Chapter 4
Merriment clung to the warm atmosphere surrounding his marvelous city. Festivities raged on from sunrise until nightfall. The streets were alive with lights, laughter, as his citizens parade across the city. Gaudy, bright costumes adorned with sparkling gemstones and sleek feathers could be seen near and far. Their extravagant yet scandalous designs leave little to the imagination. Dancing and entertainment reigns through the night, the upbeat tempo of music floods the air as potently as the harmonious mix of delicacies prepared by the kingdom's finest cooks. This jubilee hailed in his honour is almost perfect. No ill incidents reported, his citizens appear more than satisfied. Yet…there's a dissonance. He's been nagged by this sensation of unrest from the moment his eyes had opened that morning. Something is amiss. Something unpleasant.
"My King." He didn't need to look over his shoulder to recognize the brooding figure at his back, "Am I intruding?"
"Of course not, Ja'far. You're more than welcome to join me." Ever silent, his most trusted General strides to the king's right side, overlooking the streets.
Ja'far scrutinizes the energetic revelers below, his disgust evident by the appearance of a knitted brow, "I fail to understand why you allow such…an event. They act like beasts."
"You cast dogs a bone every once in a while, wouldn't you agree?" He remarks nonchalantly, leaning on the banister separating them from a deathly drop.
"Hn. Surprisingly you haven't partaken in any of it. Is something the matter?" Cold, black eyes scan his king's features.
"I'm just…a little bothered but nothing serious." His lips curve at one end, "I could say the same to you, Ja'far. Can't you lighten up for just one night?"
His General huffs defiantly, "Then who's left to defend you from an oncoming threat when all your soldiers have lowered their guards? Even the other Generals have morphed into drunkards in the span of a few hours. It's unsightly."
"Let's get a drink then." He draws away from the ashen stone railing, pacing towards the archway leading to his rooms. His General follows. A cheerful smile graced the king's lips, unlike the deep frown hidden beneath the ragged white bandages that veil the lower half of Ja'far's hard visage.
White hair whips about with each shake of Ja'far's head. He swiftly turns down the offer, "I'd rather not."
The king tilts his head to one side, "Ja'far. Is it true that I am your king?" Slithers of his commandant persona weave within each word directed at his cornered General.
"Of course." Ja'far bows, performing the posh poise with precise perfection, "Without a shadow of doubt, my king."
"Good," Sinbad turns to his faithful servant, drawing closer with slow, calculated strides. He notes the awareness within those black, abysmal pools studying his every movement. A remarkable gaze that sees all, one that's witnessed a multitude of corruptions just as he has. Sins that man should never lay eyes on. This world truly is vile. Clamping a muscled arm around Ja'far's slender neck, he drags the younger man out of the cool night air, much to his General's displeasure, "I am your king, just as I am your friend. Take a page from Sharrkan's book, Ja'far. It's a celebration!"
Ja'far's sullen reaction was foreseen but nonetheless he allows himself to be drawn away, complying to the king's selfish wish, "Will this be a proper distraction from that which bothers you?" Ja'far's steel eyes glance at the king's cool features.
"Somewhat." He has high hopes for the tankards of ale awaiting to quench his thirst and take his mind off certain things. That, and he wouldn't mind catching Ja'far in a rare case of drunken stupor, "The Muses are singing. They tell of a very special friend of mine who's made her first move."
Ja'far radiates a biting cold that touches the king instantly, "Oh?"
The king releases his frosty General's neck, wondering if he's made a mistake. He doubts Ja'far will unwind tonight, now that hostile visions are swimming in his head. Ah well, "The Muses are never wrong. They lament, 'The Scarlet Thread has begun to unravel'. Such a dreary song, it's disheartening."
"Do they say more about her?" Thousands of tactics and plots traverse Ja'far's strategic mind, "Her location? Or maybe-"
"You're worried. Don't be," At the disruptive words, he could tell that his General holds back an offensive retort, "She'll make her way to me eventually. Soon, and very soon. For now, we drink!" With child-like energy, the king takes Ja'far by the arm – his General taken by surprise, which doesn't happen often – and zooms to the nearest source of alcohol.
)*~*(
Does everyone have a childhood experience – or many – where their burning curiosity got the better of them, forcing them into a very undesirable situation? Morgiana can conjure up a handful of those numerous instances in her mind. Although, one scenario in particular has forever been branded in her memory.
At the end of her dismal final lesson with Myron one day, Morgiana was beyond drained. There's only so much geography one can take in the span of an hour. Her tutor drawled on and on about the four seasons, how they affect the weather and overall climate across Magi's Eight Territories. What does that have to do with Morgiana? It's not like she would ever leave the Fanalis' Territory to visit another, father is stingy like that. Will she ever need that information in the future? Highly unlikely. What she did need, was excitement! Thrills and hype to escape the dreadful spell of boredom looming over her. For that, she needed Lo'Lo'. Her personal guard would normally be waiting to escort the princess to her next activity for the day but he was nowhere to be found once Morgiana was dismissed. Myron was fuming like a kettle, livid beyond reasoning. The princess was smart enough to stay out of her murderous teacher's way. She could already hear Myron's report in her head: Lady Morgiana's jester of a personal guard is as slack and useless as a worn rubber band when it comes to fulfilling his royal duties.
Morgiana slipped away from Myron, stealthily abandoning her tutor while the older woman basked in a fiery rage mingled with the sweet satisfaction of handing clear cut evidence to the King of Lo'lo's miniscule misdeed. Myron can be so ridiculous. It's possible that he ran into some trouble. Morgiana asked a few persons loitering in the area about her guard's whereabouts. Not long after inquiring, she was led to the soldier's barracks at the back of the castle.
"Are you sure about this?" A voice tainted with worry touched her ears when she rounded a corner to the large, fortified building that housed the palace guards. Morgiana quickly retraced her steps, peaking a small head out as she studied the three men situated at a round table.
Lo'lo's hearty laughter resonates through the air as he grabs one of the dark pitchers off the cedar tabletop, its foaming contents slosh out as his rough grasp attaches to the jug's slender handle. Her personal guard guzzles the entire drink in one gulp, releasing a contented sigh while slamming the large mug onto the wobbly table, "It isn't called a man's drink for nothing! Now, are you men or should I fetch the palace seamstress to make you two a pair of skirts?"
"But…aren't you suppose to be somewhere else?" One of the guards forms the first excuse that came to mind, "What happened to Lady Morgiana?"
Lo'Lo's eyes widen for a moment. So he did forget. Morgiana pouts slightly. Her personal guard shoots out of his seat, his footsteps far from graceful. He leans on the table for some time, the other men with him also stand, "Captain, are you…?"
"Better get going before Myron starts whining." Too late for that. Lo'lo' shakes his head furiously and stands his full height. He strides over to the nearest palace entrance while the other men vanish into their barracks. What a surprise, they never caught wind of her presence. But how? Lo'lo's nose is as sharp as a sword, he has Morgiana's scent on lock.
Wouldn't it be fun to play hide and seek with Lo'lo'? He searches for Morgiana when she, in actuality, will be a safe distance behind him. Then while they play their one-sided game, Myron gets hold of him, then Lo'lo' will be even more determined to find her but fails to do so, then he panics and has every guard in the palace searching for the princess, then father finds out, then someone loses their job, then their head…
What a morbid though.
She should catch up and surprise him with an attack from behind, that sounds good. Morgiana follows Lo'lo's trail but pauses suddenly. The guards left behind their drinks. What did Lo'lo' call it, 'a man's drink'? Is there really such a thing, that only men can drink it, but not females? Wouldn't it be nice to show them that she can drink it too?
Morgiana took hold of a half full pitcher, staring into the depths of the beverage's vermillion hue. She took a long sniff, the sharp aroma of spice and something else emanating from the jug attacks her nose and her head spins for a moment. What is this? Morgiana carefully lifts the pitcher up to her mouth, the drink slightly grazes her lower lip before she takes a small taste.
It's hot!
She remembers clearly what happened after that initial sampling. Her entire throat went dry as if every drop of moisture in her mouth had suddenly evaporated. She wanted to detached her tongue which burned like an unquenchable fire. Her temperature began rising, tears pooled at her eyes and her head spun as a strange aftertaste inflicted a dizzy spell on her conscious mind. Lo'lo' and his other guards were given a light punishment, for indirectly putting the princess in harm's embrace. Her father and Myron figured that she suffered enough at the hand of what they called a 'fireball'. The princess learned many lessons that day.
If you're curious about something, sometimes it's best you simply ignore it. As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss.
Never drink from a cup when you don't know what's inside of it. Don't judge her, Morgiana was what, nine at the time? She's fairly certain there are people out there who've done it too.
Alcoholic beverages have horrifying side effects, they burn your mouth as if you've swallowed the sun, befuddle the senses and can take over your mind! Drink responsibly.
Morgiana can never erase that scorching heat she experienced many years ago. She always thought that nothing could compare to that insatiable fire. Until today.
"It's so hot!"
Morgiana quietly responds to Aladdin's weary cry, "Understatement of the century."
Myron's geography lessons had purpose after all. Morgiana and Aladdin made the rigorous trek across the desert lands within the Kingdom of Fire. It's been three days since they've spotted an inkling of green. The familiar forestry is sorely missed for its cool canopy of shade, now nonexistent under the harsh glower of the Fire Kingdom's noonday sun. As they moved northward, sightings of lush vegetation began to dwindle, replaced by dry earth. The Fire Kingdom is famous for its arid climate. Rainfall in this Territory would be considered a miracle, yet somehow, they've survived this long while inflicted by the curse of long term drought. Morgiana's curious to know their secret.
She couldn't tell whose panting was louder between hers and Aladdin's. Her cloak was suffocating, the dark fabric clung to her sweaty skin. The aching desire to strip it off was tempting but at the same time it offered adequate shade from the sun. Besides, out here in this flat landscape, her red hair would be visible for miles if revealed. The last thing she wants to do after deciding her own fate is to complain, but Morgiana really needs a shower.
Poor Aladdin trails a few steps behind her, appearing as if he'll pass out at any moment. Creases line his face, aging the young boy as he suffers this laborious abuse along with Morgiana. She felt sorry for him. A storm of wind shoves them backwards, carrying with it a fury of twirling sand that's near blinding. Morgiana draws her hood lower, reminded of the ardent heat hidden within her thick clothing. Her eyes scan the area for any possible place of rest. The distance seems far but Morgiana made out a tall rocky structure ahead.
"There's something up ahead, we can stop there for a while." She announces, barely forming the words as her throat's been severely dehydrated.
Aladdin catches up with Morgiana's stride, the news granting him a sudden surge of energy, "Thank you." He speaks to no one in particular.
They press on through the swaying waves of heat lingering in the atmosphere, their goal in clearer sight now that their pace has increased. Morgiana's thankful for her good senses that heeded Yunan's suggestion of taking a pair of sandals with her. She didn't want to but couldn't say no to her kind guardian. Her stubborn streak could have cost her many layers of skin under what would have been broiled feet.
"Never…in my life…have I been…happy…to see a rock!" Aladdin carelessly collapses in the sand below a shaded area of the large malformed boulder. Its irregular shape forms a convenient stone shelter. Morgiana drops to the ground besides Aladdin, sand instantly clings to her exposed hands and clothing. With high hopes that there aren't any wandering eyes ogling their way, Morgiana removes her cloak. Mere minutes more in that thing and she might have passed out due to heat stroke.
A metal canteen of water is passed to Morgiana after Aladdin takes a few sips. She drinks a reasonable amount and hands the bottle back to her best friend. Lunch comes soon after, Aladdin rummaging through his satchel for rations. The simplicities of life can truly be appreciated when you've been taken out of your comfort zone. Here she sat, chewing on raw nuts and blueberries. Would you ever guess she was once considered royalty?
The sounds of wind and the shifting sands entertain their ears as they eat. Aladdin pulls out his notebook and starts writing…slowly. He carefully draws crooked letters while Morgiana watches in silence. His hand quakes while he suddenly stalls, looking thoughtful, "What's wrong?" She asks.
"Nothing, just the spelling of a word. Don't help me." He's determined to write it all on his own. Morgiana thought it best to leave him be.
She turns her attention to the map of Magi. They were on course. As per Yunan's instructions, they were heading to the north, the Territories of both the Fire Kingdom and the Wind Tribe. These Territories are known for their dry weather conditions, much more so for the Kingdom of Fire to the north east. According to her rough estimate of how long it took them on foot to travel from their home to this location, which should be on the outskirts of the desert, they should arrive at the Fire Kingdom's capital in…seventeen days. That's seventeen days without a shower! Might be more so considering she hasn't a clue as to the conditions of their intended path moving forward. The desert is unpredictable, as is any foreign land. It could take a whole month.
"Mor?" Aladdin's inquisitive tone catches her attention. Morgiana looks away from the map to her younger companion still hunched over his notebook, "You look troubled. Is everything okay?"
She shakes her head, "Yes, everything is fine Aladdin." She lies smoothly, even with the distraught expression pasted on her face. Morgiana rolls up the map. "Are you done?"
"For now, yes." He shuts the book, returning all his belongings to his pack.
Morgiana rises from the ground, shaking off freckles of sand on her body. Her cloak is securely fastened, her head hooded, "We should keep moving."
"This place would make a good shelter for the night you know." Aladdin remarks, passing a hand through his sand coated hair as he stands.
"I agree, but we should try covering as much distance to the capital as possible. The day is half done, we can't afford to waste any time." Her reasoning debunks Aladdin's argument. The blue haired boy complies with no complaint, nodding with a sure smile.
Once again, the duo is exposed to the despicable environs. After this, Morgiana never wants to see a golden grain of sand ever again. In spite of the harrowing weather, a small mercy shines through as the sun too makes its own move. No longer beating on their backs like a wicked whip, the sun subtly recedes its sizzling heat. Rather, a gentle, warmer radiance glows from the massive yellow beacon in the serene sky.
"Hey Mor. Do you see something up ahead?" Aladdin squints as his sapphire eyes search the horizon awaiting their arrival. Morgiana exerts less effort to see what her friend is referring to. It's spotted, a large…flower bud? The unknown entity takes better form with each footstep forward.
"It is a flower bud." Mogiana says, a hint of surprise and wonder in her quiet voice.
Aladdin sprints ahead, highly interested in the emerald anomaly whose existence is tremendously out of place among the heated vicinities of this desert area. Morgiana rushes to catch up to Aladdin. Who knows what that strange plant is all about. Well…now that she thinks about it, Aladdin might know. Morgiana's feet slip haphazardly every now and then as the unstable sands beneath her feet find it difficult to remain a balanced surface. She could feel the added strain in her muscles as she runs through the sand. This would make for an excellent training ground, but not now.
"This looks incredible!" Aladdin's eyes are sparkling that studious sparkle. He's already fished out the tome Yunan willed to him by the time Morgiana arrives. A real flower bud, and a large one at that. Morgiana's arms would wrap around its entire circumference if she were to give the odd plant a hug. Tiny spikes scaled the bud's surface, even its stem, which Morgiana noticed was hidden below the sand.
Aladdin had summoned his reading spectacles with his materialization ability, the thick silver eyepiece sat comfortably on his nose as its function allows the user to skim a book remarkably fast, making any documented information much quicker to find within books containing hundreds of pages, "Hmm…in these desert conditions…and the spines…could it be…caryophyllales? But then…what family?"
"Can't help you there." Morgiana says, walking around the bud. Aladdin gives her a small smile then returns to his notes. It's just so random. Too random. Morgiana doesn't like it. Still, Aladdin seems to be fond of the thing. She hasn't seen this side of him in days, the curious genius who's ever eager to increase his already extensive well of knowledge. Aladdin's on his own journey as well. Morgiana has no reason to be a hinderance to her brother.
When Aladdin's bare hand stretches out to touch the bud's body, however, Morgiana sings a different tune, "Wait, Aladdin. I don't think you should just touch it. What if it's poisonous or something?" She still holds doubts on this abnormal plant. It's not wise to simply carry out experiments on it. Curiosity carries consequence.
Aladdin frowns, removing the spectacles near his bright eyes, "But I won't know what species of plant this is. What if it has some medicinal purpose that's yet to be discovered?" He dematerializes the eyewear, exchanging the glasses for a small vial and scalpel. He catches the bottle but allows the knife to fall, plucking it out of the sand. Good call, "It'll be fine." Morgiana wasn't swayed in the slightest but allowed Aladdin to go on. If anything happens to him…
The fascinated alchemist gingerly strokes the flower bud in amazement, its spikes ineffective against Aladdin's touch. Morgiana's apprehension vanishes by a millimeter, at least the boy hasn't turned purple or had a break out of boils. Not yet. Aladdin uncorks the empty vial, the popping sound it produces mingles in the air. Morgiana absently shakes off the sand that's now covered her feet, watching as Aladdin moves in for a sample of the plant's emerald skin. Carefully, he pokes the bud with the scalpel, the likes of which tears a small incision on the enclosed flower. A transparent slime slithers out, coating the thin, metal blade. Aladdin never made the motion of slicing downwards. Also, he surpassed Morgiana's height long ago. Morgiana looks down, her feet were covered once again, even Aladdin stood ankle deep in the sand. That popping sound lingered much longer than it had to earlier…
Morgiana's sharpened senses prickled her nerves. Her ears don't hear anything, but the slightest tremor under her feet makes the red head grab Aladdin's arm, "Run!" She screams, hauling Aladdin as far away from their former spot as possible. The vibrations underfoot increase in magnitude, causing Morgiana's clumsy feet to fail. The two tumbled to the desert floor when a mighty quake rumbles, rattling their very bones. An explosion of sand erupts upward, a loud boom resounds in the air along with Aladdin and Mogiana's unhindered screams. The two were buried in a pile of unearthed sand. With her solid grip on Aladdin's arm, Morgiana squirms out of the sand, relieved when she could finally inhale something that wasn't sand. Aladdin coughs violently besides her while a chilling shadow covers them from above.
Morgiana notices first, her hold on Aladdin containing the strength to break his lean arm. Aladdin too was frozen once he beheld the lengthy serpent, swaying ominously as what they assumed was a flower bud, in actuality was its swollen head. Dew drips from an open red mouth with tiny teethlike spines across the foreboding opening.
Aladdin screams, a shrill crescendo that jolts Morgiana's heart up her chest cavity and back in place. She covers his loud mouth with a sandy hand and Aladdin's wail transforms into a fit of coughs due to the dust Morgiana unintentionally shoves down his throat. The gargantuan plant whips in the wind, its large head bobbing randomly as if searching for them. Morgiana hisses in Aladdin's ear, "Quiet!" She could feel his heart beating against hers, the two frightened pulses in complete sync, "It'll hear you."
Aladdin speaks against her palm but she couldn't make out his words. How do they get out of this!? The plant masquerades as a slinking snake, one wrong move and they're both finished. Morgiana wonders why it hasn't attacked. Maybe…it's blind? Quickly, Morgiana finds one of their empty water flasks in her bag. She tosses the container as far away as possible. It hits the sand with a silent thud. Instantaneously, the flower head shifts in the bottle's direction. Rising even higher from below the sand, the plant serpent forms a wide arc in the air, its head landing in the spot where the canteen was abandoned.
This creature follows movements.
Morgiana's hand was forcefully removed from Aladdin's mouth. He spits out some sand, discomfort plastered on his features, "That was nasty!"
"Shh!" Morgiana hisses.
"Morgiana." Aladdin speaks loudly and the red head covers his mouth again.
She does her best to keep as still as possible while they both lay on the sandy earth, "Do you want to be that thing's dinner, or do you want to live to see dinner?" Morgiana couldn't help the hard tone of her hushed voice.
Again, he speaks but the words are incomprehensible. Morgiana lessens her hand to hear what Aladdin says, "I want to live to see dinner!" He shouts at the top of his lungs.
"Aladdin!" Morgiana's voice is laced with a biting cold. She could strangle the consciousness out of him! That's her Fanalis blood boiling.
The tall serpent plant rises from the sand. Composed impeccably, it straightens out and touches the sky. Slithering back into the ground from whence it initially sprouted, the plant wiggles on its slow descent into the sand. Finally, the mouth closes up, forming the green bud sitting comfortably in the dormant position that Morgiana and Aladdin found it in.
A breath later and Morgiana tentatively moves her feet. No movement from the flower bud. She stands up slowly. Aladdin follows suit as though nothing happened. Morgiana scurries away from the giant plant serpent's head, stopping until they were a safe distance away…hopefully.
She taps Aladdin on his back, "Why are you so carefree!?" She taps him again, this time the blow is heavier, "Did you have a death wish back there? I told you to be silent and you scream at the top of your lungs! I get that you are curious about foreign things but…but Aladdin please, use your head! I thought you were a genius, not a homicidal maniac. You could have killed both of us with your-."
"Mor." Her words are stopped by her best friend's calm voice. Aladdin smiles at his livid sister, in spite of the tongue lashing Morgiana inflicts upon him. The blue haired boy takes Morgiana's cheeks into his hands. He closes his eyes, gently allowing their foreheads to touch. Seconds pass before Aladdin falls back, letting go of Morgiana, "It's true that I'm a genius and not a homicidal maniac. I'm telling you, everything was fine."
"Fine?" She says, the sudden peace that cooled off her simmering anger was burned to bits, "What was fine about what just happened?"
His smile falters into a wry one, "Mor. I, uh…don't know how to tell you this without sounding like the condescending genius that I am but…plants…don't have ears." The adrenalin surging through Morgiana's blood evaporates instantly, "Or eyes."
Morgiana turns away from Aladdin's face, trying but failing to suppress the embarrassment that's risen to her cheeks, "Well, we didn't know anything about that plant."
"Actually…" Aladdin drawls, "I figured it was a carnivorous plant species the instant I saw it. I just wanted to document as much about it as possible when it became active until it returned to its dormant state. A plant of that variety wouldn't stay active for a very long period of time considering the sort of climate it thrives in. Chucking that bottle for it to follow was a very nice touch, Mor. But what I really want is to observe it at night. Oh, and collect some of its sap."
She waits until the fluster visible on her face disappears before turning back to lock eyes with Aladdin, "Right now, I'm debating whether or not I should punch you."
"Love you too, sis." Aladdin grins, wrapping his arms around Morgiana.
Looks like she didn't need to debate about it after all.
Once the day's brimming excitement died to an uneventful lull, as did the setting sun, Morgiana and Aladdin decided to settle for the night. They found another rock formation, but this one lacked natural roofing like the previous stone structure. Aladdin summons a large white sheet into his hands. A normal genius would have, you know, stored a tent in their magical storage unit but Morgiana shall hold her peace. If she wanted a tent, she would have packed one. Her back lay against the stone wall, her pack behind her as a lumpy cushion. Aladdin always takes over the first watch, allowing Morgiana the comfort of sleeping first after a long day of walking. She would wake in the middle of the night to find her best friend tending to a hot fire as he prepares his peculiar potions. They slept in shifts to minimize mishaps. You never know what could happen, especially once daylight fades and murky shadows rise.
The white sheet drifts atop Morgiana's body, caressing her in a low warmth that complements her cozy cloak's heat. They have no fire tonight, no wood from brittle trees to keep the cold away and for Aladdin's creative use. If he doesn't practice his trade within four…three days, with all certainty and no shadow of doubt, the boy will be a mess. She supposes that the flower serpent was enough to satiate Aladdin's cravings, at least for now.
Natural light emanating from the full moon floods the desert wastelands, illuminating the area just as any fire would. Morgiana stares, stunned at the marvelous beauty of the light source above. A smile forms on her lips. Aladdin joins her under their cover, his body heat blending with Morgiana's while they stare into the starry sky. Her best friend's head falls sideways, landing on top of hers.
"I'm sorry. For being angry with you." Morgiana confesses, leaning comfortably into Aladdin's neck.
"It's cool, Mor. I tend to rile up many people with my…antics." He says and she laughs a little.
They rest peacefully under the moonlit night.
Not for long, however.
Morgiana was on her feet in an instant while Aladdin clumsily crawls out from under the large sheet. A band of popping noises burst through the air, echoing on the calm desert breeze. An earth splitting quake reverberates, followed by an explosive display of sandy sprinkles that glitter in the sky. As far as the eye could see, standing confidently under the stars were hundreds of the flower serpent from earlier. A chill runs down Morgiana's spine. These…were all under the sand?
Aladdin stares up with childish wander twinkling in his wide eyes. One by one, the bud mistaken mouths split in four, dropping limply to reveal the most stunning flower petals Morgiana has ever witnessed. Dew drops coated on the huge flowery surfaces sparkle, reflecting the moon's perfect light.
Treacherous sand dunes by day, immaculate flower garden by night.
"Wow." Aladdin was breathless, as was Morgiana. To think that if things were different…she would never be here to behold this wonderous sight at this very moment along with the one close beside her.
"Looks like you can observe it at night after all." Aladdin meets Morgiana's shiny gaze. She takes her brother by the hand.
His vial and scalpel are already in the other hand, "This must be another dormant state, how it sleeps at night. I need to get some of that sap."
Soon, Aladdin was climbing the nearest flower, a shorter one with less spines along its lengthy stem, "Careful." Morgiana watches Aladdin ascend, following his movements on the ground in case he slips. Aladdin arrives to the flower's bright zenith, scooping up two vials of dew. His tools and freshly acquired ingredient are whisked away into oblivion.
"This is so amazing! I wish Yunan could see it." Aladdin plucks out one of the toothy spines, its length that of his pinky finger, making it too, vanish into the night.
Morgiana studies the boy's moves as he scales down the large stem. Then he falls.
She gasps, rushing to find Aladdin's shadow above her. The catch wasn't perfect but Aladdin is safe in Morgiana's arms, "Aladdin!"
His arms were around Morgiana's torso as he smiles at her, "That ended better than I expected. Thanks Mor. I knew you'd catch me." She lets go of Aladdin who falls to the sand. Rubbing his back once he sits up, Aladdin says, "Still better than climbing all the way down." Morgiana kicks some sand at him.
Aladdin dusts off flecks of sand before a clear smirk creeps onto his face. A glowing hand hovers over the sand. In seconds, a smooth, sandy ball nestles in her best friend's fingertips. The singular ball breaks apart, morphing into a multitude of smaller sand balls, "Want to play a game, sis?" Aladdin rises to his feet menacingly.
"Don't you dare." She scowls at Aladdin, fixating her eyes on those rotating orbs that foretell of a sandy storm heading in her direction.
"I dare!" Knowing he will suffer the consequences when this is all over. The balls fly towards Morgiana.
An agonizing scream breaks through the air, a wail of utter horror that chills the blood. A woman's scream. Aladdin's sand balls freeze in the air then merge into the single ball. He wills his new creation to dematerialize, "Who was that?"
The wind makes it hard to find a scent, but Morgiana could sense a human presence nearby. Several of them, "We're not alone in this desert."
"And the blood curdling scream didn't make that obvious." Aladdin says. One look from Morgiana and he slaps both hands to his mouth, releasing a silent 'Ow!' a heartbeat later.
"Want to check it out?" She inquires, unsure if they should.
Aladdin grins, rushing over to pack their stuff, "Is that even a question."
"It is, couldn't you tell by my tone?" Morgiana quips. Aladdin throws the red head her pack while the two share an identical smirk.
The same voice screeches once more and the two best friends were broken out of their rapport.
"Come on." Morgiana traces the sound to its source. Five minutes away if they sprint.
Morgiana was on the move with Aladdin on her heels, "Right behind you."
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all you wonderful people out there who've read this story thus far! Love it, hate it, thank you! Thanks to you amazing people who reviewed, followed or faved this story, it keeps me motivated to write more. I am so serious, when I get that notification I freak out, even in public...anyway! I'm trying to post a new chapter on the 23rd of each month, I'm super busy almost all the time - I technically work 7 days a week - but I really want to put my all into this story and finish it. If I do get adequate time to work on this, I'll update earlier but for now, 23rd...maybe 24th...and possibly 25th, depends. But 23rd! Stay amazing, amazing peoples!
AND...Happy Holidays Everyone! ^_^
