Hello Guys! Another chapter is up! Sorry about the late update, but I'm still trying to write these stories. Anyways, in this chapter, Sakura and the gang help Alibaba as he confronts his older brother. But, things don't go as planned and as the group try to figure out their next plan, the Magi of the Black Rukh appear! And in the midst of the chaos, a final familiar face appears as well?!
Edit: So...yeah. I have been MIA for a while now. There's really no good excuse I could give except that there's just been a lot in my life lately. I'll be off to college soon, and with all the pressure I've just hadn't had time to write. Then one of my friends died, and I just fell into depression. It's only now that I decided to post again. Don't get me wrong, I still want to continue writing. But it's difficult for me to keep a consistent update with this story and the others I write as of late. I apologize and hope you still continue reading this story and any of my other ones.
Edit 2: I decided after some time that I'll be rewriting some of my earlier chapters after rereading them and almost dying from self embarrassment. If that happens, then new updates won't be coming out but rather the newly rewritten ones!
Edit 3: I've finally made an actual profile on my account! There you can see story stats and upcoming projects. I've also put a "canon" history about all my stories and how they're all connected though it's not fully completed yet. However, these sections contain heavy spoilers! Please read at your own discretion! I will update these two sections whenever I have time and how far my stories have progressed.
Edit 4: After finishing this part of the story, I realized my mini story notes seem pretty...controversial. Please read the bottom author's note for a better explanation.
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS or Magi. Just my OCs.
Enjoy!
My dear, dear little brother...do you still remember me?
Or have you forgotten?
Sakura was nervous to say the very least. She stood outside the grand palace of Balbadd with the other residents of the country who cried out for change. Her friends were also with her, anxiously awaiting the results of Alibaba's conversation with his brother. Sakura went back to earlier events. When she had woken to, Sakura went to Sinbad's room as her friends had instructed. There, Sinbad briefly informed her of what had happened when she was unconscious, including his decision to help Alibaba and the Phantom Fog Troupe. It was one of the reasons why Sinbad had taken Alibaba into the palace in the first place. Sakura herself decided to stay with the others (excluding Yue who opted to stay behind with Masrur and Ja'far to watch over the Troupe)-it probably wouldn't help Alibaba's case if King Ahbmad saw her. However, judging from their last interactions, Sakura knew that there was a high chance negotiations would fail.
The brunette bit her lower lip. No doubt that the Fog Troupe would continue to wreak havoc on Balbadd and cause even more trouble. Was there no other way to save this country from falling into further anarchy and corruption? Aladdin noticed the worried look on her face.
"Don't worry Sakura Nee-chan! No matter what happens, we'll figure it out!" The small boy said with a smile on his face. Morgiana nodded.
"Yes. Just as you have given me hope, we may be able to give hope to Balbadd." The red head added.
"Yeah, this fight ain't over yet even if negotiations fail!" Kero pipped in from inside Sakura's bag. Sakura smiled at her friends' kindness whens she noticed the conflicting look on Syaoran's face, his mind deep in thought.
"...Syaoran?" She called out to him. Syaoran snapped back into reality and looked at her.
"H-Huh? Oh, sorry. Did you say something?" The Chinese asked. Sakura pursed her lips.
"No, it was nothing." She said before smiling. "Anyways, I'm glad to see you here again. Tell me, you said Tomoyo was here. Where exactly is she?" Sakura asked. Syaoran opened his mouth to speak when he stopped, his face contorted into a painful expression.
"S-Syaoran?!" Sakura cried out, reaching out for him as the he began to falter. The Li steadied himself and looked around, gasping for air.
"T-The rukh..." He whispered. Sakura frowned. What was he talking about? Rukh...? But then, Sakura noticed when he pointed. Black birds had suddenly appeared, flying frantically around a raven haired man wearing black and white, his golden accessories twinkling in the light. He was walking towards the palace, ignoring everyone. Sakura felt Aladdin clutch on her arm, tensing as though he had sensed the black birds as well. Syaoran grimaced as he touched his bracelets. Immediately, they glowed as well as his sword and he sighed in relief, breathing normally once more.
"Syaoran, are you alright?" Morgiana asked, placing a hand on shoulder in case he fell. Syaoran nodded.
"Yeah...Sorry about that." He murmured. Syaoran glared towards the black haired man. "That idiot...not paying attention to his surroundings." Aladdin looked at him.
"Syaoran-kun, did you know who that person was?" The small child asked. Syaoran looked reluctant to answer.
"You could say that." He answered vaguely. "He came along with me and Tomoyo when we arrived in Balbadd." Then, Syaoran asked then a question. "Do you guys know of the Kou Empire?" Aladdin jumped up and down gleefully.
"Oh! I know! I met someone from the Kou Empire! Her name was Miss Hakuei!" He said excitedly. Sakura paused for a moment. Kou Empire? Where had she-Suddenly it hit her.
"Sinbad said the Kou Empire executed Hope!" Sakura cried out in her mind. "Yet, Syaoran and Tomoyo are fine? And Aladdin met with one of them? What does this mean?" Syaoran looked at her.
"They aren't as bad as they seem." Syaoran reassured as though he sensed her worries. "Tomoyo and I met some decent people there. That man you just saw was also included, but you still need to be careful. We've also met some dangerous people there too." Just as Sakura began to ask what Syaoran meant, she noticed that the guards around the palace began to shoo people away. It seems that it was time to leave.
"I hope Alibaba-san was successful." Morgiana murmured as they walked away. Sakura wished she could feel the same.
We should have been born into this world together, to protect our Mother's will.
Yet, we did not because of one man's ambitions...
Tomoyo was visibly fuming in her room, pacing around angrily. Falan quietly watched as the woman continued to complain.
"I can't believe it! They send me to Balbadd as a 'representative', but I can't even actually participate in anything!" The Daidouji exasperated. "I'm suppose to 'better understand' the reason why this kingdom will fall, but I can't talk to any people that actually know!" To say Tomoyo was furious was an understatement. Right after informing the Kou siblings of her pregnancy, she was forced to stay in her room for the remaining duration of her trip. None of the people who better understood Balbadd's conditions could speak with her and the purple haired woman be unable to see Balbadd's king as the representative. Tomoyo sighed.
"I'm sorry Falan. I didn't mean to rant at you." She apologized. "I'm just so frustrated right now." Falan nodded.
"I, like, totally get it though. Like, they practically have you on lock down, Aru." The magician replied. "If this was, like, me, I'd get angry too." Tomoyo sighed again as she fell down on her bed.
"Falan, is there something you can tell about Balbadd? I heard from Kouen, but I just don't get it. Why and how exactly is this country failing so badly?" She asked. Falan bit her lower lip before answering.
"It is because of Al Thamen." The orange haired woman confessed. "I, like, wasn't really in charge of this country so I don't know exactly how they got Balbadd to become like this. But, I know it was the organization, Aru. Markio is the one placed in charge of Balbadd, but, like, I'm sure Judar knows too, Aru." Tomoyo thought for a moment.
"...Judar. I haven't seen him lately. Frankly, I'm getting a little worried." She whispered. "I hope he's alright."
"He'll be, like fine." Falan reassured. "Judar is, like, Al Thamen's oracle, Aru. They won't do anything to him." Tomoyo shook her head.
"No, I know that. But, for some reason, I feel like something else will happen to him." Tomoyo said. Suddenly, a knock interrupted their conversation.
"Kami? May I speak with?" Kougyoku asked from outside the door. Tomoyo nodded to Falan who opened the door to let Kougyoku in. The Daidouji noticed the princess seemed distressed.
"Oh Kami! I don't want to get married!" Kougyoku confessed as she began to weep in Tomoyo's arms. "I just want to go back to the Kou Empire with you and see my siblings again!" Tomoyo's mouth stretched into a thin line as she comforted Kougyoku. Truth be told, Tomoyo was against the arranged marriage to begin with. However, she knew that it was often necessary to preserve power and connections in the Kou Empire. Even if she wanted to stop the marriage, Tomoyo was powerless to do so.
"It will be fine, Kougyoku." Tomoyo whispered to her. "Just let out all your sadness and anguish." As Kougyoku continued to cry, Tomoyo looked over to Falan. The magician was lost in thought, a sad expression on her.
"This is...all our fault." Falan whispered as she gripped her staff tightly. Tomoyo, seeing how upset they were, decided to make a decision on the spur of the moment.
"Kougyoku, why don't we go out on the magic carpets to see the view?" Tomoyo suggested. "The night should be coming soon. I'm sure the stars will be lovely tonight." Kougyoku sniffled as she looked at Tomoyo.
"...I-I guesss." Kougyoku answered. "I'll have to bring Ka Koubon though..." Tomoyo smiled and nodded, rubbing the princess's head affectionately. Then, she looked over to Falan.
"Falan, why don't you come along too?" Tomoyo suggested again. Falan looked a little confused, but nevertheless agreed.
"Alright, Aru. Maybe we can find, like, Judar too since you were worried before." Falan said. It was settled then. As they prepared for their little viewing, they had no idea that they would meet some very familiar faces once again...
You lived and became that man's puppet. I died and return to the Origin.
Mother was so sad...her mortal body died and reunited with her memories...
"So...it didn't work out." Syaoran said. The prince's reluctance to answer confirmed the statement. Sakura sighed.
"Oh Alibaba, I'm sorry you couldn't convince your brother." She murmured. After being driven off by the palace guards, Sakura and her friends return to the Phantom Fog Troupe's hideout to await the news. However, when they arrived, Yue informed them that Kassim and his two most loyal lieutenants had disappeared. Masrur nor Ja'far could find them. And now in Alibaba's room, the prince told them of the failed negotiations. Aladdin and Morgiana tried their best to cheer Alibaba up, but to no avail. Sakura took this moment to pull Syaoran away and talk with him.
"Syaoran, you said you came with the Kou Empire, right? Is there a way you can ask them for some sort of help?" Sakura asked. Syaoran grimaced and shook his head.
"I hardly doubt it. Especially since they are partially responsible for this mess." Syaoran answered causing Sakura to frown. "Please Sakura, don't look at me like that. Both Tomoyo and I don't want Balbadd to fall as much as you do, but we don't have enough power or authority to anything." Kero huffed as he flew up close to Syaoran's face.
"Don't give us that excuse! You just don't want to confront the people in charge!" The guardian accused. That riled Syaoran up and the two began to argue.
"Guys, stop!" Sakura intervened. "There's no use arguing like this!" Sighing, Sakura looked towards the still sullen Alibaba before looking back at Syaoran.
"We can't just let it end like this." Sakura said.
"Of course we won't" Syaoran said with a nod. "I'm sure we can come up with something. Even if I haven't forgiven Alibaba for making you so upset, I'm not the type to hold to really hold a grudge for his reasons." Sakura smiled before frowning again. A sudden thought had just occurred to her-Syaoran had the right to know about her engagement.
"Syaoran...there's something I need to tell you." The brunette whispered. "But, can we talk outside?" Syaoran frowned but eventually nodded in assent. Sakura ordered Kero to remain in the room and watch over the others before taking Syaoran outside. They silently walked until the reached the roof of a building. Even after they reached the rooftop, the two continued to stand in silence, watching as the sun went to sleep and the moon came out to take its place. The stars began to glimmer as the night grew, shining like diamonds. Sakura fiddled with her fingers, thinking of how best to tell Syaoran. Suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted when Syaoran broke the silence.
"...It's funny, isn't it? Seeing how bright and clear the stars are tonight." Syaoran said with a quiet voice. "The stars also shone in Tomoeda, yet they seem more brighter in this world." Sakura nodded. With a sigh, Syaoran faced her. Both stared into each others' eyes, as though trying to understand what the other person thought. Sakura felt her heart beat faster, its thudding grower louder with each beat. A smile graced Syaoran's lips as he continued to talk.
"Sakura, before you say your part, there's something I have to get off my chest." The Li said, his eyes beginning to sparkle like the stars. "Sakura, when we first met, I admit that I felt that you didn't deserved the Clow Cards. I thought that someone who hadn't grown up learning magic shouldn't be handling them. Yet...you've managed to change my view of you." A blush grew on Syaoran's face as he continued. "Sakura, you who I once viewed as a rival, you became one of my few friends. And perhaps even more..." Sakura felt her heart drop, knowing what he would say next. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to stop.
"Sakura, I love you." Syaoran confessed as he took her hand. "I fell in love with you a long while ago but I never had the courage to tell you." Sakura's sight began to blur as Syaoran continued his confession, her tears threatening to spill forwards.
"Ah...It's true. I love Syaoran." Sakura lamented in her mind. "Yet, I also love Sinbad and I'm bearing his children. What do I do?" Syaoran paused when he saw the tears quietly falling from Sakura's emerald colored eyes. He drew closer gently wiped her tears away.
"Sakura?" Syaoran asked quietly, cupping her face in his hand. Sakura shook her head slightly, placing her hand on his.
"I-It's nothing." She sniffled. "I-I'm...I'm happy, Syaoran. I'm happy that you feel the same as well." Ah, what was she doing?! Yet, it was not a complete lie. Sakura realized she did have feelings for Syaoran, yet the brunette did not tell of her fiance to him. Syaoran smiled as he drew even closer.
"I'm glad." He whispered before sealing his lips on hers. Sakura did not resist and instead embraced him tightly. So absorbed in their kiss, they failed to notice when someone approached them.
"...Sakura?" A voice called out her name. Realizing that they were no longer alone, Sakura pushed herself away from Syaoran and looked towards the voice. There stood Masrur, standing stoically as ever. Yet his eyes betrayed an emotion besides something neutral, one that Sakura couldn't decipher. A large red blush bloomed on Sakura's face as she faced Masrur.
"M-M-Masrur! What are you doing here?!" She stammered out loud. The Fanalis crossed his arms as he answered her question.
"Sinbad was looking for you. He wanted you with him and Alibaba when they speak to the Phantom Fog Troupe." He said. "...Was I interrupting something?" Sakura quickly shook her head.
"No, it was nothing." Sakura murmured before turning back to Syaoran. "You should go back to Kero and the others. I'll see you later." Then, she proceeded to walk away. However, when she neared Masrur, Sakura whispered to him.
"Please...don't tell anyone of this." She quietly begged. Masrur shook his head.
"You needn't tell me. I know." He answered and escorted Sakura to Sinbad. Syaoran watched as they left and disappeared down the steps before he turned back to the stars. A small smile stretched across his face as the teen began to dream a future where he and his beloved could be happy, unaware of the complications that would soon follow.
That man's actions has caused the balance of the world to tilt.
We were born together because we maintained the balance.
Because of that...A strange phenomenon occurred...
Sakura's heart was torn as she stood on stage with Sinbad and the two Generals of Sindira. As the King of Sindria addressed the members of the Phantom Fog Troupe, Sakura eyes looked towards Syaoran who stood at the farther end of the room with Aladdin, Morgiana, and Alibaba. Yue was nowhere to be seen, though Sakura vaguely recalled Masrur telling her that he was patrolling the nearby areas. Kero floated near them, his face contorted with a worried expression as though he sensed Sakura's troubled heart. Sakura just didn't know what to do anymore. Instead she tried to focus on the speech Sinbad was giving. As he spoke, Sakura became mesmerized with what he said.
"The world is filled with many unreasonable things." Sinbad proclaimed. "Admitting those that suffer from it, that's the reason why my country was built!" Sakura gave a small gasp as the crowd was in awe of his speech.
"That's why." Sakura thought. "That's one of the reasons why I fell in love with Sinbad." As though hearing her thoughts, Sinbad turned towards her with a confident smile. Sakura smiled back when she felt something ominous suddenly appeared. Sakura snapped her head up towards the disturbance. Kero and Syaoran did so as well. As though descending from the moon itself, a familiar black haired man floated down on his magical carpet. With a smirk, he suddenly shouted.
"Hey, Sinbad!" He called out. The purple haired man looked up and widened his eyes in shock and disbelief.
"Judar? What are you doing here?! Are you one Abhmad's orders? Or did the Kou Empire send you?!" Sakura widen her eyes at his statement.
"Sinbad knows of his connection to the Kou Empire?!" Sakura cried out in her thoughts. "Wait...Judar? Why does that name sound familiar...?" Suddenly, images flashed through her eyes. However, Sakura quickly shook them off. Now was not time for flashbacks! Judar gave a confused expression before shrugging his shoulders and grinning.
"Eh, I don't care about those things!" Then, his grin turned sinister. "Sinbad, you should know, right? What I truly like...is war!" Judar proclaimed proudly. Sakura bit her lips when he said, recalling the horrid visions of the burning city and dying people. As she opened her mouth to speak, someone beat her to the punch.
"Judar, what the hell are you saying?!" Syaoran demanded, pushing himself to the front along with Kero. Aladdin, Morgiana, and Alibaba lingered with Ja'far and Masrur, the white haired man whispering something to the blue haired child. Judar looked surprised to see Syaoran.
"Oh, fancy seeing you here Syaoran!" He said. "Whatcha doing with Sinbad?" Syaoran frowned.
"I just happened to meet some of my friends." He answered. "But, dammit Judar! You almost suffocated me earlier today with your rukh or whatever! Watch your surroundings! Where's Tomoyo? Did you leave her somewhere?!" Judar gave a nonchalant shrug.
"My bad." He apologized, though he hardly sounded sorry at all. "And for your info, she's still back at her-" Suddenly, Judar paused. He looked Sakura with keen interest, his eyes scanning her.
"...Oh? Those eyes and hair..." He murmured before snapping his fingers. "That's right! You're Hope, Sinbad's girlfriend! You were Kami's friend!" Sakura flinched when Judar said "girlfriend" and glanced over at Syaoran who looked confused. Sinbad growled at Judar.
"She isn't Hope! Her name is Sakura!" He corrected with animosity. "You of all people should know that Hope isn't here anymore!" Judar raised his hands as though he meant no harm.
"Hey, I wasn't the one called for it. Besides, it was the Parthevia Empire who carried out the execution." He said. Sakura looked back and forth between the two people. Sinbad blamed the Kou Empire for Hope's death, or at least the monarchy that rules it. Yet another Empire was the one who did so. Kero fluttered nervously as the animosity from Sinbad grew and the crowd grew agitated. Grimacing at what she should do, Sakura suddenly recalled the necklace that could soothe the turmoil. Touching her necklace, the rainbow colored gem began to glow and the tension in the room subsided. Sakura felt light headed and began to tilt backwards when Syaoran caught her, holding her up as she balanced herself.
"Thank you..." Sakura whispered to the Li. In her mind she hoped that he necklace didn't have ill effect on her body. Syaoran nodded as he looked back towards Sinbad who had calmed considerably. With a sigh, the king spoke with Judar again.
"Listen, if you want me to team up with you, forget it. I won't be your puppet." He said. Judar remained silent at his answer. His eyes scanned the room looking at those that gathered when it stopped at Aladdin. Both people's eyes widened as they became much more aware of each other's presences. Kero fluttered besides Aldaddin, growling threateningly at Judar in case he did something. Judar's eyes narrowed.
"...Who's he?" The man asked. "The Rukh around this guy is weird." Sinbad seemed reluctant to answer. Sensing his hesitance, Sakura spoke for him.
"His name is Aladdin. He's...a Magi." The brunette answered, still unsure what exactly a Magi really meant. Sayoran eyes widened in surprise when Sakura said that, but Judar seemed shocked.
"Wha-?! This chibi is a Magi?!" He exclaimed. "No way! Magi are supposed to be amazing beings! When Rukh was sent out to change the world, they're considered the strongest magic users with the largest amount of magoi in creation of the world!" He eyed Aladdin strangely. Suddenly he smiled and held out his hand.
"So, you're Aladdin. My name's Judal." He introduced himself with a strange calmness. "As fellow 'Magi', let's get along well from now on!" Aladdin, with some confusion, hesitantly reached for his hand. Suddenly, Judar's hand curled into a fist and the man punched Aladdin on his left eye. He laughed as the small child staggered backwards, clutching his eye. Morgiana and Alibaba quickly rushed over to their friend to help him. Kero growled loudly and began to transform, only to be stopped by his mistress. Despite telling Kero to back off, Sakura was beyond livid. It was evident that Judar did that to mock Aladdin. As she readied herself to give him a piece of her mind, Syaoran once again beat her to it. After making sure Sakura could stand by herself, he walked over to Judar who was still laughing.
"Judar, what the hell was that for?" Syaoran demanded. "I don't think Tomoyo would have wanted you to hurt her friend." At that, Judar stopped laughing and put on an annoyed expression.
"Then that makes it even worse! I refuse to believe that Kami would be friends with the likes of him!" He growled out, his own animosity showing. "She has me as a Magi!" Then, he turned back to Aladdin, ignoring Syaoran's attempt to speak any further to him. "Hey, Chibi. If you're really a Magi, then you should have a candidate to be king by your side, right? There should be at least one or two." Aladdin once again stared at him in confusion. Judar sighed and looked around again before it landed on Alibaba. With a smirk, he pointed at Alibaba.
"You!" He declared. Alibaba stared at him alongside Aladdin. Judar squinted his eyes before widening in realization. "Wait a minute...I remember you! You're that guy who got bullied by Abhmad earlier!" Judar laughed again and began mocking Alibaba. The Third Princes of Balbadd looked down at the ground as Judar continued his insults, unable to fight back. That was the last straw for Sakura. A loud crack filled the air, silencing any sound that was once there. Everyone stared at the scene before them. Sakura had promptly walked to Judar and with her hand she slapped the man across his face. He stood there frozen as Sakura snarled in anger, tears streaming down her face as her hand began to slowly turn red from impact.
"Y-You Jerk!" She screamed out. "How dare you insult my friends?! Aladdin is the sweetest child I have ever met! Aliababa is the greatest man there is! He isn't a fool, or a weakling! He cares about others, unlike you!" As to echo in her words, Aladdin spoke up as well.
"Alibaba is not useless!" He declared. "He knew right from the beginning that he might not be recognized, but for the sake of others he put aside his fears to do what no other would! He is a brave person; there's no way he'd be useless!" Then, he turned to Sakura with a bright smile. "Just like Nee-chan said!" Alibaba teared up.
"Sakura...Aladdin..." He whispered. Judar slowly turned his head back at Sakura and held a hand to his aching cheek now red. However, he said nothing as he stared at her, his gaze piercing into her. Then, he spoke.
"...That actually hurt. I haven't felt this kind of pain since Hope slapped me way back." He murmured with a strange tone. Sakukra raised a brow as she recognized it-did he actually sound impressed? With a sigh, he let his hand fall and used his other to pull out a small wand from his white scarf.
"But...for that man to be a king's candidate..." Judar began. Then, he attacked Alibaba with a wave of his wand, sending the prince flying. "I don't see it at all! He's too weak!"
"This person! He-!" Sakura thought angrily, grabbing her necklace to activate her vessels. However, she stopped when the brunette realized the strain it would be on her children. But, she just couldn't sit by and let Judar do that to her friends anymore! As Aladdin stepped in to protect Alibaba from Judar's onslaught, a pure white arrow suddenly shot passed Judar who narrowly dodged it. Sakura gasped as an angel descended from the sky.
"Yue! Thank goodness you're here!" Sakura cried out in relief. Yue nodded and faced Judar. Kero promptly transformed and stood by the angel. Judar looked confusedly at them.
"Huh? What are you lots suppose to be?" He asked before shrugging. "Eh, who cares. Just stay out of this! This is between two Magi!" With a wave of his wand, Judar sent a large wave of dark magic towards them. Kero jumped in front of Yue and gave a might roar, causing the magic to disperse.
"Don't underestimate us brat!" Kero growled. "We aren't just things to be trifled with!" Narrowing his eyes, Yue pulled back his bow and fired another arrow at Judar. Judar simply smirked as the arrow stopped within inches of him, momentarily revealing an invisible barrier that surrounded him. Yue tsked as he prepared for another attack.
"I said...don't get in my way!" The black haired Magi yelled as he summoned a large ball of thunder from his wand and threw it at the two guardians. Kero and Yue braced themselves for the attack. However, it never came. Sakura, at the very moment, felt something change within her. Perhaps she was tired of being unable to do anything to defend her friends, or perhaps it was mere coincidence in the wheel of Fate. Whatever was the case, a surge of power awakened within her. She heard voices whisper in her mind as two very familiar appeared in her vision, reaching out towards her. With no hesitation, she took their hands and thus unlocked something. Then, she spoke.
"...Stop..."
All of the sudden, the orb of thunder magic stopped on it path. Everyone stared at in confusion. Syaoran did so as well when he felt something powerful and looked towards Sakura whose eyes were closed. Then, she opened it and Syaoran gasped. Her eyes looked glazed over, yet there was an air of wisdom and power shining within them.
"Return." She said, her voice sounding so surreal and as though more than one spoke at the same time. The thunder orb promptly dispersed in glowing white birds, shocking everyone when it disappeared. However, those that could see the magical Rukh became even more shocked when the birds flew towards Sakura and surrounded her, mixing into the pink butterflies that soon emerged.
"S-Sakura...?" Syaoran called out. Sakura turned and gave him a sad smile. Then, he heard her voice in her mind.
"Soon, soon my dear friend. But, I do not have much time, so let me handle this for now." She whispered in his mind. Syaoran was shocked, but said nothing as Sakura faced the troublesome Magi. After snapping out of his shock, Judas glared angrily at her.
"What did you do to my magic?!" He demanded. Sakura frowned at the man.
"You, oh Fallen Magi, have done much wrong." She answered. "The one you considered an ally has asked you to cease this despicable display, yet you still continue. Tell me, what would your precious one think?" Everyone was taken back Sakura's words. Kero and Yue noticed that their mistress was not acting normally, yet felt that they should not interfere. Alibaba and Morgiana looked at each other with concern. Aladdin gazed at the brunette with a confused yet nostalgic look. Even Sinbad and Ja'far were caught off guard with Sakura's sudden personality change, though Masrur remain expressionless. Judar growled at Sakura.
"Shut up! Just because you're Kami's friend doesn't mean I'll stand for your insults!" He yelled as he raised his wand again, preparing for yet another magical attack. With an eerie calmness, Sakura slowly raised her hand and pointed with her finger. Her Metal Vessels began to glow brightly and her eyes began to shine as the pink butterflies condensed into an orb at the tip of her finger. Within seconds, the orb changed into yellow colored air, swirling like blades. With a flick of her finger, she sent it towards the black haired man. Judar held his ground as the blades of wind struck his surroundings, hitting his invisible barrier. However, much to his shock, the blades tore through the barrier, causing him maneuver out of the way. A blade nicked his cheek as he dodged, drawing a thin line of blood. Judar growled as he wiped away the blood and aimed his wand at Sakura, firing a fireball.
"Nee-chan!" Aladdin cried out and dove in front of Sakura, shocking everyone. Sakura, who eyes suddenly snapped from its glazed look, quickly tried to grab Aladdin behind.
"Aladdin!" She cried out. "What are you d-?!" However, she never finished as the fire engulfed them. Screams filled the building as people began to back away from the blaze as much as they could.
"Sakura!" Syaoran screamed. With a growl, he readied his Metal Vessels when the brunette noticed that the blaze had suddenly gone out, and in its place was a familiar blue headless giant.
"Ugo!" Syaoran called out. The Djinn had his arms crossed in front of its torso, angling himself in front of Sakura and Aladdin. Everyone was stunned, even Judar who let his wand fall to his side. However, the Magi suddenly began to laugh loudly.
"Ha, ha! Fine, Chibi. I'll recognize as you as a Magi." Judar declared. "That huge Djinn body...Something only us Magi can bring out." Suddenly, Judar began to float up to the sky. He raised his wand and began to summon something. Suddenly, fog began to gather at the tip of the wand, condensing into water before freezing into a large spear of ice.
"Ice Magic is my specialty!" Judar proclaimed proudly. Then, he split the large ice spear into multiple smaller pieces. With a casual flip of his wand. Judar flung many of the ice spears to the ground. Many of the people began to panic and ran away. However, wherever the spears it, the surrounding ground froze trapping those around them by the feet.
"Judar, stop this!" Sakura screamed out and ran out of Ugo's protection towards the Magi.
"Sakura!" Kero cried out. Sakura couldn't even blinked when an ice spear pierced through her shoulders. Unable to process what just happened, Sakura fell to the ground, the ice beginning to cover her body.
"Was I just hit...?" She wondered numbly before passing out, the ice continuing to spread.
"Sakura!" Sinbad yelled and rushed towards her side with his two generals. Morgiana and Alibaba quickly rushed over as well. Judar looked down on her.
"Oops! Looks like I was too careless." Judar said, actually sounding apologetic. "I wasn't planning on actually hitting her. My bad." Suddenly, a flaming sword pierced his invisible barrier. Judar barely escaped getting hit and flew higher into the sky. He looked back and saw Syaoran Djinn Equipped. A look of absolute fury emanated his eyes as he glared at the Magi.
"JUDAR!" He screamed at the Magi and prepared for another attack. Judar grimaced. Suddenly, a flock of black colored birds surrounded Syaoran. The brunette dropped his blade and grasped his throat, gasping for air. Then, his eyes rolled backwards and he fell, returning to his original form. However, Judar caught him, levitating him back to the ground.
"Sorry. Kami will kill me if I get you hurt." He muttered before turning back towards Aladdin with a malicious expression. "Now, where were we?"
We must be born of the same blood, but Mother couldn't possibly return back to that man.
Thus, she created a vessel to carry your child...my future reincarnation.
We would not be brother and sister, but rather father and daughter.
A choice that weighed our mother heavily...
Tomoyo felt something was wrong. Terribly wrong. Currently, she was riding on the magic carpet with Falan, Kougyoku, and Kougyoku's retainers in order to cheer up the princess. However, after only moments of stargazing, Tomoyo found herself unable to enjoy herself. Something was happening, Tomoyo could tell.
"Falan, something's wrong." She whispered to the magician. The woman nodded slowly.
"So, you can also tell, Aru?" She whispered back. "The Rukh have become more agitated." Kougyoku, who was busy looking at the stars, noticed Tomoyo and Falan talking.
"Is something the matter, Kami?" The princess asked. Tomoyo turned to the princess to answer when an explosion went off somewhere. Everyone turned towards the sound.
"There's, like, a battle happening!" Falan yelled out. The uneasy feeling Tomoyo felt grew worse.
"We need to head over there!" Tomoyo cried out. Ka Koubon began to argue, but cowered down when he saw the fierce look Tomoyo gave him. With no more questions asked, the group hurried over. When the arrived, Tomoyo screamed.
"SAKURA! SYAORAN!" She cried. There on the ground laid her friends. Both were unconscious, with Syaoran barely breathing and Sakura being covered with ice. So shocked at the sight of her friends, Tomoyo didn't noticed the surrounding people around them. Kougyoku covered her mouth in shock while Falan scanned around. Her eyes narrowed momentarily before widening in disbelief.
"Judar's here, Aru!" The magician quickly informed Tomoyo. The woman painfully tore her eyes away from the sight of her friends and turned to where Falan indicated. Indeed, there was Judar. However, much to her horror, she had just watched the black haired pierce a blue Djinn with a giant ice spear. She could hear when a blue haired boy cried out to his friend.
"Ugo!" Aladdin yelled. When that child called out his friend's name with such distraught, something welled up inside Tomoyo. Memories flashed before her eyes, ones she had never seen before yet felt so familiar.
"This time...I will protect you..."
"Kami, what are you doing?!" Kougyoku called out as Tomoyo jumped down from the carpet. Tomoyo ignored her, to absorbed in her current state. She had to helped him, to protect him. She couldn't fail, not like before in Al- Suddenly, someone grabbed her arm. Tomoyo looked and saw it was Falan, who gently lifted down to the ground on her staff. The magician said nothing, but Tomoyo recognized her expression of one of regret and determination. When they touched the ground, Falan released her and Tomoyo immediately rushed over to the fight.
"Judar! Stop this instantly!" Tomoyo yelled out. Judar, who began to raise his wand again, flinched and looked back. His eyes widened in horror and his arm dropped promptly before facing her.
"K-Kami! It's not what it seems!" He tried to explain. However, in his haste, Judar failed to realize the dangerous situation he was already in. Within seconds, Tomoyo watched as Ugo promptly crushed the Magi between his hands. And she screamed.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!"
She decided to lock her memories of you away until the deed was done, but that wasn't enough for her...
She branded herself a cursed person, someone who didn't deserve to love.
And it was then I decided...if Mother wanted to curse her heart, then I would curse myself.
I would be the Child of Sin and bear this title when I was reincarnated...However, not everything turns out the way you want it...
Sakura and Syaoran are unconscious, and Tomoyo had just witness a person she cares about crushed by another she trusted. How will this development unfold and can the problems be fixed?
So...There's something I liked to address before answering some reviews. For most of my stories, I have placed "notes" in between sections of the chapter to talk about certain parts of the stories' history and issues. And this updates has some...interesting developments to say the least. If anyone has concerns about this particular chapter, please PM me privately. Also, I would very much appreciate it if you do not discuss it in the reviews. Thank you.
Reviews:
AirI'am: Ah, I'm so sorry that I haven't update in so long! I know you were looking forward to another chapter, but as you can see from my author's note from above, life hit me with its hammer. Yes, Syaoran is in rough terms with Alibaba. However, considering the situation, he's on better term than Judar to say the least. And Tomoyo isn't just in charge of four children-essentially all the Kou siblings, including Judar, have to be taken care of her.
Guest 1: Sorry for not updating for awhile! Sadly, this story is far from over. This story spans over several arcs so it won't be over anytime soon. However, I am planning to rewrite some chapters so please look forward to that!
Guest 2: Well here you go! Hope you enjoy it!
Asuka1920: Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Until Next Time! R&R!
