I do not own Magi.
Enigma
Chapter Eleven:
The Choice and the Turn
"Again."
The air around her grew tight, making it harder to breath. Kali ignored her Djinns pleas for her to retire, to cease this practice. But she couldn't. She had to get stronger. She had to.
It was the only way.
"Again!"
With a surge she was running, bearing her sword down as she swung across a stone pillar. The rock began to collapse and she disappeared, striking the other side and ensuring its fall. Camio was but a silent presence, and not a word was spoken as she slashed and hacked and burned.
"Again."
Another tower fell.
"Again."
They crumpled to the floor.
"Again!"
"My king."
And Kali stiffened, her teeth clenching and her back going rigid as she fell to the floor. Vines spread from her necklace, but she ignored it, grabbing fistfuls of dirt as she held herself upwards. Pain scorched through and her body flickered, once, twice, until she finally let herself hit the ground.
"...my king."
"...again." Kali searched, reaching outwards for her sword. But when her fingers grazed the hilt, a burning sensation ran through and she recoiled, gazing at Raum in disbelief. "Fine. Then I'll—"
"Kali."
The young woman froze, gazing at the broken ground beneath her. Rubbles of stone and rock bit into her palms and knees as she waited, listening. "Enough."
Softly, Kali reached outwards, and her sword did not burn her this time, allowing her to bring it close to her chest. Smoke began to invade her senses, and the crumbling pillars did nothing to shield her from the flames burning along the rooftops and houses surrounding her. Buildings began to collapse as she hunched over, curled into herself as vines wrapped around her body.
The world around her began to collapse, ash rising in the air and covering her body. Kali hugged Raum to her tighter, the flames that were not her own licking out and threatening to burn. "I'm sorry."
"Let us depart, my king." Camio whispered, softly, gently, and Kali's body flickered. "There's nothing we can do here."
And as the last pillar came tumbling down above her, Kali shut her eyes, her body disappearing as her lips uttered one last word.
"Again."
"Amazing."
Kali slid one eye open, blinking curiously at a wide-eyed Morgiana, the young Fanalis grasping towels and cloths in her hands in large bundles as she watched the young woman before her, awe evident in her gaze.
Thick, dark emerald leaves and vines were woven around her legs, entwining up her arms as Kali sat cross legged in the middle of the road, vines and roots trailing along the walls and over people as a thin, white glow surrounded the lot of them. Camio was a soft hum the back of her mind as her necklace glowed brightly against her chest, and Morgiana was silent, as if fearing a word would disturb the process going on.
"It's not much," Kali frowned, opening both eyes as she stood, the vines and roots shifting with the movement, refusing to relinquish their hold on her. "With so many of them, I can only go so far and do so much—no major healing when it's spread out like this." And using so much magoi.
"I've taken what I can from the ground and plants around us." Camio offered, and Kali smiled, vines trailing down her arm and winding around her fingers. "You should rest."
"Soon." Kali promised. And she meant it this time. Despite her constant bravado and declarations, she was not in anyway immune to the taxing costs of using so much magoi. But with the way things were going, she couldn't risk the blessing of closing her eyes, too much was happening, and she had stuck herself in the midst of it.
"But it's far more than what I can do," Morgiana admitted quietly, and Kali gazed curiously at the Fanalis before her. The younger girl was gazing hard at the floor, hands curling into fists.
"...you know, you're a very wonderful person." Kali said suddenly, and Morgiana looked up in confusion as she simply gazed back at her, smiling cheekily in the moonlight streaming down on them. "I think you're really cool, Morgiana."
Kali admired people like her. They were the ones that you could always fall back on and know, just know, they would catch you. She was sturdy, regal in this way she saw in Masrur, and perhaps all the Fanalis, and raw, powerful, radiating this wild, fierce warmth that Kali found endearing in the Fanalis people—mainly the Fanalis Corps, she supposed, due to the time she'd spent with them. And Kali refused to let this young girl think in anyway that she hadn't been of any help.
Not when she was thinking the same thing herself.
"You will cease that idiotic notion." Camio muttered, and Kali rolled her eyes, gently pulling roots back from the earth as she felt the healing process come to a halt. "You've done more than we've done in—"
But I've only caused more chaos. Kougyoku is most likely beyond confused, Judal is hurt, looking to cause more hell, most likely, and Alibaba hasn't made any progress against that pig. Kali frowned, fingering the sword at her side as she tilted her head, contemplating. But I could always handle that myself...
"And you know exactly how it would end."
I hate that you're so right. Kali sighed, smiling then as she turned to Morgiana. "Why don't we go see if they need help over—"
"You should be resting."
Kali's smiled dropped and she sighed, turning and pouting at the firm pair of golden and gray eyes that glared at her, identical. Morgiana paused at Sinbad and Ja'far's presence, and the king offered her a warm smile before turning his forceful beam Kali's way. "Last I checked, you were wobbly and unstable."
"I heal fast." Kali shrugged, holding her hands up innocently as the vines around her glowed white in response. "What can you do?"
"You should be resting none the less." Ja'far snapped, exasperated and clearly worried, and Kali smiled fondly at the vizier. "Over taxing yourself will do no one good—"
"I haven't played with those limits yet." Kali said, smiling coyly as Sinbad's eyes narrowed. "So don't kick me out just yet, I can handle myself just fine."
"Please." Sinbad pinched the bridge of his nose and peered at her from beneath his bangs, warily. "Don't get us started on this whole argument again." Because I will win, whether you like it or not.
Kali arched a brow. "I didn't realize it was ever an argument." I'd like to see you try.
There was a taught, drawn out silence. Ja'far and Morgiana glanced between the two thoughtfully, almost warily in Ja'far's case, while Morgiana looked curious, sensing the obvious silent battle of wills before her. Kali continued to smirk, Sinbad gazing hard at her until a new batch of people fell to the ground a little ways away.
Silver eyes turned but golden irises remained on the woman before him as Kali frowned, vines shooting upwards from the cracks and winding around them. Morgiana's eyes narrowed and she turned, gathering up cloths and water. "I'm going to go help. Miss Kali—"
"Kali is fine." Kali smiled, and Morgiana paused before she nodded.
"...Kali." The Fanalis bowed her head. "Please see to yourself as well."
Kali blinked, watching her in faint fondness and surprise as Morgiana rushed off, carrying weights she could never fathom and heading toward the injured. The older girl stepped forward, leafy bundles and vines following the motion as if she were a living tree until a firm hand came and clasped down on her shoulder.
Kali sighed, glancing backwards to Sinbad's stern features and pursing her lips. "Since when did you become such a nagger?"
Vines entwined around his hand, curling around his fingers, and Sinbad's gaze remained firm, unchanging as golden eyes bore down into hers. "Since I found there was someone I actually have to look out for."
"When I say I'm fine," the vines promptly removed his hand and Sinbad's brows furrowed as Kali narrowed her eyes at him. "I'm fine. I don't need you too—"
"Look out for you, coddle you, protect you—yes, I understand that." Sinbad instead gripped the vines in his hand fiercely and Kali jerked with the motion, straightening at the firm hold on her plants, but not rough, simply unrelenting. "You've made it very clear that I hold no word over you whatever so ever."
Sinbad stepped forward, wrapping his hand around the vines and jerking them roughly, forcing Kali to stumble forward, eyes wide with surprised as he stepped closer. "But that also means that you can't tell me what to do."
The hand grasping her vines softened, fingers stroking the leaves almost coaxingly, and Kali was silent as Sinbad's lips curled upwards in a small smirk. "So I am perfectly allowed to worry about you."
"Troublesome man." Kali's vines slipped from his grip, curling back around her and she shut her eyes, forcing a surge of magoi over the plants she had extended, making sure those she was healing were fully healed and then relinquishing her hold. She felt an air of relief surround Camio as the plants and vines slipped back through the cracks, all the ones around her retracting until they settled in the familiar necklace around her neck.
Kali flashed him a bored look, arching a brow. "Happy now?"
"I would be more so if I could simply convince you to stay in one place." At Kali's amused smirk Sinbad sighed, running a hand through wild purple locks. "But I am painfully aware that such a wish would be a miracle."
"A miracle for you would be a curse for me," Kali grinned, rolling her shoulders and stretching her arms over her head as she turned, bare feet gliding lightly across the ground as Sinbad followed behind her. "Besides, there are other things to be worrying about right now."
"You're always on my mind." Sinbad quipped easily, and Kali paused, flashing him a dull look while Ja'far rolled his eyes and the king simply grinned. "Though I'd prefer if it were more pleasant thoughts then wondering when you're going to fall over."
"I'm not some feather-light thing you know," Kali seemed to nearly fall over and Sinbad's eyes widened, stepping forward until the girl disappeared and reappeared beside him, smiling. "I'm fairly strong."
"And so am I," Sinbad smiled his kingly smile, the charming kind, and Kali glanced to him from the corner of her eye. "And we'd be even stronger together."
"A thought," Kali admitted, her lips curled upwards and she flashed him a smile, Sinbad's eyes glittering in retaliation. "But not one I dwell on."
"Why the world has chosen to give power to such idiots is beyond me." Ja'far muttered, and the two turned in surprise.
"Ja'far!"
"Don't lump me with this pervert."
"Pervert?" Sinbad recoiled, looking at Kali in shock as she offered him a flat stare in return. "Why would you—"
"Keep in mind that I did spend sometime with the nobility of Kou," Kali turned, pointing her nose toward the air as she sauntered off. "And I think of Kougyoku like a sister."
"I wasn't—"
"And she's one of the sweetest people I know," Kali added. At Sinbad's slightly disbelieving look she smiled. We're all fighting for our own causes after all. "So break her heart and I won't hold back."
"I would never be so vulgar," Sinbad pouted slightly, keeping pace with the woman beside him. "When have I ever—"
"Shall I count them off?" Ja'far offered, and the king blanched, waving his vizier off as Kali grinned.
"If anything, I only have eyes for—"
"All the women in the world!" Kali finished, spreading her arms out wide and grinning widely at the frowning king. "Not including me of course, I'm taken."
"By who?" Sinbad instantly demanded, squaring his shoulders and eyes narrowing as Kali continued to sway this way and that, smiling as she slipped past men and women, offering words and healing touches here and there.
"I'm engaged, remember?"
"You said that was—"
"A joke!" Kali grinned, having too much fun with this, but then again, she needed a little breather. Just a little. I'm sure he won't mind anyway.
"Your cunningness knows no bounds, my king." Camio mused, and Kali's grin widened. "You torture this poor man."
We're close enough friends to tease each other here and there, it's not like I mean it. Being actually engaged to Kouen... Kali paled slightly, nearly missing a step in her makeshift dance down the streets. Now that would be something to fear.
"Yes...friends." Camio muttered the last part in pity, and Kali frowned, titling her head back. What?
"I merely feel...sympathetic towards Sinbad."
How so? But before Camio could respond, Kali drew to a halt as a wide chest appeared before her and she turned, Sinbad's golden eyes searching her face as he leaned down, serious and perhaps a little desperate. "That was a joke right?"
"Of course," Kali smiled, reaching up and cupping Sinbad's face, and the king subconsciously leaned toward the touch, golden eyes watching her intently until she grinned. "But I am taken."
"By who?" Sinbad exclaimed, and Kali let out a laugh, breezy and loose like the wind.
"The world!"
"Hey, he isn't breathing!" Like that, the light air and slight joy bubbling up inside her crashed and Kali turned, eyes narrowed toward the sound of the shout as Sinbad stiffened beside her. "Is he alright?"
Without waiting she reached outwards, grasping onto Sinbad's hand and Ja'far's as she disappeared, reappearing with the two in tow before a growing crowd, a head of golden hair and scarlet locks meeting her view. "Alibaba? Morgiana?"
"Kali," Morgiana glanced upwards, a fearful look on her normally neutral face and Kali stepped forward, eyes turning downwards until she froze at the sight before her.
Normally shining blue locks seemed dull in the dim light of the moon. A worn, taut expression over Aladdin's soft features as the young magi panted, breathing heavily with sweat trailing down his brow as Alibaba held him carefully, a fearful look on the prince's face. "Aladdin!"
"You must take the flute, my king." Kali's eyes widened as they fell upon the glowing flute, the eight pointed star no longer in view as Aladdin clutched it close to him. "Quickly, before it drains him completely."
"Take the flute!" Sinbad ordered, stepping forward, and Alibaba glanced upwards, eyes widening. "Take away his flute!"
Within seconds Kali was at their side, bending down as vines wrapped around the younger boy's smaller frame. She narrowed her eyes as Alibaba reached for the flute, only to jerk back as it glowed brighter. "Aladdin—"
"Trust us." Kali dipped her head downwards, pressing it softly against Aladdin's as her gaze softened and everything seemed to still. "We'll take care of it."
The soft grip on the flute clenched and Kali smiled, sooty black locks mingling with bright blue as she placed her hand over the glowing instrument, a warm, vibrant hum beneath her fingers. "You have friends who are worried about you too."
At that the grip loosened and Kali slipped the flute from Aladdin's grasp, the boy collapsing into Alibaba's arms as the blonde held his friend tightly, a look of alarm and fear battling to shine through. Gray eyes turned to the thing in her hand and Kali frowned, feeling a hungry tug from the flute that was beginning to lick away at her own magoi. It can't be Ugo, can it?
"The magoi is being channeled elsewhere." Camio's presence filled her and she watched as vines curled around the flute and the sudden depletion of her own magoi came to a halt. "He would never do such a thing."
You speak as if you know him well. Kali's eyes narrowed slightly. We should talk about you a little more soon.
"If that is what you wish," she could hear a small smile on his lips and Kali frowned, a wondering look flickering across her face before she turned back to Aladdin, staring silently at the boy as Alibaba gathered him up and stood.
It was strange, but somehow he felt so...
Familiar.
"He's severely weakened and barely hanging on." Ja'far relayed gravely, leaning back as he examined the young boy with a frown. "It's a very dangerous state for him to be in."
"No way..." Alibaba and Morgiana glanced upwards, fearful looks on their faces as Sinbad frowned.
"He used too much magoi. Magi can use the infinite magoi that surrounds us, but that's only if he has the stamina to use it." Sinbad crossed his arms over his chest. "Aladdin exhausted himself to the point where he could no longer get the Rukh to gather magoi for him. As such he had to use up his own magoi, and that's your life force. If he runs out of magoi, even for a magi..."
"It wouldn't end well." Kali finished. She eyed Aladdin's suddenly frail looking body carefully, a thoughtful look on her face as Alibaba stiffened beside her.
"That's just how much Ugo meant to him." Alibaba's hands curled into fists and Kali glanced to the blonde prince beside her, his brows furrowed.
It's not your fault. She gently set a hand on his shoulder and he paused, glancing upwards as she offered him a small smile, eyes warm. "You don't think I'd let someone like him die while I'm around, do you?"
Alibaba opened his mouth to protest when vines slowly crept upwards from the floor, winding around the small bed and curling over Aladdin's form. "He won't run out on us, I promise."
"But you might." Camio warned, and Kali shook her head softly. "We've been healing as we go; you deserve a moment of rest too."
You and I both know that this isn't over by a long shot. Kali's eyes narrowed slightly and she turned her head, gazing out the thin window that opened up into the night for them. And that means I have to be ready.
"And refreshed."
Oh, don't be such a nagger. You and Sinbad should get together sometime and think of ways—"Thank you." Kali blinked, turning toward Morgiana who was looking up at her quietly. "Kali."
"Anyway, we have to let Aladdin rest. In this condition, he'll probably be out cold for several days." Sinbad turned his gaze upwards, and Alibaba's eyes widened. "There are better things to be doing now than waiting."
"I'll see to it that they remain well." Ja'far bowed his head slightly, and Kali arched a brow at the reference to 'they' instead of 'him'. "If anything, I think there are more people out there who could use some more help."
Morgiana looked reluctant, gazing worriedly at Aladdin's form before Kali offered her a bright smile. The young Fanalis nodded, slipping out the doorway with one final glance. There was a brief moment of silence until Alibaba reluctantly stalked forward, head lowered. "I'll go out as well."
Kali blinked, shuffling through her pocket before her hand enclosed around a round object. She tossed it forward, the item catching Alibaba in the back of the head as he lurched, eyes wide as his hands shot out and caught the fruit. "An...apple?"
"You've gotta stay strong." Kali held her arm up, mimicking a flex of her arm. "Otherwise you're going to keel over."
Alibaba's eyes flickered, mouth opening before it slid close and he nodded, turning away with downcast eyes and slipping out of the room.
Kali waited a few moments before she turned her head downwards, brows furrowing at Aladdin's slightly pained expression. "He keeps giving magoi, but it doesn't seem like Ugo's returned..."
"I'm not sure what to make of it either." Sinbad's eyes narrowed and he frowned, shaking his head. "Perhaps it has something to do with being a magi..."
And the fact that he's the fourth. Kali kept her gaze focused on Aladdin, a soft look flickering across her face as she drifted forward, standing over him as the vines glowed softly. "Cam is feeding him magoi right now, so he'll be stable."
"It just seems that there's something else happening." Camio seemed thoughtful. "A process of sorts..."
You would know more than I would about any of this. Kali gazed at the flute, a strange ache in her chest. It's not like you guys can just...disappear, right?
"The ways of a Djinn are ones strange even to me at times," Camio admitted softly, and she felt a warm feeling in her chest, covering up the dull ache. "But you've nothing to fear, my king. Ugo is capable of taking care of himself."
You talk as if you know him really well. Kali's eyes narrowed. Keep going.
"In due time, my king."
"But are you?" Kali blinked, glancing up at Sinbad's golden eyes and feeling her lips curl upwards. "You're going to end up like him—"
"I'll only do a little to make sure he's fine." Kali promised, she turned her head away, gazing down at Aladdin for a thoughtful moment as her gaze softened. Sinbad's face flickered, a curious look on his features as she smiled somewhat secretively. "I like him."
In a strange, warm way, Aladdin was like the sun. His powerful Rukh so fluttery and calming—a feeling she found herself constantly relaxing in and she wasn't sure why. There was a feeling, being beside him, that made her feel somewhat comforted in this vast world, close to how Camio made her feel.
And it was very, very strange. Kali idly brushed aside bright blue locks and felt her brows furrow, ever so slightly. What is it about this kid?
"You look like a mother like that." Sinbad commented suddenly, and Kali blinked, glancing upwards at his small smile. "The role would suite you."
There was a brief pause before Kali burst out laughing, clutching her stomach as Sinbad deflated slightly and Ja'far held his sleeves up to his face, holding back a snort. Letting out a snort herself though, Kali shook her head, sliding her arms over her chest as she grinned.
"Maybe one day." Kali mused; she idly played with the feathers in her hair and smiled, eyes bright. "But not anytime soon."
"I see." Sinbad gazed at the woman before him, golden eyes flickering. "Maybe one day."
"Maybe."
"Then I'll see to it that we may see that day." Sinbad grinned and Kali blinked, arching a brow as he turned on his heel and slipped out the door. "You stay here; I'll go see if they need any help."
Translation—stay put where you'll be safe and out of harms way so I don't have to worry about you. Kali smirked, eyes flittering in amusement as Sinbad left with a flourish, leaving her and Ja'far alone in the room.
"It's not like you need to go and give everyone heart attacks." Ja'far commented, looking away and Kali offered him a small smile as he huffed. "And despite his tendencies, you'd have to be blind to not notice that he does worry about you."
"Almost too much." Kali admitted, pulling a chair over and sliding down into it. "I'm a big girl, you know."
"And an idiot."
"Hey!" Kali looked up, a pout on her lips as Ja'far rolled his eyes, stepping out of the room and glancing back.
"We only worry because you're our companion." Ja'far gazed at her evenly and Kali paused as the former assassin gazed at her for a long moment. "I believe it was a certain someone who taught me that, after all."
Kali's lips twitched at the memory, her gaze softening, and Ja'far turned.
"I'll be back with some water and medicine." Gray eyes met her own and Ja'far narrowed his gaze. "Stay put, will you?"
"Maybe!" Kali chirped. Ja'far rolled his eyes and stepped out of the room, leaving Kali and a sleeping Aladdin alone as she paused, glancing down to the unconscious boy beside her.
He'll be alright, won't he?
"He'll be fine, I'm sure." Camio murmured gently, and Kali nodded, retracting the vines after one final surge of magoi and slumping slightly in the chair as she leaned forward, resting her arms on the bed as she gazed at Aladdin. "You are rather fond of him, aren't you?"
He's so comforting. Kali blinked, looking thoughtful. It's weird.
Camio was silent, and she had half a mind to inquire further about his rather cryptic signals and answers, knowing full well that there was more to this than she would ever know. But then again, there were many things in this world she probably should have never learned of, but it'd never stopped her before, she didn't see why it would stop her now.
"Always."
Kali blinked, brows furrowing as she glanced around, the voice a dull echo in her ears, so foreign from any of her Djinns' voices. But it'd disappeared just like that, making her doubt if it had even really been there.
Rukh playing tricks on me again. Kali stood, her eyes trained elsewhere as she gave Aladdin a gentle pat on the head and moved toward the window, feeling the air around her and Rukh fluttering towards one location in particular. She let her eyes fall shut and she disappeared, her entire being flickering out for a moment before she felt the cool ground beneath her feet, and eyes on her.
"Y-Y-You're—" She glanced to the shaking form before her, a young man trembling beside a carriage as a guard stiffened, hand on his sword at her sudden appearance. "You're the one—"
"You're Alibaba and the pig's brother." Kali commented; face neutral as she eyed the man.
"Kali!" Alibaba took a step back in surprise, golden eyes wide and Kali flashed him a small smile. "What are you—"
"The world was calling." Kali answered simply, ignoring Sinbad's hard stare and Ja'far's rolling eyes as she turned toward the trembling man and eyed him for a moment longer. "Shall I dub you friend or foe?"
"He's the one that's been feeding intel to Sindria and the Fog Troupe," Sinbad cut in, stepping forward and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Sahbmad Saluja."
"It was because Alibaba joined them." Sahbmad spoke up, and Kali turned, gazing at the trembling man as he wrung his hands. "If it's the Fog Troupe that Alibaba's apart of, then I thought they'd be able to do something to save this country."
"Sahbmad..." Alibaba started, his brows furrowing as his brother stood to his full height, biting his lip.
"Alibaba's always been able to do things that I never could. I wanted Alibaba to stop our brother."
"Stop? You're the deputy king." Sinbad looked fairly surprised. "What could possibly make you aid a band of thieves? What's Ahbmad even doing that you're so terrified of?"
If it calls for betraying your own blood. Kali's face turned grim. Then it has to be bad.
"I am afraid of him..." Sahbmad admitted, but his fingers curled into fists. "Though, what I'm truly afraid of is what he's attempting to do. But... I'm more afraid of how it came to all of this."
Kali let out a small hum, stepping forward and tipping her head downwards to be level with the cowering man. Sahbmad flinched, taking a step back fearfully as Alibaba stepped forward, brows furrowed as he prepared to defend his kin when Kali suddenly smiled, lips curling upwards.
Messy bangs brushed against his forehead, and he could catch the glimmer of the metal adorning her features as Kali leaned forward, gaze meeting his evenly. "Anyone wanting change for the better is a friend."
"T...Thank you." Sahbmad stuttered, and Kali smiled as she stepped back, despite the churning emotions beginning to well up inside of her at the sudden news. What was that pig trying to do?
"I will continue from here." The guard that had accompanied the deputy king stepped forward, a grave look on his face. "The abnormalities started right when the previous king was struck down by illness. That man—the banker—came to the royal palace and presented himself as a financial advisor. At the time, trade with Partevia was stagnating and our country's economy was on the decline. He claimed to have experience with reviving a country's economy, so we decided to agree to his help."
The guard continued, leading up and explaining to how Fan had entered the currency within Balbadd, slowly racking up the growing debt toward Kou. Kali's expression grew still as she contemplated the words she was hearing, the meaning behind all of this, and the growing nausea climbing in her stomach.
This is why I don't involve myself in politics. Kali sighed, running a hand through her hair. It never ends well.
"Things you could by for one fan yesterday suddenly cost two fan. Every time that happened, our country suffered a loss."
"A silver coin has the basic value of the silver that it's made of, but paper money is different." Sinbad shook his head. "After all, it's just a piece of paper in the end. Only the country that makes them can guarantee their value. Going as far as to base your country's economy on them is just..."
"Stupid." Kali finished, and Sahbmad bit his lip, nodding in agreement. Even when she'd been in Kou she'd found the paper currency annoying in comparison to the familiar gold and silver, but then again, when she'd been with them, she hadn't been allowed to spend a single coin in their care.
"Our debt has swelled enormously." The guard's face grew grave and he shook his head. "However, the banker will no longer lend us money freely. Our ocean boundary rights, land rights, and trade rights have all been attached as collateral."
"No way..." Alibaba's eyes went wide, horror slowly creeping into the once bright golden irises as the guard's brows furrowed.
"Thanks to that, our citizens have suffered. Continually rising taxes and the lack of resources, as if to cover up the voices of resentment, the king sealed the slums and abandoned all those that lived within."
They're asking for an entire nation to fall into despair. Kali's fingers curled, her face blank as her Djinns hummed in response to the growing emotions within her. But all of this... Despite Kouen's ideals, surely this isn't the way he would go about them...
It had to be them.
"This place once used to be a prosperous port town." The guard reminisced, shaking his head in both anger and sadness. "Despite all that, the nobility in charge of governing the country had no sense of the danger. Their lives were going so well, so they saw no problem."
Kali's gray eyes were steely, a growing sense of dread filling her as the guard's hands curled into fists and he shook. "But now... The only thing the country has left to offer as collateral is the citizens' human rights."
Kali froze, her mouth opening slightly as the world slowed around her. Alibaba surged forward, a look of panic on his face. "What do you mean using the citizens' human rights as collateral?"
Sahbmad clutched his head in his hands, tears streaming from his eyes. "Brother wants to sell people. Selling Balbadd citizens to the Kou, Reim, and Partevia empires... He wants to turn Balbadd into a slave production country!"
Kali went silent, bands shielding her eyes as the Rukh around her turned wild, fluttering outwards and swarming, colliding together in a growing storm. Alibaba and Sinbad's faces had turned into one of shock, Morgiana's expression dark as Kali grit her teeth.
Slavery.
"The nobles and the bureaucracy just follow him in order to protect their own lifestyles." Sahbmad cried weakly.
"Deputy king." Kali's head titled to the side, her eyes shut as she stilled herself while Morgiana marched forward. "Deputy king, did you come here to tell us that so we could put a stop to it?"
"Y-Yes."
"Let's do it, Alibaba!" Morgiana gripped the blonde's shoulders, a desperate, fierce look on her face. "We'll stop that messed up plan!"
"Boss! Boss!"
"Alibaba!"
"Young Master!"
Alibaba glanced around at the people before him, eyes widening as he turned to Sinbad, who in return gave him a silent stare, his expression neutral as he turned his own attention elsewhere.
Kali remained silent, not a word leaving her lips as her mind churned, her nails biting into her palm from being clenched so tight.
"My king."
I start thinking about the kids we shared food with. Kali began, her lips curling into a snarl. The old lady who gave us bread, those people in the slums, all these people...
And if they were to be sold off as slaves...
"No one deserves such a fate."
And like hell I'd let it happen before my own eyes. Kali's eyes flashed, feral in the moonlight as she gazed hard at the ground. Even if I have too—
A firm hand grasped hers gently, loosely, and she paused, not sparing Sinbad a glance as his larger fingers curled gently over her own, reminding her, anchoring her. Kali bit her lip and turned aside, eyes lowering to the ground as she left her hand limp in his own, but not pulling away.
"Please, Alibaba. You need to act now before the signing ceremony."
"What signing ceremony?" Sinbad inquired, and Kali glanced upwards, brows furrowing.
"In five days, Ahbmad will marry a princess of the Kou Empire. At that time, the contract to use the people of Balbadd as collateral will also be signed."
"In five days?" Alibaba echoed, eyes wide.
Kougyoku. Kali's eyes widened and her mind clicked, remembering what Ja'far had told her—and if Kougyoku was here in Balbadd then that meant...
With that pig? A look of horror suddenly crossed her features, threatening to force her to turn and hurl at the thought. I'd rather have tea with Gyokuen before I ever let that—no, I take that back, I wouldn't want that either. I'd rather face Kouen before—no, never mind.
"I doubt she would want this for herself as well." Camio mused. "She must be following orders."
Kouen would let her marry this snob? Kali recoiled, suddenly clutching Sinbad's hand tightly, and the king turned to her in mild surprise. He's can't be that stupid! I refuse! No way in hell!
"Perhaps it was not Kouen's orders."
It better not be! Kali stomped her foot, Sinbad arching a brow as she suddenly jerked her hand free, whirling around with one destination in mind. If it was a signing that would tie these people to their fate, then it was a signing she needed to stop.
"Kali—" Sinbad's alarmed voice reached her ears, but before another word could be said, she was gone.
There was still someone she had to talk too, after all.
"You!" Ka Koubun's shrill cry assaulted her ears, as well as the clatter of a bowl on the ground and Kali blinked, flashing the man a faintly displeased look as he reeled backwards, reaching for his side. "Stay back, Princess—"
"Kali!" Kali turned, mood suddenly brightening as Kougyoku stepped forward, her eyes wide with surprise before they filled with happiness, and she surged forward, arms spread open and enveloping the woman before them.
Kali staggered, legs trembling under the sudden weight, but she quickly caught herself and returned the hug fiercely, glad to finally be able to talk to her friend once more without a battle being fought. Kali's eyes softened and she gently patted Kougyoku's head.
But there were still lives on the line.
"It's so good to see you again!" Kougyoku rushed out, the two falling to the floor in a heap of silk robes and tattered clothes. "I knew you would keep your promise! There's so much to discuss, so much to catch up on—"
"How did you find us?" Ka Koubun exclaimed accusingly, but the two ignored him as Kougyoku pushed onwards.
"So many things have happened since you were gone—and brother!" Kougyoku's eyes went wide and she stood suddenly. "Brother has been—"
"Let's not talk about Kouen right now." Kougyoku blinked and Kali gently tugged the girl back down, smiling faintly. "I'm here to see you, Kougyoku."
"I'm so happy!" Kougyoku exclaimed, her eyes tearing up before she shook her head, the young princess wiping at her eyes as she straightened. "You just left and we didn't know—we tried to find you but—"
"There were things I had to do." Kali idly ran her hand across the carpeted ground, realizing she was in the palace walls—that pig was here. "There's something I need to do in this country as well."
"For me too," Kougyoku murmured, her eyes turning away and Kali blinked, lips curling upwards.
"You're engaged."
"H-How did you know?" Kougyoku's cheeks flushed and Kali watched in amusement as the young girl held her cheeks in her hand, glancing away shyly. "I-I, it was a request and I wanted..."
"Sinbad figured it out."
"H-He knows?" Kougyoku squeaked. Kali arched a brow at that, taking into account her reaction and finding herself wondering faintly what was so important about that. "I—oh. It would figure. He is a king and all..."
And an idiot. Kali reached forward, idly tugging at a strand of Kougyoku's hair and smiling. "You seem so mature now, and you can Djinn equip now, too."
"I've been training!" Kougyoku quickly perked up. "I'm able to do a full body equip—Kouha can as well, and everyone back home is doing well! Everything is progressing nicely—and that horse you liked—Ryuu—he's brother's personal steed at the moment, and brother..."
Kougyoku bit her bottom lip, wringing her hands and looking away shyly before she glanced back to Kali warily, as if afraid she'd scare her off with her next words. "Brother has been searching for you tirelessly..."
"I'm well aware." Kali blanched, glancing away before she offered Kougyoku a smile. "Does he really have time to be looking for someone like me when he's causing all this trouble?"
"Oh, he's assigned a separate army for you." Kougyoku piped up, and Kali blinked. "Our army has grown very large—he's been searching all over for you."
More like hunting. Kali swallowed, laughing nervously. "But it's not like there's anything he'd want with me now—"
"Oh, no!" Kougyoku gathered her hands in her own and Kali blinked with wide eyes as she shook her head. "Kali, my brother cares very deeply for you! Before you left, I'm sure he must have tried to make it clear that he intended to marry—"
"Speaking of marriage!" Kali grasped Kougyoku hands in return, grinning nervously. "Yours! Tell me about this engagement, eh? I thought you wanted to become a warrior, not a queen."
"I do." Kougyoku murmured, suddenly deflating, and Kali frowned as the young girl before her brought her knees up to her chest despite Ka Koubun's muttering in the background. "I still would like too, if possible... It's just that my country needed me and I..."
"Do you even want to do this?" Kali inquired quietly. Kougyoku looked up in surprise and Kali's eyes were soft. "Do you want to give your life away to someone you've never even met? To live in a country you've never seen before?"
"We could always explore!" Kougyoku offered. "And I don't mind getting to know him—many marriages back home grow over time, it may just take awhile—"
He isn't worth it. Kali bit back the furious retort and instead ruffled Kougyoku's hair, the princess looking up as Ka Koubun let out an indignant cry. "I think you're too young to worry about any of this."
"I'm not much younger than you and—"
"There's still a whole world for you to see." Kali murmured, grinning brightly at the girl before her as Kougyoku blinked. "Things to experience—is tying yourself down to a man you've never even met before worth it?"
"Princess is doing something righteous for her country!" Ka Koubun protested, and Kali gazed blankly at the man. "She's dedicating her life for the betterment of the empire instead of running around like some wild animal like you—"
"Perhaps he'll be someone charming..." Kougyoku whispered, playing with her sleeves as she smiled. "Strong and handsome, a man of status and power..."
Nope, nope, nope, and nope. Kali grimaced at the very idea of any of those things belonging to Ahbmad—if anything, it sounded more like Sinbad to her. "I wouldn't exactly count on hope this time. Even a king like Sinbad could tell you that you needn't rush—"
"Y-You're close with Sinbad?" Kougyoku exclaimed suddenly, her cheeks flushed and she glanced away. "That's right... He's a good friend of yours..."
"He is." Kali agreed. "But you're a good friend of mine too."
Kougyoku's cheeks turned a bright red and Kali smiled, a sudden thought crossing her mind as she stood. "How's Judal?"
"Oh! He's doing much better," Kougyoku quickly stood, rushing over to another part of the room and opening a door. Ka Koubun followed after them and Kali stood, gazing quietly at Judal's unconscious form. "You did a lot of work, so Ka Koubun only had to stabilize him until he wakes up."
Magis are more trouble then their worth. Kali stepped forward, standing beside Judal's silent figure and idly brushing aside a strand of black. The two of them both out like this...
"They will be fine, I'm sure." Camio offered, and Kali could only nod.
"Hope he won't be too annoyed with me when he wakes up." Kali mused. The young woman turned, gray eyes meeting magenta and Kougyoku paused. "Think about what I said, alright? I don't... The last thing I, or anyone from your family, would want is for you to force yourself into something you don't want too."
"I..." Kougyoku glanced downwards. "Thank you, Kali."
"Of course." Kali smiled, glancing aside she added. "I have to go now, but I'm sure we'll be meeting again soon."
"Of course!" Kougyoku nodded, smiling brightly as Kali grinned in return. "And perhaps we can send word back home of your reappearance—"
"Maybe we should wait." Kali cut in quickly, smiling nervously as Kougyoku blinked, and the girl flickered. "I'll see you soon, Kougyoku."
"K-Kali," the young woman paused, her body stilling as Kougyoku stepped forward, twiddling with her sleeves. "You... What kind of a man is... King Sinbad?"
Kali blinked once, a curious and slightly surprised look on her face before she grinned, lips curling upwards into a near smirk as she held her hand out in a wave toward Kougyoku.
"Why don't you find out yourself?"
And she was gone.
"This country needs to be rebuilt from within." Sinbad shook his head, tipping the cup of wine towards him with lowered eyes. "By someone who loves this country."
"Alibaba." Kali instantly answered, swinging her legs absently as Sinbad glanced to her, the bangles around her ankles clinking together.
"I would think so as well." Ja'far murmured while Masrur remained silent.
"I don't think you have much of a say in that." Sinbad mused aloud, and Kali glanced back at him quizzically. "Since you keep disappearing and showing up again, doing who knows what all over the place."
"I've been feeding and helping the people," Kali answered breezily. "Before you came here, of course."
After a good night's rest—one she hadn't had in a long, long time—Kali had found herself feeling a lot better than before. Her vessels hummed at her sides, and she felt somewhat accomplished knowing she'd been able to see that even Kougyoku doubted the choice being made before her. And if she could just convince her that it wasn't the way to go then...
"And to be honest, I'm not expecting too much from him." Sinbad sighed, and Kali paused at this, legs stopping their motion. Masrur glanced to the young woman while Sinbad shook his head. "Both his abilities and his confidence leave something to be desired. I'm really not sure why Aladdin chose him."
"Sin, please!" Ja'far muttered, as Sinbad brought a cup to his lips and the king frowned.
"I've been sober all—"
The door slammed open with a crack. Kali's lips curled upwards and Sinbad turned in slight surprise, a crater beneath Morgiana's foot as she held onto the door, a bundle of towels under one arm. "Morgiana."
"I've seen to all the wounded for the time being."
"I-I see." Sinbad blinked, smiling warmly. "Thanks. You should take a break."
"It's true that Alibaba may lack confidence at times, but he's the one who saved me from a life of slavery." Kali's eyes glanced elsewhere, softening as she recalled the clank of metal and the smell of rust, of chains. "So I believe that he'll be able to save this country too."
Kali smiled, catching a glimpse of the determination in Morgiana's eyes as she turned. "Excuse me."
The door shut behind her and a tense silence followed as Kali simply grinned, and Sinbad frowned, running a hand through his hair as he let his head fall forward, colliding with Kali's lap. "Perhaps I've been too hasty in my judgment..."
"It's because you're drunk, Sin."
"I like Alibaba." Kali said aloud, causing Sinbad to frown as she idly patted his head. "I admire people like him."
All they ever want is to try their hardest. Kali's eyes softened. And do whatever they can.
"You're cruel." Sinbad muttered, shifting his head as if to remind Kali that he was still very much here, and very much a powerful, charming king in comparison to Alibaba.
"It's your fault for thinking you know everything," Kali slipped from the table, causing Sinbad's head to hit the top as she grinned, patting Masrur's shoulder and brushing past Ja'far as she paused by the door. "Keep an open mind. They're strong." Even if they don't know it.
"Besides," Kali turned her head back, meeting Sinbad's golden gaze as she smirked, stepping out the door.
"I think guys like him are cute."
Despite the constant shift and turmoil of the air and the country around her, Kali was well aware that there was one more problem to address if she assumed correctly, and Sinbad would confront Alibaba and Morgiana about what to do next.
And knowing after what she'd said, Sinbad would tell Alibaba his own thoughts. He wasn't unreasonable; she knew that with all her heart. Sinbad knew this country needed someone who loved it with all their heart, and she didn't doubt that Alibaba was right for the job.
True, he was young, but he could do it in time, she knew.
But for now, he'd need all the support a teenager with too much to think about could get.
"Alibaba!"
The blonde before her let out a cry of surprise, falling forward and stumbling over himself as Kali grinned, perched along the wall.
Alibaba caught himself on the ground, letting out a groan as he rolled over, rubbing his head and looking when his eyes went wide as Kali grinned back at him. "K-Kali!"
"Going out for a walk?" Kali inquired curiously, and Alibaba paused, his startled expression calming as he glanced downwards, suddenly quiet.
"Yeah..."
So Sinbad probably laid it on him. Kali jumped from the wall she sat on, standing beside the blonde prince as he gazed hard at the floor, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Do you want to talk?"
"I just..." Alibaba frowned, quiet for a moment before he suddenly let out a vicious cry, startling Kali as he grabbed his golden locks and tugged hard. "Ah!"
"...I'll take that as a yes." Kali motioned to a crack in the wall where she sat down, and Alibaba did the same until he simply stood up again, pacing back and forth wildly. "What's up?"
"It's just that—everything!" Alibaba cried aloud, grabbing his head in his hands as Kali gazed at him calmly. "Balbadd is in danger of becoming part of Kou, the people are in danger of becoming slaves, Sinbad wants me to become king, everyone is looking towards me to do something but I don't know what to do!"
Alibaba shook his head, pacing back and forth frantically. "I'm not like Sinbad or you—I'm not strong. I don't have the kind of power to protect this country from a war, to make things happen—I'm weak! I'm a coward!"
Kali was silent, nodding occasionally as the blonde before her switched from grabbing his hand and furiously kicking the wall as he shook his head. "I don't have the skills, the power, the charisma—I'm nothing but some guy who wants to do more than he can handle!"
Alibaba turned to her then with wild, desperate eyes. "I can't become a king!"
Kali nodded her head one last time as Alibaba gazed down at the floor, expression downcast. "All I can do is run around making promises I can't keep."
With that, Kali let out a calm breath, Alibaba silent as he gazed at the floor.
Kali's foot jerked outwards and Alibaba let out a cry of pain when it collided with his shin. The force of the action forced him down onto the ground, clutching his leg in pain as he looked up tearfully at Kali. "W-What was that for?"
"For being dumb." Kali stood, resting her hands on her hips as he gazed upwards at her in surprise.
"How—"
"You're doubting yourself before you've even tried." Kali grinned, eyes shining as Alibaba paused. "You understand what's going on but you won't face it because you've decided that you can't no matter what you do."
"But he can." Camio mused.
"You're giving up before you even try—that's what bugs me." Kali glanced downwards, stepping forward. "You didn't just get the Djinn because of luck, Alibaba—you were chosen. You don't have to believe its your fate or anything like that—but it's yours, and you earned it. Aladdin believes in you, Morgiana believes in you, I believe in you."
Alibaba's eyes went wide and Kali swept onwards, her eyes growing impossibly bright as she gestured out around her. "These people believe in you. It sounds terrifying, and it is, but they all believe that you can do something, you can change. If there's something you want to protect, you grow stronger, you become stronger to protect it. You gain the means to look after everyone and do what you need to do."
"Just as we have done."
"You struggle, you fall, and you fight." Kali reached forward and grasped his hand in hers, hauling him upwards as Alibaba blinked, eyes wide and leg now a dull throb. "You grow stronger so that you can become the person these people needs—this country needs."
Because you're all it has.
"I don't know if I can." Alibaba's hand gripped hers, and he shook his head. "I'm not like—"
"I'd feel sorry if you were like Sinbad." And pity you if you were like me. "You don't need to be him—you need to be someone you can be proud of, someone these people can look towards."
Kali tugged him forward and Alibaba lurched, catching himself on the wall as he gazed outwards, people making their way here and there, tired, haggard looks on their faces, bones showing through skin.
"You need to be the one to guide them through this despair." Kali murmured. "And you'll have all the help you need, trust me."
"But I—"
"You said you were going to walk—" Kali shoved him forward and Alibaba blinked, stumbling forward. "So walk. I don't know this country like you do—I don't love it like you do, and neither does Sinbad or that pig of a brother you have, or even the Kou Empire."
She offered him one final smile and turned. "Just remind yourself what it is you're trying to do."
"Because sometimes, we all require a small reminder."
Alibaba blinked once, eyes wide as his mind raced and he turned, opening his mouth to protest when he was met with empty air and a multitude of things to mull over.
Become the person you want to be.
"I remember being out here with you on a night like this." Sinbad commented suddenly, and Kali blinked, glancing over to where the king sat, Ja'far at his side as they gazed out under the full moon.
"We've spent many nights like this." Kali replied, idly playing with the breeze fluttering around them as Sinbad looked thoughtful, gazing upwards.
"But they're not the same as in Sindria." Sinbad mused aloud, and Kali glanced to him in slight surprise. "I always fine the moon looks better there."
A soft fondness filled her as she gazed at the king, realizing that after all these years of traveling the world, hungering for new sights and lands, he could get homesick for a place he could finally call home. Kali hummed in response, Ja'far silent beside them as the three gazed up at the moon, thoughtful looks on their faces.
"It was after you came back from that one battle." Kali commented suddenly. "When Sharrkan was all beaten up and everyone was—"
"No, no, it was a night before you left." Sinbad shook his head. "We were making up after a fight."
"Then it was the time when we almost destroyed part of the port."
"No, it must have been the time when you came back and—"
"It was a night before we found Sindria." Ja'far said suddenly, and the two before him turned, quizzical as the white haired assassin shrugged. "When we set sail after that one journey."
"I remember that." Kali mused, looking upwards thoughtfully as she smiled. "I almost tossed you off the ship because you wouldn't stop bugging me about joining your little group for the thousandth time."
"The offer still stands." Sinbad commented nonchalantly, taking a sip of wine as Kali rolled her eyes. "It always will."
"How did it go?" Ja'far inquired suddenly, and Sinbad frowned while Kali glanced away.
"He didn't give the answer I wanted to hear." Sinbad sighed, taking a long sip as he glanced to Kali over the rim. "And I feel that you're just favoring him a bit too much."
"You know he can do it." Kali said simply, a small grin on her lips. "I see his father in him."
The door to the rooftop suddenly slammed open, and Kali's smile widened and Sinbad and Ja'far turned in faint surprise. The Rukh suddenly flowing around her alerted her to who it was, and she turned as Alibaba's hands curled into fists. "Mister Sinbad... Please teach me how to use a Djinn properly."
Ja'far eyes widened in surprise and Sinbad blinked before a smirk crawled over his lips. "Ho?"
"I took a walk." Alibaba replied calmly, and Kali's smile widened, despite the lingering sadness in her gaze at the swell on Alibaba's cheek. "I need the power to protect this country!"
"What brought this on?" Sinbad inquired, smirking as Alibaba gazed hard at the floor.
"I'm pretty clueless about destiny or becoming king, I just believe I should do whatever I can to help this country!" Alibaba's hands curled into fists and he ground his teeth. "But right now, I don't have that power. Please help me become stronger!"
"It seems you have a way with words, my king." Camio commented, and Kali smiled softly.
You have to learn how to give people a shove from time to time. Gray eyes glanced to the side, memories flickering through. We all need a little reminder sometime, right?
"All right." Sinbad smiled, golden eyes shining and Alibaba glanced upwards, his own pair of golden irises glimmering hard in determination.
And the wheels of fate began to turn as the growing storm descended upon them.
Omake: The Prince and the Horse
"R-Ryuu! Please, calm down! Easy boy!"
Kouen's attention turned toward the courtyard where the stable hands were gathering up the horses. A familiar sleek black hide and mane entered his vision and the first prince paused, memories of a crooked smile and glittering gray eyes clouding his mind for a brief moment and fueling the sudden surge of desire to head out and hunt that foolish woman down himself.
But Kouen forced himself to calm, assuring himself that she would be caught, and so help him he would see to it that it would happen, and once she was by his side, he would—
"Ryuu!" The horrified shout sent his thoughts coming to a slow halt. Kouen turned in time for a thundering body to come to a halt inches before him, the horse bobbing his head up and down as he neighed, pawing the ground. "Ryuu!"
Kouen paused, blinking calmly at the proud animal as the horse pawed the ground once more, a deep neigh leaving his throat. Crimson eyes turned thoughtful as the horse shook its mane, stomping the ground with one leg as he shook his head from side to side.
Kouen was silent, gazing back at the animal as Ryuu gave him a sidelong stare. The stable hands all paused, fearing the life of the animal and the handler as they tensed.
"I like him—he's got spirit despite being corralled all the time. I wish he could get out more though."
"A question that can easily be answered if you decide to accompany me on my next campaign."
"And help you conquer countries? No, thanks... But I don't mind a ride from time to time. I don't get to go on horses often."
"Very well then."
With a steady hand, Kouen reached forward. Ryuu tossed his head back, pawing the ground once and Kouen remained still, waiting. The horse waited a moment longer before he snorted, lowering his head and remaining still as Kouen laid his hand down on his snout.
A flicker through crimson eyes and Kouen's lips twitched. Ryuu let out a low whinny, one of wistful longing and Kouen idly patted the animal, to the shock and surprise of the servants nearby.
"You needn't waste your time." Kouen gazed evenly at the horse. "I intend on finding her very soon."
Ryuu let out a long neigh, tossing his head back and rearing before he slammed back down onto the floor, tossing his head proudly. Kouen seemed to smirk for a brief moment as he turned, calling over his shoulder.
"Have him sent to the royal stables in a acre enclosure of his own and that he is allowed to run."
"Y-Yes, my lord!" The stable hand quickly cried, surging forward and rounding the happy horse up as he led him away. "Ryuu, you're going to get me killed one of these days..."
With that, Kouen continued on his way, making plans for their next line of search and narrowing it down to somewhere in the southern east areas—she would be drawn to the idea of new cultures there, and he would cut her off halfway riding atop his new steed.
Hooray! An update! :D
I feel that this chapter is more like setting up the stage for what's to come in the next one, but hopefully it was just as fine with the little bits of Sinbad sneaking their way in here and there. I feel that I've been neglecting him a bit lately, and I promise, he'll get his own time to shine in a special way like Kouen. I just felt the Kou Arc was necessary both to explain things and give Kouen some time since he won't be showing up for awhile.
Or will he? ;)
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