The Peace Offering

Kouen: Chapter 6

I had finished my jasmine tea, when I heard a loud scream followed by a splash of water. I went over to see what had happened, as the scream sounded like a it belonged to a female. A wild thought entered my mind as I quickly scanned the dock for any trace of Sindri. Panic began to creep up on me as I couldn't see her. My heart nearly stopped as I saw Judar looking over the edge of the boat with Sindri's shoe in his hand.

"What happened?" I asked Judar, hoping that my voice wouldn't betray the mixed emotions I was feeling.

"She tripped and fell over the side, I'm waiting for her to resurface. She's been down there a while." Judar's voice was slightly tinted with worry. I leaned over and scanned the waters for any sign of her. Panic surrounded my heart as there was no sign of her. Before I knew it I was taking my outer robes off. Judar turned to ask what I was doing, but I didn't give him the chance to finish before I jumped over the edge.

The water was icy and stung my body. My eyes burned the most as the salt attacked them, but I didn't dare close them in fear that I would miss Sindri. I swam down deeper looking everywhere for Sindri's telltale purple hair. I was on the brink of running out of air and hope when I caught a flash of purple in the corner of my eye. I whirled around and saw Sindri sinking faster and faster. I swam as fast as I could and reached her. With my arm wrapped around her waist I tried my best to swim to the surface. My lungs burned with lack of oxygen, my arm was tired, and my robes and Sindri were heavy, but I had to make it to the surface, or else we would both die. There was too much for me to learn before I would be ready to die, there is no way I, Koen Ren, would die in the ocean like a common man. I pushed and kicked until I finally reached the surface.

I could hear shouting as I gulped down as much air as I could. Looking down at Sindri I wondered if I was too late.  My arms hurt as I pulled both of us up the rope ladder that was thrown down. As I neared the top Hakuryuu grabbed onto Sindri and pulled her up, giving me the ability to use both of my arms. I hauled myself up and tried not to flop on the ground. My soaked clothes made it hard to move but I went over to Sindri. Her face was peaceful, but it was the peace of death.

"Miss Sindri, wake up!" Hakuryuu cried out, traces of tears in his eyes. I pushed him aside and leaned over Sindri. Pressing my hands to her chest I pushed against her lungs, trying to get the water out of her lungs. Nothing happened, so I pumped harder. I could feel myself bruising her ribs, but I needed to get the water out. In desperation I grabbed my sword and summoned Phoenix, one of my djinns.

The world around went black and it was only Sindri and I. I looked around for Phoenix. She appeared from a large cloud of mist.

"Are you in need of my assistance, my king?" She asked as she came closer.

"I need you to save her." I replied as I grabbed a hold of Sindri's hand.

"The girl is on the brink of death, it will require a great sacrifice."

"I don't care, she cannot die."

"Is there a reason my king would like to save this girl?"

"She- she is of great importance, to me and to my empire."

"Very well, I will save her. However, a part of her soul has already gone to the rukh. In order to save her you must give her a portion of your own soul. Are you prepared to do so?"

"How many times do I have to tell you that I'll do anything to save her?"

"It will be painful, please, brace yourself."

Phoenix lifted her hands they began to glow. Slowly I became able to see my rukh, as well as Sindri's. Our rukh danced around each other and Sindri's began to glow brighter. It was beautiful to watch, until a searing pain erupted in my chest. I groaned in agony and doubled over in pain. It was as if pure fire was being poured into my chest and was flowing through out my entire body. I wanted to scream, but I bit my lip to keep it in. 

Just as it seemed I couldn't take it any more, the pain vanished and the rukh faded from my view. My vision blurred and the world of Phoenix faded. We were back on the ship deck surrounded my everyone.

"En?" Kouha said, his voice laced with worry. I opened my mouth to respond when Sindri shot up. Water spewed from her mouth as she coughed up all the water in her lungs.

"Kouen." She whispered before falling into unconsciousness. I picked her up and on wobbly legs carried her to her room. Judar followed me and waited at the door as I laid Sindri on her bed and wrapped the cover around her. Judar waited until I had closed her room door to start speaking.

"Koen, what did you do? Her rukh- it's different. It seems almost the same as yours." His voice trailed off as he seemed to understand what I had done. I didn't answer him, but kept on walking.

I did what was necessary to save Sindri, and I won't regret it.