Night 11- Dungeon-Capturer


Magi © Shinobu Ohtaka

Shahra © Me


Toya hiccupped as she kneeled by Baba's deathbed, her eyes still welling with tears. Then, she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Doruji, looking at her with concerned, bloodshot eyes.

"…Come on, everyone," Doruji said. "Baba's funeral will be tomorrow."

"…Right," Toya muttered.

As everyone prepared to get Baba ready for her funeral, Aladdin stood outside with Shahra at his side, the latter nuzzling the former's tear-stained cheeks.

"Thanks, Shahra," Aladdin said as he gently pet the side of her head, then he held his flute in his hand. "…Well, Ugo…a lot has happened while we were here. Even though it was sad…I'm glad we came to this village. Now, I finally understand who I am…well, somewhat. It's just like Mother said."

Suddenly, a beam of light shined from the star on Aladdin's flute and flew off in a random direction.

"A light from the flute?" Aladdin asked before he looked in the direction it was pointing. "Just like back in the dungeon!"

He then climbed up on Shahra's back.

"Let's go, Shahra!" he shouted. "Follow that light!"

Shahra roared before she galloped off at full speed, following the beam of light, which hit the eight-pointed star on Hakuei's flabellum. However, the princess didn't seem to notice…for she is currently in a stare-down with Ryosai.

"Going to war?" Hakuei asked. "What are you talking about?! A war with whom?!"

"With the Kouga Clan, of course," Ryosai answered.

"There's no need!" Hakuei shouted. "Pull back those troops, at once! We've negotiated with the Kouga Clan and they've submitted to our authority!"

"Hehehe…" Ryosai laughed. "Cowards. We kidnap their women and attack their village matriarch, and yet they still fall to negotiations."

"So it was you, all along?!" asked Hakuei.

"Yes, it was," Ryosai answered, "but this is the scenario I had in mind. You see, you, the princess, went to visit a foreign country, but was unfortunately butchered. Then, I assumed control of the army by razing the village. What do you think?"

A pause…but then Hakuei smirked.

"I'm not so sure, Ryosai," she said. "The least you command is a thousand men. Are you sure a man of your caliber can lead a whole army. Why would you choose such an unsuitable for yourself?"

Hearing that caused Ryosai to tremble in angry before he yelled out, "BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE THE GENERAL, YOU MEDDLESOME BITCH! IF IT WEREN'T FOR YOU THE WESTERN ARMY WOULD'VE BEEN ALL MINE!" He then smirked. "These soldiers are now under my direct command, so just sit there…AND DIE!"

At that, the soldiers aimed their bows and arrows at Hakuei and Seishun, who both remained surprisingly calm about their current situation.

"You, Ryosai, are a traitor," Hakuei said, "and as such, you will pay with your life for dragging the name of the Kou Empire through the mud."

Hearing that caused Ryosai to growl in irritation.

"SHUT UP!" he roared before he turned to his men. "KILL HER!"

TWANG-TWANG-TWANG! The soldiers began to fire at Hakuei, who just stood there with a grin of confidence on her face. Just when they were about to hit her…they suddenly stopped and broke in midair as a small whirlwind appeared around the princess.

"L-Lord Ryosai!" cried one of the soldiers. "The arrows won't hit her!"

"Something's going on with the wind!" shouted another.

"Dammit!" Ryosai cursed. "I should've seen this coming…she is a dungeon-capturer, after all!"

As he spoke, Hakuei held up her flabellum, which released a powerful wind that blew some of the soldiers away!

"Keep firing!" Ryosai shouted. "Kill her, and fortune and honor will be yours!"

The soldiers roared as they prepared to fire again, but just when they were about to, Seishun suddenly dashed forward.

"Household Vessel…DOUBLE MOON SWORDS!"

With a slash of his swords, Seishun unleashed a powerful wind that ended up cutting some of the soldiers down!

"What should we do, Princess Hakuei?" asked Seishun, blades of wind whirling around his swords.

"Buy me some time," Hakuei answered. "I'll use my remaining magoi to defeat the rest."

"Understood," Seishun said before he went in for the attack, once more.

Hakuei held up her flabellum, which flashed a bright light.

"O great spirit of Maniacal Love and Chaos," she chanted, "I beseech thee and thy kin! Feed upon my magoi and embody me! Grant me your great power! COME FORTH, PAIMON!"

In a blinding flash of light, a huge being of wind appeared over Hakuei, laughing maniacally.

"Traitor Ryosai," Hakuei said. "The First Princess of the Kou Empire, Hakuei Ren…WILL NOW PUNISH YOU FOR YOUR MISDEEDS! PREPARE YOURSELF!"

XXX

At the Kouga Village, Doruji was getting things ready for Baba's funeral…when suddenly, he spotted something outside: a huge tornado.

"What the hell?" Doruji questioned in shock. "We don't get tornadoes out here!"

XXX

Not too far away from Hakuei's current location, Aladdin is still riding on Shahra's back when he saw the tornado form.

"Whoa!" he exclaimed. "What is that thing?!"

XXX

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" the soldiers screamed as Hakuei sent another powerful blast of wind from her flabellum, causing them to go flying into the air. As she did, the feminine giant that towered over here continued to laugh.

"Lord Ryosai!" cried one of the soldiers. "We can't kill that thing! It'll kill us all!"

Surprisingly, Ryosai remained completely calm.

"Have no fear," he said. "It's just wind. Even if some of them die, we still hold the advantage, do we not?"

"Y…yes, sir," said the soldier standing beside him.

Suddenly, Seishun's swords stopped glowing.

"Oh, no!" he cried. "I'm running out of magoi!"

"Me, too!" cried Hakuei as the giant of wind suddenly began to shrink.

"Now's our chance!" shouted the remaining soldiers. "Kill them!"

"Hurry, Seishun!" Hakuei ordered. "There aren't many soldiers left! Get Ryosai!"

"Understood, princess!" Seishun shouted as he mounted his horse and charged for Ryosai, who just smirked.

"Aren't many of us left, you say?" he asked. "Think again."

On that, more soldiers suddenly appeared on horseback, at least over 100 more of them!

"Eh?!" Seishun questioned as he stopped his horse from charging.

"W…where did they come from?!" Hakuei questioned…right before she dropped down to her knees, panting heavily.

"Hmph!" Ryosai scoffed. "Foolish girl…a stripling like you who doesn't understand an ambush when she sees one shouldn't be in a place like this!"

XXX

"AGH!" Hakuei cried as she was pinned to the ground by some of the soldiers. She looked over at Seishun…who is now on the ground, two arrows piercing his shoulder as blood pooled on the grass beneath his quivering body.

"Looks like you've run out of magoi," said Ryosai as he approached Hakuei. "Once you use all the energy storied in your Djinn Metal Vessel, both it and the Household Vessel that receives its magoi become powerless! You're helpless, dungeon-capturer!"

With that, he began to kick Hakuei, and then Seishun as he laughed at them, mockingly.

'How could this be?' Hakuei thought, blood seeping from her nostrils and mouth. 'I had no idea…so many in the army obeyed Ryosai! I can't die…not here…not now!'

"Aww, don't look so upset, Lady Hakuei," Ryosai assured, mockingly. "I'll make sure you won't die alone…because as soon as I return to the empire, your precious younger brother, Hakuryuu, will join you!"

Hearing that caused Hakuei's eyes to go wide before she drew her sword and charged at Ryosai.

"DAMN YOU~!" she roared as she attempted to cut the treacherous down to size, but Ryosai blocked her with his own sword. "NO WAY AM I GOING TO LET YOU TOUCH HAKURYUU!"

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Ryosai cackled. "Good! We are both warriors, so let us fight to see who should be general!"

"Fine by me!" Hakuei shouted.

'At least in single combat, I have a chance!' Hakuei thought, but then, THOK! She gasped in pain when she felt several arrows pierce her sides, causing her to fall down to the ground.

"HAHAHAHAHAAAA!" Ryosai laughed again as he pointed a mocking finger at the princess. "You gullible bitch! Now you'll die for your foolishness!"

'No…!' Hakuei thought as tears formed in her eyes. 'I can't believe this is how it ends for me…! Hakuryuu…forgive me…!'

Ryosai snickered as he gripped the hilt of his sword. However, while he was distracted…he didn't hear the faint sound of heavy footfalls approaching him from behind, followed by the sounds of terrified screams and vicious roaring.

"Some princess you turned out to be," Ryosai said as he raised his sword. "Your life is a measly existence, Ren Hakuei! I, Ryosai, will kill you in a single strike…JUST LIKE THE TRASH THAT YOU ARE! DIE!"

But just when Ryosai was about to make due on his promise, a huge roar filled the air, causing him to turn around, only to scream in horror when he saw Ugo with Aladdin sitting on his shoulders…and his defeated men, littered around his feet.

"Hi!" Aladdin said, casually.

Not long after, Shahra roared as she lunged at Ryosai, who gasped as he attempted to stab her with his sword, only for the tigress to swipe the blade right out of his hands. The moment she had him pinned down, Shahra bit down on his right arm, causing the traitor scream in agony as he felt the bones crack from her powerful fangs.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUGGGH!" Ryosai screamed. "ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT! I GIVE UP! GET HER OFF ME!"

"That's enough, Shahra!" Aladdin ordered. "Let go!"

On that, Shahra let go of Ryosai, who panted as he lied there, his arm torn and broken. Then, she walked over to Aladdin, who summoned Ugo back into the flute before approaching Hakuei, who sat there in shock and awe at their entrance.

"A…Aladdin…!" Hakuei whispered. "Just who are you?!"

"…Who am I?" Aladdin asked, holding Baba's staff in his hand, remembering what she had said about them. "I am…a Magi."

"A…a Magi?!" Hakuei asked in shock.

XXX

A few moments later, Seishun groaned as his eyes fluttered open.

"Are you all right, Seishun?" Hakuei asked as he held him.

"I…I think so," Seishun answered. "Are you all right, Princess Hakuei? What happened to Ryosai?!"

"It's all right," said Hakuei. "He's been taken care of…thanks to this brave boy and his tiger."

Seishun looked over to see Aladdin and Shahra.

"The boy claims to be a Magi," Hakuei told him.

"What?!" Seishun questioned in surprise. "A Magi?!"

"Hi!" Aladdin greeted. "I'm Aladdin! It's nice to meet you!"

"This is Ri Seishun," said Hakuei. "He is my vassal and closest friend. We captured a dungeon together, once."

"A dungeon?" Aladdin repeated. "You captured a dungeon, too?"

"That's right," Hakuei said before he flabellum started to glow.

"My flabellum," she said as she held it.

"Oh! That light!" Aladdin exclaimed as the light on his flute pointed towards it. "Princess, do you mind if I touch your fan?"

Hakuei looked at Aladdin before she held up her Djinn Metal Vessel, and the boy tapped the jewel that held the eight-point star seal in its center. Not long after, a flash of light burst forth, once more, and a giant whirlwind appeared until it took the form of a giant blue-skinned woman with long, black hair and pointed ears. She has purple eyes, a third in the middle of her forehead, just like Amon, and her fingernails are very long. Her most prominent features, however, had to be her voluptuous figure, as well as the fact that she had piercings in her ears, lower lip, and on her nipples, as well as an array of jewelry. She also has barely any clothes on, revealing her ample breasts and her flat stomach.

"Who is the one who will be king?" she asked. "Ah, but that's right…I already have entered a contract. Oh, well. How is everyone, anyway?"

Everyone gasped upon seeing her…while Aladdin's face flushed a pink tint as he made a perverted giggle. However, Shahra promptly covered his eyes with her paws.

"Hey!" Aladdin cried. "Shahra, let go!"

"I am Paimon," the female Djinn said. "A Djinn the my beloved King Solomon created out of Maniacal Love and Chaos. My mistress is Ren Hakuei…but tell me, where did the power to bring me out in bodily form come from? Did a typhoon strike?"

She then looked down and noticed Aladdin, who had managed to pry Shahra's paws away from his eyes.

"Ah!" Paimon exclaimed. "Well, if it isn't a Magi?"

She then bowed her head to Aladdin, who bowed his head in return.

"Hello, Miss Paimon," said the young Magi. "I'm Aladdin. It's nice to meet you."

"And you, too," Paimon answered.

Just then, Ugo once again came out of the flute of his own accord, just like before. As he did, Paimon let out a gasp of surprise and delight.

"Ooh!" she exclaimed. "Now there's something you don't see every day!"

Aladdin watched as Paimon floated toward Ugo, whose entire body flushed pink as she started to poke her fingers against his pectorals, as well as trace her long nails down his abdomen. Eventually, Ugo managed to get Paimon to stop teasing him and they seemed to engage in a silent conversation, just like he did with Amon back in Dungeon No. 7.

"There they go, again," Aladdin said. "I wonder what they're saying."

"…I see," Paimon said. "I think I understand. You two have been through quite a lot, haven't you? It seems that many strange things are gripping the world. However, I'm afraid none of that matters to me, for you see…"

She then knelt down and wrapped her arms around Hakuei in a somewhat affectionate manner. However, the princess seemed a bit uncomfortable.

"I've fallen for my dear Mistress Hakuei as a worthy King's Candidate, so all I can do is lend her a king's power. It's what I was created for, you see."

"Paimon, you know how I feel when you get up close to me, like that," Hakuei said. "Can't you at least cover your breasts? Please?"

"Wait a minute!" Aladdin exclaimed. "What do you mean by 'King's Candidate'? Can't you tell me more, Miss Paimon? I mean…I'm a Magi, aren't I? So what is it that a Magi does?"

Paimon gasped quietly…but then she frowned.

"Forgive me, little Magi," she said. "My great King Solomon does not allow we, the ones who are made of the rukh, to give you such instruction. Only the Will of the White Rukh may guide you."

Aladdin gasped silently as he remembered what Sheba told him on the night she passed away.

"The rukh will guide you…"

"…Oh…I see," Aladdin said. "I-I heard that a Magi chooses kings, but-"

"Well, then you already know!" Paimon said. "A Magi's job is choosing a King's Candidate, little one! Take my dear Hakuei, for example. The Kou Empire's Magi chose her to be a King's Candidate, you see!"

"Eh?!" Aladdin questioned in shock. "You mean I'm not the only Magi?!"

XXX

In the imperial city of the Kou Empire, everyone is walking through the streets, buying goods at the marketplace or simply carrying on conversation. However, no one knew what went on behind the walls of the Forbidden City of the empire.

There, a man in black robes and covering his face in a white veil kneeled before the emperor.

"I am happy to report that the subjugation of not only the far east," he began, "but also of the central northwest goes well, Your Imperial Highness. As I believe the time is ripe for conquering the small nations to the southwest, I have taken measures in Balbadd, where there is internal strife."

"Good, good," said the emperor. "Also, continue increasing the number of dungeon-capturers and send in reinforcements, using the priests powers…speaking of whom, where is he?"

'Again with this?' the masked man thought. 'Why will he not do what he's told?!'

"Worry not," the man said. "I will go get him."

XXX

"Lord Priest!" the man called. "Where are you? Or should I call you…Magi?"

He soon found him: the same black-haired teen that caused Amon to sink below the earth, eating a bunch of peaches as he sat on the roof on the palace. He didn't even finish them all. He just took a bite out of one and then threw that one away before taking a bite out of another peach.

"Your absence angers the emperor!" shouted the masked man.

"Tch!" the black-haired Magi sucked his teeth. "So what? I hate that pig! I liked the old emperor better. He was tough. A real king's gotta have strength to run an empire!"

"Be careful, Magi," said the man. "Despite his appearance, the emperor is not to be trifled with."

"Whatever," the teen said as he picked his ear. "I know someone a lot more promising."

As he walked, he spotted two people in the training grounds, fighting with spears.

"Ah!" he exclaimed. "And there he is, now! Hey, Hakuryuu!"

A young man of average height and build turned to face the Magi. He has dark blue hair, just like Hakuei, as well as blue eyes, although his left eye was a lighter shade than the right, due to a large scar that covered the left half of his face. He has split-ended eyebrows and a mole on the left corner of his lower lip, also like Hakuei, and a white Gi with black trousers, and a golden headpiece with long black attachments.

He is Ren Hakuryuu, Hakuei's younger brother.

"What do you want, Priest?" Hakuryuu asked in an irritated tone. "You're interrupting my training!"

"Ah, training, shmaining," the Magi said. "I got a better idea! If you get stronger, then go dungeon-diving, like your big sis, Hakuei!"

Hakuryuu glared at the red-eyed teenage, who smirked at him.

XXX

Back in the plains…

"A priest in our empire, also known as a Magi, suggested that I go to a dungeon," said Hakuei.

"…So there are other Magi besides me," Aladdin said.

"Yes, just like you!" Paimon answered. "So how's it going for you? Have you chosen a King's Candidate in a dungeon, the way Hakuei and I sealed a contract?"

Upon hearing that, Aladdin then remembered Alibaba.

"…That's right…I do…!" he whispered.

A while later, as the sun started to set, Hakuei, Seishun, and their remaining soldiers had mounted their horses.

"Would you like to come to the Kou Empire to meet our Magi, Aladdin?" Hakuei asked.

"Sorry, but no," Aladdin answered. "Shahra and I are going back to the Kouga Village and then we're heading to Qishan. There's someone there I have to meet up with."

"I see," Hakuei said with a smile. "Very well, then. Thank you for all your help."

She and Seishun then put their hands to their fists and bowed to Aladdin, who did the same.

"Farewell, Aladdin," said Hakuei. "May we meet again."

With that, Hakuei and her men rode off into the sunset while Aladdin hopped onto Shahra's back.

"Let's go, Shahra," he said, and Shahra turned and began to walk back to the Kouga Village. As they did, Aladdin began to think about everything happened back in Amon.

'…I think I understand now,' he thought. 'That adventure in the dungeon…must've been about choosing a king. I don't know if things will change between Alibaba and I if we meet again…but even so, I want to see him again, so I will! If I keep following the path I chose, then I'll keep learning things!'

He tapped his heels gently into Shahra's side, causing her to go from a brisk trot to a full run.

'I want to know!' Aladdin thought. 'I want to know more about who I am!'

XXX

Ryosai and those who had been loyal to him had been arrested. The Kouga Clan fell under the rule of the Kou Empire, but the people are boldly embarking on their new life under the guidance of soldiers loyal to Hakuei. Meanwhile…

"Ugh…hey, Doruji? Do I really have to wear all this stuff? These clothes are hot and heavy, and these shoes hurt my feet!"

"Stop that whining, Aladdin! This is a long journey, so you need this gear, got it? Besides, we're here! See?"

Aladdin, who is wearing some thick white robes and a pair of black shoes, looked up and saw a huge gathering of people near tents and booths of all kinds. It has been two weeks now since he had arrived at the Kouga Village…and at last, the day of his and Shahra's departure had arrived.

"Wow!" he exclaimed. "So this is the Spring Market?"

"That's right," Doruji said. "This is where you'll be taking a caravan back to Qishan."

A few minutes later, Aladdin and the rest headed down to the market, where they saw lots of people chattering and hollering over their merchandise. They soon met up with a rather intimidating, muscular, mustachioed man wearing a turban over his head and a stitched-up scar over his left eye, just like the fox-like creature that was perched on his shoulder.

"So this kid and his kitty are going with us?" the man asked as he glowered down at Aladdin, who gulped nervously, while Shahra growled at him.

"That's right," Doruji said. "Please take Aladdin to Qishan. He can work for you during the trip!"

"Hmm…I guess one or two extra runts won't hurt," said the man, "but crossing the desert is no walk in the park. Think you can handle it, kid?"

"Yes, sir!" Aladdin answered. "I'll do my best!"

"He may look small, but he's tough for his size!" Doruji said, putting a hand on the ten-year-old boy's shoulder. "He'll be fine."

"Fine," said the caravan leader. "The cart leaves in ten minutes. Say your goodbyes, kid. You won't be seeing your brothers again for a long time."

Aladdin smiled before he looked up at Doruji and his friends.

"Did you hear that?" he asked. "He said we're brothers!"

"Of course!" said Doruji. "You're a member of the Kouga Clan, after all!"

"Wait, Aladdin!" Toya said as she gave the boy Baba's staff. "Here. Take it with you."

"Baba's staff," Aladdin surmised as he held it in his hands. "A-are you sure about this?"

"We all talked about it," Doruji said, "and we agreed that you should take Baba's staff with you as a keepsake. After all, you did help us, so I'm sure she'd be to know that you're holding onto it for her."

"I see," Aladdin said with a smile. "I'll keep it, then."

"You be careful out there, Aladdin, okay?" Toya asked as she gave Aladdin a bundle. "And here's something for you and Shahra to eat in case you both get hungry."

"Take a sword with you, too!" added one of Doruji's friends. "Traveling the desert is dangerous, you know!"

"Dummy," Doruji scolded. "As if Aladdin needs a sword! He'll be fine without it!"

'Wait…haven't I seen that kind of sword before?' Aladdin thought as he looked at the blade…only to gasp as realization struck.

"Wait!" he exclaimed. "Do you guys know someone named Goltas?"

Hearing that name caused Doruji and the rest to gasp while Aladdin began to tell them of his meeting with the slave, Goltas, in the dungeon…and how he gave his life up to make sure that he, Alibaba, Shahra, and Morgiana escaped while the tyrannical Jamil stayed behind.

"I see," Doruji said. "Goltas and Doruji are actually rather common names in the Kouga Clan, and slave-traders have sold our people in lands all over the world. He must've been one of our family. We'll be sure to pray for his spirit."

"Yeah," Aladdin muttered as he sat in the back of the cart while Shahra sat outside, since she was too big to fit.

"Even if it was only by chance," Doruji began, "thank you for being there for him in the end, Aladdin."

"Oh, but it wasn't by chance at all!" Aladdin said.

"Huh?" Toya muttered. "What do you mean?"

"Because Goltas and I met," Aladdin began, "his spirit was able to return home. Thanks to coming here, I've learned all kind of things! No encounter is ever by coincidence! So…I'm sure, one day…we'll meet again!"

Doruji and the other Kouga members gasped at this…but then they all smiled at Aladdin, who smiled back at them.

"Okay, everybody!" shouted the caravan leader. "Time to move out!"

With that, the caravan proceeded to leave, taking Aladdin and Shahra with it.

"Goodbye, Aladdin!" Doruji called. "We'll see you again, someday!"

"Take care of yourself!" Toya called out, as well. "Bye, Shahra! You two be careful! We love you!"

"Bye!" Aladdin called out. "I love you guys, too! I hope we'll meet again, one day!"

As they left, Aladdin noticed the rukh fluttering by in the sky…heading in the same direction that he was going. He smiled as an image of Baba appeared in his head.

'Baba…I'm leaving now,' the boy thought, 'but I know that you and Mother are watching over me!'

He then sat back against a bag of flour, remembering the words his late mother, as well as Paimon had told him.

"That's right," Aladdin said as he looked at the sky. "It's just as Mother said, Ugo…when she passed away that night. All I had to do was follow the rukh, and I found what I was looking for! Well…somewhat. There's still so much I wanna know…but I'm sure that if I keep going where I'm going, I'll learn much more about myself!"

His flute shined briefly, causing him to laugh, and Shahra, who padded along behind the cart, snickered a bit, too.

When Sheba passed away in Utan, Aladdin felt like he was all alone in the world, but the vast flow of rukh led him on. He traveled down the river of world history with many meetings and partings that were never by mere coincidence. With still so many questions left unanswered, Aladdin, the young Magi, continued on his path to self-discovery.

Until Next Night…


Yep, still working on this, but good news I'll be able to upload the next chapter of One Piece Unlimted World Red by tomorrow night, if not sooner. Also, I've been through a few personal things, again, but everything's all right, now! :)

Anyway, review please!