Disclaimer: I do not own Magi

Chapter 26

Althea and the others stood at the port as the ship that would be heading off to Zagan's dungeon, was ready to go. Alibaba, Aladdin, Morgiana, and Hakuryuu packed whatever necessity they might need for this trip as the sails were raised.

"Bye everyone!" yelled Aladdin as he was waving his hand to the group on the port. Everyone gave their own goodbye as Althea smiled and waved to them all.

Hakuryuu who stood on the edge of the boat, saw Althea as she noticed him as well. Their eyes made contact as the Lady of Sindria gave him a warm smile.

The prince of the Kou Empire begun to think back just before the ship was ready to leave.

Just before the ship had left the port that was heading off to Zagan's dungeon, Althea hunted down the four that would be heading off to Zagan's dungeon.

It was easy for the Lady of Sindria, to find Alibaba, Aladdin, and Morgiana; since the three often hung out together. She made sure they had whatever they needed for the dungeon and she looked at them, seriously.

"I know you already experienced a dungeon before but it can't hurt to tell you this." She said as she looped her hands together. Alibaba, Aladdin, and Morgiana looked at her as Althea took a deep breath and spoke. "Dungeons are built to kill so don't ever let your guard down."

The three stared at her as she continued to speak, "Whatever you see….no matter how innocent or harmless it may seem, don't be fooled. Dungeons are built to test your will and everything about you. One time when me and Sinbad entered a dungeon, there were butterflies. Despite how innocent the butterflies looked, they were man-eating butterflies."

The three widened her eyes, "Once you enter the dungeon, you must always be on your toes." She told them.

With that and after checking on the three, Althea continued her hunt for the remaining member; Hakuryuu.

She walked along the halls of the Sindria Palace as the trail of Rukh helped her. She found Hakuryuu in his guest room and she rose her hand up.

Tap, Tap, Tap.

The door opened a few seconds later and revealed Hakuryuu.
The prince was surprised to see Althea who smiled at him. "Hello Hakuryuu." She said.

The prince widened his eyes and immediately bowed but Althea placed her hands on his arms, lifting him up. "You don't need to act so formal around me." She said as Hakuryuu was slightly shocked but nodded. "May I come in?" she asked.

"Ah yes." Said Hakuryuu before he stepped away, to let the Lady of Sindria through. Althea nodded and walked into the room before sitting in one of the chairs. She gestured to the chair opposite from her as Hakuryuu sat down uneasily. There was only silence for a moment before Althea spoke.

"Hakuryuu." She said as the prince looked at her.

"Yes, Lady Althea?" he asked with his hands on his knees.

The Lady of Sindria folded her hands on her lap and looked at him in the eye. "Why did you wish to go to Zagan's dungeon?"

Hakuryuu widened his eyes as Althea leaned back into her chair more. "As I see it now, Judal is more than capable of summoning a dungeon and summoning a powerful djinn. If it was power, you desired…why did you not accept any of Judal's power?" she asked as her face was passive.

Hakuryuu thinned his lips, "You seem to know about Judal …" he said.

Althea scoffed but had a smirk on her face, "Well, Sinbad and I have encountered Judal more than we would like and I have been to the Kou Empire Palace several time." She said as Hakuryuu widened his eyes.

Althea looped her fingers together and leaned forward, a reassuring smile on her face. "Even though you may not remember me much but I remember you. You and Hakuei do resemble each other quite well." She said.

Hakuryuu was silent as Althea kept on talking, "You've grown since the last time we've met." She said in a slight whisper before narrowing her eyes at Hakuryuu with a serious face. "I know you dislike your mother and thus you do not wish to borrow Judal's power. Nor do you wish to be with your cousins; especially Kouen." She said.

Hakuryuu gripped his knees and looked at Althea, "You know?"

Althea closed her eyes for a moment and remembered about the conversation she had with Kouen. This took place when she and Sinbad went to the Kou Empire to talk about Balbadd and during her stay there, Kouen confided in her several times; whether Sinbad knew or not, she didn't know. Althea opened her eyes as Hakuryuu widened his eyes when he was met with steel gray eyes.

"I know many things Hakuryuu that it would be difficult to talk about." Said Althea, "But we are straying off the topic. You and I are aware there are many more dungeons and you could've easily asked Hakuei to help you conquer the dungeon. However, that is not the case is it?" she asked, tilting her head.

Hakuryuu remained silent as Althea sighed, "You do not wish to rely on anyone else's power unless it was completely and absolutely necessary. That's why you told Sinbad and I about your…'objective'. Tell me if I'm saying false accusations anytime, Hakuryuu." Said Althea as she smiled.

Hakuryuu stared at Althea for a moment. He knew he should be more afraid of this woman. He knew he should not trust or give in to the Lady of Sindria's words but he couldn't… because he also knew he could trust this woman with anything and she wouldn't judge him. Hakuryuu felt something getting stuck in his throat as Althea got up from her seat and made her way over to the prince. She lifted her arm and Hakuryuu felt a hand on his head.

Hakuryuu hitched his breath and his body stiffened immediately. However, he didn't expect to be brought into a gentle embrace by the Lady of Sindria. His ear was pressed against her heart as he could hear the strong beats of her heart. He could smell the scents of home, flowers, and spices.

Unlike Sinbad who smelt roses and honey, Hakuryuu could smell Jasmine, chrysanthemum tea, peach blossoms and a hint of cinnamon. He felt his entire being start to relax and his eyes started to close, as Althea ran her hands through his hair.

He couldn't place the name of this feeling but it was a feeling he had long forgotten. What was it?

It felt so familiar.

The gentle motion that Althea's hand created, soothed his being and the pressure was firm but not hard. A warm feeling started to bloom in his chest and he felt….safe.

'Ah…that's right' thought Hakuryuu as his arms around Althea's waist and his hands gripped the fabric. The feeling that Hakuryuu was currently feeling was a mother comforting her child. He knew he should pull away because he remembered the mother that he believed loved them until that fateful day but he couldn't. He knew Althea was different.

His ears perked up when Hakuryuu heard a low humming from Althea as a small smile was on her face. Pearls sized tears started to appear on Hakuryuu's eyes and a smile of his own, made its way onto his face.

Althea placed both of her hands on Hakuryuu's shoulder before she was on the same eye level with him. The two stared at each other as Althea used the edge of her sleeve to wipe away Hakuryuu's tears. "It's good that you want to work with your own power and become more independent but you have to remember Hakuryuu," said Althea as Hakuryuu stared at her.

"You're never alone unless you push away those close to you" said Hakuryuu as he watched Althea smile at him as the boat was leaving the port. He glanced at Alibaba and Morgiana who were waving goodbye to their mentors and directed some of their own goodbye to Althea who was smiling at them as if they were her own children.

Unconsciously, Hakuryuu reached a hand to his chest and gripped it. It wasn't in pain but it wasn't exactly uncomfortable. He looked at Althea and he rose his own to wave goodbye but it was quite sheepishly.

Althea saw this and she beamed at him with a warm smile. Hakuryuu started to smile as Sinbad and the others saw this. They looked between Hakuryuu and Althea as they knew what was going on.

It seemed that Hakuryuu is beginning to see Althea as a motherly figure just as Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana have done.

Sinbad smiled to himself as he crossed his arms in front of his chest before he looked at Althea, with a warm smile.

Althea waved Masrur, Yamuraiha, and Sharkkan goodbye as they also went to Zagan's dungeon; just as an extra measure. She had a feeling that something bad was going to happen and Sinbad felt the same. So currently, Althea ran her hand on her swords as they were in tip top shape while she sat in Sinbad's office. It had been a few hours since the others have gone off and Ja'far appeared in front of Sinbad and Althea. "Your majesty, we have received contact from Yamuraiha. Aladdin and the others are under their protection." Said Ja'far as he had a small smile.

Sinbad stood up and held out his hand to Althea, who took his hand. Sinbad helped her up as the two walked side by side with Ja'far on Sinbad's left. "I see. So Al Thamen actually attacked them." Said Sinbad.

"It was a good that you and Lady Althea sent Masrur and the others to get them just in case." Said Ja'far.

Sinbad smiled, "Yeah."

Althea smiled but she felt her body stiffen and go cold. She stopped in her step as the rukh fluttered past her and saw black rukhs. Sinbad and Ja'far immediately stopped and turned to her, eyebrows furrowed.

"Althea?" asked Sinbad.

Althea blinked at Sinbad and immediately went to the nearest window/ balcony, looking towards the sky. Sinbad and Ja'far immediately turned serious and followed suit, as they saw a hole being created within Yamuraiha's barrier. Everyone immediately begun to panic as Sinbad widened his eyes, "Impossible, Yamuraiha's barrier was destroyed?"

"Judal." Said Althea seriously as they saw a figure descending through the hole.

"Judal!?" said Sinbad and Ja'far as the Black Magi started to descend onto the palace grounds. Soldiers begun to surround the magi as Althea lagged behind. Althea heard the familiar flapping of large wings and saw Pisti in the air.

Everyone glared at Judal as Judal spoke with a small grin, "What's wrong? You all have such scary faces." He said before his red eyes travelled towards Althea; who had a passive face. "Hello Althea, it's been awhile." He said.

Sinbad narrowed his eyes and held out his arm, to protect Althea, as Ja'far felt that Althea was in danger from the black Magi. "Damn you…" said Ja'far before he threw his blades at Judal; activating his household vessel. "Household vessel, Balalark Sei!" yelled Ja'far.

As the weapons flew at Judal at a dangerous speed and were coated with electricity, Judal simply raised his wand and deflected one of the blades. Althea saw Judal twirl his wand as a powerful blast was sent back to Ja'far. Althea quickly grabbed Ja'far just as the attack hit but managed to minimize the damage. Ja'far head was buried in the crook of Althea's neck as she had her back facing Judal; protecting him. There was blood coming off Ja'far but it wasn't life threatening. Judal narrowed her eyes as Althea sent Judal a warning glare.

"Step aside, small fry. I have business with Sinbad and Althea." Said Judal.

Ja'far pushed himself from Althea' hold as he spat out some blood before holding his weapon again. "What did you say…?!" he growled dangerous.

"Stand down, Ja'far!" ordered Sinbad as Althea helped Ja'far down.

Sinbad immediately stepped in front of Ja'far and Althea stood by his side, her face extremely passive. "Why are you here, Judal?" asked Sinbad.

Judal waved a hand as he had a cheerful smile on his face, "Hey, those old men from our organization went to fight that midget, do you know?" asked Judal.

"That matter's already been dealt with. They were protected by the Eight Generals." Said Sinbad as he pushed Althea behind him.

Judal sighed, "Heh, I guessed as much. As if those fake metal vessel users could do anything against them." He said as everyone was shocked a bit. Judal grinned at Althea, opening his arms. "But you already knew that, didn't you?" he asked.

Althea simply looped her fingers together and placed it over her stomach, not giving Judal a response. Judal pouted before he spoke with a slight smile. "Hey Sinbad, what do you think about 'that guy'?" he asked.

Sinbad was silent as he was confused, "That guy?" asked Sinbad.

"I'm talking about Aladdin." Judal said flatly, "Don't you think it's strange? That there exists another Magi in this world?!"

Sinbad's face turned serious as Judal pointed his wand at Althea; causing Ja'far to immediately get up and use his body as a shield. "I thought at first Aladdin was just like Althea but I was wrong! In previous years, there were only three Magi, you know about this right?"

Everyone was silent as Judal continued on, "History proves that…there were always three Magi who chose kings, created countries, and built this entire world! It used to be like that in this era also, right? For the first, there is me. And then that old hag in Laem and the last one is that guy who travels around the world, making dungeons appear and disappear as he pleases."

"That should be all of them. If a new magi appears, someone among these three people must have died but I didn't get such information." Gritted Judal, "So then, what the hell is that guy? For the first time in history, the fourth Magi has appeared…Aladdin!"

Judal looked at Althea as her eyes were blank, "Plus, that time he displayed a mysterious power that even I don't know anything about. From that moment onward, those old men from my organization desired that power. Could it be that you're interested in that, too?" asked Judal.

Sinbad who was silent through the entire thing, spoke. "What are you trying to say?" he asked.

"Quit acting innocent! What do you intend to do?" asked Judal, annoyed. "What do you intend to achieve by using that midget?"

Althea glanced at Sinbad who was getting annoyed and furious spoke with a calm voice. "It's none of your business." He said.

Judal sighed and shook his head, "So cold…do you want to make me feel lonely? You should have joined forces with met and yet…but, there is still Althea left-"

Sinbad snapped, "You're one of the people of that Organization…do you forget what you did to us that time in Partevia?!" he roared.

Althea placed a hand on Sinbad's shoulder before anyone could speak. The soldiers of Sindria were about to act as Althea raised her hand, telling them to stand back. They stared at her in slight surprise as Althea rested her elbows on the palms of her hand before slowly walking forward to Judal. The black Magi stared at Althea's multi-coloured eyes with his red eyes.

There was silence as Althea spoke before Judal could. "Before you say you were a victim of Al Thamen yourself..." as everyone widened their eyes. "I know you were chosen by the Rukh in a small eastern village but your entire village with your parents were killed by the organization because of this."

Everyone was surprise as Sinbad looked at Althea who was surprise, "Although I sympathize about your own situation with Al Thamen…" said Althea as everyone was shocked. There was silence as Judal had his head down. Everyone thought he was crying as Sinbad was about to comfort Judal but Judal laughed.

"Did you really pity me?! You really are a good person!" laughed Judal.
Sinbad was furious with Judal as he was about to pull Althea away but she looked over her shoulder, sending Sinbad a look and raised a hand.

"Even if you say that, you don't care about those things at all." Said Althea as Judal stopped laughing as Althea continued to speak. "You'll keep doing just as you please as you've always done. You don't honestly listen to Al Thamen anyway." She said.

Judal stared at her with a flat face before a smirk appeared on his face, "Heh, you know me well." He commented.

Althea closed her eyes for a moment before she opened them and Judal saw the same kind of red in her eyes. There was only silence as Judal glanced around, "Hey…this country is a beautiful place. It stinks of humans no matter where you go. This country that you created isn't half bad and that Magi, as well, it's not like I hate him. It's for these reasons that I've decided that I will destroy the both of them!" declared Judal.

Sinbad narrowed his eyes as Judal grinned. He glanced at Althea who glared at him. There was a silent message that was directed at him. 'Get on with the point'

Judal grimaced a bit before he looked at Althea and Sinbad, "Hey, Sinbad, are you sure you don't want to join forces with me? You are an overwhelming king of Vessels with a superhuman quantity of Magoi, the one commanding 7 djinns and strong household vessel users. I thought it would be fun to conquer the world together with you! But lately, I've noticed that someone as incredibly strong as you…" Sinbad grew more furious as his darted forward to Althea just as Judal grabbed Althea and grabbed Althea's arms behind her back with his wand poking at Althea's throat.

"(Lady) Althea!" yelled Sinbad and the others.

Althea smiled at Sinbad, Ja'far, Pisti, and the soldiers of Sindria in reassurance before her eyes looked at Judal who was grinning. "It would be more fun to torture you by killing the one most dear to you and to kill you than anything else!" laughed Judal.

The soldiers begun to immediately advance with their spears as the Lady of Sindria was being held hostage by the Magi and Sinbad was on the verge of using his metal vessels. Judal chuckled to himself and dragged the point of his wand from Althea's throat to her chest. "Isn't my Kou Empire incredible? It even has five dungeon conquerors! The first imperial princess, Ren Hakuei. The eighth imperial princess; Ren Kougyoku. And sons of the emperor; Ren Kouha, Ren Koumei, and Ren Kouen!"

"Of course, you know that among them Kouen is good… not only is he a King Vessels that won't lose, even to you, he also likes war. If we join forces, we could gain control of the Eastern Continent in the blink of an eye! After that, this place…the Kou Empire will destroy Sindria!"

Althea widened her eyes as everyone did the same. The Lady of Sindria narrowed her eyes at Judal who grinned at her but Althea caught the sight of red hair. "Judal, what do you mean….?" Asked Kougyoku as Judal looked at her.

"Kougyoku…." Said Judal as he grinned, his hand around Althea's wrist as he dragged her closer to him. "Just like you heard. That's why you don't need to stay here anymore! You made a mistake in Balbadd, which made you run away from your home country and come here but…come back. I will make you into a general. You wanted to fight as a soldier of your country, right?" he asked, holding his free hand out.

Despite the smile on Judal's face, Kougyoku looked between the Magi and the King of Sindria. Althea recognized Sinbad's face as he now didn't like nor trust Kougyoku and was growing furious with Judal.

There was silence as Judal looked at Kougyoku's face. "What's wrong, Kougyoku? Oh well, I'm going back now so tell this to Hakuryuu…this country is now our enemy." Judal grinned. He turned Althea around with her arms above her head and Judal had a hand around her wrist. Althea glared at Judal as the black magi seemed to enjoy this.

"Until next time, Althea~" he said before he flew into the air and carried Althea in the air a bit, before dropping her to the ground. This caused Althea to widen her eyes but at the same time, she shouldn't since Judal didn't drop her at a dangerous height.

"Althea!" yelled Sinbad.

Immediately Sinbad held out his arms while running forward, his heart hammering against his chest. He caught Althea before he looked at her face. His hands brought Althea closer to his body as his golden eyes looked at Althea's eyes that were switching colours; telling Sinbad a flurry of emotions. "Althea" said Sinbad as Althea tried to compose herself.

She gave a half-done reassuring smile, "I'm fine, Sinbad. I'm fine." She said but she couldn't deny to herself that it did scare her a bit. Sinbad stared at her for a moment before he gave a sigh of relief and brought the Lady of Sindria closer so her head would be in the crook of his neck. The King of Sindria could feel Althea trembling slightly but it started to disappear. His golden eyes traveled all over her body before they landed on one spot.