Sweet heavens, it feels like whenever I tell you I might be back on track I just slow down again soon after. I seriously can't believe it's been another four months since I posted the last chapter. But I guess it didn't really help that both this current one and the last were tough bits to write, well to me they were anyway.
I always found creating the closure to a fic, whether a one-shot or otherwise, to be difficult and 'Remainders' was no exception to that. I still hope it makes for a nice read though, and that once again you can forgive me for being so late. You definitely deserve better than this!

My special thanks goes to all my amazing readers who've been so unbelievably faithful for such a very long time! Seriously, I don't think I would have ever come so far without you guys. You all are awesome! Oh, and MJ and Trepkos: Again, thanks for your advice! It was truly invaluable to me.

And now, before I chew you an ear off – have fun reading!
Hope you have a fab weekend ahead.

Love, TK

Chapter 20: Remainders

For a long second the Nomad's captain just stared at Maeve in bewilderment, his gaze firmly set on the young woman's face as he tried to conceive the meaning of her words.

"What ... what do you mean, what did he know?"

The whisper was low and laden with the inkling that she spoke of so much more than just what had taken place that very night. Although Sinbad didn't know, couldn't possibly know what the Celt had seen in the stone he could hear in her voice that it was something important – something that concerned her and him alone and which filled the redhead with amazement as much as it shook her to the core.

"Everything" she breathed and just for once her gaze seemed to lie so heavily on him "everything that could be - everything that now is. He ..."
She stopped then, her lips still parted but unable to express what she had just learned. Maeve knew of the ways her master saw the world and how sometimes the future was revealed to him. How he could tell of the different turns a person's life might take and how more often than not he could never be sure whether a fate would be fulfilled.

Sinbad and she had taken the road that their master had seen in the depths of his magic, the one he had hoped they would have the strength to follow. They had walked the path they were destined to tread and the knowledge that all their pain, all the darkness they had to face, that even her return were what was supposed to happen left her in awe and dread alike.

"He knew before we had even met."

Suddenly her head snapped upwards, velvet brown eyes opened wide, as she exhaled audibly.
"All this, Sinbad" she vaguely gestured around the chamber "Being part of your crew, the storm, the spell I used, you coming here... He knew. For so long."
Then, as quickly as she had spoken up, she grew silent again and her expression changed into one of wonder and astonishment before she whispered: "He knew I would return."

The words cut through the air like thunder, their quietness negated by the silence all around, making not only Sinbad inhale sharply.

"Are you sure, Lass? How can you tell?" Doubar's voice was filled with confusion, and for once with doubt. He drew forwards a bit, his surprise about the revelation just as great as everyone else's.

"I saw it, Doubar. In the stone." Lifting her hands a little, she glanced down towards the crystal as if to prove her point. "I saw him and all what happened. The Phoenix showed me, and..."

Her voice trailed off as her gaze softened, folding delicate fingers over the cool surface of the creature's home.

"Just think about it. All those things he said, how he was so certain we had to come along."

Although she didn't say it out loud, her friends knew what she was referring to: Their first journey together, that one adventure that changed all their lives.
None of the crew had expected DimDim to request coming with them back then, much less expected him to bring someone else along. But the old sorcerer had always had his reasons for everything he did, and neither Sinbad nor Doubar would have ever dared to deny him a wish such as this one – no matter how irritating the situation had been at first. And although his decision had made them lose their friend and teacher, something good had arisen from that path that they had stepped onto the moment the mage and his apprentice had boarded the ship.
Something good that lasted and which through the dark had returned to them.

"But, that would mean we were always supposed to be here. That the past two years" Sinbad released a heavy sigh, eyes dark and haunted "they, too, were meant to happen?"

Holding his gaze, she nodded gently, sensing his distress and pain. She knew just how hard that time apart had been on him, could feel her own heart ache at the thought that this had always been their destiny. But she drew solace from the fact that their master knew, that he had guarded them in every which way he could and from that their reunion, too, was long since fated to be. And she hoped that Sinbad would be able to draw new strength from this as well, so that both their wounds could finally begin to heal.

"Everything was" she confirmed him, her lips curling with this smallest of smiles "And he's happy."

Her hair rustling gently as she lowered her head, she remembered that last imagine she had seen. DimDim had looked so content and at peace- no trace of worry or of grief. None of the things she had feared and which had overshadowed her relief. Everything seemed to fall into place at last, and she found herself be truly grateful for all what he had done.

"So can the phoenix reach him? If it showed you DimDim and it brought you here, can't the phoenix also bring him back as well?"

Firouz's face displayed a thoughtful frown as he asked, his mind busy with grasping the laws behind what they had seen and green eyes glancing at Rongar who nodded his agreement.

Maeve drew a shallow breath, unsure of what to say. The beast was powerful, so strong and pure but something in the depths of her heart told her that it wasn't quite as easy and before her lips could even part, Chiara spoke again.

"It can't" she declared.

Her voice was firm and steady, but there was something warm in its tone that betrayed her sympathy for the sailors. She walked up to Maeve with almost soundless steps, her unseeing gaze barely grazing her as she focused on the inventor.

"Because she is kin to it, born from the flames. The fire that burns within her enabled the phoenix to reach out to her, even breaking through the borders of another world, for each Elemental One and their creature are two parts of a whole. Your master however, it's other forces that lead him on his path. The phoenix cannot break the spell."

The young priestess seemed genuinely sorry as she unveiled the truth to them, her features sorrowful and understanding.

"But trust in that what happened was bound to pass" she tilted her head then, light blond hair shifting with her movement and a gentle smile settling on her pale lips "This is not the time to mourn, good sailors. Draw strength from the decision that has been made and do not let your hearts be burdened by that your paths remain divided. Nothing happens without a reason although the same might not always be apparent to us. But eventually we will understand."

Suddenly a cloud chased over the sky, releasing bright sunlight to stream through the small openings and dance on the child's skin. And as she stood there it almost seemed like a part of the bird was with her, impossible to see and yet there beneath the surface. Like a promise, like a spark of hope.

Fair hands lifted to take the precious gem again that Maeve returned to her without hesitation, dropping the sacred item carefully into the priestess' waiting palms.
Turning slightly Chiara lay the crystal down where it belonged, covering it almost lovingly before she let her voice sound in the chamber once again:

"Please, do not worry anymore. You must all be tired. The Temple is safe again, as are these lands. Go now, and feel at home."

There was something distinctly warm in her white gaze as she regarded the seafarers then, the door to their right immediately opening as if the guards outside had heard what was being said.

While the crew exchanged a content look, still surprised about the revelation but also relieved to know that nothing bad had happened to DimDim in this realm which they had never really stopped to try and find an entry to, Lofar stepped into the room. Facing them he placed his staff on the ground with a quiet thud. An almost fatherly expression was on his face and for the first time since they had met him the old man appeared to be truly gentle.

"The festivities have not yet ended. If you want, you can accompany my priests to join the people of Aijakar. All the same, we have prepared another room for you to rest if this is what you do desire."

A fond smile and his left arm unfurling to point towards the hall outside, Lofar encouraged the sailors to leave this chamber that had finally revealed its secrets to them.

After a short moment of consideration it was Sinbad who replied contently: "We thank you for the offer. We will certainly be happy to accept it, especially since the festival is what we came here for in the first place. But if you don't mind we will follow later on."

Then he turned his head towards his brother, showing a small smile. He knew Doubar would have protested had he not asked for a chance to recover first, taking into account how tired both Sinbad and Maeve still looked and reasoning that they'd all better stay in the temple for some more.

"Not at all" came Lofar's understanding reply "You and your friend are weary. I will lead you back to your quarters. Come to town whenever it pleases you."

The elder man's words sounded in the little room, followed by the soft ruffling of his cloak as he shifted on his spot, getting into motion. While he made his way to the door Chiara regarded the crew solemnly, encouraging them to follow her priest and stepping back a little when at last Rongar and Bryn proceeded to do so.

Closely followed by Firouz and Doubar she also motioned for Maeve to join, her white eyes soft and grateful. Deciding he would be good to go with his friends Sinbad, too, began to move but suddenly the young girl stirred, pale lips parting as she called out to him.

"Captain" she said and albeit her voice was quiet it rang in the air, making the others look up as well. She didn't say more, just remained where she was, next to the column. How he could tell she wanted him to stay behind he had no idea, but something in her stance told him that she was asking for another moment, and for privacy. As if there was something that she could or would not share with anyone else but him.

Drawing in a shallow breath he tensed, noting out of the periphery of his vision how a frown hushed across Maeve's features, her hazel gaze on him and the girl.

"I" the sailor began, suddenly feeling oddly apprehensive and yet willing to comply "Why don't you go ahead?"

Turning slightly so that he could catch his brother's eye Sinbad nodded curtly, signalling that he would just meet them later. If there was anything Chiara wanted him to know it was most likely to be important and the crew as well as he had by now learned to trust the high-priestess. So, without any further need for words exchanged Doubar mirrored the gesture and allowed a smile to play on his face before he turned around, exiting the chamber.

Together with him the rest of the crew followed Lofar's lead, Maeve sending one last glance her captain's way as she stepped through the doorway and then the sailor was alone with the young blonde.

For a long few seconds neither he nor she broke the silence that immediately settled in the chamber, the faint whispers of wind twirling through the trees outside the only sound in the air. With her body almost unmoving save for the gentle rise and falling of her chest, Chiara appeared untouched by time and for reason he couldn't fathom Sinbad didn't dare to speak up first. Eventually it was her voice that ended the quiet.

"I apologize for keeping you from your friends" she spoke, lowering her head a little "I know that time with them is precious to you and I promise we won't be long."

Blonde hair shifted as she then tensed up, a grave expression melting into her unseeing gaze. When she went on, her tone was devoid of warmth and instead laden with concern.

"You know the darkness that chased after you and the Phoenix, don't you?"

There was no room for doubt in the way she uttered this, certainty the only thing that showed in her voice. She waited for him then, her for once so heavy scrutiny on him, imploring him with her mind and heart rather than her eyes.

He swallowed uneasily, furrowed his brows as he tried to figure out what the girl meant. There were only remnants of pictures and sounds that he recalled of the night before, flashes of dark and pain and ice.
He recalled feeling lost and growing weaker as the mists howled around him like hungry beasts, hissing at him with voices that had shaken him to the core. Because he knew them, had heard them before. Such a long time ago. It couldn't be.

Turok and Rumina.

His head whipped upwards as suddenly he remembered something he had noticed in the gloom, something he had very nearly forgotten about in the wake of this fight and it had his heart miss a beat.

Across from him, Chiara nodded knowingly, her pale lips drawn into a thin line. He had not said a word, but still she could tell from his demeanour that she had been right. A sigh escaped her throat at that.

"I thought as much."

"But how?" The words were blurted out; the captain's frantic gaze now on the priestess as if she held all the answers in this world. "How can that be" he repeated while his hands clenched into fists and his jaw tightened. "He died many years ago. He can't have been there."

The young man was clearly distressed upon the memory she had awakened, his mind reeling to catch up with the impossibility of what he had encountered. She knew he dreaded the truth that was uncovered, also knew she couldn't spare him to unveil the same.

"And yet the voices that had fallen silent are heard again. Be aware, good captain, for past and future are right there in front of you. And either of them holds shadows that should never be forgotten."

Her countenance by now was almost motherly, a stark contrast to her looks. It made him wonder, once again, who she really was. He didn't think he would solve that riddle anytime soon.

"There are days of dark that will come and once again your strength will be tested, as will your faith. But trust in your friends, and in your heart." And suddenly, like a breath on the wind, she was at his side, one small hand rising to ghost over his left wrist, placing gentle fingers on the cool surface of the bracelet there. "A keeper has no mightier weapon than that."

She withdrew before he even could react, left him struggling to make sense of what she had shared.

"I cannot tell you how and why your past has risen, I cannot see what the phoenix does not know itself. These are matters far beyond my reach, maybe they are for someone else to understand."

Exhaling softly then, Chiara studied him for yet another instant before she straightened herself. It had obviously been important to her to alert him to what he himself had unknowingly found out and now that she had fulfilled this task she was intent to release him of her presence, let him return to his friends and not fret about the burden that this revelation once might be.

"Today, do not dwell on the matters of tomorrow. There always lies darkness in the future, and light is plenty now that the bird has been reborn. Do not let the knowledge of what has happened weigh you down. Rejoice and be at ease for the fires are now blessed again."

And with this she bowed her head to him, signalled him that he was free to go. The sailor hesitated briefly, torn between asking whether there was anything else that she could tell and just letting it be. Eventually he settled for the latter.

There was an air of wisdom about the priestess that seemed just too familiar to him because she wasn't the first one he had ever seen it with. Both Caipra and DimDim possessed it, too, and he knew that prodding either of them had never been successful. Answers would be given when it was time for them to be revealed; for now the warning would have to suffice. And, he decided there and then, it did.

Whatever had brought Turok back into this world, whatever had given him and his daughter the power to attack a creature as mighty as the phoenix, they were not invincible. Not if his crew acted as one. He would trust in that, because what else was there to do?

"Chiara?" Her pale brows rose as he addressed her one last time, expression curious and so very young again. "Thank you. For everything."

She regarded him for yet another fleeting instant, surprise flashing over her features before it made way to a smile that was brilliant and soft in its honesty.

"I have to thank you, good captain" she spoke "My priests and all of Aijakar have to. But" and her chin dipped slightly in pleasant acceptance "you are welcome."

There was a sparkle in her unseeing eyes that told him of her appreciation and he wondered briefly if others had ever thanked her for her deeds.
She was head of the Temple, high-priestess at an age where others played and didn't know how heavy a burden knowledge could be. He would have his crew thank her as well if they didn't already do so on their own.

With a smile of his own, Sinbad already turned to face the entrance again when a new thought crossed his mind. Halting in his movement he tilted his head and looked at her again, gauging her reaction.

"Will you be joining the festivities as well?"

It was a simple question, innocent enough and yet she seemed pensive for a moment, as if the possibility had not even occurred to her. He could see a frown pass her forehead but suddenly she lightened up, and in her gaze he could see the girl again.

"I might just do so, yes."

Almost she even seemed excited, looking forward to be amongst the people of this island and revel in their happiness – experience this that she had helped saving.

"So I guess we'll meet you in town then."

Sinbad's contentment was undisguised, his voice light and reaching her with ease, causing her lips to curl even further as she agreed: "We will."

Albeit he knew she might not pick up on that he nodded, finally setting himself into motion while she leant back just a little, her posture now relaxed again.
He had to admit, he was quite looking forward to the evening and to celebrating with his family and friends. It was what they had set course for this island and he was intent on making the rest of the time they spent on Aijakar be worthwhile. He'd had enough adventure and magic to last for another moon, though when did his fate ever have consideration for his opinion on that matter?

New journeys were waiting, as were new dangers. He had just learned of that. Still, as the door opened for him once more and he stepped out into the cool hall, passing the two guards outside, he believed that no matter what awaited him he would be able to face it. Now that his world was complete again he could embrace the future and not be afraid.

He had his crew and his ship – friends and a home that gave him strength. And above everything he finally had Maeve back.
Indeed, whatever Turok had returned for together they would be able to fight him. It wouldn't be the first time they stood up to the dark sorcerer after all. Caipra had once taught Maeve that it was essential to believe – in your powers and in those who are the closest to your heart. And that was exactly what Sinbad planned to do. Now and in all those days that were to come.

Tonight though, tonight the bright flames in town were waiting - laughter, music and stories of old times. And as he made his way back to the chambers they were given, strangely calm and at ease, he decided that for the time being this was the only thing worth focusing on.

Let the dark come tomorrow, for today it was their lights that would shine.

oOoOo

Rumina's throat felt dry and raspy as she drew in shallow breaths. All around her dust covered the floor, dark and yet glimmering in the brightness that washed over her. Above the heaven lay blue and dotted with small clouds, the ceiling of the cave gone like it had never been there in the first place.

Flexing her aching muscles, the young sorceress rolled to the side, blinked several times before she attempted to move her legs so that they might support her.

The memory of the past night was engraved into her mind, the sensation of that enormous power that they had wielded still tingling through her veins but it was an empty echo, nothing she could reach out for anymore. In its stead there now was silence, and the distinct feeling of yet another defeat.
Her father's cry had thundered through the air, his fury about her giving in tangible and frightening. And yet, even as she now lay amongst the remainders of their fight, covered in debris, she knew that there was nothing they could have done.
Abandoning the dark stone and the spell had been their only escape from the fire that so easily could have burnt them as it was re-kindled. Rumina knew this, only she wasn't sure that so did her father.

Finally pushing herself into a kneeling position, she let her dark hazel gaze roam over the littered floor, searching for him. She coughed as the sea-breeze twirled ashes and dust around her, winced as she caught sight of her dirty skin and jewellery.
When she could breathe evenly again, she straightened her back and that's when she spotted him: standing at the entrance, overlooking the rocks and the ocean below. His compose was terse, his back to her. It was impossible to tell what he was doing though really he did not seem to move at all.

"Father, are you alright?"

The words were accompanied by the quiet scraping of skin against skin as Rumina began to rid herself of some of the grime clinging to her. She half expected an immediate answer, maybe a growl or whatever his current mood would make him bestow upon her; could even feel herself release an unconscious sigh of annoyance when it occurred to her that he might still think that she should not have ended the spell. But when she realized that in fact he did not respond to her, she frowned.

"Father?"

Her hands stilling, she watched him for a long moment, troubled by his demeanour. Finally, she got up, took a cautious step forwards and at last he seemed to acknowledge her.

Tilting his dark head, Turok glanced at his daughter from across his shoulder before just as quickly he resumed his earlier position.

"It is even stronger than before." His voice was low, and bore a distinct trace of resentment. "There's more than just the fires to it now. The last guardian is safe."

"But we couldn't have prevented it, you must be aware of that, father."
Even to her own ears Rumina sounded almost defiant, her shoulders tensing involuntarily as she heard him exhale.

"Of course you would think so, since you were the one to break the spell."

There was something accusing in the way the wizard spoke – the unmistakable sound of disappointment in his tone. He was obviously still convinced that they might have succeeded if only they had held on to that power they had created, but Rumina felt it deep within herself that it would have only meant their doom. Still, she knew better than to argue any further for his mind was set on that truth he so believed in.

"But there are more ways to rule the world than one" eventually he continued, suddenly shifting to regard her again "more forces to summon."

What he meant with that exactly she could not decipher, but as he spoke for a fleeting second something dark lit in his gaze and it was accompanied by his features hardening in confidence.

"We shall prosper and this cursed sailor and his crew..."

While Turok trailed off for a moment, turned towards the restless seas again, Rumina walked up next to him. With her brown eyes narrowed and a frown upon her face she waited for her father to go on, despite all that happened in the past night felt a smile tug at the corners of her lips when he completed what he had begun.

"They will learn what it means to oppose Turok and his daughter. They were lucky this time, but there won't be an escape when next we meet."

Then he brought up his hands to let their finger tips touch in that gesture that was so typical of him.
Yes, as far as Turok was concerned this had by far not been the last time the sailor would be tested and if he had any say in it, their next encounter would also be the captain's last one. No matter whether the blood red crystal got destroyed or whether Rumina indeed was right and they would not have stood a chance, they had wounded the bird prior to Sinbad's interfering, had almost defeated it, too. They were growing stronger, him and her, and soon he would be back to his old power. He could feel it in his every vein and when he was, who would ever dare to stand in his way again?

His name, once more, would be feared throughout the kingdoms, and so would be his child's. Patience, a little patience was all that was needed, together with a new plan. Both, he had no doubt about, would come to him just easily enough. And so, slowly, quietly, laughter formed in his throat, grew until he released it to echo through the ruins of the cave.

It bounced off the crumbled walls, surrounded the wizard and the witch before it tore out to the endless ocean and the wind – melting into the salty air and becoming nothing but a rustle on the breeze, too quiet to be heard by anyone but them. But if asked, seamen who were travelling the nearby waters would tell of a shiver that ran down their spine when amongst the content cries of seagulls a silent whisper could be heard. A whisper dark and daring as the night – the foreboding of a storm that would be gathering.

One day, on the horizon.