Kassim and Alibaba gathered as much of the treasure they could reasonably carry without being targeted on the way back home. Alibaba truthfully didn't need any gold for himself. Kassim was more likely to use his half to help out his neighborhood. Alibaba was more concerned with the less lustrous of items. If there was one thing that Alibaba learned from Kouen Ren, it was that knowledge wasn't just power. It could be leverage as well. He made sure to grab every book and scroll available, stuffing a large knapsack full. The last time he had ignored them, more interested in the gold. Alibaba didn't know exactly what was inside them, or even if he could read the majority, but he wasn't taking any risks.
The rest of the treasure was given to Jamil's family. In exchange for them releasing all of their slaves and vowing to never get involved with the slave trade again, Alibaba promised them the rest of the gold and the bragging rights of the Dungeon. This way they could keep their status in the city and Alibaba didn't get any unwanted attention for capturing the Dungeon. Jakan thankfully accepted and the deal was made.
Amon closed the Dungeon, a much smoother practice than the last time, and the group was stranded at the bottom of a large crater where the Dungeon once stood. After climbing their way out, Alibaba and Kassim left the nobles with the slaves following. They first went to a healer to help get Ivassa medical attention. He was in critical care for a few days. Morgiana stayed by the man's side the entire time. Alibaba and Kassim went back to their house to get better prepared for the travel back.
"It's good to see you're doing okay." They were at the edge of town. Two caravans were getting ready to depart, going separate ways. Alibaba and Kassim stood across from Ivassa and Morgiana. With the newly freed slaves was the familiar face of Goltas. Ivassa was wrapped up tight in bandages, but he was standing. The silent archer smiled grimly, leaning against the broad strength of Goltas.
"My brother and I will leave for our home territories. It has been a long time since we've seen the plains." It was the most that Alibaba ever heard Goltas say. Not that he knew him for long sadly. Goltas turned out to be Ivassa's older brother, which was an odd surprise for Alibaba. It made him wonder what happened to Ivassa in the other timeline.
"I hope that the travel there will be okay. It was really nice meeting you guys." Alibaba stretched out a hand with a smile. He truly hoped the best for them. They deserved it after everything. Goltas nodded his head in thanks and accepted the handshake.
"We are truly in your debt." The man intoned seriously. "If you ever need it, we will help." Alibaba laughed nervously at the promise. While it was nice that they were happy and considered Alibaba a friend, this was a bit much.
"Ah, there's no need for that. I didn't do much in the end. I'm just happy you guys can go home." Goltas nodded once more, but Alibaba didn't think that he took the words at face value. Alibaba figured it was okay. He figured it was about time he stopped protesting about so many things and just adapt as best as he could. With Amon back, he felt a new sense of confidence within. It helped in that regard.
Morgiana spoke her goodbyes to the men as their caravan drove off. She had requested to accompany them to Balbadd. Alibaba had automatically said it was alright, not thinking of refusing. Kassim, while not exactly ecstatic with the add-on, understood Alibaba's stance. The duo turned into a trio, and Alibaba was severely reminded of the lack of Aladdin. The boy would arrive in a few years, meaning it would be some time before Alibaba saw his best friend.
The travel back to Balbadd was as uneventful as the one to Quishan. Minimal bandits (who now dealt with armed caravanners, A tobacco deprived Kassim, and Morgiana. Not counting Alibaba's metal vessel because he wasn't going to use it on bandits), no desert hyacinths, and only one attack by jackals. Morgiana took care of those.
It wasn't the same caravan they had followed to Quishan but Alibaba still kept his face hidden. He was able to get by in Quishan without it but as they got closer to Balbadd he didn't want to risk being found by a patrol of Balbadd guards who were in search of him. Alibaba would prefer to walk into Balbadd of his own volition, not dragged by Barrack's men. He hadn't told Morgiana of his status yet and he didn't think she'd take kindly to such a sight. He didn't want to put the guards through that. That would be cruel.
He told Morgiana that he covered his face because his skin couldn't handle the heat of the sun in the desert for long periods of time. Which, admittedly was true. Blonde hair was a curse in this part of the world. During the night he would take the wrapping off but keep the hood of his cloak up, making sure his face was never in the full light of the campfire. If Morgiana noticed she didn't say. Which meant she was waiting for him to confess because there was no way she didn't notice.
"So, Morgiana." The three of them were sitting at the side of a wagon away from the campfire. They had already eaten their food and wished the other travelers goodnight. Kassim was leaning against the wheel of the wagon, eyes dark in the moonlight. Morgiana gave Kassim a blank look when he spoke, waiting for him to continue.
"What do you plan to do now that you're free?" Alibaba perked at this. He was curious too. While he would like for her to stay by his side and be his friend like before, he remembered what her original wish was the first time he met her. She had expressed a similar desire this time around in the Dungeon when they spoke.
"I want to go to the Dark Continent." He thought so. Alibaba tried not to wilt. He would support Morgiana's wish. He did the first time, even when she had a household vessel. Though, Alibaba wondered why she came back so soon. She never told him why she didn't go all the way to her home country. Morgiana curled up against the rock the wagon was sitting by, pulling her knees close to her chest. Alibaba watched her fingers trail the bruises on her ankles.
"Alibaba said that Balbadd would have a ship that could take me there." Kassim glanced at Alibaba at this. He shrugged at him and gave Morgiana a cheery grin.
"Balbadd's mainly a trading hub with ships coming in from all over the world." He explained. "There's no way to get to the Dark Continent directly by ship, but I'm sure there'll be at least one to get you close enough to travel by foot." If Sindria did, Balbadd would no doubt. Not to put Sinbad's country down but Balbadd had more trading ships and traffic flow in its port than what Sindria could wish for. They had people from all over trading in Balbadd's markets.
"You'll just need to speak with the dockmaster in the morning, he'll have a register of what ships are docked at the port. And what ships are expecting to come in." Not all Captains were able to send word of their arrival granted, but Avner was generally good at keeping track of everything. He'd be able to help Morgiana for sure.
Despite his encouragement Morgiana didn't look all that happy at his news. Panicking, Alibaba misunderstood her silence. "Ah- don't worry he's a really nice guy! I've spoke with him a few times! And I'll be there to help, Kassim too!" Kassim didn't appreciate being volunteered and looked ready to snap at Alibaba for doing so. Luckily Morgiana spoke, distracting him.
"Thank you." Alibaba's words died at Morgiana's earnest gratitude. She didn't say anything further, eyes looking into the distance. Alibaba wasn't quite sure what to say to that. He was never good with people thanking him. He never thought of anything he'd done to particularly need thanks. Morgiana's freedom and helping her get to her homeland wasn't a favor or anything. She was his friend and it was just something that needed to be done. However, he did know what it was like needing to thank someone, to let them know how much he appreciated their help. If it what she was feeling was like that, then there really was only one thing to say.
"You're my friend, so it wasn't a problem," Alibaba said with a smile. "You're welcome Morgiana." She looked up at him briefly and then looked away, her cheeks puffed out cutely. It was probably a trick of the light, but kind of looked like she was blushing.
"In any case, if you need a place to stay until you can find a ship I can help." Morgiana's flickered to him and back. She gave him a tight nod in thanks. Kassim let out a large yawn and stretched out with a sardonic grin on his face.
"You're an idiot Alibaba." Alibaba squawked in offense, demanding he take it back. He was only trying to be nice and Kassim wasn't helping at all. It was the best he could do under pressure! Alibaba and Kassim squabbled back and forth like siblings, only stopping when Morgiana started to giggle out of nowhere. The three then were all laughing quietly in the night, all their worries forgotten.
Balbadd was, mercifully, still standing when they got back. The city was bustling in the morning light as merchants set up their stands in the market square. Alibaba and Kassim were giving Morgiana a tour, focusing heavily on the streets themselves than the crowded areas. Alibaba kept his wrappings on even though he felt like he was suffocating inside from the heat. If he took them off all it would take is one look and anyone in the city would recognize him as Alibaba Saluja. He had spent so many times in the city when visiting Kassim that the citizens got used to seeing the third Prince amongst them and would have no trouble pointing him out.
They were slipping through a shortcut from the first district to the port when they were waylaid by a group of teenagers. Kassim had been trailing behind Alibaba and Morgiana as they walked, keen to let him take over as the guide for the girl. He had bought a pack of cigars with some of the gold they had left over and was using the stroll to smoke leisurely. When the three older kids got in their way in the alley Kassim stepped around Morgiana to put himself at the front.
"Yo." He blew out a cloud of smoke into the air above him. He kept a facade of nonchalance but his body was tense and his eyes sharp. He was prepared for a fight. Morgiana shifted her weight beside Alibaba, getting herself into prime position to launch herself forward if needed. Alibaba for his part tried to blend into the background and not be recognized.
"Well, if it isn't Kassim?" The tallest one sneered. He was a bulky fellow, built for heavy lifting and was an obvious powerhouse. He had a scar above his lip that reached to his chin. Alibaba wondered where he got it from. On either side of him were twin girls, small and lithe. Their eyes promised murder if they saw something they didn't like.
"Dexia." Alibaba grimaced when Kassim confirmed his suspicion. He hadn't seen Dexia in a long time, even before his father picked him up from the streets. Dexia was from a different part of the slums that Kassim and he had lived in. He was never a nice kid, couldn't be when he was part of a cutthroat gang. The last Alibaba saw him, Dexia and Kassim nearly killed each other in a fight. It was then agreed that neither man would venture into the other's territory.
"Word on the street said that you had left the city." Kassim took a long drag from his cigar, maintaining his image. He couldn't let Dexia think that he had an edge. He released another cloud with a shrug, face bored.
"And now I'm back." He scowled at Dexia. "What do you want?" Dexia choked out a laugh and looked at his companions with an incredulous face. They didn't show any reaction, creeping Alibaba out.
"He leaves for half a year and he thinks he's still king of the slums." He looked down at Kassim with a sneering grin. "I'll be gracious and excuse you this time, but you're now standing in Barasi territory." Alibaba didn't know who the Barasi were, but they seemed important. Gangs rose and fell in the slums, only four remaining as constant pillars of Balbadd's underground. Kassim didn't show any recognition to the name, which either meant they were a gang that never merited attention or they were a new one that formed while they were gone.
"Who the fuck are they?" Kassim asked when there was no further explanation. Dexia started to laugh again, sounding like a demented jackal. It was worrying.
"Only the biggest gang the slums have ever seen." Dexia tapped the left side of his neck, just under the ear. There was a small tattoo inked in black there; hard to see unless one knew where to look. The design was a blank coin. What the significance was, Alibaba didn't know.
"They own over half the slums now, and it won't be long till the rest fall in line." Dexia started to walk backward. The twins turned on their heels and sprinted past him, vanishing in the alleyways. "If I catch you in my territory again I'll fucking gut you." Dexia then left with a wave of his hand.
No one moved for several moments. The only sound that was heard was the sound of their breathing. Kassim's shoulders were pulled so far back Alibaba was worried that he was going to pull a muscle. Morgiana looked between the boys and the direction Dexia went. She wanted to know what happened, Alibaba could tell without her even saying anything. He couldn't blame her either. After a showdown like that anyone would want answers.
"Alibaba." Kassim's voice was sharp and Alibaba jumped to attention at the heavy tone. Kassim dropped his cigar and stomped on it before turning around. He was frowning fiercely and looked like he wanted to punch something.
"You need to get out of the streets." That made Alibaba flinch. He glanced to Morgiana and back to Kassim warily. Surely they still had some time? Dexia and those Barasi might be an issue to worry about, but it could wait until after they got to Kassim's place. He didn't want to reveal his royalty status to Morgiana just yet. He didn't know how she'd take it. She did just get out of enslavement from an insane noble family. She was younger now than when Alibaba first met her, so Morgiana's reaction might be different now than it was then. She might not like him anymore and will want to hang out with a different crowd or something!
Okay, Alibaba knew that was mostly just his overactive imagination but the first part was an actual concern. Morgiana's freedom happened in a much different way this time, at a younger age. This might have been a big enough change to make her reaction to him being a Prince be different than before.
"What? Why? Can't we-" Kassim cut him off with a glare.
"I'm not playing around Alibaba. There's a new power in the slums and we have no idea what places they control or who their allies are." Alibaba's mouth thinned and he downcasted his eyes. He knew what Kassim was getting at. There was nothing more dangerous in the slums than not knowing who the big dogs were in the streets. Dexia seemed to be a part of this gang, meaning he could have killed Kassim and said he was in the right, that Kassim had broken their deal and trespassed onto his territory. They were lucky that he was after something else.
And Dexia was after something alright. It wasn't like him to miss out a chance to beat someone to a pulp. So he was either ordered to not cause a fight or he was supposed to be after something else. Those girls were a nuisance too. Alibaba didn't know them, and something as rare as twins would be noticeable in the slums.
"What about you?" Kassim had a lot of allies in the slums and had the respect of most of the streets. He also had a lot of enemies though. People who wouldn't give him a free pass like Dexia had. Alibaba wasn't the only one at risk here.
"I'll find Zainab and Hassan. Or that geezer Mirno." Mirno was one of the biggest names in the slums. The man was old as dirt but he had the biggest gambling and fighting rings under his belt and he ruled the western half of the slums with an iron fist. Alibaba's mother somehow got into his good graces and he had a soft spot for the kids she called her own. He'd keep Kassim safe.
"What's happening?" Alibaba hesitated at Morgiana's question. There wasn't any time left to wait to tell her, but he still didn't know how to go about saying it. Mogiana did not appreciant his faltering and puffed out her cheeks in irritation. Her feet dug into the stone ground, cracking it into small craters underneath her. Alibaba was man enough to admit that he paled in fear. He forgot how much Morgiana hated being left out of the loop.
"Morgiana," He started. "When I was in Quishan we couldn't let anyone know who I was. It was too dangerous." And a political nightmare, he added in his head. Morgiana stared blankly at him, waiting for him to continue.
"A-and well-" He stuttered, tripping over his words. "My full name is Alibaba Saluja, the Third Prince of Balbadd." Red eyes widened, and Alibaba smiled ruefully as she looked at him a new light. It was awkward for him with the knowledge of another time where Morgiana knew him as his dorky unlucky self. She still knew him by that now technically, but not as well as before and it was without the added friendship of Aladdin.
"What does being a Prince have to do with being on the streets?" She asked, surprising him. Alibaba wasn't that to be the first question she'd ask. "If you're the Prince of this country, then why do you have to hide?" It was a fair inquiry. A Prince shouldn't have to hide from his people and it was his own home. He never bothered hiding his identity before when leaving the palace to see Kassim before.
"We've been gone too long," Kassim explained. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall of a building. "We know nothing about the Barasi or what their game is in the slums. If Dexia wasn't bluffing out of his ass about them it'll be troublesome." Kassim frowned pensively and locked eyes with Alibaba. "If they managed to take over most of the slums then they're either really persuasive or very powerful." And power went a lot longer than words did in the streets. The last time someone took Balbadd's underground by storm it was in another timeline and Kassim was the leader. Something was at play here that they didn't know about.
"You think they have magic tools?" It was plausible. They would definitely guarantee someone respect and power in the streets. Balbadd had many things flowing in the markets, but magic tools were rare as is and Alibaba had never heard of any gracing the markets. If a gang got them, it would come from an outside force.
Al-Tharmen. Ithnan saw Kassim that day they entered the Dungeon. Amon had dropped them in Quishan five months after that day when closing the Dungeon. While thankful he left them in Quishan instead of somewhere across the world, Alibaba wished so much time hadn't of passed. Alibaba had no intention of staying away from Balbadd that long. He forgot about Dungeon's strange time warping abilities though.
"I don't think anything," Kassim replied. "I just know something is up and you need to get your ass back to the Palace. I'll stay and find out what the hell is going on." Morgiana had been watching the two of them talk with hawk eyes. She stepped forward as Kassim pushed off the wall.
"I'll stay with Alibaba." It wasn't a question. Her voice was flat and held no inflection as if she was stating a fact about the weather. Alibaba verbally scrambled at the order.
"But what about going to the docks to find a ship?" They were heading there to speak with Avener and find out when the next ship that would get Morgiana close to her homeland came in. When Alibaba got to the palace it would be forever until he'd be able to get back out. His father wouldn't want to let him out of his sight after being gone so long. Morgiana would be a part of that because he would have to keep her close in that environment. While it would be safer than the slums, the Palace had its own pit of vipers to worry about. Alibaba had always been able to avoid it for the most part, being only the bastard third son, but his return would stir things up. There would be no telling when he and Morgiana might be able to get out.
"The Dark Continent can wait." Alibaba spluttered at the answer. He thought that she wanted to get there more than anything! It was her own dream! She had no reason to get herself involved with Alibaba's issues! Besides, Kassim might just be paranoid. Dexia was always boasting and exaggerating about something when they were kids. He was probably just trying to look tough to intimidate his old rival.
Alibaba went to point all of those things out, but Morgiana stopped him with a swift stomp of her foot. The general movement of her leg looked less like a stomp really and more of a light tap. The result was the same however. There was now a crater in the stone under her feet, the ground cracking at the edges. The air left Alibaba's lungs and he felt his face pale once more.
"She'll stay with me." He meekly agreed. Kassim wasn't affected by the exchange and just told them to get a move on. Alibaba did not appreciate how little he cared for Alibaba's fate. Morgiana could swat him like a fly and there would be nothing he could do about it. Does Kassim care? Nope.
Morgiana would never do that of course, but it was the principle of the thing.
The trio separated, Kassim taking the back alleys further into slum territory and the other two taking the main streets towards the palace. As they walked Morgiana asked Alibaba questions.
"What are magic tools?" They were in the second district, where the middle class lived. The shops were open and the morning crowds busy as young woman shopped for better clothing and kids ran around playing. "You mentioned them earlier." Alibaba looked around them carefully. No one was paying them any mind. He only garnered a few odd looks for wearing his cloak hood up on the hot summer day, but other than that they were relatively safe. He waited until they were further away from a crowd to answer. He didn't want anyone to accidentally overhear.
"They're like my dagger." He tapped Amon's sheath at his belt lightly. Morgiana knew that he had a Djinn equip and that Amon had attached himself to the blade. Alibaba didn't want to say Amon's name out loud though. Just in case.
"The only difference is what power is contained inside them." He couldn't say Djinn out loud, so that would have to do. "They're weapons that use a person's magoi to manifest power. They can be used as anything, but they are most commonly used as weapons." Dangerous weapons. Alibaba sincerely hoped that the Barasi didn't have any magic tools. He remembered what Kassim and the Fog Troupe were capable of with their magic tools.
"Magoi?" Alibaba hummed at her confused whisper. That's right, she wouldn't exactly know what magoi was from her time as a slave. They didn't really teach her that kind of stuff, only wanting her for her natural Fanalis strength and instincts.
"Magoi is..." Alibaba faltered. How did Yamahira explain it that one time? "It's like a power within you, connected directly to your lifeforce. All humans have magoi with varying levels. People with really high levels of magoi become magicians and can do spells with magic tools. The more magoi someone has, the more powerful spells they can use and the longer they can use them. If you use too much magoi up though, it can kill you." Morgiana still looked confused, so Alibaba didn't explain it well enough.
"I'm not good at explaining it because I don't understand it well myself." Magic was more Aladdin's thing. "If you want to know more, you can go through the palace library. I'll help you." He quickly offered his help when he realized that she might not know how to read. Somehow he didn't envision Jamil and his parents teaching their slaves how to read or write.
They were getting closer to the first district, where the Palace was. He wasn't going to be able to walk through there looking so suspicious. Morgiana by herself was going to call attention from her roughneck choice of clothing. Alibaba didn't care what she chose to wear, but the nobles and rich folk of Balbadd will likely look down on her for it.
Alibaba dropped his hood and fixed his face wrappings so that they covered the lower half of his face. He made sure that his arms were visible, the gold cuffs on his forearms showing. It wasn't much and was a drop compared the bucket of trinkets they got from Amon's Dungeon, but it would be enough to show that he had money. Hopefully, it would be enough to get close to the palace. Then all he would need to do was show his face to a guard and they would be able to get in easily enough.
"Why do you think those people would have magic tools?" Morgiana didn't seem to notice the strange looks the people were giving them, oblivious to the stares. Alibaba envied that ability. His show of 'wealth' kept people from trying to shoo them away, but it didn't stop the sly looks and snide gossips. Alibaba loved his country and this city. Really. But sometimes he wished its people weren't so mean.
"To be able to win over Balbadd's underground like that, it would take serious power. Magic tools could provide that." This all hinges on whether or not Dexia was telling the truth or not. Alibaba didn't think the teenager was lying however. Not when he thought about Ithnan being in Quishan that day.