Through the Spy Glass Chapter 21: Present: Preparations, a Naruto + Magi/マギ Crossover fanfic

I'M BACK!

After weeks, I have finally managed to get this chapter done. I've been going back and forth between this story and Crossroads of Fate but I got this done today and wanted to post it as soon as possible.

Hope you enjoy this chapter.

The salty smell of the sea, and spicy tang in the air, the bustling of the vibrant citizens in town. Sinbad missed the taste of home, his kingdom Sindria. After being away for months, he couldn't help his touch of homesickness while in Kou. He had remained guarded throughout his visit, despite keeping a calm demeanor while in the presence of the emperor. He hadn't encountered the empress during his visit and he wasn't complaining. His only concern now was what would follow.

What also had him anticipating his return home were those who would be there when he got back. He couldn't help the thought slip into his mind that it would be a repeat of the past before Sakura would disappear. All he had to do was look away for a second and when he turned back she would be gone. Only two of his generals were aware of her presence; that was Ja'far and Masrur. Sinbad requested it stay that way until he got back and could handle the ordeal personally.

That was why, as soon as his negotiations with the Kou emperor was settled, he did not waste any time to get on a boat and return home. He did his best not to show how impatient he was to return to his kingdom, and he was able to finally bring things to a close for the moment. Even accepting a request from the emperor to assist with the teachings of one of the princes, without a fight or questioning.

While he managed to fool the emperor of his impatience, his generals that had accompanied him on this journey were not as convinced. His general, the prince of Sasan and younger brother of his former general Mystras, Spartos had voiced his concerns that Sinbad appeared to be a bit disoriented. Then there was his general Sharrkan, who was certain something was weighing heavily on Sinbad's mind-especially after he had politely refused the emperor's offer to stay long enough for a banquet with entertainment and wine at his disposal.

Sinbad just explained to the two that they needed to return to Sindria as quickly as possible because there were certain matters that still needed to be dealt with regarding their new guests in which he only really mentioned the dungeon capturer Alibaba and magi Aladdin, subtly bringing up Badr and Esra as part of a set of two dungeon capturers and two magic users in need of tutorage and a Fanalis girl. He managed to divert Sharrkan's attention by informing that he wanted him to be the one to teach Alibaba and Badr swordplay. Sinbad had thought he might have been able to confess to Spartos and Sharrkan with regards to Sakura and her-their children, but his throat went dry on his first attempt. He realized it wouldn't be wise to reveal something of this stature when they were on another continent needing to focus on diplomatic issues.

Setting off early and taking the quickest course home, Sinbad and his generals had docked in Sindria in the early hours of the morning with only the briefest flicker of light visible in the sky. Even so, the bells rang throughout the kingdom to call out for his return and awakened many. Reaching the palace, his guards were lined in preparation to greet him upon his return, his servants bowed in respect on the other side. Ja'far stood on the end, greeting him with the respect one gives a king but with the smile of a close friend.

"Welcome back, my king."

Sinbad returned the greeting with a smile, in understanding "Thanks for watching over the place in my absence."

"How are Alibaba and the other's doing?" Sinbad asked as he and his generals walked across the hall. Ja'far discretely glanced behind him, without looking over his shoulder back at Sharrkan and Spartos. It was obvious that Sinbad had not informed his subordinates the details of what occurred back in Balbadd, because Ja'far was certain that they wouldn't be able to keep their composure.

"For about a month he was in a constant rage, along with Aladdin…..and the others but they were settled quickly enough with a bit of help." The look in Ja'far's eyes told Sinbad exactly who he was referring to.

"I see," Sinbad stared ahead of him, "When they awaken, summon them as soon as possible so that I can discuss my meeting with the Kou."

Ja'far nodded, "As you wish."

Sinbad then glanced carefully back at Sharrkan and Spartos before whispering silently to Ja'far, "And how have things been regarding 'that' matter in Balbadd?"

Ja'far responded in an equally soft voice, "Rumors are ghosting around already but Masrur and I have intercepted any information and messages to the other's that would have solidified those rumors. Though it's harder to do that with civilians. Especially those traveling from Balbadd….Sinbad, they are not going away like the others. It needs to be sorted before any profound tales are added to this truth,"

Sinbad gave a slight nod, "I understand,"

Before Sinbad seemed ready to conclude their discussion, for now, Ja'far spoke again,

"And for the time being, I'm afraid there's another matter you may want to urgently address…."

Sinbad gave Ja'far a pointed look, and he saw the apologetic glint in his vizier's eyes. "I'm sorry, but I couldn't leave this pending for your return."

Mornings in Sindria were glorious, the air would peak with cold no longer than an hour before the warmth of the sun would settle over everything. It felt useless to wear layers because of this since it would turn out to be nothing more than extra fabric to drape around. Which was why Sakura just wore her regular attire instead when she came out every morning before the sun rose. She could feel the dew seep into her clothes while she knelt on the grass, her hands clasped tightly together with her head bowed deeply. In front of a stone tablet placed on top of a hill, far from the melodious atmosphere of Sindria. Where she could hear nothing but the wind running sorrowfully through grass and trees.

The world was indeed cruel.

The heroic souls of the Founds of Sindria rest here.

Sakura couldn't feel anything, not the warmth of the sun, the slight breeze that carried that warmth, nor the soft grass that soothed the skin instead of making it itch as she fell to her knees. Her entire body went numb and all she could hear was a ringing in her ears.

Ja'far stood behind her at a distance, from where she would be able to still hear his voice. "It was the day of Sindria's opening ceremony. Before the even barely began the country was plunged into a war against Parthevia."

It was clear that Ja'far was trying to keep the vivid images at bay when he told her of the events that occurred ten years ago. But while he explained, Ja'far himself had been taken back to that dreadful day. In which everything they had strived for the last few years together, had been crushed nearly instantaneously. What was meant to be a joyous day of celebration had turned into the worst day of their lives. The screams ringing all around while people were evacuated. The smell of smoke and blood that filled the air and suffocated anyone in its path.

The confidence that had built from the ordeals everyone had endured to build this country, crushed in a moment as they drove into a war with Parthevia. It had honestly been an astounding surprise for both sides. Neither was expecting to become foes that day, quite the opposite but it happened.

And the reason was even more shocking.

"Princess Serendine had come back to Sindria that day, but it was not with good intentions. She had used her djinn Zepar to make Sinbad decree war against Parthevia."

It had happened like this, when the celebrations were high and Sinbad stepped out to formally present himself as king, instead of a moving speech, everyone was struck with a declaration of war. But Sinbad had not been conscious of this when he made the announcement before attacking the former Parthevia general Barbarossa. It was only later on that they found out what had really happened to him during the ordeal and it had to do with princess Serendine.

Zepar's ability was sound magic. But there was more to it than that as everyone discovered on that day. Like in the dungeon, Zepar's metal vessel holder had the ability to manipulate their target and bend their will after hitting them with his sound waves and Sinbad had been the target at that time. Then Sakura remembered her battle with Sinbad and Serendine. That was when Serendine had planted Zepar inside of Sinbad's mind to control him.

"But it was not all Serendine's doing," Ja'far told Sakura as the pinkette remained speechless. "Judar had played a big hand in this as well. In the end, he betrayed both princess Serendine and Sinbad. A battle broke loose and that was when we really became aware of Al-Thamen."

When Sakura's shoulders began to shake, Ja'far knew that he should bring this story to its climax before Sakura decided to turn away from the story. He did not detail the battles too much, only who was involved, who had survived and more importantly who hadn't.

"Mystras, Mahad, Vittel, Rurumu and so many others…they gave everything to protect Sindria but they did not survive the battle to see the new one."

Ja'far felt his heart pain with every beat as if it was being gripped in his chest as he heard the most pain-filled screams of the pinkette in front of the tablet. Her head hung low as the ground swallowed her tears and the wind carried her cries.

Sakura felt a hand rest on her shoulder, and she knew by its weight and size that it was not Ja'far's but someone larger. She was brought up from the ground into a warm embrace that she couldn't find the strength to return as her body refused to function. But she was able to continue to cry.

Masrur kept a blank face as he held the pinkette in his arms, mimicking the way she had held him when he was a child. He knew Ja'far didn't want to delay revealing this to her and so he had waited for him to give the explanation as the older male had always been better in a verbal sense. And knowing what was likely to come, he decided to wait.

To comfort the person who had looked after him as a mother would her child.

Sakura felt as if she had been ripped apart after listening to Ja'far. She couldn't stop herself from realizing that this had all happened when she was not there and she found herself sinking into the thoughts of what if. She was digging a hole of despair, going further when she thought of the individuals who were no longer a part of this world and was ready to throw herself into the emptiness in front of her. She probably would have as well.

Had she not already endured such pain.

So on the first day, when she returned to the palace no one could even tell she had cried. She kept her face blank and her eyes seemed lifeless. For a month, she remained like this.

Choosing to keep Ino and Hinata in the dark about this past. As well as Badr and Esra. Due to her condition, Ja'far had taken up the role of tutoring Badr and Esra as Rurumu had tutored, Sakura, Sinbad and himself.

He had also tried to ensure Ino and Hinata were kept entertained as any welcomed guests at the palace were. They were offered tours, gifts, and much more. Being in a new land, never mind a new world would pique anyone's interest and they were more than happy to accept the offers. There was much that piqued their interest in this world. They even sat in the lessons with Badr and Esra at times to learn how to read and write in this worlds illustrations. Esra and Morgiana spent a lot of time together, mostly training with Masrur. And Alibaba, Badr, and Aladdin spent their time together. But mostly, the five had become exceptionally close and even started sharing a room come the second month of their time in Sindria.

Needless to say, time eluded them all.

As did Sakura's condition, until it was no longer on the surface of her being, but buried deep within her.

Since then, Sakura had been coming every morning to the tablet set in honor of those who were lost during the battle to pray to the souls that embodied the people dear to her. It was an opportunity for her to reminisce freely and perhaps let her feelings pour. Until she was finally able to remind herself and believe that this was all a matter of the past, a past that could not be reversed. She couldn't detach herself from the situation when she told herself this, but it was her best source of comfort for her damaged heart.

Finishing with a final prayer, Sakura raised her head but when she opened her eyes, even without turning around, the way the rukh began to flutter was all the indication she needed to know that she was no longer alone. She also knew there were few people in this world that could make the rukh flutter this way.

"Sinbad,"

"Sakura,"

Sinbad kept his distance, watching the pinkette's back. After Ja'far told him where Sakura was, he didn't need further explanation and took off immediately just as the sun reached its peak. He didn't even think what he would say, how he would remedy this truth he had hidden from her. But still, Sinbad pushed forward without delaying his steps. He was almost tempted to draw his djinn just to reach the memorial.

Once she was in sight, once he was certain she was still here, he didn't move, because he did not know what to do next.

The minutes that passed were like hours, but neither had moved. This mimicked their previous meeting all over again, and there wouldn't be anyone to break them from each other. The only defense they had at this point was the fact that they couldn't see the other's face.

"I intended to tell you when I returned, I'm so-

"I know," Sakura cut him off gently, her head hung low but Sinbad knew that she was staring at the tablet "You don't have to apologize. There were enough dramatics to deal with at the time, so I can understand why you wouldn't want to tell me. In fact, I should be grateful you didn't. I appreciate the extended period I was given to gather myself."

"I know what you mean. It's not a memory I enjoy revisiting," Sinbad admitted, glancing at the tablet. "But I wouldn't want to forget either. That's why we made this memorial, to commemorate them."

Sakura exhaled softly, her throat was becoming dry but there were no tears in her eyes. "I'm sure they were brave,"

"Yes," Sinbad confirmed strongly. "Till the end."

"The devastation of war is great," Sakura said with a bitter familiarity in her voice that Sinbad barely caught. "And when it ends, victory seems irrelevant to those who manage to live through it. You're merely grateful to survive. Regardless of the outcome. Those images are burned into your memory, like a scar that hurts when you look at it. To think that you all went through that when I was gone….."

"Sakura….."

Sinbad halted when he saw the pinkette flinch, taking it as an indication not to draw any closer to her. Because he could tell, she didn't want him near her.

"I know I couldn't be there. I know there's no logic in feeling guilty of events that took place when I had left long before. I know there's no reason to blame myself." Sakura looked down at her open palm, "But it didn't change how I felt when Ja'far told me about this war that destroyed Sindria. It didn't stop the anger I felt towards myself. It didn't change that I struggled to even look at Ja'far and Masrur for almost a month after that. And it doesn't change the fact that I've been dreading to face you since then."

Sinbad had heard enough.

"Sakura. What happened to Sindria was on account of my own decisions, no one else's. And certainly not you when you weren't even there." Sakura flinched but kept her back facing Sinbad. But she already knew what he wanted and that he wouldn't take another step towards her. "I can't say that I didn't lose spirit in your absence, but I was not so blinded by grief that it clouded my judgment. I know what I did and I have accepted the consequences. I will not make excuses, nor put the blame on anyone else. This sin is mine to bare."

Sakura couldn't stop the words to come out of her mouth before her mind registered what they were,

"And if I stayed, it would have been mine as well."

Sinbad couldn't comment on that statement, because he knew it would have been true but at the same time, he didn't want Sakura to continue like this. "Then you definitely made the right decision leaving."

"Did I?" Sakura asked herself more than Sinbad.

"Yes," Sinbad took a step closer to Sakura, "With the way, we were back then, and everything that happened. You might have ended up hating me. Since I was already causing you to suffer."

Sakura let out a choked sound like something was caught in her throat and she turned her heel. Barely a step forward and she stopped, already caught in Sinbad's embrace. Her arms were lame, as she lifted them it was as if they were not her own, curling under Sinbad's arms, she realized how broad he had become. And for that moment they forgot the distance time had driven between them. The consequences of the past, and what the weight they were meant to always bare evaporated instantly. In a single embrace, they remembered only one thing.

"I could never hate you,"

For what felt like a lifetime, Sakura and Sinbad remained as they were, neither able to say anything more to one another until time had brought Sakura back and she finally stepped away. With a brief nod of her head, she turned and began to leave. And right then, he understood. What she said to him was going to have to be enough, that moment needed to be enough because for now, they would have to keep their eyes averted from each other, and focused on what lies ahead. Meeting against the odds once more was merely a sign of the same danger lurking over them. Because despite the brief reveling in the embers that still burned inside of them, they were now under reduced circumstances. Sinbad's lips tug upwards. He's always been able to make the most out of anything.

Badr was walking through nothing but whiteness, he continued on and on for what felt like hours. A trudge to nowhere. He was in snow, but he couldn't feel it, his feet refusing to sink, the cold nonexistent. Finally, something appeared in the distance. Something new. Something different.

He wanted to run, but it wasn't possible. Despite the suspense, he reached the oddity-which turns out wasn't an oddity at all but a mirror in a black frame.

Badr saw his reflection, so natural it was as if the image was another person. Convincing enough that it made him reach forward, but when his fingers contacted the image the mirror began to crack from where he touched and the slowly crept along the rest of the mirror. From the cracks, a blackness started oozing and when Badr looked at his reflection; he became paralyzed with terror.

His eyes were no longer that shimmering emerald but red with black sclera, with cracks spreading across his face in a webbing manner. But it was not just his appearance that was shifting.

His feelings were becoming dark, his heart felt like it had stopped beating; a pain shot through his chest as if something sharp was hitting it over and over again. The same feeling he experienced before he woke up in the dungeon.

And suddenly he felt himself sinking, the image around him changed too quickly, his body no longer standing upright, but moving against his will. He couldn't breathe, and his sight was blurry but still, he could see it.

The small bubbles appearing from time to time; but there was no coldness piercing him despite the pieces of ice that rose to the surface, to the light, the sky where he desperately reached for, filled with dread. Yet he couldn't move as he wanted. The urgency for air apparent and yet he still could not take in as he took in the images that felt like they would be his last.

It was like a pressure compressed his chest, forcing his lungs to burn as if on fire. Desperation and fear taking over everything.

He opened his mouth, wanting to scream but without the strength, a string of bubbles released. And yet there was so much missing from this. The details he could hardly forget. The piercing cold, the numbing taste on his tongue from the water that filled him, the way his thoughts and senses slowly faltered as he slipped into darkness. Only now he wasn't slipping. He was conscious without breath.

His fingers twitched in front of him, as he held his hand up desperate for someone to grasp it.

And then a shadowy figured appeared, reaching down, pulling him forward and he could breathe again.

With a deep and desperate gasp for air, Badr sat up pushing off the covers from his body. The small rays of sunlight seeping in through the crack in the curtains next to the bed warmed him enough. He rubbed his eyes and looked around, realizing that he wasn't in his own bed. There were several figures sleeping still soundly around him. At the foot of the large and sinking bed, he remembered then what had happened and where he was.

In another country, in another world, more importantly; in his father's country.

Badr wiped the sweat from his forehead, trying to erase the memory of that dream he had. Which had been occurring often since arriving in this world.

Close to the foot of the bed, slept Esra and Morgiana, Aladdin closer to the middle and he and Alibaba near the top. Although none of them were actually sleeping properly at the head of the bed, instead formed almost a circle.

'That dream….' Badr looked over at Alibaba, at his arm where the snake had bitten him. He kept it wrapped, despite insisting that the wound was fine.

Without any real consciousness he reached for Alibaba's arm but a brief knock at the door brought him back quickly and he retracted. The door opened and Ja'far appeared, waking the rest of the sleeping individuals.

"Good morning everyone, I have a message…."

Sinbad's presence stirred his country when the mornings last light had peaked and all eyes were guaranteed to be open and ears sharpened, he called on Alibaba, Aladdin, Badr and Esra to his office where he would give them the report on his negotiation with the Kou Empire. The greetings were brief and sentiments were kept to a minimum.

"I'll start with the results," Sinbad said, leaning forward, his elbows rested on his desk as he spoke. "The Kou Empire will place Balbadd under its rule but they will recognize Balbadd's rights as a republic."

The news brought visible relief to the three boys in front of him, especially now that the rights of the people of Balbadd were a certainty and their efforts and battles had finally shown promise. However, Sinbad explains that the extraterritorial rights of Balbadd were not as secure. But it did not hinder Alibaba much.

"Thank you,"

Sinbad smiled, "Oh? So you're thanking me?"

"While you were gone, I had a lot of time to think but I just couldn't come up with a plan better than what you did," Alibaba bowed forward slightly, "Therefore, I thank you."

"What do you plan to do now Alibaba?" Sinbad asked.

"I think it would be great if I could quietly support Balbadd from the outside,"

Sinbad's expression turned down, "Unfortunately that might prove to be difficult. The organization has its eyes on you."

Alibaba glanced at Aladdin and Badr before turning back to Sinbad, "The Organization?"

Sinbad nodded, "I've mentioned the occurring abnormalities in this world before. Wars occur more frequently, poverty and discrimination are getting worse. Those things are not all happening purely by coincidence. They've been contrived to happen by a certain organization. We call them Al-Thamen,"

Alibaba gasped, "Then what happened in Balbadd…..

"Yes, the man who threw Balbadd's economy into chaos, the man who controlled the black djinn and the ones who pull Judar's strings as well as the one who brought you all to this world, are a part of Al-Thamen,"

The four remained silent, recollecting on the events that seemed unfortunate, but subsequently by design of Al-Thamen. Badr and Esra especially seemed to be thinking their hardest.

"Why are they after us though?" Esra asked, "Why did they try to kidnap mom? Why bring us to this world?"

Sinbad closed his eyes, "I don't know. Your mother and I have been fighting Al-Thamen since before we established Sindria but nothing of this sort has occurred before. However, it's obvious that they are not yet finished. Which is why I have a request to make for all of you."

The group stood silently watching Sinbad. Badr and Esra's eyes lit with a strength that did not belong to a child.

"We could use your power to fight against Al-Thamen. If you agree we'll help you attain the power you need to fight."

"What do you mean?" Alibaba asked though he was clearly voicing everyone's question judging from the expression on the rest of the group.

"I think you're aware but you and Badr's djinn equips as well as Aladdin and Esra's magic are incomplete. There's a powerful magician and skilled swordsmen here that I've considered asking to be your teachers."

Badr's eyes widened with a delighted gleam, "Really? You're getting someone to train us?"

Esra frowned, in the months they spent here Badr had taken to learning as much as he possibly could about their father, how he established this country, the djinns and the power he acquired from such a young age. It was only later after they were able to read the scripture and the stories that they realized the ones their mother had told them of the sailor was about Sinbad.

"Hold on, why do we also have to do this? I mean we're not even planning on staying in this world."

Badr elbowed his sister in her ribcage but that only earned him a more painful backlash.

"Yes, but from what I've seen you're both going to need to learn to control your powers. Esra, you especially need to be more careful when you use magic-it could prove fatal for you otherwise. Also, you have to remember that Al-Thamen was likely targeting your mother-and with her metal vessels back in the other world she's more vulnerable. She's also agreed that it would be best if you learned how to use your magic,"

Esra remembered having a long conversation with her mother about her powers that she had kept hidden, and there had been a great deal of apologizing on Sakura's part for not realizing this. However while Esra was contempt that her mother now knew, she was still very conscious about her abilities that she had only recently discovered was that of a magician. She had clearly fallen more on her father's side than she thought. Which was another bitter trail for her. It was difficult to focus in on one dramatic aspect of their circumstances with how they continued to be hit over and over again with something new happening. It was like stacking an uneven tower ready to fall; if you focused too much on one side then the other neglected side would topple everything down.

"Come on mini-monster, it would be nice if you didn't blow up a water system every time you get upset, or accidentally send someone's throwing stars to chase after them-and it would be nice if I didn't mention that last part to mom,"

Puffing out her cheeks, Esra turned her head sideways, "Well….."

"There's actually something else that I want to mention to you two," Sinbad said standing up, "Has your mother-

Before he was able to finish his sentence they were interrupted by a guard entering the office. He kneeled down calling for Sinbad and respectively spoke, "My king, a southern sea creature has been spotted off the eastern shore."

"Perfect. I will show you the power of those I would have you call teacher. You can then judge whether or not you would prefer their tutoring."

"So," Ino trailed slyly in a tone that made her friend's pause their activities, "I hear king Sinbad's returned."

"He has. Ja'far said he's summoned the children to discuss his meeting with Kou," Sakura appeared to remain indifferent, her arm extended slightly to shift the chess pieces on the board in front of her, Hinata on the opposite end of it watching carefully for any disruption in the rhythm Sakura had been playing with.

"Don't you want to know how the meeting went Sakura?" asked Hinata, moving her rook to take her opponent's pawn. There were many things that Ino and Hinata were able to distract themselves with during their stay in Sindria which had shown them the height of hospitality. On days the three friend's wanted to stay exclusively in each other's company they would retreat to the spectacular greenhouse on the palace grounds. Exotic plants and flowers decorated the room in a surrounding but well-coordinated manner, and there were even tables and chairs set for anyone who wanted to sit in the greenhouse.

"I don't need to know. It was for diplomatic purposes. I don't plan on getting involved in this country's affairs or any other's unless it becomes personal."

Ino slumped forward, resting her chin on top of her palm. "Weren't you engaged to one of the princes in that country king Sinbad went to?"

Sakura's eyebrow twitched and Hinata flinched as one of the chess pieces Sakura intended to move fell over.

"I told you, I wasn't engaged,"

Ino rolled her eyes, "Right, he was just courting you, and gave you a ring as a farewell gift,"

Sakura grunted, her hand reaching out for the chain around her neck.

In the time that passed in this world, Sakura had been able to confide some of her stories of this world to Ino and Hinata while ensuring Badr and Esra remained oblivious. Ino had been wearing her down for answers so Sakura compromised to giving her a few, albeit they were often vague. She explained her relationship with the Kou Empire where Kougyoku was from while discarding certain details that would completely destroy her dignity. She explained she met Sinbad during her travels (literally that was all she told them), and she explained the Looking Glass, how she found it accidentally and what she needed to do to return back home. Of course, there was still plenty she didn't tell them. The reason behind why she left and what she came to discover before she did.

"I told you the story already and the deal was you wouldn't bring it up again after I did,"

"It's not like we got it in writing," Ino muttered, taking a sip of tea. "Besides shouldn't you be talking to your ex-lover about getting us back home?"

Sakura didn't waver that time, "He just got back. There are probably a few things he needs to sort out with Alibaba and the others before he gets to that. Besides, he'll probably call on us today."

Ino and Hinata looked at each other, mirroring their worry. Had this been a few years ago, they might have been more patient and excited about being in another world, but the fact that they haven't seen their husbands or children in so long was something that would continue to weigh on them every day. Which was why they so readily welcomed the distractions available to them, even so, when it would end they would lie awake in bed. These circumstances were different from being away on missions, in which the chances of return were slim but being in another world made it feel even less probable of returning.

And that's when Sakura had to constantly assure them that they would find a way to get back.

"If there was a way to bring us here, then there is a way to return home."

"It's understandable that Ino and I want to go home, but Sakura now that Badr and Esra know who their father is…..

Ino finished for Hinata. As they treaded on territory that they had deliberately been avoiding for the last few weeks, "We're not saying that anything's going to happen, but now that the truth is out…..is it possible that you guys might have some proble-

"No," Sakura stated sharply, "Badr and Esra should understand the situation just as well as we do. All of this," she gestured around her. "Is temporary. This isn't something that can be negotiated, and therefore it's not a topic I'm going to discuss-ever. Okay?"

With the look in Sakura's eyes, even Ino knew that this was not something she should attempt to pry, "Okay,"

However, something was still very clear to both Hinata and Ino; they still had a lot more to discover about their friend and this world.

"Checkmate,"

During their stay in Sindria, Badr, Esra, Alibaba, Morgiana, and Aladdin have seen a lot of new and exotic things in Sindria; but what was most frightening was the creature that reared its head over the large rocks shielding the island and sliding down onto land without any signs of weakening mobility. It was dozens of meters long, with the body of an eel, with sharp strong jaws and fins. The friends watched with a group of civilians that were gathered as the creature raged through the forest area, occasionally spitting water from its jaws with enough pressure to destroy a house.

"What is that thing?" Alibaba asked,

"I don't know but it looks angry," said Badr

Esra looked around her, noticing the smiles on everyone's face, and then they started murmuring with excitement.

"It's going to start soon!"
"It's been a while,"

"The hunts about to start!"

The group looked on to the large cliff in front of them where they saw the Sindria flags getting closer till they were near the edge, then Sinbad appeared closely accompanied by seven men and women whose features were difficult to make out from the distance they stood.

"Sure likes to make an entrance doesn't he?" Esra commented. 'Can't believe mom has a thing for that,'

"He's pretty amazing, isn't he?" Badr said in awe. Esra just shook her head without her brother noticing.

Sinbad held out his hand, calling on his two generals Yamraiha and Sharrkan to take care of the South Sea creature, knowing that they were being observed by the youngsters. He wanted them to see the strengths of their future teachers-should they choose to accept them.

Esra and Aladdin watched as a woman flew from the cliff into the air upon a pink staff with what looked like a pearl at the end. When the sea creature spat its high-pressure water at her, she didn't flinch, and not a single drop touched her as she was engulfed in a borg which became surrounded by the water before it shot back out. The stream of water wrapped around the creature, binding it and no matter how it struggled it was incapable of escaping.

"WOW" The magi and magician gasped.

"That would definitely come in handy with Badr," Esra said offhandedly.

And then another general jumped in-literally. Leaping onto the magician's staff before going into the air with his sword raised, everyone watched as he sliced through the thick body, taking off the sea creatures head with one swing. His sword glowed a light filled with magoi, a household vessel. And then just as swiftly he cut through the beast's belly removed the organs and the bones before slicing the remains into clean-cut pieces which landed neatly in a circle of cloth that the civilians had spread out in preparation. In the middle of that was the head and the remains.

If this was the power of a household vessel, it was a wonder of the possibilities of a metal vessel. And it made Alibaba and Badr more anxious to learn.

Now that they were on the ground, everyone was able to get a closer look at Sinbad's generals whom they have not seen before. The magician was a beautiful woman with long blue hair tied in the front, falling between her ample chest which was covered with two pink seashells. The second was a young man with tanned skin, white hair, and piercing green eyes.

"And there you have it," Sinbad said standing beside the magician, he gestured to Esra and Aladdin, "This woman will be your magic instructor,"

The women looked over the two children, smiling, "Hello, I'm Yamraiha. I'm not sure if someone like me will be able to assist you but feel free to ask me anything."

Esra coughed softly muttering under her breath when she saw Aladdin's perverted grin, "Might want to rephrase that last part,"

Although while Esra was momentarily distracted, Aladdin jumped head first into the women and began groping her. That quickly changed the magician's demeanor to terrifying as steam literally emerged from her body with enough heat to send Aladdin rolling back red. When Alibaba and Badr tried to touch him, they had to pull back because if it.

"It's just steam you know," Yamaraiha called.

Esra gave Aladdin a hard hit on the head, knocking him into the ground. "Disgusting pervert!"

Sinbad winced, 'She really is like her mother,'

"I am so sorry about him Yamraiha-san,"

"You must be Esra," Yamraiha smiled at the young girl, "I hope you'll find my teachings useful,""If I could use those water binds to tie up my brother and the steam to burn everyone as you did to Aladdin, I'd be more than willing to put myself in your hands,"

"If you turn out to be a blue magician, I could teach you to make all the liquids in your opponent's body boil,"

Esra's eyes seemed to light up, while Badr appeared to be growing nervous now. "Please don't teach her that,"

"Miss, you're not as nice as you look are you?" Aladdin asked plainly after recovering from the attack.

"Yeah Aladdin, just like you're not as innocent as you look," Esra retorted,

Sinbad gave a dry chuckle, 'Just like her mother,'

"Give it up," The other general responsible for gutting the sea monster stepped in, "This woman's a weakling but she likes to act tough. Even amongst magicians, she's one of the trickiest,"

Sinbad then gestured to his left, "This here is Sharrkan. He can teach you the way of the sword,"

Alibaba stood up to go to Sharrkan to introduce himself properly but Badr stayed near Aladdin. Sharrkan looked over them.

"So you both wanna learn the art of the sword?"

"Y-Yes," Alibaba answered,

"Yeah,"

Sharrkan grinned as he wrapped his arms around both boy's "Since you know how great the sword is, I can tell you have a bright future ahead. Um, Budr and Watchamababa?"

Alibaba gave an awkward smile, "Alibaba,"

"Badr," The boy grumbled, believing his name really wasn't that hard to pronounce or remember, he did have plenty who would ask where it came from since it sounded odd, but he never had an answer until now.

"Right,"

Yamaraiha looked plainly at the three, "You know if you keep talking to that guy you'll catch his stupidity,"

Esra waved, "Oh Badr doesn't have to worry about that, he's stupid on his own"

"What was that?"

"See what I mean?"

Badr glared back at his sister, sensing the insult in her tone. Sharrkan had turned to the other general and the two were having a glare-off until Sinbad intervened. While Alibaba and Aladdin were whispering about how the pair of two seemed to mirror one another.

"Could all of you save your bickering for another time? After all, tonight is Maharagan."

"What's that?" Badr and Esra asked together.

"I'll explain on our way back. There's actually something else I need to discuss with the two of you," Sinbad turned to his two generals, "I'm going to head back now, tell the other's to help with the sorting alright?"

"Yes King Sinbad," The two replied without question.

Sinbad walked ahead, leading Badr and Esra with his hands on their shoulders. Alibaba had a sense to rather keep distance for now as he understood the familiarity of this gesture from experiences with his own father. It was a simple one, commonly practice yet a rule similar to that of an unwritten one.

"Alright you two, I'm going to need your help with something," Sinbad said with discretion, glancing around. "And it's going to be dangerous."

The twins mirrored each other's expressions of curiosity and slight uncertainty, "What exactly would that be?" Esra asked

Sinbad took a breath, "Convincing your mother of something we discussed months ago."

"No way,"

Sinbad sighed, "Sakura, come on. It's a practical idea."

"No, no, no, absolutely not. What you're calling practical, I'm calling brash," Sakura scoffed, with her arms folding in a manner as defensive as her tone of voice. Turning away from Sinbad as she began pacing around her room, while Badr and Esra stood near Sinbad.

It had taken barely an hour for Sinbad to explain to the twins the nature of their situation since the incident in Balbadd. About how news was spreading about them all over and it wouldn't be too long before people would want to confirm the stories. Badr's revelation about him and Esra being Sinbad's children. Sinbad explained that it was vital he legitimizes the truth and evidently them before rumors got out of hand. He wanted to publicly claim them and he wanted it done as soon as possible. In the most literal sense.

However, Badr and Esra quickly realized what the issue would be.

Their mother.

"Sakura, we already discussed this." Sinbad attempted to reason, "Rumors are already circulating. They need to be put to rest. I can't brush this off like any other because they are true and have fact. Not to mention the witnesses Sakura. The alliance's diplomats have long reached their country and news has started to spread. We can't be expected to continue to keep them in the dark about all of this."

"It's too short notice," Sakura hissed back, "You can't just expect everything to fall in line within the span of barely a day!"

"It's not the whole official ceremony," Sinbad explained, cautious as if approaching a wild animal, "It's just me confirming Badr and Esra. Letting the world know I acknowledge that I have children. It would protect them, and you,"

"Or put them in worse danger,"

"No more than they are now," Sinbad pointed out.

Sakura paused, but her face still rigid, "I haven't even properly talked to Badr and Esra-

"I've already talked with Badr and Esra about this on our way here. And they agreed that-

Sakura's glare stopped him from uttering another word, with the eyes that could both enthrall and petrify him. "You spoke to them about this? Without thinking to include me in the conversation?"

"Uh…."

Badr and Esra quickly realized that this was their signal to intervene.

"Mom," Badr stepped forward, "I know that these problems are happening because of what I did back in Balbadd and I do want to make up for it. And Sinbad explained that publicly claiming us would help to do that."

Esra then chided, "I just said I'd go along with whatever mom wanted to do; because I already saw this coming,"

Badr elbowed his sister in the ribs, cramming his chin towards his mother, gesturing for Esra to continue. She sighed in reluctance, "And….thanks to Badr's stupid stunt maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea for Sinbad to tell everyone-whoever those people are,"

"Sakura; I barely managed to keep the Kou emperor from mentioning the incident in Balbadd in front of my generals because you didn't want anyone else to know of your presence here." Sinbad pressed. Though he knew he wasn't really taking the high ground by mentioning this.

"Oh; are you suggesting this is my fault?" Sakura dared.

"No!" Sinbad craned his head down, "Because for some reason that always use to come back to haunt me and I have a feeling ten years isn't going to change that principle. I'm just saying that we already agreed that I would officiate Badr and Esra, and I know that this is short notice but preparations can be made. You only have to think of this as the first half and in the near future we can have a better-organized ceremony for Badr and Esra if you want,"

"Sinbad by doing this you are going to be legitimizing Badr and Esra through recognition,"

"Exactly," Sinbad stepped over to Sakura, until they were barely half a meter apart, starring at one another. "This claim can protect them while they are here and finally put all the rumors to rest. It will give them title and station as well."

Grasping Sakura's smaller hands in his own, Sinbad spoke again, "I know that you're going to leave eventually; but do you think that you could at least allow me to acknowledge that I've had children with the women I love? The truths already out; isn't it better that we manage this ourselves before someone else does?"

Pursing her lips and wiping the frustrated bead of sweat from her brow, Sakura stood silently. It was more than just this sudden announcement from Sinbad; it was the idea she would have to finally meet with all of her friend's from the past again. The ones she had sacrificed in order to be with those from her world.

And knowing what she knew now, made things that much harder.

Sakura looked to her children and finding a reason to step away from Sinbad; removing her hands from his, "Are the two of you certain you want this? If not it won't happen,"

"Do I want to be legitimized as a prince?" Badr shrugged although his eyes shined, making Sakura's lips tug up before she brought them down again.

"And you Esra?"

Esra sighed, "Well; I don't really care about any of this but if it'll make things easier and since Badr did blab already…."

Sakura inhaled softly, clasping her hands together. "Then you better get ready for an earful from Ja'far,"

And that's it for now; I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that it sets and eager tone for the next. In the meantime...

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