Chapter 2: Hold on To Me, You're All I Have
*Disclaimer: I do not own any of the character in this story, neither do I own the music lyrics which is used for the title of this story and it's chapters.
Warning: Out of character, manga spoilers and smut.
Please excuse any of the mistakes I may have missed whilst editing this.*
"I don't know, Sinbad, something just seems to be really off about him lately," Hinahoho stated, watching as Sinbad gathered all of his metal vessels.
"I agree," Sinbad said softly, eyebrows furrowed, thoughts disturbed by the recent behaviour of the dark Magi.
Ja'far sighed loudly. "We shouldn't even be discussing this. Judar is no longer our problem, or have you already forgotten that?" He asked, slight irritation in his voice. "But still, his behaviour lately has been very worrisome," he stated, eyes downcast as he stared at the floor, mind racing from different memories.
From the time Judar seemed to betray them, yet insisted on the fact that he hadn't, even years later. To that time Drakon had told him about, when Judar seemed to have that mini melt down, to his most recent behaviour, coupled in the facts that he wasn't taking care of himself.
Ja'far scowled at that, wanting to grab the younger and scold him for hours, and yet...he clenched his fists, he couldn't do that, now can he?
"Ohhhh." Sinbad hummed. "Seems like I wasn't the only who got attached," the king's voice seemed to take on a teasing tone as he smirked at his friend.
"I was not attached, far from it," Ja'far scoffed at him.
"Sure," Sinbad teased as Hinahoho chuckled at them.
They tensed as suddenly, a familiar magic transfer circle appeared in front of them.
"Isn't that Judar's?!" Ja'far asked as he grabbed his weapons in his sleeves, ready to fight, should the need arise.
And yet, it seemed to stay open for longer than necassary.
"Did he think we would fall for this and walk right on through?" Sinbad asked quietly.
Suddenly, multiple people stepped through, and yet, none of them expected to see the faces they did in that moment.
"This is impossible," Sinbad stated, eyes wide.
"Rurumu?" Hinahoho whispered in disbelief.
"Look! It's just like he promised, there they are!" Mistoras said, pointing. "Sinbad!" He yelled, waving ecstatically as he jogged closer.
"Mistoras?!" Sinbad exclaimed in shock.
"Old friend, look at you! It's so good to see you!" Mistoras said as he came to a stop in front of the king.
Hinahoho held Rurumu at arms length, asking if she were real, and at the affirmative nod, he pulled her in for a tight hug.
Vittel and Mahad were surrounding Ja'far, crying river like tears of joy as they both hugged him, exclaiming about how he grew up so much! Serendine, Parsine and Tamira stood to the side, smiling happily at the sight.
"Wait!" Sinbad said, pushing Mistoras back from his joyful hug. "How are you all still alive?" He asked, staring Mistoras straight in the eyes as he did.
"Ah, it's all because of Judar," Tamira stated, with a soft smile.
"What?" Sinbad asked, clearly surprised and disbelieving.
"Yeah!" Mistoras said joyfully, until a confused look crossed his features. "Wait, where is he? He said he'd be right behind us," he stated as he glanced around.
"Mistoras!" Sinbad shouted, gaining the other's attention. "You said Judar saved you, right? How?" He asked urgently, gripping Mistoras' upper arms tightly, hope he once thought to be dead rekindled in him.
This was it, this could officially prove Judar's innocence, and he could welcome the younger back into his life, back into his arms.
Rurumu pulled away from her husband. "That's right. We were never killed in the war, we were taken hostage by members of Al-Thamen. They used us as a means of bargaining with Judar, threatening our lives should he disobey them," she explained.
"They forced him to be a part of their organization, and unless he wanted us killed, he had to obey their every order," Mistoras said, frowning to himself. "I didn't want him to do it, but they said something about how you'd hate him even more if he let us die,"
Mistoras suddenly scowled, hands tightening into fists. "Before he knew we were there, we could often hear his screams through the halls," he whispered, tears of anger in his eyes as he grit his teeth.
"They tortured him!" He yelled, suddenly glaring up into Sinbad's eyes. "We could clearly hear the beatings, his screams of pain, and his crying afterward, he always kept telling himself that you'd come to rescue him, but you never did! Why, Sinbad, why?!" Mistoras asked, angrily shoving the man's hands off of him.
"That day, the day we finally saw him, he looked so tired, his hair stuck to his face, blood smears on his face, and his back," Mistoras trailed off briefly. "They whipped him the day before, and he had to keep his hair over his shoulder, lest it get stuck to his wounds and cause him more pain. There was so much blood," he trailed off in a whisper.
"Why didn't you come save him? You were so attached to him, I would have thought that you would have come and saved him before he was in there for even a day," Rurumu said as she stared at Sinbad.
They were quiet for a while, not meeting anyone's gaze.
"Sinbad," Rurumu said sternly.
"You have to understand, the thought does disturb and hurt me on deep levels, but the war was his fault, and-"
"That's not true!" Serendine cut Sinbad's explanation off sternly.
They looked at her in surprise as she marched over towards him with determination, before bowing in front of him. "What happened to Sindria, was entirely my fault," she admitted.
Ja'far and Hinahoho gasped lightly as Sinbad suddenly felt a little light headed.
"Please, none of it was Judar's fault, he didn't even know about it until it actually happened, and in the end, it all turned out to be another way to get their hands on him. Please, forgive me." She pleaded. "I just wanted to save my little brother and country,"
Sinbad barely even heard what she said, his hand pressing to his forehead as this information sunk in. "None of it was Judar's fault?" He asked softly, sounding almost breathless.
Serendine shook her head. "No,"
"So he's...he's completely innocent?" Sinbad asked.
"Yes." She nodded.
"Sin?" Ja'far asked, making the same conclusion as Sinbad had.
"We need to get to the Kou empire," Sinbad said, suddenly starting forward as he rushed towards his ship. "We need to get there now!" He ordered.
Ja'far smiled as he rushed after his king, followed closely by everyone else. They could finally get back one of their family members.
Kouen subtly clenched his teeth, facial expression carefully neutral as he cleaned the wounds on Judar's back. The tiny Magi had obviously been whipped, and was constantly whimpering and crying out in pain.
After the gruelling experience, Kouen bandaged the boy and dressed him in clean clothes. Koumei sat nearby, frowning, eyes saddened as their self proclaimed little brother kept making pained noises.
Once he was redressed, Judar wrapped his arms around Kouen's neck and held on, not wanting to let go, and simply refusing to.
"Judar," Kouen said softly, yet his voice was stern. "What happened? Can you tell us what happened in Reim?"
Judar was quiet, shaking his head quickly in Kouen's neck.
Kouen sighed softly. "Did something happen with Sinbad?" Kouen pressed. "Who did this to you? Was it Al-Thamen?"
Judar's body started to tremble, Kouen's eyes widening slightly at the wetness dripping onto his shoulder. Judar started to sob quietly into his shoulder, answering all of his questions with a quiet, broken 'yes.'
He didn't go into any further detail other than, yes, Al-Thamen were the ones who hurt him, and that Sinbad hated him now. He didn't, couldn't talk about it, not from a lack of trying, but more from the fact that he started to cry whenever he spoke or thought about it.
He spent weeks in Kouen's arms, sleeping with the older male in his bed, clinging to him wherever they went. And whenever Kouen was unable to look after him, he would cling to Koumei.
It was one day, when the three of them sat in the garden, surrounded by flowers, and peach trees, it was just so serene, and for the first time in weeks, Judar was calm, humming softly to himself as he brushed half of his hair, the other half being fiddled with by Kouen, who was reading scrolls that lay across his lap.
Koumei was sat nearby, reading through scrolls as well, occasionally looking up to watch the two with a fond smile. And for the shortest time, everything felt perfect.
It was thirty minutes later that Al-Thamen broke their peace, ripped Judar from Kouen's arms, threatened the two brothers into cooperation, and it was then that they watched the tiny Magi snap, and saw his Rukh turn pitch black.
It was the last time either of them saw the Judar that they loved, for the next time they saw him, the kind, gentle boy they once knew, was replaced by someone cruel and twisted.
"Alibaba, stop!" Aladdin yelled, throwing an arm out to stop his friend going further.
Alibaba stopped, surprise on his face at Aladdin's sudden yell.
"What is it, Aladdin?" He asked.
"There's a barrier," Aladdin said, "as soon as we go in, we'll be unable to use magic and there will be an army waiting for us,"
Alibaba looked shocked for a moment before he grit his teeth. "Bastards,"
"Awh, so you already found out? That sucks," a familiar voice spoke from behind them.
The two whirled around to face Judar, scowling up at him.
"Judar!" Aladdin called in surprise.
Judar frowned a little. There they go again, saying his name like that. Seriously, why were they even surprised to see him? This was the Kou empire, after all.
Alibaba frowned at the sight of the dark Magi. It hadn't been too long since he had last seen him before the summit, maybe two months, and he'll admit that a lot has happened to him in that time, and by the looks of it, so had Judar.
In that time, the Magi somehow manages to look even more tired, with added redness to his eyes, nose and cheeks. The smile he gave them was so obviously forced, that it made it all too clear to Alibaba that he had been crying no too long ago.
By the way Aladdin was looking at Judar, it was only obvious to himself.
"Well, since you caught me so soon, I guess I can put the barrier down," Judar stated, shrugging carelessly. "You want to see Hakuryuu, don't you?" He asked softly, almost sounding gentle.
"Seems we aren't too welcome," Aladdin mumbled softly.
Alibaba grunted, slightly disturbed by the fact that Aladdin didn't hear Judar's gentle tone, or see the obvious signs that something very wrong was going on with the dark Magi.
Instead of saying something, he followed after Judar alongside Aladdin, watching as Judar paused briefly to take down the barrier and lead them to where Hakuryuu was.
Aladdin paused, breaking several points of power sources, explaining that Judar would not be able to put up a new one as long as they did so. Deep inside, Alibaba was truly nervous about seeing Hakuryuu again.
He had little to no idea how much the other had changed, and that made him nervous. But, no matter how much he changed, Alibaba simply refused to give up on his friend.
Hakuryuu was sat up in his throne, looking down on them with a look of superiority.
"Hey," Aladdin greeted.
"It's been a long time, Hakuryuu," Alibaba stated, free hand clenched at his side, his other gripping his sword tightly.
Suddenly, a small smile stretched over Hakuryuu's lips, an almost fond look crossing his features. "Indeed it has been, Alibaba," he stated.
For some reason, seeing Hakuryuu smile like that, it made him feel calm.
"Judar, wait outside, these are old friends of mine, and I'm sure Alibaba would agree to it being easier if we spoke alone," Hakuryuu ordered, though he seemed to speak in a light tone with his Magi, a distant look of concern in his eyes.
"Kay, Aladdin and I will keep guard," Judar stated, smiling almost innocently at Aladdin.
The younger seemed apprehensive, but followed after the other, once he received an affirmative nod from Alibaba.
Judar flew up into the air, where he sat down on his staff, observing Hakuryuu and Flabbybaba's encounter from afar. Aladdin stopped a few feet away from him, staring down in concern, hand loosely held into a fist, the other gently gripping his staff.
"Awh, what's the matter? What's got you so tense, baby Magi?" Judar asked in a teasing tone.
He smirked as he received a glare from Aladdin, who then turned back to the front, staring at his friend.
He smiled softly at the back of Aladdin's head, feeling envious of his friendship with Alibaba. It wasn't too long ago that he and Hakuryuu were exactly the same. Judar knew what was about to happen the second he felt that familiar dull ache in his head.
Slowly, he raised his hand to press his palm onto his eye, not at all feeling enthusiastic about what was going to happen. He could only hope that Aladdin would catch him should he lose control of his magic and fall.
Aladdin was still stuck in his own thoughts, when he was ripped away by the sound of Judar crying out in pain. He could feel the other's dark Rukh flutter about nervously, and as he turned around, he could see the dark Rukh.
The Rukh was in a panic, some fluttering about uselessly as other gently landed on any patch of Judar's skin they could find, in an effort to calm the Magi down.
Judar was gripping at his head as he leaned forward on his staff, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he might just lean too far and fall off. Aladdin moved forwards slowly, gently reaching out.
He jumped when Judar made a very sudden sound of pain, and then simply slouch before he and his staff just fell. Aladdin yelped in surprise and shock before he raced after the other, not wanting to see the result of someone colliding with the ground from so high up.
He managed to catch Judar just in time before he met the earth, and couldn't help but sigh in relief as he gently placed the other on the ground, collapsing on his knees next to Judar. His limbs felt a little numb, heart pounding from that scare.
For a few minutes, he just sat and watched their Rukh interact. Judar was unconscious, and his Rukh seemed to flutter about him nervously. He watched as his own Rukh fluttered about, occasionally landing on Judar briefly, before fluttering away.
Some of his Rukh would gently touch Judar's dark Rukh, pure white and pitch black contrasting one another, yet still the same as they fluttered and landed on the Magi surrounding them.
Aladdin would shudder the first time Judar's Rukh touched him, but not because it felt overly evil or anything like that, but because some of his Rukh felt empty, and afraid.
Judar's Rukh wasn't all that different from his own.
Judar groaned, eyes opening gently, squinting against the sunlight before his blurry vision cleared and he could now see Aladdin by his side.
"Aladdin?" He asked softly, confused.
The blue haired Magi smiled gently at him. "You really scared me for a second there, you just fell out of the sky! I thought you were going to die,"
Judar blinked, confused at the worried expression on Aladdin's face. Slowly he sat up, noting that, yes, he had, in fact, fallen out of the sky. He didn't feel hurt, so he had to assume that Aladdin had caught him, that or his body had more endurance than he initially thought. He rather believed the first thought.
A strange, fluttering feeling had him look down at his left hand. It wasn't unlike his Rukh to touch him occasionally, especially after he had a particularly painful memory, but this felt a little too different.
There was white Rukh. White blended in with his black as the two colours danced around each other, landing on both Magi. Slightly amazed, Judar raised his left hand to better look at what he assumed was Aladdin's Rukh.
He frowned sadly, not even noticing as the Rukh fluttered away. He had long forgotten what it felt like to have white Rukh.
"One way or another, I don't intend on leaving this battlefield with my life," he said in response to Aladdin's earlier statement.
Aladdin's eyes widened in disbelief and surprise.
"What?"
"Come now, don't be shy, Judar-chan, I'm sure Hakuryuu will welcome you with open arms. He's a kind boy, after all, and so in need of friends," Gyokuen said, looking down at the tiny boy hiding behind her leg.
"B-but what if he hates me?" Judar whispered, a look of fear on his face.
Gyokuen smiled gently as she crouched, placing both hand on Judar's shoulders, making a mental note to start feeding the boy more.
"He won't hate you. Just be yourself, and I'm sure that he'll love you," she stated, gently squeezing his shoulders for emphasis.
"You think so?" He asked, unsure.
"I know. After all, he is my son," she assured with a proud smile.
A timid smile graced Judar's features as he felt what little confidence he had return to him. Gyokuen stood then, taking Judar's small hand in her own, and walked forward, leading the way to where she knew her youngest was currently training.
Judar watched in slight awe as a kid about his age trained with his instructor. He was maybe a little taller than Judar himself, with black hair, blue eyes and porcelain skin. Judar smiled as Hakuryuu trained.
"Hakuryuu," Gyokuen called, smiled and waving a small wave once she gained her child's attention.
"Mother!" Came the excited reply as the instructor stood back.
Hakuryuu dropped his sword as he ran to his mother, excited to finally meet the boy his mother had promised to introduce him to.
He came to a stop a few feet from his mother, his eyes moving to rest on the small boy that held her hand, looking at him with a mixture of nervousness and curiosity.
"Hakuryuu, this is Judar, that boy I promised to let you meet. And Judar, this is my son, Hakuryuu," Gyokuen introduced, smiling as she gently moved the tiny Magi forward.
Hakuryuu seemed to bounce on the spot in excitement, whereas Judar looked at him timidly. Suddenly, Hakuryuu grabbed on of the other's hands in his own, blue meeting red as their gazes locked.
"It's nice to meet you! Do you want to go and play?!" Hakuryuu asked in excitement.
Judar looked over his shoulder Gyokuen, who nodded and shoo'ed them away with her hand.
"Okay!" Judar answered, feeling just as enthusiastic.
Hakuryuu barely wasted any time at all as he dragged Judar away, barely responding at Gyokuen's call for them not to stay out too late.
Judar laughed and smiled as Hakuryuu led him to the peach garden, where they sat down and talked. Hakuryuu started talking a mile a minute, telling him all about his family, his training and his dreams.
Judar did the same, growing just as excited and energetic as the other. He told him about his two big brothers, and how they were the best brothers in the world, especially big brother Kouen.
After that, they seemed to get along well, nearly inseparable. They were the best of friends, until Judar was taken. Hakuryuu was really sad when he found out, not know what to do now that his best friend was gone, and no one knew where he went.
Judar had been gone a few weeks when the fire happened. It was tragic, he lost most of his family, nearly died, and now, his skin was scarred beyond repair. Hakuei told him that he had been in a coma a few weeks.
As time rolled on and he slowly recovered, ge grew to resent everyone except his sister. And after a few more weeks, he was told that Judar was back. He went to seek him out, and found the young Magi sat in the garden underneath a peach tree, staring into the distance.
"Judar!" He called, gaining the Magi's attention.
Judar turned his head, perking up at the sight of Hakuryuu, he stood and ran to meet his friend.
"Hakuryuu! There you are! I've been told you got hurt and that I couldn't see you, are you ok-"
His words of concern were cut off as Hakuryuu shoved him. Judar nearly tripped over his own feet, but managed to stay up.
"Wha- Hakuryuu?" Judar looked in shock at Hakuryuu, who was crying, but glaring angrily at him.
"Where have you been?!" Hakuryuu asked angrily, glaring at his friend.
Something seemed different about Judar, but he couldn't place it, and he also didn't care at that moment.
Judar open his mouth to answer, but Hakuryuu interrupted him.
"Huh?! Where were you?! Nearly my entire family was killed in a fire! I was in a coma for nearly a month, and where were you? Where were you when I needed you the most?! This entire time, where have you been?" Hakuryuu asked, mostly repeating the same thing in his anger.
Judar took a hesitant step forward, reaching out with a hand. "Hakuryuu, I-"
"NO!" Hakuryuu screamed, violently shoving Judar to the ground, where he loomed over him, and glared. "I don't want your excuses, I hate you! I HATE YOU!" His last sentence echoed around them.
Hakuryuu panted, rubbing his tears away, eyes briefly closed before he looked down at Judar, only to have his eyes widen. Judar had never seemed so broken to him as he did then, with his lips parted as shaken, broken breaths passed them.
His dull red eyes were wide, and yet shining with tears as they ran down his slowly reddening cheeks. Judar's lower lip trembled, his only warning, before the Magi started to sob loudly.
Judar placed his hands over his face as he just cried and screamed his heartache away. First he lost Sinbad, then he found out his friends were safe, but held in a dungeon and would be killed if he disobeyed Al-Thamen, then he lost Kouen and Koumei, and now Hakuryuu, too.
Hakuryuu couldn't keep the surprise from his face as he just watched Judar break in front of him. But instead of moving to comfort his friend, he scowled, turned and ran away with tears in his eyes.
It was never the same after that. Judar would occasionally pop up and talk to him cheerfully as if nothing had happened, constantly claiming that he would join Hakuryuu's side in a heartbeat.
As they grew older, Judar started to pester him about capturing a dungeon, and yet he continued to push the Magi away. For fifteen years, he would push Judar away, or avoid him, or something of the like, but the other always came back.
Until the day Hakuryuu finally gave in and excepted him and his offers, and they killed Gyokuen together, only to be separated once more.
"Judar can never return to this planet,"
"Then I'll just make you dispel that magic, Aladdin,"
"I can't," Aladdin whispered sorrowfully. "Judar is gone forever,"
The weight of those words finally settled onto his shoulders, and he stared up at the sky where Judar had just disappeared, not knowing what to do.
"Alibaba is gone, just like him," he stated, not quite paying attention to anything except for the fact that Judar was gone.
Aladdin was silent as he stared at Alibaba's body, unsure of what to do now.
"You used a really cruel magic, Aladdin," Hakuryuu whispered.
Aladdin clenched his eyes shut. "I know, but it was the only magic I could use! I didn't want to kill him, not after what he said earlier,"
Hakuryuu whipped his head around to look at Aladdin in surprise. "Judar said something? Tell me what he said!" He demanded.
"Aladdin!" Someone called, interrupting the young Magi's answer.
The two turned their heads to watch as Sinbad, Ja'far, Hinahoho and a large group of unfamiliar people came running towards them.
"There you are, Aladdin!" Sinbad yelled, smiling at the sight of the younger.
"Alibaba!" Ja'far cried in shock and ran towards his fallen comrade, touching him gently.
"Ali-what the-? Hakuryuu!" Sinbad stammered, before noticing Hakuryuu and moving towards him. "Your legs! What the hell happened here?! And where is Judar?" He asked urgently, not quite sure what to do.
Hakuryuu gently pushed Sinbad's hovering hands away as he moved to stand, his legs and feet being replaced by plant as he moved. He grit his teeth in pain as he did, but endured.
"Are you okay with your legs like that? Doesn't it hurt?" Parsine asked, cringing a little.
"I'm fine," Hakuryuu said through gritted teeth. "I can cope with this, it's just two of my legs, but," he trailed off staring sadly up at the sky. "I never imagine I would lose Judar,"
Everyone around them seemed to tense at his words as Aladdin looked away sadly.
"Wait, what do you mean you lost Judar?" Sinbad asked urgently.
"He's gone, and he won't be coming back, ever," Aladdin answered, closing his eyes.
Sinbad seemed to freeze in his spot, staring with wide eyes at his hands. Judar was gone, and no matter that he was found innocent, Sinbad would never get to hold him again. Never even get to see him again.
Mistoras stared at the blue haired boy before he scowled. "This is all your fault! What the hell have you done!?" He screamed, suddenly appearing and punching Aladdin on his cheek.
Aladdin cried out, falling back at the force of the hit, only for his attacker to straddle his waist and punch him repeatedly.
"Stop!" Vittel yelled as Tamira screamed in shock and Parsine cried, sobbing loudly.
"This is all your fault! You murderer! What did Judar ever do to you, why did you do this? WHY?!" Mistoras yelled in Aladdin's face before he was pulled away by Hinahoho, struggling all the way.
"It was the only way!" Aladdin yelled in despair, tears and blood rolling down his face as he cried, lying on his back. "It was the only way I could stop him while keeping him alive! I didn't want him to die, not now, especially after what he said!" He clenched his eyes shut, swallowing. "He said he didn't intend to leave this battle with his life, one way or another,"
"Aladdin," Ja'far said sadly as the boy continued to cry, breathing ragged.
Serendine collapsed to her knees, staring at nothing as tears gathered in her eyes. Rurumu hugged both Parsine and Tamira as they cried, feeling rather heartbroken herself.
Mistoras just started crying in Hinahoho's arms as he held him. Vittel and Mahad stared sadly, unsure of what to do. Hakuryuu had been surprised at that one person's actions, the one just attacked Aladdin out of nowhere, but turned back around once everything calmed down.
He was, admittedly, surprised by the amount of friends that Judar seemed to have. He smiled sadly as memories of them together as children crossed his mind. He took a moment, having to calm himself lest he start to cry as well.
Aladdin eventually got to his feet and gathered Alibaba on his carpet, unsure of what to do, when suddenly, lightning struck and a strong power rippled through the air.
"Sin!" Ja'far's yell could be heard over the sound.
'It's all Aladdin's fault,'
Aladdin turned in time to see Sinbad point his sword at him, Baal's full body Djinn equip was intimidating once faced with the prospect of having to face Sinbad's wrath.
"You took a very precious thing away from me, Aladdin," Sinbad said, though his voice sounded strange.
Aladdin took a step back in fear. What was he supposed to do now?! He had used up so much Magoi in his fight against Judar, would he be able to face Sinbad, now, too?
"Sin, calm down, this isn't something you want to do!" Ja'far said, taking a step to stand in front of Aladdin.
Sinbad frowned even more as he grit his teeth. "He took Judar away from me! Judar!" He stressed.
"He didn't have a choice, Sin, you know that! Just think a little more clearly, please!" Ja'far begged.
There were tears in Sinbad's eyes that surprised both Aladdin and Hakuryuu.
A few tense seconds later, Sinbad allowed Baal's equip to recede as he sheathed his sword.
"I don't want to see you again, Aladdin. Should I ever lay my eyes on you again, I won't hesitate to kill you," Sinbad warned before he turned around, and walked away.
The silence had his ears ringing, dull, red eyes staring up at the ceiling of his bedroom, body resting comfortably on his bed. He was tired, and yet found himself unable to fall asleep.
Ten years ago, he had lost everything he ever cared about, all at once. First Sinbad, then Kouen and Koumei, Hakuryuu, and now, his memories. He knew for a fact that it could not be any illness, he was far too young for any of the memory losing illnesses, and he also knew he did not have amnesia.
He suspected that the experiments Gyokuen had been doing on him was the cause of his memory fading, and yet, he didn't seem to care all that much. He just couldn't bring himself to worry for his own wellbeing.
The now sixteen year old Judar turned onto his side, curling into a ball as he clung to the few good memories he had left of his time with Sinbad and the Sindria family.
He constantly found himself wondering how they were doing, what they looked like now, did they think of him? Was he as constantly on their thoughts, as they were on his own, even ten years later?
He sighed, closing his eyes in an attempt to fall asleep, when he shot up in his bed, scowl contorting his face. Someone had conquered one of his dungeons, someone he didn't invite.
Frustrated and angered beyond belief, Judar climbed off of his bed, ignoring the sensation of his braid briefly tickling his mostly open back before fluttering towards the ground, he gathered his carpet and jumped out of his window, the carpet levitating before flying in the direction he knew the dungeon was.
Once he did reach it, he watched in utter disbelief as a few familiar figures stood around in the hole made by the dungeon appearing, and now disappearing.
There stood Sinbad, Ja'far, Hinahoho, Drakon, Masrur, Sharrkan and someone who looked a lot like Mistoras, only much younger. They were all either grown up or much older.
There were new people he didn't recognise, such as a woman with long blue hair and a tiny blond girl. Including the person who looked so similarly to Mistoras.
Judar descended quietly on his carpet, landing a few feet behind all of them. No one noticed him. This close, he could see just how much everyone had changed.
They seem to be discussing their victory, laughing and cheering together, saying something like going out to celebrate. Judar frowned a little, watching as they all seemed to be truly happy. That won't do.
"Hey, Sinbad!" He called, watching as the man who's name he called froze in place before whipping around. "Did you forget about me?" He asked.
"Judar?" Sinbad said in disbelief, eyes wide, mouth agape.
Ja'far, Masrur, Sharrkan, Drakon and Hinahoho all seemed similarly shocked.
"Oh, so you do remember me," he stated as he walked forward, braid swaying behind him as he moved.
"Look at you, all grown up," Sinbad said, a soft smile on his lips as Judar stopped a mere few feet away from him. "You must be, what? Sixteen now?"
"That's right," Judar said, placing one hand on his hip as he looked up at the man, seeming almost seductive.
"What are you doing here, Judar?" Ja'far cut in, and suddenly, Sinbad seemed to be reminded of their past, and glared at him with hate.
"I could ask you the same. Were you invited to conquer this dungeon?" He asked, tone falsely curious.
Ja'far growled at him, scowl contorting his features. "That is none of your business," he stated.
Judar tilted his head. "None of my business, really?" He asked.
Sharrkan suddenly pulled his sword from it's sheath, pointing it at him. "I'll never forgive you for what you've done to Sindria, to Mistoras! I'll kill you!" He declared before he charged.
"Wait, stop!" Sinbad yelled, futily reaching out to stop him.
Judar's eyes were wide in shock, barely moving out of the way of Sharrkan's sword, though his cheek still stung, something warm rolling down his cheek.
Judar stumbled back a bit, he looked just about as shocked as Sharrkan and Sinbad. A strangled sound left Ja'far's throat as Hinahoho, Drakon and the three new people gasped in shock. Masrur seemed stoic as always.
Judar raised a hand, wiping his thumb across the cut, pulling his hand back, he stared at the crimson of his own blood on his thumb.
Sharrkan seemed to want to reach out to him, hand halfway reached out towards him, though he hesitated.
"You hurt me," Judar said, sounding betrayed.
Just then, some more of his memories slipped, and it left Judar staring blankly, eyes dulling further as he forgot all about the person in front of him. He didn't know Sharrkan all that well before Al-Thamen took him away from them, thus, he supposes, it made sense for him to forget Sharrkan entirely first out of the group.
"Judar," Sharrkan said softly, sounding apologetic.
Judar was snapped from his blank moment, staring curiously at the man in front of him. Raising one eyebrow, he tilted his head.
"Who are you again?" He asked, confused.
Sharrkan's eyebrows shot up in surprise at this, glancing in confusion at Sinbad, who seemed just as confused.
Judar turned back to the group, seemingly brushing Sharrkan off.
"Sinbad!" His eyes lit up at the sight of the man. "What are you doing here?" He asked curiously, yet confused.
Sinbad hesitated. "...We just conquered this dungeon."
Judar frowned, angered. "Why? I didn't invite you to conquer this dungeon," he stated angrily.
Sinbad smiled, cocky. "Why would I need an invitation to conquer this dungeon from you?" He asked.
"Because I raised this dungeon, and I didn't raise it for you!" He shouted as he pulled his wand out.
"What?" Sinbad asked as Sharrkan moved away from the raven.
"Sinbad, he's a Magi!" Yamuraiha shouted, just as Judar gathered Rukh and shot it at them.
"He's a Magi?! Why didn't I know?!" Sinbad yelled as they all ran.
"I don't know, I didn't even know you knew this child!" Yamuraiha yelled.
"Obviously he didn't deem it necessary to tell us!" Hinahoho shouted.
Sinbad grunted as he stopped and turned, pulling Baal's metal vessel from it's sheath, allowing his full body Djinn equip to envelop his body.
"Borg!" Yamuraiha shouted, one of Judar's Magoi shots slamming into it and passing over and around her harmlessly.
"You're a magician," Judar stated, teeth gritted.
The sound of thunder rumbling had Judar look at Sinbad. "Baal," he stated, though he looked betrayed. "You'd really attack me, Sinbad?" He asked softly.
"Only if you continue attacking us, Judar," Sinbad said, gripping his sword a little tighter.
"What's wrong with your Rukh?" Yamuraiha cut in suddenly, eyes narrowed at Judar.
He looked at her, expression blank.
"What do you mean, Yamuraiha?" Ja'far asked, speaking up for the first time in a while.
"His Rukh, it's pitch black," she stated, a deep frown on her brows.
Sinbad's eyebrows shot up, looking back at Judar, expression sad.
Judar sighed, tucking his wand away as he looked at the group, expression torn. "I miss you," he said, making direct eye contact with Sinbad.
Sinbad opened his mouth to answer, but closed it slowly, with a soft 'clack' as Judar clenched his eyes shut, tears falling down his cheeks as he grit his teeth, clenched his fists and turned around, walking away.
Sinbad watched him go, not once calling out to stop him, call for him to come back, or even run after him, not even when Judar looked back at them, with longing burning in his eyes.
He watched Judar climb on his magic carpet and fly away. Watched as one of the most important things left, and slipped right out of his fingers. And he let him.
Judar grunted in pain, not only from the pain the memory had caused him, but because he slammed face first into the ground. Slowly, he got to his feet, face twisted in confusion at the unfamiliar place.
Confused, Judar started exploring, only to bump into a strange plant looking thing. Shocked, he attempted to attack it with his magic, only to realise that it didn't work. He tried running, but not even that seemed to work, he was slower than Kougyoku.
It wrapped it's tentacles or roots or whatever around him, moving him to it's mouth in order to eat him. He shouted, squirming, and wriggling, trying to free himself, when at the last moment, he was cut free.
Judar landed ungracefully on the ground, staring in wonder at his hero, only for it to turn to disgust. Whatever it was, it looked like a strange doll.
Judar was amused when he found out that the doll was, in fact, Alibaba. He started spewing things to Flabbybaba that no one wished for him to get back to their world, that no one missed him, and that he was naive.
He said all these things to Flabbybaba, when in reality, it was all meant to be for himself. No one would miss Judar. Alibaba had Aladdin, that Fanalis girl, Sinbad and his eight generals, hell, he even had Hakuryuu, when Judar had no one.
Alibaba seemed to shrug off his words with ease, his expression not even changing once as he declared that he would go back home, even if no one wanted him there.
Judar just couldn't understand why Aladdin would choose someone like Alibaba as his king's candidate, or why Hakuryuu was so charmed by this man. He could see nothing appealing about Alibaba.
After being saved a third time from being eaten alive by Alibaba, Judar decided to value his life more over his dislike towards the guy, and decided to stick close to Alibaba, even if he really hated it.
Despite his feelings of hate and disdain, Judar still followed Alibaba, hating to admit that the other was the strongest of the two currently, and if he wanted to survive, he would have to stick to Alibaba.
Judar's eyes were squinted into tiny slits as he glared at their newest arrival. He was another child, timid and seemingly rather annoying. Masrur seemed a little taken by the other, but Judar disliked him almost instantly.
Not only that, but Serendine had conquered one of his dungeons, and now, Sinbad seemed different. If Judar had to guess, it would seem like something was bothering the older male, and despite him still feeling angered towards Sinbad for leaving him behind, Judar decided to at least go and greet the large group.
"Are you alright, Sinbad?" Hinahoho asked softly.
Sinbad had been frowning a lot ever since the happenings in Heliohapt, and at the moment, his head was tilted slightly to the ground as they walked, a faraway look in his eyes.
Sinbad looked up at the large male, smiling a small, yet soft and reassuring smile. "Yes, I just feel a little tired, is all," he answered.
"Oh, I'm sure you'll feel better in just a moment," Ja'far commented to his other side.
Sinbad turned his head to look at the smaller with curiosity, while Hinahoho merely looked from over his head down at the former assassin.
"Why's that?" Sinbad asked, curiosity clear in his voice as he rose one of his brows in question.
Ja'far smiled mysteriously. "Look who came to greet us," he stated, gesturing in front of them.
Confused, the two older males turned their attention to their front, eyes instantly landing on the small child standing and waiting for them.
He wore dark clothes, which helped him stand out against the pure white of the Sindria Trading Company building. Sinbad squinted a moment, before his eyes brightened, expression cheering up as he grinned widely.
"Oh, there's another child here?" He could hear Sharrkan ask Masrur, who merely nodded silently in confirmation.
Sinbad grinned widely as he raised his right arm to swing it in a wide arch as a form of a wave to the boy waiting for them.
"You think he's still mad at you, Sin?" Hinahoho asked.
"About what?" Sinbad asked, distracted.
"About you leaving him behind, he wasn't very happy with you when we left," Hinahoho said, teasingly.
Sinbad stilled, expression morphing into shock at this information, before he let his arm fall back to his side limply, his expression back to being saddened and deep in thought. Hinahoho chuckled at him as Ja'far shook his head and sighed harshly.
"Hey, Judar! Were you waiting for us?" Hinahoho asked as they neared.
"I saw you coming down the road and thought I might greet you," he answered nonchalantly.
Judar could practically feel the question mark appear above his head as both Ja'far and Hinahoho gestured to Sinbad rather wildly, Mistoras stood there to the side with an awkward smile on his lips.
Judar climbed down the steps, having realised what the two meant when he noticed Sinbad hadn't even raised his head to look at him. Judar moved to stand before him, and hugged the older male's legs, looking up into Sinbad's golden eyes with wide, doe like red eyes, the picture of pure innocence.
"Did you have a safe trip, Sinbad?" He asked cutely, knowing that this would absolutely work on the older male.
Sinbad could hardly contain the squeal that wanted to leave his throat at the sight as he bent forward and gathered the child in his arms.
"I did!" Sinbad answered as he rubbed one of his cheeks against Judar's, eyes closed as he smiled in delight.
Sinbad started to chatter with Judar as he carried him back into the building, completely unaware of everyone's stares on him as he went.
Sinbad collapsed in his office chair, exhausted. Left hand rubbing at his forehead, his right resting partially on Judar thigh and hip. The tiny Magi merely stared openly at Sinbad.
"You seem upset," Judar observed.
Sinbad opened his eyes, gold connecting with red, as he let his left hand drop down on the child's other leg.
"I'm just tired, it was a long trip," Sinbad stated softly.
Judar frowned at him, not believing a word.
Sinbad smiled at the clear look of distrust on the Magi's face, one hand reaching up to drag through the short, thick locks of black hair hanging around Judar's face.
"I can't hide things from you, can I?" He asked as his eyes took in the smaller's features.
"Of course not," Judar said with a firm shake of his head.
Sinbad chuckled as he pulled Judar closer, gsntly forcing the smaller's head against his chest as he relaxed completely in his office chair.
"Well, I wasn't lying earlier, I really am tired," Sinbad spoke softly.
Judar turned his head on the elder's chest, so that he could listen to Sinbad's heartbeat.
"You won't tell me?" Judar asked, though it sounded more like a statement.
Sinbad tugged Judar's hair free from it's braid so that he could run his fingers through the long strands instead.
"I don't want to bother you with such trivial matters, at least, not yet. I want you to stay the way you are now, forever. I don't wish for you to really change at all," Sinbad admitted, his lips pressed against the top of Judar's head, his confession spoken into the younger's hair.
Judar sat back, looking at Sinbad with both his eyebrows raised in shock at the elder's admission, though he knew it was Sinbad's way of changing the subject, it didn't make the words any less true.
Sinbad smiled at him briefly before leaning forward and placing a gentle, yet firm kiss on the younger's lips. Just a mere peck, nothing more, nothing less, and yet, that simple gesture held a thousand feelings and emotions behind it.
It made Judar blink at Sinbad, lips tingling slightly as the man guided him back to laying on his chest. Judar smiled a moment later, eyes closing as Sinbad continued to comb his fingers through the Magi's hair.
There, they sat in silence, Judar never once stopped smiling, even when Sinbad's hand stilled and he fell asleep, Judar kept smiling, eyes close, content as his chest was filled a feeling of deep love.
Sinbad sat in a chair in his office in Sindria, head held in his hands as he took deep, calming breaths, mind filled with various memories of the Magi he had lost, fingers tingling with the memory and desire of running them through those silky locks on multiple occasions.
His lips burned with the desire to feel the Magi's lips on them, tongue craving the taste of every inch of skin the Magi had to offer, body desiring to feel the Magi's own fitted against his.
Sinbad wasn't sure where all of these sudden desires and cravings came from, but what he did know, was that he needed it. He needed to fulfil these desires. He needed Judar.
Sinbad took a deep, shuddering breath, thoughts plagued by a hundred different 'what if's.'
What if he had chosen to believe Judar, instead of falling for Al-Thamen's lies.
What would it have been like when Judar grown up with him, instead of in the Kou Empire? How different would thing's have been?
Sinbad didn't want to think of all the possibilities, if he had just done things a little differently. At least Mistoras and the other's were okay now. Sinbad smiled briefly at the recent memory of their missing comrades reuniting with the eight generals.
Granted, Yamuraiha and Pisti didn't know all of them, but they were still very happy at the sight of long lost friends. Spartos had started crying like a child at the sight of his brother.
Kikiriku and his twin sister were absolutely delighted to be reunited with their mother, Rurumu, though the family was hit with grief at the news that Rurumu had lost their fourth child.
She had birthed the child, a boy, mere days after Judar was forced into his agreement with Al-Thamen. She was barely able to hold him before members of Al-Thamen came and took the baby away.
They had all fought with all their might to take the child back, but Rurumu had screamed at them to stop once the members of Al-Thamen threatened to kill Judar.
It was a difficult choice, one she chose to make nevertheless. It was either they continue for her new-born and have Judar killed and possibly lose the baby as well, or they let them take the baby with the possibility of finding him later, and have Judar still live.
It was a difficult choice, one that left her broken and crying on the cold floor of their cell, but one she didn't regret all that much. She knew in her heart, that her and Hinahoho's baby would be alright.
Hinahoho comforted his wife, who had started crying at some point in her story, and told her that he was proud of her. He, too, would rather have both children live than possibly losing one permanently and the other temporarily.
Sinbad vowed to find their missing son, even though his heart was set on finding the missing Magi as well. The two Imuchakk warriors had smiled gratefully at him then.
Currently, everyone was in the dinning area, waiting for some much needed food. Sinbad sighed, deciding that he would join them all, as well. After all, he couldn't find Judar when he busy starving to death.
The food was great, and conversation light as they filled in their missing companions on what had happened over the past fifteen years.
The conversation was just started to dim when Sharrkan stood suddenly, hands slamming down loudly on the wooden table to gain attention, hair hanging in his face.
It was silent as they all turned to look at him in surprise.
"Sharrkan?" Yamuraiha asked timidly, having never seen the male like this.
"Are we just going to ignore this?" He asked quietly.
"Ignore what, my friend?" Spartos asked.
"Ignore the fact that, okay, sure we got most of the old Sindria family back, but it's not the same. We're incomplete without him!" Sharrkan rose his head as he spoke, anger and guilt clearly shown in his eyes.
Sinbad stared in shock.
"Him? Whom?" Yamuraiha asked in confusion.
"I agree," Masrur cut in before Sharrkan could start a verbal fight with Yamuraiha. "This family, it's short one member,"
Yamuraiha and Pisti continued to look around in confusion.
"I think it's about time we discuss how we're going to find Judar," Drakon stated suddenly.
"Drakon? I thought you didn't like Judar?" Sinbad said in surprise.
"While that may have been true in the past, I only dislike the Judar of the Kou Empire, I never disliked the Judar of Sindria," the man stated, looking at everyone sat at the table.
"He was an innocent child, corrupted by the darkness of this world. To some extent, I believe we are partly responsible, for not believing one of our own, and instead choosing to believe the words of our enemies. We gave up on him once before, and I will not let that happen again. I have learned from my past mistakes," Drakon said, gaze turning to look sadly at the table.
"You're right, Drakon!" Hinahoho stated, though he had a smile on his lips. "This time, we won't stop looking for him, we won't stop believing in him, and most of all, we won't stop until our family is whole, and it just isn't whole without Judar!"
"I'll drink to that!" Sharrkan said after a moment of silence as they all raised their glasses, though Pisti and Yamuraiha did so in confusion, and drank from their cups in celebration of their soon to be whole family.
Sinbad stared at the peaceful sleeping child next to him. Judar's face was completely relaxed, fully comfortable at sleeping beside the older male.
Sinbad smiled suddenly at the, admittedly, cute child. Judar had a habit of falling asleep in his big brother's jacket, claiming he got cold easily at night, even if most of the time he slept beside Sinbad.
Said man sighed softly as he turned on his back, staring at the ceiling. He was unable to fall asleep, mind too busy thinking of the future and what it held. Currently, he was in the process of buying an Island from Parthevia.
That island would soon be the first Sindria. Sinbad smiled at the images he conjured in his mind. He could hardly wait, his dream would be fulfilled soon.
"Sinbad?" Judar's sleepy voice cut through his thoughts.
Sinbad turned his head to look at the child, who was rubbing at one of his eyes with a small fist.
"Hhm?" He hummed.
"Why aren't you sleeping?" Judar asked, his sentence disturbed by a yawn.
"I can't fall asleep, my mind is too busy thinking," Sinbad admitted.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Judar asked, looking at Sinbad with curious eyes.
Sinbad chuckled softly. "Sorry, but that's grown-up stuff,"
Judar pouted at him, which only made Sinbad laugh harder.
Judar frowned angrily as he sat up. Sinbad stopped laughing, briefly fearing that the child would leave, though he smiled soon after when Judar stood on the bed, wobbled over towards him, and collapsed on his naked chest.
"Play with my hair," Judar instructed.
"Why?" Sinbad asked with a brief laugh.
Judar tilted his head to look up at him. "You always fall asleep when you play with my hair," the Magi stated.
Sinbad's eyebrows rose in surprise, before a gentle smile settled on his lips as he undid the braid and started to run his fingers through the long strands.
At one point, Sinbad planted a kiss to the top of Judar's head, well aware that the tiny boy was fast asleep. Not too long after, he fell asleep, too, Judar's long hair falling over his bare chest, covering his skin like a blanket.
Two whole years they spent getting back to their world. Two whole years Judar was forced to endure Flabbybaba's presence. At first, it was sort of okay, not the best traveling partner, but the whole thing could have been worse.
And it did get worse. At first, Judar thought that his memories have left him be, until he collapsed from an onslaught of them. Alibaba told him he was unconscious for close to three days.
With a lot of pressing, Judar was finally revealed what had been happening to him. Alibaba offered no commentary or words of comfort, just stayed silent, and Judar wasn't sure if he should be happy or not.
By the time they got back to their world, Judar woke up in a strange cabin, surrounded by darkness. He could feel his Magoi had returned, though he still felt exhausted.
He stood, and explored the cabin. He nearly screamed at the sight of a very malnourished body on a bed. Upon closer inspection, he saw that it was Alibaba. Disturbed, Judar started for the door, heart pounding at the discovery, a terrible ache in his head had him slowing and stumbling about the small house.
Just as he reached the door, it swung open. There, in the doorway, surrounded by the light given off by a lantern, stood Yunan. Judar stared blankly at the blond man, who looked surprised upon seeing him, before he smiled and greeted Judar.
Judar opened his mouth to ask what the hell is wrong with Yunan, when another ache in his head had him collapsing to his knees, head gripped tightly in his hands as he cried out.
Yunan was by his side in seconds, asking him what was wrong, a concerned look in his eyes. Judar attempted to answer, but lost consciousness in the older male's arms.
Judar spent about two weeks like this, in and out of consciousness, head pounding in agony. Though the terrible headaches were usually followed by an onslaught of memories, he received none this time.
He was just stuck in this state of terrible agony, his Rukh going insane whenever he woke up, frantically trying to calm him down, though it did little to help. At times, his headaches were so bad, he would vomit whatever he had in his stomach, which wasn't much.
Yunan stayed by his side, though, holding his hair back, rubbing his back, trying to get him to eat, and forcing him to drink some water so that he doesn't dehydrate. Judar was grateful, in the end.
By the time Judar was well enough to leave, Yunan didn't want him to, asking if he didn't want to stay until Alibaba woke up. Judar didn't want to, and instead, thanked the other Magi for his help, and left.
Over the course of a year, he wreaked havoc, causing trouble, and then went to where he remembered his parents used to live. He spent most of his time at their graves, until Hakuryuu came for him, and took him back to the Kou Empire.
Things were different now, three year's later. Alibaba was astonished with how much things have changed while he was gone. He spent majority of his time with Kougyoku, until Aladdin found him.
He was surprised to see his old friend, who had gotten so much taller, and absolutely delighted to see Morgiana. It was also awkward at first, seeing Hakuryuu again, after what happened the last time they saw each other, but after they apologized, they rekindled their friendship.
That night, they went to celebrate their reunion, eating, drinking and talking again like old times. After much thought and gathering all the courage he could, Alibaba asked Morgiana to marry him.
She smiled at him, and said yes. It felt as though his heart wanted to pound right out of his chest from a mixture of relief, nerves and excitement, and suddenly, they were celebrating for an entirely different reason.
Through all this though, Alibaba could stop the nagging feeling though, in the back of his mind constantly wondering where that one person was. He was truly worried about Judar.
"We have to go see Sinbad," Alibaba stated, arms crossed, fingers pinching his chin, as he stood in an empty room in the Kou empire's palace.
"I don't know if he'd want to see me," Aladdin admitted softly.
Alibaba turned to look at him in confusion. "Why wouldn't he?"
It was silent for a moment.
"Sinbad sort of...blames Aladdin for Judar's disappearance," Hakuryuu mumbled softly while glancing at the floor of the Kou's palace.
Kougyoku frowned sadly as she, too, shifted her gaze to the floor. Morgiana stood beside Alibaba silently, hands behind her back as she looked at Alibaba's reaction from the corner of her eye.
"Huh?" Alibaba blurted dumbly.
Aladdin stared in shame at the floor, too, biting softly on his lower lip. "You see, three years ago, in the same fight you...died, I had to send Judar away. It was the only way I could stop him. Eberyone just assumed he's dead, and Sinbad didn't take the news very well," he informed quietly.
Alibaba stared at his blue haired friend dumbly for a moment longer. "Judar isn't dead," he stated.
Everyone's eyes snapped up to meet his, Aladdin's lips parted in shock at the news.
"What?" Aladdin gasped.
"Yeah, he came back with me, he's been around for about a year now. Yunan said he left about two weeks after we got back," Alibaba said, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish smile.
Aladdin continued to stare at him in disbelief for a moment before a relieved laugh bubbled up his chest.
"That's good," he said softly after he finished laughing.
"Well, let's go see Sinbad,"
After they greeted Hakuryuu, who decided to leave in search of Judar, Alibaba, Morgiana and Aladdin left, first going to Heliohapt in order to announce Alibaba and Morgiana's marriage.
Yamuraiha burst into tears upon seeing Aladdin, though Sharrkan and Masrur greeted them calmly. Sharrkan threw an arm around Alibaba's shoulders, congratulating him on his marriage.
Alibaba told him he should get married, too. Masrur then shoved Yamuraiha and Sharrkan together, watching as she looked up into the King of Heliohapt's eyes, asking if he were getting married, to which Sharrkan said that the two of them could.
Alibaba chuckled as Sharrkan started shouting at them as they left.
"On to our last stop then," Alibaba said, briefly shaking his shoulders in order to relax his tense shoulders.
"Right." Aladdin nodded, a look of determination on his face. "We'll go see uncle Sinbad,"
Alibaba briefly placed a hand on his clearly very nervous friend's shoulder, squeezing gently, and then walking forward, leading the way.
Upon entering the Sindria company and seeing Sinbad, the man turned to them, a small smile on his lips as he admitted defeat. Aladdin was clearly very happy, as well as Morgiana and Alibaba.
Sinbad then congratulated Alibaba as well, telling him that they should hold a banquet in celebration. Alibaba thanked him, though he could still see a lingering sadness in the older male's eyes.
Just before they left, Alibaba turned sharply to Sinbad and Ja'far, a bright smile on his lips.
"You guys needn't worry!" He said brightly. "Judar's alive and back, Hakuryuu actually went looking for him!" He grinned brightly.
Sinbad's features melted into shock, body frozen at the news.
Ja'far stepped forward, an urgent loom on his face. "Wait, you're saying Judar's back? He's here? He's okay?" He asked urgently.
"Yup! He's been around for about a year, once we find him, I'll be sure to send him your way," Alibaba said reassuringly. "You must be really worried about him," he stated softly, a soft smile on his face as he gazed at Sinbad.
"That'd be great!" Ja'far said enthusiastically, turning to Sinbad with a bright smile. "We'll get to see him again soon, Sin! This is wonderful!"
A small smile tugged at the elder male's lips, and stayed there as he greeted the trio and watched as they left. However, Sinbad couldn't help the feelings of disbelief and doubt inside his heart. It was all too good to be true, and he would only believe the news once he held Judar in his arms where he belonged. Safe, warm and alive.
Alibaba smiled joyously as he wrote out his wedding invitations vigorously. Kougyoku and Hakuryuu were chatting behind him Aladdin had gone to meet with Yunan.
"I'm done, Alibaba," Morgiana called.
Alibaba looked up, eyes widening as a grin stretched over his lips.
"It's beautiful, Morgiana! Such beautiful handwriting, as expected of my future bride!" Alibaba stated, hands balled into fists near his chest as he shivered in excitement.
"Such beautiful calligraphy, Morgiana," Hakuryuu complimented as he gazed at the massive wedding invitation.
"I'll send it to Masrur," Morgiana informed with a smile.
"Is it an invitation or a threat?" Kougyoku murmured to herself.
"Ugh, what ugly handwriting your wife has, Alibaba," a familiar voice said to the side.
Both Alibaba and Kougyoku whipped their heads around.
"Ju-Ju-" Alibaba heard himself stutter.
"Judar-chan!" Kougyoku wailed as she ran toward the taller male, who smiled softly at her.
Alibaba also ran forward, surprise all over his face.
"Hey, you old hag," Judar said fondly as he placed a hand on Kougyoku's head affectionately.
"Judar, when did you get back?!" Alibaba questioned.
"Mh?" Judar looked at him. "Yesterday with Hakuryuu," he stated.
"You didn't check on me?!" Kougyoku yelled.
"Ugh, you're so loud, this is why I don't like you," Judar stated one hand gripping his staff, the other placed on his hip.
Alibaba stared intensely at Judar, until the darker haired male turned to look at him.
"What is it?" He asked, sounding slightly annoyed.
"It's just-" Alibaba cut himself off as he lunged forward and grabbed the other in a hug.
Judar went stiff, a shocked sound leaving his throat at the sudden embrace.
"I'm glad you're okay, I was really worried about you," Alibaba stated, gently squeezing his arms around Judar's middle for emphasis.
The look of shock left Judar's face as he relaxed and smiled, wrapping his arms around Alibaba's upper back amd shoulders.
The two pulled away when Morgiana asked where Hakuryuu found. Judar slapped a hand on his king's mouth once he nearly revealed his true name, quickly changing the subject by asking where Aladdin was.
Judar jumped out the window to relax in the tree nearby while eating peaches as they waited Aladdin's return. A few hours later, Aladdin's voice called that he was back, managing to fly face first into the back of Judar's head.
"J-Judar!" Aladdin yelled in shock, a light blush dusting nose where he had been hurt. "Judar," he said again, voice sounding a bit more firm now, "How are you? You look different, I should really stop flying like this," he muttered the last part mostly to himself.
Judar leaned in close to his face, a look of curiosity on his face, before turning to look at Hakuryuu.
"Hey Hakuryuu, who is this? He's talking as if we're friends," he asked.
"That's Aladdin," Hakuryuu stated.
"Hm, that would explain why I suddenly felt sick," Judar said as Aladdin entered in through the window.
Judar sighed as he sat back down on the large tree branch he had been relaxing in earlier.
Alibaba seemed tense as he practically bounced in place, grabbing Aladdin's arm once he stepped on the floor.
"Ah! Alibaba!" He yelled in shock as he was dragged a few feet away, where everyone, minus Judar, huddled in a circle.
"What is wrong with you?" Kougyoku asked, eyes trailing over Alibaba's anxious form.
"Ugh! How the hell am I supposed to convince Judar to go to Sinbad!?" Alibaba whisper shouted.
They stared at him strangely for a moment.
"Just tell him Sinbad wants to see him," Hakuryuu suggested.
Alibaba gasped rather dramatically. "Are you insane!? With their history, I doubt Judar would go!" Alibaba whisper shouted again, a panicked look on his face.
"Why are you whispering?" Aladdin asked.
"Because I don't want him to hear us!" He whispered again
"Hear what?" Judar asked from behind them.
A high pitched scream left Alibaba's throat before he whipped around.
"Oh, uh, Judar, uhm, we uh," Alibaba trailed off awkwardly.
Aladdin sighed. "Look, Judar. Sinbad really wants to see you, and we said that once we found you, we'd send you his way. So, would you?" He asked hopefully.
One of Judar's eyebrows were raised in question as he looked at them.
"Just consider it, Sinbad was really broken about losing you for what seemed like permanently," Hakuryuu interrupted before Judar could refuse.
Judar sighed as he waved his hand moving back to the window and climbed out again.
"Judar, where are you going?!" Hakuryuu shouted as Judar started to fly away.
"To have some fun!" Judar called back before he disappeared.
"I can barely believe it's been so long," Mistoras said, kneeling down next to a headstone with multiple names on it. "So long since we lost the first Kingdom of Sindria,"
"When did you guys put this here?" Parsine asked as she bent at the waist to look at the headstone.
"Just after Judar was taken," Sharrkan answered.
Rurumu glanced sadly at the headstone, one of her sides pressed comfortable against her husband as she stared at one particular name.
"You guys even added Judar's name," Vittel stated, fingers running over the mentioned name.
"Yes, well, at the time, we thought you were all dead. We added Judar's name, though we knew we didn't lose him as permanently as we did all of you, it felt just as final," Ja'far stated.
"It still does," Sinbad mumbled softly.
A sad silence fell over the large group as they stared at the headstone. Three years of searching for their missing companion and yet it didn't feel as though they were any closer tp having him back, even with the news that Judar was still alive and around here somewhere.
Hinahoho stepped forward, placing a hand on Sinbad's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Sin, we'll find him," he said, squeezing his shoulder.
Catching the end of their conversation, Judar ended a few feet behind the entire Sindria family. He knew none of them knew he was there as he stared longingly at them.
More than anything, Judar longed to be with them again, be a part of their family once more, like they were back then. But, he was concerned. Would they be able to look passed all his mistakes? All of his flaws? Could he himself truly forgive them, for not believing him, and leaving him at the mercy of Al-Thamen?
But most important of all, could they all really go back to how they were? He was sure that everyone of them were haunted by happened in the past, especially those who were held captive by Al-Thamen. This included himself.
Judar bit his lower lip, hesitating. If he went back to them, he would have to let go of his hatred. A few more seconds of hesitation, Judar stepped forward.
He'd let go of his hatred, if it meant the rest of his future could be filled with happiness. He refused to let people continue to control his life. He would take control, and run after his happiness, grab it tightly, and never let go.
And his happiness was Sinbad and the Sindria family.
"Sinbad!" Judar called out, heart pounding in his chest as he continued to walk forward, towards his happy future.
He could see Sinbad's back and shoulders tense at the sound of his voice. Sinbad turned around slowly, as everyone else made sounds of shock and joy.
"Aladdin said-eugh!" His sentence was cut of by a strange mixture of a groan and choking noise as he was pulled into an extremely tight hug.
"You're finally back!" Mistoras yelled into his shoulder.
Judar grunted, sure that his entire face must be red by now, being unable to breathe and all.
"Mistoras, you're killing him!" Sharrkan yelled urgently.
"Oh!" Mistoras said, pulling back, hands gripping Judar's shoulders as he nearly collapsed. "Sorry about that, I just got too excited!" He apologized sheepishly.
"Ugh," Judar groaned in discomfort as he rubbed his ribs. "It's okay, I guess,"
Suddenly, a large hand was in his hair, ruffling the shorter strands and tangling them.
"Yes, it's good to have you back!" Drakon said as he bent forward slightly to look at Judar in the eyes.
Judar couldn't keep the surprised look off if his face as he was pulled to the left by an arm around his waist.
"Oh yeah, it's great to have our little Judar back," Sharrkan stated with a wink, his right hand squeezing Judar's right hip.
Judar blushed, but before he could retaliate, and maybe hurt Sharrkan for touching him somewhere he didn't want, he was pulled into another hug.
"I'm so happy to see you again," Serendine whispered into his neck.
"Right," Judar said quietly, feeling very confused and shocked.
"We're so happy to have you back," Rurumu said with a fond smile, Hinahoho chuckled, grinning as he agreed.
"It's always a pleasure when one of our children come back," Hinahoho stated as Serendine pulled back with a soft smile and tears in her eyes.
"What?" Judar asked in confusion, eyebrows pulling together.
"Judar," Sinbad's voice cut through his befuddled thoughts.
Judar turned around turned around to face the man, whom had a small smile on his lips as he slowly started to spread and open his arms in welcome.
"Welcome home," Sinbad said as the other's cheered around them.
Judar felt his eyes begin to sting, though closed them as he stepped into Sinbad's arms. Warmth washed over him as Sinbad's familiar arms wrapped around him.
He suddenly felt as if everything that's been wrong had been righted, he felt safe and at home.
"I missed you so much," Sinbad mumble into his hair, arms tightening around him.
"I missed you, too," Judar mumbled into his neck, his own arms tightening around Sinbad's neck.
"I'll never let you go again," Sinbad stated, a silent promise.
A small puff of air passed Judar's lips, a sound of amusement, a quiet chuckle. "You better not,"
After their small reunion, they all returned to Sindria, where Drakon, the new King, announced a brilliant banquet was to be held, in celebration of their family being whole again.
As they waited, there was a moment of silence, until suddenly, Ja'far apologized to Judar for doubting him, for not believing him all those times he had stated his innocence.
Soon, everyone else followed, including Sinbad, as they apologised for all their own wrong doings against him. Judar merely brushed them off, but smiled sadly as he started to apologize for all the trouble he'd caused them over the years.
Sharrkan then cheered and stated all was forgiven as he started to drink. Judar merely smiled a small smile. Later, when the banquet started, Hakuryuu, Aladdin, Alibaba, Morgiana and Kougyoku arrived.
"So you guys made up?! This is great!" Alibaba cheered as he ran towards the group, a large smile on his face.
"Yeah," Judar mumbled.
Alibaba suddenly grabbed the Magi, pulling him flush against his body. "So do you think you'll stop being hurt by your memories now?" He asked seriously.
"What?" Sinbad asked, but was ignored.
"I don't know, but I think so? It makes sense, right?" Judar said, seeming unsure.
Alibaba nodded, their faces inches apart as they spoke. "Oh yeah, totally! I mean, you guys made up, so It'd make sense for them to stop hurting you,"
"Who's hurting Judar?" Sharrkan asked loudly.
Alibaba opened his mouth to answer, but all that left his mouth was a grunt as he was violently elbowed in the gut.
"I'll tell you later," Judar stated.
After that, there was much drinking, eating and dancing. Judar was constantly pulled into dances with many different people, but mostly danced with Sinbad.
Judar hated dancing, but put up with it, mostly. Currently, he was dancing woth Sinbad, quite far away from everyone else. It was nothing extravagant, just some gentls swaying as Judar laid his head on Sinbad's chest, feeling quite exhausted.
"Are you tired?" Sinbad asked, tightening his arms that were wrapped around Judar's waist.
"Hm," Judar hummed. " 'M not used to so much physical activity,"
Sinbad chuckled, one hand slowly rubbing up and down Judar's side. The younger didn't seem to mind, one of his hands laid against Sinbad's neck, thumb caressing over the skin there.
"There are still some things we need to discuss, things I have to confess," Sinbad said quietly.
Judar turned his head to look up at Sinbad, noting the guilty expression on Sinbad's face.
"You mean like how you've been working with Gyokuen? Or how you used Kougyoku? Or maybe how you threatened to kill Aladdin? How about that time you refused to help Alibaba?" Judar asked, a thoughtful look on his face.
Judar chuckled lightly at the look of utter shock on Sinbad's face.
"You knew?" He asked softly.
"Aladdin and his gang of hooligans told me everything," Judar stated, briefly glancing over at the mentioned group.
Sinbad chuckled. "I should have known," he stated with a small smile.
"I'm mostly pissed that you've been working with that woman, but the rest, I couldn't care less about," Judar stated, gazing at Sinbad chest instead of his eyes.
"Judar," Sinbad said softly, gently grabbing the Magi's chin with his thumb and forefinger, tilting his head back to look at him. "I swear that I will stop working with Arba, or Gyokuen, whichever name you prefer. I was merely using her to find you, and now that I have, I have no more use for her."
"You're all I've ever wanted these passed years. It may have taken me longer than necessary to realize that, but I finally have, and I would not jeopardize that for someone like her. I want you, and no one else," Sinbad confessed, running his hand through Judar's short hair with a loving expression.
Judar smiled at him, eyes closing as he enjoyed the familiar feeling of Sinbad's fingers combing through his hair, unaware as the elder male leaned in, and connected their lips.
Judar's eyes opened briefly in surprise before closing again, pressing back as Sinbad slowly started to move his lips. Judar followed, their lips moving together, slotting together perfectly.
Sinbad smiled into the kiss before he decided to deepen it, tongue moving to lick at the Magi's soft lips, asking for entrance. Judar granted it, their tongues meeting and exploring each other's mouthes, before pulling back.
Sinbad pressed their foreheads together as he stared lovingly into Judar's eyes, his hand carding through the short black hair once more. Everything was perfect.
A few months later, and Judar was currently living with Sinbad in his company. The two had officially started a relationship about a week after their first official kiss, after they talked everything over.
Alibaba and Morgiana got married, to which Judar and Sinbad had both been invited. Judar had complained at first, but then stayed mostly silent during the ceremony, and even gave the happy couple a congratulatory hug at the end.
Sinbad kept his word, and ended whatever relationship he had with Arba, and with the help of Judar, Aladdin, Alibaba, Yunan, Hakuryuu and Sinbad himself, they were finally able to rid her of the world.
Judar's memories didn't bother him as much, once in a while, he would get a terrible ache in his head, but it was rarely so bad that he lost consciousness because of it, and it never really happened when he was around Sinbad, so the dark Magi mostly brushed it off.
That is, until one morning, when he awoke with a terrible headache. Judar groaned in pain, one hand moving to press against his head where the ache seemed to be the worst.
The sound of his discomfort and his movements attracted Sinbad's attention, who was already getting ready for the day. Sinbad frowned in concern as he watched the Magi's features contorting in pain.
Sinbad walked over towards the bed, sitting down near Judar, he bent over and ran his fingers through the Magi's hair.
"Good morning," he said softly as he planted a gentle kiss against his lover's head.
"Mh, this is not a good morning," Judar grumbled, grumpy.
Sinbad chuckled softly as he used one hand to gently message the raven's head.
"I don't want you to go in today," Judar mumbled.
"I can't stay, I have meetings. I'll come back as soon as their done, I promise," Sinbad said softly.
Judar moaned, not liking the news at all.
"I'll be back as soon as I can," Sinbad stated as he cupped the Magi's cheek and pressed a long, sweet kiss on his lips.
"Get some breakfast once you wake up fully, okay?" Sinbad said, smiling at the grumble he got in response, stood and left the room after one last worried glance back.
Throughout most of the day, Judar's headache continued to build, until he could barely move, much less stand up and walk to the kitchen in order to get breakfast.
This headache was so bad, Judar was reminded of those two weeks he spent in pain with Yunan. Suddenly, Judar found himself wishing Sinbad would just return.
He could feel his head pounding with each beat of his heart, could feel the ache behind his eyes, it even started to ache behind his nose. Judar could only curl up in a ball, clench his eyes shut and hope he fell asleep.
"Judar?" A voice whispered, his shoulder was being shaken, too.
Judar slowly opened his eyes, groaning in agony at the pounding headache that had only seemed to get worse after he fell asleep.
"Are you alright?" Ja'far asked, a concerned look on his face.
Judar shook his head very slowly, eyes clenching shut, teeth gritting. This was by far one of the worst headaches he's had.
"Alright, I'll go draw you a bath, sit up while I do that," Ja'far ordered as he turned and briefly left the room.
Slowly, very slowly, Judar managed to force his body up, moving to the edge of the bed.
He could hear Ja'far talking to someone, problably through one of those strange devices that Sinbad invented.
"Have you had breakfast yet, Judar?" Ja'far asked, standing near him.
"No," Judar answered.
He could feel his hair was tangled and standing in every directions, and normally, this would drive him mad, but he let it go this one time.
"Sinbad's on his way here, said he'd get you something to eat first, maybe it'll maje you feel better," Ja'far said as he moved towards Judar.
"Here, I'll help you to the bath," Ja'far offered as he grabbed one of his arms and pulled it over his shoulder.
Judar stood, grunting in pain, vision swimming, he swayed on his feet a little
He was sure he would have fallen over by now had it bot been for the strong grip Ja'far had on him.
"Do you often get headaches like these?" Ja'far asked in concern as they slowly made their way across the room.
"Never ones as bad as this," Judar answered.
Ja'far turned his head towards, and Judar could very clearly see the worry in his eyes. "You should think of maybe asking Aladdin if he knows what to do? Perhaps he could heal whatever's wrong?" He suggested.
"Hm," Judar hummed, eyes closing in pain again. "I'll think about it,"
This answer seemed good enough for Ja'far as he turned his head away.
Judar's eyes flew open as a sudden, terrible, yet familiar pain shot through his head.
Crying out, Judar jerked away from Ja'far, collapsing to his knees, gripping his head, Judar bent forward until his forehead touched the floor.
"Judar!" Ja'far shouted in shock as he fell to his knees, gently touching the Magi's bag.
Judar was moaning and groaning loudly in pain, eyes clenched shut, fingers digging into his head.
He suddenly fell to the side as very vivid images flashed in his mind, the sudden, stabbing pain intensifying, along whit a stinging, burning pain in his back.
"Oh my god!" Ja'far's voice could barely be heard over his own as he curled up and started to scream.
He visibly jerked every time he could feel a phantom whip make contact with the skin of his back, causing the stinging, burning pain.
The slashes came in rapid succession, cracking over his skin, the smell of his own blood caused nausea that only he could feel, the sound of whipping causing his ears to ring, something only he could hear.
"Judar!" Sinbad's voice rang in his ears before his eyes rolled into the back of his skull as one last, harsh slash cracked across his skin, a terrible, blood curdling scream tore through his throat before he lost consciousness.
Slowly, Judar felt himself getting pulled back into wakefulness, eyes clenching before blinking open. He was laying on his stomach in bed, a chilly breeze against his back told him that he was without a shirt, and his braid had been pulled to side.
Judar closed his eyes again, snuggling back into the pillows before he opened his eyes again, wondering where Sinbad was.
"You're awake," Sinbad said, gaining his attention.
Judar turned his head to his other side, eyes resting on Sinbad, who was sat on the bed next to him, reading a book. Sinbad closed the book, put it on the bedside table, and turned to look at him.
"I was worried," Sinbad stated as he reached forward, and pressed his palm against Judar's forehead. "You had a bit of a fever, that's why you're not wearing a shirt," he explained.
"Oh." Judar laid his head back down, relieved once he realised the terrible headache had gone away.
Sinbad ran his fingers through his short hair, though his eyes seemed distant and sad.
Slowly, Judar pushed himself up, sitting on his legs, facing Sinbad.
"What's wrong?" He asked, noticing Sinbad's distracted actions.
Sinbad focused on him. "What happened to you?"
Judar stared at Sinbad, golden eyes were gazing at him in concern, eyebrows furrowed. Judar sighed.
"I...regained a memory," he answered.
Sinbad's eyebrows raised at this. It wasn't the first he's heard of this, but he was shocked to know that it was so bad.
"It's the first time I suffered so much pain before and during it. I had terrible headaches like that before, when Alibaba and I came back, but a memory never followed, and usually I lose consciousness when the memory starts, but not this time," Judar explained, seemingly reading Sinbads mind.
Sinbad seemed to hesitate for a moment before he asked his question. "What was the memory?"
Judar looked into his eyes, before turning his gaze to stare at the sheets. "It was of...when I was punished, after the old guys took me away from you," he answered softly.
Judar could feel the guilt in Sinbad's gaze. "It was the last day of my punishment, and they were whipping me. I could remember the sound, the smell of my own blood, the pain-"
His words were cut off as Sinbad hugged him.
"I'm sorry," he said softly into Judar's neck, guilt eating away at his heart.
Judar smiled softly, arms raising, one hugging Sinbad, the other placed on his head. "It's okay, I forgave you a long time ago,"
The two continued to hug until Sinbad pulled back a bit suddenly, a strange look on his face as he guided Judar to lay down on his back, hovering over him.
"What are you doing?" Judar asked curiously.
"Showing you just how sorry I am," Sinbad stated, one hand supporting his weight as he hovered over Judar, his other hand was slowly sliding up the bare skin of Judar's side.
A sly smirk stretched over Judar lips as he suddenly spread his legs, allowing Sinbad to settle between them as he wrapped his arms around the larger male's neck.
"As long as you swear to bathe with me afterwards," Judar said, eyelids drooping slightly.
Sinbad smiled at him before he dove forward, capturing the Magi's lips as he rocked their hips together. A sudden breath left Judar at the movement.
Sinbad broke the kiss, lips trailing down the younger's jaw, planting kisses occasionally as he made his way down. Sinbad spent a few minutes kissing, sucking and biting at the sensitive areas on Judar's neck.
Small breaths left Judar at the pleasure he was receiving, eyes following Sinbad as he moved lower to his chest, lips trailing kisses on his pale skin until he reached one of Judar's nipples.
The Magi's breath hitched as Sinbad started licking and sucking his nipple, occasionally nipping at the bud, until it was perky and slightly red from the treatment. Judar moaned softly as Sinbad moved to give his other nipple the same treatment.
Sinbad trailed his hand down Judar's body while he still sucked on his nipple, teasingly, his fingers brushed over Judars clothed cock. Judar's hips bucked a little, but was mostly distracted by the attantion he was receiving on his chest.
Sinbad suddenly pulled away as he pressed his hand against Judar's slowly hardening cock, golden eyes watching as the Magi closed his eyes, a light blush dusting his cheeks as he groaned softly in pleasure.
Sinbad leaned forward, lips once again slotting against the Magi's as he pulled his hand back, pressing their hips together, and grinding. Judar's sift moans grew in volume as Sinbad continuously rocked their hips together.
Judar was panting by the time Sinbad pulled back to take off his clothes. Still trying to catch his breath, Judar automatically rose his hips once Sinbad's hands tugged at the remainder of his clothes.
Sinbad slid both his hands up Judar's naked thighs, smirking to himself once Judar opened his legs for him. Settling between them, Sinbad took a moment to appreciate the Magi's naked form.
This was far from the first time they had sex, but no matter how many times they'd done this in the past, Judar's beauty never ceases to take his breath away, whether he be naked or clothed.
Sinbad leaned forward again, kissing Judar once on the lips as he pressed his hand against the Magi's flushed cock, curling his fingers around Judar's cock, and started to move his hand up and down.
Judar moaned, long and loud as he gently bit Sinbad's lower lip, pulling a groan from the elder male. Judar moaned again against Sinbad's lips as he moved his hand, wrapping his fingers around Sinbad's girth and started to stroke him in sync with Sinbad's strokes on his own cock.
Sinbad was large, really long and quite thick, as well. Judar shuddered at the thought of Sinbad inside him, gently squeezing the man's cock at the pleasure the thought brought him.
Sinbad moaned into his neck, nipping at the skin briefly before pulling away. He leased the Magi's cock in favour of grabbing the lubricant and spreading it over his fingers.
Once Sinbad settled back between his legs, Judar spread them as far as he could, gently taking both of their cocks in his hands and stroking slowly, almost lazily as Sinbad pressed the first finger knuckle deep into his hole.
Sinbad gave him a moment to adjust before he started to move his finger, thrusting in and out while Judar moaned and continued his lazily stroking on their cocks.
Sinbad soon added a second and third finger, watching as a blush darkened the Magi's pale cheeks. Judar moaned, panting as he moved his hips, riding Sinbad's fingers as pleasure clouded his mind.
"Are you ready?" Sinbad asked as he withdrew his fingers, chuckling at the whine he received.
Sinbad quickly smeared lubricant on his cock, supressing a moan at the friction before he settled back in between Judar's legs.
"Mhm," Judar hummed, wrapping his arms around Sinbad's shoulders as the man lined himself up.
Leaning forward, Sinbad quickly forced his arms underneath the Magi in order to hug him.
Sinbad placed a quick kiss to his lover's forehead before he started to press himself in, slowly, but steadily he slid in. Judar moaned, long and loud as Sinbad entered him, panting once the man stilled, fully sheathed inside him.
Judar moved to wrap his legs around Sinbad's waist, gently moving his hips. Both of them moaned in pleasure. Slowly, Sinbad pulled back, before thrusting back in.
"Mmmnnn," Judar moaned, squeezing Sinbad's waist with his legs to encourage him. Pulling back, Sinbad pulled his arms out from under Judar, instead gripping his as he thrust forward again, pulled back,and thrust again, quickly building up the pace to a brutal rhythm.
"Ah! Mmmhhh," Judar continuously moaned, and keened in pleasure. Sinbad caressed one of Judar's hips with his thumb as he continued to thrust, slowly building up their pleasure to climax.
Judar bit his lower lip, eyes closed as he moved one hand to his cock, stroking in time with Sinbad's brutal thrusts. Sinbad leaned forward, placing a hand on Judar's cheek, his thumb caressing the reddened skin.
"Look at me," he ordered lightly.
Moaning, Judar opened his eyes, red connecting with gold.
Sinbad leaned forward and kissed Judar, taking one of his hands to stroke Judar's cock as well.
Panting, Judar broke the kiss. Moaning into Sinbad's ear, he wrapped his arms around the man's neck and shoulders, forcing his hips down to meet Sinbad's thrusts.
"AH!" He cried out as Sinbad adjusted and suddenly started to hit his protest. "Harder, Sinbad," he moaned.
Judar's sounds of pleasure grew in volume as Sinbad started to thrust harder.
"Ah! I-I'm close!" Judar called, biting his lower lip once more.
"Me two," Sinbad grunted into his ear, speeding up his thrusts.
Judar nearly screamed in pleasure once he came, his inner walls tightening and pulling Sinbad over the edge. Sinbad continued to thrust through their orgasm, planting a long, warm kiss on Judar's lips as he stilled.
Slowly, Sinbad pulled out of Judar and rolled off of him to lay next to his lover. After a few moments of catching their breath, Judar rolled onto his side, and cuddled up to Sinbad.
Smiling, Sinbad started running his fingers through Judar's hair, enjoying the familiar feeling. Sinbad nearly fell asleep when he felt Judar shift to look at him, a pout on his lips.
"You said you'd take a bath with me," Judar reminded.
"I did," Sinbad stated, sitting up lazily and walking across the room.
Smiling, Judar sat up as well, patiently waiting for Sinbad to return, knowing from experience that trying to walk so soon after sex with Sinbad was a bad idea.
Judar brightened once he saw Sinbad walk towards him, wrapping his arms around his shoulders as Sinbad picked him up. Smiling, Sinbad placed a kiss against his head.
The water was nice and hot as Sinbad lowered him in. Judar made sure to scoot forward to allow Sinbad to climb in behind him. Once the elder male was settled, Judar made sure his braid was outside the bath tub.
Pulling his knees to his chest, Judar leaned against them, closing his eyes and relaxing. Sinbad watched from his laid back position as Judar's spine became visible as he bent.
He was still trying, discreetly as possible, to get the Magi to gain weight. He was still healthily skinny, but looked a lot better then he did when they first started their relationship.
Sinbad frowned suddenly, just barely noticing a scar on Judar's back. Slowly, Sinbad sat forward, and gently touched the scar. Judar jumped a little at the sudden contact, but relaxed once again.
This close, Sinbad could clearly see multiple scars along his back. They were as pale as the Magi's skin, which made them very hard to see, but now that he had noticed them, it was hard to unsee.
Sinbad gently ran his fingers over the scars, before leaning forward and planting kisses all over the warm skin. Judar hummed, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the feeling.
Suddenly, Judar sat straight, somehow managing to turn around in the tub to face Sinbad. Moving his legs, he sat on Sinbad's lap, legs wrapping around his waist, Judar cupped his cheeks and started to kiss him on his lips.
Sinbad hugged his waist, enjoying the affection as he slowly leaned back and leaned against the tub. Judar pulled back, caressing his cheeks as he stared lovingly into his eyes.
Smiling, Sinbad gently started to knead Judar's buttocks.
"I love you," Sinbad suddenly confessed.
Judar's heart skipped a beat as he stilled, eyes widening briefly before he smiled and caressing his cheeks and neck again.
"I love you too,"
THE END
Fun facts about this story:
1. This fic was inspired by two songs; Ed Sheeran's 'Perfect' as well as 'Pieces' by Rob Thomas.
2. The song 'Pieces' was also the inspiration for both of the chapter names, obviously I own neither of these songs.
3. The title of this fic is a lyric from the song 'Shattered' by Trading Yesterday.
4. In the first planning of this fic, it would have followed the Manga's story more, and at the end, I actually intended for both Judar and Sinbad to die.
At the end, Kouen would have held Judar in his arms as he died, and later, Judar would appear in front of them in his Rukh form, smile at them, and suddenly turn into a child where he would then tell Kouen he loved him as he turned, and took a much younger Sinbad's hand, who was also in his Rukh form.
In the end, I decided against this, as I had major wrighters block and lost all inspiration for this story. I do sort of feel as it were rushed near the end, I'm especially disappointed with the smut scene, but I just really needed to get this out there.
Thank you for reading this story, I hope you enjoyed it!
