The ocean was at ease, waves crashing against the shore. Birds circled fishing boats accompanied the chatter of men working on those boats. A small, beat-up merchant ship docked not too long ago and had managed to attract the attention of a few people standing by.
The boat was decorated with scars and some hidden treasures. A tall man appeared on the side of the ship. He easily picked up and placed a fairly large ramp which surprised a few onlookers as he didn't look that strong. As he walked down the ramp, they noticed he had a cloth covering his head and wore no shoes.
His eyes held a harsh glare as they scanned over the area. They landed on a pair of twins who stared at him. He walked over to the twins who didn't move as he came closer. "Are either of you busy at the moment?" He asked, his tone sweet and friendly. They were confused but shrugged. "Not at the moment no, why?" The younger-looking of the two asked.
The man handed them a small coin pouch and said, "Watch my ship for me. I shouldn't be too long, maybe an hour at most. I've got something important to do, I'll pay the rest later." And with that he walked off, leaving the two thoroughly confused. They looked inside the pouch as they boarded the ship.
"This is worth more than me..." The older looking one said. "What? Let me see." He said taking the pouch and counting.
The two, in a comical way, removed the ramp and announced to everyone around that they wouldn't hesitate to fight anyone who tried to steal from the ship. People who heard either sighed or rolled their eyes at the two. They were best known as the trouble makers of the docks and didn't understand why the man had chosen them or why they were so compliant.
-----
The city streets were bustling with busybodies of all kinds, buyers and sellers alike. The same man made his way with ease to the castle in the center of the city. He used his childhood memories and hidden pathways to avoid large crowds or blocked roads.
Once he had reached the castle gates, the two guards stopped him from walking in. "State your business." One of them spoke in a formal tone. "I would like to speak to the King. It's important." The two looked at each other before looking back at the man. "He isn't accepting visitors today."
The shoeless man rubbed his chin, thinking for a second before whispering something to the two of them. They were shocked by his words and quickly let him in, following his request to keep it between the three of them. He thanked them when they opened the door and made his way to the overly large steps.
Those same overly large steps were being cleaned by a few maids and butlers who paused to watch him walk. An older man at the top of the stairs stared for a little longer, noticing his shining golden eyes.
He walked through the main doors, revealing several people cleaning and organizing various items. The sudden amount of light that entered the room caught everyone's attention. The King looked at the man with a calm yet somewhat annoyed look and asked, "Who are you. Why did they let you in? We didn't have any meetings planned for today."
The man looks up with a slightly hurt, yet happy smile. "I would like to talk to you about your son."
Zameel was baffled by this statement and became a little defensive. "You know nothing about my son! He went missing four years ago. Would you mind escorting him out of here so we can continue?"
"That hurts... I just wanted to talk about Raj. He's done so much over the years... It's a shame really." He said as Whitric, the King's royal guard walked over. Two more guards accompanied him, pointing their weapons at the man.
He raised his hands, showing he wasn't going to pull anything.
"Look, let me show you something before I leave."
"No, Whitric-"
"Please, humor me."
The King stays silent as the man proceeds to remove the cloth from his head. That same stunning cherry red hair fell into a long ponytail that reached to about his shoulder blades. Whitric stood, stunned, while the two guards who once pointed their weapons at him were on one knee, asking for his forgiveness. Some of the servants who were cleaning stopped to bow and some of the newer didn't even know who he was.
Zameel was overcome my many emotions when he recognized his son. He stood from his chair and walked down the steps to him. "It's been four years Raj... Where have you been?"
Raj smiled and hugged his father. "Out and about." He said as Zameel hugged his son tighter. "Sorry I didn't come back sooner. You probably know why I left." His father nods and pulls away to look at him. "Nadiya told me everything. I'm glad she did."
"Good," Raj said with a smile. "Where is she now by the way? If I may ask." Soft footsteps could be heard from the stairway that lead to the upstairs. "Raj?" The one mentioned looked to see Nadiya standing in a flowy dress, shocked to see him. Raj smiles and waves as she runs down the steps to hug him.
"Did you miss me?" He asked as he spun her slightly. She stayed quiet as they hugged. He may have not had any romantic feelings for her but hers developed for him over the years. They pulled away and she looked up to him with a smile. "I'm glad you're ok." Raj smiled as well and said, "I told you I would come back, you're one of my closest friends! How could I ever just leave you behind."
Nadiya looked disappointed as she pulled away. "What?" Raj asked with genuine concern. Zameel and Whitric both backed off when Nadiya started to scold him about how she imagined he would love her back after all these years but knew that just wouldn't happen cause he was in love with another woman. Raj only laughed and hugged her again, causing her to blush and go quiet.
"Nadiya. I don't love any woman or man. At least it's not that type of love."
He pulled away from her and looked up to Whitric and Zameel who had started to place bets on whether he would walk out of there alive or not, not realizing she had stopped scolding him. "Go change, I've got something to show everyone."
"Ok! I'll be back in a moment." And with that, Nadiya ran off to change. "Hey old man." The King looked to Raj with an annoyed look. "I'm not that old Raj!" He said as Whitric held him in place with a firm hand on his shoulder. "I've got something to show you. Could you set up a carriage?"
The King was confused slightly but had one of the servants prepare their ride. Nadiya came back down the steps and stood next to Raj. "Oh also, how are you still here Nadiya."
Zameel laughs and Whitric smiles. "We overthrew her old country. They're just an extension to our territory now." Whitric said while walking over to Raj. "Seriously? How?" Nadiya explained how several of Zameels people went in and convinced everyone to help overthrow her biological father. Raj was impressed by how quickly it happened but was happy that everyone was still ok.
"I'm glad! I'll have to go visit them soon." Raj said with a laugh as the four of them got into the carriage. The ride was silent till Zameel spoke, "I would like to set up a dinner to welcome you back home and to tell the people you are ok."
"That would be lovely. Plus I haven't eaten since earlier this morning so it'll give me a chance to gorge on good food before I start living off my cooking again." Raj laughed as Nadiya slapped his knee.
-----
The carriage arrived at the docks, people looking at the royal transportation. King Zameel got out first, followed by Whitric and Nadiya. Many were confused as to what they were doing at the docks but were surprised to see that same strange man follow last. It took them some time to realize he was the lost prince. Chatter filled the area quickly about the four as they walked to Raj's beat-up ship.
"She's got a few scratches but she's done me good for two years." He said, showing it off as if it was for sale. "Hold on," Raj said turning to face the ship. With two jumps, he made it up to the railing, surprising the twins who were laying on the deck out of boredom. "You two could have played a game or something while I was gone. Glad you guarded her well!"
The twins scurried to their feet and stood proudly as if they had done something amazing. "Here, this is the rest of your pay. I'm Raj by the way." He said, tossing them another coin pouch. The younger of the two caught it this time and the older introduced them. "I'm Saleem, and this is my younger brother Saamil."
"I am two minutes younger than you!"
Raj laughed as they bickered about age. "I have a question," They paused to look at him, "Would you like to meet my father?" Saleem shrugged and Saamil nodded. Raj smiled and moved the ramp so that the trio who were talking amongst themselves could board. Saleem and Saamil watched as their beloved King boarded first.
They were shocked and Zameel introduced himself. Before they could even respond, Whitric boarded and instantly got recognized by his two sons. "Hey boys... Didn't expect to see you here." He said, feeling awkward as Nadiya pushed him so that she could board as well.
Raj called her over to take her down to the storage room while he let the others get "acquainted". Saleem and Saamil stared at their father in awe.
"You're the King's royal guard?!"
They spoke in sync while their father laughed awkwardly. The four of them were talking while the other two walked down a small spiral stairwell.
The storage room was filled with various scents and colors, many catching Nadiya's eyes. "It's so organized down here!" She said as they walked down the middle of everything. "You've gotta be that way when you trade with as many cities as I do."
At the end of the walkway was a door which contained many valuables. You would never know it was a door until Raj opened it. Nadiya's eyes sparkled with interest and awe at the gold and silver that was accompanied by jews. The freckled male walked over to a large gem that was embedded into a golden cuff. The large jewel was surrounded by other small ones and it was one of the rarer pieces he has attained and he saved it just for her.
"Nadiya, this one's for you. I've only ever seen one of these before and I kept it for you. As an apology." She looks at the cuff in his hand and he takes her left hand and gently places it on her. She watched as it sparkled in the light that shone through the small windows.
Raj smiled and walked over to a table that held his famous sword. Nadiya noticed and spoke softly, "Raj, thank you. And what do you need to apologize for?" He smiled and grabbed the sword off the table. "For not making your fantasy come true." She walked over to him and looked at the sword as well.
"Shouldn't you always have that on you?" Raj shook his head. "Yeah, but I didn't feel like having people look at me weird for carrying a sword through town." He said looking back to her after he grabbed it. She nodded and he guided her back to the top deck where Whitric had explained to his twin sons why he was never told them about his job.
"Welcome back Raj, did you know that Saleem and Saamil were Whitric's boys?" Zameel asked as the two walked through the door. Raj shook his head and looked at the two while Nadiya explored a little more. "Now that you say that, they do look a lot alike."
A shrill scream echoed through the air. Everyone looked over to see a large winged creature attacking a small fishing boat. Whitric was about to go deal with it but Raj jumped into action first, his sacred sword in hand. He sprinted over to the bird that was at least 15 feet tall. Its crocodilian like beak was snapping at anyone nearby the ship it was standing on.
The two sets of wings it had flapped furiously as Raj jumped from ship to ship in order to reach the thing quickly and make sure no one got hurt. The bird noticed Raj's approach but it was too late. Raj had slit the thing's neck in one swift blow, landing on a nearby boat to stop his momentum. There was silence then cheers.
Raj stood and relaxed his shoulders, closing his eyes while he looked up. A smile was evident on his face as he looked down at all the people around, thanking him.
The owner of the ship offered him gold as payment but Raj denied and let them keep the bird, which was a Kacyl, to sell as long as he could take one of its feathers, which he did. Zameel and Nadiya basically ran off the boat when Raj got close to them.
"Do you know how dangerous that is!" They both scolded him and Raj slouched his shoulders. The twins finally processed he was the one they heard so many stories about while Whitric went and saved Raj from the barrage of words. "Thanks." He said as Whitric stood between them.
Saleem and Saamil both walked down and over to Raj. "You're the Sea Emperor?" Saleem asked, looking to Raj's golden orbs. "Ha, yeah. Why? Hear stories about me?" They both nod and Saamil speaks up, "We both work on the docks so there's all types of stories that come in about you!" Raj laughs and looks to the twins with a cheeky grin. "Now, if I were to ask you to join my crew what would you say?" Whitric instantly butt in with a strict, "No."
"Oh come on big guy! It'll give them valuable experience. Plus, you've seen I'm able to protect them." He said, nudging Whitric's arm with his elbow. The tall green haired man said nothing and just stared. Saleem whispered to Raj that him and his brother would love to join his crew.
"It seems to be getting fairly late, shall we call for a royal dinner?" Zameel asked before any further conversation started. "That would be a wonderful idea." Raj said as they walked off the ship. Raj put away the ramp before jumping down. He walked alongside Whitric and said softly. "Think about it for me please. I can tell how much you care about your sons, though, when it comes down to it, I wouldn't want them joining any other crew but mine. And no matter how long it takes for you to say yes they will join me. That's a promise."
Whitric looked at the young males determined expression and sighed, "I'll think about it."
-----
Most of the city filled the gigantic dining hall, people of all classes and looks. Raj, Nadiya, and the twins were all sitting at a table together, waiting for Zameel and Whitric to get back from greeting the common folk.
"Heh, who let the rats in? I didn't know they were invited too." An older man said with a smirk. Saleem rolled his eyes and Saamil looked down to the table. Saleem opened his mouth to respond but Raj beat him to it. "Now that's no way to speak to a man." He said, turning his head to look at the guy who commented. His golden eyes gleamed with annoyance but his lips held a disappointed smile.
Clearly not knowing who he's talking to, the man responded, "Yeah, good thing they ain't men." The two other males at his table laughed with him. Raj fully turned his body to face the other and he had a seemingly sweet smile. "You might want to stop talking before our fathers come back." The man laughs again leans towards Raj. "Oh yeah, and what's your daddy gonna do about it."
A firm hand was placed on the man's shoulder and he looked up to see King Zameel wearing a similar smile to his son. "Could you refrain from harassing our sons? We wouldn't want anything to happen now would we?" The trio starred in shock as Whitric greeted his boys with gentle hair ruffles and a kind smile. Zameel removed his hand and sat between Raj and Nadiya. The men at the other table went quiet for the rest of the time until food was served.
---
"Raj, can we talk?" Nadiya asked, gently grabbing his arm. "Oh, sure, what's wrong?" She pulled him off to the side and he leaned against the wall. "When are you leaving again?" She asked looking up to him with sad eyes. "Tomorrow after I talk with my fath- Uh," Nadiya pulled him into a tight embrace. "Nadiya-" She interrupted, "Please don't leave."
Raj pulled away and looked at her with sweet eyes. "Nadiya. It's my job. I can't just take a break from it. Especially not right now. I know you love me but I really can't stay. Please don't hate me but I..." She looked up to him with watery eyes.
"You what Raj...?"
"I know I said it earlier but I can't love you. I know that's why you're asking me to stay and I'm sorry. It's not possible." Nadiya looked down to their shoes or lack thereof and stayed quiet. "You're right. It was a silly request..."
Raj pecked her cheek, effectively silencing her. "I'll always love you as a sister and as a friend. I'll come back to visit ok?" He smiled sweetly, causing her to smile as well.
"I'll be back before you know it."
---
The evening was quiet as Raj walked through the usually bustling city. The occasional light turned off saying another resident was closing up for the night. He carefully made his way to the docks to see a few guards walking up and down along with one that stood next to his own ship.
Raj walked over to the guard who nodded to him. He smiled to the man and got onto his ship in two jumps. The first thing he noticed was that the door to the storage room was open. Curiosity kicking in, he walked over to the door and down into the storage to see some things have moved around.
"I'm gonna be nice this time." He whispered to himself before speaking up. "If there's someone down here, speak up now." There was soft shuffling off to his left and he looked to the source. A young, dark blue haired man stood and looked to the ship's owner. Raj motioned for him to stand in the walkway to which the other complied.
"I wasn't going to steal anything I swear." He said, getting on one knee and bowing his head. Raj sighed and looked down to him. "Then why are you hiding in my storage unit? Where the valuable items are." The other kept his head down and didnt respond. Raj looked unhappy with his silence and placed a hand in his shoulder, coaxing him to stand.
"What's your name?" Raj asked as he locked eyes with the other. "Uh... Mohan."
"Do you know who I am, Mohan?"
"N-no, I don't."
Raj removed his hand from Mohans shoulder and put it in his pocket and the other on his swords handle. "I'm King Touma's Son, Raj. I'm gonna hazard a guess and say you are from the newer area." Mohan looked to his sword and nodded.
"Do you mind telling me why you were hiding down here?"
Mohan locked eyes with Raj again for a moment before looking down to his own shoes.
"Do you want to join my crew? I leave tomorrow at noon."
The question was sudden and it shocked Mohan. "Huh?" Raj repeated himself, "Do you want to join my crew?" Mohan finally processed and nodded his head quickly. "I-I would be honored." He said bowing his head again.
"Right then, tell whoever you need to tell and feel free to come back here tomorrow morning. I'll be waiting."
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