When reaching Balbadd they came to a problem. Sinbad and his group wanted to go straight to the palace. The reasoning was sound. King Rashid needed to hear of the raid's news and learn of Sinbad's arrival. Apparently, Sinbad had just arrived and hadn't checked in with the palace yet. Something that Jafar lightly berated the young King for.
Alibaba and his friends needed to go to the slums. Tirdad and Papak needed their own reports. Alibaba had a responsibility to check in, not only as the 'head' of his own faction in the alliance but also out of respect for leading Papak and Tirdad's people into the raid. If as many people were hurt as Kassim implied, then not going wasn't an option. It wouldn't be right politically, nor morally. Alibaba wanted to check in with the people he led, and help with the aftermath if possible. Or, at least, apologize to Papak and Tirdad for failing. It was the right thing to do.
"We'll have to split." Alibaba explained in a tired voice. He was exhausted, both mentally and physically. The raid was draining on so many levels, not to mention the slow sense of doom Alibaba felt in his stomach since Sinbad's arrival. Alibaba liked Sinbad. Truly. He saw the older man almost as an uncle or mentor figure.
But – Sinbad tended to take charge. He liked to jump into a situation and solve it of his own accord, without involving those who had put in all the groundwork. While that was nice in some cases, such as when the Kou suddenly arrived in Balbadd that one time, but it also rankled in the fact that he simultaneously usurped both Alibaba and Kassim from their places in the Slums that very same day.
And how he had almost shoved Alibaba on the throne without really asking if Alibaba wanted it.
So, Alibaba liked Sinbad. Respected him. And he'd always feel indebted to the man. But those feelings were reserved for Alibaba alone. Kassim held no love for the man or his household. Kassim didn't like it when outsiders came in without permission.
This was a fact that would be replicated by Tirdad and Papak. It was an almost instinctive reaction among the slum rats of Balbadd. Alibaba even had it, even if he was able to push past it. Tirdad and Papak would not appreciate some newcomers showing up to take over all the work they had already done. No matter the person's status.
"I don't see why we can't just come with you." So when Sinbad said this in response, it complicated things. Alibaba shared a look with Kassim, who looked just as tired – if a bit more annoyed.
"It's complicated," Alibaba said. "They know me and-"
"They'll have to learn of our presence sooner or later Prince Alibaba." Jafar cut in smoothly, voice kind in its sternness. Alibaba blinked, caught off guard.
"Your father made it apparent that we were to take charge of the situation when arriving," Sinbad added with an apologetic smile. "It sucks I know, but trust me when I say it might be best. We've had our fair share of fighting upstarts like this." He leaned over and clapped Alibaba's back with a hearty laugh.
"I'm impressed with how far you've gotten yourself though! A full equip already! Reminds me of myself at your age!" He let out a cackling laugh. Jafar quickly smacked Sinbad's head to cut off the noise.
Alibaba felt himself almost sink as they bantered with each other some more. They were treating him like a child. Which made sense. For all purposes, Alibaba was twelve. It rankled, but lately Alibaba had been garnering respect and earned a place of equal standing of people the same age, if not older, than Sinbad.
So this was a jarring reminder of Alibaba's age.
"Even if you need to meet them, that can be arranged later." Alibaba tried again. "They'll need time to prepare." Or at the very least, have some kind of warning of a newcomer entering the game. Which brought on a whole other slew of problems.
"We don't have time though." Sinbad pointed out, face adopting a serious expression. "I know that you might think this is under control, but the sooner we can get on this the better we can help. Trust me." Sinbad sounded so sure, and Alibaba was sure that he meant it truly.
But Sinbad didn't know the full situation like Alibaba did. Nor did he understand the customs of Balbadd's slums. While there weren't many, they were treated as law.
"...Even if we part you'll just follow us, won't you?" Alibaba questioned, already knowing the answer. Jafar looked completely innocent with a poker face. Sinbad grinned brightly, not even denying it.
"Probably." He admitted. Alibaba sighed deeply. He looked to Morgiana and Lo'lo. Morgiana was still on the horse with Alibaba and Kassim. Lo'lo had left the tracking of the Barasi Fanalis to Masur and joined the party to Balbadd on his horse.
"Get Tirdad and Papak to meet at the Old Grounds." He ordered. "Tell them that we have a new alliance member who wants to meet with them." They both nodded and splintered off, but not before Morgiana gave Alibaba worried frown. He smiled and waved it off.
Alibaba's injuries could wait.
"What are the Old Grounds?" Sinbad asked curiously, watching the figures of Lo'lo and Morgiana fade into the streets.
"Neutral ground." Kassim answered suddenly, voice tight. He knew what Sinbad's presence meant as well. "It's not like we'd walk you straight into the headquarters of the two largest gangs of the slums." Sinbad frowned in confusion.
"Why not?" This made Kassim clench his teeth, and Alibaba could almost see the frustration in his friend. To save them all, Alibaba spoke up.
"It's the rule." He explained in a rush. "You never give out the location of someone's home without explicit permission." Because in the slums that could mean life or death for some. While Papak and Tirdad's people are in relatively public spaces, the rule still stands. It's a show of respect. One that Alibaba knew better than to go against.
"Huh." Sinbad hummed. "You know I never got your name." He said this to Kassim. The other boy tightened his hands on the reigns. Alibaba bit his lip with worry. He didn't think that Kassim was still this upset with Sinbad.
"Kassim, slum rat of Balbadd, at your service." The title was almost spat, irritation lacing his voice.
Sinbad and Jafar both looked taken aback at the caustic attitude thrown their way. Jafar himself was starting to look particularly annoyed. His eyes were starting to narrow with a grim expression the more Kassim was being rude.
"Well," Sinbad said after a beat. "I'm Sinbad, ship rat from Sindria. It's a pleasure to be working with you." His voice was humbled and amused. It surprised both Alibaba and Kassim. Ship rat? Just what did that mean?
After that Sinbad and Jafar asked simple questions on the Barasi situation and the slums itself. When finding their knowledge of the slums lacking, they were surprisingly willing to learn more. Alibaba did most of the talking, with Kassim sliding in his own commentary now and then.
When they reached the Old Grounds, the others were already there. In a mirror of when they first came together, sans Mirno. Papak with two of his brothers to the north side, Tirdad to the east, with Virno and Hakim. Lo'lo and Morgiana stood to the west, waiting.
After they got off their horses, Alibaba raised a hand in greeting.
"Papak, Tirdad, sorry for calling you away like this. We won't be long." They couldn't be. It was dangerous to pull away Papak and Tirdad from their bases after the hit they just took. Papak set his shoulders back and crossed his arms. He struck an intimidating pose, unlike the more lax version that Alibaba had grown to see behind closed doors. Tirdad was much the same.
These were the leaders of Balbadd's most notorious gangs, in full might.
"It had better not be Alibaba," Papak grunted. "I've got men that need tended to." This was said shortly, with laced anger. Alibaba winced. From the east, Tirdad tsked.
"Now don't take it out on the Small Prince." He defended with a sly grin. "We knew the odds." His gaze roved to look at Sinbad and Jafar. "I'm more interested in our guests." Sinbad took his cue.
"Hello, friends of Alibaba!" Sinbad stepped forward with a grin and wide gesture of arms. Papak's brothers and Tirdad's crew tensed, but their leaders held the signal to stand down. Alibaba pinched the bridge of his nose. Next to him, Jafar was doing the same.
They literally just told Sinbad to stay in his own corner during the meeting.
"I am Sinbad, King of Sindria. King Rashid Saluja sent word to me of the problem you're having with the Barasi, and asked me to give my aide in squashing the threat." Sinbad mimed this by smacking a fist into his palm.
"Is he always this dramatic?" Kassim whispered in an unimpressed drawl. Alibaba wanted to defend his long-time friend and mentor but...
"Yes." He and Jafar answered at the same time, faces drawn chalk white and soulless.
"And what help would that be?" Papak questioned. "Are you going to use your legendary magic powers to find and kill the Barasi's leaders?" He scoffed at the end, face set into a fierce scowl.
"Well, not exactly," Sinbad admitted with a pout. "But I will be lending any resources I have to the cause. Already I have one of my men tracking a high ranking Barasi member. I have full trust that Masur can bring us closer to at least one hideout of theirs." Hopefully. Alibaba straightened his back and tried to look Papak and Tirdad in the eyes.
"King Sinbad will be a great asset at our disposal. With Mirno siding with the Barasi, we need all the help we can get." This was a fact. Mirno's alliance with the Barasi was a dangerous thing.
Tirdad and Papak stayed silent for a beat, both taking their time to take this in. To accept a complete outsider into the situation went against everything that was normally done in the slums. It was bad enough that they were already working with Balbadd's crown.
"Well, more help is good help at this point I suppose." Tirdad shrugged with a lazy face. Papak was still frowning, but he did nod.
"It'll certainly give us more breathing space." He then looked directly at Alibaba. "And you." Alibaba jumped, body tensing. Papak's gaze was intense, as if he was looking into Alibaba's soul. Most of the people in the raid were Papak's people.
Alibaba held his breath, prepared for the deserved anger and lecture that was surely coming his way.
"Go home and get some rest." Hah? Papak frowned. "You look dead on your feet. Report in later, after you're well slept and fed." Well, that was unexpected.
"A-ah. I will." Alibaba nodded with a mumble of disbelief.
It looked like they were going to leave then, but Sinbad spoke up once more.
"Actually," Tirdad and Papak paused. Sinbad faced them down with a cheery smile. "I was hoping to be present during that talk. I'll likely have more information from Masur by then to add." The two men regarded Sinbad carefully for a beat.
Then, without a word, they nodded to Alibaba.
"Thank you." Alibaba bowed his head. Papak copied the action, while Tirdad did a full half bow in a flourish.
"See you around, Small Prince!" He taunted with a song, disappearing into the night. Papak wasn't far behind.
That left Alibaba and Sinbad's groups behind. Alibaba nearly slumped to the ground with relief. That did it. Papak and Tirdad were willing to let Sinbad into their headquarters. That made things so much easier.
It also made Alibaba's stomach sink, as he felt the pressing weight of his eventual removal getting closer. His father was serious when he said Alibaba was just a place holder for Sinbad. It was only a matter of time.
"So that's how it is." Rashid rested his chin on folded hands. He was sitting at his desk in the private office near his chambers. Alibaba, Sinbad, and Jafar were sitting in the room across from the King. Alibaba was still sore from his injuries. His bruises and cuts were bandaged, giving him an almost mummified look. It was embarrassing but needed.
Sinbad hummed under his breath after Rashid's full explanation. Sinbad then glanced at Alibaba. "Anything to add Prince Alibaba?" This sent an uncomfortable flush to Alibaba's cheeks. It was weird to be called that by normal people. By Sinbad was worse.
"Please, just Alibaba." He insisted. "And, yes. We have a new lead on the traitor." Alibaba looked to his father with a determined face. Finally, they had a breakthrough. "The brand that we've found with each shipment, it's been traced to the Kou Empire. Whoever the traitor is, they'd have ties to that country." At the very mention of the Kou, Sinbad and Jafar tensed. Rashid's eyebrows curved down in serious thought. He leaned back in his chair and pursed his lips.
"The Kou." He murmured. "They're a mysterious bunch, from what I know. They kept to themselves for centuries, doing no trade with us." He turned to Sinbad. "I believe you've had more dealings with them, correct?" Sinbad leaned forward in his seat. He leaned his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands together.
"I have." He intoned with a dark and serious face. "If the Kou are involved, things are worse than they appear. Much worse." Rashid didn't show any outward response to the foreboding sentence. Instead, he steepled his fingers and met Sinbad's gaze.
"Tell me more." He ordered softly. Sinbad glanced at Alibaba with hesitation. Alibaba stiffened, and tried not to show his discomfort. Sinbad wanted to know if Alibaba should remain there. That...hurt to be honest. Alibaba has been in the thick of this since the start. Since before the start. It was now that he could see some differences between the past and future Sinbads. In the future, Sinbad was more open. Or, at least, he appeared to be.
That might have only been a result of Alibaba being the only viable candidate to take on the Kou at the time. What with Ahbmad practically throwing the kingdom at Kou's feet with its debt and Sabmad with little power to stop it. Sinbad at the time didn't have his Djinn equip.
Which, left Alibaba really.
Thinking of it that way, where Sinbad didn't come to Alibaba out of belief and trust in the blonde's abilities, it soured the mind. Alibaba didn't like thinking that Sinbad had no real trust in him at the beginning.
Yet, judging by the Sinbad of now, that was the case. Alibaba frowned to himself. It didn't matter if Sinbad didn't fully trust in Alibaba. It only meant that Alibaba had to prove himself capable.
"The Kou used to be small, but grew when two kingdoms unified under one banner. They then expanded, becoming what it is now." Alibaba spoke up. The room looked to him in surprise. Alibaba forced his nervousness down and pushed on. He had to do this.
"I don't know much, just what information Tirdad's sailor friends could garner. The Kou have continued to expand." Alibaba straightened in place. His body protested the action but he ignored it. "Tirdad and Papak think that Balbadd might be next on the list for the Kou."
Rashid frowned and looked up at the world map that was hanging on the wall behind him. "That doesn't make much sense. We're so far out, and with our friendship to Sindria..." He trailed off.
"That might be so, but we are a trading hub of the world." Alibaba countered. "We might not be as big or powerful as Napolis in Reim, but that might be the point. We're closer and have a relatively small military. This whole time the Barasi have gone out of their way to avoid getting attention from Sindria. At first, I thought that was just from fear of King Sinbad. That might be true, but the family funding the Barasi, who has ties to the Kou, might have made that an order." Alibaba nodded as he made his point.
"Alibaba is right on one count at least." Sinbad piped up. "The Kou are looking to take new territories. I've heard reports of attempts into the Tenzen Plateau. The Kou also have Dungeon capturers in their army and the royal family. And a Magi. No offense intended, but if they were to invade now you would have little chance against them." He gave Rashid an apologetic wince.
Rashid waved it off without a care. "I'm not ignorant of my country's shortcomings." He raised a brow to Sinbad. "This isn't a matter of brute force. It's a matter of finding a way around this without a fight."
Sinbad leaned back with a smile and lifted his hands in a calming gesture.
"I agree." He paused. "But you need to understand that there is more to the Kou than just a good military and expanding territories." Sinbad then began to speak of the real problem. Al-Tharmen. Throughout the whole lecture, Rashid sat at full attention. The King soaked in the information without comment.
Alibaba for his part, stayed silent. It was better that way. He could get away with mentioning the Kou's history and possible military movements because of Tirdad's contacts. But he had no excuse to know about Al-Tharmen.
"They have some end goal I'm unsure of," Sinbad explained. "What I do know is that wherever they go, despair and destruction is left. And I think that either the Kou is a part of it, or that Al-Tharmen is assisting and funding them in Dungeons and magic tools." Which is true. Alibaba bit his tongue, wishing that he could tell them that while Al-Tharmen is in Kou, not all of the royalty is a part of it. As much as the Kou gave him trouble and he disagreed with them, Alibaba had to be fair. He honestly didn't think that Kouen knew about Al-Tharmen's true presence. Alibaba didn't think he'd like the idea of a force like that secretly controlling his actions.
"And they've set their eyes on us." Rashid commented with a frown. Sinbad nodded. "What do we do about it?" He asked. Sinbad smiled once more.
"We foil their plans, and force them to back off." He glanced at Alibaba. "Starting with ending this war with the Barasi and getting Alibaba here trained up." Sinbad leaned over and clapped Alibaba's shoulder. Alibaba yelped in pain and surprise at the action.
"If you show Al-Tharmen that you're not some easy conquest they'll be forced to back off. And after that, if you join the Seven Seas Alliance, you'll be sending a clear message to Al-Tharmen." Sinbad's smile was bright and blinding. Next to him, Jafar gazed at Rashid with a soft nod of agreement.
For a second, Alibaba just felt an urge to agree. It made sense. Al-Tharmen and Sinbad were clear enemies and although they've made their advances against the man, it's clear that Sinbad is still a threat. The Seven Seas Alliance would ensure that if the Kou Empire and Al-Tharmen attacked, Balbadd would have support. It would also give them pause to even attack in the first place.
When thinking of it that way, it made logical sense.
"He shines too bright." Aladdin's words echoed in Alibaba's mind, shattering the thought process. This wasn't any different than when Sinbad took over the Fog Troupe.
Sinbad, here to save the day.
Alibaba looked to his father. Rashid sat back in his seat with a regal expression. As if pulling on a mask, he looked like a King in full. He threaded his hands together and pursed his lips.
"Balbadd has always been independent. For as long as the Saluja clan has ruled, we have kept that independence. I will not be the King to give that up." He intoned flatly as if he had spoken the words before.
"That might be the case but times change!" Sinbad leaned forward in his seat with an urgent look. "Time changes a country and its ruler must be prepared to make those changes for the better of the kingdom. You taught me that."
Rashid shook his head slowly. "Be that as it may, some things must remain unchanged. Our independence is a vital role in our culture and stance in the world. Not even the threat of this Al-Tharmen or Empire will change that." Rashid's voice was firm and unwavering. He gazed at Sinbad with a hard expression that showed his resolve.
It awed Alibaba to see his father like this. To hear his father defend Balbadd's way of life without hesitation. Alibaba felt his heart begin to thud and the feeling of a million butterflies in his stomach. Was this what kind of King his father was? He had never seen this side of Rashid, in either life.
"And what if the Empire were to attack right now? How would you combat that? You need the help of the Alliance." Sinbad was close to standing up now in his insistence. Meanwhile, Rashid stayed calm.
"I will do as we have always done. This is not the first time a bigger nation has sought to capture our kingdom and it won't be the last." Rashid looked to Alibaba after a beat and eyed him consideringly.
"Alibaba," He started. Sinbad and Jafar jerked their eyes to Alibaba as if they forgot he was there. "Tell me, what would the people think?" Alibaba blinked in surprise.
"You want me to speak for the people?" He asked in confusion. Why choose Alibaba for that? Rashid nodded his head to Alibaba.
"You've been on the streets the longest than anyone else in this room. You know the people more than either of us." Rashid gave Alibaba a small but encouraging smile.
Alibaba inhaled deeply. This was serious. Alibaba couldn't mess this up. He sat up in his chair and tried to gather his thoughts together. Having all of the attention on him was nerve-wracking.
"Well, to be fair," He started. "Joining the Alliance at this time wouldn't be a bad choice. In truth, it would greatly benefit us in terms of solely in the effort against the Kou and Al-Tharmen." Sinbad's smile grew as Alibaba spoke.
"Having said that," Alibaba paused and looked to Sinbad. "If we were to join the Alliance, then we risk losing one of our largest trading partners. Parthevia." Parthevia wasn't a part of the Alliance. To join the Alliance might make the other country pull back it's trading ships. There was no secret of the tense nature between Sindria and Parthevia. Alibaba didn't know the full history, but he did remember a lesson on a fatal attack Parthevia dealt to Sindria in its first years of life.
Sinbad frowned and pulled back into his seat. Beside him, Jafar was perfectly still as he watched Alibaba carefully. Alibaba swallowed the lump in his throat.
"Even if we were comfortable with risking that, I don't think the people would be happy with joining the Alliance. We're an independent people. We like making our own choices and standing on our own. Even if the Kou were to storm the city tonight, I can name plenty of people who would fight to the end before giving up our independence." Tirdad, Papak, Kassim, Morg, Lo'Lo, the coastal Islands, even Mirno. They would all defend this country for as long as possible, in their own ways. And Alibaba would be right there with them, in the thick of it.
After a long silent pause, Alibaba panicked.
"But I really shouldn't speak for everyone! I mean I'm just a single person If you want the true opinion you should ask the people themselves!" Silence remained. "Like a vote." This was said in a squeak.
Rashid had a mysterious smile on his face. He was looking at Alibaba with something that looked a little bit like pride. Alibaba was caught off guard.
Rashid then turned back to Sinbad. He held up his hand in a 'what can you do?' gesture. "My son has explained then situation well enough for me. I'm sorry Sinbad, but I cannot join the Seven Sea Alliance." He gave a short head bow at the apology.
Sinbad deflated in his seat. He looked to be contemplating something internally. Beside him, Jafar straightened up his back. Jafar neatly folded his hands into his sleeves and cut his gaze to Rashid.
"And what if we were to deny any aid to the Barasi or the prince's training unless you do join?" He asked softly.
Suddenly, there was a tension in the room that wasn't there before. Rashid stiffened and met Jafar's eyes. Alibaba's breath shortened as the two men stared each other down. Jafar in demanding defiance and Rashid with an unyielding fire.
"Is that the course you wish to take?" Rashid asked calmly after a beat. Jafar raised a brow and shrugged.
"We have no gain in this otherwise." Alibaba shifted in his seat with an awkwardness. He didn't like the sudden atmosphere. It felt as though they were on the brink of a fight. With that thought, Alibaba cut his eyes to Jafar's hands. They were still hidden in his hands.
Did Jafar have the same weapons as he did in the future? Even if he did, there was no way he'd attack Rashid. Right? Jafar was a friend. There was no way. Alibaba refused to believe it and willed his nerves to settle.
Rashid folded his hands and leaned his elbows on his desk. He looked his most serious that Alibaba had ever seen him.
"Then I would have no choice but to no longer consider you or Sindria as Allies to Balbadd."