Magi Secret Santa 2016

Hakuren glances around the room surreptitiously, trying to see if anyone else is as bored as he is. Hakuyuu looks calm and focused, but with him that could mean anything; he has always been the best at maintaining a respectful facade. Kouen is sitting straight up, rapt with attention, but that’s not surprising. He’s the one who thought they should attend a meeting about historical record preservation. Koumei, on the other hand, looks like he’s nodding off. Oh, no.

Koumei is just a little too far for Hakuren to reach, or he’d try to nudge him awake. Instead, he can only watch as his head slowly falls forward, bit by bit, until it’s obvious that he’s napping.

The speaker drops a scroll and it loudly clatters across the floor. There’s awkward shuffling and apologies but more importantly, Koumei jerks up, obviously wide awake now, and Hakuren breathes a sigh of relief.

The meeting continues, moving onto proper storage regulations for older scrolls, and at least Kouen is happy. Hakuren can be excited for that, even if he’d rather be anywhere else. This isn’t exactly the most exciting part of government to him.

Koumei coughs loudly, badly faking any attempts to be subtle. Oh. Oh, Hakuren hopes this is going where he thinks it is. Koumei is inadvertently going to rescue them all from this meeting.

“I don’t feel good…” Koumei says quietly, coughing at the end.

Kouen brushes him off. “We are in a meeting,” he hisses at his younger brother, and Hakuren watches on with concern.

Koumei coughs again, and it shakes his whole frame. He tugs on Kouen’s sleeve, trying to get his attention. “I think I-”

And then he collapses in an elaborate display, the meeting screeching to a halt around him, and Hakuyuu and Hakuren rush to his side. The speaker pauses mid sentence and drops his scroll again, and the noise gets lost in the panicked sounds from the other court members in attendance.

“The only thing…” Koumei says weakly, stirring in Hakuren’s arms. “The only cure…that I know of…is bedrest…and my pigeons…and some books…”

Hakuren pats his head and hugs him close. “You all heard him! We have to get him to his chambers!”

“We should find a cure for Koumei’s weak body,” Hakuren proposes. They’re standing around outside Koumei’s chambers, waiting for news from the doctors, and it just seems to silly to stand by uselessly. “You know, how he’s always tired and ill? I think it might be something-”

“He’s just lazy,” Kouen says gruffly, cutting him off.

Hakuren shakes his head. “No, no, don’t say that. We’d be happy to help.”

“I’m saying it because it’s true,” Kouen clarifies.

Hakuren gestures at the window, in what he hopes is the direction he wants. “I’ve heard of someone who can heal any illnesses, no matter what, you just have to journey to where they live, deep within the mountains.

Hakuyuu nods. “I think I’ve heard of this healer.”

Kouen shakes his head again. “No, I assure you, my brother does not need this kind of treatment and attention.”

“No, I think it’s necessary,” Hakuren says, grinning. He wants a way to escape the palace for a few days, and a relaxing trip up to the mountains would be a perfect excuse. Maybe he can even convince Hakuyuu to come along and actually unwind for once.

“Prince Hakuren, I wouldn’t want you to waste precious resources on my brother’s laziness,” Kouen says, but Hakuren is having none of it.

“It’s not a problem! Really, you don’t have to be so modest. We’re happy to help,” Hakuren tells him.

“We should leave him to the court doctors for now,” Hakuyuu says. “And prepare for our trip.”

Success! Hakuyuu apparently decided to come along all on his own. That makes Hakuren’s job easier; now all he has to do is focus on relaxing. And maybe convincing Kouen to calm down some.

Kouen looks scandalized. “I’m sorry about Koumei! He doesn’t need-”

“Nope!” Hakuren interrupts. “No more complaints from you. This is what family is for.” He slings an arm around Kouen’s shoulders and leads him away from Koumei’s chamber. “You should come along, too. I don’t want you just laying about and fretting over poor Koumei’s illness.”

Kouen shakes his head. “This really isn’t necessary. I-”

“Well, more sunshine, er, travel for me and Yuu then,” Hakuren replies. “We’re off to prepare!”

Hakuren shoulders his pack and raises a hand to shade his eyes from the sun. It’s a bright, clear day, warm but not sweltering; it’s perfect for traveling. They’re going on foot, at Hakuren’s insistence. He said that it’s because they’ll be less noticeable and it will make the mountain ascent easier, but mostly it’s so no one else tags along.

Kouen, however, has other plans. “You cannot go through with this,” he insists, bowing before him and Hakuyuu. “This is too much.”

Hakuyuu waves a hand. “If it worries you so much, you are welcome to come along.”

“There are things that must be done around the palace, and I cannot just run off-”

“You’d be helping you dear little brother,” Hakuren says. “What could be more important than that?”

Kouen looks over at Hakuyuu, who nods in agreement, before scowling. “I suppose that is true. But this isn’t as serious as you two seem to think, and I want to make sure this…supposed healer understands that.”

Hakuren shrugs. “Sure, whatever you say!”

Kouen brings up the rear, grumbling the whole time. Hakuren tries to tune him out and instead focus on the positive parts of the day. They’re out of Rakushou, out of stuffy clothes and meetings, and enjoying the fresh air is even better than expected. He glances over to watch Hakuyuu and grins. He hasn’t seen his brother look so honestly relaxed in far too long. They really need to do this more often.

“We should head back,” Kouen begins, and Hakuyuu shakes his head.

“It’ll be good for you to spend some time out of the palace, Kouen,” Hakuyuu says firmly.

Hakuren laughs at Kouen’s frown and throws an arm around his shoulders to try to calm him down. “There’s no shame in enjoying yourself sometimes.”

“It’s not worth wasting time and resources on such frivolous things.”

“But enjoyment isn’t frivolous,” Hakuren insists. “It soothes the soul and the mind, and leaves us clear headed and open to our true potential. It is only when the mind is empty that our actions can be full.”

Hakuyuu chuckles. “You sound almost like a philosopher.”

Hakuren sticks his tongue out and gives Hakuyuu a cheeky smile in reply. “You and Kouen aren’t the only studious men in the family.” He turned around, walking backwards with his chest puffed out. Why, I’d say that I’m-“ Hakuren squawks as he falls over a bush, windmilling his arms in a desperate attempt to stay upright.

Hakuyuu laughs at him.

"Ooof… at least I landed on something soft….” Hakuren replies in the split second before he realizes the something soft he landed on is a bear.

The bear roars mightily, and Hakuren goes scrambling backwards as it rears up.

Oh, shit.

Thinking fast, he pulls out a magical item and sets it off, surrounding himself with flames, and the bear goes running. That’s a nifty trick. Hakuyuu whistles at him and claps, while Kouen looks even more worried.

“Nice show, Ren,” Hakuyuu says as Hakuren slowly disperses the flames.

He grins. “Thanks! You know I’m always here to save your ass.”

Kouen grips the hilt of his sword. “We need to return to Rakushou. There is no reason for you to risk your safety out here while my brother lazes in bed under false pretenses!” He gestures angrily. “This is no place for you two!”

Hakuren shoots his brother a knowing look. “Should we tell him?”

“I think we might have to.”

He shrugs. “Your call, Hakuyuu.”

Hakuyuu clasps a hand on Kouen’s shoulder. “We know that Koumei is faking it, or exaggerating at the very least. But Ren and I both wanted some time away from Rakushou.”

“I don’t understand,” Kouen says, scowl deepening. “Why are you going to a healer if you know he’s faking his illness?”

Hakuren gestures at the beautiful countryside. “This! Some freedom! We’re not going to a healer, we’re going to enjoy the great outdoors without anyone bugging us!”

“You knowingly lied to the court to get a free day?”

“Sure did,” Hakuren answers, still grinning.

Kouen stares, looking between the two of them. “And you both knew this?”

Hakuyuu nods. “I do like time off occasionally. It’s not an unreasonable want.”

He continues to stare, looking lost and confused as he begins to fully comprehend the situation. “I need to sit down.”

Hakuren laughs agains. “It can’t be that surprising! We’re human too.”

“It’s just so irresponsible. I can understand wanting personal time, but deceiving-” he begins, moving to sit down on a nearby rock. It’s half covered in ivy, shiny green leaves reflecting the sun.

“Kouen!” Hakuyuu yells, interrupting him. Kouen pauses, and Hakuyuu points at the sprawling ivy. “Poison ivy. You shouldn’t sit on that.”

Kouen looks at it cautiously, before an unsettling smile slowly forms on his face. “I think I have an idea for aiding Koumei’s illness.”

They return from the “mountains” the following day, just as the sun is beginning to set and the skies are rich purples and reds. They’re all in better spirits, especially Kouen, and Hakuren is pleased with their success. Kouen marches them directly to Koumei’s chambers, their bounty firmly in hand.

Koumei is napping when they arrive, scrolls and pigeon feathers strewn across his bed around him, and Hakuren almost feels bad for his fate. Almost.

“We have returned,” Kouen announces, loud enough that Koumei startles awake.

“Wh-what?” he asks sleepily, rubbing at his eyes. “Hello, brother.”

Kouen strides over to his bed and holds out his hand, poultice presented in his palm. “This has been prepared from herbs given to us by the great healer of the mountains, to aid your illness.”

Koumei blinks at it, obviously confused at the offering, before taking it from Kouen. “I- Thanks. I’ll use this later.”

“No, I insist you try it now. Hakuyuu and Hakuren went to great lengths to find this for you, and you should honor their sacrifices.”

Hakuyuu nods seriously, and Hakuren does his best not to laugh. He’s impressed with Kouen for keeping up the ruse this long, and he’s not going to be the one to ruin it now.

“Well, I guess there’s no harm…”

Kouen smiles, and it’s still unsettling. “You apply it to your face.”

Koumei sticks his finger in and smears a generous amount to one cheek, before he screeches in pain. Red blossoms across his cheek, the beginnings of an incredibly itchy rash, and Kouen laughs deeply. Hakuren can’t contain himself now and loses his calm, laughing as well and leaning on Hakuyuu for support, who has somehow managed to contain himself enough that he’s only chuckling.

“You shouldn’t deceive your family,” Kouen finally says, once the laughter dies down.

-

“What do you mean it’s flawed?! My plan is perfect.” Titus leaned back in his seat, arms crossed, as if that would prove it. Across from him, Sphintus just sighed, and a small collection of generals listening in stifled their groans.

“Fine, whatever,” Sphintus told him, turning his head away from the other. “Go for it,then.”

“Hmm.” Titus nodded and suddenly leaned forward in his seat, stretched somewhat over the table, and banged his fists against the wood, eyes sparkling. “I will. And it’s going to work so well, and by the end everyone will be happy.”

“As long as Muu doesn’t tell them the point of all this, at least,” he said, turning his gaze to the entryway where the general’s red hair could be seen peeking out. He came forward sheepishly, rubbing his head, and a glimmer of rukh beside him just let him know how he was caught.

“No no, I’ll try not to interfere,” he told the magi.

“Good.” Titus clapped his hands together. “Then let’s get to inviting them! The king of Heliohapt and the chancellor of Magnostadt.”

-

Day one hadn’t been anything memorable, since Yamuraiha had arrived first by a bit of time and spent it wandering around the city. Sharrkan had shown up around dusk, and almost immediately retired.

What was interesting was day two, when the pair caught sight of each other at mealtime. It was . . a mix of events Titus was still frazzled about. Lots of blushing and shouting and admiring and . . the two, being annoyed at each other? What a relationship.

Not the one he was going for, though. And it was like this most of the day. Bantering and some happy moments and then back to bickering.

Day three. That would be the day for sure.

-

It hadn’t turned out well at all and Titus decided he was done sulking. There was still time left.

He left the room in a whirlwind, leaving Sphintus alone and confused, and hurried to one of the gardens. The two had a sort of rivalry going that he’d hoped to take advantage of, and as it turned out, was actively going on. The magi hid himself in some shrubbery and sat down to watch.

“I did have a new spell I wanted to test, I guess . .” Yamuraiha hummed in thought. “Not that you’d be interested.”

Beside her, Sharrkan shrugged, the action quite off-putting. His fingers meddled with the cover of his sword, needing something to do. (They hadn’t allowed him to bring his snakes into the palace. Upon questioning why the other Heliohapt native got to have the privilege, he was told ‘Sphintus is a stay-in here in Reim. Plus, he’s my healer. I’m quite worried about what he would do should I try and take her away.’

‘Her?’

'Yes. Her. Her name is Kukulklan.’

Damn Carmens and their damn female snakes.)

At least it kept weight off of his shoulders. “Nah. Let’s see it,” he told her, stepping back. 

Glancing over for proof of genuineity, she was pleasantly shocked to see he actually looked a bit interested. So she expanded her staff to full form (downsizing had become a needed asset when traveling became popular) and put it in front of her form, closing her eyes to concentrate.

It turned out to be a bubble. A bigger bubble that generated smaller, livelier bubbles the more magoi was pushed into it. Titus was enthralled. And then he had an idea.

Sharrkan reached out to tap one, scrunching up his face when it bounced off and continued floating. “The hell?”

“They do pop, it just requires a bit of force,” Yamu told him, still focusing on the bubble. “Try punching one.”

He did that and it erupted into even smaller bubbles, these easily bursting in the light breeze. “Wow.”

Wow indeed. And it was about to get more so. Titus closed his eyes and let he flow of rukh around him envelop, twist, and then . . sent a spurt straight into Yamuraiha’s staff, the bigger bubble immediately churning out smaller ones faster, filling the area. 

“Oh!” Yamu tightened her grip on her staff, not expecting the burst, but a smile formed on her face nonetheless. 

“Wh-This is amazing!” Sharrkan spun towards her. “You’re amazing, Yam! Look at this!”

When their eyes met, they both realized each wore a proud smile.

Titus fistbumped the grass beneath, excited. This was the first step.

-

They actually sat in a royal booth. Titus thought he’d have to disguise himself to sit in the stands, but the two were all for having enough space to move around. So they had a stand to the side of the arena, and Titus had a front row seat to the two lightly shoving her as they watched the match below, pressed up against the rails.

“If we had a regular match now, I’d so win,” Yamuraiha boasted, nudging Sharrkan. He flipped his head towards her, eyes screwing up. 

“Are you assuming I’m nothing without a metal vessel? My sword skill is still impeccable.”

“Ah? But without a help from a Djinn, could it beat my magic?”

“Damn right, I could beat your magic only armed with a stone.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah, really!” He flicked his vision away suddenly to the match below. “Whoa. Did-Did you see that jump? That one’s incredible!”

She crossed her arms and turned her attention back to the match. “Hmm . . Oh. Yes, that is impressive.”

They stood like that, gazes hardened and eyes trained on the fight below. After a minute, Yamu sighed and dropped her arms.

“With or without a metal vessel, you are pretty good with a sword,” she mumbled.

Titus internally cheered as Sharrkan looked back at her, surprise on his face. The conversation was more light from there. Another score.

-

“How did I get stuck playing matchmaker to the two most oblivious people in the world,” Titus groaned. “Marga, they’re so in love but they can’t see it in each other! What am I gonna do?”

Marga hummed in his lap, red pigtails swaying slightly. She twisted, poking Titus in the cheek, causing the other to flinch back. “Silly,” she pouted, cheeks inflated. “Just tell them.”

“It . . ” He sighed. “It’s not that easy.”

“Then I’ll tell them,” she told him, eyes lighting up. “Or, one of them. I wanna see the bubbles you mentioned that Miss Yamu can make! I’ll just tell her.”

Apparently it was that simple. Explained, that is.

-

Nope. It was that simple, regardless. Titus just didn’t have a spine. Marga stood proudly beside him as he saw the two world leaders off, hands interlocked and looking just a bit more happy in each other’s presence. Marga ran forward and the envoy seemed to tangle, Titus suddenly finding himself in a small crowd. A tug on his arm made him look up.

Yamuraiha stood in front of him, a smirk on her lips. “Thank you,” she told him. “You’re the reason we’re even together now.”

“What?” Titus was honestly baffled, but he played the part of innocence well. “Why do you think I had anything to do with this?”

“Well . .”  She released his sleeve, slightly moving back. “As a magician, I know the bounds to my own magic. My bubble wouldn’t just spout off a huge burst of magoi like that.” She winked. “Better luck next time.”

And with that, she left the magi standing there, stunned, and left for her own country. Sphintus came up to him sometime later that day.

“So I heard your master plan was taken over.”

He groaned, shoving his face into the nearest wall. “It’s not my fault Marga’s adorable enough to pull anything off! At least they’re together now, right?”

“Mhmm. This actually came in, for you.” He held up a scrap of parchment.

Titus hesitantly took it, unfolding it carefully. He blanched when he saw the writing.

The wedding’s gonna be in Reim too, okay? Please be a good host!

“You say what?!” Yamuraiha’s voice was heard throughout the palace, as the other generals have guessed that it was probably the usual arguments of Yamuraiha and Sharrkan.

Sharrkan and Yamuraiha continued to glare at each other before Sinbad had come in and went in between them to stop their fights. “Sharrkan, Yam. What’s wrong this time?”

“This… This…” Yamuraiha, due to her frustration, couldn’t find the right words to talk about her arguments with Sharrkan. “She said that it was pointless in waving around a sword all day.” Sharrkan then said. “I mean, she’s not different. She waves her wand around all day as well.” He added.

‘So, it’s still the same kind of argument…’ Sinbad said with a smile, “Alright, alright. Why don’t we stop the arguments for awhile. We’ll be having a maharajan later tonight – so help out with the preparations, okay?”

The two sighed before agreeing to their king, “Yes, my Lord.”

.:..::..:.

The maharajan soon came and the two had avoided each other since Sinbad had stopped their argument, and both Alibaba and Aladdin noticed it. “What do you think happened?” Alibaba asked.

“Ja’far-san said that they had an argument earlier this morning and they haven’t made up.” Aladdin said, before munching into a chicken leg. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, it’s just that… Even when they fight, they would still talk to each other afterwards.”

Aladdin hummed in agreement, before looking at to where Sharrkan and Yamuraiha were. “Hm…”

.:..::..:.

Both Sharrkan and Yamuraiha sat together with the other generals, who had also noticed the distance between them. Pisti would often go ahead and try to involve the two of them into a conversation, but the two wouldn’t talk in no more than a word or two. Soon, the other generals, aside from Ja’far, had gotten drunk and soon, Sharrkan was soon left drunk as well.

“Hey Yamuraiha~” the blue haired magician looked up from her glass, to see Sharrkan moving towards her. “What?” she said.

The boy then swiftly kissed her on the lips, making her blush deeply and the other people surrounding them stop from what they were doing to look at the scene before them. “Ehehe.” He giddily pulled away from her, “Sharr—“ before she could say anything else, the boy fainted into her lap – shocking her.

“Y-Yam…” Sinbad cautiously walked towards the girl. “Are you—“

Yamuraiha then realized what had happened, and that people had seen the event that had happened and shrieked in embarrassment, before flying away and leaving the unconscious Sharrkan in the party.

.:..::..:.

The following day, Sharrkan had entered Yamuraiha’s lab with a knock, “Ya-Yamuraiha?”

“Huh? Oh, it’s you.” She said, before blushing as she remembered last night’s events. “What?”

“About… Last night…” he said, lightly scratching his cheek, “Sorry… About it…”

Yamuraiha stopped what ever she was doing to look at Sharrkan, who had a light blush on his cheeks. “It’s… It’s fine.” She said with her own blush. “So… are we cool?” Sharrkan asked.

“Yeah, I guess.” She said.

“Alright then… Well, see ya.” He was then about to walk out of the room, when Yamuraiha called him out. “Hm?” Yamuraiha then kissed his cheek.

Sharrkan blushed, “E-Eh?”

“Payback. Well. Goodbye.” She said, slamming her door.