Ha ha ha. I'm a lazy piece of shit. :)

But here you guys go, far overdue . . . a new chapter.

Enjoy.

Obligatory Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OCs.

Sandstorms Come Sudden

There are a lot of facts in the universe. Case-in-point, Hikari was a badass, Eri was a cute, and Mari herself was adorable.

Here's another fact; deserts are hot.

Like, way hot.

And she was melting.

Bad.

"Are we almost there?" Mari asked miserably, arms practically dragging in the sand as she hunched over. The sun continuously beat down regardless, sweat rolling down her back despite the shade offered by the many colored tarps pulled over the walkways of the bazaar.

"Almost. The shops are just a bit twisty, that's why it's taking so long," Eri said, looking completely (and unfairly) unfazed. With a grin in her direction (be still, her heart) he added, "Already beaten by the heat, Mari? Take a page from Kairi's book."

He cocked his head in said girl's direction, and Mari sluggishly followed his gaze to see that the redhead was hardly wilting like she was. In fact, she looked quite energized, hopping from booth to booth as they walked, eagerly taking in every sight she could see. She'd taken off her jacket and tied it around her waist, but otherwise was holding up much better than Mari despite the sweat still accumulating on her brow.

"See a souvenir you like?" Eri called out to her, arms crossed and lips quirked into a teasing smirk.

She turned to them, smiling from ear to ear, excitement making her blue eyes sparkle, "There's so much to see! It's almost easy to forget why we're here!"

"Well, we're only trying to stop a clandestine organization from kidnapping the only pure lights in the universe, nothing too major," Eri responded, waving a hand at her.

Kairi let out a sheepish laugh, "Well, when you put it like that . . . I probably should tone it down a little," that didn't stop her eyes from wandering, and Mari noticed a wistful gleam pass through them, "You know, this is the first world I've gotten to explore on my own, without having to worry about Riku and Sora. It's weird though. I always thought that my first adventure would be with them . . ."

Her eyes widened suddenly, and she held up her hands, "N-not that there's anything wrong with you guys! I just, um . . ."

"You wanted it to be with your best friends," Mari said, nodding in understanding. She'd been lucky. She had gotten to go with her best friend.

"Well, if we don't get this squared away, having adventures with your friends will be the last thing you get to do," Eri put in. He nodded his head in the direction of the palace, "Now, what do you say to meeting one of your fellow princesses?"

"Right," Kairi said with a nod, "Let's go."

Mari wandered after them, trying not to think too hard about the water dripping down her face. Uh, this was so not good for her hair. If she didn't get out of the sun soon, she ran the risk of sunburn too.

She caught the sound of flapping wings a mite late, and only really re-registered her surroundings again when a pair of claws suddenly landed on her head and a harsh voice spoke, "Hey, Mari, what'ya doin' back on this side a town?"

Mari immediately perked up, tilting her head up so she could see the beak bobbing just in her sight, "Iago! How've you been, ya grouchy parrot?"

Iago hopped off her head to hover in front of her, "Oh, a bit a this, bit a that, ya know how redemption goes."

Mari had to smile at the parrot's less guarded demeanor, happy to see that the hunted look was gone. She guessed he really was turning things around.

Iago frowned, "So, uh, the rest of the merry mayweathers with you, or are you flyin' solo these days?"

"Hikari and them are taking a test!" Mari replied without a pause, not exactly taking the time to explain what that meant, "But I'm not here alone! In fact, there are some new friends I want you to meet!"

She gestured to Kairi and Eri, who both had stopped to stare when Mari had cried out. Iago flapped tentatively closer, humming, "Ah, well, at least they don't look as brain-dead. No offense."

Kairi blinked in puzzlement while Eri crossed his arms, a coy smirk appearing on his face, "Coming from an animal with the brain the size of a walnut, I don't know if I should take that as a compliment."

"Oh, but you're still hookin' up with the wise-guy types, huh?" Iago huffed, feathers floofing in a way that was supposed to be threatening but instead just looked adorable, "Listen cupcake, I'll have you know I'm one a' the smartest guys around this joint!"

"You know, I quite like cupcakes," Eri commented airily, glancing in Mari's direction, "There was this one world I went to that had this little bakery, and it was amazing! I should take you there sometime."

Oh, was that a invite to a date?! Was that an invite to a date?! Dear lord, please be an invite to a date!

Iago wasn't to happy about it, unfortunately, "Hey, are you even listenin'?!"

"Hm? So sorry, did you say something?" Eri asked with a veneer of smug politeness.

Iago's eyes narrowed, "Hmph . . . I don't like you. So see if I help ya if you ever get into a tight spot."

"Um, excuse me? Are you one of Sora's friends?" Kairi asked, peering closer at the bird.

"Uh, well . . ." Iago hesitated, unsure exactly how to respond.

Mari kindly took it up for him, "Iago used to work for a bad guy, but he's been working to make up for it and be good. So we're cool!"

"Oh," Kairi hummed, looking back to Iago. Then she nodded and smiled, "Well, if Mari says you're okay, then we're okay. My name's Kairi."

"Wait, 'Kairi'," Iago turned a speculative stare on Mari, "The same girl Sora's been lookin' for?"

"The one and only!" Mari nodded enthusiastically while Kairi awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck. Mari made sure to file away the girl's touched smile for later use.

Someone cleared their throat, and Mari's gaze zipped to Eri, who had a curled fist pressed close to his mouth and an eyebrow quirked in their direction, "Let's not forget why we came here."

immediately, Mari snapped back to attention, "Oh yeah! Iago, we're here to see Jasmine! It's an emergency!"

"Nothing's been out of the ordinary, right?" Kairi questioned him.

"Wah? An emergency?" Iago asked, looking from Mari to Kairi, "And what's outta the ordinary? Ever since Jafar bit it, everythin's been pretty quite."

"Good, then T.O's not here yet," Eri said with a brisk nod. He looked to them, "Let's go."

Mari and Kairi nodded and replied in unison, "Got it!"

Together, the three broke off into another sprint, Iago flapping hard to keep up, "Hey, hey, hey, wait up a sec! What's goin' on?!"

"A big bad organization is after Jasmine and the other Princesses," Mari explained quickly, "They could come here at any time, so we gotta get to her before they do!"

"Great!" Iago huffed belligerently, "Why is it that whenever you're in town, it's always impeding disaster right after?"

"Less talk, more move!" Eri called from the front, "We're almost there!"

{*******}

The palace was looking pretty good considering they'd almost destroyed it on their last visit. But then, genie magic could fix any problem. Ooh, she wondered if Genie was here! That would be a fun thing to show Kairi.

People bustled around the front gate, carrying clay pots arranged on their shoulders, trays, looms, and other things as they scurried to and fro, a busy stream they had to fight through just to reach the front doors.

Doors that were unfortunately under guard.

"Halt," one said as he lowered his halberd across the door, "State your business."

"We're here to-" Mari was silenced by Eri's hand as he whisked it in front of her face. With a polished smile, he continued in her place, "We're to seek an audience with the Sultan of this land. It is urgent news, news I'm sure he'd like to hear."

The other guard's eyes narrowed in suspicion, lips curling into a frown and revealing a rather share looking canine, "What sort of news?"

Eri fixed him with a firm stare, "News pertaining to his daughter, the princess Jasmine's safety."

The guards shared a glance, weighing the boy's words between themselves, before the first gaurd spoke again, "If you have news that the royal family is in danger, then you will share it now."

Eri opened his mouth, but didn't get a word in as Kairi suddenly stepped up, pleading, "Please! It's important!"

The second gaurd dropped his halberd, iron tip hovering an inch from the girl's nose, "Another outburst like that, and we'll have you thrown in the dungeons!"

Kairi took a cautionary step back, but her eyes hardened as she fearlessly stared the man down. He glared back, scowl as fierce as his thick eyebrows, but before it could get to out of hand, the doors suddenly swung open as a new figure stepped across the threshold.

"Hold! These people are honored guests of the palace! Let them through!"

Both guards snapped to attention, weapons flying back to their sides as, but Mari wasn't looking at them anymore. Nah, her attention was on the new, but familiar face, a smile breaking across her own as she yelled, "Aladdin!"

The young prince was definitely looking like a 'young prince' now, to be sure, the boy having traded his street clothes for a more stately ensemble of a beige silk shirt with a gold collar and poofy pants. Oh, and a turban too, which looked all kinds of hot but hey, whatever floats the royal boat! Buuut, she would miss the street clothes. They afforded a nice, uh . . . view.

Not to mention, they looked more like Aladdin.

Iago was hovering by his shoulder, and Mari had to glance behind her where the parrot had originally been. Huh, had he gone to get Al himself? Wasn't like the guards could fly after all.

She smiled when he gave them a quick wink before turning back to the guards, arms akimbo and posture so straight it looked more like an over-the-top mockery of how a noble was supposed to act rather than any serious retribution about to be exacted, "This girl was one of the heroes who helped save Agrabah! So you owe her every respect and courtesy, understood?"

Another, far tinier shape suddenly scurried up the prince's pant leg to his shoulder, and Mari pursed her lips together in delight when she saw that Abu had finally appeared. Standing up on his furry little legs, the monkey made a show of dramatic hand gestures, speaking sternly in his own little language as he stared the guards down. So cute.~

Both guards humbly bowed their heads, "Of course, Your Highness."

Aladdin nodded, accepting the apology with Abu mimicking him every step of the way, "Very good. Now, if the honored guests would step right this way."

He gestured for them to follow, smiling now as they left the two guards behind. Skipping up to Aladdin's side, Mari gave him a playful nudge, "Nice show back there! Really stretching those royal wings of yours, huh Al?"

"You think so?" Aladdin asked her without missing a beat, "Really, I try not to, but sometimes, you just gotta put your foot down, you know?"

"So what now?" Mari inquired, "Those guys in for some jail time?"

"Pft, no," he replied with a laugh, "They were just doing their job. Even if they are jerks about it."

Mari laughed, "They were being pretty big jerks!"

"So, Iago tells me you have some news you need to give us," Aladdin paused, looking around, "Is Sora not with you?"

Kairi's ears perked up, "You're another friend of Sora's?"

For the first time, Aladdin looked Kairi's way, eyebrow lifting in curiosity as he examined her, "I like to think so. But it's not often I get to meet new faces when he's not around."

"He's taking a test," Mari informed him. The entrance had given way to the courtyard by now, the only oasis in an ocean of sand. Trees lush with leaves and carefully maintained bushes lined the sides of the tiled pathways, the ground a mosaic of colored stone. A flowery scent hung in the air, wistfully sweet despite the hot and dry air. She could hear birds tweeting happily, but it didn't look like there were any in the trees. An aviary somewhere, maybe?

She could look later. Right now, introductions! "I'm here with some new friends. This cute scrumpet is Eri," did he cough just now? "And this lovely lady is Kairi!"

Aladdin's last step hitched on the stairwell as he spun around, wide eyes landing on the redhead, "Kairi? The Kairi Sora's been looking for?"

"Mhm!" Mari smiled, "We found her! It was very romantic."

She ignored the puzzled look Kairi gave her.

Aladdin stared for a moment more, when his face broke into smile, "I knew he'd do it," nodding courteously her way, he added, "It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Aladdin, and this here is Abu."

Abu gave a flashy bow, and Kairi giggled, "Nice to meet you too! I'm Kairi, but I guess you already knew that."

Eri pointedly cleared his throat, "I get that getting to know one another is very good and all, but let's not forget why we came here."

Iago spoke up as well, "Yeah, especially if it's as bad as you say it is."

This got Aladdin's attention, "So not just news, but bad news too? Great."

Mari nodded sadly, "I know. It's like we're cursed or something."

They entered the great door to the palace heart, and Mari had to blink at the splendor before her. High golden walls painted in rich shades of blue and red, great curtains strung over the open windows to keep out the sunlight and the heat, the arches of which were decorated with stylized columns inlaid with veins of blue. A concave roof gilded with gold hung over their heads, vast and open, and Mari wanted to call out to see if it would echo back. A few servants were milling around, scrubbing at the marble floors and columns, stopping only to bow to the prince before resuming work. Aladdin looked a bit uncomfortable with that, actually.

A throne rested on the opposite wall just before a lush carpet, the seat laid with plush cushions, though right now it was unoccupied. Two doors were set on either side of the great chair about ten feet away, one of which opened as another figure stepped through.

Mari's face lit up when she recognized who it was.

Jasmine was looking as radiant as always, garbed in a royal purple top and silk pants that were embroidered with tiny gems that made them glitter. Her hair was tied back into a braid, a ribbon of purple lace wound into the black locks while a headband set with a large gem sat upon her brow. Soft looking shoes were on her feet, the tips curled just so. Given the reasons why they were there, it was an enormous relief to see her, even though Mari knew they weren't exactly in the clear yet.

"Aladdin! There you are, I've been looking everywhere for you!" Jasmine's smile wavered slightly when she noticed the strangers standing next to him, but it quickly returned when she saw Mari, "And you've brought friends! Mari, it's good to see you."

Mari went up to herm smiling as she clasped hands with the other girl, "It's good to see you too! Very, very good."

Jasmine looked to Aladdin, a teasing frown etched on her thin lips, "I hope you haven't been getting into trouble. You know the ambassador of Masid is coming, and you need to work on your diplomacy."

Aladdin gave a one-armed shrug, "Ah, I can be plenty diplomatic."

"Oh, I'm sure. That's why my father dealt with the last one all by himself," Jasmine rebutted smoothly, slipping away from Mari so she could stand in front of Aladdin.

"Hey, Abu didn't like the guy," Aladdin defended himself only half-heartedly, any seriousness diminished by the smile on his face.

"Well, Abu's going to have to learn how to deal with people he doesn't like," a touch of earnestness entered Jasmine's voice as she slipped her hand into his, "You're going to be Sultan one day, Aladdin. I know a lot of nobles rub you the wrong way, but for the peoples' sake, you'll have to deal with them without pranks."

"Well, not all of them annoy me," Aladdin said.

"Oh? Like who?"

Aladdin pursed his lips as if in thought, before smoothly slipping an arm around her waist, "Well, you for example."

Jasmine laughed before flicking him on the nose, "Nice try, but that's not going to get you out of lessons."

"Worth a shot," Aladdin replied with a cheeky grin.

They were interrupted by Eri clearing his throat again, "You know, if everyone got this sidetracked all the time, it's a wonder you got anything done."

Jasmine turned to him, puzzlement written on her face, "Who are you?"

"He's a friend," Mari said reassuringly, holding out her pinkie finger, "Pinkie-swear promise!"

"We're here because you're in danger," Eri continued, unfazed by the shock that filled their faces, "A group called The Order is after you, princess Jasmine."

"What?" she whispered, eyes wide.

"Is that true?" Aladdin asked, looking to Mari for confimration.

She nodded glumly, "It is. We ran into them not too long ago . . ."

"We need to take you somewhere safe." Eri said.

A sharp gleam appeared in Aladdin's eyes, a protective hand rising to Jasmine's shoulder, "I won't let anyone lay a finger on her again. If she's in danger, I'll fight. You don't have to take her anywhere."

"A noble sentiment, but not one they'll care for," Eri said dismissively.

"Please, Aladdin, I know you want to protect her, but you can't do that by yourself," Kairi added, stepping forward.

"We have soldiers-"

Eri cut Aladdin off, "So do they."

"They sounded like the real deal, Al," Iago added, "Like Jafar bad. And you know how bad that is."

"Well then, what about Genie?" He continued, looking desperately for an answer.

"Is he here?" Eri asked, keeping calm despite the rising panic.

Aladdin looked away, " . . . No. He just . . . pops up whenever, there isn't really a set schedule."

"Than he's out of this too," Eri finished for him, arms crossed and uncompromising.

Aladdin frowned hard, brow knitting together in silent frustration as his grip on Jasmine's waist tightened. Abu cooed softly next to him, wrapping his tail around his friend's neck in a gesture of comfort.

"Wait . . . I recognize you."

Eyes landed on Jasmine, whose eyes were locked on Kairi. Seemingly unaware of the attention she'd drawn, she continued, "You were at that castle, two years ago."

Kairi blinked, surprised for only a second before nodding, "Yeah. I was there. For the same reason you were."

Mari tilted her head in confusion, but understanding flitted across Jasmine's face, "Right. One of the seven." Brow scrunching, she asked softly, "Is the danger I'm in now for the same reason?"

` Kairi's lips pursed into a frown, but she nodded anyway, " . . . yeah. And, believe me, the people after us now are nothing to joke about. If it hadn't been for Eri, I would have been kidnapped."

"What . . . Jasmine, what are you talking about?" Aladdin inquired, looking to the girl with confused eyes.

Jasmine's gaze flitted fretfully between Kairi and Aladdin, voice stuttering, "It's . . . Aladdin, remember when Jafar took me all those years ago? How I said I didn't remember what had happened?"

"Yes?" he said, looking more and more worried as this went on.

"I . . . I lied," Jasmine carried on in a rush, "Not because I wanted to, but because we thought it was the right thing to do! What happened then . . . it would be dangerous if people knew about it, and we didn't want the people we loved to be caught in the backlash. I thought that that would be the end of it, but if this group is after me because of it . . ." she bowed her head. tears forming in her eyes, "Then I guess it didn't matter, did it . . ."

In the silence that followed, Kairi quietly put in, "The knowledge could be dangerous in the wrong hands, you know? None of us were supposed to know about other . . . well . . ."

"Other worlds? Kinda late on that."

Jasmine started, looking up at Aladdin in surprise, "What?"

Aladdin only smiled, "I know about other worlds. I know I didn't have the best education, but a street rat had to have some smarts, you know? Give me some credit," face softening, he leaned own so he could look Jasmine in the eye, smile never fading, "Jasmine, I get that it was important, and I'm not upset. But if whatever happened back then is happening again, I promise, I'll do everything I can to protect you."

Jasmine smiled, one that was both soft and radiant and came right from her pure, pure heart, "Thank you, Aladdin."

Mari sniffled, hands clasped together as if in prayer, "The beautiful, heartfelt commitment of two lovers is the most sacred and pure thing one could ever witness in this universe. I-I-I'm so happy!"

"Mari, please," Eri said, sighing. Heh, he almost sounded like Hikari.

Oh . . . she made herself sad . . .

"I know it's scary, but Eri's got a plan," Kairi put in peaceably, ignoring Mari's weird outburst. Hey, she could admit it was weird.

"And what plan is that?" Aladdin asked worriedly, switching back to the task at hand.

"You know about other worlds, so I can tell you right now; I plan to take her to one. One that is well-protected and secure," Eri explained.

"Another world?" Aladdin echoed, eyes growing contemplative. Then he looked up, "You're sure there's nothing we can do here that can protect her?"

"No. Whatever defenses you put up, they'll either destroy it or slip right by it," Eri replied.

Aladdin frowned, but seemed to accept it, "Then this world . . . you promise it's safe?"

Eri nodded, "Yes. Safer than this or any other world, in any case."

Aladdin's eyes narrowed, "So there's still a chance she could be found?"

"Not if she's wearing this," Eri held out his hand, and Mari blinked at the small silver ring resting in his palm. There was no ornamentation of any sort, just a simple band of silver, "This will hide the purity of her heart from unwanted eyes. She will appear like anyone else. True, that won't mean much if they go for a more narrow scan and recognize her face, but as for generic sweeps, she's as good as invisible."

Aladdin stared at it, then turned to Jasmine, "Jasmine, this is your choice. I'll support you, no matter what you choose, but don't choose based on what me or your father or what anyone else will feel. Your safety, that's what's important here."

Jasmine relaxed a touch, an appreciative smile forming on her lips. It faded when she looked back at the ring, an anxious shine filling her eyes as she weighed her options. Then, after a few seconds more of hesitation, she tentatively reached out and took it, rolling it between her fingers before taking a breath and slipping it on. Mari didn't notice a difference, but Eri smiled, "Good."

Jasmine didn't seem happy about it, and Mari couldn't blame her, but Aladdin's hand on her shoulder seemed to act as an anchor as an she placed her hand over his.

He turned to Kairi, "Actually, it might be a good idea for you to wear one too."

Kairi stared at him, "Why? I'm not hiding?"

"But we'll be making periodic stops to the hiding place. And besides, any advantage we have over them is a must. So . . ." He held out his hand again, and Mari did a double take when she saw another identical ring sitting on his palm.

She pointed at it, "Where-?"

"Magic, sweetheart," Eri responded.

Oh, he called her sweetheart!

Kairi frowned, but reluctantly nodded and accepted the token. Slipping it on, she said, "Satisfied?"

The boy nodded, looking pleased, "Very."

"Listen, Eri, right?"

They all looked at Aladdin, who was staring back with a look of steely determination, "If they could still find her even with all this . . . then I'd like to go with her to keep her safe."

Eri frowned, "You know, technically I'm already breaking a lot of rules for these girls. And anyway, changing worlds isn't exactly an easy thing to do. Ever heard of culture shock?"

"Actually . . ." Jasmine looked at Eri with a pleading look in her eyes, "I . . . would like it if Aladdin could go with me."

"You know, we aren't going to be at this world all the time," Kairi added pointedly.

"And whatever advantage we can get is a must," Mari slipped in cheekily.

Eri huffed, smirking, "Using my own words against me already. Give it a few months, and you'd be a master in the art of manipulation." Rubbing the back of his head, he continued, "Well, this world already has it's own defenders. Part of the reason I chose it is because together they could actually put up a fight that would hurt the Order's numbers. Consequently, they've been avoiding it, and I don't think I have to explain why that's a good thing. But if it's so important to you . . . I guess I can squeeze you in."

Jasmine smiled wide as Aladdin's shoulders sagged in relief.

"Thank you," Jasmine said earnestly. Glancing back to the doors behind them, she added, "When exactly did you have a date in mind to leave?"

"Right now," Eri responded.

Both turned startled looks on him, Jasmine speaking out, "But, I at least have to tell my father. And Rajah, she'd be worried if I disappeared without even a goodbye."

"I get it. You want to tell the people you care about where you're going," Eri's eyes were harder than Mari thought they should be, "But I'll tell you right now, the less people who now about your departure, the better. And I'm not saying that for your safety. The people chasing you won't hesitate to interrogate others for your whereabouts. As such, the less anyone knows, the safer they will be. Understand?"

Jasmine bowed her head, eyes closed and clearly upset, but eventually, she nodded in understanding, "I do. I just wish I didn't have to worry them."

"I know, Jasmine," Aladdin said softly, squeezing her shoulder.

"So, all that considered, you," Eri pointed sharply at Iago, "Had better keep your bird beak shut."

"Hey, I'm done with my days of double-dealin'!" Iago snapped, "What part a 'turning over a new leaf' don't ya understand?"

"Shouldn't we just take him with us?" Mari questioned, shrugging, "I mean, no offense Iago, but you chatter a lot."

"Offense taken!" Iago huffed.

Eri clasped a hand to the back of his neck, rolling his head back and sighing, "Maybe."

Just then, the front door opened, a small man decked in clay-colored robes hustling forward with an urgent stride to his step. He bowed once to the royal couple, then held his head high as he spoke, "Your Highnesses, the ambassador from Masid has arrived and is requesting an audience."

"Masid's ambassador? Here?" Jasmine asked, looking surprised as she turned to Aladdin, "They're almost a day early."

"Shall I show the ambassador to the guest chambers instead?" the messenger asked, gauging their surprise as a negative.

"No, that won't be necessary," Jasmine replied quickly, throwing him a disarming smile, "Please, show them inside."

Eri rolled his eyes before walking up to them, whispering hotly, "We are supposed to be leaving, not playing politics with stuffed shirts."

"I know this is important, but we can't just vanish now!" Jasmine whispered back, eyes narrowing stubbornly, "If I'd said no, it would have looked like we were an ill-prepared and uncouth mess, and if we'd left now, it would have caused chaos that would have tipped off another kingdom that the heirs to a prosperous throne had disappeared! Either way, my home looks weak! I know it might just seem like a word-game to you, but politics can be just as dangerous as any sword-fight!"

Aladdin held up a placating hand, trying to cool their tempers, "Trust me on this, Jasmine knows what she's talking about."

"It won't take that long," Jasmine said, "And we don't even have to involve my father."

Eri threw up an exasperated hand, "Fine. Just know every moment we waste here threatens the entire universe too."

Well, Eri sure got grumpy quick. But she guessed that was normal, considering what they were doing was pretty super important.

"Stuff like this reminds me that being the actual princess of anything is hard," Kairi commented as they moved to the side.

Mari sighed sadly, "It's more than just pretty dresses and tasty food. It's so tragic."

The doors swung open then, and Mari watched as two vertical rows of heavily robed people marched inside. There was maybe a total of ten people in each row, their silver and green robes thick and draping over their entire bodies to protect them from the unforgiving sun. They stopped once they had all passed the threshold, turning to face one another and dropping to a humble knee, heads bowed in respect. It was only then that the last figure walked inside.

It was a beautiful woman dressed in a rich splendor of silks dyed the color of an Arabian sunset, a breezy top with ribbon like sleeves that attached to golden bands around her wrists and diaphanous pants that hugged her strong legs. Her skin was a touch darker than theirs, olive-toned and clear, her dark brown hair cut short save for a single long piece that was tied back into a small ponytail, along with the bangs that framed her face. The only blemish she had was a prominent and pale scar that ran from the top of her head to her chin on the left side of her face, a scar that ran right over her eye, the mark where a blade had most surely struck. Despite that, her stance was imperial, her stride confident, and her eyes unafraid as she scanned every face in the room with a probing gaze.

Eyes the odd, yet striking color of burnt amber.

Beside her, Eri breathed, "Oh shit."

The woman's lips quirked up into a dark half-smile as she finally spoke, "Well, well, well, this certainly is a most unexpected meeting. Isn't it, darlings?"

So yeah, here we are.

Let's hope I don't suffer another critical stroke of laziness.

rate and review, if it pleases you.