKE UP."
Her eyes shot open only to be met with golden ones, letting out a scream she immediately aimed her fists on instinct for the culprit but stopped when she heard a cry.
"Sakura it's me!"
Looking up she saw Sinbad holding his arms over his face to protect it from the blow. She looked at him completely drowsy and lost.
"Sinbad, what are you doing?" she asked tiredly rubbing her eyes as she looked outside of her window to catch the sun shining brightly.
The purple head grinned at her suddenly and climbed on her bed "Come on get ready!"
"Alright, alright..." Sakura muttered yawning softly before getting up from bed; it was strange though-the fact that Sinbad was waking her up since it was usually the other way around and then something else occurred to her. This caused her to turn furiously back to Sinbad and glare at him while he looked up at her with 'innocent' eyes.
"What?"
"Sinbad...." she began slowly "It's my day off isn't it?"
"Yeah so?"
"So why the hell did you wake me up?" Sakura asked huffing angrily
Sinbad leaned against the headrest of the bed and sighed "Well I figured since it's the first time we get a day off in a while, we'd do a little sightseeing."
"The only sight I want to see is my bed," Sakura stated moving back over to lie down after pushing Sinbad off.
Getting up from the floor and dusting himself off Sinbad grabbed the covers and threw them off Sakura. "Come on wake up! We're heading out in ten minutes and if you're still in bed I'll come back up and dress you myself....on second thought you can go ahead and sleep in then I'll-
"Finish that sentence and I'll make sure you can't have children." She didn't need to remind him that she had the medical knowledge to back up that claim.
Sinbad gulped loudly feeling his sweat drop nervously "W-Well, it's not like I wanted kid anyway."
"Well I'd still worry about me being able to turn your 'boys' into 'girls'"
Sakura grinned evilly as she heard quick footsteps and then the slamming of her door and thought she was in the clear to enjoy the rest of her lazy day but then she heard Sinbad yelling.
"I only wanted to spend time with you!"
When she heard that she felt a trickle of guilt; it was amazing how Sinbad could use his words to overpower anyone. Truly scary, now she wouldn't be able to rest peacefully with this guilt eating away at her.
Groaning she stood up "Goodbye sleep."
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Sakura and Sinbad walked through the streets together, Sakura looking completely worn out before the day even began and Sinbad beaming brightly like he won a prize.
"You know..." Sakura began eerily "There are some days where I really can't stand you."
Sinbad continued to smile mischievously "Then why did you change your mind about coming with me?"
Biting the inside of her cheeks Sakura glared ahead of her making a couple of people stare; the only reason she came along was that she would've been filled with guilt the whole day and Sinbad would've sulked right in front of her to make her feel worse. He did it before when she wouldn't let him leave early to go drinking at a pub.
"Because your face would've been hanging on the floor the rest of the week if I hadn't and I'd have to look at your gloomy mug,"
Sinbad threw his arm over her shoulder "Well thanks for coming."
Sakura scoffed shrugging off his arm "So what are we going to do now?"
"Whatever we want." He pointed to a large building that was a store "Let's start there and work our way up."
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Sinbad dragged Sakura all around Naporlia to shop and look at its various attractions. It annoyed Sakura when it came to shopping because Sinbad had this unhealthy habit of being excessive when it came to spending, he bought himself a brand new wardrobe and insisted that Sakura try on outfits as well-most that he chose and she did not like. They were either too flashy and revealing or not suited to her tastes.
"No way!" Sakura stated, "I'm not coming out!"
She heard Sinbad sigh "Come on, I promise I won't laugh this time."
"That's what you said the last three times!"
"Just come on out and I promise no more outfits."
Taking a deep breath Sakura stepped out nervously from the small room, she was wearing a long sleeveless peach pink dress with a red top over with black piping and flower patterns on it; there was a ribbon flowing at the back where it tied; it was very feminine and in Sakura's opinion not meant for her.
Sinbad seemed to be staring for a while as Sakura kept her head bowed down; her cheeks burning in embarrassment. She never wore things like this even back home, her outfits were usually plain and simple not delicate with designs.
"It looks good," Sinbad said in approval but Sakura shook her head
"This doesn't suit me," Sakura said turning back to change but Sinbad stopped her .
"Wear it like that, I'm gonna go pay and have the rest of the stuff sent back to the company."
Sinbad did just that and to make matters worse he sent back Sakura's clothes that she was wearing before so she wouldn't change again.
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A change of clothes became the least of Sakura's problems as the day progressed and Sinbad took her everywhere he wanted to go; they had never really taken a look at the city since they were swarmed with work so Sinbad was clearly trying to make up for it and Sakura was just there for the ride.
Sinbad seemed to enjoy the fact that for once he was the one being entertained instead of the other way around. He took them all over, from shopping districts; to theatres, to the gambling halls which she was reluctant to go to however she also felt the need to keep an eye on Sinbad in this situation for just in case moments. He had already proven to have a great streak but she didn't want a repeat of last time.
"Seriously Sinbad, you're going to develop a gambling problem and that'll fall next to your drinking and women problems," Sakura said rubbing her forehead
Sinbad merely shrugged "Hey, what can I say I like to go all out."
"Of your mind,"
GRRRRRRRR
They stopped and Sakura's face flushed red when she realized Sinbad heard her stomach growl while he just grinned pleasantly.
"Let's eat."
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Sitting across from Sinbad; Sakura let her eyes linger on the young man as he ate; his enthusiasm was something she was still getting used to despite having been with him for a few months now. Perhaps it was something she would never get used to yet it wasn't unpleasant; not all the time at least. He was very optimistic as well, even when reality seemed to knock them down he never stayed down for long and when he got back up he was able to move forward no matter what. He was determined to build his own country to change the world but she couldn't help but wonder if he would change once he achieved his goal. Once he became king would he use his power to change the world? Or would he get swept up in the responsibility of ruling a country? It was an odd thing to think about especially since it didn't have anything to do with her.
Sinbad stopped eating "What's wrong?"
Snapping out of her daze she shook her head quickly trying to brush off that she was caught staring and turned down to her food barely touched.
"This is good," she said chewing slowly savoring the flavor .
"I know right," Sinbad said with a grin "Oh yeah I meant to ask what's a kunoichi?"
Sakura nearly choked "Huh?"
"You mentioned that word earlier on; you said this is not how a kunoichi should dress right? So what is that?"
Sakura coughed before taking a sip of water "It's what I am."
Cocking his head to the side curiously he spoke "Would you like to explain what that is?"
Knowing full well that Sinbad would persist until he got an answer so she would give him one "I'm a kunoichi; I must complete any task I am assigned to from my superiors without complaint or regard for my personal feelings and life. A female ninja, "
Sinbad frowned when Sakura said that, there was obvious disdain visible on his face "That doesn't sound like a very enjoyable career."
Sakura stared at her reflection in the water as she clutched the cup in her hands "Well it's certainly dangerous and known for being brief however it is respectable where I'm from."
"What kind of jobs do you do?" Sinbad asked sounding interested now .
"All kinds, it depends." Sakura explained, "Starting off the jobs usually aren't dangerous but as you progress you are given harder jobs that require you to put your life on the line."
"What about war?" Sinbad asked suddenly
Sakura looked up at him "What about war?"
"Are you used for war?"
There was a moment of silence that fell between the two, Sakura wasn't entirely sure if she should answer that question. Yes, was the answer but the explanation would be far too much and she was already discussing more with him than she intended. She knew that Sinbad did not have a good history with the concept of war given how it had affected his life. It was something she wasn't all that comfortable discussing herself.
Sensing the sudden change in atmosphere Sinbad smiled "Never mind, come on hurry up and eat so we can get going."
"Right..."
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"Sinbad...." Sakura whined, "Can we go back now, it's dark out already."
"Yeah just one more stop then we'll go back, I'm sure you'll like it."
Sinbad took her to another store though sh e wasn't too pleased since she thought they were done with shopping, she didn't want anything. Unless there was a place she could buy ninja weapons she wasn't interested. Of course, she would have to go searching for a weapons store on her own so as not to alert the others and have them ask questions like why she was buying weapons.
They were actually in an extravagant store that sold items and trinkets like jewelry , ornaments, and statues, everything on the shelves seemed to glitter and shine with the afternoon sunset.
"This is interesting, looking for more items to make you shine?" Sakura asked jokingly
Sinbad shook his head "Nah, we're here for you."
"Huh?" Sakura tilted her head to the side in confusion as she watched Sinbad look over at the shelves and display cases.
"You're always working so hard at the company but you accept any payment for it" Sinbad explained continuing to browse "You've only ever bought things like clothes and other essentials but after you got everything you stopped spending anything altogether."
Sakura looked at Sinbad with furrowed brows "Well it's not like I'm extravagant; I tend to make do. Besides, it doesn't matter that I don't get paid, after all, I'm not an employee. I'm only a temporary assistant that's sort of just there-also," Sakura felt her face break out into a smile "Having somewhere to stay while I'm here, not being alone in this world is payment enough."
A lump formed in his throat after she said that, her words touched him. Sinbad honestly thought she was too good to be true at times like she was the most unique person in the world. Someone who was truly genuine.
"Well," Sinbad trailed turning back to the cases "I still think you deserve some kind of reward for everything you've done so pick anything you like!"
In the end however after looking, Sakura said she didn't want anything, the trinkets were not only beautiful but extremely expensive some of them were lined with gold, and others had precious gems placed in them adding to the value-never mind that some of them were pure metal which was already pric e y. This was why Sakura lied and told Sinbad that nothing caught her interest; she had nearly fallen over for this hairpiece; called Violet D ream. It had these three leave like structures that were light purple and this gold border around it, at the center connecting the three was a near violet colored pearl with three gold rings around it. Honestly, when she saw it Sakura had subconsciously touched the hair that had grown passed her shoulders now barely touching her collarbone, she hadn't found the time to cut it.
"Really nothing?" asked Sinbad sounding disappointed.
'If he saw how much that thing cost he wouldn't look like that,' she thought
"Okay fine, just wait outside I've got my eye on something too. I'll catch up in a bit."
..
..
A cool breeze blew across the city and Sakura felt a shiver. It was really cold some nights-though nothing compared to Imuchakk. All Sakura wanted to do what go back and return to her bed before she would have to wake up the next day and return to work. She looked up at the sky, the sun was nearly gone now and night would've fallen by the time they get back. Though she had to admit it wasn't half as bad she expected it to be spending all that time with Sinbad without any obligations or responsibilities. They were able to focus on each other and not on some kind of task that needed to be done, it had been a while since she had felt the way she did today. She was always working even back at home, she never really stopped.
Sinbad came walking out with a small bag and a satisfied smile on his face "Alright let's go back."
Sakura nodded and followed after him.
..
..
"It's gotten long..." Sakura muttered sighing, back when she was a child she had always wanted to have long hair to impress Sasuke and she was in competition with Ino, who had also grown her hair and it was much longer than hers but then Sakura discovered that a lot of things were much more important than looks . The importance of inner beauty and putting into consideration the people around you; how to stand on your own two feet and stop depending on others-much of these she had ignored for so long but she was trying her best to make up for it. Her long hair was a hazard to deal with and it got in the way a lot so she kept it short, for her short hair was like a symbol of her strength but it was growing now and she didn't like it.
Reaching for the pair of scissors on her barren dresser she took a piece of her hair and was about to cut it when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Sakura called
Sinbad opened the door, it creaked softly. He looked over at Sakura sitting in front of the mirror with a pair of scissors in her hands.
He frowned "Are you going to cut your hair?"
Sakura nodded turning back to the mirror "Yeah, it's gotten longer than I'm used to."
Sinbad sighed "That's too bad; I think long hair looks good on you."
"Well, I think it makes me look weak," Sakura stated coldly all of a sudden, the words blurted out with no thought.
"You think so?" Sinbad asked unfazed by her tone, leaning against the wall and holding one hand behind his back.
"Yes, every time I look at myself in the mirror like this, I see my old self." Sakura muttered feeling a pain in her chest "The worst version of me."
"Wish I could've met her." Sinbad said making Sakura look at him questioningly "I would've told her it doesn't matter what length her hair is because she'll always have those beautiful emerald green eyes that enchant and the same compassion for others and be the same person who I'll forever be grateful for helping me reach my goals."
Sakura felt like her cheeks were on fire at this point, she looked down at her hands that were clutching the scissors tightly.
"Well....it's still a pain to manage," Sakura said quickly
Walking over to her side Sinbad brought up a bag from behind him and held it out "Perhaps this will help."
Taking the bag and taking a glance inside Sakura gasped when she pulled out a display case with a violet-colored hairpin, the same one that had caught her eye at the store but how did.....?
Sakura looked up at Sinbad with wide eyes while a huge grin spread across his face "I saw you looking at it and I kinda just got the feeling you wanted it."
"But...."
His expression then turned stern "Listen Sakura, you say that me letting you stay here is already payment enough but the truth is I'll never be able to repay you for what you've done so far. So don't feel obligated to hold back, if you want something all you have to do is say so and I promise. What you said today disturbed me, you're not just here , you're with us, with me; so please don't ever say that again."
"Sinbad....."
..
..
"Sinbad...." Sakura murmured; her eyes fluttering open slowly she was met with an incredibly bright starry sky; looking around little red orbs were floating around producing light. It all came back to her; the dungeon in the sky, the harpies, the plant, the power of Beleth. She felt something in her hand and found the key she took from the plant.
"Have you awakened my king?"
"Beleth," Sakura sighed in relief "What happened?"
"You defeated that monster using my djinn equip, I was surprised since I haven't yet told you about it."
"Care to explain right now?" Sakura asked rubbing her eyes and then she felt something sticky and wet on her face, when she looked she realized it was blood. Blood had run down her eyes, what was this exactly?
"You forced a djinn to equip, it's the final stage of your power as a metal vessel user. You can call on all of my powers using djinn equip but you were severely weakened due to your overuse of magoi, I was surprised though, you were able to produce that vast amount so quickly."
"Think I can thank my chakra control for that, it's similar in a way."
"Well either way I would advise against using djinn equip again until you're able to control it properly. It takes practice."
Sakura nodded wiping her eyes of blood, before sending chakra coursing through her body to relieve some of the aches, pain, and wounds.
..
..
A few minutes later Sakura stood up, holding the key she had captured in her hand. The dream of the past still lingered in her mind; it had all happened; Sakura never really touched her hair after that until the night she left them.
She stood up rubbing the back of her head and stopping short of the bun which her gift from Sinbad held together.
'After this, I'm defiantly cutting my hair,'
..
..
Sakura stood in front of the gate of gold which happened to be the stone tablet at the beginning of the dungeon. When Beleth questioned how this could be the gate as it wasn't made of gold Sakura explained.
"It said 'gate of gold' not 'golden gate'; also I picked something up in this dungeon-nothing is as it seems. If you're not careful you'll miss what's right in front of you; Also, it said to listen to the wind and return to the beginning. Well the beginning for me would be here."
Walking around behind the stone tablet Sakura discovered a keyhole in the shape of a heart; Sakura smiled. Sakura brought it up to the stone and it fits perfectly. She took a step back as the tablet began to shine and then.....turn to gold before a bright light sucked her in and she welcomed it knowing what was next.
"Kukuku....well this is certainly interesting, a cute little girl has conquered that which even the most skillful soldiers could not well done."
Sakura stared up at the giant blue djinn, this time it was a female with ears and the tail of a leopard; white wings, she had dark blue hair, and blue eyes, and wore a long white robe. The room she was surrounded in was another one of the isles but it was much larger, out in the open but with a large canopy made of marble around it with pillars holding it up, treasure decorating every part of this isle, gold, and silver as far as the eye could see but she was hardly interested in anything other than what was right in front of her.
"I am Sitri, djinn of Amity and happiness. How do you do?"
A red mark appeared on Sakura's forehead "Don't ask me those kinds of questions right now; I've just about had it with your place and would like to get out of here before something else tries to kill me perhaps a monster made of clouds?"
Sitri gave a light-hearted laugh "Oh really? Well, I think a change of scenery is in order anyway so what do you say we leave?"
Holding out her hand Sakura showed the mirror "First things first,"
The female djinn snapped her fingers and a shard appeared "Here you are my king. I can see your magical item reacting to it,"
Sakura felt like her spirits were lifted as she watched another part of the mirror fill. With her resolve, she was sure it wouldn't be long before she returned. She just had to be patient.
"Well, now shall we depart my king?"