I do not own Magi.

Enigma

Chapter Thirteen:

The Laugh and the Smile

"What?" Gray eyes blinked once, wide as Kali gazed at them in confusion, her mouth opened to take in the sweet tart before her as Sinbad continued to grin, hands on his hips as he gazed down at her proudly.

"Since you keep insisting you don't want to join me, you've at least got to make it easier for me to find you." Sinbad pointed out, the teenager shrugging as Kali eyed him quizzically. "Some way for me to find you whenever you're close by!"

"Considering that I make an effort to avoid you..." Kali trailed off, swinging her legs back and forth as she gazed at the pouting face before her in amusement. "I don't see how that will help me."

"It's not like I'm going to use it to hunt you down." Sinbad waved the notion off and Kali narrowed her eyes as he grinned good naturedly, that boyish smile over taking his features. "It's just so that I can spot you in a crowd."

"Again, I've been trying to avoid you. Not make it more obvious."

"Please!" Sinbad clasped his hands together, looking up pleadingly as Kali scooted back a few paces along the wall. "It's the least you can do for always turning me down!"

"Nuh uh." Kali shook her head firmly. "No way."

Sinbad paused, looking thoughtful until he smirked suddenly, golden eyes glittering.

"I'll treat you out to the best sweets maker in this country."

Kali paused at that, glancing to him out of the corner of her eye as she paused, interest piqued. "...the best?"

"I did get here first." Sinbad reminded her, crossing his arms over his chest as he grinned proudly. "Hinahoho found him when he went to go by some snacks for his wife—I'll take you there."

"...promise?"

"Promise."

"Alright." Kali turned then, letting out a reluctant sigh as she crossed her arms over her chest. "What did you have in mind?"

"This!" Sinbad brandished a bright, silver colored silk sash. Kali blinked once, brows furrowing in confusion until Sinbad leaned over her.

The girl paused, breathing in the scent of spices and the ocean as Sinbad braced his arms around her and she felt something tighten around her waist until he pulled away with a triumphant grin. "How about that?"

Kali turned her gaze away from his face and glanced down to the sash wound tightly around her hips, tied to a knot of to the side, and surprisingly fitting well with the colors she already had, a stark, bright silver comparing to the blues and whites.

She idly reached downwards, running her finger over the smooth silk, figuring regretfully that it wouldn't remain as clean and fresh as it was now with where she was headed. But still it was...

Nice.

"It's all right." Kali admitted finally, causing Sinbad to pout before he simply grinned, golden eyes shining.

The world around them slowed, warm, and Kali's eyes flickered to the Rukh around them, fluttery, bright. The day was coming to a close, and a breeze rustled past, pulling at sooty and purple locks as Sinbad leaned downwards slightly.

"Now no matter where you go—" He reached out, his finger poking her in the forehead as she paused, looking at him with wide eyes as he simply grinned, the Rukh around him bathing him in a blinding white light. "I can find you."

I can find you.

Kali's mouth opened slightly, unable to say the thoughts running through her mind until she gently let her eyes slide shut before she opened her mouth again.

"But it only helps you find me easier. Not track me down."

"Well—a little goes a long way, alright?" Sinbad crossed his arms over his chest, glancing away in a rather child-like fashion despite his age, and Kali rolled her eyes, turning her head and letting her hair fall slightly over her face.

And her lips turned upwards, ever so slightly.

Move.

Kali's body flickered before it disappeared, reappearing several feet away from where Kassim had shot a blast towards them. The large, crackling ball of energy quickly ate away at the ground before it, exploding upon collision and destroying whatever had failed to escape its path. Gray eyes widened and Kali jerked, gaze shooting towards the towering beast as Kassim let out a furious roar.

If Kassim was still even in there.

"We have three options, my king." Camio began quietly, and Kali paused, bracing herself where she stood as pillars and rocks began to tumble down around her, soldiers scattering this way and that as Kassim launched several balls of energy around them. "One, we equip ourselves and take the boy down, which would be the most effective option."

But that would take away all chances of getting Kassim out of there alive. Kali breathed and Camio grew tense in her mind. "Two, we step back and allow our help where it can be done, but leave the rest to them—as fate would have it."

I can't be a spectator this time. Kali's hands curled around her sword, the hilt burning a smoldering heat into her hand. If we step back, more and more of them will die when we could have stopped it.

"Then that leaves us with the third option." Camio said finally, and Kali titled her head to the side, listening.

"We charge in and do what we think is right."

A thin smirk pulled upwards on Kali's lips, gray eyes tinting silver as she laughed, shaking her head as she pulled Raum from her side and brought the blade to her lips. I think I like that one the best.

"I figured you would."

"Spirit of Passion and Destruction—Raum."

A flurry of deep crimson red suddenly shrouded her view, a burning sensation running up along her arms, her body, and Kali shut her eyes for a brief moment as the feel of flames licked at her skin, eyes sharpening as she swung her head around, flames licking at the edges of her hair as she raised her sword, the dragon imprinted blade seeming to open its maw as ruby red flames licked up and around the metal.

There was a flash below her and Morgiana swept a solider into her arms, depositing him to the side as she skidded to a halt beside Alibaba, the blonde's eyes wide with horror and disbelief. "Alibaba, please get a hold of yourself! Everyone will die if you don't!"

A trickle of sorrow flickered through her and Kali narrowed her eyes, lowering herself to the ground as the jagged rocks burned away at her feet, ruby scales along her arms and chest flickering in the dim light. "Alibaba."

Golden eyes turned to her figure, desperate, sorrowful, and Kali felt her heart clench as she offered him a faint grin, gray eyes flickering with an air of regret. "That is Kassim." Alibaba's eyes wavered, lips pulling downwards as Kali's eyes softened. "But Kassim has made his choice, he knows what he wanted."

Even at the cost of himself. "And Sinbad didn't help you, I didn't help you—everyone here didn't help you to allow yourself to fall at the hands of someone like this." Kali's eyes hardened and the flames around her licked outwards, a roar of burning hot flames that scorched the ground beneath her. "So do what you must to protect what you want to protect."

Kassim surged upwards, the black djinn letting out a roar of pain when Morgiana darted around, slamming her foot into his head and sending him crashing into the earth. Alibaba's eyes widened as the black djinn rose its arm upwards, a crackling ball of dark energy preparing to fire as Alibaba let out a furious cry, Amon equipping his arms as he surged forward, slicing through Kassim

A furious roar shook the earth, Kassim's good arm slamming into the ground as Alibaba's eyes widened, the prince taking a step back as the air around them lurched. Kali narrowed her eyes, glancing upwards where a dark cloud of black Rukh was beginning to gather, the furious beats and cries a cacophony to her ears as her lips pulled back into a snarl.

Kali breathed and pressed her lips to the burning blade. "Hal Al-Sumut."

Two flanks of flames suddenly shot outwards, forking into two paths as they shot upwards into the air like a well aimed arrow, slicing through the growing cloud and igniting a cloud of flames in the sky. The heat sent a wave of fire over the rooftops, and Kali's eyes narrowed when the split Rukh shifted, morphing and changing until they shot forward, hitting Kassim's body and beginning to latch themselves to his arm.

"With an endless supply like this, he will only continue to regenerate." Camio observed as Kali took a step back, the massive black body growing larger than before. Kali's eyes hardened and she breathed, baring her sword down as Camio shifted. "A full on onslaught with be enough to subdue but..."

That would only help destroy him. Kali watched as the djinn rose upwards, raising its head as it began to make its way towards where Ahbmad and Sahbmad were. If we want to try and save him, there has to be a way to destroy everything else...

A shot of bright fuchsia hair shot past, Kali's eyes widening as Morgiana surged forward. Kassim raised a claw, and the air tightened, Morgiana's eyes widening as she was raised upwards and suddenly launched forward. "Morgiana!"

Kassim's hand swung out and Kali disappeared, reappearing in the air as she spun, a swirling torrent of flames as she swung her sword downwards. Raum bit into the thick black armor, hissing as it pushed through and sliced off a wing. Another furious roar racked the air, and Kali whirled around, brining her sword down on another wing as a torrent of dark Rukh barreled into her.

"Kali!" Her eyes snapped to Sinbad for a moment, the king running forward down below, golden eyes locking onto hers as he ducked past a falling pillar.

Kali bit her lip and broke free of the sudden swarm, twisting about and causing a swirl of flames to appear around her and lick outwards, burning whatever she touched as she swung her sword outwards. But Kassim raised a hand to block the blow, her sword slicing halfway through the thick armor before she let out a cry, surging forward and slicing through the appendage. I'm sorry, Kassim.

But as the hand fell to ashes, another was beginning to appear, and Kali's eyes went wide as another hand came around from the other side, a crackling ball of electricity surging towards her. Alibaba was rushing down below, raising his sword as his eyes went wide. "Stop!"

A buffet of wind and Sinbad appeared, Kali's eyes widening as she raised her sword and the king gripped Kassim's head between his fingers, pulling dangerously close to the yellowed eyes as Sinbad's gaze narrowed. Sinbad raised his hand before plunging it downwards, a pained cry leaving the djinn's lips as a flurry of dark Rukh escaped from the opening. Kali's eyes sharpened at the move and she disappeared, reappearing by Sinbad's side as she waved her scaled hand above them, claws curving through the air and raising a protective wall of flames around them.

"Isn't a move like that a little risky for you?" Kali panted, a smirk crawling over Sinbad's lips as he narrowed his eyes.

"If I couldn't handle a rebellious teen like him I could never claim to be a king again." Kali's eyes narrowed at the dark black color beginning to rise up on Sinbad's arm as he pulled away at the djinn's magoi, taking it into his own. "Alibaba, I'll hold him off! This thing wants to kill off everyone involved with the monarchy here in Balbadd! It wants to kill everyone!"

Sinbad's eyes hardened, golden eyes intense and desperate as Alibaba's gaze widened. "We can't let that happen! A revolution built on bloodshed will be used to justify violence by anyone with the smallest moral cause!"

Clawed fingers shot forward, and Kali braced herself against Kassim's back, holding her hand outwards and using the flames to ward off the attack as Sinbad winced, the black color beginning to rise upwards on his arm. "You're the only one who can save us from that and bring about a bloodless revolution!"

Alibaba's eyes watered, his grip on his sword tightening as Sinbad raised his head upwards and Kali shut her eyes, flames licking around her fingers.

"Kill him, Alibaba!"

There's got to be another way—"My king!" Kali's eyes snapped to the side and she swung, her hands leaving the barrier and taking her sword as she swung it downwards in an arch, barely missing the claws surging after her. A stab of pain shot through her and she hissed, whirling around and slicing through a claw that'd managed to slice through her side. Sinbad's gaze darted to her and she set a hand on the wound, her fingers warming as she sealed up the cut and flashed him a wry grin. "You know I can take more than that."

Alibaba let out a furious cry below them, Amon igniting in a flurry of golden flames as he surged forward, slamming the blade into the djinn's middle. A buffer of black Rukh shielded the area until Alibaba pressed forward, his cry ringing out into the courtyard, bouncing off rubble and broken stone as the equip seemed to crawl further up his arms, flames burning brighter as it pushed forward.

Kassim. Kali's eyes widened at the glimpse of violet hair amidst the sea of black, and Alibaba's eyes widened in disbelief when a wave of energy surged outwards, sending him flying backwards. A wall of flames cushioned the fall, breaking through the wall as Alibaba hit the ground.

Kali whirled prepared to take off when a surge of black Rukh shot past them and her eyes went wide, darting to Sinbad as his golden eyes widened, the surge of black Rukh gripping him and darkening his arms. Sinbad hacked, blood slipping past his lips and Kali lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him as Kassim reached upwards, grasping for them.

The two disappeared, Kali reappearing by Alibaba's side with Sinbad in tow as she skidded across the ground, nearly slamming into the wall had small but firm hands not pushed back, steadying her. Kali glanced back, offering Morgiana a grateful grin as she nodded, their eyes turning upwards to where Kassim was staggering back and forth, his arms and stomach unable to regenerate from Sinbad's interference.

"What's happening?" Alibaba questioned, brows furrowing as Sinbad rolled his shoulders, gripping his arm in one hand.

"Magoi manipulation. The flow of his magoi has been temporarily stopped. This is probably the only time he can't use gravity magic." Sinbad winced and Kali placed her hands over him, her equip leaving her except for the sword as vines shot from the ground and began to wrap around Sinbad's form. "Put all of your strength into a decisive blow. You should be able to cut him down now!"

"Yes!" Alibaba's brows furrowed and he gripped his sword, golden flames arching upwards and wrapping around his arms. There was a flicker across his face and the equip dispersed, Kali's eyes softening in realization as Alibaba ground his teeth, attempting to raise the weapon equip up once more, only to have it die away.

"He won't be able to do anything while he hesitates." Camio murmured quietly, and Kali felt a growing resolve settle in her stomach as she glanced from Alibaba to Kassim, the black djinn staggering forward as soldiers began to form a front line around them. "Don't let the monster take another step!"

Alibaba's eyes widened and the soldiers surged forward, raising their spears and pushing Kassim at bay as the deputy swung an arm out. "Thirteen platoon, advance! Fifteenth platoon advance!"

Cam. The soldiers pushed forward, perhaps a far cry from being able to stand one on one with a beast like this before them, but they didn't care, they were fighting, surviving. How often have we seen a scene like this?

"Too often to count, my king." Camio whispered softly, and Kali dared to let her eyes flutter shut for a moment. I want to stop all this.

Camio remained silent and Kali's lips pulled backwards. I want to help Alibaba. I want to save Kassim.

"What do you wish for the most, my king?" Camio inquired quietly, the familiar question all too well known to her head and her heart as Kali's eyes opened up to the beautifully darkened world before her, understanding, sorrowful, but powerful.

I want to save this world.

Alibaba's sword began to glow once more, a look of fierce determination on his face as he drew up the last of his magoi. Sinbad pressed his hand against the weapon. "I'll help."

Alibaba stiffened when soft but calloused hands curled over his own. Ruby red scales appeared over her hands and Kali offered him a faint grin, fire licking outwards and quickly mingling with the golden flames of his own sword. "We can do this."

Alibaba nodded, golden eyes burning as bright as the flames igniting on his sword as he surged forward, swinging around the massive blade as he lunged, bringing the weapon downwards. Kali stilled, a whisper of Rukh brushing past her ears as she whirled around, eyes widening. "Alibaba—"

A flare of black and Alibaba's eyes grew wide as he was tossed back, a flurry of Rukh blasting him into a wall. Kali's eyes quickly snapped to the lone figure hovering in the air, a dull look on Judal's face as blood red irises flickered. "Yo. Is this what you wanted?"

"Sorry to bother you during your recovery, magi." Sinbad stiffened beside her and Kali grew still, a dark look settling over her eyes as she turned her gaze to the dark green haired man standing atop one of the buildings, a dark mask shielding his face, black robes falling about around him.

"Is he really worth the effort to kill?" Judal inquired, his gaze landed on Alibaba and Kali narrowed her eyes.

"He's already destroyed the flow I've tried to built numerous times. He's turning out to be an annoyance this time too." The masked man's eyes seemed to darken. "We should dispose of him now."

The air began to thrum, white Rukh fluttering about her rapidly, as if in a panic as a storm of black Rukh swirled about Judal, Kali's eyes narrowing at the display as Judal tilted his head back, a faintly curious expression on his features. "Yeah, but what's going on? For some reason, I'm brimming with power."

"You are the one who has fallen into depravity." The man began calmly. "In a situation like this with so much black Rukh around, your power can only—"

There was a whistle, a sharp snap through the air as Sinbad struggled to stand. Darkened irises blinked behind a mask as a dark borg crackled around him, messy bangs shielding gray eyes as Kali bore Raum down on the barrier, crimson red flames licking outwards. Kali's eyes darkened and an almost feral smile touched her lips as she pressed forward, the man's eyes narrowing dangerously as an echoing crack rang through the air. "Who are you to decide whether or not someone's fallen to depravity?"

Judal blinked, eyes glittering almost dangerously in sudden excitement as Kali inhaled, turning around to face his shifting gaze with a faint grin. "Glad to see you're alright, Peach boy."

I need to buy some time for Alibaba to regain his magoi. Judal paused at her words, gaze flickering, and Kali's smiled turned upwards, eyes softening ever so slightly as she shrugged her shoulders. "I get it." I won't force you to think about what you have to do.

"What would someone like you care for our esteemed magi?" Kali felt a sour emotion instantly shoot through her as the man's eyes darkened. "You who goes against our flow—"

"He's my friend." Judal's head snapped up at that, searching the Rukh for a waver, an air of hesitance, but there was none, and bloody irises flickered as the flutter of black beat its wings with an air of caution. The man seemed to frown beneath his mask and Kali stepped forward, eyes narrowing. "Not some simple magi."

"It's with words like those that will destroy the true potential he holds." The man's eyes narrowed with disgust, and Kali regarded him with cool contempt as the air flickered around her, flames curling and licking at her as her equip appeared once more. "A stain like you cannot—"

The man's eyes widened as the borg before him cracked, Raum glistening proudly against the roar of crimson flames as Kali's eyes remained cool, dull and merciless as she gazed at the man before her. There was a flicker of emotion across his face, something like recognition of disbelief as Kali's lips curled upwards and she calmly pointed her sword forward. "You know, its one thing to hear that hag go around and call me that."

The man raised his staff as Kali surged forward, swinging Raum around in a wide arch. "But it's another when her little dolls say the same!"

"You..." Eyes narrowed and a staff swung her way, a flare of dark magic crackling alongside it as he lunged forward. But Kali ducked and shot forward, Raum splintering the borg and slipping through the shuddering shield. "Someone like you—"

"Shouldn't exist." Kali's lips turned upwards and she leaned forward, her eyes darkening despite the scrapes and scratches lining her features as she grinned. "You guys really need to come up with something else to say because funny enough—"

Her forehead pressed against the borg, flames flickering out past now crimson locks as her horns titled upwards, a searing fire cracking along the borg as the man's eyes widened. "—I'm still here."

Kali's eyes narrowed and a wave of flames shot outwards like a cape, enveloping the sudden barrage of ice shards that shot towards her. Kali turned, the man darting away beneath her as Judal idly twirled his wand between his fingers. "Judal."

"You really don't expect me to just sit back and watch you fight now, do you?" Judal's eyes flickered, glinting, but there was a storm amidst his Rukh, white battling with dark as it flickered this way and that. "Not when I'm here teeming with all this power."

"That djinn is made of the same black Rukh that you use," the man spoke up suddenly, and Kali's eyes narrowed. "Use your power to control him."

Judal's feet landed atop Kassim's head, an excited look flickering through his eyes. "If you do, you can order him as you wish."

"Hurry up and become mine then!" Judal exclaimed, violet currents flickering from his palms as he slammed his hand into the black djinn below. Kali stepped forward, opening her mouth to protest, but a sudden wave of energy suddenly shot towards her, forcing her to bring Raum up in defense as the man narrowed his eyes.

Kassim let out a wild howl, the entire body coming to a slow standstill as Judal smirked. "So that's how it works." With a wave upwards the djinn's head rose up as well, and Alibaba's eyes widened in horror. "This is great."

From the corner of her eye Sinbad stood, a fierce look of determination on his features as he stepped forward. Judal's head snapped toward the king and he swung his wand, Kali battling off the dark currents of energy attempting to strike her. "Sinbad!"

"Sarg Arsarros!" The hardened bits of ice sharpened, shooting forward. Sinbad staggered, unable to move fast enough as the shards pierced through, freezing over his body and pinning him to the wall. A smirk touched Judal's lips and he lowered himself in the air. "Be good, Sinbad. Don't worry, I won't kill you. I'll make you mine later too!"

Judal's eyes darkened with a sick excitement, bloody irises glinting eagerly as he swung his wand around, pointing it towards Alibaba. "Now, it's time to kill you!"

Judal stiffened, his lips twitching as he paused, his wand held in mid air. "Hey, Kitten. Move."

Kali said nothing, Alibaba and Morgiana's eyes wide as they gazed up at her slightly scaled back, the crimson sashes overlapping in her waist trailing downwards as the flames at the ends of her hair flickered. Kali's eyes were unmoving, unrelenting, and Judal felt a surge of irritation at the very sight as his eyes darkened. "Move."

Sinbad will be okay for now. It might be better if I can keep him out of this a little longer. Kali calmly spread her arms out, a silent barrier between Judal and Alibaba as she stood firm. Judal's lips twitched downwards, his head tilting to the side as his eyes narrowed. "I'll deal with you later, I promise. But right now I need to take care of this guy."

"I'm not moving." Kali said calmly. It was in moments like these she felt that twinge of regret, that whisper of foolishness for allowing herself to be torn between two people like this. This was why she kept to herself, so she would never have to choose sides.

But I could never regret meeting people like them. Kali's eyes were determined, but there was a flicker of softness as she offered Judal a small smile, and red eyes flickered at the expression on her face. "I can't let you kill someone precious to me."

"Someone precious to me."

"He's a precious friend of mine!"

Saying something like that and standing in front of a loser like him. Judal's lips turned into a taut line, a cool look settling on his face as he fiercely ignored the strange pounding in his head, the annoying force of memories flickering through his mind as wide smiles and shining gray eyes flashed through and he scowled, raising his wand and swinging it downwards fiercely. "Sarg Arsarros!"

The picks of ice melted away to nothing at the wave of the wide flame that shifted past. Kali remained firm and Judal's gaze darkened in annoyance and anger as he scowled. "If that's what you want to do fine then."

You should be helping me.

Judal's eyes landed on Alibaba, contempt and disdain swirling through those bloody irises as he flung his wand upwards. Kassim rose upwards with the motion, the entire body of black armor shuddering and convulsing as it began to increase, the muscles and veins twitching as Kassim let out a furious roar, his enlarged claws digging into the earth as he opened his mouth.

Several spheres of crackling energy appeared, shuddering and shaking with power as Judal smirked, swinging his arm around and the spheres followed. Kali quickly surged forward, flames propelling her forward as she slaughtered two. But the rest shot past her, slamming into the earth just inches away as Morgiana shouldered Alibaba and darted forward, disappearing into a cloud of dust.

Clever. Kali swung Raum in a wide arch over her head, gathering the clouds of smoke and dust around her as she felt Camio pulse around her neck, inhaling calmly as she felt vines trail outwards from the ground and wrap around some of the soldiers scattered about, bringing them away and healing wounds as she quietly stepped through the cloud of smoke. She kept one eye on Judal as the magi glanced about, searching for a sign of them.

Her back stiffened and she ducked when a foot swung out, her eyes widening in disbelief as a column shattered beside her head and Morgiana blinked, a look of surprise flittering across her face. "Kali!"

If that had been my head... Kali blinked, offering a shaky smile as Alibaba turned, eyes widening and she flashed him a grin. "Hey! So what's the plan?"

"I thought you would—" Morgiana started, and Alibaba crouched, a thoughtful look crossing his features.

"Morgiana is going to toss me up there," Alibaba pointed towards where Kassim and Judal hovered midair, a look of hesitance and an air of protectiveness suddenly flickering over Morgiana, "and I'm going to hit him with all I've got."

"But if you do that you could die!" Morgiana exclaimed finally, Kali turning to her in faint surprise at the rise of her voice, her rosy hues alight.

"Please, Morgiana!" Alibaba clutched his sword and Kali paused, gazing at the golden haired boy before her for a quiet moment. "I have to do this!"

"...Interesting considering that's not much left and he's got all the energy you can imagine right now." Kali commented calmly. Morgiana's eyes brightened, as if hoping she would talk reason into her friend, but Kali's lips turned upwards. "But then again, this time, you have me."

Vines shot upwards, wrapping around Alibaba and Morgiana and glowing a gentle white hue as Kali breathed, steadying herself from the strain of trying to force two powers at the same time as her equip wavered. The moment she felt they were out of any immediate danger she turned, her sword glowing a crimson hue as she pressed her blade to Amon's. Alibaba's eyes widened at the flames that ignited along his, and Kali smiled, eyes twinkling. "Must be fate that I have a flame djinn like you, huh?"

"All in the grand scheme of things." Camio murmured, but it was halfhearted, and Kali offered a soft apology as she braced herself against the ground. I won't push myself like before, you know I won't.

"I know you'll do whatever it takes." Camio answered calmly, and Kali smiled sadly. "The stakes are higher now."

Then let's do our best to end this. Kali's eyes sharpened and beside her Alibaba stood firm, eyes narrowing hard in determination. The earlier clouds that'd hung around her washed away in a pleasant beam of light, the air of hope surrounding the two beside her was encouraging. "Now!"

Morgiana let out a great cry, pushing Alibaba upwards as the blonde shot through the air. Kali took a step back and breathed, her body flickering out of existence and suddenly appearing behind Judal and Kassim, her eyes alight with a red tint as she brought her sword downwards as Alibaba surged upwards.

But both of Kassim's hands rose, spheres of energy crackling along the armored palms as it sent two flying in both directions. Alibaba was forced to the ground and Kali ground her teeth, battling to force her sword through the attack when the energy finally let loose, and the force of the explosion knocking her backwards and into a nearby tower.

Bits of rock and rubble fell down around her and she winced, a trickle of blood going down her eye from a scratch above her head as she inhaled, Raum igniting once more. She could feel Sinbad's eyes boring into the side of her head, a storm of emotions on his face as he struggled against the pieces of ice piercing through his body, grinding his teeth as he lunged forward.

Even if he's still strong without his vessels, he'll only ending up using that magoi manipulation. Memories of darkened nights and haggard, tired gazes, the broad, taut shoulders and the soft apologies of what couldn't be done flashed through her mind. He doesn't need that right now.

"Nor do you."

"This is a sword infused with both of our magic." Judal smirked, eyes glittering dangerously as the ice shard was gripped firmly in the black djinn's hands, a violet sheen coating the outer edges. "Let's see how you handle it!"

Alibaba raised Amon; eyes scrunching shut as the sword came down upon his own, forcing him backwards as he blocked the blow. Kali disappeared, reappearing at Alibaba's side and swinging her sword upwards as she placed one hand on the blade and the other on the hilt, ignoring the blood running down her palm as she forced it upwards, crimson flames mingling with gold to force the sword back.

Crack. Kali's eyes snapped to Alibaba's sword, eyes widening at the jagged line that appeared on Amon's blade. With a growl she forced her sword upward, propelling herself forward with all her might. Alibaba let out a pained grunt, a shatter filling the air as he was knocked backwards, and Kali felt the full brunt of the sword bearing down on her as Kassim simply took a step forward.

Shards of black flew past and she narrowed her eyes, realizing the same fate may very well follow Raum if she wasn't careful. Not keen on loosing her weapon, Kali dropped the sword in seconds and reached upwards, hands touching the blade above her head.

The force and magic power shot through her body like lightning, leaving behind a searing, burning pain through her body as she ground her teeth and channeled her Rukh further. The sword before her shifted before it suddenly disappeared, forced somewhere else as Kali stumbled and fell to a knee, clutching onto Raum as she shoved the sword into the ground.

"Even if you do something like that—" Judal smirked, eyes growing wide with excitement as he raised his wand. "I'll just keep making more!"

"Morgiana, one more time!" Alibaba exclaimed. Morgiana's eyes went wide, a worried look crossing her features.

"What are you saying? Your sword's broken!"

"It's still here—I'm still here!" Alibaba's hand trembled from the force of gripping his sword, and Kali paused, a breath of Rukh fluttering past her as Alibaba stood once more. "I have to try again!"

"If only he could see how far he's grown." Camio murmured. Flickers of the downtrodden, embarrassed prince grinning sheepishly flickered through her mind as she gazed at Alibaba's back, young, scarred, and yet filled with so much potential. A strange presence filled her, not like the sun that followed Sinbad, or the burning flame flickering behind Kouen—something warm, light, and all on its own as Alibaba's golden irises narrowed and Morgiana clenched her fists, nodding as she stood beside him.

"One more time, Morgiana!"

The presence of a king.

"Yet you could not imagine the presence you leave behind on others." Camio whispered warmly, powerfully, and Kali grinned almost cheekily, standing up shakily as vines wrapped around her claves, supporting her legs. "I hope it's a good one at least."

Alibaba shot past her, barreling into Kassim only to be forced back. But with every fall he forced himself to rise, and Kali surged forward, darting in and out as she swung down, forcing blow after blow into the djinn below her, trying to break through the armor as she flickered in and out, dodging and hissing when she got hit.

I want to see him grow. I want to see him standing here one day. A surge of fondness filled Kali as she raised her sword, Raum thrumming beneath her fingertips as the flames ignited. "Raum!"

She wanted to see his future unfold before her the way it should be.

Bright.

"You will."

Kali's eyes widened at the new but achingly familiar voice that rang through the air, the world holding its breath for the briefest second as Kassim's sword swung downwards in slow motion. There was a flicker, a shift, and Kali's hair was whipped back from the force of the beam of bright, golden light that shot downwards before them. Gray eyes went wide, a furious flutter of Rukh fluttering past her, filling the air, warm, soft—bright.

"I want to be a source of strength. So I'll always reach my hand out to you." Bright deep blue eyes turned to the head of golden hair before him, Alibaba's eyes wide as a blue braid flung outwards, a wide smile spreading on Aladdin's face. "I always will."

A small hand reached outwards, bathed in a glow of stark white, and Aladdin's eyes shone. "Hello, Alibaba."

Aladdin. Relief filled her, powerful, hopeful, and a wide smile suddenly blossomed on her face to see the young boy alive and well. Kali paused, startled by the fierce surge of emotions upon the sight and she shifted, settling herself as the white Rukh about them whispered cheers and hopeful words, swarming around them. He's okay.

Blue eyes suddenly met gray stained blue, red at the moment, as black horns glinted in the light and Aladdin stepped forward. Kali felt a grin turn upwards on her lips, eyes glittering. "Glad to see you here, kid—"

Kali froze, her eyes growing wide as a small hand gently laid itself atop her crimson locks. All thoughts ceased, her body suddenly overtaken by a wave of emotions, pulling and tugging at her mind like a fierce tempest, her heart tightening almost painfully as Aladdin offered her the kindest, softest smile, his eyes warm, perhaps the faintest bit apologetic as he patted her head.

"Thank you, Kali-nee. For everything." Aladdin's eyes softened and Kali was frozen, allowing herself to be lost just this once in the moment as everything shifted around her. "I'm sorry you had to wait so long."

"I'm sorry you were alone for so long."

The sudden, stupid urge to cry shot through her, but Kali shoveled it back, wondering how in the world she'd come across someone like this, her mind racing as a cloud of confusion followed. Camio was silent, thoughtful, and Kali simply stood, offering Aladdin a small, breezy grin. "I've managed fine on my own. I think I'll be okay."

"Hey, kid, I've been waiting for you." Judal's eyes glimmered, bloody red irises flickering as Judal cocked his head to the side. "I won't lose again. Cause now I've got a djinn, too! Call out your djinn now!"

Judal sent a shard of ice, only to have it melted harmlessly by Aladdin's borg as a soft look flickered across his face. "You mean Ugo? Well, Ugo is..." A small hand gripped the golden flute around his neck, and Kali's eyes went wide at the bare metal. "No longer here..."

"Till we meet again, my friend."

A djinn is...gone? Kali's hand automatically went to the feather necklace at her throat, clutching it in her hand firmly, fiercely, and Camio warmed reassuringly in response.

"If you can't bring out a djinn, then you're nothing but a dumb kid who needs to die." Judal swung his arm around and Kassim's arm mimicked the motion, a sphere of energy shooting from his palm and spiraling towards Aladdin when the magi spread his arms, a fierce explosion of heat and white light enveloping him as it began to take form. Kali's eyes widened as the shape of the djinn she'd seen before took form, a copy of Ugo with his head this time. Magic?

"Huh? That's just regular heat magic in the end! Boring." Judal grinned, eyes narrowing darkly as he raised his arms upwards. "Hurry up and die!"

"Hal Hal Infigar!"

Kali staggered, a surge of power filling her as Raum glowed in response to the wide explosion of heat that filled the air. Sinbad fell to the ground, a look of surprise on his face as water surrounded him, the shards if ice gone, and Kali was quick to teleport to his side. "You alright—"

A firm hand clasped her wrist, and Kali paused, blinking calmly as Sinbad's hand tightened, ever so slightly. "I should be asking you that."

"You know I can handle more than this." Kali's lips turned upwards in a wry grin. "Besides, it's a nice twist to see me protecting you for once—"

"Have you any idea how that feels for me?" Sinbad sighed, his eyes glittering somewhat jokingly. But Kali remained silent when his grip tightened, not complaining when it grew a little too tight, her eyes soft as Sinbad grinned faintly. "It's rather frustrating."

Kali gently placed her hand atop Sinbad's, a soft expression in those gray eyes as Sinbad's grip loosened ever so slightly, trailing down her arm and gripping her hand. Its better this way, trust me.

"Well, if you had you vessels you'd be hogging Alibaba's spotlight." Kali added mindfully, Sinbad flashing her a dull stare as she smiled cheekily.

"Kali-nee, Morgiana, could you two please take Sinbad to the city, please?" Kali looked up sharply while Morgiana blinked in surprise, Sinbad's gaze narrowing slightly. Aladdin offered the three before him a small smile. "There's some people he needs to meet with."

"But—" Morgiana started and Aladdin shook his head, smiling warmly.

"Please?"

Camio suddenly chuckled in the back of her mind and Kali frowned, stepping forward, flames licking around her. Aladdin offered her a bright smile, tilting his head to the side, eyes warm. "You've done plenty, Kali-nee, but if you could, would you let Alibaba and I handle this?"

Alibaba looked hesitant for a moment, gripping his broken sword as Kali's frown deepened. Despite the feeling in the back of her mind whispering that they'd be alright, the very idea of leaving them all to their own was enough to make her want to stay.

But Alibaba's face suddenly hardened in determination, the blonde haired boy giving her and firm nod, Aladdin's eyes bore into hers, warm, somewhere far beyond, and she realized perhaps she was in trouble going against a gaze like that.

"Or you simply have a soft spot for the lot of them."

Hush, Cam. Kali grudgingly took a step back, laying her hand on Morgiana and Sinbad's shoulder, her body flashing as her equip left her in her slightly tattered clothes. "I'll be back."

Aladdin smiled and Kali's eyes flashed, her lips turning upwards, but the heavy feeling beginning to finally weigh down on her shoulders stopped the smile any further. She glanced to Judal, his eyes narrowed, as if ready to stop them, and she turned back to Aladdin, who simply nodded.

Look out for him, please.

The Rukh fluttered, bright, and Kali shut her eyes, focusing on the two beside her.

And they disappeared.

"He won't be very happy with you for leaving." Camio warned, and Kali simply shrugged, grinning widely as she made her way through the city of Balbadd, the flaming buildings and chaotic masses shifting, moving aside as she swung her fingers this way and that, healing things, putting things together as she went.

He can handle himself from this point. The expression on his face when she'd dropped him and Morgiana off had been priceless, those amber eyes narrowing in annoyance and disbelief, and dare she say a bit of fondness as she'd smirked and disappeared. Besides, I trust Morgiana to handle him well enough.

"Must you be so cruel to him?"

I'll make it up to him somehow later. Kali promised, figuring she'd just spend time with him and he'd perk up well enough—despite the way so many looked to him and how at ease he seemed to always be, Sinbad craved attention. And even he should know how I am by now.

Camio said nothing, simply filling her mind and offering her his presence. Kali pouted, glancing to the side as she stopped beside a huddle of people rushing about, swords and spears littered the floor, stained red, but the people before her rushed about, trying rags and trying to stop wounds, desperate, hopeful looks on their faces.

I wish we could have been out here helping sometimes. Kali admitted quietly, her fingers curling upwards as vines gently surrounded the people, looks of alarm on their faces when a glow of white light bathed them, wounds and cuts healing.

"We made the choice before," Camio whispered softly, and a vine quietly entwined itself around her neck, warm. "And we knew how it ended."

Kali sighed, shrugging her shoulders and turning, her body swaying slightly for a moment before she gently laid a hand against the wall beside her, gripping the cold rubble and broken rock between her fingers. "Steady my king. As the magi said, you've done enough—"

"It's never enough." Camio grew silent and Kali shut her eyes, a look of pain on her face despite her bitter smile. "Is it, Cam?"

Because no matter what she did, she would never be able to save both Alibaba and Kassim. Not matter how she'd try to play this scenario out in her head, she'd found the ending inevitable.

"The way you are, your strength is unimaginable." Camio began finally. "You know you could have done anything to change the tides, but it was simply not meant to be. That was fate, that was the choice made. So we channel our strength to a better future."

I know. Kali's hands tightened, biting into the rocks beneath her. I know.

A sudden beam of bright, glistening white light shot forth into the air, tinting golden as it aimed high into the sky and burst forth, shattering the mass of dark clouds that had settled over the country. Kali paused, glancing upwards with a quiet look of awe and sadness as the trail of white began to spread, brighter, deeper, dispersing and ridding the air of all the darkness that had gathered. Looks like they did it.

A wide, proud smile split her face, eyes warming at the sight as white Rukh shot past her, fluttering, cooing, laughing, and she shut her eyes.

"I want to save this country!"

"Thank you, Free."

With a cry of frustration Kali whirled around, slamming her fist as hard as she could into the wall beside her. She felt her hand scream in pain, blood dripping to the floor as she split the skin of her knuckles from the force of the punch, the rubble shattering beneath her. Kali's lips trembled and her knees hit the ground, bruised, scraped, and she pressed her head against the broken wall before her, shutting her eyes as she ground her teeth.

Perhaps another time she would have cried. She would have freely tossed her head backed and sobbed her frustrations to the air, to the world, cried out all the pain and regret. But now, here, there was no time for tears. No time to sob and wish things could have been different.

"I'm sorry, Alibaba." Kali offered weakly, blood dripping from her fist as vines gently began to wrap around her hand. "I'm sorry, Kassim. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

I'm so sorry.

"Rise, my king."

Kali inhaled softly, nodding her head as she pulled herself upwards, a small smile touching her lips. I'm sorry, I'm okay, Cam.

"I know." Vines entwined through her fingers. "You always are."

There was a flicker, the barest whisper of a receding shadow and Kali paused, tilting her head to the side as a flutter of black wings brushed past her, escaping to the sky centering above the ocean port side. Kali's eyes narrowed and she exhaled, stepping forward.

Not this time.

There were a lot of things Kali took pleasure in.

Food, traveling, all sorts of different things really. But if there was one thing that never got old for her, it was always having the upper hand.

Thus, the look of surprise and anger on the Al Thamen member's face when she suddenly appeared, slamming her sword into his borg for all she was worth, there was no way she could stop the wide smirk that touched her lips as she let out a furious cry, arching her back and swinging downwards, shoving the man aside.

"You—"

Kali didn't give him a moment to speak, disappearing and reappearing as she surged downwards, Raum slipping through the borg and cracking the top. The man's eyes widened, disbelief coloring his features as she flashed him a smirk, a feral glint in your eyes. "You picked the wrong city to mess with—priest."

"How can someone like you—you don't belong here!" He snarled, and Kali felt her eye twitch, smirk tugging downwards.

"It gets really annoying after awhile to hear that, you know." Kali's eyes darkened.

"Spirit of Harmony and Chaos, dwell within my body, grant me the power of kings." Kali's eyes narrowed and the dragon pin entwined with her braid glimmered, feathers fluttering as a pentagram appeared on the head. "Ose."

The water below them rushed upwards in a wild torrent, enveloping Kali as it shot outwards, slamming into the borg that rushed to the man's defense. Sooty black locks tinted a dark, navy blue, long, pearl white horns protruding from her head like coral branches. A golden chain circled her head, a small dragon opening its jaws at the tip of the tiara-like crown, eyes blue as sapphires.

Gray eyes turned stormy, shifting from a deep sea blue to seaweed green. Long pearly shells dangled from her ears, her hair loose and wavy save for where it met at the end, tied by a golden circlet as the ends parted like a mermaid tail. A pale blue sheath of shells barely concealed her chest, her hips loosely covered with overlapping silk sashes of a dark blue. Above her bare shoulders were clasps of white shells, holding a cape of all different shades of blue, rippling behind her like the ocean to where it was tied off at the end to mimic a tail.

Kali smirked, the water rushing to her hand forming, hardening beneath her fingertips until a pole appeared, pearly and sleek as a trident took shape, and the man's eyes went wide as Kali's eyes darkened. "Sal Asefa!"

The sea beneath her began to rise, taking form of a massive beast, torn between the shape of a dragon and a lion as Kali's eyes glimmered and she raised her trident upwards, the water beast before her letting out a furious roar as the waves shifted rapidly below her. With a swing of her arm the beast shot forward, opening its dripping jaws and enveloping the borg with it. Tendrils of black shot outwards, piercing through the blue as Kali shot forward, cape fluttering behind her as she swung her trident downwards.

"My love, do be wary." Ose's voice flooded her mind, rippling and shifting as Kali continued to swing her trident about, watching with satisfaction as each swing brought about a larger crack. "Despite the amount of magoi you possess, switching between equips like this is very taxing."

I've got enough to make sure I see this guy fall. Kali lurched, ignoring the tendril the cut her side and swinging the trident downwards. I'm not stopping until I hit his sorry ass!

"I simply adore you when you're mad." Ose purred, and Kali halted briefly, a look of disgust covering her features as she felt Raum burn at her side in protest. "So cute."

Kali surged forward, the tips of the trident slamming through the borg once more as it began to fall apart. But if she didn't act fast, it would be rebuilt in a matter of seconds, and even with determination, her magoi was draining at a rapid pace, and she couldn't risk falling so close to zero at a time like this. One more!

Kali let out a furious cry, water enveloping the trident, enlarging it as she swung once more. A shatter filled the air, Kali coughed, blood suddenly spurting from her lips as a tendril shot through her side. The man seemed to smirk beneath his mask, but his eyes went wide as Kali smirked, pushing herself forward and tightening her fist.

"Disappear."

Her arm swung, a satisfying crack ringing through the air as the man was sent flying backwards. Kali coughed, smirking despite herself as she stumbled and fell, the tendril slipping from her side as her equip left her and she was falling. Wind rushed up to meet her and Kali blinked wearily upwards, the ground beneath her increasing at a rapid pace as she tiredly pondered how much the fall would hurt even with Camio as a cushion.

But the air tightened, the world shifted, and a burst of Rukh shot past her as she blinked, brows furrowing when her fall came to a sudden halt, firm arms enveloping her and slipping beneath her legs and back. Kali blinked, eyes growing wide as she turned her head, and a dazzling, bright grin met her, golden eyes alight. "Is this what it takes to have you fall into my arms?"

His body was warm—strong, and Kali couldn't stop her lips from turning upwards as she offered Sinbad a crooked grin. "Your timing is impeccable, my king."

Sinbad's eyes glittered, gold a shade darker as electric currents seemed to buzz about him, Baal's equip humming with energy as he lowered them to the ground. "Now all we need to work on is getting you to stay put when you're supposed to."

"I'm like the wind," Kali began breezily, letting out a mockingly rueful sigh as she shrugged in his arms, unable to deny the relief that filled her chest at the very sight of him. "I go wherever I please."

"Need I remind you," Sinbad drawled, his head tipping forward, bright blue bangs brushing her head as Kali blinked into golden eyes. "Focalor controls the wind."

Kali looked momentarily surprised for a moment before she simply smiled, Sinbad frowning at her reaction as she reached upwards with her less bruised hand and patted his cheek. "Try not to loose them this time, eh?"

Sinbad's eyes narrowed as she simply beamed, the two of them landing on the ground. "You never cease to amaze me, Kali."

"As do you, my foolish king." Kali attempted to slip from his arms when she stumbled, and Sinbad quickly steadied her, scaled hands warm on her skin as Sinbad lowered her to the ground and Kali made no move to resist.

"Are you alright?" Sinbad began calmly, his eyes taking her in, assessing her wounds and tattered state as Kali let out a sigh, waving him off.

"I'm fine, really—"

"Clearly." Ja'far spat, shooting her a dark glare as Kali blanched, offering him a sheepish grin. "Because bleeding to death and nearly forcing yourself to use up the last of your magoi is fine."

"Well, I'm not dead so—"

"Yet." Ja'far muttered, clutching onto his weapon as he pulled the strings taught, blades glimmering ominously. "That can be arranged."

A firm hand enveloped the top of her head and Kali blinked, smiling as Masrur simply gazed down at her and she let out a heavy sigh once more. "Yes, yes, I know."

Sinbad's eyes never left her face as Kali leaned back against the rock, looking up with an air of reluctance but without a moment of hesitance as she grinned. "Do your thing."

Sinbad smirked and Masrur took to the air, shooting after the masked man as Ja'far darted to the side, swinging the blades around. "I didn't need your permission, you know."

"Household Vessel: Bararaq Kauza."

"I think I'm starting to rub off on you." Kali teased, cringing when it came out more of a wheeze and Sinbad narrowed his eyes, an air of anger swirling about him as he turned his gaze upwards.

"Household Vessel: Bararaq Sei!"

"Why do you even exist?" The man exclaimed, falling from the air as Sinbad narrowed his eyes, bolts of lightning shooting from the sky and slamming into him as he raised his sword. "High King of the Seven Seas, Sinbad!"

"Bararaq Saiqa!" Sinbad exclaimed, a furious bolt of electricity shooting upwards from his sword, and Kali shielded her eyes from the blinding light that shattered the earth before her eyes.

There was a cry of pain, mingling outwards into a shriek until there was nothing left. Kali blinked, the storm clouds above disappearing as Sinbad's equip disappeared as well, his sword slumping downwards as he swayed forward. Kali's eyes widened, forcing herself to stand when Ja'far and Masrur appeared, propping their king upwards as Sinbad exhaled. "Sin, are you alright?"

"Yeah. His shadow's disappeared." Sinbad murmured, and Kali's ears perked at the new voices.

"Wow, that was impressive, sir!" Kali blinked dumbly at the three men before her, all varying in shapes and sizes, yet strangely seeming to resemble each other as they smiled sheepishly, brandishing the rest of Sinbad's metal vessels. "That was a fearsome blow!"

Sinbad chuckled weakly, and Kali couldn't help but smile as she stepped forward, pausing when something clattered to the floor at her feet. Sinbad glanced backwards, narrowing his eyes slightly, and Kali frowned, her brows furrowing at the small little doll before her.

"Perhaps not enough." Camio whispered and Kali simply stepped forward, crushing the thing beneath her bare feet with a firm stomp.

Then he can come back for more.

But whatever ounce of determination Kali had felt teetered over when she stumbled, the force of her stomp too much for her body at the moment and her knees buckled below her as she fell forward.

Kali let out a groan of pain; familiar hands were helping her up as Ja'far shot her a dull look.

"You're an idiot."

"I know, I know..."

Camio, magis...are amazing.

The world before them shimmered, bathed in golden white as an abundance of Rukh fluttered forward, wild, powerful, and Kali absolutely basked in the happiness of it all as they stood before the rubble of the palace, Alibaba and Aladdin standing before them as people spread their arms outwards and embraced loved ones long gone and joined with the flow of Rukh.

And it was beautiful.

"Aladdin...Alibaba..." Morgiana started, stepping forward with near tearful eyes as the two boys turned, smiling brightly and waving their arms.

"Morgiana!"

Morgiana's face exploded into one of happiness as she shot forward, arms outstretched to envelop the two in her thin arms. Kali couldn't help the smile that blossomed on her lips as she slumped, vines rising up from the ground to support her. This is what is should be like...

"Kali-nee!"

"Kali!"

Kali let out a breath of surprise as she was tackled to the ground, her eyes growing wide as Aladdin beamed down at her and Alibaba grinned despite the worn look in his eyes, and Morgiana sat mindfully to the side, a smile on her face.

Sinbad stood beside her, leaning against Ja'far shoulder as her eyes glimmered, and a soft, warm expression tackled her face.

This is what I want it to be like.

One had to marvel at what hopes and determination could do to an entire city wrecked and in shambles. But one needed to only hand a person a shovel or hammer, and like that, the people were moving, working—alive, struggling together to pull their fallen city back together, eyes shining, smiles blossoming across their faces.

One a day like this, with everyone moving, working, Kali was itching to be out, seeing with her eyes the people working together to make something better, since sights like those never ceased to amaze her. It was times like these where she was always willing to help, working alongside the people to make this a better country.

"Shit! That hurts, Ja'far! Isn't that enough—ow! Ow! Ow!" Kali let out a pained cry, back arching as Ja'far promptly tugged her downwards and forced her to remain still, a merciless expression on his features. "I told you I'm—shit!"

"You constantly go on and on about how you can handle whatever comes at you, but you can't even handle herbal medicine?" Ja'far scoffed, slathering the thick balm onto Kali's back as the girl let out a shriek of pain.

"That's not medicine! It's poison!"

"Stop whining."

"If you'd just let Camio heal me I wouldn't be—"

"Rejected." Ja'far snapped, Kali flashing him a saddened pout. "You're supposed to be recovering your magoi, not needlessly depleting it."

"Camio can take it from the earth..." Kali muttered weakly.

"And rob this city of what it needs? I think not." Ja'far huffed, fingers ghosting slightly gentler over the dark ink black tattoo against her back, eyes softening slightly at the long scar that ran through it. "This is how most people get better."

"People are amazing." Kali mused, wincing at the burning sting as the medicinal herbs did their work helping her wounds and scrapes. "Why don't you go help Masrur? He looks like he needs it."

The Fanalis simply blinked once, face as stoic as ever as he gazed back at Kali and she blinked, laughing nervously as Ja'far narrowed his eyes. "...I think."

"If you want," Ja'far eyes narrowed and Kali blinked, turning around and inwardly wondering if it was a good decision after all to keep the sashes around her chest on as Sinbad beamed, stepping from the doorway into the open balcony room with a bright smile on his face. "I can take over instead."

Kali blinked, a wary look on her face as Sinbad grinned innocently, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned forward. "After all, medicine always goes well with a little bit of sugar—whoa!"

Sinbad blinked, paling as Kali grinned childishly behind a narrowed eyed Ja'far, holding his blades dangerously close to Sinbad's face. "I would rather have Sharrkan do this before I allow you too."

"But Ja'far—"

"Don't you have paperwork to attend to?"

"This isn't even my country!" Sinbad clutched his head in his hands, letting out a cry of frustration. "How do I have paperwork?"

"Eh~ Too bad for you—ow! Ja'far!"

"Why two idiots like you have so much power continues to escape me." Ja'far muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose as Kali and Sinbad pouted.

"I should be out there helping everyone out." Kali sighed, rubbing the back of her head as Camio hummed within her mind. "Not lazing about here..."

"You've done plenty." Camio murmured warmly, and Kali smiled faintly. "You deserve all the rest you can get."

But was it enough? Kali wondered, gazing upwards at the wide, arching ceiling above her as the talking around her grew far off for a moment. Is it ever enough?

"Your highness, it's an emergency!" All heads turned, Kali's shoulders tensing at the guard at the door, a panicked look on his face. "A Kou Armada has been spotted advancing towards out ports!"

"Lord Kouen is waiting now with his own fleet of ships a little ways away!"

And like that, the gentle thrum of peace that had filled the room was ripped aside, and Kali slowly stood, reaching out and grasping her tunic as she slipped it on, Ja'far and Masrur flanking Sinbad as they stalked out the door. Kali grasped the silk sash between her fingers, worn over the many years as she slipped it over her hips and tightened the knot.

I guess not.

Kou.

The name sent a strange shiver up Kali's spine, memories flickering through her head of all the time spent there. A certain memory most of all flickering through, but she quickly shoved it aside, coughing and tugging at the dip of her tunic as the group before her gazed intently at the approaching armada, Sinbad's eyes narrowing as Alibaba's grew wide.

"What shall we do, my king?"

"Why are they here?" Alibaba exclaimed, stepping forward with wide eyes, and Kali's frown deepened.

"They probably dispatched this armada right from the start. That way, they would be able to take advantage of the rebellion and take control of Balbadd." Sinbad murmured, his eyes narrowing, and Kali felt a surge of annoyance, knowing full well that it wouldn't be past their ideals to do so.

If it's courting he was trying to do. Kali mused dryly, her eyes narrowing. Attacking countries close to heart is certainly the way to do it.

"If word truly did reach him, I wonder why he did not fly out to meet you himself." Camio wondered and Kali blinked. Kougyoku must have asked Ka Koubun to remain silent.

A surge of affection for the girl flashed through Kali and a wave of relief barely filled her. Alibaba stiffened, whirling around at Sinbad's words. "But the rebellion's been stopped!"

"That may be true, but the new government is still in development." Ja'far murmured. "If they insist Balbadd is currently in an anarchic state, it will be difficult to refute them."

"Alibaba, you must leave this country immediately." Sinbad turned to face the blonde haired boy, and Alibaba's eyes went wide. "Kou will, without a doubt, try to gain control of all royalty here in Balbadd. And this time, they will either take all rights from them and set up a puppet government, or use them as a symbol of the previous tyrannical reign to execute them and make a point."

I dare them to try. Kali stiffened, bristling at the very notion. She knew in her heart it was true, but she knew even more that she would never let Kouen lay a hand on Alibaba like that, no matter what he meant to her.

"You want me to run away?" Alibaba exclaimed, stepping forward. "And abandon this country?"

Sinbad's eyes flickered, and he blinked once. "Yes."

"I can't do that!" Alibaba gripped his chest. "I made a promise! I promised Kassim and everyone who died that I'd make this country a good place!"

Alibaba turned golden eyes towards Kali, and the young woman paused. "Kali, you'd help me, won't you? With everyone here we could put up a fight—"

"You can't drag people into political wars—"

"I would." Kali offered quietly, Alibaba's eyes brightened and Sinbad paused, eyeing her thoughtfully as Kali's brows furrowed. "In a heartbeat, Alibaba. But against them like this..." She shook her head. "It would be starting another rebellion." These people can't handle another war.

Alibaba grit his teeth, understanding and confliction flickering through his eyes as he turned, shaking his head. "I won't run away anymore. If it came down to it, I'd rather fight!"

A swift hand came down and Kali winced, reaching forward and helping Alibaba as Sinbad lowered him to the ground. Beside her Aladdin's eyes went wide, and Kali sighed, shutting her eyes as Sinbad's gaze lowered. "Forgive me, Alibaba."

Kali's turned thoughtfully towards the ocean, an air of wonder and slight distaste flickering about her at the idea of Kou coming to invade a country like Balbadd. But when she imagined those smoldering crimson eyes, she knew that his intentions were clear, and if Balbadd was the next step, he'd obtain it.

Then I'm afraid I'll have to keep one step ahead of you, Kouen. Kali's eyes flickered and she grinned, wondering how he'd feel finding out that she'd been here on this country just moment before he arrived. I can't face you just yet.

"But if we can't fight, what are we going to do then?" Aladdin inquired softly, and Kali paused, glancing upwards as Sinbad's gaze hardened.

"We're going to take him to a place where I can offer the upmost protection."

Kali stood, shoulder Alibaba as Sinbad stood beside her, and Kali wondered what she'd bring back for the lot of them as Sinbad smirked.

"Sindria."

And that finally concludes the Balbadd arc!

:D

R.I.P Kassim. You will always be remembered. :(

I felt a little bad for Sinbad at the beginning though, giving him less of a chance to fight was a bit difficult, but it proved the best option at the moment to really let Kali see what Alibaba and Aladdin had in store so that she herself could grow to decide how she'd want to help them.

But he redeemed himself at the end, eh? :D

SORRY TO ALL YOU KOUEN SUPPORTERS WHO WERE HOPING FOR A REUNION. I think I mentioned this before, but I don't plan on the two meeting for at least several more chapters, so you guys will have to endure for now. :) Those of you who are happy between the two of them should be fine, but those of you who lean towards Sinbad rejoice! It's our stupid king's time to shine.

Or is it?

GUYS. GUYS. GUYS. WE ARE ONE REVIEW AWAY FROM 600.

I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH.

Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing and favoriting and just being the wonderful people that you are and giving me all this amazing and wonderful support. And a big thanks for those of you kind enough to even think about making fanart for this story! I've received a few already, and you have no idea how much I jump around in happiness at seeing them. Links are up in my bio as well!

Thank you for reading! :)

Marshmellowally-

-OUT!