Fate II

CCXVI

"Two weeks passed by in a flash, didn't it?"

Wu Kong sat at the edge of the ledge overlooking the gates of the Imperial Palace below with a leg propped up and his arm resting atop it, his scarlet crimson hair flowing behind him in a ponytail. Tomoyo sat on the ledge beside him, her pale pink hair with the sides put up into a loop flowing in the wind as she opened up her metal vessel which was in the shape of a paper umbrella but with the paper replaced with physical-resistant and magic-resistant metal. They watched as the servants and guards prepared numerous carriages, each one loaded with gifts, for the trip to Sindria. To say the least, the gifts were extravagant with most of them being for Sikandar given that the preparation was for Scheherazade's trip to Sindria to attend Sikandar's birthday banquet in celebration of his fifth birthday.

"I suppose it was quite enjoyable," Tomoyo closed her eyes with a rather pleased expression given the number of materials they had purchased over the course of her shopping spree with Kaede.

Wu Kong laughed. "You did spend quite a lot this time."

"That amount can hardly make a dent in our wealth."

"I suppose that's true."

Even after all their purchases, the amount they had spent would be quickly replaced. After all, they were Lucy's retainers. Though they served her out of their own free will, it was only given that they should be paid a fair salary equal to their abilities. As the Head of the Heartfilia Household, this was more than feasible. Hence, there was not a single thing they lacked.

"Then you and Kaede will be holed up in the workshop again," Wu Kong noted. "How long this time?"

"Who knows?" she shrugged her shoulders. "But, it'll be after Sikandar's birthday celebration."

"Wise decision."

"I'm not stupid."

He laughed and grinned. "True."

If one of the retainers didn't show up to the birthday celebration of the Royal Prince, it could only mean that they didn't acknowledge him or his capability. The retainers were known to be loyal to the Royal Queen and refused to submit to anyone other than Lucy. But, even then, there were those that earned their respect and of the few, Sinbad was one of them. Hence, it had become a common assumption to the people of Sindria that the next King of Sindria could only be a Royal Heir that was recognized not only by the King's Generals but also by the Queen's Retainers.

"But I'm looking forward to our return," Tomoyo closed her eyes and smiled.

"Why?"

Opening her eyes, they glowed a soft, eerie golden as they shone with delight and amusement. "I can't wait to see how pathetic that woman will look."

Remembering who she was referring to, Wu Kong's scarlet crimson eyes glowed goldenly, a sinister and devilish smirk wiped across his lips. "You're right. That is one thing to look forward to."

The pain of the Soul Dispersing Powder was second to none in the world and to a King Vessel who relies on their affinity to the rukh and conversing with them, having their magic core eaten alive was the worst thing that could happen to them. Kougyoku would no longer be able to use magoi, never mind her metal vessel.

"What are you guys standing out here for?" Kuugen walked up to them.

"Nothing," the two responded with knowing smiles.

Kuugen tilted his head in curiosity before perking up. "Don't tell me you guys are planning on secretly visiting a dessert place without me?!"

Beads of sweat rolled down their faces as they stared at the young, nine-tailed fox.