Chapter 24: Dark mark

Ever since Nagi's interaction with Masrur, she can only think about that kiss. The thought of it made the Asad's cheeks warm. 'I-is it a gesture of thank you from Fanalis? Am I thinking too much about it? This is getting me nowhere. ' Nagi thought as she walk through the hallways of the palace. Turning her head towards the garden, she saw Aladdin and Alibaba standing in front a smiling Morgiana. She walks to her friends with a smile on her face, "I guess the blacksmith is done with your braces."

Morgiana nods in agreement then opens the metal box in her hands to reveal metal cuffs with a red gem in the middle and chains connected to them. The boys gasp in amazement at the sight.

"This is your Household Vessal, huh, Morgiana?" Alibaba asks as Morgiana held the metal cuffs in her hands then explain the decorative design on the cuffs. Nagi watch as Morgiana attach the cuffs on her ankles then show the cuffs to her friends.

"It's nice Morgiana." Nagi comments.

"Show us Morgiana!" Aladdin encourages then Morgiana send a kick towards the boy's way. The chains follow the motion on her kick as it tangles itself onto Aladdin and Alibaba's head. Nagi covers her mouth as she tries to control her laugh. Morgiana remained motionless then quickly untangle the chains to save her friends. Nagi tries to ease Morgiana's worries as she give a helping hand.

Morgiana apologizes repeatly to her male friends. Nagi pats on her right shoulder, "It's just an accident. Don't worry."

Alibaba spokes up, "Don't you think you'd be better off without those chains or maybe you can wear them somewhere instead of your legs?" Morgiana remain silent as Nagi stops Alibaba from commenting anymore. Aladdin smiles at Morgiana, "How do you want to use them, Morg?"

Morgiana look at Aladdin, a bit confused. "Yam told me this…'when you create a new kind of magic, the first thing you do is to have a good time thinking about what is it that you want to do.'"Aladdin said, adding insight from his teacher. "I bet it's the same thing Household Vessals skill, too." He concludes.

A second of silent for Morgiana as she looks down to her metal vessel. She closes her eyes then opens them, "What I want is… to be powerful enough to be of use to you two." Morgiana said. Alibaba laughs lightly, "You're already powerful enough, Morgiana." He mentions her strength in Balbadd. Nagi smile at her friends, 'They are growing up so fast…'

"The chains could work, she just need training. It's similar to my weapons." Nagi said. Morgiana's eyes widen then turn to Nagi, "C-can you teach me, Nagi?" Nagi nods then pats Morgiana on top of her head.

"I can teach you a few things if you want too. You need experience with them in order to achieve such a feat." Nagi lectures.

"Sorry to interrupt your conversation." A male voice behind them said. Nagi bows her head to them, "Hello Hakuryuu and Lady Kogyoku Ren."

"Good day, Miss Nagi." Hakuryuu greets her then nods towards them, "At King Sinbad's command, I have been searching for you three." Lady Ren hid her hands in her sleeves as she spoke up, "I'm just his chaperone."

Nagi faces both of them when Alibaba spoke up, "King Sinbad commanded you?"

"Yes, he told me to follow you three as your subordinate, and to learn from you." Hakuryuu explains, "I look forward to working with you, starting today." Aladdin seems wary around the Kou prince then Hakuryuu turns to Aladdin, "You are the magi, yes?"

Hakuryuu exchange a handshake with Aladdin then talks about his elder sister Hakuei being saved by him, "I'm deeply grateful to you for saving her." He concluded. Nagi sighs quietly at Alibaba's tiny frown. He turns to Nagi who gave him a stern look, 'Don't be rude…' She thought when giving a silent message to him. Alibaba nods slowly then looks at Hakuryuu. She notices a hateful look on Alibaba's face when Lady Ren spoke up, "Such a scary look in your eyes…"

Blinking a couple of times, Alibaba's eyes turn back to normal. Everyone become silent due to Lady Ren's comment. Alibaba is caught off-guard of everyone looking at him. "A lot happened between us in Balbadd, but don't you think we should call a truce for now?" Lady Ren asks then let out a sigh. Nagi frowns slightly, 'It would be nice for peace but… it's easier said than done.'

Her lips lift upwards into a small smile at the scene between Aladdin and Lady Ren's handshake. Both of them start crushing each other's hands as they comment of their pain outloud. "Alright, time to break up. No need to break each other hands." Nagi said with a hint of laughter. They release their crushing hold as they gave small mean comments to each other. Nagi stops laughing then glares at them, "That's enough…"

They froze in fear from her cold glare then gave a short apology to her like a mother caught them making trouble. Nagi turns to Alibaba conversing with Hakuryuu then she felt something off from Alibaba. She runs to Alibaba's side as he screams out in pain while clutching his left shoulder.

"Alibaba!" Nagi called out then pick him up in her arms when he is unresponsive to her calls. She runs to a nearby room to check on the shoulder that Alibaba clutch. When placing Alibaba on a bed, she quickly takes off his coat and shirt. Nagi saw black splat on Alibaba's shoulder then she jumps back slightly when she saw the splat grow bigger. 'N…no…not that. It's like before.' She thought when small snippets of memories went through her mind.

Footsteps behind her stopped, Nagi turns her head to her friends. "Call Sinbad now." Nagi said, leaving no room for questioning.

A/N: Okay my lovely readers, What do you think is Nagi's secret? (I add small hints in the chapters) Should I add more fluff between Masrur and Nagi or someone else? I would like to see your view of their friendship.

I will be updating soon when I can! Please bear with me *Bows*

-FancyBunny