Despite the harsh conditions of this land of snow, there was a thriving community hidden within its icy depths. Sakura learned this as she allowed the men to lead her into their village. She didn't struggle, wanting to understand her situation before counter-attacking. Even as she was taken, the men handled her with caution, like she was a thin glass doll. To them, she might as well have been. They didn't seem to perceive her as a threat when they realized she was just one lonely girl whom they towered over.
They took her to their village. The outskirts were decorated with curved items protruding from the ground, appearing to be horns of some large creatures. The buildings were of sturdy wood, likely to accommodate those people of such large structure, the only warmth she could feel came from the torches surrounding the area, carving paths like beacons. The people didn't seem bothered by the harsh environment, while their clothing consisted of pelts and fur were still far from suited to the weather, exposing skin that would give ordinary people hypothermia.
She was taken into one of the larger buildings, and it was like stepping into another climate as the warmth seeped into her body.
While she hadn't put up a fight, she had been prying for information about her situation. It was divulged that she was going to the chief's home but nothing about where she was. Despite being seen as a none existent threat, they were curious as she was about how she appeared in their homeland.
"Chief," The warrior greeted with respect, lowering their heads. "We followed that light and found this girl just outside the village borders,"
Sakura craned her neck as far as she could to look into the chief's sharp eyes. He towered over the men, his figure taller and broader, a scar running along with the wrinkles on his face adding to his intimidation, and being an uninvited visitor wasn't helping the look of hostility she received.
'Maybe I should have put up a fight,' Though she would have liked to get more information about where she was.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Sakura Haruno. I'm a traveler,"
"We do not take kindly to trespassers,"
"I didn't know I was trespassing,"
She couldn't explain that the reason she trespassed was probably because of a magic mirror; she couldn't bring herself to believe the truth, so how could she convince others of the truth. The best outcome would be a peaceful resolution with these people so she could get more information on her location and have somewhere more hospitable to stay while she figured out how to leave.
"A traveler?" With the Chief covering her line of vision, Sakura wasn't able to see the other inhabitants of the house she was in until they stepped in line with him.
There were two more figures, a male and female, with the same gigantic physique. The other male appeared much younger, with long blue hair tied back in a ponytail covering his amber eyes. The girl had short hair and a wider set of the same eyes, giving a jovial effect to her face, but with her height, it was a bit difficult for Sakura to guess her age as she easily towered over her.
The girl looked at the pinkette and then glanced over her shoulder, "Sinbad, this girl's a traveler just like you,"
"Oh really?"
Sakura stopped, her ears focusing on the distinct fluttering, it was like listening to strands of gold shimmering against each other, coupled with soft thumps against the wooden floors.
A boy, of normal height, measuring barely a centimeter taller than herself was now in her sights. His eyes were a unique gold, vibrant. His skin slightly tan, and his hair a rich purple with hair nearly matching his height. Had it been three years ago, she would have been jealous that he was able to grow his hair to such a length when she sported her own waist long pink hair.
The birds of gold start to fade from sight without losing presence, Sakura is more focused on the other teen who was boldly closing the distance between them. Taking her hands up, and giving a flirtatious smile that made her heart give a jolt.
"You're pretty cute,"
Sakura would've blushed if she was warm enough for the heat to reach her face. There wasn't a chance for anyone to comment because the proximity of the two resulted in a trigger of Sakura's metal vessel, the eight-star mark on her headband lit up mimicking the boy's sword strapped at his waist. Sakura heard Beleth's voice ringing in her head.
"So Baal has fallen to this boy?"
'What are you talking about Beleth?' Sakura thought back to her djinn.
"My king he is another candidate,"
She was still new to the concepts of this world, especially djinns and magic and so on, but Sakura did understand what Beleth was implying. "You conquered a dungeon?"
The boy's eyes widened as he let go of her hands, taking a step back, "No way. You're also…..?"
She countered, tilting her chin, "Are you?"
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Sakura curled her fingers around the fur cloak that had been offered, grateful for the warmth while she sat before the chief and his two children, Pipirika and Hina and the golden-eyed boy named Sinbad.
"I can't believe a girl like you is a dungeon conqueror," said Hina.
Sakura raised an eyebrow; "I can understand your thoughts, but I did,"
"I just can't believe I get to meet another person who managed to capture a dungeon. Though I'm also surprised it's a cute girl like you," said Sinbad, grinning slightly, "What brings you to Imuchakk?"
Imuchakk, that was the name of this land and considering the climate, a very long way from the desert area she had previously been. The Looking Glass had transported her to this place, just how it brought her to Beleth's dungeon from her world.
"Are you perhaps seeking out the other dungeon?" The chief asked before Sakura could respond.
Sakura's eyes shined with interest, "There's a dungeon here?"
Was that why the mirror had reacted this way? It was just a hunch based on what little information was before her, but she was quickly able to theorize ideas. It all came back to the dungeons and the Looking Glass. Her analysis wasn't easy to dispute. She just happens to be taken by the Looking Glass to a place where a dungeon and another metal vessel user resided. It was too great a coincidence to be one. Beleth; a djinn had a piece of the shard from the Looking Glass which brought her to this world, so she concluded that other djinn may have shards as well.
"Yes, one appeared not too long ago. I had thought of investigating the building, however, Sinbad here expressed the dangers of entering such a place,"
Sakura locked eyes with Sinbad, "He's not wrong, it is truly….."
"Exactly," Sinbad understood what the pinkette was thinking, "Are you thinking of going there?"
"Perhaps,"
Sinbad frowned; a serious expression placed on his face "You already have one metal vessel, why would you be looking for dungeons?"
"Reasons," Sakura answered curtly.
"What kind?"
"Nothing that's your business,"
Sakura looked over at Sinbad who was staring back at her. Her eyes then landed on his sword.
"Ask permission, my king. Tell him to show the mark,"
"Could you show me your djinn mark again?" Sakura asked gesturing to his sword. To her surprise, he didn't ask any questions or refuse despite the tension they created.
"Sure," While confused Sinbad drew out his sword; Sakura removed her necklace and placed the frame over the mark and both items reacted. Sakura watched as a second shard began to materialize within the frame. Sakura could see the small crack that separated the two shards but it remained in place despite this.
Sakura felt like riding a wave of triumph for her theory proving to be solid. This showed that she didn't have to make a contract with a djinn to retrieve a shard from them. However, there was still a dungeon in Imuchakk she would have to enter. It was the only way to confirm whether or not the djinn inside would have a shard as well but she was feeling a bit more confident now.
"What did you do?" Sinbad asked
Sakura held up the frame "This is the reason for my searching for dungeons; I need to find more djinns to complete this mirror."
"Why?" asked Sinbad appearing even more confused.
"Again that's my business," Sakura responded putting it back over her head.
Sinbad attempted a flirtatious smile, but at this point, he seemed slightly irked, "We're both dungeon conquerors. I thought if you'd explain your situation, I might be able to help you,"
"Thanks for the offer, but I can take care of my affairs myself," Sakura did not want to get someone else involved with what she was doing. Especially when it was as dangerous as entering a dungeon.
"You are a strong girl." Observed the chief smiling at her "Imuchakk's custom is that the strong get the most hospitality. You and this boy Sinbad have both conquered dungeons; towers that not even hundreds of army soldiers could accomplish. You have my respect."
Sakura smiled and bowed her head "Thank you,"
Pipirika jumped up, "You should stay for tonight's celebrations!"
Sakura looked at her in confusion "Celebration?"
"Yeah, that's a great idea," Sinbad said grinning at her; though Sakura couldn't help but get a sense of mischief behind this boys demeanor "You're a dungeon conqueror as well and I'd like to hear more about your experience,"
Sakura pulled her face. There was another dungeon near here, and she would have to go investigate eventually but it also dawned on her that this was another world, with new species of creatures and humans. She could just leave later that night when she was more prepared.
"Alright,"
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The inhabitants of Imuchakk were giants compared to other humans, but there was a reason, their bodies were made adapted to the cold climate and harsh conditions. A warrior tribe rich with tradition. One of those traditions was the coming of age ritual for Imuchakk men which Sakura was going to be able to witness tonight.
As a right of passage, the young men would travel away from home to hunt the sea creature known as Rampaging Unicorn. A sea creature, that Sakura was certain didn't exist in her world just from the description. Successfully hunting one of these beasts would prove their strength and give them the right to their full warrior name. Maharagan was also where the spoils of the hunt would be feasted and shared with the rest of the village.
"Big brother finally got one this time, we also met Sinbad on the island," explained Pipirika, handing Sakura a large bowl of the assorted meat. It had a good scent, something similar to the salty tang of all seafood, but strung with spices different from anything Sakura experienced before.
Under the night sky, despite being surrounded with snow, it was warm with bonfires blazing, torches lit, the smell of meat and the sound of music dancing with the wind, and the laughter of the people enjoying each other's company all around. As the interloper, Sakura had the eyes of a tourist. But she wasn't alone on this, with Sinbad also glancing around with greater awe and excitement. A joyous aura surrounding Sakura that put her at ease. Very different from the first impression made when she was introduced to these people.
"This is really good," Sakura said, her cheeks jutting out that Pipirika commented made her look like a puffer-fish.
"Your hair's a funny color," a little girl said as she seated herself next to Sakura and started to gently tug on her short tresses but with her height, Sakura didn't even have to lean down far.
"It is isn't it?"
"Yup," she said as she continued to pull on Sakura's hair.
The pinkette giggled as one of the women reprimanded her daughter for pulling on her hair, though Sakura assured she didn't mind since it wasn't a harsh assault.
Pipirika offered Sakura a cup "Here drink up!"
Sakura got the familiar scent of alcohol; though it was slightly different than the smell she usually got when she was around her teacher who was a heavy drinker, she could still identify it.
"No thanks," Sakura said nervously raising her hand "I can't drink, I'm underage."
Pipirika tilted her head, "How old are you Sakura?"
"Fifteen,"
"Oh wow, so you're older than me. I'm thirteen,"
Sakura nearly fell back from surprise. It was difficult to distinguish Pipirika's age because of her stature though she had a softer face and compared to the other females Sakura had seen around here Pipirika was relatively shorter. Even so, it was hard to believe that the girl was just starting her adolescent years.
"And you're older than Sinbad!"
"Did someone call me?" Sinbad plopped down next to the pinkette and slung his arm over her shoulder; she could smell alcohol on his breath.
"Sakura said she's fifteen, that's older than you right?"
"Oh yeah, I'm fourteen. But I wouldn't have guessed you were a year ahead of me. What brought this on?" Sinbad grinned.
"We were talking about that because Sakura said she's too young to drink," explained Pipirika.
'He's younger than me, yet his drinking honestly...' Sakura thought rolling her eyes; she then glanced at his arm over her shoulder. She had just met this boy and he was already trying to get friendly with her.
'Not on my watch' she thought removing Sinbad's arm from her shoulder "I don't drink. You can't drink until you're twenty-one. It's a rule where I'm from,"
Sinbad gave her an odd look like she was some kind of unknown entity which just annoyed her.
"Quit looking at me like that," she said heatedly "It's not that strange."
"Nah it's not that..."Sinbad trailed his face slightly flushed red; he had been partying for hours with the rest of the Imuchakk; he had eaten; flirted with the women; danced a bit and drank everything that was poured for him. All in all, it was a good night.
"What?" Sakura asked putting a sigh into her question; she tucked her knees to her chest as she looked at Sinbad.
"Your eyes...I've never seen anyone with eyes like yours before." he told her groggy "They're really beautiful."
Sakura raised an eyebrow at him turning away. What he said was exactly what she had thought when she saw those golden eyes of his. It was like an abyss of light that you could get lost in. But she wouldn't admit that out loud.
He had already flirted with nearly every woman that had come in his line of sight, so she figured this was just a bad habit, and even if he was serious, she wouldn't reciprocate positively. Men who used their looks to their advantage were the type she disliked the most. And there was only one person she had in her heart. She couldn't help but smile when a certain raven-haired boy popped into her mind; it was both a pleasant and painful thing to think about.
'Sasuke...' She wiped a hand over her face, flicking some of the snowflakes off her head. 'I need to get to that dungeon,'
The whole village fell silent as the guttural music of the raging unicorn horns rang, a heavy drum beating, calling attention to the center stage. Hina stepped on stage with a rather somber expression to receive his warrior name. His hair swept back from his face, revealing cold determined eyes.
"Though shall become a proud Imuchakk warrior, I shall confer onto you your sacred antonym and emblem."
He was presented with a deep-indigo headband decorated with a traditional pattern that represents the Imuchakk spirit. He clasped the horn and tusk of the rampaging unicorn in one hand as the headband was placed around his forehead. It made Sakura give a tug at her own headband. She remembered how proud she felt when she had made gennin and received the headband of her village.
"Your warrior name is…Hinahoho. The meaning of your new sacred name is clean like the ocean. Please become an honest warrior true to his name,"
There was almost a pained look in Hinahoho's eyes as he lowered them, pledging to do just as he was instructed. Everyone stood up cheering for their new warrior and the celebrations continued with new vigor.
Sinbad took another drink despite being under the watchful gaze of Sakura. He insisted that since she refused to drink, he would have to drink for both of them. With Hinahoho being the center of attention; they weren't able to get to him just yet with the crowd of Imuchakks and decided to stay behind to allow the villagers to congratulate him.
This did give the two a chance to talk more, as the only outsiders present. Sakura listened to Sinbad's story about how he had obtained the djinn Baal and overcame his dungeon. From what he told her, it must have happened just a little while before Sakura got a hold of Beleth.
A tower had appeared, and in Sinbad's home country the monarch had been trying to get a hold of its power but the thousands of soldiers sent in didn't return. Sinbad met a traveler who directed him to the dungeon to try and take the power for himself. Overcoming the trials, he did what no one else had been able to achieve. He claimed the djinn's power and treasure; which she knew was certainly with great hardship.
"After I captured the dungeon, I ended up angering my countries rulers, and I was chased out by the princess sent to capture me. That's how I ended up here in Imuchakk. I met Hina and Pipirika while they were chasing the rampaging unicorn and we came here,"
"I'm sorry," Sakura genuinely felt for him, hearing he couldn't go home because he was considered a criminal simply because he didn't want to hand over the power that he rightfully earned.
Sinbad shook his head, his cheeks slightly flushed. "It's not like I had much left for me anyway. Besides, I have this chance to explore the world I've only heard stories about. I just started and I've already seen something as amazing as Imuchakk. It makes me excited to think about what else is out there. Don't you also wonder what else there could be in this world?"
That wasn't a fair question to someone who wasn't born in this world but Sinbad couldn't have been aware so Sakura didn't fault him for making her uncomfortable. She just pretended to let his last words pass over her head. In his state, he hardly noticed.
When he swayed, Sakura caught him by his shoulder. "Take it easy; you're going to pass out."
"I'm not going to pass out…." He leaned against the pinkette who was easily able to hold up his weight while he rested his eyes. Sakura pushed him up straight, so she could drag him back to the house to rest for the night.
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"Go to sleep,"
"But….."
"No, you should lie down. I bet you're going to have one hell of a hangover when you wake up,"
Since Imuchakk didn't have any travelers there weren't any inns for them to stay so the chief offered his home. There were only two rooms, one for the chief and the other for his children. With everyone distracted by the festivities and Sinbad here; Sakura knew this was going to be the best time for her to leave for the dungeon.
After her last experience, it wasn't anything she was looking forward to.
'I can leave before they come back,' Sakura thought smiling as she placed Sinbad down, throwing a blanket over him. He looked at her through lidded eyes.
"What?"
"Sakura…..that's a nice name too,"
"Thanks. Now get some sleep,"
Sinbad muttered something as he shifted under the thick covers on the floor. Trying to sit up again. "Are you going back to the party?"
"Yeah," She lied.
Sinbad fell back onto the sleeping mat after a gentle shove. She was at the door when he called her again.
"Ngh Sakura..." Sinbad said rolling over to look at her "Tell me a story."
"No Sinbad, go to sleep,"
"Sakura!" Sinbad whined
"Go to sleep!" She ordered like a mother scolding her child.
"Fine; but you better tell me about your travels tomorrow. Promise me, or I'll follow you out,"
"Sure promise," Sakura rolled her eyes looking back but Sinbad's eyes were already closed. She took a moment to watch him, under the luminescence of the moonlight shining through the window, almost losing herself to the sight, undignified as it may have seemed to others.
She stepped out once his breathing evened and drew into light snores.
'To the dungeon,'
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Sakura stood in the snow, sinking up to her ankles, overlooking the dark skies. The air biting into her exposed skin. She wrapped the shawl Pipirika gave her closer to her body. Taking the time for her overwhelming thoughts to settle under the cold. She began walking to the outskirt of the village where she heard the dungeon had appeared.
'Can't believe I'm going back into a place like that again. It felt like I was in an oven the last time,'
"Every dungeon is designed by its djinn. This one will be different to mine,"
"I know you're trying to reassure me Beleth, but it's not helping,"
Sakura wasn't too far when the corner of her eyes was blinded by sharp light coming from the house she just left.
'What was that?"
'Definitely Baal's power,'
In nearly an instant, Sakura was back in the house. She found Sinbad awake and well, but something had taken place. He had his sword unsheathed.
"Sinbad, what happened?"
"Oh nothing, this guy just tried to kill me in my sleep," He said with a casual clip to his tone.
There was an unconscious figure laying on the ground, white hair, limbs, and face covered with bandages, his arms wrapped in cords of red. A height lesser than Sakura's and Sinbad's and the stature of a child.
"This is..." Sinbad trailed; his mouth hanging open as he choked on his words.
Sakura while surprised was not too shocked as this wasn't an unfamiliar sight for her "A child..."
The commotion in the house caught attention besides Sakura's and it didn't take long for Hinahoho and Pipirika to return. Sinbad made sure to restrain his attempted assassin before he awoke. Though that didn't look like it was happening on his own.
Sakura placed the boy's head on her shoulder as she started to shake him awake "Hey wake up."
Soon enough his eyes fluttered open as he let out a groan. Grey eyes met her own and went wide in shock, darting around like a feral animal. Sakura stood, towering over the boy.
"Who are you?" Crossed arms, Sinbad glared down at the boy but he received no response. "Where are you from?"
The boy simply scoffed and averted his eyes.
"This brat..." Hinahoho frowned. "If you don't' answer we won't let you go. You don't want to die here do you?"
Sinbad didn't give up and kept asking questions. "Are you from Parthevia's troops?"
Sakura narrowed her eyes and glanced at Sinbad "Your home country? So he was really after you?"
Taking steady steps forward Sinbad crouched down so that he and the boy were at eye level.
"For such a young child to become an assassin is pretty remarkable."
The boy sneered at Sinbad causing the purple-haired teen to frown "Hey what's with the attitude?"
Sakura looked closer at the boy; she sensed the fluttering again and it was almost as if it was trying to tell her something. She just couldn't listen.
"You shouldn't be doing that at this age; you'll make your parents sad."
Grey eyes glared right at gold ones; blazing with hatred "Shut up"
"What did you say? Some attitude you've got towards people older than you." Sinbad commented.
Sakura sighed and decided to speak up "Sinbad he may be a child but he is also an assassin. You should be a bit more cautious."
"Sakura's right" agreed Hina "You should be warier."
"I know," Sinbad said turning back to her "That's why I'm asking him first hand; you need to teach children like this from the basics firsthand."
Sakura smacked her forehead.
"Do you understand?" Sinbad asked turning back to the boy and pointing at him "Do you think you can speak like that because you're an assassin? Don't you think that your mom and dad would be disappointed?"
"Sinbad" Sakura snapped looking at him "That's enough."
"But Sakura-
The pinkette gave him a stern look; her lips pressed together in a thin line and her eyes narrowed as her brows creased; her fists clenched "Do you honestly believe that a child like this would still have parents?"
Sakura's question seemed to take everyone back as they pondered the pinkette's words; this time she was the one to step forward and crouch down beside Sinbad to look at the boy.
"That look in his eyes...belongs to someone who has shut off all their emotions."
The child started to laugh hysterically; his shoulders shook as he spluttered out into a fit of laughter. "The hag's right! I killed my parents when I was six!" he shouted looking directly at Sinbad a sick grin breaking out "What is it are you scared now!?"
A loud slap echoed throughout the house as they all watched the white-haired boy's head snap to the side with Sinbad's hand raised.
"Such things; don't say them with pride," Sinbad stated.
The young assassin known as Ja'far stared at Sinbad and Sakura with hostility in his eyes but he couldn't help waver a bit at their next words.
"I pity you." Sinbad said before looking at Sakura "You know what you said didn't help."
"But it's the truth," Sakura said unwavering; she closed her eyes for a moment "People with eyes like his are usually a lost cause. They are rejected by the rest of the world and therefore resent it to such an extent that they lose their humanity; caring about nothing,"
Sakura knew what she was saying was the truth, however bitter; it didn't matter which world she was in. Humans were humans and the same principles applied. She had seen many cases just like him. From those close to her to those who weren't.
In her world; where demons were placed into people who were in turn treated like monsters; families who disregarded and smite one another for power and revenge; people considered to be a blight on the world and hated because of their heritage and bloodlines; all those condemned who were with too little power and those with too much power; she had learned that people could be brought to a point where nothing else mattered other than surviving.
"Oi, that's-
Sakura continued "Of course it takes something rather great to bring you to that point."
Leaning closer to the boy; her face mere centimeters away her face changed from serious to sadden; eyes filled with sympathy that she had earned from seeing all those in her world who have endured and ended up in this kind of position. Most of the world refused to see what was behind them and in the past, she may have been like the rest of the world had it not been for a certain blonde-haired; blue-eyed knucklehead she called her friend and teammate she never would have learned that such a tragic human usually had a tragic story behind them.
Sakura's hand reached out as she gently allowed her hand to fall on top of his head "Something terrible forcing you to take a path you didn't want to in order to survive."
Ja'far snapped his head before he shot Sakura and Sinbad a deadly look "Don't look down on me! YOU'RE JUST KIDS YOURSELVES,"
It was a moment of distractions that gave a chance for the boys to escape when the ropes he had been cutting at finally loosened, so he could slash the small blade against Sinbad's cheek. At that moment, a smoke bomb was dropped from the hole in the roof he had used to climb through.
When the smoke cleared the boy had escaped with two of his companions. Yet they could hear a shrill scream rang through the village.
"I'LL KILL YOU FOR SURE, SINBAD,"
"Hey!" Sakura prepared to run after them when Sinbad grabbed her wrist.
"Wait, don't,"
"But-
"It's fine, don't chase after them."
For some reason, Sakura listened to his instruction and stayed even though she could've easily caught up to them.
"Are you two alright?" Pipirika asked.
Sinbad wiped the blood from the cut away "I'm fine"
"Yeah right," Sakura clicked her tongue in annoyance before touched his face. Healing the small wound on his face. Exposing any wounds to this weather would not be pleasant.
"What..." Sinbad said in wonder as he touched his cheek. "What did you do?"
"I healed your wound," Sakura sighed.
"What an amazing ability." Hinahoho praised.
Sakura looked down "Thanks. Sinbad are you sure it's fine to let those guys go?"
"Yeah," The boy replied leaning on the windowsill, a sideways smile visible. "I have no intention of dying in a place like this,"
Sakura was a bit perturbed, feeling that she may have gotten involved with someone who was going to bring a lot of trouble if she wasn't careful.
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With the attempted assassination, Sakura chose to delay her trip to the dungeon and stayed the night in the Imcuhakk home. The dungeon wouldn't be going anywhere and she wanted to ensure that no one would follow after her when she left anyway. The rest of the night was uneventful, but come morning, Hinahoho invited Sakura and Sinbad to come out to the market with him. It gave the perfect chance to question Sinbad about the incident last night.
The morning market at Imuchakk was just like the bazaars Sakura had seen before. Sinbad had been called by several stalls and given samples from the villagers. As well as friendly smiles.
"How long have you been in Imuchakk?" asked Sakura.
"Oh, not too long before you arrived,"
It was incredible. Within such a short period, he had already integrated himself with the people here. Sakura was also receiving a few gifts here and there, but she hadn't spoken much to anyone besides Pipirika. Sinbad had been all over the place last night.
"It's because they approve of you," said Hinahoho, "That aside; who were those people last night?"
Sinbad shrugged his shoulders though it was not because he didn't know the answer. "Probably people from the Parthevia army. They are after me. I'm kinda considered a criminal there for disobeying the military and embarrassing the monarchy,"
Sakura nodded, remembering what Sinbad told her last night about his past.
"Disobeyed?! Why did you do that? Aren't you scared?" asked Hinahoho, perturbed by the smile on Sinbad's face. "You can't return to your county; you're a target for assassins. This may be the rest of your life you know?"
Sinbad walked past all of them and towards his sword lying on the ground "I'm just doing what my heart tells me to do it has nothing to do with what's right or wrong. I'm following my own destiny that is all. If this is the consequence then I accept it,"
Everything fell silent; Sakura heard the fluttering once more and felt some kind of disturbing presence when she turned all she saw though was Hinahoho standing there starring at Sinbad with eyes of disbelief and envy.
'What is this about?'
Sakura had noticed quickly that when Pipirika spoke of the coming of age ceremony and Sinbad speaking of dungeons and his djinn that Hinahoho was quick to fall silent. It was then that she felt the disturbing fluttering.
Hinahoho turned away from the two, "I just remembered, I need to go somewhere. Take your time enjoying the market okay?"
There wasn't a chance to see the new expression on Hinahoho's face as he didn't look back to the two when he walked away. The tension was still present and Sinbad quickly sought to dissolve it.
"So I guess it's just the two of us,"
"Yeah," Sakura sighed, grabbing a particularly heavy bag from Sinbad.
"Hey you don't have to-
"It's fine,"
"But it's heavy, besides I can't let a fragile girl carry that for me,"
A scoff escaped her but still, Sakura kept the bags, "I've been meaning to ask. That light I saw coming from the house last night, what was that?"
Sinbad smiled, "That was my djinn Baal, I used his power through my sword,"
There was a lot to still learn about this world and how it functioned. Beleth had told her that she had achieved his power, but she didn't completely realize what he was implying. Sinbad told her that he was able to harness Baal's power through his sword which was his metal vessel.
"With Baal, I'm able to harness lightning. What about you? Haven't you used Beleth's power before?"
"I haven't," The opportunity hadn't presented itself before and there was a lot to keep her occupied. "How do you call on your djinn's power?"
He touched her shoulder, "Just listen deep within you, and you'll hear it,"
Sakura pulled her face into a scowl, "Yeah, that helps,"
"Hey, I'm seriously trying to give you advice here,"
"Yeah, and you're failing,"
Sinbad spent the rest of the morning trying to explain to Sakura how he was able to use his djinn, but she hadn't experienced anything close to the power he was describing. The way this world functioned was different from her own. No one seemed to be able to use chakra, and yet there were still strong forces. She was still learning how the nature of this world and what power governed it.
When they returned to the house, Pipirika appeared to have been waiting at the entrance with a solemn face.
"What's the matter? Asked Sakura.
"Brother isn't here….he left, without these," She held up the headband and a letter. "He wrote in this letter. The one who defeated the rampaging unicorn wasn't him but Sinbad. He can't call himself a full-fledged warrior like this. So he wanted to fix it. He went to the dungeon to become a warrior,"
A grim shadow fell over the usually jovial face of Sinbad's.
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"Sakura go back,"
"No,"
"But your-
"I said I'm going!"
"Why are you so fast!?"
Sakura heard Sinbad huffing behind her as he tried to keep up with her, feet sinking into the snow giving extra weight to each lift. It was a race to get to the dungeon, both were aware of what it was and how it treated guests but they were determined to help Hinahoho and get him out. Once you entered a dungeon, however, the only way to leave would be to capture it.
Sinbad wanted to go by himself, but his overbearing concern for the kunoichi wasn't going to stop her from entering. Thus they spent majority of their journey to the entrance arguing.
"I also managed to capture a dungeon; I can handle myself," Sakura huffed.
"But you're-
"If you say girl it'll be the last thing you say before I punch you back to the village,"
Sinbad wasn't yet aware that the threat was far from hollow. Not that he could be blamed, when judging based solely on appearances.
"Fine, but stay close to me,"
While insulted by the insinuation that he would need to protect her, Sakura had kept her pace slow so that Sinbad could follow after her. Since he was going to be entering the dungeon anyway, she decided that she might as well keep him from falling victim to its dangers.
"We're here," Sakura stopped.
It was the first time Sakura was seeing the external layer and it was nothing like she imagined it to be but Beleth assured her that those designs were often different as well. The dungeon stood like a magnificent temple with doric columns on an isle of snow surrounded by a waterfall. Three paths leading to the entrance, only two safe routes. Sakura wondered if a dungeon had been her entrance point to this world, would it be her exit?
'If only it were that simple,' She'd have happily jumped through the entrance.
The cold air was like a warm breeze compared to the cold tension that grew between Sakura and Sinbad when they stood in front of the structure.
"You sure you want to go? You've already been in a dungeon, so you know-
"Don't be stupid, of course I know what's in there. I'm not afraid, so quit the chivalry act," Sakura scoffed, stepping forward. This was what she intended to do from the start. If it meant obtaining a shard and taking another step towards returning to where she belonged.
"Let's go,"