Hey what's up? So, I'm finally finished with my mid terms and am deeply disappointed -_- but let that be in the past okay? It's my first year in college after all people! Well, anyway here's an update – 'The curious history of Asad's life.' For those of you who don't know yet, Ammar himself hasn't really started training yet and neither have Terra and Aqua, so what happens now are their early years as fighters – well, at least for the three boys at least. Terra and Aqua still have a long way to go and they will probably train under Eraqus, not Bux. Anyway let's cut the chit-chat, relax, sit back and most probably, enjoy :D
Chapter 6:
An endless sea of sand as far as the eye could see, with a large city in between – maybe that's why this place is called the 'Sandsea' huh? Or more commonly, the region right now; was Duat. Named after the great emperor that ruled this world; Sek Duat XIV, a power-mad emperor that had been living here for more than a thousand years it seemed. He saw everything and knew everything during his reign. The Great Keyblade War was waged while he still lived, he knew the Foretellers and also knew what a χ-Blade was, but paid no importance to it nonetheless – or to Kingdom Hearts for that matter. His main goal however, was to extend his empire toward other worlds and take their Light to empower himself and hence, make himself immortal.
He now seated himself on his throne, mask in place to hide his face, and his little five year old Prince seated next to him – Asad Duat. Right now, the emperor was sitting twirling a gold goblet of cool raspberry juice, sipping it occasionally while the young Prince next to him sat on his side of the throne smiling at all the people good naturedly who were present. Sek Duat pondered upon how the entire Duat clan had been finished over the span of these years, following the War, the struggle between the clans, and the Elemental Dissonance, leaving only him and his last son to be the sole survivors.
Asad, who was just born recently after he mated with a slave girl in his power – Tayyaba was a beautiful 16 year old young girl with long light brown hair that hung over most of her pale oval face, and light brown eyes. Sek Duat, although not attracted by her flawless beauty, but by her strong heart, decided to rape her in attempts to have a strong hearted son who would succeed him after the rest of his offspring were killed in the chaos of the War. Although he felt nothing for them, he still felt for a successor for himself who would follow in his evil steps should he be overthrown one day, even though he himself considered Asad trash, but still, a worthy heir.
After the child was born, Tayyaba wanted to keep him away from the Emperor as she was well aware of his intentions. She was killed though when Sek Duat got to know, but decided to name him Asad - in memory of his Muslim mother anyway. After a few years, he purged the entire Sandsea off of all the sand elves, consuming the Light their pure hearts carried. During the whole chaos, Sek Duat noticed a young ten year old sand elf fighting for his life as he battled a huge horde of his Anubis guards but to no success, and soon enough was brought before him. Sek Duat gave the child a once over; shoulder length black hair, olive skin, bottle green eyes, distinctive pointed ears – the mark of a sand elf, and uniquely shaped black tribal tattoos on both his shoulders and on either cheek – just below the bottom eyelid.
"State your name sand elf," Sek Duat commanded in his cold, emotionless voice.
The young sand elf remained hesitant; his eyes still brimming with tears,
"Zhoom,"
The mad emperor smirked before continuing, "You know who I am, don't you sand elf?"
"My mother's murderer! That's what you are."
The Duat tried to conserve his cool as he slowly dismissed his impatience with an inhuman growl, his eyes flashing red dangerously as a sure sign of warning. Zhoom took a hesitant step back only to be pushed back forward roughly by the Anubis guards. Sek Duat, nevertheless, took off one of his gold rings and tossed it to the slightly intimidated little sand elf before him.
"Consider this a generous offering from me you unthankful brat. Now be off, else I change my mind and order my minions to tear out the living Light from your bones. When the time comes, you will learn why I let you live for me."
Without further ado, one of the Anubis guards picked up Zhoom like a stray kitten and tossed him out into the scorching and desert streets of Duat. The young sand elf got up soon enough and looked back at the large pyramid behind him, vowing that he will return one day to avenge all the innocent lives the Duats' had ended due to their greed. With that, he set off someplace else in the Sandsea, hoping to find a respite.
….
"Master Asad? Wake up Master, wake up!"
Asad was awoken from his peaceful sleep as his servant Shafiqi shook him up. The small child looked back simply puzzled.
"What's wrong?"
The servant remained silent for a minute, then replied; "Emperor Sek Duat XIV has passed. You are to leave here immediately Master; it is what his majesty wrote in his will."
The young prince looked puzzled, but nonetheless got up from his bed and was changed into a black hooded cloak with a long zip running across the front, matching black shoes and gloves. Once the servant pulled the hood over Asad's head, he tightened two long silver strings that dangled from the hem of the hood – hiding the prince's face completely in darkness.
"Why do I have to wear this strange, dark outfit Shafiqi?" Asad wondered as he was always dressed into expensive hand embroidered gowns with vibrant colors.
"This is a special cloak sire, which was once the mark of every Great Clan that has existed or still exists in the worlds. It distinguished a person from the commoners and the elite class. But right now, as you will embark on your journey to Celestial City, the only world I am able to get coordinates from; it will hide your face so that you may not attract wary attention from onlookers. Good bye sire and good luck." Shafiqi finished with a smile.
Asad was still dumbstruck. Whatever his servant had just said had flown right over his head and now, he was more confused than ever. Suddenly, there was harsh pounding on the bedroom door and both of them spun around.
"There isn't much time Master, please step into here,"
With that, he tapped his staff on the floor and a Corridor of Light appeared before them. Without another word, he pushed Asad into it and dispelled the portal, making it close behind him. Asad was now in a place he had never seen before.
Tall buildings marked the streets, each and every one brightly lit up against the crystal clear night sky. He looked up and stared at the sky in awe as he saw truly a magnificent scenery before him; an endless sky peppered with stars every size, a few galaxies here and there, shooting stars and finishing off with a huge white moon in the centre of it all – northern lighting washed over the edges marking a border in the sky.
Asad started to walk along the deserted streets, hoping to find someone to help him out. He was scared and very confused right now. After waddling hopelessly down the streets, he came across a creek which looked over a silvery ocean. He crept to the edge and quietly sat down. A tear fell down his cheek. His father never loved him, nor did he ever seem to care for him as well like other parents he saw. His life was empty, and now he was in this lonely place, somewhere he didn't know. What's going to happen to him now?
"Hey? Who are you?"
A friendly voice jolted him out of his thoughts and he looked up to find five other children standing before him;
A boy with a mop of messy raven hair and large jet-black eyes on a slightly round face with straight features; dressed in blue shorts, a green t shirt and black Velcro sandals,
Another boy with gelled back black hair and doleful brown eyes on a face with lean features; dressed in brown khakis, an orange tank top and blue flip-flops,
A third boy with short wavy black hair and large black eyes mixed with brown over a round face; dressed in black shorts, a white polo shirt and white socks with football shoes,
A girl with bob-cut dark brown hair and brown eyes over a chubby and high-cheek boned face; dressed in dark blue denim shorts, a pink Barbie t shirt and red sandals,
And the last one also being a girl, with long curly brown hair and large hazel eyes on a pretty oval face; dressed in a magenta sundress and green flip-flops. She carried a sewed up cloth doll in one hand and a small canteen in the other.
Asad's eyes widened at the children and he pulled back his hood as he began to stand up, still staring back at them. He furiously wiped away his tears, feeling embarrassed to find himself crying in front of complete strangers. The boy with messy raven hair noticed this and looked worried as he took a step towards him, smiling reassuringly.
"Hey, what's wrong buddy? Why are you crying?" He placed a hand on his shoulder reassuringly.
Asad shook his head, still unable to speak because of the nervousness and his uncontrollable sobbing. The girl with bob-cut dark brown hair took a step forward.
"Hey I know what the problem is, you're all lonely and don't have any friends am I right?"
The young boy simply nodded as he sniffled and ruffled his long brown hair over his eye.
"Well, we can be your friends buddy! You wanna be friends with us then?" the boy with short wavy black hair stepped up smiling broadly. Asad couldn't help but smile back.
"I'm Arham," said the wavy black haired boy,
"I'm Soha," said the bob-cut dark brown haired girl,
"I'm Sami," said the messy raven haired boy,
"I'm Genus," said the curly brown haired girl,
"I'm Ahmed," said the gelled back black haired boy.
"H… hello everyone. My name is Asad," Asad replied, feeling much better now because of all the positive vibes. He finally felt happy he was going to have friends.
"Hey Asad, we were just about to sit here at the usual spot and eat sea-salt ice cream and stargaze. Wanna join us?" Ahmed cried.
"Yeah! We've got plenty ice cream. You'll join us yes?" Genus butts in as she pushed Ahmed aside and brandished the canteen she was carrying; grinning broadly. The said boy yelped and toppled on top of Sami who collapsed head first into the sandy ground with Ahmed on top, massaging his porcupine-shaped spikes. Arham, Soha and Asad broke into hearty laughter – Genus stood puzzled. As if on cue, Sami jumped up out of the sand athletically as he pushed back Ahmed, spitting out sand. Ahmed fell back hard on his back.
"Oww! Dude?! Twice in one night." Ahmed muttered as he ruffled his gelled hair for the millionth time.
"Well serves you right for jumping on me. I'm nobody's cushy pillow spiky." Sami countered as he dusted his hands.
"Hey! I told you not to call me that Sami. And besides, blame Genus. She pushed me."
"Nuh uhh!" Genus pouted as she puckered her lips and placed her hands on her hips defensively.
"Yeah uhh!" Ahmed countered as he mocked her tone, "Genus, I challenge you, to a sword fight. Grab your weapon and face your fate ya coward!" he continued as he pulled out his toy wooden sword and jumped into his battle stance.
Sami pushed Genus back as he stepped up bravely, "I'll save you from this villain princess," with that he pulled out his own sword and jumped into his own stance, "Your reign of terror is at an end foul evil doer! Prepare to meet thy fate against my mighty sword of justice!"
"Hahaha! You are a fool Sir Sami the Righteous. No one can defeat the Great and Terrible Kazuya Mishima! MUAHAHAHAHA!" With that, both boys started clashing their sword against sword, grunting manly words now and then. Genus smiled and handed one stick to Asad as well as all three of them huddled around him with ice cream of their own, watching Sami and Ahmed.
"For me?" Asad replied wide eyed.
Genus smiled, "Of course silly, you're our friend now right."
Sami skipped away a strong slash by Ahmed and countered with a fast slashing combo – breaking his wooden sword in two. The gelled back black haired boy burst out laughing, while the messy black haired one was fuming about now.
"NOOOOO! That doesn't count as a win you cheater. My cruddy sword broke…" he weeped as he tossed his broken toy on the rocky floor. Asad came up and examined the wood closely.
"Sami, I'm sorry but you're weapon's all worn out. How often have you been using this sword?"
Sami smiled broadly as he bumped his chest, "Well my friend, I'm a hero and heroes have a lot of…. Uhh…. Hero business to do, so I use it everywhere."
"How so?"
Genus butt in as her eyes gleamed with admiration toward her messy haired friend, "Ooohhh! Sami really is a hero. He goes around beating up bad guys and helping those in trouble and fighting monsters and finding treasure and, and, and, and ….." she paused to catch her breath; her cheeks now completely flustered. Ahmed burst out laughing as he pointed at her. Sami joined in as he slapped him a high five.
"Hey dumbo!" Soha pouted angrily, "She's praising you and you're laughing at her?" This made both boys laugh harder as they pointed to her again. This time, Arham and Asad noticed too and couldn't help but laugh along. Genus' mouth was smeared in the icy white treat.
"Get a life!" she cried as she furiously wiped at her lips before wrapping her arms around Soha's neck. 'Boys are the worst!' she thought. Sami took a seat beside her and placed his arm comfortingly around her shoulders making her smile. 'BOYS ARE THE BEST!'
"Hey Genus, I'm sorry if we laughed at you..."
"Well I'm not! Hahaha!" Ahmed interrupted as he fist bumped Arham and they laughed harder. Sami and Soha sent them a death glare. Asad also felt a bit sorry for Genus. She seemed really sweet.
"Anyway, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by this porcupine here," Sami began as Ahmed's chuckle turned into a deep frown. This time, it was their turn to laugh, "We couldn't help ourselves. You looked really funny by the way, and we love you."
Genus beamed, "Aww, I love you too Sami!" she shrieked as she wrapped her arms around him and kissed his straight cheek. All the boys cried in disgust.
"Ewww! Girl cooties! Get away from me!" The messy haired boy yelled as he got up and tried to escape her arms, the curly haired her right on his tail.
"Come back my priiiiiince!" she whined as he sped up and ran around the clearing in circles before her. Ahmed, Soha, Asad and Arham all laughed harder than ever. 'So this is what it means to have real friends?' Asad thought as he clutched his stomach. He hadn't laughed like this ever in his life. Eventually, Sami got tired and collapsed on the ground panting hard. Genus caught up and fell beside him. She looked deeply in his jet black eyes, clutching his warm hand.
"Sami, I lo…"
"NOOOO!" he interrupted as he tore away his hand and clasped them over his ears. "Lalalalalalalalalalalalalala…"
….
All six of them now sat facing the silvery ocean, munching sea-salt ice cream. Genus meanwhile placed her head on Sami's shoulder as she lay sleeping, lightly snoring. The messy raven haired boy was too preoccupied with his milky treat.
"So Asad," Arham began as he licked away a straying drop. "Where are you staying?"
This made the long, light brown haired boy's head droop, "I…. I don't know. I just came here a few hours ago from The Sandsea from a portal that my servant Shafiqi made to make me escape when my father died. I still don't know where I am." All four of their eyes widened as they looked towards him. Soha nudged his arm lightly.
"I'm sorry your dad died Asad." Soha replied trying to comfort him. The brown haired boy smiled weakly as his eyes met the girl's.
"It's okay. I wasn't happy anyway over there. I had no real friends."
"Chicken feathers!" Arham snapped as he smacked his arm on his back, "Of course you have friends, you have us right here. And as far as you're issue of staying is concerned umm….." he paused as he tapped his chin thoughtfully before clicking his fingers, "You can stay with Genus. Her mom's really nice and she'll adopt you. Isn't that right Genus? GENUS!?"
Sami shook her playfully as she slowly opened her large hazel eyes before stretching, "Huh? Ahh yeah, Of course!" she replied with a smile, "You can stay with me at my house Asad. We'll have so much fun and we'll stay up and watch Barbie Mariposa and Dragon Ball Z and Pokémon and Tom and Jerry and drink hot Cadbury milk with marshmallows and chocolate chip cookies and play with my toys and we'll have so much fun it'll be great!" Genus stopped as she tried catching her breath. Asad felt flattered as he nodded happily.
….
The warm rays of sunshine shone through Asad's bedroom window as he woke up in his new bed at the Land of Departure, his foster sister and mother flashing through his mind as he rubbed his eyes. He reached into the hem of his shirt as he pulled out a locket and opened it, revealing a small picture of Genus, now at the age of 10.
"Genus, I miss you so much,"
….
Well, that's it for today folks, hope you liked it. Now, from the next chapter, Sami, Ahmed, Asad, Ammar, Terra and Aqua's training will begin officially. Until then, thank you for waiting up and hope y'all are having as much fun while reading it as I am writing all this down :D