Magi x Fairy Tail crossover: prequel

Chapter 45

"Lord Sharrkan, the Dowager Queen and Vizier are no longer here, so there's no longer any need for further deception." Narmes said, eyebrows furrowing. "Please tell us how you really feel."

Holding tightly onto his staff, he looked down. "I-I think the one who should be king is...my brother. I know I'm not fit for such an important role. Since I've always just done what Mother told me... I'm...not qualified for such a role..." As he said this, Sora walked towards him, put her arm around his shoulder, and grinned at him.

"You got ta hand it to him. At least he's honest 'bout it!"

Shaking his head, Armakan spoke. "Is this what you intended to do from the start?...Now that I can calmly think about it...it was strange...why you, whose freedom of speech was always restricted by the Former King's faction, would say such a thing... Foolish little brother...it was all too late."

About to stand up for him, Ja'far interrupted her. "It's true...the conflict in this country resulted in innocent deaths. Now that the Former King's faction has fallen, it's not out of the question to think that those of the current King's faction might be out for revenge. Since His Highness Sharrkan was the figurehead of the Former King's faction, he might be in danger..." Ja'far held his hand towards his chest, clenching the piece of clothing. His face held concern.

"Yes, but I'm also to blame." Armakan sighed. "When I succeeded the throne, if I had tried to resolve the problem with the Former King's faction, it never would have come to this. So, the fault doesn't rest solely with you..."

"...How sad." Seren admitted

"...Yes." Saher agreed. "If that child remains in this country, it will only spark future conflict. Regardless of his wishes..."

Before Sin could suggest anything, Sora beat him to it. "Then why don't he come with us?" Hands behind her head, she looked towards Armakan.

"What?!" Narmes shouted his allies' thoughts. Everyone was shocked by her statement, aside from Sin.

"I agree." Sin walked towards Sharrkan's side. "It sounds like His Highness is currently in a dangerous position...which means that it would be unadvisable for him to remain in this country. But what if you leave him in the care of Sinbad, leader of the Seven Seas Alliance? Other royal children and important persons from our allied nations have already joined us at the company. I think you could say it's the safest place in the world...?"

"Well, if ya weren't there, it would..." Sora mumbled, snickering. Alas, Sin heard her. Restraining himself, he coughed in his hand.

"...It's true." Armakan stepped forward, making Sin smile while Sharrkan looked towards Sin. "If my brother remains here, it will only result in chaos for our country. I don't have a problem with your conditions...but this is..." He reached out for his brother. "Like you're taking a hostage."

"Of course not! I never had that intention..."

"...Fine." This shocked little Sharrkan. "Sinbad I'll entrust my little brother to you. You can take him with you as a symbol of our alliance."

"Shouldn't he have a say in it?" Sora tilted her head.

Getting down to her level, Sin whispered in her ear, "Don't worry about it."

"Fine. But it's all on you if this backstabs ya."

Sharrkan started walking towards his brother. "B-brother...?!"

"Listen well...there's no place for you in this country. As Heliohapt is now, your presence will only lead to more trouble." Armakan announced as Sharrkan teared up, trembling. "But once you have grown and found your own strength...and I have suppressed this country's conflicts and solved its problems..." They now stood close to each other. "Come home. Return to this country some day..." Sharrkan's eyes widened with the others looking speechless. Armakan looked towards Sin, not taking his eyes off him. "Please take care of my little brother."

"...I will."

  With that, Sin and company walked away from Heliohapt. However, the king and his crew watched them. Narmes and his friends, aside from Armakan, looked worried.

"Lord Armakan, was that really the best course of action...?" Narmes couldn't held asking what was on everyone's mind.

"...There was no way to object to Sinbad's proposal. But he is a cunning man..." Armakan furrowed his brows, sweat pouring down. "I wonder if he intentionally created a situation where we would have to make such a choice... Just how far ahead has he calculated? The fact that it turned out this way may all be according to his plan."

"Dungeon conqueror Sinbad...we may have aligned ourselves with a terrifying person." 

"No matter. More importantly, Narmes, I want you to inform me when the next Dungeon appears." Armakan turned away, walking.

Dumbfounded, Narmes stumbled in his place. "You don't mean...you want the Dungeon's power?!"

"Naturally. In the future, without the power of a metal vessel, we will be unable to survive in this world... The world is changing at a pace never before seen. In order to keep up with it, we need that power!"

  With Sin, he patted the crying Sharrkan while his friends walked behind him. Sora walked by Sharrkan's side, trying to cheer him up. She tried many things but he continued to cry.

Sin looked away, staring at the ground. 'This is good. Now all the necessary pieces have come together...' "Okay! Time to depart for the Dark Continent."