p class="MsoNormal"Chapter 7: Reunion with Alibaba/p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin, Vulpi, it's been a while!" Alibaba coldly greets them. "Do you think you could recall Ugo-kun for me? He's scaring my friends." Vulpi's blood runs cold from the coldness of Alibaba's voice. Ugo kneels down as Aladdin recalls him, following Alibaba's advice./p
p class="MsoNormal""Alibaba-kun," Aladdin calls to him. "Vulpi-nee and I came out here so that I could see you again. I have so much to tell you! Don't you remember our promise? We said we'd see the world together!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi looks between Aladdin and Alibaba./p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin," Alibaba speaks. "I'm sorry." Alibaba outstretch his hand and Aladdin mistaken this as an acceptance, Alibaba pats him at the shoulder. "I can't keep that promise."/p
p class="MsoNormal"His words break Aladdin's hope and Vulpi dashes after him and stand in front of Alibaba./p
p class="MsoNormal""Wait a second!" Vulpi yells at him. "What do you mean you can't keep that promise? Don't you want to continue our adventure together?" Alibaba doesn't say anything and continues to walk. "Answer me!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sorry." He whispers. "Tell Aladdin that I'm sorry." Alibaba passes her, leaving Vulpi in shock./p
p class="MsoNormal""The army's here!" The woman exclaims making Vulpi snaps out of her dilemma./p
p class="MsoNormal""Alibaba, we've got to get out of here!" Cassim tells him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Got it." Alibaba unsheathes his dagger as Vulpi catches a glimpse of eight-pointed star on it. She widens her eyes and grabs Aladdin by his wrist, who is still stun as she jumps away from them, from dangers to the roof. In a matter of seconds, the ground where she just left was covered in flames./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"~The Next Day~/p
p class="MsoNormal""That was unexpected." Sinbad states. "There's a Dungeon Conqueror in the Fog Troupe? And he's the person Aladdin's and Vulpi's been looking for? Just what kind of person is this Miracle Man Alibaba?" Sinbad piles up the questions. Vulpi glances at Aladdin who is still shock at the news and turns to Morgiana who is sniffing the air, confusing at her behavior, she walks towards her./p
p class="MsoNormal""What are you doing, Morgiana?" Vulpi asks her, making Morgiana facing her and she puts her hands on her shoulders./p
p class="MsoNormal""Vulpi-san, please don't tell Sinbad-san or Ja'far-san about this. I have to track down Alibaba-san and bring him to Aladdin. I will have them talk to each other so that they will understand each other's situation." Vulpi makes a sound and she smiles as she touches Morgiana's hands./p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't worry," Vulpi whispers back. "I won't tell them. I'll keep Aladdin distracted while you grab Alibaba-san from Fog Troupe." Then she realizes something. "Wait, are you going there alone?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Morgiana gives her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'm a Fanalis, after all."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi grins at her before both of them walk towards at Sinbad and Ja'far./p
p class="MsoNormal""Sinbad-san, I have to go grab something." Morgiana tells him as Sinbad nods./p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay, take care of yourself." He smiles and Morgiana nods. Then he turns to Vulpi./p
p class="MsoNormal""Sinbad-san, I'll take Aladdin to our room. It seems like he hasn't recovered." Sinbad takes a glance at Aladdin./p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay, take care of him."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi smiles at him as she walks towards at Aladdin into the direction of their room./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"~Night~/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi stays with Aladdin until the moon is up with her hood down./p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin…" She calls then she recalls Alibaba's words./p
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p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry, tell Aladdin that I'm sorry."/p
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p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi is about to tell Aladdin about it, then Aladdin suddenly speaks./p
p class="MsoNormal""A lot has happened to us in this past year." He says holding his flute. "I'm sure a lot has happened to Alibaba-kun as well." Vulpi then stands up from the bed where she was sitting. "What should we do now? We need to come up with a new plan!" Vulpi clenches her fist. "Should we continue our quest to collect the metal vessels, like Ugo-kun asked me to?" Vulpi walks towards him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin."/p
p class="MsoNormal""But before that, maybe we should go with Mor-san to see the Dark Continent?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin." Her voice slowly gets louder./p
p class="MsoNormal""I want to learn a lot from Uncle Sinbad too! There's so much to do!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""ALADDIN!" She yells his name as she forces him to turn around to her, ready to scold him, but she calms down. "Do you remember what you said to Alibaba-san at the caravan?" She kneels in front of him. "You said if you keep lying to yourself, no one will trust you even yourself. So Aladdin, I want you to be honest with yourself, cry if you want. I don't want you to hurt yourself."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Aladdin presses his lips as it trembles and his bangs are covering his eyes. To her surprise, he suddenly hugs her as she smiles and hugs him, patting his back. After a few minutes comforting Aladdin, Vulpi catches something on her eyes. She looks at the moon and sees Morgiana's figure carrying Alibaba soaring above them. Her eyes widens in shock when he crashes and looks at the figure at the window./p
p class="MsoNormal""You don't have to throw him like that…" She tells Morgiana./p
p class="MsoNormal""I have no choice." She replies./p
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p class="MsoNormal"Alibaba and Aladdin sit too far away from each other as Morgiana stands behind Alibaba and Vulpi sits beside Aladdin./p
p class="MsoNormal""Y-you look well." He says./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, you too." Aladdin replies and Alibaba scratches his head./p
p class="MsoNormal""It's been half a year, right? You've changed!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah… you too…" Silence happens between them and Vulpi sighs at their reunion talk./p
p class="MsoNormal""Please cut the small talk." Morgiana snaps. "Do you know what's happening to this country because of your Fog Troupe? Domestic insurrections have caused trade to come to a halt, the government is abandoning its citizens, and formerly free, innocent people, whose only crime is property, are being forced into slavery."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Mor-san, don't be like that." Aladdin tries to calm her down. "With everything going on, I understand your anger, but it's been so long since the four of us have been together." He looks outside. "It's a beautiful night. Let's talk about happier things. Right, Alibaba-kun?" Aladdin smiles at him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah." Alibaba returns his smile as Vulpi smiles besides Aladdin./p
p class="MsoNormal"Aladdin begins to tell his story about Kouga Clan, Elder Baba, the first princess, Hakuei, the treachery of Ryosai, and Vulpi summoning Sylph, but he left out the death of Elder Baba./p
p class="MsoNormal""Wow, you did all that?" Alibaba says in awe. "Sounds like a grand adventure." Aladdin nods./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah. And now, I'm to capture the Fog Troupe. I didn't know you'd be with them though. I'm sure you have a reason for what you're doing." Alibaba looks down. "Please tell me why."/p
p class="MsoNormal""To do that, first I need to tell you about my friend's story. Is that okay?" Alibaba suggests./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, of course." Aladdin agrees./p
p class="MsoNormal""My friend's name is Cassim." He begins. "He's the real leader of the Fog Troupe. He was my friend during my childhood days. We were always fighting, but strangely enough, we were still friends. We ran around the garbage-filled streets together every day. Even like was hard, but I had a caring mother at home who was a prostitute in the slums. She was always laughing and we were hammy together." Alibaba closes his eyes. "But it was different for Cassim. His father was a good-for-nothing loser. But Cassim's father disappears from the slums." He humorlessly laughs. "Well that happens frequently down in the slums. So mother took in both Cassim and Mariam, and the four of us became a family."/p
p class="MsoNormal""A family! Sounds really exciting." Aladdin says and Alibaba smiles at the nostalgic memory./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah. It was always loud, lively and, but it didn't last long when my mother died of an illness. I couldn't do anything but cry, but Cassim was different, instead of crying he promised to protect us. The three of us worked together and we tried really hard. We scavenged through the trash, we shine shoes, and we gave tours. But before long, Cassim fell in with a bad group of kids and turned to thievery. He was probably desperate to make sure we survive and one day, I asked him. 'Cassim, should I help too?' And he said, 'You don't need to dirty your hands. You're not like me. I share the same blood as that loser. I'm rotten by nature. But you're not. You should live a respectable life, just like your mom.' Cassim was acting strangely that day. He suddenly said. 'Hey, we're friends right?' And I replied. 'Yes.' And then he smiled."/p
p class="MsoNormal""In the same day, the King of Balbadd came down to the slums. The guards came to get me inside the royal carriage. And when I got there the king said that I was his son. He also said that my mother was once a maid in his palace, and he fell in love at first sight. I was reluctant at this, so I told Cassim about this. But the reaction is quietly different, when I told him about this, he told me to get out of the slums. I thought Cassim would stop me, because he was my family! But… in the end, I left the slums. When I entered the castle my life turned upside down. I had maids to attend to my every need; I was put through harsh lessons every day. They ranged from the way I spoke and the way I walked, to my studies and my swordplay. And just like that, three years' time went by. My days in the slum had faded away in a distant memory. One day, I felt a desire to see the slums again and secretly snuck out of the palace. But when I arrive, there was nothing there; the garbage filled streets were clean and remodeled, but not a single person from the slums was found. During my search, I met Cassim once again. Why did I run into him then? If only I hadn't snuck out of the palace that night! Nothing would have happened."/p
p class="MsoNormal""What happened?" Vulpi asks./p
p class="MsoNormal""When I met Cassim, I greeted him and he greeted me back and them we have a reunion at the bar. I asked for the others and he said they are fine, He also said that the country drove them out because of redevelopment. After that, we celebrate our reunion. And just like that, we were back to three years ago. I didn't see it then, but looking back now, I remember how his eyes darkened for just a second. Cassim made a decision that day, from the moment he saw me. A decision that would bring disaster."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi narrows her eyes. em"Cassim must have done something that Alibaba-san regretted to do."/em/p
p class="MsoNormal""During our reunion, Cassim asked how I was able to sneak out from the castle and I said through a tunnel. And then I apologized at what I did before I got to the palace and he accepted my apology and said that he is always looking out for me. I was happy; Cassim just wanted the best for me. That's why I didn't realize that he had his guys follow me back." Alibaba touches his head. "I'm such an idiot."/p
p class="MsoNormal""A little while after that," He continues. "I was called to the bedside of the bedridden king. He said that he doesn't have much longer and he wanted to leave the country to my hands. I didn't answer him instead I asked him what are his feelings to my mother, Anise and he answered that he loved her. I thanked him for his honesty. My body still tense at the memory. When I checked outside, I saw Cassim and the guys at the treasury. When he noticed, he glared and after that, something hit me. And they burned the castle; I realized that Cassim used the tunnels that I had told him about that one night to steal the treasures from the palace."/p
p class="MsoNormal" "And when I regained consciousness, I learned that the king passed away, and I ran from Balbadd. I was hired by the Oasis City military, lived with them, and started to save money. I had always been fascinated by the Dungeons, and it was around that time I stated to dream about finding one and getting rich off the treasures inside. But all I did was dream. I lived day by day, just barely getting by. Until I met you two, Aladdin, Vulpi."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi looks at him in shock, never believe that they would leave a big impact into his life./p
p class="MsoNormal""But there is still something I don't understand." Morgiana voiced out. "If it as you said, Cassim betrayed you. Why would you be a part of his Fog Troupe?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""After we capture Amon's Dungeon, I wanted to set off a new path, a right path. But I wanted to take responsibility for my previous mistakes first, so I returned to Balbadd." Alibaba admits. "What I found there was…" He trails off and Vulpi realizes what he is thinking./p
p class="MsoNormal""Cassim!" Morgiana suddenly says, forcing Alibaba to laugh./p
p class="MsoNormal""At first, I thought he was the guy throwing the country into chaos too. But after talking to him, I realized I was wrong." Alibaba grips on his hands. "The one really at fault here is the government."/p
p class="MsoNormal"em"Alibaba-san… you through so much…" /emVulpi thought./p
p class="MsoNormal""I know he betrayed me." Vulpi turns to him. "But after talking to him, I realized that he's still my friend and my family. That's why I joined the Fog Troupe! I quickly took action. In order to gain the support of the people, we shared our spoils with them." Alibaba says, determined as Vulpi glances at Aladdin who seems to be thinking with a frown on his face. "When the time is right, I will reveal my identity and go talk with Ahbmad. I'm going to fix this, Aladdin!" Alibaba declares./p
p class="MsoNormal""If your idea doesn't go accordingly to the plan, what will you do?" Aladdin asks./p
p class="MsoNormal""I'll…" Alibaba trails off./p
p class="MsoNormal""If you become controlled by your anger and start a fight in your rage, I have a feeling the result will be very sad."/p
p class="MsoNormal""But there's nothing I can do about it!" Alibaba replies. "This country is so messed up right now! Someone's gotta do something! I know this isn't the right way to do things, but I… I…" Alibaba grips his head. "I don't know what to do anymore! I'm such a mess right now. That's why I didn't what to meet you guys yet! Please… just get out of here! Get out of this country!" Aladdin suddenly hits Alibaba on the head with his staff which startles Vulpi./p
p class="MsoNormal""Calm down, Alibaba-kun." Aladdin says as he withdraws his staff. "The problem this country is facing is very difficult." Aladdin stands up and walks towards him. "But it'll be okay. I'll help you think of a solution! Let me help you come up with a way to help with your friends too, okay? We have Ugo-kun, Vulpi-nee, and Mor-san on our side too. If we work together, I'm sure we can find a better answer!" Vulpi smiles. "Okay, Alibaba-kun?" Aladdin offers his hand and Alibaba accepts his hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah." He says. Suddenly the wall behind Alibaba explodes into bits. Alibaba is sent forward at the force and as he looks behind him, he sees Cassim with the Fog Troupe members with him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yo! Sorry for the wait!" Cassim greets. "We've come to rescue you, partner."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Cassim!" Alibaba exclaims. Cassim notices the other people in the room./p
p class="MsoNormal""Huh?" You're the ones from last night…" He mutters as his eyes focus on Aladdin, but Vulpi steps in front of him./p
p class="MsoNormal""You never said you were attacking the hotel!" Alibaba says to his friend./p
p class="MsoNormal""You idiot," Cassim replies. "If we don't attack them, we're going to get slaughtered." He positions his weapon. "I've receive some information. That guy is staying in this hotel, Sinbad." Cassim then grabs Alibaba's arm as he drags him. "I'll explain later. Let's go!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Wait, I-"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi sees in the corner of her eyes that Morgiana is positioning and realizes that she is going to attack Cassim and Alibaba with him. Vulpi pulls both of them by grabbing Alibaba's other arm./p
p class="MsoNormal""Look out!" She says as she drags back his arm, successfully dodge Morgiana's attack./p
p class="MsoNormal""This way!" Cassim says as both him and Alibaba, Vulpi to her surprise, Alibaba grips her hand and she is dragging by them. As they run toward the balcony, they are also chase by Morgiana and Aladdin after her. When they reach the balcony, Vulpi is surprised that there are still members waiting at them. She snatches back her hand, making Alibaba to look at Vulpi as she waits at the entrance of the balcony. Morgiana emerges from the entrance and Aladdin follows after./p
p class="MsoNormal""What are you going to do, Alibaba-san?" Morgiana calls out to him. "They are still a group of thieves."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Shut up, you monster!" Cassim snaps at her. "Want to get beaten again?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Suddenly, the floor where the members of Fog Troupe are standing blows up and Sinbad, Ja'far, and Masrur appear. Cassim commands the members to attack them, but Masrur defeats them all efficiently and swiftly. Morgiana is amaze by his ability./p
p class="MsoNormal""Wow…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You went a little overboard, Masrur." Sinbad state but Masrur doesn't reply./p
p class="MsoNormal""Who are you guys?" Cassim demands./p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you mean? Did you come here looking for me?" Sinbad asks, raising his eyebrow. Cassim fixes his weapon when he realized./p
p class="MsoNormal""I see, so you're Sinbad." Black smoke appears at the sword as the dark smoke surrounds Sinbad./p
p class="MsoNormal""What's this stuff?" Sinbad wonders, looking down at the dark smoke that tied him up./p
p class="MsoNormal""The more you struggle, the tighter it'll bind you!" Cassim turns to the crowd. "Hear that? No one move!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I should save him!" Morgiana says as Vulpi agrees with her./p
p class="MsoNormal""No need." Ja'far informs./p
p class="MsoNormal"The black smoke disappears and Vulpi notices that Sinbad's hands are glowing./p
p class="MsoNormal""His hands…" She mutters./p
p class="MsoNormal""No way!" Cassim says in shock when Sinbad is able to break free./p
p class="MsoNormal""His title as High King of Seven Seas isn't just for show." Ja'far says./p
p class="MsoNormal""Such weak magical item won't affect me." Sinbad says./p
p class="MsoNormal""Damn you!" Cassim curses as he runs toward Sinbad to attack him but stops by Masrur and forces to kneel on the ground with his arm twists behind him. Sinbad pulls out a sword, flexing it on his head./p
p class="MsoNormal""Now once I capture you, my work here'll be done." Sinbad turns to Alibaba. "Right, Miracle Man Alibaba?" Alibaba grits his teeth. "Let's settle this as leaders. If you wish, take him out. You're a Dungeon Conqueror, right?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi deadpans when she realizes something and turns to Ja'far./p
p class="MsoNormal""You guys," She begins. "Did you eavesdropping us?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ja'far stiffens when she said that, but he doesn't answer back as she sighs. She glances at the crowd when it got silent./p
p class="MsoNormal"em"What happened?"/em She thought as she looks between Sinbad and Alibaba. She notices Sinbad glances at Aladdin as she follows his gaze. em"Why did he look at him?"/em/p
p class="MsoNormal""Run, for it, Alibaba!" Cassim shouts, breaking the silence. "Men! Make sure our leader makes it out alive!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I see." Sinbad realizes. "You have that option as well. The Fog Troupe is doomed for anyway, you're different from the likes of them. If you want to run, run. They're all people from the slums but you're not." Sinbad smiles at him. "Even if you pretend to be one of them, you can't escape the fact that you're a royal prince."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Shut up!" Alibaba suddenly shouts which makes Vulpi to startle. "Don't talk like you know me! I'm no different from them! They're all my siblings! Don't you dare make fun of our bond!" Alibaba says as he unsheathes his dagger./p
p class="MsoNormal""Spirit of politeness and austerity, I command thee and thine. With my magoi as your source, use your great power to bring my will to life!" His dagger glows. "Come forth, Amon!" After he said that, all around them are surrounded with flames./p
p class="MsoNormal"Sinbad blocks the magical flames that coming towards him using the sword./p
p class="MsoNormal"em"So this is the fire djinn, Amon."/em He thought as Alibaba appears in front of him, attacking him with his dagger as Sinbad recognize of his way of sword. em"He fights using Balbadd royal sword style."/em Alibaba swings his dagger as flames attacks him, but Sinbad blocks it with his sword. em"He's not bad at combining his moves with Amon's flames either."/em Alibaba runs towards him and he was able to disarm his sword. Alibaba uses this opportunity to attack him, but Sinbad catches his wrist, sucking his flame./p
p class="MsoNormal"em"The flames are…!"/em Alibaba realizes as Sinbad hits him in the gut and the flames around them disappear./p
p class="MsoNormal""ALIBABA!" Cassim shouts as Alibaba falls to the ground./p
p class="MsoNormal""You seem to have no idea how to use that djinn." Sinbad says to him. Vulpi is about to run towards Alibaba, but Aladdin grips her hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry, Cassim…" Alibaba apologizes. "I…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Dammit!" Cassim loudly curses. "Why did you have to show up here?" he questions Sinbad. "This has nothing to do with Sindria! If it weren't for you, we'd still undefeated!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"If you didn't have someone inside leaking information to you, you wouldn't be able to do anything!" Sinbad replies. "Know your place you foolish weakling! You've involved all this around you in a fight you can't win. You're just leading them to their doom!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cassim looks down as he grits his teeth./p
p class="MsoNormal""If they're captured, what will happen to them?" Morgiana asks as Vulpi looks at her./p
p class="MsoNormal""It may be harsh," Ja'far says. "But the fate of a rebel is to die by the noose." This makes Vulpi worried./p
p class="MsoNormal""But if you still desire to fight, even knowing all of that," Sinbad continues. "There is one path left for you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Hmm…?" Ja'far raises his eyebrows./p
p class="MsoNormal""You must gain what is you lack." And then points himself. "In other words, you must allow me to join the Fog Troupe!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"A series of shock and surprise can be heard from the crowd./p
p class="MsoNormal""What?" Ja'far says. "Sin, you're going to join the Fog Troupe?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah." Sinbad responds./p
p class="MsoNormal""And fight with them?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Against the government of Balbadd?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""That makes no sense." Ja'far says. "You're supposed to defeat the Fog Troupe. Didn't you agree with Ahbmad to do so in order to reopen trade?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""But I want to support the Fog Troupe." Sinbad states./p
p class="MsoNormal""That's not what your said earlier! Didn't you say that's your story sticking to it?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Sinbad then sighs./p
p class="MsoNormal""Ja'far-kun," He says as he points at him accusingly. "How can you be so cold heartedly?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Huh? What?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You know as well as I do the miserable state this country is in."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""And yet that wasn't enough to move your soul?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ja'far touches his face. "Certainly… I did think the situation was awful, but…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Exactly!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"em"Why is he making me a villain here?"/em Ja'far thought in chagrin./p
p class="MsoNormal""That's why I decided that I'd rather lend my strength to these people desperately fighting for the slums, than to that stupid king. I'm going to fight with the Fog Troupe!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"The members of the Fog Troupe have mix emotions at his declaration and Cassim can only grits his teeth./p
p class="MsoNormal""Uncle Sinbad is an interesting guy, isn't he?" Aladdin says. "I can see how he became popular."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I think he's more eccentric person to me…" Vulpi mutters./p
p class="MsoNormal""So anyways, will you acknowledge me as a member, Alibaba-kun?" Sinbad asks Alibaba./p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry but," Alibaba says. "I don't see myself as still being so naïve that I'd believe you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""All I wanted to do is help the people of this country." Vulpi feels uneasiness at that sentence. "If I told you that, would you still not believe me?" Sinbad kneels at Alibaba. "All right then. If I had another reason, it would be to stop the 'Distortion of the World.'"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Distortion of the World…?" Vulpi mutters./p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't you people sense it too? In recent years, frequent wars have broken out; poverty and discrimination are in the rise, and the world has been thrown into overwhelming turmoil." Vulpi glances at Aladdin when she remembers his story. "As the King of Sindria, I am very concerned about the current situation of things. And that's why I'd like to resolve one such Distortion of the World, the internal strife of Balbadd." Sinbad looks at him expectedly, "What do you say about that?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't be fool by him!" Cassim shouts. "He's the king, dammit! The hell he wants to join us." He points at Sinbad accusingly. "You high-class bastards would be happier if we lowlifes starve to death, right? If it mean you can live in luxury! Am I wrong, O' Great Sinbad?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ja'far suddenly attacks him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Shut up." Ja'far walks toward Cassim and lifts him up by the shirt as he points the blades at his neck. "You have no idea what kind of wounds Sin has sustain or sacrifices he's made till now. You know nothing, you insignificant thief!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ja'far about to strike him, but Sinbad catches the blade./p
p class="MsoNormal""Stop it, Ja'far." He tells Ja'far as his blood drops from his hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry." He apologizes./p
p class="MsoNormal""It's okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal""All right, just don't hurt him." Alibaba says as he steps forward in front of Cassim./p
p class="MsoNormal""So you'll let me join? Thanks." Sinbad smiles at him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Ja'far onii-san is a little scary." Aladdin comments./p
p class="MsoNormal""Well… sometimes." Masrur silently replies./p
p class="MsoNormal""Well, let's get straight to the business." Sinbad begins. "Alibaba-kun, I want you to come with me to the royal palace. You said that once you earned the support of the people, you will reveal your identity and talk with Ahbmad, right? I'm just saying that the time is now." Alibaba looks at him surprised. "You've already gained the people's support as the leader of the Fog Troupe, and I will support your claim as a prince of Balbadd. I'm an old friend of the late king. And I can see his resemblance in you. No question about it—you are a prince of Balbadd. And as a prince, you carry heavy responsibilities, don't you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Alibaba frowns, wondering where he heard that./p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you say, Cassim-kun?" Sinbad turns to Alibaba's friend. "Once we've settled things, the live of the people of the slums will be guarantee. That's your goal, right?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Do what you want." Cassim spats out./p
p class="MsoNormal""You should go, Alibaba-kun." Aladdin suddenly says. "You have a brave heart! I know you do!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Sinbad smiles at the sight./p
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p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"~Next Day~/p
p class="MsoNormal"After spreading the new of Alibaba being the third prince of Balbadd who is also 'Miracle Man Alibaba' in the Fog Troupe, the people of Balbadd immediately gathers outside of the palace, hoping./p
p class="MsoNormal""I wonder if Alibaba's okay in there." Aladdin asks. Him, Vulpi (has her hood on), and Morgiana are outside of the palace waiting for the outcome of the discussion with the king and the decision of the king./p
p class="MsoNormal""With the support of all these people, I'm sure he's fine." Morgiana reassures him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, you're right." Aladdin agrees and Vulpi smiles at him./p
p class="MsoNormal"Suddenly someone bumps into her and she sees young man who has red, ringed eyes and black medium length hair with a long, segmented ponytail that stretches down to his ankles. He wears purple makeup on his eyes, which fades toward the inner portions of his eyelids walks past her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"em"Who is he?"/em Vulpi thought. em"His eyes are too cold."/em/p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin, Vulpi, it's been a while!" Alibaba coldly greets them. "Do you think you could recall Ugo-kun for me? He's scaring my friends." Vulpi's blood runs cold from the coldness of Alibaba's voice. Ugo kneels down as Aladdin recalls him, following Alibaba's advice./p
p class="MsoNormal""Alibaba-kun," Aladdin calls to him. "Vulpi-nee and I came out here so that I could see you again. I have so much to tell you! Don't you remember our promise? We said we'd see the world together!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi looks between Aladdin and Alibaba./p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin," Alibaba speaks. "I'm sorry." Alibaba outstretch his hand and Aladdin mistaken this as an acceptance, Alibaba pats him at the shoulder. "I can't keep that promise."/p
p class="MsoNormal"His words break Aladdin's hope and Vulpi dashes after him and stand in front of Alibaba./p
p class="MsoNormal""Wait a second!" Vulpi yells at him. "What do you mean you can't keep that promise? Don't you want to continue our adventure together?" Alibaba doesn't say anything and continues to walk. "Answer me!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Sorry." He whispers. "Tell Aladdin that I'm sorry." Alibaba passes her, leaving Vulpi in shock./p
p class="MsoNormal""The army's here!" The woman exclaims making Vulpi snaps out of her dilemma./p
p class="MsoNormal""Alibaba, we've got to get out of here!" Cassim tells him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Got it." Alibaba unsheathes his dagger as Vulpi catches a glimpse of eight-pointed star on it. She widens her eyes and grabs Aladdin by his wrist, who is still stun as she jumps away from them, from dangers to the roof. In a matter of seconds, the ground where she just left was covered in flames./p
div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"hr style="color: black;" align="center" noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%" /div
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"~The Next Day~/p
p class="MsoNormal""That was unexpected." Sinbad states. "There's a Dungeon Conqueror in the Fog Troupe? And he's the person Aladdin's and Vulpi's been looking for? Just what kind of person is this Miracle Man Alibaba?" Sinbad piles up the questions. Vulpi glances at Aladdin who is still shock at the news and turns to Morgiana who is sniffing the air, confusing at her behavior, she walks towards her./p
p class="MsoNormal""What are you doing, Morgiana?" Vulpi asks her, making Morgiana facing her and she puts her hands on her shoulders./p
p class="MsoNormal""Vulpi-san, please don't tell Sinbad-san or Ja'far-san about this. I have to track down Alibaba-san and bring him to Aladdin. I will have them talk to each other so that they will understand each other's situation." Vulpi makes a sound and she smiles as she touches Morgiana's hands./p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't worry," Vulpi whispers back. "I won't tell them. I'll keep Aladdin distracted while you grab Alibaba-san from Fog Troupe." Then she realizes something. "Wait, are you going there alone?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Morgiana gives her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'm a Fanalis, after all."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi grins at her before both of them walk towards at Sinbad and Ja'far./p
p class="MsoNormal""Sinbad-san, I have to go grab something." Morgiana tells him as Sinbad nods./p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay, take care of yourself." He smiles and Morgiana nods. Then he turns to Vulpi./p
p class="MsoNormal""Sinbad-san, I'll take Aladdin to our room. It seems like he hasn't recovered." Sinbad takes a glance at Aladdin./p
p class="MsoNormal""Okay, take care of him."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi smiles at him as she walks towards at Aladdin into the direction of their room./p
div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"hr style="color: black;" align="center" noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%" /div
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"~Night~/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi stays with Aladdin until the moon is up with her hood down./p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin…" She calls then she recalls Alibaba's words./p
div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"hr style="color: black;" align="center" noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%" /div
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry, tell Aladdin that I'm sorry."/p
div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"hr style="color: black;" align="center" noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%" /div
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi is about to tell Aladdin about it, then Aladdin suddenly speaks./p
p class="MsoNormal""A lot has happened to us in this past year." He says holding his flute. "I'm sure a lot has happened to Alibaba-kun as well." Vulpi then stands up from the bed where she was sitting. "What should we do now? We need to come up with a new plan!" Vulpi clenches her fist. "Should we continue our quest to collect the metal vessels, like Ugo-kun asked me to?" Vulpi walks towards him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin."/p
p class="MsoNormal""But before that, maybe we should go with Mor-san to see the Dark Continent?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Aladdin." Her voice slowly gets louder./p
p class="MsoNormal""I want to learn a lot from Uncle Sinbad too! There's so much to do!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""ALADDIN!" She yells his name as she forces him to turn around to her, ready to scold him, but she calms down. "Do you remember what you said to Alibaba-san at the caravan?" She kneels in front of him. "You said if you keep lying to yourself, no one will trust you even yourself. So Aladdin, I want you to be honest with yourself, cry if you want. I don't want you to hurt yourself."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Aladdin presses his lips as it trembles and his bangs are covering his eyes. To her surprise, he suddenly hugs her as she smiles and hugs him, patting his back. After a few minutes comforting Aladdin, Vulpi catches something on her eyes. She looks at the moon and sees Morgiana's figure carrying Alibaba soaring above them. Her eyes widens in shock when he crashes and looks at the figure at the window./p
p class="MsoNormal""You don't have to throw him like that…" She tells Morgiana./p
p class="MsoNormal""I have no choice." She replies./p
div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"hr style="color: black;" align="center" noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%" /div
p class="MsoNormal"Alibaba and Aladdin sit too far away from each other as Morgiana stands behind Alibaba and Vulpi sits beside Aladdin./p
p class="MsoNormal""Y-you look well." He says./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, you too." Aladdin replies and Alibaba scratches his head./p
p class="MsoNormal""It's been half a year, right? You've changed!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah… you too…" Silence happens between them and Vulpi sighs at their reunion talk./p
p class="MsoNormal""Please cut the small talk." Morgiana snaps. "Do you know what's happening to this country because of your Fog Troupe? Domestic insurrections have caused trade to come to a halt, the government is abandoning its citizens, and formerly free, innocent people, whose only crime is property, are being forced into slavery."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Mor-san, don't be like that." Aladdin tries to calm her down. "With everything going on, I understand your anger, but it's been so long since the four of us have been together." He looks outside. "It's a beautiful night. Let's talk about happier things. Right, Alibaba-kun?" Aladdin smiles at him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah." Alibaba returns his smile as Vulpi smiles besides Aladdin./p
p class="MsoNormal"Aladdin begins to tell his story about Kouga Clan, Elder Baba, the first princess, Hakuei, the treachery of Ryosai, and Vulpi summoning Sylph, but he left out the death of Elder Baba./p
p class="MsoNormal""Wow, you did all that?" Alibaba says in awe. "Sounds like a grand adventure." Aladdin nods./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah. And now, I'm to capture the Fog Troupe. I didn't know you'd be with them though. I'm sure you have a reason for what you're doing." Alibaba looks down. "Please tell me why."/p
p class="MsoNormal""To do that, first I need to tell you about my friend's story. Is that okay?" Alibaba suggests./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, of course." Aladdin agrees./p
p class="MsoNormal""My friend's name is Cassim." He begins. "He's the real leader of the Fog Troupe. He was my friend during my childhood days. We were always fighting, but strangely enough, we were still friends. We ran around the garbage-filled streets together every day. Even like was hard, but I had a caring mother at home who was a prostitute in the slums. She was always laughing and we were hammy together." Alibaba closes his eyes. "But it was different for Cassim. His father was a good-for-nothing loser. But Cassim's father disappears from the slums." He humorlessly laughs. "Well that happens frequently down in the slums. So mother took in both Cassim and Mariam, and the four of us became a family."/p
p class="MsoNormal""A family! Sounds really exciting." Aladdin says and Alibaba smiles at the nostalgic memory./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah. It was always loud, lively and, but it didn't last long when my mother died of an illness. I couldn't do anything but cry, but Cassim was different, instead of crying he promised to protect us. The three of us worked together and we tried really hard. We scavenged through the trash, we shine shoes, and we gave tours. But before long, Cassim fell in with a bad group of kids and turned to thievery. He was probably desperate to make sure we survive and one day, I asked him. 'Cassim, should I help too?' And he said, 'You don't need to dirty your hands. You're not like me. I share the same blood as that loser. I'm rotten by nature. But you're not. You should live a respectable life, just like your mom.' Cassim was acting strangely that day. He suddenly said. 'Hey, we're friends right?' And I replied. 'Yes.' And then he smiled."/p
p class="MsoNormal""In the same day, the King of Balbadd came down to the slums. The guards came to get me inside the royal carriage. And when I got there the king said that I was his son. He also said that my mother was once a maid in his palace, and he fell in love at first sight. I was reluctant at this, so I told Cassim about this. But the reaction is quietly different, when I told him about this, he told me to get out of the slums. I thought Cassim would stop me, because he was my family! But… in the end, I left the slums. When I entered the castle my life turned upside down. I had maids to attend to my every need; I was put through harsh lessons every day. They ranged from the way I spoke and the way I walked, to my studies and my swordplay. And just like that, three years' time went by. My days in the slum had faded away in a distant memory. One day, I felt a desire to see the slums again and secretly snuck out of the palace. But when I arrive, there was nothing there; the garbage filled streets were clean and remodeled, but not a single person from the slums was found. During my search, I met Cassim once again. Why did I run into him then? If only I hadn't snuck out of the palace that night! Nothing would have happened."/p
p class="MsoNormal""What happened?" Vulpi asks./p
p class="MsoNormal""When I met Cassim, I greeted him and he greeted me back and them we have a reunion at the bar. I asked for the others and he said they are fine, He also said that the country drove them out because of redevelopment. After that, we celebrate our reunion. And just like that, we were back to three years ago. I didn't see it then, but looking back now, I remember how his eyes darkened for just a second. Cassim made a decision that day, from the moment he saw me. A decision that would bring disaster."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi narrows her eyes. em"Cassim must have done something that Alibaba-san regretted to do."/em/p
p class="MsoNormal""During our reunion, Cassim asked how I was able to sneak out from the castle and I said through a tunnel. And then I apologized at what I did before I got to the palace and he accepted my apology and said that he is always looking out for me. I was happy; Cassim just wanted the best for me. That's why I didn't realize that he had his guys follow me back." Alibaba touches his head. "I'm such an idiot."/p
p class="MsoNormal""A little while after that," He continues. "I was called to the bedside of the bedridden king. He said that he doesn't have much longer and he wanted to leave the country to my hands. I didn't answer him instead I asked him what are his feelings to my mother, Anise and he answered that he loved her. I thanked him for his honesty. My body still tense at the memory. When I checked outside, I saw Cassim and the guys at the treasury. When he noticed, he glared and after that, something hit me. And they burned the castle; I realized that Cassim used the tunnels that I had told him about that one night to steal the treasures from the palace."/p
p class="MsoNormal" "And when I regained consciousness, I learned that the king passed away, and I ran from Balbadd. I was hired by the Oasis City military, lived with them, and started to save money. I had always been fascinated by the Dungeons, and it was around that time I stated to dream about finding one and getting rich off the treasures inside. But all I did was dream. I lived day by day, just barely getting by. Until I met you two, Aladdin, Vulpi."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi looks at him in shock, never believe that they would leave a big impact into his life./p
p class="MsoNormal""But there is still something I don't understand." Morgiana voiced out. "If it as you said, Cassim betrayed you. Why would you be a part of his Fog Troupe?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""After we capture Amon's Dungeon, I wanted to set off a new path, a right path. But I wanted to take responsibility for my previous mistakes first, so I returned to Balbadd." Alibaba admits. "What I found there was…" He trails off and Vulpi realizes what he is thinking./p
p class="MsoNormal""Cassim!" Morgiana suddenly says, forcing Alibaba to laugh./p
p class="MsoNormal""At first, I thought he was the guy throwing the country into chaos too. But after talking to him, I realized I was wrong." Alibaba grips on his hands. "The one really at fault here is the government."/p
p class="MsoNormal"em"Alibaba-san… you through so much…" /emVulpi thought./p
p class="MsoNormal""I know he betrayed me." Vulpi turns to him. "But after talking to him, I realized that he's still my friend and my family. That's why I joined the Fog Troupe! I quickly took action. In order to gain the support of the people, we shared our spoils with them." Alibaba says, determined as Vulpi glances at Aladdin who seems to be thinking with a frown on his face. "When the time is right, I will reveal my identity and go talk with Ahbmad. I'm going to fix this, Aladdin!" Alibaba declares./p
p class="MsoNormal""If your idea doesn't go accordingly to the plan, what will you do?" Aladdin asks./p
p class="MsoNormal""I'll…" Alibaba trails off./p
p class="MsoNormal""If you become controlled by your anger and start a fight in your rage, I have a feeling the result will be very sad."/p
p class="MsoNormal""But there's nothing I can do about it!" Alibaba replies. "This country is so messed up right now! Someone's gotta do something! I know this isn't the right way to do things, but I… I…" Alibaba grips his head. "I don't know what to do anymore! I'm such a mess right now. That's why I didn't what to meet you guys yet! Please… just get out of here! Get out of this country!" Aladdin suddenly hits Alibaba on the head with his staff which startles Vulpi./p
p class="MsoNormal""Calm down, Alibaba-kun." Aladdin says as he withdraws his staff. "The problem this country is facing is very difficult." Aladdin stands up and walks towards him. "But it'll be okay. I'll help you think of a solution! Let me help you come up with a way to help with your friends too, okay? We have Ugo-kun, Vulpi-nee, and Mor-san on our side too. If we work together, I'm sure we can find a better answer!" Vulpi smiles. "Okay, Alibaba-kun?" Aladdin offers his hand and Alibaba accepts his hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah." He says. Suddenly the wall behind Alibaba explodes into bits. Alibaba is sent forward at the force and as he looks behind him, he sees Cassim with the Fog Troupe members with him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yo! Sorry for the wait!" Cassim greets. "We've come to rescue you, partner."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Cassim!" Alibaba exclaims. Cassim notices the other people in the room./p
p class="MsoNormal""Huh?" You're the ones from last night…" He mutters as his eyes focus on Aladdin, but Vulpi steps in front of him./p
p class="MsoNormal""You never said you were attacking the hotel!" Alibaba says to his friend./p
p class="MsoNormal""You idiot," Cassim replies. "If we don't attack them, we're going to get slaughtered." He positions his weapon. "I've receive some information. That guy is staying in this hotel, Sinbad." Cassim then grabs Alibaba's arm as he drags him. "I'll explain later. Let's go!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Wait, I-"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi sees in the corner of her eyes that Morgiana is positioning and realizes that she is going to attack Cassim and Alibaba with him. Vulpi pulls both of them by grabbing Alibaba's other arm./p
p class="MsoNormal""Look out!" She says as she drags back his arm, successfully dodge Morgiana's attack./p
p class="MsoNormal""This way!" Cassim says as both him and Alibaba, Vulpi to her surprise, Alibaba grips her hand and she is dragging by them. As they run toward the balcony, they are also chase by Morgiana and Aladdin after her. When they reach the balcony, Vulpi is surprised that there are still members waiting at them. She snatches back her hand, making Alibaba to look at Vulpi as she waits at the entrance of the balcony. Morgiana emerges from the entrance and Aladdin follows after./p
p class="MsoNormal""What are you going to do, Alibaba-san?" Morgiana calls out to him. "They are still a group of thieves."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Shut up, you monster!" Cassim snaps at her. "Want to get beaten again?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Suddenly, the floor where the members of Fog Troupe are standing blows up and Sinbad, Ja'far, and Masrur appear. Cassim commands the members to attack them, but Masrur defeats them all efficiently and swiftly. Morgiana is amaze by his ability./p
p class="MsoNormal""Wow…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You went a little overboard, Masrur." Sinbad state but Masrur doesn't reply./p
p class="MsoNormal""Who are you guys?" Cassim demands./p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you mean? Did you come here looking for me?" Sinbad asks, raising his eyebrow. Cassim fixes his weapon when he realized./p
p class="MsoNormal""I see, so you're Sinbad." Black smoke appears at the sword as the dark smoke surrounds Sinbad./p
p class="MsoNormal""What's this stuff?" Sinbad wonders, looking down at the dark smoke that tied him up./p
p class="MsoNormal""The more you struggle, the tighter it'll bind you!" Cassim turns to the crowd. "Hear that? No one move!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I should save him!" Morgiana says as Vulpi agrees with her./p
p class="MsoNormal""No need." Ja'far informs./p
p class="MsoNormal"The black smoke disappears and Vulpi notices that Sinbad's hands are glowing./p
p class="MsoNormal""His hands…" She mutters./p
p class="MsoNormal""No way!" Cassim says in shock when Sinbad is able to break free./p
p class="MsoNormal""His title as High King of Seven Seas isn't just for show." Ja'far says./p
p class="MsoNormal""Such weak magical item won't affect me." Sinbad says./p
p class="MsoNormal""Damn you!" Cassim curses as he runs toward Sinbad to attack him but stops by Masrur and forces to kneel on the ground with his arm twists behind him. Sinbad pulls out a sword, flexing it on his head./p
p class="MsoNormal""Now once I capture you, my work here'll be done." Sinbad turns to Alibaba. "Right, Miracle Man Alibaba?" Alibaba grits his teeth. "Let's settle this as leaders. If you wish, take him out. You're a Dungeon Conqueror, right?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Vulpi deadpans when she realizes something and turns to Ja'far./p
p class="MsoNormal""You guys," She begins. "Did you eavesdropping us?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ja'far stiffens when she said that, but he doesn't answer back as she sighs. She glances at the crowd when it got silent./p
p class="MsoNormal"em"What happened?"/em She thought as she looks between Sinbad and Alibaba. She notices Sinbad glances at Aladdin as she follows his gaze. em"Why did he look at him?"/em/p
p class="MsoNormal""Run, for it, Alibaba!" Cassim shouts, breaking the silence. "Men! Make sure our leader makes it out alive!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""I see." Sinbad realizes. "You have that option as well. The Fog Troupe is doomed for anyway, you're different from the likes of them. If you want to run, run. They're all people from the slums but you're not." Sinbad smiles at him. "Even if you pretend to be one of them, you can't escape the fact that you're a royal prince."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Shut up!" Alibaba suddenly shouts which makes Vulpi to startle. "Don't talk like you know me! I'm no different from them! They're all my siblings! Don't you dare make fun of our bond!" Alibaba says as he unsheathes his dagger./p
p class="MsoNormal""Spirit of politeness and austerity, I command thee and thine. With my magoi as your source, use your great power to bring my will to life!" His dagger glows. "Come forth, Amon!" After he said that, all around them are surrounded with flames./p
p class="MsoNormal"Sinbad blocks the magical flames that coming towards him using the sword./p
p class="MsoNormal"em"So this is the fire djinn, Amon."/em He thought as Alibaba appears in front of him, attacking him with his dagger as Sinbad recognize of his way of sword. em"He fights using Balbadd royal sword style."/em Alibaba swings his dagger as flames attacks him, but Sinbad blocks it with his sword. em"He's not bad at combining his moves with Amon's flames either."/em Alibaba runs towards him and he was able to disarm his sword. Alibaba uses this opportunity to attack him, but Sinbad catches his wrist, sucking his flame./p
p class="MsoNormal"em"The flames are…!"/em Alibaba realizes as Sinbad hits him in the gut and the flames around them disappear./p
p class="MsoNormal""ALIBABA!" Cassim shouts as Alibaba falls to the ground./p
p class="MsoNormal""You seem to have no idea how to use that djinn." Sinbad says to him. Vulpi is about to run towards Alibaba, but Aladdin grips her hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry, Cassim…" Alibaba apologizes. "I…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Dammit!" Cassim loudly curses. "Why did you have to show up here?" he questions Sinbad. "This has nothing to do with Sindria! If it weren't for you, we'd still undefeated!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"If you didn't have someone inside leaking information to you, you wouldn't be able to do anything!" Sinbad replies. "Know your place you foolish weakling! You've involved all this around you in a fight you can't win. You're just leading them to their doom!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Cassim looks down as he grits his teeth./p
p class="MsoNormal""If they're captured, what will happen to them?" Morgiana asks as Vulpi looks at her./p
p class="MsoNormal""It may be harsh," Ja'far says. "But the fate of a rebel is to die by the noose." This makes Vulpi worried./p
p class="MsoNormal""But if you still desire to fight, even knowing all of that," Sinbad continues. "There is one path left for you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Hmm…?" Ja'far raises his eyebrows./p
p class="MsoNormal""You must gain what is you lack." And then points himself. "In other words, you must allow me to join the Fog Troupe!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"A series of shock and surprise can be heard from the crowd./p
p class="MsoNormal""What?" Ja'far says. "Sin, you're going to join the Fog Troupe?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah." Sinbad responds./p
p class="MsoNormal""And fight with them?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Against the government of Balbadd?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah!"/p
p class="MsoNormal""That makes no sense." Ja'far says. "You're supposed to defeat the Fog Troupe. Didn't you agree with Ahbmad to do so in order to reopen trade?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""But I want to support the Fog Troupe." Sinbad states./p
p class="MsoNormal""That's not what your said earlier! Didn't you say that's your story sticking to it?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Sinbad then sighs./p
p class="MsoNormal""Ja'far-kun," He says as he points at him accusingly. "How can you be so cold heartedly?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Huh? What?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""You know as well as I do the miserable state this country is in."/p
p class="MsoNormal""Yes…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""And yet that wasn't enough to move your soul?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ja'far touches his face. "Certainly… I did think the situation was awful, but…"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Exactly!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"em"Why is he making me a villain here?"/em Ja'far thought in chagrin./p
p class="MsoNormal""That's why I decided that I'd rather lend my strength to these people desperately fighting for the slums, than to that stupid king. I'm going to fight with the Fog Troupe!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"The members of the Fog Troupe have mix emotions at his declaration and Cassim can only grits his teeth./p
p class="MsoNormal""Uncle Sinbad is an interesting guy, isn't he?" Aladdin says. "I can see how he became popular."/p
p class="MsoNormal""I think he's more eccentric person to me…" Vulpi mutters./p
p class="MsoNormal""So anyways, will you acknowledge me as a member, Alibaba-kun?" Sinbad asks Alibaba./p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry but," Alibaba says. "I don't see myself as still being so naïve that I'd believe you."/p
p class="MsoNormal""All I wanted to do is help the people of this country." Vulpi feels uneasiness at that sentence. "If I told you that, would you still not believe me?" Sinbad kneels at Alibaba. "All right then. If I had another reason, it would be to stop the 'Distortion of the World.'"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Distortion of the World…?" Vulpi mutters./p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't you people sense it too? In recent years, frequent wars have broken out; poverty and discrimination are in the rise, and the world has been thrown into overwhelming turmoil." Vulpi glances at Aladdin when she remembers his story. "As the King of Sindria, I am very concerned about the current situation of things. And that's why I'd like to resolve one such Distortion of the World, the internal strife of Balbadd." Sinbad looks at him expectedly, "What do you say about that?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Don't be fool by him!" Cassim shouts. "He's the king, dammit! The hell he wants to join us." He points at Sinbad accusingly. "You high-class bastards would be happier if we lowlifes starve to death, right? If it mean you can live in luxury! Am I wrong, O' Great Sinbad?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ja'far suddenly attacks him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Shut up." Ja'far walks toward Cassim and lifts him up by the shirt as he points the blades at his neck. "You have no idea what kind of wounds Sin has sustain or sacrifices he's made till now. You know nothing, you insignificant thief!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Ja'far about to strike him, but Sinbad catches the blade./p
p class="MsoNormal""Stop it, Ja'far." He tells Ja'far as his blood drops from his hand./p
p class="MsoNormal""I'm sorry." He apologizes./p
p class="MsoNormal""It's okay."/p
p class="MsoNormal""All right, just don't hurt him." Alibaba says as he steps forward in front of Cassim./p
p class="MsoNormal""So you'll let me join? Thanks." Sinbad smiles at him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Ja'far onii-san is a little scary." Aladdin comments./p
p class="MsoNormal""Well… sometimes." Masrur silently replies./p
p class="MsoNormal""Well, let's get straight to the business." Sinbad begins. "Alibaba-kun, I want you to come with me to the royal palace. You said that once you earned the support of the people, you will reveal your identity and talk with Ahbmad, right? I'm just saying that the time is now." Alibaba looks at him surprised. "You've already gained the people's support as the leader of the Fog Troupe, and I will support your claim as a prince of Balbadd. I'm an old friend of the late king. And I can see his resemblance in you. No question about it—you are a prince of Balbadd. And as a prince, you carry heavy responsibilities, don't you?"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Alibaba frowns, wondering where he heard that./p
p class="MsoNormal""What do you say, Cassim-kun?" Sinbad turns to Alibaba's friend. "Once we've settled things, the live of the people of the slums will be guarantee. That's your goal, right?"/p
p class="MsoNormal""Do what you want." Cassim spats out./p
p class="MsoNormal""You should go, Alibaba-kun." Aladdin suddenly says. "You have a brave heart! I know you do!"/p
p class="MsoNormal"Sinbad smiles at the sight./p
div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"hr style="color: black;" align="center" noshade="noshade" size="1" width="100%" /div
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"~Next Day~/p
p class="MsoNormal"After spreading the new of Alibaba being the third prince of Balbadd who is also 'Miracle Man Alibaba' in the Fog Troupe, the people of Balbadd immediately gathers outside of the palace, hoping./p
p class="MsoNormal""I wonder if Alibaba's okay in there." Aladdin asks. Him, Vulpi (has her hood on), and Morgiana are outside of the palace waiting for the outcome of the discussion with the king and the decision of the king./p
p class="MsoNormal""With the support of all these people, I'm sure he's fine." Morgiana reassures him./p
p class="MsoNormal""Yeah, you're right." Aladdin agrees and Vulpi smiles at him./p
p class="MsoNormal"Suddenly someone bumps into her and she sees young man who has red, ringed eyes and black medium length hair with a long, segmented ponytail that stretches down to his ankles. He wears purple makeup on his eyes, which fades toward the inner portions of his eyelids walks past her./p
p class="MsoNormal" /p
p class="MsoNormal"em"Who is he?"/em Vulpi thought. em"His eyes are too cold."/em/p