Night Eleven: Riding the Waves of Fate

As the evening slowly darkened into a pleasant dusk, Sin took another drink and watched it from the small cove in which he sat in. This white, jagged cove was secluded and not too far from the palace and lately he had taken to going there alone. Due to recent events his body was taking its time to recover; especially following the after-effects of a so-called curse. But then whatever had happened during his years and adventures, there was just something about those rippling sapphire waves which calmed him. Such wasn't that surprising – the untamed and unpredictable seven seas had been his first love, after all. Especially during moments like these, he immensely enjoyed watching the tides fade into the unquenchable black radiance a dying day brought with it. The waters lapped over the silvery sand under him, along with the rug he had brought to sit on but he paid that little mind. Instead he poured a new shallow cup of sake from the ceramic bottle at his side and savoured a slow sip from it.

It was curious; really, how Sindria still had the same effect on him which she had the moment he had first discovered her shores. But then his kingdom would ever remain his lavish tropical paradise set astride of the often chaotic and somewhat darkened world surrounding him. It was hard, really, to see any darkness within a land forever bathed in summer. She had proved all but immortal to the routine slaying of the seasons and their accompanying winters endured by the northern, distant lands. She was his savage beauty Sin had elected to enjoy rather than tame; but perhaps he liked wild and unpredictable things.

Slowly it began to rain, and the stiffening breeze proceeded to carry it towards him and into his cove. Subtle, welcoming warmth prickled pleasantly over his intoxicated skin and it was a sight he, too, was fond of. Especially as that light shower was just in time, as the ocean breeze cooled in the night-time air. It was also then that Jafar had chosen to appear, and Sin had not even noticed him. But then that was the interesting and somewhat terrifying thing concerning assassins. It was their prerogative to decide when, or if, they were seen. "Trust you to be getting drunk down here...again. It's not like I can carry you back up to the palace on my back you know."

Sin laughed. "I'd be kind of impressed if you could, to be honest."

"That would make the both of us," his general sat by him on that dampened rug, grabbing the second cup that was behind him. Sin noticed with a slight pang of guilt that his freckled face was even paler than usual, and especially tired given the shadows etched under his eyes. He had, after all, been doing Sin's work for him. Even so, Jafar downed one cup of sake in a way that made Sin's eyes widen before reaching for a refill. His king did the same.

But then, Sin was still recovering from that time he had taken flight. Not all that long ago he had called upon Focalor's power and taken to the skies above. Calling upon the wind spirit of rule and submission allowed to him to catch Ithnan, as after hurting many people the trespasser had tried to escape. Sin hadn't let him leave those shores alive, however. As such, in the form of a dark crimson phoenix he once again assumed borrowed wings. The two had clashed, and unfortunately the skies were darkened ever so slightly from that conflict. But then, it was that or letting him get away.

As such, he had alleviated his own curse as an influx of light and dark energy pouring from him had ensured Ithnan's death had painful, yet over with swiftly within the momentary calm of a storm. The sensation of a thing was overwhelming for him to go; yet both tiring and painful and had forever darkened his kingdom through killing one of them on his soil. Even if it was barely noticeable, it was there. Using so much power had also enabled him to cleanse himself from depravity for a second time, and his skin was now thankfully bruise-free once again. But then that was why he was recovering; even if that veil of darkness was lifted it took a lot to do. Power always came at a price.

Jafar was one of the few who knew the part Sin really played in Ithnan's defeat unsurprisingly; the two had no secrets from each other. That's what made it worse to know his friend was working so hard in his stead, not that Jafar was complaining about it. For now, it seemed the idea of drinking was attractive to him as it was to Sin anyway.

"Before I forget..." Jafar lowered his cup –Sin lost count of how many he had but his face was already flushed. Sin felt something metallic and warm pressed into his palm, and looked down enthusiastically before curling his fingers tightly around the valuable object. "I got a few weird looks when I asked for that to be repaired, you know."

"...Thank you."

And there it was; that magnificent chain in his hand again, and glimmering in such a way it almost appeared alive. Even if it had been shattered and would never see use as a household vessel again he had asked Jafar to have it repaired for him. After all, it was filled with the memories of those days spent with his Magi. He watched the curious flashes of light as they danced within the chain's ever changing coils, and even now Judal's magoi weighed heavily upon it. Silently he brought it up to his lips, eyes closing as he did before unclasping it to place around his neck. It seemed amusing to do so, given everything.

It had not been that long, really, since that human tempest had blustered into his life. Such a person had ended a long silence of his, and even began to fill a void within Sin he hadn't even realised was there. But then Judal had disappeared from his arms just as quickly. Even if it seemed a foolish endeavour, he found himself wishing on that last morning he had broken free from that ice-encrusted wall and made Judal stay. Doing so, however, would have been too problematic; for now he had to wait to reclaim him.

He was however curious as to when exactly Kou – and Judal himself – would know about Ithnan, and he doubted it would be long. Maybe then his Magi would believe he would win. Sin wasn't sure if it was amusing or alarming to think his actions might be considered as a response to their war; but then such things were out of his hands. Al-Thamen would strike regardless, and all he could do was continue his slow work to ensure they were destroyed.

"I might regret asking this, but did you ever talk to Judal about what happened between the two of you?" Jafar hiccupped slightly before taking another slow drink. He doubted his general would ever approve of Sin's actions regarding the two of them, but then he would be alarmed if he did.

"Ah...sort of," Sin mumbled, taking a drink to avoid Jafar's eyes. He watched the waves instead and rubbed sheepishly at the back of his neck. "A lot was going on, you know."

"...Sin," Jafar sighed deeply, discarding his cowl before running a hand through his silvery hair as if he expected that. He wondered if his old friend would ever come to regret knowing – and asking – about every detail from his personal life. But then he had always dismayed of the various situations he had gotten them into.

"Don't be like that; it's not like he understands too much about those kinds of things anyway."

"Yes, Sin, that's why you're meant to explain things like that to a lover," Jafar muttered under his breath and cast him a weary look.

"Ah – really?" he asked, surprised. Then with a warm flush he knew wasn't alcohol induced he figured yes, it was up to him. And they were in fact lovers. He took to stroking over the chain, very much in a similar way he had caught Judal doing himself when the dark Magi had worn it. He couldn't wait to see him wear it again.

Jafar nodded. "I guess it's not surprising you'd be bad at relationships. Just be glad he's crazy about you...but I guess he's just crazy full stop."

"That's not very nice – but I guess it's true. I'll take that over you asking me again if I planned any of this," he was given a look that suggested that was exactly what he thought. Sin gave a false gasp of shock. "I'm hurt; you think I'd be that sly in my personal life too? When did you get so suspicious of me?"

"Right around when we first met fifteen years ago," Jafar informed him, face impassive yet Sin knew when he was joking. He poured his general another drink. "I remembered how you carried that chain for a long time, even if I didn't know then what it was. And you admitted yourself it wouldn't work so..."

Sin nodded. "It seems a bit weird I did, I just didn't want to through it away. I never used to think about this all that seriously, and when this started I just went on a hunch to see what happened. I didn't do a lot; he was just upset back then and I wanted to take him away from them." Really, it had genuinely surprised him, but he just felt whatever had been set in motion had been wonderful. Who would have thought that from the moment he placed on Judal on that fated morning on Balbadd's docks it would come to this? It wouldn't be simple, he knew that, but Sin saw this as a good chance to save him from Al-Thamen in the end. Saving him, crushing them; they would both result in him doing as he had always done, even if he knew he had his work cut out for him.

"Yes...I just dread to think what he'll be like when we run into him again."

"Oh, more than likely once he's had time to think he'll want to let off some steam," Sin announced cheerfully in time for the pale man to take another drink.

Jafar coughed loudly, spluttering and covering his mouth as his usually calm eyes widened in panic. "D-don't say something like that! Damn you, the only reason I don't think this isn't a terrible idea is I'm hoping you'll stop Judal if he tries to hurt anyone."

"I was just kidding. To be honest he might still be a problem and it's not like he's allied with us yet. In a way, even if it's a hassle I need to prove how strong we are to him," Sin sighed. "I've not got complacent, but I think this is worth doing regardless of what I feel for him. It's just going to be hard work."

"I'm just glad you aren't quite that drunk or infatuated yet."

"I don't know, Jafar..." he tipped a now empty bottle, watching several beads of sake drop and fade into the lightly toned sand before reaching for another. "I for one feel pretty drunk right now."

"It's more shocking when you say you feel sober," he hiccupped again, words slightly slurring even if he had gotten more used to drinking since they began doing so together. "What about making him the Magi here then? That's... really insane saying it aloud but then you've done some pretty crazy things in the past."

"Some of them didn't even get me into trouble. But making him the Magi of Sindria's just...like a silly daydream I had and I didn't take it seriously. I like the idea though, who knows...it's not like I want to use him either," Sin pondered quietly. "I don't want to end up like them. That just sounds silly when he adores power and war so much. Really I was just thinking about bringing here to protect him. Does that sound stupid?"

"A bit. this seems like the sort of conversation we should have had sober. Do you think you'll remember it?" Sin shook his head without thinking twice. "...Me either. You're just a nightmare to deal with sometimes. You could make things better for Sindria by not chasing dangerous people and accept one of those marriage proposals littering your desk instead."

"Now it was Sin's turn to choke before shuddering. "...Now...there's improving relations with other countries and then there's...that," Jafar stifled a laugh, but then he was usually there to remind Sin that kings were – supposedly – sensible and responsible people. As such they were meant to consider things like political marriages. He had offers, too many of them in fact, and the idea was almost as terrifying to him as Al-Thamen itself.

"How funny though. You've kind of turned from being the lady killer of the seven seas into being a man eater. Is anyone safe anymore?" Jafar had laughed, looking over before seeing the look in his king's amber eyes and froze."Ah I-I mean..."

"That wasn't very nice," the tall man's expression sobered quickly as he stood up. Sin avoided his eye and took to dusting pale sand from his long and flowing robes before stretching.

Jafar bowed deeply, composing himself. "I-I'm so sorry for saying that Sin. I-"but a glint in his friend's eye betrayed him and his general's dark eyes narrowed. "I really hate it when you do that"

"Mocking my precious relationship still isn't nice. I thought better of you," he replied half teasingly."Usually though I'd stick to seducing men with power or strength. But in Judal's case I-"

It was then it happened.

A sudden, all too familiar sensation of weakness overcame him. Sin stumbled, collapsing painfully against the sharp and chiselled rocks of that cove before quickly steadying himself. That time he had confronted Ithnan really had taken its toll on his body, but then cleansing himself of that half-way to depravity state carried its penalty. It was times like this he wondered if he was simply flying on borrowed wings. Even now, even though he had proved himself, he feared discovering those wings would be found to be made of wax; and furthermore laid bare for the world to see.

"Sin!"

"It's alright," he replied quickly, holding out his hand to stop Jafar from helping him. he was thankful they were alone here, as it was he hated even someone he trusted so much seeing him weakened. "Too much sake tonight I think. An easy mistake to make."

"You don't need to lie to me about things like that," Jafar commented as he drew to standing up looking a little disgruntled. He took to brushing his emerald and gold robes in turn before collecting the two shallow cups and the empty bottles with a concerned look in his eyes. "It's taking you longer to recover than I thought, though."

"You've covered for me for too long I think. It's not that I'm not thankful but you shouldn't have to," Sin admitted, folding the somewhat soaked rug up before squeezing it free of sea water. "With Ithnan though, it was a little of an extreme situation. He's hurt, almost killed, people here – I wouldn't let him get away with that."

"I know but that doesn't stop me worrying. And checking on you."

"Coming here each evening to walk me back..."

"And drink, too," Jafar agreed. "Really though, Sin. You just had to go and confront him yourself? You're not infallible you know. Attacking him Ithnan alone, even getting cursed yet again in the first place..." to be fair, Sin wasn't cursed that often. But then perhaps twice was two times too many; some people lived without being cursed at all. Not, of course, that curses even existed to start with. "Even for you that was irresponsible. You're not in this alone – you know how worried we all were?"

Sin nodded. "Yes."

"I'm just saying that anything could have happened."

He sighed, and nodded again. "Yes."

"And it's not like you're getting any younger..."

"Ye-" he stopped himself just in time. Even then he saw a faint yet victorious smile emerge on his general's face. "Sneaky!"

Jafar nodded. "Well, if you feel all that badly about it I could give you a h-" he was cut short as Sin leaned in, embracing his friend tightly as if he's just been given a golden opportunity. "...hug"

Sin gripped at him tightly. "Sometimes I wonder what I'd do without you, you know."

"Keep squeezing and kill me and you might find out."

"Ah...good point," Sin realised just how strongly he had been holding the somewhat frail looking man and let go apologetically. He watched Jafar retrieve his cowl, along with the cups and bottles he had dropped. "It's more the case of you've tried to kill me in the past not the other way round anyway."

"Everyone tries to kill you Sin at least once. I just happen to have been the first."

"Trust you to boast about something like that. But all of you had a problem with me, not the other way round," the light rain continued, and Sin took a deep breath as if in resolve. "Back to work I think, anyway."

"Are you sure?"

Sin nodded. "Yeah, but we'll be back here tomorrow night?"

Jafar nodded. After all, he had always come to their cove around this time and more than likely needed a break from after all this time. The two men slowly exited the cove, and prepared to climb the thin and barely trodden path back up to his path. Even then alcohol played heavily upon his senses, which might be a good thing seeing how behind he was. Partially Judal had been to blame for that, and he knew he couldn't afford to be isolated right now. Fortunately Sindria was s seen as successful if he was hearing back from a lot of countries, but his name carried a lot of weight. Perhaps they, like him, felt the ebb and flow of the world was becoming more and more uncontrollable.

He just had to turn events in his favour again. Kou was becoming more dangerous, and Al-Thamen definitely was. For longer than he could remember that shadowy organisation had been something of a dark and mysterious storm threatening to wreck upon these peaceful shores. Whatever conflict they started with the world this was inevitable, and he had known that for a while. They had started this, and Sin definitely wanted a hand in finishing it.

More and more, it seemed he would once again be destined to ride the proverbial waves of fate and see where its waters took him next. Sin was just glad it's vast and ever changing waters tended to flow in his favour. As they walked his fingers continued to thread, lovingly and slowly, over that shining chain around his neck. Sooner he later he knew he would cross paths with Judal again – if he was unlucky maybe they would even exchange blows once more. The dark Magi was, after all, something of a crashing and unpredictable storm in himself.