Through the Spy Glass

by Katsura369

Sakura's back in her world, however she hasn't forgotten the people she met in the other. Especially given what she unexpectedly received as constant reminder(s) of a certain ambitious dungeon capturer she fell in love with. They say that secrets always find a way of coming out-no matter where they are hidden. Does that include in another world? An unraveling like no other.

13. Present: Reunion

HELLO EVERYONE

The next chapter is finally up and ready. Now before you start reading I want you to know that this is another extra-long chapter, so pace yourself because it's honestly going to be a while before I'll be able to update again since I have so much school work to do. I literally only have a few hours to finish The Plague before I have to write an essay but I was too excited about updating this chapter.

HOPE YOU ENJOY.

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After discovering that Alibaba and Badr had been kidnapped, Cassim gathered all of the members of the Fog Troupe and took them to one of the most prestigious hotels in Balbadd. The reason Cassim knew to look here was on the basis of what his source within the government had given him about someone who was staying in the hotel and who was coming after the Fog Troupe. Cassim was standing in front of Alibaba and everyone else after breaking through their room's wall; this was only a few of his men; the others were already inside of the hotel.

Everyone stood up, watching Cassim and his men cautiously. Badr and Alibaba stepped forward while the rest remained guarded.

"Sorry for the wait." Cassim smiled.

Badr frowned, "Cassim?"

"Cassim what's going on? No one said anything about attacking the hotel!" Alibaba shouted.

"Don't be a fool." Cassim narrowed his eyes, holding ups his sword. "If we don't get them, they're going to get us!"

"What are you talking about?"

"I've received some information," Cassim had a dark expression on his face. "Sinbad is here, in this hotel!"

Cassim went over to Alibaba, grabbing him before pulling him back, he also looked over at Badr. "Come on; we've gotta go now!"

Badr paused, looking back at Esra who gave him a firm look, promising to chase after her brother if he dared take another step.

Morgiana was the first to move by attempted to strike Cassim and they ended up running out of the room, heading up a stair case. Esra, Badr, Morgiana and Aladdin followed after them, chasing them all the way up to the top of the hotel roof.

"What are you going to do Alibaba?" Morgiana asked when they finally reached the top. "They're still nothing but a group of thieves!"

There was a standoff; looking at the number of Fog Troupe members Aladdin, Morgiana and Esra would definitely have a problem fighting this many opponents. There was no chance for them to have a battle. The roofs floor cracked before pieces of it was flying along with several of the men as Sinbad, Masrur and Ja'far emerged from the hole in the hotels roof.

Cassim ordered his men to attack the new comers but Masrur stepped forward, slamming his feet to the ground, he propelled himself forward with such speed that the aftershock ended up scattering the members into the air like shreds of paper in the wind.

"Wow…" Morgiana and Esra said in awe. Both shared the sudden desire to learn that move.

"Who are you guys?" Cassim hissed, holding up his sword with promising threat.

Sinbad stood calmly with his arms folded across his chest. "Didn't you come here looking for me?"

Cassim's face hardened, his eyes glaring with hatred. "I see, you're Sinbad!"

The black fog coiled around the blade of Cassim's weapon, before it was thrown forward, wrapping around Sinbad. Cassim mockingly warned him that the more he struggled the tighter it would bind around him.

"Shouldn't we do something?" Esra asked, noticing that Ja'far and Masrur were simply standing there calmly.

"No need, he isn't known as the High King of the Seven Sea's for nothing."

Holding out his hands, Sinbad's magoi started to pour out and the black fog around him vanished, floating through the air like particles of dust. Cassim in a rage, ran towards him to strike with his sword but Masrur easily caught him and forced Cassim to the ground.

Esra elbowed Badr, "If you even think about jumping in, I'm going to clobber you."

Ja'far did a quick glance over to the twins as he walked towards Sinbad. Returning to the matter at hand.

Sinbad took a sword and held it out pointing towards Alibaba, "Now, once I capture you my work will be done here. Right Miracle Man Alibaba? Let's settle this as leaders. Feel free to use your weapon. Dungeon Capturer."

Esra could hear the fluttering again, looking closer at Sinbad she could dimly see the golden birds fluttering around him contently.

"Hey Esra," Badr tugged on Esra's dress, speaking in a low voice. "Do you see those birds around that guy too?"

"Yeah." Esra replied, keeping her eyes on Sinbad. She could see the rukh fluttering around him anxiously.

"Run Alibaba!" Cassim exclaimed.

Sinbad smirked. "You have that option as well. The Fog Troupe is doomed anyway. If you want to run, run. You're different from them. They're all people from the slums. But you're not, even if you pretend to be; you can't escape the fact that you're a prince."

Alibaba was only infuriated by Sinbad's words, if not also conflicted. "SHUT UP. I'M NOT DIFFERENT FROM THEM. THEY'RE ALL MY BROTHER'S AND SISTERS. DON'T MAKE FUN OF THE BONDS WE SHARE."

Drawing his metal vessel from its sheath, Alibaba pointed it directly at Sinbad and called on Amon; there soon was an incredible warmth that shielded everyone on that roof from the cold night air. Sinbad and Alibaba started to clash. With the flames dancing around them, a literal ring of fire acting as the stage for this fight. All eyes were on the two.

"Whoa." Esra exhaled softly.

"He's pretty good huh?" Badr didn't bother to hide the smug grin on his face.

Alibaba was combining his attacks with Amon's flames, swinging to strike and to launch the fires towards Sinbad, although the older male didn't seem the least bit fazed by any of it. Blocking each attack. When Alibaba finally managed to knock the sword out of Sinbad's hand and went in for the final strike, he realized had become too lax. Sinbad grabbed Alibaba's wrist; his flames started to recede without explanation but Alibaba did not have time to think about that when Sinbad delivered a powerful punch to his stomach.

"ALIBABA" Cassim screamed as the boy fell to the ground.

Sinbad looked back at him, "You still don't know how to use the powers of that djinn."

Something caught Sinbad's attention behind him, after he heard Esra's voice.

"BADR DON'T"

Side stepping, Sinbad had narrowly avoided the strike of another blade-one of light. Badr blurred past Sinbad, landing by Alibaba. He held up his weapons of light, in the forms of katana's. He had tried shifting them into other weapons and while discovering that he could shift the light into other forms; he could not hold them long enough to use.

Alibaba coughed heavily from having the wind knocked out of him, he shook as he opened his eyes to Badr. "Badr don't…."

'So this is her son…' Sinbad thought, looking into the boy's sharp emerald eyes. He had a flashing recollection of the pink haired girl; her emerald green eyes staring back at him; as if she was here. They so reminded him of hers; it was haunting.

It was painful.

Badr went to attack again and Sinbad moved, crouching down to grab his sword from before and rolling out of the way of the boys blades. Badr sprung back quickly enough; jumping high up before coming down and clashing blades with Sinbad. Raising his leg while still in the air, Badr went for a kick to Sinbad's head but the man reeled back in time.

'Something's different.' Sinbad thought as he clashed with Badr. The boy's attacks were fierce but not uncoordinated. They were swift and barely gave chance for countering. He was also stronger than he actually appeared; as if he had been trained to fight.

Badr jumped back; keeping a tight grip on his swords, he held out his hands in front of him, forming a hand sign. Two images appeared beside Badr, first they were blurred but then they formed into the young boy. Clones.

Sinbad took a step back, 'What?'

Ja'far gasped, staring with wide eyes as he witnessed yet another technique that he only knew one person to possess. "That's….

Masrur nodded, already knowing what Ja'far wanted to say. Sakura had this sort of ability as well and although none of them really understood it; they knew it was only something she could really do. This just further confirmed these children's identities but there was one lingering thought.

A question that was yet to be answered.

It hadn't been easy. Figuring out how to use chakra and the energy known as magoi; but Badr had been training those past few weeks working on handling the two energies at the same time instead of his full body djinn equip like Vapula had suggested. He thought that it would make his attacks even more powerful, using chakra to enhance his physical prowess and speed while using his djinn metal vessel's weapons. It took a rigorous amount of work and focus; like learning to use your left hand when you were right handed and then using both simultaneously to write different materials, but he had figured out. Even after Vapula said she didn't think it was possible because if the energies clashed they probably wouldn't work, but Badr managed to keep them separate, flowing through his body without them crossing.

As the clones and Badr ran towards Sinbad, the purple haired man held up a defensive position. The first clone went to attack, but he wasn't a shadow clone, so when he went to strike the minute his kick hit the blade, he vanished into a puff of smoke, then the next clone went feigning to punch Sinbad and again the man stumbled back; all to the edge of the building. His wavering gave Badr the opportunity to move to strike, jumping into the air he stared to come down; emerging from the smoke left by the clones.

Esra rushed over to Badr and Sinbad, moving to stand in front of Sinbad. She held out both of her hands up as her brother came down with his blades. Instead of hitting her though, Badr's attacked stopped by a small appearance of a light shield, barely visible around Esra's hands. It was small but strong enough to block the metal vessels attack.

Sinbad's eyes widened in disbelief, "A borg?!"

"CHA BADR CUT IT OUT." Esra yelled, pushing up, the impact caused Badr to skid across the roof of the building landing near Alibaba.

Sinbad was blinking rapidly in disbelief. 'She's definitely reminds me of Sakura, but that attack…does this mean she's a-no that shouldn't be possible.'

"I'm starting to see the resemblance." Masrur said and Ja'far just kept quiet, although he was silently noting the similarities. Of course; it wasn't just their mother's traits he was noting.

Ja'far swallowed heavily as he looked between Badr, Esra and Sinbad. 'It can't be.'

Esra went over to Badr, holding out her hand and he begrudgingly took it allowing his younger twin to pull him back up. She checked to make sure she hadn't injured him, or accidently made any open wounds.

"I warned you stupid, nii-nii."

"What's going to happen now?" Badr asked.

"What do you think happens to criminals?" Esra asked back, folding her arms. Badr turned back to Sinbad as he spoke to Cassim.

Cassim then screamed out, "Dammit, why did you have to show up here? This has nothing to do with Sindria. If it weren't for you, we'd still be undefeated!"

"If you didn't have someone on the inside leaking information to you, you wouldn't be able to do anything." Sinbad stated just as boldly after turning around to face Cassim. "Know your place you foolish weakling. You've involved people in a fight you cannot win."

Sinbad smile then holding out his arms. "But if you still desire to fight knowing all that there is only one thing for you to do. You must gain what you lack. In other words, let me join the Fog Troupe!"

Everyone was surprised by the Sindria king's declaration all of a sudden. It wasn't literally a few moments ago, he was aiming to capture all of them and now he wanted to join them?

"What the heck?" Esra frowned.

Even his subordinates were surprised; Ja'far was questioning his king's decision to join the Fog Troupe and fight against the government, especially when he had such a lax attitude about it.

"That makes no sense, you're supposed to defeat the Fog Troupe." Ja'far said. "You agreed to that with Ahbmad in order to reopen trade."

"But now I want to support the Fog Troupe." Sinbad stated like it was the most obvious thing.

"That's not what you said earlier!"

Badr and Esra were looking back and forth between Ja'far and Sinbad; it looked like the advisor was at his wits end with his leader because Sinbad had clearly made up his mind. He even managed to turn the tables on Ja'far to make him look like the bad guy.

"Rather than that moron of a king I want to help out these people who fight so desperately for the slums. I'm going to join and fight along with the Fog Troupe."

"What the heck?" Badr and Esra said together.

"This guy sure is strange." Badr stated.

"You have no idea." Esra sighed. She didn't even want to mention what kind of state Sinbad was in the first time, she Aladdin and Morgiana met him.

It was amazing how things had changed in that instant; at first neither Alibaba nor Cassim wanted Sinbad to join, believing it was some kind of hoax but Sinbad managed to move Alibaba enough to convince him to let him join. Instantly after he made a suggestion to confront the king of Balbadd the very next day; saying that Alibaba should no longer hide in the shadows of the Fog Troupe. In order to negotiate, using his identity as the prince of Balbadd to gain this leverage and hopefully find a solution to the corruption that plagued this country.

"This world is full of strange people." Badr said.

"Yea, no doubt." Esra sighed. "I'm really glad we're not from here."

…

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…

Badr was looking around the wrecked hotel room nervously; he was sitting beside Esra but the girl was in complete contrast to him right now. Sitting motionless without any worry. That was mainly because she wasn't the one who attacked Sinbad just a few moments ago so being left with Sinbad and his subordinates in a room alone didn't make for the most relaxing atmosphere.

"Okay, why are we here?" Badr asked sharply.

"I wanted to talk to the two of your before tomorrow. Since I have a feeling this might be the only leisure time we'll have for a while. There are some matters we want to discuss." Sinbad said crossing his arms. Behind him was Ja'far and Masrur.

"Esra told me that she's been looking for you and your mother."

"Yeah, so what? It's not like this is any of your business."

Esra elbowed her brother roughly in his chest, ignoring the way he grunted in pain at the applied pressure before she turned back to the men. "Sorry; he's usually not this hostile. Of course that's before he become a criminal!"

Badr glared back at Esra, rubbing his chest. "Will you let it go?"

"You gonna tell that to mom while she throttles you?" Esra shot back, crossing her arms. "Because I think you'll be asking her to let you go."

Badr didn't reply.

"You know, I always thought you were going to end up a fugitive. I just didn't think it would happen this soon!"
"Oh will you-

Sinbad quickly interjected before this could turn into a battle between siblings. He attempted to hide his discomfort from now knowing that these were the children of the girl he was in love with. "Anyway; I wanted to say that I already told Esra that I was going to help her find her mother."

"Why would you want to help?" Badr asked back.

That was when Sinbad fell silent, glancing back at Masrur and Ja'far who didn't look like they wanted to intervene right now.

"The thing is…" Sinbad exhaled. Knowing he needed to say less than what he desired. "I think I might know your mother."

Badr and Esra paused, "HUH?"

Before Badr and Esra could start spluttering questions on an explanation that would have had Sinbad scratching the back of his neck raw as he attempted to answer truthfully while sensitized, Ja'far spoke instead.

"Your display of abilities earlier; it's unique to only one person we've known." Ja'far said. "She was a companion of ours years ago. Her name was Sakura Haruno."

The sharp inhales from the twins confirmed their 'suspicions'; as no one really wanted to admit to eavesdropping on a private conversation. Especially with what had been revealed during it.

"You've got to be kidding me!" Esra spluttered in disbelief. "You were friends with our mom?"

Sinbad internally cringed, "Yeah…we were friends…."

The twins looked at one another, "Well mom did say she came here before and we already know Alibaba knew her so…."

"It makes sense I guess." Esra admitted before turning back to Sinbad and his subordinates. "Although mom didn't really mention anyone she knew here."

Sinbad leaned forward a little, his eyes hardening with interest. "What exactly did she tell you-regarding this world I mean."

Esra looked at Sinbad suspiciously and surprised. "So you know; we're not from this world?"

Sinbad nodded to Esra. "Yes, your mother told me a long time ago she came from another world. So you don't have to worry; you can give us full disclosure on the situation."

Badr and Esra explained the story to the three; from the point where they had been transferred via a mirror; the strange women that appeared before they were sent into a dungeon and then being split from Sakura, Ino and Hinata and each other for more than a month now.

"I see." Sinbad sighed, leaning against the table with his hand on his chin. It was apparent that Sakura didn't say much about being in this world. "You were all separated before leaving the dungeon."

They nodded.

"Don't worry I'll definitely help you two find your mother." Sinbad said, forcing a smile contradicting his actual feelings towards this situation; which was actually quite conflicted.

"Really!?" they asked together and Sinbad nodded.

"Of course,"

Badr and Esra smiled, "Thanks mister Sinbad." Said Badr

"What about getting us home; back to our world?" asked Esra.

Sinbad rubbed the back of his neck, "That might be a little harder, but I'll figure something out. I'm sure you want to get home; with you guys and your mom here your dad must be really worried huh?" Sinbad chided; ignoring the way Ja'far and Masrur turned to stone behind him. What's more they remembered when the twins mentioned that they were 'illegitimate' but it seemed that the fact slipped Sinbad's mind and now he was looking for an answer that was already revealed.

"Not even." Esra replied, resting her chin on top of her hand. "We actually don't have a father."

"Well we do have one but we never met him before." Badr chided glaring slightly at Esra who always seemed to make it sound as if their father was dead instead of missing in action.

"You don't know him huh?" Sinbad asked curiously and somewhat disturbed by the information.

Badr shrugged, "No one does. Mom always just says they broke up before she found out she was having us."

Again Esra elbowed Badr in the chest before moving to straighten herself in her seat and put on a flat smile. "This isn't really relevant though. All we want is to find our mom and then figure out a way to get back to our world. Two of mom's friends are in this world as well but we're not sure if they were separated. So we might have to search for them too….

Sinbad only appeared half conscious of what Esra was saying as his mind had started turning and twisting images and thoughts in his mind. Sakura had children, these were Sakura's children. Now that he knew that, Sinbad couldn't help but take in the characteristics and detail them back to the pinkette. Without a doubt, Esra reminded him plenty of her but Badr had her eyes and almost softer features. Then there was the matter of the traits that he just couldn't place as Sakura's; the traits that might belong to the twin's unknown father but Sinbad didn't even bother to note them because he felt something hot and painful build inside of his chest when he thought of what must be the other half of the twins.

Ja'far and Masrur glanced at one another before looking back to the twins. Ja'far then chided. "If I may. Badr, Esra, how old you?"

"Ten." They replied together.

"Ha…." Ja'far inhaled smacking his hands over his face, unable to keep the façade, exhaling heavily. Neither, Esra, Badr nor Sinbad understood what brought on this sudden state.

"Um Ja'far?"

Going around the table, Ja'far helped Badr and Esra out of their seats and started leading them towards the door. A blank smile on his face. "Okay; you two should get some rest. We'll talk more about this another time. Don't worry, we'll help you figure things out. Alright, see you tomorrow, goodnight."

---

Badr and Esra barely got a chance to glance behind them before the door was closed swiftly, both looked at each other.

"Well; that seemed kinda weird." Badr said looking over at Esra.

Esra nodded, jutting out her hip and crossing her arms. "More so than usual."

---

Ja'far leaned against the door, slapping his forehead hard before he started pacing around the room muttering incoherently to himself while Masrur and Sinbad watched him as he heavily stepped from one side of the small room to another in no more than five strides. As one of Sindria's generals and top advisor's to Sinbad; Ja'far was often placed with many responsibilities and difficult tasks but he was always able to get through a challenge and hardly ever showed stress, worry or fatigue. But after this brief meeting, he seemed to be showing symptoms of all three.

Sinbad warily held up his hand, hesitant as if he was reaching towards some kind of wounded animal.

"Ja'far, what are you-

Ja'far gave Sinbad a firm look that caused the purple haired man to jump back in his seat and retract his hand.

"I'm going to kill you!"

"Ja'far!"

"You idiot!" Ja'far took several steps forward, holding out his hands as if he was ready to throttle the man that was his leader and king but held himself back. Trembling somewhat.

"Why are you so angry!?" Sinbad asked, leaning back in his chair, away from his friend. Ja'far might have given up the assassin life but that didn't mean he's forgotten about it; that includes a few interrogation tricks.

"You mean you really haven't figure it out?" Ja'far asked, still holding himself back.

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

Masrur then muttered, "Airhead of the Seven Seas."

Reeling back, Ja'far straightened his clothes and stood up straighter, sucking in a breath without aiming for air, merely to make his speech longer. "Okay, let's start with this. Those two children are Sakura's."

"Yeah…." Sinbad nodded; his eyes mirroring hurt. "They really are."

Ja'far wanted to tell Sinbad then to save that expression for the end because he was probably going to be crying when Ja'far was through telling him what he's deduced from what they knew about Badr and Esra.

"And they're ten."

"Yes, Ja'far you asked them yourself." Sinbad said, "Why are you getting like this?"

Ja'far groaned loudly, expressing his disdain. "Listen; those two children are ten and Sakura left a little under eleven years ago. They don't know who their father is…..and you said they have the same names as your parents; you know-like they were named after them…" Ja'far paused to gather himself again after feeling the bottle of emotions ready to tip over the unstable platform that his king's life. Holding up his arms in arches as if mirroring an unbalanced scales movements. "See where I'm going with this?"

Sinbad was frowning deeply, his expression seemed lost for a moment before it dreadfully came to realization; his eyes clouded over with the same level of worry and dismal as Ja'far had a few moments ago. Sinbad held out his hand, as if it was would orchestrate the words out of his mouth but he would pull back, choking.

"Y-You're saying-th-that they-

"They're Sakura's children and yours." Masrur stated.

"WHAT?" Sinbad started sinking down from his seat, the shock acting as a weight on his body and rendering him almost immobile as he slid down, nearly falling off the chair. Once he regained his balance, Sinbad started shaking his head vigorously. "There is no way; that cannot be!"

"They also look just like you." Masrur told Sinbad.

"The timing's also too close for it to be a coincidence Sinbad." Ja'far hissed, clenching his fists.

"Or-Or, m-maybe it's so close it has to be a coincidence right?" Sinbad asked, trembling.

"That doesn't make sense." Masrur said.

"Well," Sinbad in haled sharply, before letting out small pants. "It's a little to think straight when you can barely breathe…..I don't think there's a lot of blood in my brain right now."

Masrur then commented, "Which is probably how this happened in the first place."

"There is no way; Sakura and I were ALWAYS careful." Sinbad assured his comrades-although he felt it was more for him.

Ja'far ran his hands over his face, "Okay, let's go with that-at least until we see Sakura and confirm this for ourselves; but for argument and our sanity's sake. Is there the tiniest possibility that those children are yours? Think very hard."

Sinbad shook his head without pertaining to Ja'far's advice to think. "No. We knew we were too young and we were always careful. Sakura kept track and warned me when we wouldn't be safe."

"So you're completely certain the two of you were always careful? Until the very last night?" Ja'far asked just to clarify.

Sinbad nodded again, "Until the very last-

The abrupt silence was like stone dropping on everyone's heads in the room. It was then that a detail of the past occurred in Sinbad's mind; not on the night that Sakura left but the night before when she gave him the 'warning'.

Sinbad groaned loudly and hung his head low. The truth coiling around him like a serpent's tail, trapping and ready to devour its prey and unfortunately for Sinbad; he was the helpless mouse.

"Until' the very last night."

Ja'far covered his face with his hand, "Shit."

---

Balbadd had been one of the many amazements of this world to Sakura; a country built of hundreds of islands and together forming this great nation but when she walked along the same streets after ten years; it felt different. There weren't many changes in aesthetics aside from the same buildings looking a little older, it was atmosphere created in the way the people now carried themselves-or rather barely carried themselves.

Walking along the cobble stone streets, people moved around slowly, wearily. As Sakura, Ino and Hinata walked pass some of the familiar streets that could still be placed, Sakura began to reminisce. The times she had gone to the harbor to pick up cargo with Hinahoho and Drakon. The time she went to the slums and played with those children. When she and Sinbad walked to the pavilion to dance only to find that the musicians weren't there.

Sakura wrapped her hands around the rings on her neck.

Ino and Hinata looked around with a lost wonder in their eyes, as any tourists would when coming to a new, foreign place.

"Sakura, have you been to this place before?" Ino asked.

"Yes," Sakura replied, "I was here for a while actually."

"Why?"

The pinkette quickly closed the open topic of the past and started to pick up her pace, heading towards the bazaar. Ino looked over at Hinata.

"I feel like there's still something she's not telling us." Ino sighed, hitting her forehead. "Not like it's going to matter."

"Let's just focus on finding Esra," Hinata suggested.

"We've been looking all night since we got here. It's not going to be easy to find her." Ino sighed.

They found out by two girls Leilah and Sahsa, that Esra had been travelling with them for a month and making her way to Balbadd with another girl Morgiana and a boy named Aladdin. They had gotten the description of the three and Sakura knew the girl with them to be a Fanalis on the basis depiction of her having red hair and red eyes along with super strength. Even with the search narrowed down; it didn't help that Balbadd was actually a large area to search and there was no further information to pinpoint exactly where they would be able to find Esra, so from here on out they were going to be searching in the dark.

That did not deter Sakura's determination in finding one of her children. She was going to have to figure something out for finding Badr too but Sakura refused to even glimmer in the thoughts that her children were lost to this world.

"Alright, we're not here to sight see. Keep a sharp eye out." Sakura said moving through the street stands, barely glancing more than once at the attractions.

'She has to be here.'

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…

…

….

"No way, there's no way! I refuse to believe that fortune teller! There is no way that-that was my fated person! He looks like a pig!"

Angry footsteps came to an abrupt halt when the female figure blindfolded by her own ranting ending up bumping into the pinkette in the next few steps. Sakura instinctively reached out, grabbing hold of the girl's shoulders to steady her and keep her from falling.

"Ow…."

The girl looked up at Sakura, she was young, only in her teens, light pink eyes and dark rose pink hair, styled in a princess cut that extended past her waist which was pinned up with a golden hairpin. She was wearing a plane dress with a wrap; for some reason it seemed to contrast with her doll-like features. Sakura also had a strong sense of familiarity when she looked at the girl.

"Are you okay?" Sakura asked.

"I'm so sorry." The girl said, stepping away. "I wasn't paying attention to where I was walking."

"That's okay." Sakura told her calmly. Ino and Hinata came up to stand next to the pinkette then two more figures stepped in, addressing the young girl that had bumped into Sakura.

"Hey old hag; there you are!"

"Your highness, please do not wonder off like that again!"

Looking back, standing a little ways from the four girls, were two males. There was a lanky man with black wavy hair tied back, he had yellow eyes behind his glasses. He also had markings on his face running symmetrically down his cheeks.

The second male stood out, he was also in his teens, lean although slightly muscular from what could be see with his choli exposing his stomach; he also had on black pants. He also accessorised with golden bangles on his wrists. He had red, ringed eyes and spiky black hair with a body length ponytail.

Sakura squinted, another familiar wave washing over her as she observed the second male and he looked back at her, his red eyes narrowed. There was something about the way the rukh were reacting to him.

"The rukh's so weird around her….." he trailed, narrowing his eyes at Sakura and then they widened, his mouth gaping as a sharp gasp escaped him. He pointed at Sakura as if he had caught sight of something abnormal and was pointing it out to the world. "No way!? Is that you interloper?"

There was only one person in this world who had ever called her that. The one person who knew who she was without explanation.

Sakura inhaled sharply, starring wide eyed at the young man. "Judar…."

With a wide-mouthed smile, Judar approached the pinkette hurriedly until he was at such a close proximity their noses were nearly touching. He put his hands on her shoulders to keep in her place as he looked over the pinkette as if she was some kind of interesting trinket he wanted to buy.

"It is you!" Judar exclaimed, pulling away and putting a hand on his hip. "What the heck are you doing here? Last I heard, you checked out of this world ten years ago."

In and Hinata shared the same curious glance before turning back to the individuals in front of them.

"So you do know him, Sakura?" Hinata asked.

"Yes." Sakura trailed, keeping her eyes on the magi.

Then the other pink haired girl chided in, "Judar, you know this women?"

Judar looked back, "That's right old hag."

"Don't call me old hag!" the girl fumed, stomping her foot on the ground and puffing out her cheeks.

Sakura then turned to the younger girl, startled when her features started to fall into place. "K-Kougyoku?"

She immediately looked over at Sakura, raising her eyebrow. "That's right….do I know you?"

"Well yes but I wouldn't expect you to remember me." Sakura said, unable to contain her smile. "We met when you were a little girl. While I was staying in Kou; we use to play together. Remember this?" Sakura moved her hair out of the way to show Kougyoku her flat forehead.

Kougyoku's eyes widened in shock and recognition, she stepped close towards the other pinkette. "Sakura-nee!"

"SAKURA-NEE?!"

Ino and Hinata stared wide eyed while Judar and the man next to him jaw's dropped when Kougyoku went up to the pinkette to embrace her tightly. In a manner that looked like she was getting ready to lift Sakura into the air.

Ino looked at Hinata, flinging her hands around and mouthing voicelessly, 'What is happening?'

Hinata just shrugged, her eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Sakura had said she came to this world before; it only made sense to believe she had made some acquaintances.

Sakura laughed, wiggling in Kougyoku's embrace to pat the Kou princess on her head. "It's nice to see you too."

"Sakura how do you know these people?" asked Ino.

Both pinkettes looked back to Ino and Hinata, Sakura rubbed the back of her neck. "Well…."

Judar then interrupted, looking at Ino and Hinata. "No way, more interlopers?"

"Why is this guy calling us interlopers?" asked Ino. She remembered Vapula referring to them as that as well.

"Excuse me miss. Who are you exactly?" the lanky dark haired man then asked Sakura.

Kougyoku turned back to her assistant and household member, Ka Koubun. "This is Sakura Haruno; Ka Koubun. She's an old friend of mine and of Kouen-onii-sama."

"W-What was that? A friend of who?" Ka Koubun appeared completely flabbergasted at this piece of information.

"Kouen-onii-sama." Kougyoku repeated.

Judar let out a loud 'ha', his eyes shining with excitement "So you totally know her too and she's a friend of En's; what the heck? You sure got around huh?"

Sakura looked confused now, watching Judar and Kougyoku converse. "So hold on, how do you two know each other?"

Judar gave a wide grin, patting his chest proudly. "I'm the priest of the Kou Empire and the old hag is a princess there and one of my king's candidates."

Sakura gaped at them, it wasn't news to her that Kougyoku was a princess but what really shocked her was Judar's follow ups. "What?"

"You can say that again." Ino muttered, more lost than before.

---

The pile of questions along with the commotion that would probably be caused had Sakura, Ino, Hinata, Judar, Kougyoku and Ka Koubun moving to a more private location. At the hotel Kougyoku was supposed to be lodging at. They went to the serving areas downstairs, sitting at a table that barely seemed to be able to seat all six of them, Sakura, Ino and Hinata on one end and Judar, Kougyoku and Ka Koubun on the other.

After their food was placed in front of them, they immediately went to conversing instead of eating.

"I just can't believe that you were that little girl with those longs bangs and lack of equilibrium." Sakura said looking at Kougyoku. "You're so beautiful."

Kougyoku blushed, looking down at her plate. Judar scoffed, taking a bite out of a peach before speaking. "Yeah right, as if she can pull off that off. All this old hag is a total pain."

"Why you!" Kougyoku glared at Judar but she didn't make any move to attack just yet.

Sakura's sweat dropped, as she gave a wry smile. "I see you haven't changed at all huh Judar?"

The young magi snorted, "I can say the same to you; but I am curious. How in the hell are you here though? Last time I checked; you booked out of here and went back home."

"I did." Sakura said, her voice turning serious. She wasn't entirely unguarded around Judar right now, because of the fact that he was now associated with Kou; not to mention there was a limited amount of ways for her to get transferred back into this world. It wasn't through Yunan's Looking Glass. And she wasn't even sure if what she transferred through was the Looking Glass but it had to be some kind of magical item that only someone like a magi could wield-or perhaps a magician. It seemed too coincidental that Gyokuen, the empress of the Kou empire would be the one to appear before they were transferred and for Judar to suddenly also be the priest of the empire. Yet, he looked just as surprised as she was when they saw each other.

'What's going on here?'

"And now you're back with two other interlopers?" Judar pointed at Ino and Hinata. "You looking to start up some trouble in this world again?"

"Nothing of the sort." Sakura pointed on either side of her, first she held out her hand towards Ino. "These are my friends; Ino Yamanaka."

"Hello." The blonde waved.

"And Hinata Hyuga." Sakura gestured to the women on her right.

"Pleased to meet you." Hinata bowed her head slightly.

Kougyoku bowed her head slightly in return, "Pleasure to meet you; I'm the seventh princess of the Kou Empire; Kougyoku Ren and this is my advisor Ka Koubun and Judar, our empires priest."

Ino gasped softly, "You're really a princess? How do you know Sakura?"

"She stayed at the palace as a guest a few years ago and use to spend time with me." Kougyoku seemed to smile at the memories.

Judar raised his eyebrow, "When the heck did that happen though? You were usually always with-

"While I was in a dungeon; I met Kouen and I went back to the palace with him." Sakura interrupted, wanting to avoid the direction Judar was about to take them in. That was a path of no return and right now, she needed to be able to reel back.

"Prince Kouen." Ka Koubun corrected abruptly.

"It's okay." Kougyoku waved dismissively, "Sakura, was very close with Kouen Onii-sama. She called all of us by our first names."

"No shit." Judar smirked, rubbing his chin. "Who would've thought; you were friends with the Kou Empire's royal siblings."

"Yeah, who thought you knew royalty Sakura." Ino said, equally surprised.

"It was a long a time ago." Sakura pointed blankly.

"I'll say; things haven't been as interesting since you left." Judar leaned his head right back, starring up at the ceiling.

"Hey, what exactly happened with Serendine then?" Sakura asked; the last time Judar was with the Parthevian princess. They had left together and Sakura hadn't seen either of them since.

Something gleamed in Judar's expression that caused a shiver to run down Sakura' spine. She couldn't even place what that gleam was but she didn't like it. Judar closed his eyes then and smirked, turning his to the side and shrugged his shoulders. "Like you said, it was a long time ago. Kinda a boring story anyway."

Before they could get into small talk regarding the past, Sakura made a move to get to the angles she was aiming for. "So; what are you doing here exactly?"

Kougyoku smiled up at Sakura, a familiar admiration gleaming in her eyes. "I'm supposed to marry the current king of Balbadd. I'm meeting him for the first time."

Sakura looked like she was about to choke, lurching forward; she was glad hadn't taken a sip of her drinks yet. "Really?! You're getting married?"

Kougyoku nodded shyly.

Judar snickered, "Yeah; that's right. I'm supposed to go to some meeting tomorrow afternoon at the palace regarding this; it's kinda a bore."

'A lot sure happens in ten years.' Sakura thought grimacing internally. If Kougyoku was getting married at this young age it lead her to thinking that Sinbad must have also been married by now. If he was king, there was bound to be certain expectations of him and at the age he would be now, it was typical for him to be married-or at least have someone in order to procure his legacy.

Swallowing hard, Sakura shook away the thought. It's been ten years; a lot was expected to change. Rationalising that it was best not to think about Sinbad when she had no intention of reaching out to him.

"Hey wait a second…." Sakura frowned, after her mind cleared something came to mind. "You're the seventh princess….isn't a political matter like this usually the duty of the first princess or is Hakuei already married?"

Kougyoku shook her head, looking down, gripping the fabric of her dress. "Hakuei is now the fourth princess of Kou and also a general. See, when my father descended to the throne-

"Wait what?" Sakura interrupted with wide eyes, "Your father's the emperor now?"

Judar crossed his arms, "Boy; you really have been gone a long time huh? That former emperor Hakutoku passed away a couple years ago in a fire."

"What?" Sakura gasped out.

Kougyoku nodded, her eyes softening. "Him and two of his son's. There was a fire in the estate they were in and they didn't make it out…."

Sakura swallowed heavily, she could feel her heart pounding in her chest, "Which son's?"

Ka Koubun answered instead as Kougyoku didn't look like she wanted to tell Sakura; but unlike her; Ka Koubun had no idea of Sakura's relationship with the former prince's. "The former first prince Hakuyuu and former second prince Hakuren. No one knew how that fire had started; but when it did; the emperor Hakutoku and his three sons, Hakuyuu, Hakuren and Hakuryuu were inside the building that had caught ablaze and only the third prince made it out. After that, Lady Gyokuen married the next emperor of Kou, Koutoku Ren."

Sakura covered her gaping mouth, her eyes as wide as they could go, glossing over with despair.

"Ka Koubun!" Kougyoku exclaimed, glaring at her attendant causing him to leap back at the princess's sudden change in tone and demeanour.

"W-What did I-

Judar raised his eyebrow, holding his arms tightly crossed to his chest. "What's this about?"

Hinata and Ino looked at Sakura who had gone chillingly still and silent; they wanted to reach out to her but were afraid of the reaction they might receive if they should.

"Sakura…?" Hinata murmured softly.

Thickly swallowing, with a sharp inhale and rapid blinking of glossy eyes, Sakura looked up with a wry smile. "It's alright, Kougyoku." She paused, briefly shutting her eyes and then looking up as brightly as she could, which was more like a grey tinge. "Don't worry; I'm just a little stunned…."

Kougyoku's expression saddened, "I'm sorry, I know that you and-

"It's alright." Sakura repeated quickly, with a blank smile and a voice void attempting to mask it with empty calmness. Kougyoku reached out, resting her hands over Sakura's one that laid on the table and the pinkette didn't pull away. There was an uncomfortable silence for a while before Sakura pulled away and stood up.

"We should go check into our rooms." Sakura told Ino and Hinata, the two silently followed after the pinkette once they gave their greetings. Agreeing to meet up with Kougyoku sometime tomorrow again.

---

Sakura stared silently out of the window, watching the sun bare its final light before falling down into darkness. She hadn't moved from her place there. She, Ino and Hinata had checked into the hotel that Kougyoku, Judar and Ka Koubun were staying at. Kougyoku offered to take care of the lodging expenses and the three kunoichi accepted the princess's offer. The room was large, with three canopy best posted near each other, deep coloured and exotically patterns adorned the room. From the wallpaper, to the furniture and ornaments. It was nice place to rest after travelling for so long and spending so many nights outside. But the décor did nothing to lighten the heavy weight of the darkening atmosphere around the pinkette.

"Sakura?" Ino called but the pinkette refused to turn around to acknowledge her. Ino sighed heavily, "Sakura come on; you can't keep up this silence façade. You need to snap out of it; I get that you were close to those people. We understand that you're upset, but you can't just sulk right now. It's not like you were with them long enough to become like this!"

Sakura turned around, holding up the chain between her fingers where the two rings lied. "You asked me once where I got these rings, Ino. See the golden one? It was given to me by the First prince of the Kou Empire; Hakuyuu Ren...He told me to return it to him when he became emperor; I either had to have it in my hand…or on my finger."

Hinata gasped softly, realizing the implications of what Sakura said. "He was…."

"In love with you." Ino finished, stunned nearly speechless.

Sakura sighed softly, putting the chain back around her neck. "I might not have been with them very long Ino; but I was here long enough to form a bond with the people I've met. But I had to make a choice, this world or mine."

The pinkette turned back, "And right now, I feel like I'm paying for my decisions."

That night had ended is silence for the three kunoichi. It was then that Ino and Hinata were left to wonder if there was perhaps more that Sakura had left behind in this world than they had initially thought. It was clear to them though; that their pink-haired friend still had plenty to reveal to them. Hopefully with time, they would get to know the rest of her story and not just a chapter.

---

The following day Sakura, Ino and Hinata spent all of their time searching vigorously for Esra and hopefully Badr as well. They barely rested as they went around looking for Esra, but Balbadd was a lot of territory to cover. However there seemed to be an uproar in Balbadd that day. While walking along one of the docks, they came across a declaration painted across the walls and several others on posters plastered all over the city.

There was an unusual commotion and buzzing that wasn't there yesterday; crowds were gathering around these notices so Sakura took a look.

Sakura stopped to read it out loud since she was the only one who could read it. "To those who are discontented, gather today at noon at the royal palace. Today with all of your as my witnesses, I will gain and audience with King Ahbmad and discuss the future of this country until a satisfactory answer can be reached. Signed: The leader of the Fog Troupe, Miracle Man Alibaba And Third Prince of Balbadd, Alibaba Saluja."

For some seconds Sakura just stared at the poster before abruptly turning away. Telling Ino and Hinata that they were to resume their search. While it dawned on her that she knew who this person was being referred to; Sakura pushed back the urge to involve herself as she had so many years ago, listening to the rukh that lead her to Alibaba before. There was something that she needed to accomplish here in Balbadd; that was her priority. Her children.

---

"Don't worry Sakura, we'll find Esra somehow." Ino reassured her friend when they got back to the hotel. They had been searching for hours that day and still came up with nothing, most of the city was vacant at noon because of the declaration posted, so they were able to search the areas better. Still, they came back from their search with no luck.

Sakura wiped off the sweat from her brow, sitting at the end at the bed. "I know, I'm just really worried. It's frustrating to think that Esra is somewhere in Balbadd and Badr is still...

Hinata sat beside Sakura on the bed, soon joined by Ino, comforting the pinkette in the middle.

"We'll keep searching until we find them Sakura. Badr and Esra are strong, they can protect themselves." Hinata reminded Sakura.

"There's just a lot for them to protect themselves against in this world."

There was no knock on the door prior to prepare the three girls for the intrusion, so when Judar came and practically threw the door open nearly off its hinges; Ino, Hinata and Sakura all jumped back. The magi walked in carelessly, looking around the room for Sakura and spotting her on the bed.

"Hey, guess what I-

"Judar!" Sakura interrupted, stomping over to the magi "Ever heard of knocking?"

Pulling a face, Judar gave Sakura a deadpan expression clicking his tongue. "Of course I have, why are you shouting?"

"Oh for the love of!" Sakura rolled her eyes reminding herself once again that Judar hadn't changed at all since he was a child and thus his habits of respecting boundaries were at that same mediocre level as before.

"Anyway!" Judar went up to Sakura, closing the remaining distance between them, grabbing her arm and pulling her away from her friends. "I've got something to tell you! You're gonna want to hear this!"

Sakura squirmed in the magi's arms but like his persona when it came to getting what he wanted, his grip was relentless. Judar leaned down to whisper in Sakura's ear.

"I saw something very interesting today, you're going to love this."

With narrowed eyes, Sakura put her hand on Judar's chest to push him back a little. She spoke softly, aware that Ino and Hinata were still watching them. "What are you talking about Judar?"

He was far too joyous and that made Sakura feel that whatever he was about to tell her was going to be the cause of more distress.

Judar's grin seemed to only stretch further after glancing up at Ino and Hinata before leaning down again to the pinkette, he whispered to Sakura. "This afternoon at that boring meeting I was supposed to have at the palace. There was this annoying crowd outside and when I got inside; I ran into a favourite singularity of yours…."

Sakura's breath hitched. Grabbing Judar roughly by the wrap around his shoulders, she pulled him out of the room protesting and ignoring the calls of her friends. After slamming the door shut, Sakura pushed Judar into the hallway wall, hissing softly.

"Geez pinkie, do something about that strength!" Judar winced when his head hit the back of the wall and he effortlessly rubbed it in an attempt to sooth the throbbing.

"Judar what you just said earlier, don't tell me you're referring to…..

Judar stopped, leaning back with a smile. "That's right. That idiot king; Sinbad. He was at the palace today.

Sakura felt her throat tighten; this couldn't have been the worse timing. Stepping back, Sakura covered her eyes with her hand, her breathing becoming erratic. It was ridiculous; to think that he would show up here of all places just on the off chance that she also happened to come to this country. It was enough of a shock just to see Kougyoku and Judar-if she were to run into Sinbad now, especially when she-Sakura stopped herself from going down that path of thought.

"This is not happening."

Judar shrugged, carless to the pinkette's frantic behaviour. "Yeah, he's here. I didn't talk much with him though. He was not happy to see me."

Sakura looked back at Judar, as alarmed and frantic as a wounded animal trying to get away from something. "Did you tell him I was here Judar!?"

"Nah, I didn't think about it then-but I should've." Judar slumped forward; he realized the kind of chaos that would entail if Sinbad found out that Sakura was back in this world. It was a really exciting thought as well as disappointing because he had missed one of his chances.

"Judar!" Sakura glared at the magi, "You cannot tell Sinbad I am here! Do you understand?"

Judar scoffed, holding up his arms in a shrug motion. "Why not? Is it this thing about seeing your ex or something? I mean I know you ditched him but come on interloper. I don't really know where he is right now though but I'll be sure to give him the news when I see him again okay?"

Sakura bit her bottom lip hard, causing it to bleed. She stomped over to Judar, stopping just far enough, she gripped the fabric around his shoulders and pulled him towards her, their noses touching and breathes mingling. "Judar, don't' you dare! I'm warning you!"

Judar didn't seem intimated by the pinkette's threatening tone or her vicious expression. "That's not going to work."

Removing Sakura's hand from his wrap, Judar turned around and started walking away. His hands behind his head. "I'm really bored right now; you and that Idiot King together are bound to be entertaining one way or another. Don't bother with the threats; it's not like you have any metal vessels to stop me. Bye interloper."

With that Judar left, leaving Sakura to stand in the hotel hallway silently as her mind reached the finish line in realization. If Judar was going to make well on his statement then that left Sakura even less time to find Esra than she thought.

---

Sakura returned to the hotel room, Ino and Hinata immediately asked what had just transgressed between the two but Sakura appeared rather frazzled. But Sakura was moving about the hotel room, packing up her things.

"We're leaving now."

Ino and Hinata stood up, "What?"

"Sakura did something happen?" asked Hinata.

Sakura paused, turning back to the two women, "Yes, we need to find Esra now and leave this country as soon as possible."

Hinata and Ino didn't question Sakura while they prepared to leave the hotel in search of their friend's daughter. It seemed however, that Sakura looked more like she was getting ready to run rather than search.

---

Esra, Badr, Morgiana and Aladdin were eager to hear from Alibaba how the negotiations went but he was barely able to speak before he and Sinbad were dismissed from the palace as Ahbmad had other visitors-from the Kou Empire. Alibaba had tried to persist but his half-brother refused to listen to him. Alibaba was distraught because of the turn of events today and what's more, his friends weren't the only ones who wanted to know how the non-existent negotiations went thinking that there was still actual fabric; still hoping. Ja'far and Masrur then called on them to go outside with the rest of the people so that Sinbad could inform everyone that the negotiations had fallen through.

Alibaba and Sinbad stood on a platform made of a pile of rubble from a wall that had broken down in one of the buildings in the slums. A large crowd gathered in front of them, eagerly awaiting the news and Alibaba was disoriented at the prospect of destroying those eager faces with his failure.

Sinbad spoke, without waver; despite the nature of the news he was about to deliver. "Today's negotiations completely broke down and our demands were ignored. A clash between the imperial army and our forces are inevitable."

The crowd's distress came fast at the mention of a battle, since Cassim and the rest of the Fog Troupe members wielding the magical weapons had deserted. Yet Sinbad did not appear deterred even after someone said that they were done for; as he continued to speak strongly.

"Today for the first time, you fought openly and honestly instead of thieves hiding in the mist. Do not forget the reason you decide to fight! To escape the overwhelming poverty and support your families! Does anyone think those things are now done for!?"

The crowd started to silence their disdain, instead filling with the warmth of hope and that only grew after Sinbad's next statement.

"I will lend all of your my power. No matter what forces, I will overcome them. If you are driven out by your country, I will accept you in mine. This world is still filled with so many unreasonable things. I will accept all those who stand against such inequalities!"

Shortly after the announcement that Sinbad made, everyone wanted to meet with him, to thank him and share their gratitude for standing with them. Amongst the crowd, keeping a distance was Alibaba, Aladdin, Morgiana, Badr and Esra.

"He's kinda overwhelming." Esra stated, putting her free hand on her hip while her other kept hold of Badr's.

"Yeah," Badr agreed tightening his grip on Esra's hand. "Though I do think he's kinda cool."

"You haven't seen him naked."

"Hey Sinbad!"

Everyone's heads turned up to the figure standing above them on a piece of fabric, high up in the air. A male with long dark hair in a thick braid, with red eyes smirking down at everyone.

"So this is where you were hiding Lord Moron."

"Judar!" Sinbad hissed, glaring up at the magi.

Judar jumped off of his flying carpet and onto the ground swiftly, "What are you doing here?"

Alibaba and Sinbad had seen this man at the palace earlier today but there wasn't really much time to exchange words, although it was clear that he and Sinbad knew each other.

"Judar, are you here on behalf of Ahbmad or the Kou Empire?" Sinbad asked.

Waving his hand casually, "Neither."

"Why are you here then?" Sinbad asked, demanding explanation.

"Good question. I have no interest in the economy but there is one thing I do like." Judar' grinned darkly. "Getting into a war."

Judar started boasting about the military strength of the Kou Empire, ranging from the armies soldiers to the five dungeon capturers as well as the Dungeon monster squad assembled recently.

"Damn Kou." Sinbad sneered.

"Hey now, don't get the wrong idea Sinbad. I'd rather team up with you than anyone." Judar grinned "In fact, I have something to tell you that you might like to hear."

Sinbad narrowed his eyes, "What is it?"

Judar snickered, putting his hands on his hips. "Then again, I was asked not to say anything to you."

"What kind of game are you playing here Judar?"

"No game really," Judar waved, cocking his head to the side, "I just know something that might really set you off. About a certain…." Judar clicked his tongue. "Maybe I won't tell you."

Sinbad gritted his teeth in annoyance, his calm composure dissipating as Judar continued to bait him.

"Who is he?" asked Aladdin

"He's name is Judar, there's bad blood between us." Ja'far explained to the group. "He's a magi just like you."

Aladdin gasped, "A magi?"

"Another one?" Esra asked.

Badr cocked his head in confusion, "What's a magi?"

Judar's attention was diverted when noticed something else that caught his senses so instantly and frowned before turning to look in the direction of Aladdin. The boy staggered a bit at the harsh gaze. "Hey what's with him? The rukh around him are so weird."

Sinbad sighed. Disappointed to reveal but knowing that there wasn't any point in keeping it a secret either. "He's a magi just like you"

Judar looked at them in disbelief "Huh this little twerp is a magi? You're kidding me right; magi's are supposed to be awesome." He ran over to Aladdin and glared down at him as he continued speaking "As sorcerers of creation we're the most powerful magoi wielders of all. There shouldn't be another one around me."

"You reacted to him didn't you?" asked Sinbad "He's a magi just like you."

Judar grinned and it wasn't the good kind either as he turned back to him "Hey there kiddo; my names Judar so tell me what's yours?"

"Oh um...Aladdin" the bluenette answered

"Is that right Aladdin huh? As Magi's let's be friends" Judar held out his hand for him but when Aladdin reached forward Judar pulled his hand back into a first and delivered a quick blow to Aladdin. He stumbled back and Morgiana and Alibaba, Esra and Badr were quick to rush to his side.

"Hey this kids really clumsy; don't tell me you're actually going to team up with this guy Sinbad" said Judar.

"He's not involved in any of this Judar leave him alone." Sinbad said frowning

"My king's candidate?"

"You've gotta have one or two by now," Judar said but when Aladdin remained silent he sighed "Fine I'll search for him myself"

Judar's eyes flashed red as he started to scan around the area looking at the amount of magoi within people around him until he spotted the djinn symbol on one of them however when he's eyes flashed back to normal and he saw who it was he started laughing.

"Hey you're the kid Ahmad was bullying earlier!" he exclaimed laughing "That was really lame; you were howling in desperation and he wouldn't even give you the time of day; in the end you even cried a little! How pathetic."

"He's not pathetic at all" Aladdin yelled "Alibaba's not pathetic in the least; he knew all along that he might not have been acknowledged but he still went for everyone's sake to do what no one else could've done."

They were cut off when they saw Alibaba get blasted into the wall "See there what a wimp" Judar said spinning his wand around.

"Judar!" Sinbad exclaimed

"Come on why are you choosing to hang out with these miserable losers anyway? You a moron or what?"

Judar didn't get an answer as Esra went on to attack him but when she went in for a kick; she made contact with a borge instead, deflecting her attack. Esra jumped back.

"What the?"

Judar looked over at Badr and Esra, "The rukh are strange around you two as well…the heck?"

Aladdin held out his staff, a light emitted from the rukh that started to gather around it. Judar turned, holding up his wand, ready for a fight. Sinbad tried to get them to stop but to no avail, Judar already knew that Sinbad didn't have any of his metal vessels on him now and he was eager to battle against another magi.

"I have a bad feeling," said Badr.

"Same here."

---

"Alright, Sakura this is ridiculous. Can we please just head back to the hotel? I want to sleep in a bed." Ino begged the pinkette, throwing her hood over her head to shield herself from Balbadd's cold misty air. For hours they had been scouring through Balbadd. Sakura had them leaping from the rooftops looking everywhere.

"No Ino. For the tenth time, we need to find Esra now."

Ino halted, setting her feet firmly on the ground, "That's it! I've had it with your enigmatic behaviour! First in the dungeon, then with that guy earlier. Whatever happened suddenly made you like this and I want to know what it is!"

"It does seem suspicious Sakura," Hinata pointed out, coming to stand beside Ino. "We're worried about finding Esra too but it looks like you're doing this for another reason."

"I'm not." Sakura retorted, "We just don't have any more time to waste."

"Why is that?" Ino asked, folding her arms. "You better start explaining because I am not taking another step until you tell us exactly what is going on now."

On quiet footsteps Sakura went over to Ino and Hinata; stopping when she was barely a few inches from them.

Licking her lips, Sakura exhaled softly looked away and then back to the two. "You want to know?"

"Yes."

"Fine…." Sakura sighed softly, stepping back. "Full disclosure, when I left this world, it wasn't on the best terms with certain people. And I found out from Judar that some of those people are here in Balbadd. And Judar said that the next time he ran into said people, he was going to inform them of my presence and I'd rather avoid that-for reason's I can't discuss right now."

Ino and Hinata gave each other a shared glance, before turning back to Sakura.

"So you're running away from someone?"

Sakura was about to answer but her attention turned to something else. The mist around them started to thicken around them but it was moving passed and through the air in a pattern instead of event scattered, heading in one direction.

"What is that?"

---

Things took a turn for the worst very fast as Aladdin and Judar started clashing but their attacks were cancelling each other out only using magoi-although Judar did manage to damage the buildings further and plenty of people had backed away from the two. Aladdin had summoned Ugo and seemed to have turned the tables but Judar held up his wand and started gathering mist from Balbadd and converting it into a giant block of ice that floated above his head in the sky.

Esra and Badr stared wide eyed, gaping along with the rest of the onlookers who were witnessing the power of this magi.

Judar grinned arrogantly, "Don't be so easily impressed. I haven't even revealed all my skills yet!"

On Judar's command, the ice started to break into smaller-yet still substantially large pieces of ice. Gathering around Judar in the sky. Lifting back his hand, Judar spoke.

"Take this, Sang Arsarros!"

Nearly all of the ice was flung down to the unsuspecting people below, everyone started running, the air filling with screams and the cracking of ice as it hit the ground and spread across the area on impact.

Ugo was able to keep the ice from hitting Aladdin by knocking them away before reaching him as Aladdin was on Ugo's shoulders but Judar wasn't out of ice just yet and delivered another attack. This time Ugo leapt into the air and hit Judar's borge with enough force to bring him to the ground but Judar was otherwise perfectly fine.

Judar laughed, "Not bad, but I still have some ice left."

The ice that Judar was talking about was already heading towards Aladdin, but Ugo put his body in the way and ended up impaled instead of the young magi.

Esra, Badr, Morgiana and Alibaba stared wide eyed and speechless at the sight. There was magoi leaking from the wounds on Ugo instead of blood, but they were going to discover that it this was just as bad as any fatal wound.

"Ugo!" Aladdin attempted to give Ugo more of his magoi by blowing into the flute on top of his head, that had only succeeded in removing the shards imbedded in him but the wounds were still open. Yet, Ugo still stood up.

While Judar wasn't looking Esra came in for another attack, she ran towards Judar. He caught sight of her.

"This kid again."

Judar point his wand, directing a magoi attack, the light shot out towards her. Esra held out her hands, a small shield appearing right before it made contact with her hands, although the small defence vanished shortly after.

"Well….looks like the little girl's a magician." Judar cocked his head to the side in amusement.

Esra frowned, "A what?"

"A magician kid." Judar replied, frowning. "Is everyone here a complete idiot? Seriously. They're users of magic similar to magi-only not as powerful since magician's can only use the magoi in their own bodies. In other words with your level of ability right now, you're not gonna be much fun."

That said, Judar pointed his wand at Esra, using his magic to draw up purple lightning aiming straight for the girl. Esra made some quick hand signs and as the lightning came towards her, the lightning hit 'Esra'.

"Esra!" Sinbad called out in alarm.

"Oh no!" Ja'far exclaimed.

But when they looked again, Esra wasn't there, in place was a log; everyone looked confused (excluding Badr) including Judar.

"Where'd that kid go?"

"Up here!" Esra drew back her fist, gathering chakra she came down towards Judar. Hitting his Borg with the force of her chakra coated punch. There was a powerful reaction as the magoi emitting from the borge and the chakra from Esra collided, the sound of static.

"Something's seriously wrong with this kid." Judar hissed as Esra jumped back, realizing that her attack wasn't going to go through. "The rukh looks like..?"

Badr came up to stand beside her, "You okay?"

"Yeah, but I don't think my attacks are going to have any effect." Esra told him softly. "Bet mom would be able to break through that shield."

"Great, another one." Judar rolled his eyes but then frowned upon closer inspection of the two. "What is going on with the rukh….?

"Over here you lunatic!" Alibaba exclaimed, running over to Judar with Amon drawn. The dagger made contact with Judar's borge.

Judar looked up at Alibaba, the borge blocking him. "Normal attack don't work on me."

The star on the blade started to shine and shattered the borg, as it broke through, Alibaba fell forward, his blade grazing Judar's cheek as he moved out of the way of the attack. Though not completely unscathed.

Alibaba grinned as he looked back, but that smile wouldn't be on for long.

Judar lightly touched the area of his wound, glaring down at the blonde. "That's right, you're a dungeon capturer."

Another magoi shot from Judar sent Alibaba flying back, through some ice embedded on the ground and into a wall.

"Hey!"

Badr moved in from behind Judar, his katana in both hands slicing through the borg as Alibaba's metal vessel had. He then moved in for another attack but Judar moved back in time.

"What are with all these kids?" Judar clicked his tongue in annoyance, flicking his wrist, another quick bolt of lightning shot from it and hit Badr directly, sending him in the opposite direction of Alibaba, causing him to crash into the wall.

"BADR" Esra cried out.

When the rubble cleared, Badr appeared to be barely conscious, the bolt of lightning burnt his skin.

"Alibaba, Badr!" Sinbad shouted.

"Stay out of this Sinbad!" Judar warned. "Once I'm finished with that magi, I'm going to slaughter all these annoying kids!"

Before anyone could make any more attacks, Ugo swung his arm toward Judar, the magi was sent flying back, although protected by the borg, he still sustained some damage, the physical attack was enough to change the borge solid round shape.

The dust from the rubble subsided revealing Judar, there was a slight crater behind him from the impact, "What was that?"

Ugo rushed in for another attack, this time hitting Judar hard into the ground. The power of the magi's borge wasn't enough to keep him from sustaining damage this time that became apparent as Ugo kept going in, attack after attack towards Judar with no restraint and what seemed to be no consideration for those around.

"What's going on?" Esra asked herself, kneeling as she cradled Badr in her arms.

"I-I don't know." Badr coughed harshly, tasting his own blood.

"Ugo stop!" Aladdin tried, but the djinn did not stop his assault on Judar.

While he still had the strength, Judar decided to end his playing at the realization that his life might be in danger. He flew into the air, commanding the rukh and conjuring up a large piece of ice. Sending it down quickly, it pierced Ugo straight through his chest.

"I win."

Or so Judar thought, but then Ugo went in for another attack. Both hands came towards Judar, his borg blocking Ugo from crushing him but he persisted until eventually the borge was broken and Judar was caught in Ugo's crushing grasp.

Everyone stared horrified as Ugo's hands opened and Judar fell on the ground. Unconscious, wounded and barely breathing.

For a few moments Ugo was still, then he raised his arms up into the air, his hands clenched together emitting a bright pink light that shifted to resemble flames. Although Judar had started out as the enemy, it seemed that the real threat had now become the djinn.

"EVERYONE RUN NOW." Sinbad ordered, sensing that this attack was going to have a massive impact and he was right.

As Ugo slammed his hands down on the ground where Judar lay, the impact had erupted around them, destroying a bit of the area. Because of Sinbad's quick alert, everyone was able to move out and avoid being a casualty, although there were a few injured.

"Badr, you okay?" Esra asked. Because of the chaos around them, Esra hadn't gotten to healing him properly.

"Y-yeah."

"Aladdin, what's going on with Ugo?" Alibaba asked, starring down from on top of the roof that Morgiana lifted them onto.

"I don't know, he's never done this before."

When they looked back to see if there was anything left with Judar, they saw that there was no sign of him.

"Where'd he go?" asked Esra.

"What is up with that monster?" A cold, feminine voice entered, clear within the fallen silence.

A shadow from above covered Ugo's form, looking up there was a silhouette of a square but coming closer there was a carpet flying above, blocking the light of the moon on it was Kougyoku, Ka Koubun and a substantial amount of subordinates behind them.

"They're from the Kou Empire." Ja'far gritted his teeth, glaring up at the magic carpet.

"Look what they've done to our Judar." Kougyoku said in a cynical manner.

"Yes, we just managed to save him."

Judar was still lying unconscious on the carpet; badly wounded, but otherwise still breathing.

"But he's been so badly injured." Kougyoku sounded indifferent, "You better heal him Ka Koubun. If he dies we're in big trouble."

"I'm well aware princess."

Ugo turned around, both of his fists glowing brightly with the pink flames, Kougyoku glared at him. "That monster still wants to fight? Alright then."

Kougyoku reached up towards the hairpin on her head and held it in front of her; she began chanting in an almost mechanical manner.

"Spirit of sorrow and solitude, I command the and thin, use my magoi and lend tremendous power to my will." Kougyoku looked up with a wide smile, "VINEA."

A serpent-like creature appeared in the sky, wrapping closely around Kougyoku without touching her. Ugo leapt into the air, his fists colliding with the water and evaporating it that did not sit well with Kougyoku however, fuelling her anger. Water wrapped around Kougyoku's arms and her pin, transforming the hair accessory into a weapon, a long sword that looked like it was carved smoothly of coral and Kougyoku's hands had become wrapped in blue scales like armour.

"What is that?" Esra asked but she wouldn't receive an answer as everyone was too shocked to even think about it or the dangers that it might imply at the appearance of this new comer.

Everyone watched as Kougyoku flew forward towards Ugo, a whirl of water wrapping around her and them driving straight through Ugo with such force that it nearly tore his body in half. The djinn vanished back into the flute and Aladdin rushed to get him.

"Now that that's over."

When Kougyoku was about to leave, stepping onto the carpet with her subordinates to get back and have Judar treated properly but Aladdin followed after them on his own flying cloth.

"What's your problem?" asked Kougyoku. "All we did was rescue our ally from that monster."

"He's not a monster!" Aladdin exclaimed, "Ugo was only trying to protect everyone, it was that guy who attacked us first!"

Kougyoku scoffed, her hands hidden within the confines of her sleeves as she held them to her chin. "So you're the master of that monster and all those people down below are you allies." Kougyoku smiled darkly, gesturing to three of her subordinates standing behind her-whom were the largest of the group, towering and despite being masked with cloths on their faces, they appeared to be almost inhuman. "Enshin, Entai, Engi! Kill them."

The three large figures leapt past Aladdin and onto the ground, everyone cowered back at the colossal size of these individuals.

With her word, the three started a rampage, attacking the people below. The largest had a trunk peering out of its cover, using it to further destroy the buildings and swipe people out of the way like dirt. Masrur went to handle him, stopping the creature's movements but he couldn't seem to overpower him.

---

"Holy-ah!" Esra and Morgiana were spinning on their heels trying to avoid being hit from their masked attacker but he was fast, leaping back and forth around them.

"I can't see him!"

"Watch out!"

Ja'far managed to capture him in his cords while he was being occupied by Morgiana and Esra. Ja'far didn't seem like he was going to be able to hold him for long though.

"Mister Ja'far!"

"Help me protect the others!"

---

While the 'person' Badr and Alibaba were dealing with was by far the smallest in comparison to the three; he was fast and wielded a sword well as they found while attempting to avoid the attacks from the blade, but both were still recovering from their previous injuries and not too well.

"What's with this guy!?" Badr asked, pulling Alibaba back to attack himself, he placed chakra under his feet to keep himself stable.

"Not bad for children." He said, pulling back to crouch into a fighting stance. "Let's have a match."

Badr and Alibaba glanced at one another, before strengthening their own stances, stabilizing them as best they could.

Then they heard a loud cry.

"CHA"

Before the next strike could be taken, the masked fighter was sent flying to the front, past Alibaba and Badr, into the air and then crashing into a building. When the dust cleared, the Kou's warrior Engi, was still lying there, appearing unconscious.

"Whoa what was…?" Alibaba turned back around with Badr and they saw single figure standing there, their face hidden behind a cloak.

"Who are you?" asked Alibaba.

The figure walked over to Badr, the hood blew off on account of the strong wind and a flash of emerald had Badr gasping in surprise and relief. Sakura stood there in front of Badr; her eyes glossed with unshed tears as she held open her arms.

"Badr…"

"Mom!" Badr ran up to his mother, wrapping his arms around her waist.

Sakura smiled painfully wide with little care, hugging her son back; she sniffed softly. "Hey buddy, already causing trouble huh?"

Badr just hugged his mother tightly, feeling tears come to his eyes as the warmth of relief wrapped around him. Pulling away, Sakura crouched down inspecting her child's wounds with critical eyes. She wanted to get straight to healing but then Sakura heard a few screams from down below, narrowing her eyes as she saw the destruction being caused.

"Stay here."

Alibaba stared wide eyed as the pinkette leap from the building, "Was that…?"

"Yeah." Badr smiled, "That's my mom."

---

The crash had caught the attention of a few individuals down on the ground as well, Ja'far included as he looked at the building where Alibaba and Badr stood. He saw a flash of pink and gasped.

"It can't be-

The strings around the Kou subordinate known as Enshin loosened slightly, he took the chance to slip out and threw a punch at Ja'far, and the white haired man skidded across the ground painfully until he hit a wall hard enough to crack it. Coughing up blood as his neck craned and his head threw itself back in agony.

"Aah!"

"Mister Ja'far!" Taking her eyes off her opponent Esra didn't see Enshin came towards her, his hand reaching out to grab her at her head. It was large enough to completely grasp with just one around the girl's head and Esra wasn't able to bring herself to counter in time, so she shut her eyes and waited for the impact.

"Hakke Kusho!"

Right before he could reach her; Esra felt arms wrap around her and pull her out of what had become a dangerous space and Engi was harshly shoved to the side, skidding across the floor, leaving a trail of dust.

Morgiana blinked rapidly at what just happened in a split second, "Who are….?"

Someone was rubbing her shoulders; Esra could feel as she opened her eyes, blinking back the tears that blurred her vision, she saw Ino looking down at her with concern etched in her face.

"Aunt…Ino?"

Ino smiled, hugging the girl to her. "Esra, you're alright. Don't worry."

The young girl then looked in front of her at the women holding out her arms in curved downward arches, in a stance that she was very familiar with.

"Aunt Hinata."

Hinata smiled, glancing back at Esra, "Is everyone okay?"

Esra nodded and Hinata looked back to face her opponent that was beginning to recover but what Hinata was seeing with her Byakugan was shocking. Able to see through anything, Hinata could see this things face, and it wasn't human at least that's not how he looked. Resembling the body of an animal-an ape to be but she was catching more than two eyes.

'What is this?'

Enshin stood up, he didn't say anything but launched forward counter this new attacker, raising a sharply clawed hand towards Hinata but was once again knocked down by a powerful force pushing into him and he was barely able to maintain equilibrium as the attacks continued, all he could really make out was a flash of purple and what looked like lions.

"You remember what she said; finish this quick!" Ino said, relaying the message Sakura had given to them when they had first arrived and saw the chaos erupting from the distance. The second Sakura saw Badr and Esra; she told Hinata and Ino to stop the ones attacking and it was fairly obvious to identify who that was.

"Juho Soshiken!" Hinata drew both of her fists forward quickly, thrusting them into the enemy's chest, she continued to strike, spinning effortlessly on the soles of her feet; she continued to strike. Despite Enshin holding his arms across his chest to avoid any fatal blows, he could feel something piercing through his skin without breaking the outer layers and yet it felt as if his muscles were being burned and his flesh was tearing from the inside.

"HAAAAAAA" Hinata gave one final blow with both hands, hitting straight in the vital point of Enshin's chest, watching him skid back before collapsing.

Panting softly, Hinata deactivated her Byakugan before running over to Ino and Esra.

"Esra, are you okay?"

The girl nodded, smiling as she allowed tears to fall down her cheeks.

Morgiana and Ja'far were just starring shell shocked and gaping but unable to formulate any words.

"Where's mom?"

"Where do you think? Wherever the most trouble is." Ino said, grinning.

---

Masrur struggled against his larger opponent, the ground under his feet cracking further and bringing him lower. This wasn't a human; that was certain but the small piece of cloth hide this creatures face well enough.

"It's useless!" Entai said, throwing up his trunk about to swipe at Masrur when he was bashed into the ground, creating a crater in the shape of his body within the solid stones. Masrur stepped back looking at the figure who was standing on top of the creature's body as if it was a part of the ground. Her pink hair blew in all directions concealing her face.

Masrur narrowed his eyes, taking a short whiff of the air. "You're…

The pinkette then leapt away before Masrur had the chance to confirm her identity but he was certain about who that was.

---

Aladdin and Kougyoku had moved to a more secluded area of what had now become the battle field. She couldn't hear much anymore though; the screams had ceased as well as the crumbling of the buildings being reduced to rubble. She assumed that it was because her subordinates had already completed their orders to eradicate the people down below.

"I want to see what's happened, so I'll finished this quickly…" Kougyoku threw out her arm with her djinn equip weapon and began to chant. "Spirit of sorrow and Solitude, I command thee." Kougyoku started, holding out her djinn weapon with a wide mouthed smile on her face. "Cover my form, live in my frame…"

Aladdin stared wide eyed, "What is she doing?"

"Change me into a great magician, Vinea!"

As water started trailing around Kougyoku, her arm started to shift in shape, the skin changing to blue and the texture hardening but halfway Sinbad grabbed her wrist, drawing back her djinn equip until there was nothing but her metal vessel in its original form.

"Please stop miss."

"What do you think you're doing!?" Kougyoku glared up at Sinbad, looking down she saw that the magi was being drawn back against her will. "My transformation!"

Kougyoku let out a breath, falling to her knees as fatigue suddenly washed over her but Sinbad continued to clutch onto her wrist.

"My lady, am I right to assume that you are a princess of the Kou Empire?"

"Who are you?" Kougyoku demanded, glaring up at the man.

"I am Sinbad. The king of Sindria."

Kougyoku felt her heart skip a beat as she gazed up at Sinbad, the moonlight illuminating from behind him. Almost intently making him the focus of attention; his golden eyes contrasting wonderfully against the light and darkness.

"Kougyoku!"

There was yet another crash, in a blue Kougyoku was freed from Sinbad's grasp and pulled back into another. Kougyoku looked up at Sakura who had appeared in between her and Sinbad.

Kougyoku gasped, "S-Sa-

"What's going on here Kougyoku?" Sakura asked, narrowing her eyes.

The Kou princess's former demeanour seemed to switch instantly from cold and calm to flustered and shy, as she looked up at the women she had admired, like a child being scolded.

"T-These people were attacking Judar. He's not even conscious now! So-

"You sent your subordinates to attack all these people?" Sakura snapped causing the other pinkette to flinch at her tone. Sakura had noted the Kou's armour and emblem on the ones she attacked and she knew where they were from instantly.

Kougyoku held up her hand shaking it, "That's not exactly what happened, really!"

Sakura sighed, "Well call off your subordinates before they go in for another attack. Because if my friends and I have to stop them again, we're not going to be as forgiving."

"But-

"You shouldn't just go attacking civilians. Your men have injured a lot of them." Sakura stated firmly. "Call them off."

Kougyoku looked up at Sakura, the women's eyes were hard as the gem they reflected. The princess looked down dejected. Her cheeks red and puffed out "Okay."

Sighing once again, Sakura wrapped her arms around Kougyoku's shoulders and patting her head. It seemed that even after all these years, Kougyoku still maintained that timid nature of hers; although that wasn't what Sakura had seen earlier.

Ino, Hinata, Badr and Esra rushed over to Sakura stopping a little ways in front of her.

Esra smiled, rushing forward to embrace her mother, in which Sakura happily returned. "Mom!"

"Mom?" Kougyoku asked, looking back and forth between Esra and Sakura. Badr came over to them as well, his hands behind his head.

"Well, looks like they found us."

"Finally!" Ino exclaimed.

Hinata and Ino walked up to them as well, the five embraced one another tightly. Relief overtaking them with the warmth of one another's embraces. A weight lifted off their shoulders at being reunited.

Sinbad narrowed his eyes, he had been silent this entire time at the arrival of this new person but he did not miss the glimpse of her pink hair but that wasn't enough to confirm his suspicions, no but when Esra and Badr addressed her….

"Sakura….?"

At the mention of her name from what was supposedly a 'foreign' individual to the group; Sakura, Ino, Hinata, Badr and Esra turned around. Their eyes focused on the king of Sindria who had his eyes fixated only on one person.

And when Sakura turned; emerald met gold.

Sinbad observed the girl-women in front of him with extreme care, her hair was cut straight just above her shoulders and it had become a shade darker. Her face wasn't as round as before, nor as sunken in the last time he saw it, it had become narrow but her cheeks were full and her skin had a healthy glow. Her eyes were still just the same, though they shimmered stronger and brighter.

Sakura was confused for a few moments, narrowing her eyes wondering who this person was but then after looking closer, she could see him. He was taller, his hair had become darker than she remembered but he kept it long, his face had also changed its shape, now longer-losing its boyish appearance completely and giving him a more masculine aesthetic. It was fitting.

It's like the two were frozen in a moment; oblivious to those near them who were watching very closely with curious and slightly worried expressions as Sakura and Sinbad stood in front of one another, watching as if they were afraid to blink.

When she spoke, Sakura let out a breath she didn't even realize she had been holding. Voicing a name of an individual she truly believed she would never see again.

"Sinbad…"

---

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW EVERYONE.

I hope this chapter was satisfactory; I don't know when I'm going to be able to update because I have exams in a few weeks and a lot of assignments to finish. Sadly the coil of reality has wrapped itself around me and before I can start writing again, I have to untangle myself from it.

IN the meantime DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW-

Seriously; I love reading reviews. It inspires me!

TILL NEXT TIME!