I do not own Magi.
Enigma
Chapter Ten:
The Shadow and the Hand
"Shouldn't you be resting?"
Kali paused, idly turning her head to meet shimmering golden irises, glinting amber in the moonlight. Sinbad gazed back at her, firm arms crossed over his chest as she turned, looking back up at the sky.
"No."
A low chuckle left his lips, the familiar clank of his jewelry growing closer as she shifted on the rooftop, making room for him as she tilted her head upwards. Sinbad settled down beside her, his purple locks streaming loosely over his shoulders and back, free from his turban piece as he looked upwards to the darkened sky as well. "The moon looks lovely tonight."
"It does," Kali agreed, a breeze whispered past them, tugging locks of her hair from her face and fluttering it out behind her. Sinbad gazed at the young woman beside him from the corner of his eye, a slow smile creeping upon his lips.
"Not as lovely as you, of course."
Kali merely hummed in response, causing Sinbad to arch a brow in curiosity. No witty come back? No sly remark? The somewhat new king looked thoughtful for a moment, taking in Kali's far off gaze.
Fond as he was of the girl, the look on her face was one he wished he could gently wipe away. Despite the fact that it gave her this wandering, ethereal feel, the look on her face made her feel so...far. When she gazed out, whether to some far off distance or to some small thing, the expression on her face made her seem as if she were miles and miles away from him, even if she was a mere inch away.
It unnerved him, really. He was well aware she could leave him any moment, gone without a word, but like this, even with her shoulder to his, he wanted to take her hand and never let it go, for fear she would slip through his fingers as if she were never really there.
"Something on your mind?"
"I was just wondering," Kali responded, and she turned to face him then, the moonlight turning her eyes silver and his to gold.
"About me?" Sinbad offered, grinning at her and Kali blinked, the corners of her lips turning upwards.
"Partly."
"Really now? I'm curious as to what it was then," Sinbad said, his eyes never leaving the girl before him as she turned her gaze back to the illuminating moon.
She would never tell him though, that as she gazed beside him under the moon, her mind had begun to wander to all sorts of possibilities and different things. Camio warmed at her chest, but she couldn't help but wonder about different things, different lives, she supposed, she could have lived.
And as the darkening sky stretched onwards like an ink canvas, the stars glittered as if scattered diamonds, the moon bathing them in silver as they gazed out at the country before them, lights lit up for miles on end.
It was one of those rare moments, as she let her shoulders slope downwards and her eyes shut as the night enveloped them.
For in that moment, there were no burdens riding on either shoulders, and he was not a king, and her walls were not up.
And some part of her mind whispered, silent, wondering.
Could it always be like this?
Despite the amount of time Kali had spent in Kou, and the countless events she would never forget, she did not spend her time going over in detail to Sinbad what had happened. To be honest, she didn't really tell him the whole truth either, and she wasn't too keen on doing so.
"After the dungeon, they took me back to the palace," Kali began, leaning back against the wall as she sighed. "At first they wanted me to join forces, but after some talking, they allowed me to remain in the palace to study a bit because I could read Torran. I got to know some of the royalty there and became a bit friendly with some of them."
"That's how you know Judal?" Sinbad arched a brow, and Kali nodded, crossing her arms over her chest.
"We spent some time together and what not," Kali said simply. "But I later decided that I couldn't stay in Kou any longer. They were a bit reluctant to let me go, so it was a bit troublesome is all."
"You said you became close to their royalty... Earlier Judal mentioned Ren Kouen, did he not?" Sinbad inquired, watching carefully as Kali's face paled slightly as she rubbed the back of her head. "What's your relationship with them?"
"With Kouen, huh?" Kali titled her head back, looking thoughtful till she turned her gaze back to Sinbad. "He's my fiancé."
All life seemingly left Sinbad's face for a split second, the glorious king shaken to the core as he staggered a step back, the words that had just been spoken echoing in his head like a gong. "W-What?"
Fiancé. Sinbad's mind began to chant the title, and he felt knives drive harshly into his chest as he gazed at Kali in disbelief. There's no way—such a thing is impossible, isn't it? Kali of all people—Kali! She'd never get married, unless... They couldn't have been that close... Could it be that she actually fell...No, no, that can't be. "You and the first prince of Kou..."
"Just kidding~" Kali leaned back, placing her hands behind her head. "As if I'd ever get married so easily."
"The joke was partially true though." Camio reminded, and Kali grimaced, turning her gaze away.
I'm sure there are better women out there for him.
Sinbad was still frozen, his mind racing and processing until he pressed a hand to his face, inhaling deeply. "You'll be the end of me one day."
"I did get proposed to though."
Sinbad nearly fell, and Kali watched in amusement as he straightened himself. Kali smiled at that, gazing up at Sinbad's strangely relieved face as she grinned. "Aw, come on now, I can't get married and leave you all by yourself."
With a Kou prince no less. Sinbad kept his internal worries to himself, far, far too relieved at the idea that it was merely a joke. If she had been... No, he'd rather not consider the idea. He didn't spend years with this woman to suddenly lose her to some prince across the seas. It seemed he'd have to be far more careful than he assumed...
"Our parting wasn't on the best terms though," Kali began, looking hesitant as Sinbad attempted to calm his mind.
"That doesn't explain why Judal has such a fond nickname for you though," Sinbad spoke up, and Kali blinked in surprise at the topic, looking to Sinbad curiously.
"Well, it wasn't Kitten at first, but after some later events after my departure, it seemed to have stuck."
"Then why are you so scared of them?" Sinbad wanted to know more, a lot more actually, especially more about this Kouen, but it seemed he wouldn't be getting much more. "Even if the parting was on bad terms, you of all people couldn't possibly be scared so easily."
"Do you understand," Kali began gravely, and Sinbad blinked, taking in her fearful face with wide eyes as Kali hugged herself. "What it's like to be hunted down by the Kou Empire?"
Sinbad was silent and Kali glanced up, her eyes wide as she shook her head. "I still get nightmares—these people are relentless. It didn't matter what I did or where I went, somehow, someway, they had someone after me." Kali gripped her head, shivering at the memories. "I doubt I can ever set foot back in the east again."
It truly was a nightmare. Dogs, soldiers, men, women, villagers, mercenaries, it didn't matter. Someone was always on her tail; her face was plastered amongst posters all over land. It wasn't until she disappeared entirely did she feel safe again, and even then, she doubted she could ever live at ease so long as Kouen was after her.
I do feel bad and all, but I'm sure he didn't even really mean it, you know? Kali laughed slightly, nervously, turning her head. "Happy now?"
"They did treat us well, I suppose."
But we could never stay.
"...I suppose that's all there is to it then." Sinbad took a seat in front of her, rubbing the back of his neck as he let out a sigh. "I take my eyes off of you and you find yourself in trouble...You could have always asked for help if you needed it—"
"I know." Kali said, but she didn't meet his gaze, and Sinbad paused. "But what I do with my affairs and who I concern myself with shouldn't matter to you though, Sinbad."
So the line is drawn once more. Sinbad smiled, his gaze warm as he propped his head on his hand, gazing at the woman before him thoughtfully. "Am I not allowed to worry about a close friend?"
"Your worry tends to exceed lengths." Kali responded, and she embraced the cool night air for a moment before she let out a breath. Sinbad was silent and she glanced upwards, only to pause in faint surprise at Sinbad's expression. "Why do you look so happy?"
"I was wondering what relations you had with the Kou Empire, considering how close you and Judal seemed," Sinbad explained, grinning at her almost cheekily. "And despite how close you seemed to have gotten with them, it's not Kou you come back to."
Kali paused, looking mystified as Sinbad beamed, proud and shimmering beneath the streaming moonlight as he grinned. "It's Sindria."
Ah.
It took her a moment, as she realized what Sinbad meant, and the actual truth to his words. Despite her alarm and carefulness, it seemed some things were truly out of her own control.
"The food is good."
"I'd hoped I had more of an impression on you than food." Sinbad drawled, and the king stood then, the easy look on his face gone as a more serious, grave look came onto his features. "Now then, there are other matters to be addressed."
A firm, calloused hand lowered itself before her, and Kali blinked, glancing up as Sinbad smiled. "Shall we?"
Without another word, Kali slipped her hand into his, and the two disappeared to face the rising danger looming over this country.
Only he could deliver such bad news and still rally the people. Those of the slums shifted beside her; hope rising and voices beginning to rise as despite the news of the failure to talk with the King, there was still hope. Alibaba had looked rather grave standing beside Sinbad, but Kali remained silent, hoping that the young boy wouldn't give up so easily. She didn't grow fond of him for nothing.
"Uncle Sinbad is something..." Aladdin murmured, and Kali blinked, glancing down to the blue haired magi with a small smile.
"I suppose." Morgiana shifted beside her, and Kali was suddenly aware of the people around her, all these lives struggling to fight for their own future. "He is a king after all."
Her eyes turned to the golden haired blonde, her gaze softening as Alibaba gazed hard at the floor. With a single step her hand collided with his shoulder, and Alibaba jumped in surprise, turning to her with slightly wide eyes as she grinned at him. "You can't compare what you have to his years of experience."
Alibaba's eyes widened and he opened his mouth as she shook her head. "He had to learn the hard way as well."
"Miss Kali is...something as well." Aladdin glanced over to Morgiana, her eyes somewhat focused on the woman beside their friend as she paused. "Her scent is... different."
"She is nice, isn't she?" Aladdin smiled and his hands went to his flute, some part of him wondering about what Ugo and Camio had been speaking about before.
Aladdin shifted and Kali paused at the dip in the air, turning as Aladdin's eyes went wide and he held his flute. "What's wrong, Ugo?"
"Hey, Sinbad!" Kali stilled, her eyes growing wide as her head shot up, and in the silhouette of the gleaming moon, Judal's form was outline in black. Arms crossed and braid waving behind him, a smirk crossed his lips. "So this is where you've been hanging out, Idiot King!"
"Judal!"
"Judal," Kali murmured, and Camio shifted, but in response to something else, causing Kali to pause for a moment before she turned her focus to the ticking bomb before them.
With a cat like grace, the magi leapt from his carpet and onto the ground, rising to his full height as he smirked. Red eyes glimmered bloody in the moonlight, and the people around them shifted, alarmed at the sudden presence. Alibaba stiffened beside her. "That's the guy from earlier..."
"Judal, are you here as Ahbmad's pawn? Or at the behest of the Kou Empire?" Sinbad inquired, and Judal smirked, stretching his arms out beside him.
"To be honest, I don't give a damn about that kind of thing." Judal paused, his gaze straying and his eyes lit up as he grinned. "Come on Kitten, what are you doing hanging around with these losers anyway?"
Kali inhaled and exhaled, ridding away all fears of being hunted down and fixing her gaze onto the magi before her, speaking honestly from how she felt. "It's good to see you again too, Judal, but I'd prefer you not call these people losers."
"You run out on Entei and hang around these guys?" Judal gestured out wildly to the people of the slums and Sinbad. "Come on, isn't it boring?"
Kali smiled, crossing her arms over her chest as she said. "It stays interesting."
"Hah? Did you get knocked around in the head?" Judal strode forward, a grin overtaking his lips as he grabbed her wrist. "Why don't you head back with me? After all this stuff is done anyway, Entei would take you back easy! Wasn't it more fun with us—"
"Judal," the magi paused, and Kali watched carefully as Sinbad spoke up. "What exactly are you planning to do in this country?"
Judal's gaze flickered and he scoffed. "Who knows? I have no interest in the economy. Actually, what I do like is..."
The air stirred and the bright colored Rukh around her stirred, as Kali frowned, Judal grinning. "War."
"Such an ugly thing."
"They're powerful, you know—the Kou Empire." Judal's eyes lit up in excitement. "Kitten here knows, we've got tons of soldiers, and we've got dungeon-capturers as well. We've even set up a Dungeon Monster Squad. Isn't that something?"
How much have they improved while I was gone? Kali couldn't help but suddenly wonder. Kouha and Kougyoku must be better with their vessels now...
"They're stronger for their country."
"Hey, don't get the wrong idea though," Judal said, slinging an arm around Kali's shoulders as the girl blinked, Judal looking up at Sinbad. "There's no one that I want to team up with more than this girl and you, Sinbad!"
"Come on, enough's enough," Judal grinned, eyes bright. "Team up with me and let's try to conquer the world! I just can't stand that Kou Emperor you see... Okay, Sinbad?"
"I have no intention of becoming your puppet, and neither does Kali."
"Is that your answer again? Well, Kali here is pretty good by herself." Judal pulled Kali closer, grinning from ear to ear in excitement. "She's got six vessels, and some nifty skills too you know!"
"I'm well aware."
"Ah, you really..." Judal froze, and Kali stiffened as his gaze turned, a frown on his face as he turned to gaze at Aladdin. The excitement and carefree attitude left, leaving Judal a silent figure as he gaze at Aladdin. "Who's he? The Rukh around his is really weird."
There was a moment of silence, Kali slipping from Judal's grip as she disappeared to stand a little to the side, a tense look on her face. Sinbad sighed. "He's a magi, just like you."
Judal's eyes went wide in disbelief, his voice incredulous. "Huh? This little twerp is a magi? You're kidding me, right? Magi's are supposed to be amazing!"
Judal ran forward and up the steps, coming to a halt before Aladdin as he placed his hands on his hips, looking down at the younger boy. "We're wizards of creation! I can't stand the thought of there being that many besides me..."
"Well, you reacted to him because he's a magi, didn't you?" Sinbad questioned. Judal paused, glancing to the king for a moment before he turned his gaze back to Aladdin, grinning.
"Hey, kiddo, my name's Judal. What's yours?"
"Oh, uhm, Aladdin." Aladdin answered, and Judal smiled fox-like, Kali looking wary as she shifted on her feet.
"Is that right, Aladdin?" Judal extended a hand. "As fellow magis, let's be friends."
Aladdin looked hesitant for a moment before he stretched out his hand as well. In moments before anyone could react, Judal's hand curled into a fist and he surged forward, delivering a swift punch to Aladdin's face. Kali's eyes went wide and Alibaba and Morgiana surged forward as Aladdin toppled back, clutching his eye. "Aladdin!"
"Judal!" Kali hovered over the three, Camio glinting at her neck as she gazed up at Judal in slight surprise, not having put it past him, but still...
"Don't tell me you're actually going to team up with this guy?" Judal smirked, and Sinbad's eyes narrowed.
"I met him by chance. He's not involved."
"In that case, whatever." Judal glanced back to Aladdin, smirking. "I know, show me your King's candidate!"
"King's candidate?" Aladdin murmured, clutching his eye.
"You gotta have one or two of them around here somewhere, right?" Aladdin's eyes widened, and Judal frowned. "Like how this girl over here," Kali paused as Judal gestured to her. "Is that weirdo's... Well, you've been around actually, haven't you, Kitten?"
Judal leaned downwards, arching a brow. "What's going on here? Not telling? Fine, I'll just search for him myself!"
Judal's eyes shone and there was a moment of silence before he grinned, locking his gaze on Alibaba's form. "Found him!" Alibaba stiffened and Judal pulled back, a look of disbelief on his face as he grinned. "Wait, it's you? You're the guy Ahbmad was bullying this afternoon!"
The magi clutched his stomach, pointing towards Alibaba as he laughed. "Now that was really lame, huh? You were howling in desperation, but he wouldn't give you the time of day! And in the end you were bawling like a baby! How pathetic is that?"
"He's not pathetic at all!"
Judal paused, frowning as Aladdin stood. "Huh?"
"Aladdin—"
"He's not pathetic at all. I know he's not!" Aladdin's eyes narrowed, a surprisingly mad look on the young boy's face. "Alibaba knew all along that he might not be acknowledged. But he still went for everyone's sake! He went to do what nobody else could have done!"
"Defend the one you've chosen, esteemed magi." Camio's voice sounded oddly nostalgic. "The resemblance is truly uncanny."
What're you going on about now? Kali frowned, reaching upwards and running her finger along the metal feather's ridges. I feel like there's still a lot you haven't told me.
"In due time, my king."
The answer for once, strangely made her feel a little distant towards her friend.
"Alibaba has a brave heart!"
"Aladdin..."
"I'd vouch for him too," Kali spoke up, and Judal's gaze flickered to her faint grin. "More than I would for Kouen at least."
"Eh? So you really think this King's candidate has potential?" Judal inquired, a smirk pulling at his lips as he reached upwards, slipping out his wand from his top. "He doesn't seem that special to me."
"Judal—"
The magi pressed his wand to Alibaba's chest, and with a blast of energy, the blonde was sent toppling backwards. Kali's eyes went wide and she turned, her fists clenching. "See? Doesn't seem all that to me."
"Alibaba!" Morgiana and Aladdin were at Alibaba's side.
"Judal!" Sinbad stepped forward and Judal turned, smirking as he pointed his wand Sinbad's way.
He's at a disadvantage without his metal vessels. "Why the hell are you teaming up with these losers, anyway? Are you a moron or what?"
"Judal," Kali stepped forward, her face a mask as she shook her head. "They've done nothing—"
"You too!" Judal turned, a look of confusion on his face. "These guys are worthless—"
Kali's eyes widened as a storm of Rukh surged past, the fluttering wings coming together to form an orb of light around Aladdin's staff. Judal titled his head, a smirk crawling up his lips. "You wanna fight?"
A hard look of determination crossed over Aladdin's features, and Judal twirled his wand across his fingers. "You look like you're ready to bust out and fight."
"It's not that I want to fight you," Aladdin began, and the light before him shadowed his gentle features. "But if you plan on doing anything more to us, then I'm going to stop you!"
"Stop it, both of you!" Sinbad ordered, and Judal turned, his eyes narrowing.
"Shut up, Sinbad. This is a battle between two magis; mere humans shouldn't be butting in! Besides, you can't fool me—I know you don't have a single metal vessel on you right now!"
Sinbad ground his teeth. "Masrur!"
The red head Fanalis charged, his foot swinging out. An impact that would have shattered bones bounced harmlessly against Judal's borg, and Masrur leapt back, eyes narrowed. "It's no good, just as I thought. Since we're unable to use our Household Vessels at this time."
"Damn it!"
Judal chuckled, smirking as he turned forward. "Let's start, baby magi. How about we open up with a magoi shootout?" But Judal paused, glancing to his other side as a flux of magoi entered the air.
Kali said nothing, simply gazing back, eyes hard, expression unreadable. Judal was silent, halting his movement of his wand as he met her gaze, not a word leaving his lips as what she was silently conveying rang through. Aladdin's eyes darted between the two as his grip on his staff tightened.
"Oi, that's not really fair." Judal's eyes narrowed, and his grip on his wand tightened. "You suddenly disappear and show up again, but with these losers? Even I'm a bit annoyed."
Kali remained silent, the only action she responded with was to reach upwards into her hair, and give the dragon hairpiece fitted through her braid a small tap. Judal paused then, his gaze flickering before he turned, raising his arms upwards. "Alright then, guess I'll have to keep you busy."
Kali's eyes widened as the magoi around Judal's wand burst outwards, shooting in different directions and scattering across the area. Buildings began to collapse and worn down structures fell forward as people ran this way and that. Kali quickly raised her hands upwards, vines and roots shooting upwards to prop up whatever debris was threatening lives. Judal smirked, a giddy look on his face as he grinned at Aladdin. "I'll blast you full of wholes!"
Bursts of magoi shot out and slammed harmlessly into Aladdin's borg. Judal's eyes widened as Aladdin drew his own staff back, sending a torrent of flames Judal's way. The black haired magi gazed, wide eyed as his braid flew back, but he remained unharmed, the attack disappearing within his borg easily. "What the... Oh, right..."
Judal crossed his arms over his chest, and Kali ground her teeth as she shoved aside several buildings, assuring that others wouldn't be crumpled. "Oi, shorty. Let's not do this. There's no point in having a magoi shootout. Since we're both magis protected by the Rukh, our magoi just seem to cancel each other out."
"Then stop." Kali snapped, flinging and arm out and Judal's borg appeared, vines recoiling away as he shook his head.
"Which leaves us with a magic competition!"
"Magic?" Aladdin murmured, and Judal frowned, looking unimpressed.
"What the hell? You don't know that, even though you're a magi? Well, I'm going to clue you in then, kiddo." Judal raised his wand. "You see, magoi is a pure power generated by the Rukh."
A collective bundle of Rukh came to Judal, and Aladdin did the same in response. 'But just gathering magoi and firing it doesn't have much impact. The most it can do is inflict a little damage on things, like just now, but by issuing a command to the Rukh who generate magoi..."
There was a sharp crackle in the air and violet light appeared, lightning crackling through the air as Judal smirked. "As you can see, I've made some Lightning magic!"
"Kali!" Her name left Sinbad's lips and the girl ground her teeth, clenching her fists together.
"You shouldn't get involved with matters of others."
The advice she'd heard so long ago rang through her head, but Camio's voice cut clean through all her thoughts.
"We will aid you however you wish, my king."
Judal let out the burst of electricity and Aladdin swung his staff, a flurry of Rukh coming to his aid to shield him. But the magic broke through and a cloud of dust filled the air, the force of the explosion knocking things down and Kali took a step back, a shield of wind shielding her as she gazed through the clearing smoke.
"Don't tell me he got blown away from that." Judal smirked, but the black haired magi paused when the smoke cleared, and Kali's eyes widened at the body arched over Aladdin. The rippling blue muscles crackled with electricity, but otherwise remained unharmed as Ugo stood over Aladdin.
"I wish not to force actions onto you, my king. But I will ask you this," Kali paused, training her focus onto Camio as her Djinn spoke. "Please, aid him."
Why him? Kali frowned, shaking aside her thoughts. She'd been thinking the same thing anyway. It's fine, don't worry Cam.
"Hey, kiddo, you've got yourself something cool there..." Judal grinned, looking interested. "A giant Djinn body... Something like that can only be generated by magis like us. Fine! I acknowledge you, then."
"Kali, please!"
"Spirit of Passion and Destruction, in the name of my magoi and my will, dwell within my body, envelop me to grant me greater power, I order you and your members." Kali raised her sword to her lips, pressing them softly against the blade as the pentagram glowed. "Raum!"
And in an instant, red, deep, smoldering flames licked out and enveloped Kali whole. Sinbad and the others braced their arms before them as the heat scorched outwards, but golden eyes sought out the young woman through the flames. Familiar horns curled back against her head, flames liking at the edges of her hair and silken cloths around her hips. Judal paused, a look of excitement on his face as Kali blinked, baring her sword in front of her as her eyes narrowed.
"This is a Djinn equip..." Alibaba murmured, his hand moving to grasp Amon beside him. Kali had never shown him Raum's form, only his weapon equip. But like this...it felt so much more...
Powerful.
"Don't worry Aladdin, you keep Ugo with you." Kali offered him a small smile, before she turned back to Judal, lips pulling back and revealing sharpened fangs. "Judal!"
"Oh? Have you decided to actually do something then?" Judal grinned, excitement flashing through bloody red irises as he waved his wand. A large block of ice began to form over his head, the edges sharpening and breaking off to form stiff and sharp projectiles. "I didn't think you had it in you to fight!"
"I'm not fond of it," Kali agreed, but her eyes hardened and she titled her head upwards, Raum igniting in ruby red flames. "But I will not let you harm them."
Judal paused, her words ringing in his ears. Something akin to annoyance seemed to flare across his face before he smirked. "Fine then! I'll just have to move you out of the way!"
The projectiles shot forward and Kali remained where she stood, sword raised as they zeroed in. Within seconds, the flames around her extended, a bird-like shape taking form over her head as it spread its wings, the ice projectiles melting upon collision. Judal grinned, waving his wand and summoning a new batch that came flying, faster and sharper.
Kali duck to the side as several barreled into the ground, her hands touching the floor as she twisted, slashing through several more and arching in a wide circle to burn off a new batch.
"It won't be that easy!" Judal cackled, and Kali narrowed her eyes when a solid block came shooting her way. She swung Raum out before her, slicing the block in half, but the now cut pieces broke off and turned, running towards her. Her eyes narrowed when she spun out, flames licking out from her clothes in arch with the spin, but a few stray shards sliced through, nicking her arms.
"Amazing..." Alibaba couldn't help but agree as he, Aladdin, and Morgiana watched, the crimson red flames illuminating the strange woman they had gotten to known. Could he ever attain a power like this?
"She's being more careless than usual," Ja'far paused at Sinbad's voice, glancing to his king as Sinbad watched Kali's movements carefully, golden eyes darting back and forth to follow the ruby red movements and turns of her sword. "She's going easier on him."
"But even then," Ja'far said, "it's taking a lot out of her to keep up."
"This is the power of magic..." Aladdin began, his eyes watching as Judal sent wave after wave of attacks toward Kali. "But it seems..."
"Ah~ This won't get us anywhere." Judal frowned as Kali barreled past him, her sword leaving a long gash across his borg before it closed up. "Come on now Kitten, as much as I like fighting you, I didn't come here for this."
"I can't just stand by and watch you hurt these guys," Kali grinned slightly in response, huffing a bit as she held Raum before her. "I've grown rather fond of them, you know."
Judal paused, wand stopping mid twirl as he thought about what she'd said once more. Kali tensed, ready for another attack as Judal's face went cold, his head tilting back a bit. "Fond of them, huh?"
His wand spun with a twirl, and before she could prepare for his attack, Judal slammed his arm downwards. Kali's eyes widened as numerous shards of ice soared downwards, thin layers of magoi coating the tip. The first few that collided created an immense impact, and Kali surged downwards, pointing her sword in front of her. "Hal Hal Malak!"
Thick wings formed of flames shot outwards, a large, bird-like creature soaring outwards as Kali ground her teeth, swinging her sword around. The bird followed the movements, engulfing shards of ice as it passed. But the few that escaped the attack slammed into the ground, sending the people below them into a panic.
"Judal!" Kali whirled around, a look of fury on her face. "This is our fight—"
"Wrong!" Judal swung his wand around, eyes burning like blood against the moonlight as he grinned. "It was never just our fight!"
"Sinbad!" Kali exclaimed, and the king below was already moving, Ja'far and Masrur at his sides as they blocked off what they could and herded the people away. Judal grinned, narrowing his eyes as Kali braced herself.
"You've been doing pretty good against a magi, you know." Judal started, Kali unmoving. "Considering how awesome we are, it just shows how strong you are."
The large block forming above Judal's head began to separate, and Kali narrowed her eyes. "But the easiest way to get you out of the picture..."
Judal smirked, and Kali charged as he shot the block of ice her way. But before the two could collide, the ice broke up, missing Kali completely. Gray eyes went wide and before she could react, screams and shouts of terror echoed down below as the projectiles shot downwards. "Is something like this!"
"Kali!" All air left her lungs as Kali gasped, Judal's foot colliding with her stomach and sending her downwards. A burst of flames shrouded her back, cushioning her fall as the flames tore through the ground. A jagged jolt ran through Kali and she ground her teeth, digging her sword into the ground as she propped herself upwards.
"Judal!"
"That's not all!" Kali's eyes widened at the fresh new batch bearing down at her. "One more time!"
"Kali!" Sinbad's voice rang in her ears, but she remained frozen, realizing that if she moved to dodge, she wouldn't be able to block off the new attack—"My king!"
"Ugo!"
A large shadow passed over her face as Kali's eyes blinked, recognition flashing across as the large blue body stood tall before her, muscles having blocked off several projectiles. Kali's eyes went wide and Aladdin blew into his flute, Ugo swinging his arm around and blocking off a few more. "Are you alright, Kali?"
"Yeah," a low throb had sounded in the back of her head as she gazed at the blue Djinn's back, but she couldn't put her finger on why. "Aladdin, I'll take care of this—"
"I don't know what you have against me," Aladdin raised his wand, bright flames swirling around the staff as he narrowed his eyes. "But I won't let you hurt my friends!"
Several cries and shouts of alarm came from all sides, and Kali ground her teeth, swinging arms out and ensuring that flames would block off ice shards from attacking anyone. "Judal—"
"Not bad!" Judal swung his wand around, eyes glimmering darkly. "But what about this?"
Aladdin lunged, Ugo moving in sync with the boy atop him as they surged upwards, past the barrage of ice and towards Judal. Kali's eyes went wide as Ugo slammed a hand down, knocking Judal along with his borg into the ground. The earth shook, sending clouds of dust up with it. Kali's arms shot outwards to brace herself, flames igniting along her body as she searched through the smoke, trying to a get a glimpse of the two.
I don't doubt that Aladdin can do some damage. Kali's eyes narrowed and Raum's flames shot outwards, flaming behind her like a cape as she leapt over pillars and bolts of ice, landing atop the broken rubble to find them. But I want to stop this fight.
For whose sake?
Kali paused, and Judal stood from amidst the smoke, eyes glinting bloody in the moonlight as a laugh left his lips. "He's pretty powerful! But I hope you're not under the impression that you've won. I've still got some of my ice left."
Aladdin's eyes went wide and Kali shot forward, shards of ice shooting down from the sky and downwards.
Her teeth ground together as projectiles stabbed through the large blue body, but Kali had her own issue to worry about. The furious red flames licked out around her sword as she forced it through, battling with Judal's borg as the magi blinked in surprise, having expected her to stop a different attack.
"Ugo!" Aladdin ran forward to his friend, and Kali narrowed her eyes, magoi beginning to fill the air from the wounds Ugo had sustained. "Ugo!"
"How stupid—"
"Judal." Red eyes focused onto burning gray and ruby irises, fangs bearing and eyes smoldering as Kali pushed forward. "Stop."
Judal grew silent, simply returning her gaze as she pushed harder. The borg beneath her trembled, holding steadfast but wavering under such a relentless assault. The two gazed hard, neither relenting.
"He's in a league of his own, that one." Kali waited as Judal smirked, tilting his head upwards. "But I hit him pretty bad; he's got magoi leaking out of those holes."
"Ugo! Ugo!" Aladdin breathed hard into the flute. "Ugo!"
"Why?" "Why?" Kali echoed her Djinn, eyes narrowed and pushing forward, forcing the borg beneath her sword to tremble once more. "What is there to gain—"
"Why?" Judal repeated the question, arching a brow of his own. "Why are you helping them?"
Kali paused, eyes flickering with confusion for the briefest moments as Judal rolled his eyes. "You leave without a word for this?" Gray eyes went wide and Judal smirked then, leaning over so that their faces nearly touched, the only thing separating them being his borg. "You won't hurt me."
Kali's eyes narrowed then and she growled, red hot flames flickered outwards and pushed her forward. A small crack was heard, and Judal continued to smirk. "Don't test me."
"Tell me, why...Why are you doing such things to us?" Aladdin called out, and Judal glanced upwards.
"Why?" Judal's eyes flickered in annoyance at the repeat of the word, but a suddenly mystified look came over his face. "Why... Come to think of it, why are we fighting again?"
Aladdin's eyes went wide and Kali blinked in disbelief, Judal shrugging. "Oh, well, what difference does it make? If you're a magi you understand, right?"
Judal's fists clenched tighter, a look of excitement coming across his face. "I've got so much power I don't know what to do with it. And because of that, every day of my life is so freakin' boring, but today I'm having a little bit of fun!" Judal's face turned crazed and he stepped forward, forcing Kali a step back from the pressure of the borg. "So play with me some more kid!"
Judal's gaze turned back to the young woman before him and he smiled, tilting his head forward. "You just watch."
Kali tensed, prepared to fight when a fierce blow knocked her backwards. A gasp left her lips and she coughed, her back colliding with the stone wall behind her, shattering the rock and nearly crumpling it to the floor. She moved to stand but her eyes went wide and a cry of pain nearly tore from her lips as a shard of ice impaled her shoulder, holding her in place.
"Kali!" Sinbad moved forward, only to be halted by several shards of ice before him. Golden irises narrowed and Judal ignored the king, gazing at Kali.
Judal eyed her thoughtfully, silent for a moment before he smiled. "I don't mean to be too rough, kitten, since I'm sure it's been awhile for you too. But you just wait there, alright?"
Bloody irises flickered and Judal grinned. "And see how strong I've become!"
"My king." Camio pounded harshly against her chest. "Drop the equip—I will be able to heal you easier if you aren't using Raum—"
With him I have the advantage against this ice. Kali ground her teeth, black claws digging into the ice as it began to melt beneath her fingertips. I have to help them... Sinbad is at a disadvantage and—
"Then allow me to heal you."
Kali let out a roar of frustration and completely shattered the ice; her Djinn equip dropping with the action. Vines instantly shot from the earth and wrapped around her, a warmth filling her body as she watched the fight with worried eyes. Ugo refused to go back—something she hadn't seen before, and the mighty blue Djinn rose, Aladdin struggling to get him to stop despite the magoi flowing from him.
"Kali!" Firm hands grasped her shoulders and she glanced up to see Sinbad gazing down at her, worried eyes searching for any more wounds. "Are you alright? Hold still—"
"Let's play some more!" Kali's eyes shot to the side and Judal struck, bolts of lighting shooting outwards. Her body prepared to disappear until Morgiana darted forward, swiping Aladdin from the ground and taking him to safety.
"Hey, what's up with that girl? She's super faced..." Judal glanced to the side, looking slightly awed.
"Over here you freaky bastard!" Kali turned as Alibaba ran forward, drawing Amon before him as he took a jab towards Judal's borg.
The golden shield repelled the attack with ease, and Judal smirked. "You should know that ordinary attacks don't work on me." Judal's eyes widened and flames igniting from the sword, breaking through the borg and slicing downwards. Alibaba tumbled forward before quickly turning, ready to fight a Judal slowly raised his head. "I forgot, you're a dungeon capturer aren't you?"
"They're strong as well," Sinbad drew her attention back to himself. "You should heal first—"
I don't want them to fight. "Doesn't matter," Kali stood, legs trembling before she righted herself. "I won't just stand by and watch them fight."
"Kali, Judal won't listen—"
"It doesn't matter!" She spat, turning sharply. "I won't have my friends fight each other!"
Sinbad was silent, and the young woman paused, registering the words that had left her lips. Gray met golden and the king simply gazed down at her, golden irises smoldering. "Is it not the same for us to worry about you?"
Kali opened her mouth and closed it before she shook her head. "That's not what I mean." She ran a hand through her hair before offering him a small smile. "Thank you though, for worrying. But I can't watch these two simply fight until one of them falls." Not this time. "So you can either help," Kali leaned forward, her face pushing upwards to come closer, and Sinbad swore that if he titled his head, he could kiss her then. "Or stand aside."
With that she was gone in a flash, reappearing with her sword drawn once more above him, her eyes glimmering. "See what you can do without your vessels, eh?" Sinbad's eyes flashed and Kali smirked, launching off.
Judal cackled, raising his wand. "Stay out of my way! Once I've had my fill of a magi vs. magi battle, I'm going to slaughter that twerp—"
Kali's eyes went wide as Ugo's arm swung, crashing into Judal's abdomen despite his borg, and knocking the magi far and into the floor. The young woman came to a halt before the Djinn, her eyes wide. "Ugo—Ugo! I can handle this, I promise, you don't need too—"
"What the hell is this?" Judal breathed heavily, straining to rise as he glared forward, but his eyes went wide as Ugo shot past Kali, brushing the girl aside as he smashed his fist down where Judal lay. Judal's borg flickered, struggling against the onslaught until Ugo's punch slid, knocking him further into the ground.
Kali's eyes went wide with fear, adrenaline beginning to pump wildly through her veins. "Judal!"
"Ugo!" Aladdin struggled to stand, running forward. "Ugo, stop! That's enough!"
"H-Hold up a second!" Judal exclaimed. "What's the deal with this Djinn anyway—" Ugo slammed hard once more into the magi, knocking him back into the wall in a collision of smoke and rubble.
"Hey, kid, that Djinn's not playing fair!" Judal swung his arm out. "I know you haven't been supplying him with any of your magoi!" Shards of ice swung out, and Ugo batted them harmlessly aside. "Which means that right now, he's being powered by someone else's magoi! In other words, that Djinn isn't really your Djinn!"
Aladdin's eyes went wide and Kali froze, gazing at Ugo as Camio whispered quickly in her mind. "He shouldn't be doing this... My friend, what have you done?"
Judal rose upwards and fired off a barrage of magoi, scattering the attacks all over Ugo. Dust rose upwards and Kali flung her arm over her head, the ground trembling and rising with her as it curved to shield the others below it. There was a moment between the barrage and a slick shard of ice shot forward, impaling Ugo through the chest. Kali's eyes went wide, her whole body freezing in that moment at the sight as Aladdin cried out.
You always did know what to do, didn't you? Her mind registered the unfamiliar voice for the briefest second before Kali was running, her body teleporting midstride as Ugo's hands rose upwards, Judal's smirk wide on his face. "I won."
This isn't that kind hand that reached out, afraid to hurt me. Kali inhaled and reappeared, Ugo's blue body appearing directly in front of her as Judal stiffened behind her, and Kali's arms shot outwards, bracing herself in front of the magi as she gazed fiercely at the blue body in front of her. Ugo, even if I haven't known you long, you cannot be such a monster. I don't believe you capable of doing something like that.
Would you watch over her for me, please?
Ugo's hands came in slow motion, and Kali's eyes went wide as the body seemed to freeze, Ugo realizing that she was there, blocking Judal from the attack.
You'll do a fine job.
The fiery hands were unable to come to a halt, and Judal's hands gripped her collar, trying to shove her away when they came down. His borg instantly shielded them both, Kali's eyes wide in disbelief as Ugo continued to push onwards, unable to halt his own movements as both palms came closer and closer to shattering them both.
"Ugo..." Kali breathed, and firm arms wrapped around her as the palms clamped down.
Aladdin's eyes went wide with horror and Sinbad leapt to his feet, preparing to rush forward when Ugo's hands released, and Kali and Judal tumbled from his grip to the ground. Vines shot upwards from the earth, cradling their fall as Kali coughed, breathing heavily as she turned, grazing down at Judal for a moment, assessing his wounds before turning back upwards.
Streams of gold seemingly dispersed into the night as the moon shone down above Ugo, illuminating his body before them. Kali shakily stood, bruised and battered as she crouched over the unconscious body beside her, staring hard at Ugo and bracing herself for another attack.
"Ugo! Stop! Kali's a friend! Don't hurt her!" Aladdin rushed forward stumbling as he went. "Ugo!"
The large blue palms clapped together, as if in a trance, and Kali gazed upwards softly, the vines around her tightening as they crawled over Judal, healing what they could then and there. A violet, blue-like flame ignited over Ugo's hands, and the young woman inhaled softly.
"Kali, get out of the way!" Sinbad exclaimed, her eyes met his for the briefest moment and he froze. Gray turned steely, a single command locked within them and Sinbad ground his teeth, frustration flaring through his eyes before he turned. "Everyone! Get to cover, now!"
"Ugo!" Aladdin cried, and Kali shut her eyes as the hands came down, one hand on Judal's body as her form flickered. Her eyes snapped open when a figure shot past, snatching Judal seconds before impact, unable to retaliate she disappeared, reappearing beside Aladdin and the rest as she fell to the floor, breathing heavily as Camio tended to the burn marks along her body.
A loud explosion rocketed the entire area, shattering buildings and the ground beneath them. Clouds of dust and smoke rolled off in waves, coating the entire area in a smoky fog. The rumbling ceased and Kali blinked wearily through the smoke and fog, several of the people behind her as she lowered the makeshift shield she'd created with the earth.
"Kali! Are you alright?" She glanced upwards as Alibaba and Morgiana skidded to a halt beside her. Aladdin was silent beside them as he gazed downwards, and Kali offered a light grin.
"I'm fine, is everyone alright?" Her gaze flickered around and she spotted Sinbad, Ja'far and Masrur, the three having shielded some others as well. Relief flickered through before she turned her gaze downwards, eyes soft. "Aladdin."
The blue haired magi was silent before he glanced upwards, looking at her in despair. "Big sis... I'm... I'm sorry—"
"I decided to jump into that fight," offering a warm smile she flexed her arms and tossed her hair back over her shoulders. "See? I'm fine. He'll have to move a little faster than that to hurt me."
Aladdin's gaze flickered, but worry overtook those soft blue irises as he glanced back down, Ugo's lone figure standing amidst the rubble as the ice shard began to disperse, until all that was left was a gaping hole within his chest.
"Hey Aladdin, what's happening with Ugo?" Alibaba stepped forward worriedly. "It looks like he's acting on his own."
"I don't know." Aladdin shook his head. "This has never happened before."
A long shadow passed over the area and Kali froze, glancing upwards as a voice spoke out. "My, my, what is that monster?"
That voice. Kali's eyes locked onto the large scale carpet before them, fluttering in the wind and bearing more than enough soldiers to start a battle here. But gray eyes focused and Kali froze, fear running through her at the familiar emblem. Her gaze shot upwards, searching over the top of the carpet until it landed on one person in particular, and her eyes went wide.
Kougyoku?
"It seems like you've bullied my cute little Judal harshly," Kougyoku laid her hands against her lips; radiating an air of power and dignity Kali hadn't seen before.
"Looks like he got through by the skin of his teeth," Ka Koubun. "But he seems to be better off than we expected."
"His injuries are still injuries." Kougyoku's eyes narrowed. "Ka Koubun, you'd better heal him properly. We can't have him die."
"I understand, princess." Ka Koubun looked thoughtful. "Though it seems we won't have to worry particularly about death in this case—it would appear as though he's already been partially healed."
"Oh?" Kougyoku looked thoughtful for a moment, and Kali disappeared, reappearing beside Sinbad and the rest as Ja'far stepped forward.
"Sin!"
"Yeah, they're from the Kou Empire."
"I know her," Kali started, and Sinbad glanced back to her in surprise, his eyes growing wide. "She's a good person, I promise, I need too—"
Kali froze, her entire world spinning for a moment as her knees buckled and she fell. Her hand clutched her heart and she ground her teeth, breathing heavily as pain racked her body. Sinbad was at her side in an instant, Ja'far's hands prying hers away in an attempt to see if she was wounded. "Kali! Are you alright? Kali?"
"F-Fine..." Kali inhaled, pain racking her body as she struggled to maintain her hold. Shit.
"My king," Camio's voice was fast, urgent. "The magoi and the disruptions in the flow are taking a toll on your body—the teleportation is interfering with the flow. Your body is taking to much damage."
Kougyoku's eyes narrowed, and violet flames shone from Ugo's fists. Kali tensed, turning as Ugo crouched, and a smirk touched the Kou princess' face. "Does that monster still want to fight? Interesting, then I'll be his opponent."
I'll be fine. Kali inhaled, focusing. She was here, now, nowhere else. Sinbad was beside her, Ja'far's hands were at her shoulder, searching for wounds. The ground was sharp and cold beneath her, the air freezing despite the battle, biting into her skin. She was here.
"O spirit of sorrow and isolation, I command thee, dwell within my body, using my magoi, bestow great power upon me." Kali's eyes widened and she turned, Kougyoku grinning widely as she raised her hairpin. "Vinea!"
"She's a dungeon capturer?" Sinbad exclaimed, and Kali struggled, trying to rise only to stumble. Sinbad's hands were on her. "Kali, don't move, it must be fatigue—"
"I can handle way more than this," she ground out, shaking her head. "You know that." I have to stop this before anymore people get hurt.
"You're injured!"
"Camio!"
Instant warmth surrounded her, and like that the pain began to fade and Kali focused, breathing heavily until she stood suddenly. Sinbad followed the movement, arms braced alongside her as she shook him off. "I'm fine, sorry. I just got a little dizzy—"
"It will sustain you for now, but you must rest my king." Camio implored, and Kali winced, knowing her friend was right. "The magoi in the air is too much right now."
"Are you a fool?" She glanced to the side and Sinbad stepped forward. "What are you thinking? You could've been killed—"
"You'd write me off that easy?" Kali grinned and Sinbad's eyes flared.
"You're obviously hurt—"
"Not a scratch on me."
"Your magoi." She glanced to Ja'far, his eyes narrowed. "You should rest."
"I will." Kali promised, her gaze turned soft and she gave Sinbad a reassuring pat. "I just got dizzy; I'll be fine, not used to all this running around. It's been awhile."
"A lie."
A necessary one. Kali turned, her gaze focusing back onto the large carpet before her. "Now what are we to do here..." It's Kougyoku... I can handle this. But what would she be doing here?
"Here I come!" Kali turned as Kougyoku charged, sword in hand. Her eyes went wide and Kougyoku shot through, Ugo's body crumpling midair before it returned to its original form, the flute cluttering harmlessly to the ground. Aladdin's eyes went wide and Kougyoku landed, smirking. "How was that, Ka Koubun?"
"Simply amazing, Princess."
"How is Judal?"
"I'm healing up the rest of his wounds, but I will need a proper facility to due the rest."
"Then let's get going—" A bolt of golden flames shot outwards, barely missing Kougyoku by a hair and the princess rose up with the carpet, narrowing her eyes as Aladdin shot forward. "What do you want? We were just saving our friend from a monster that attacked him."
"No!" Aladdin's fists clenched. "Ugo was just fighting to protect everyone. Your friend's the one that started the fight!"
"I see." Kougyoku titled her head back, eyes narrowing. "So you're the master of that monster, right?"
"Kougyoku!" The princess froze, her eyes growing wide at the voice. Recognition flared and she spun around, the soldiers on the carpet rising and raising swords at the new occupant. Gray eyes met soft magenta and Kali stood firm, breathing heavily.
Kougyoku remained frozen; the soldiers around Kali formed a tight circle, ready to attack. Ka Koubun's mouth fell open in shock, and Kougyoku's eyes went round, a look of disbelief and shock coloring her features. "K... Kali?"
A soft smile touched her lips despite the swords and spears pointed towards her. Genuine warmth turned gray near silver in the moonlight, and Kali grinned slightly. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?"
Kougyoku stood there, stunned into silence for a moment, as if unable to believe what she was seeing. But her eyes locked onto the feathers tucked into the side of her hair, adorning the dragon hair piece, never able to recreate the same shape no matter how many jewelers she visited, the same one her brother would gaze so thoughtfully at...
Kali. "Kali!" Kougyoku strode forward, painfully aware of her status before these possible enemies and the soldiers here, but unable to silence the happiness and relief building in her chest. "How—Where did you go? But you're... You're here! My—this, this is—Kali!"
Kali offered her arms and Kougyoku swept forward, slim arms wrapping around her as Kali smiled, holding her for a moment. "It's good to see you again."
"Where have you been?" Kougyoku began, her eyes wide with disbelief as she clung onto the young woman before her. "You just... You just left..."
"I had places I needed to be," Kali smiled brightly, eyes shimmering beneath the light. "Look at you, waving around your vessel so powerfully..."
Kougyoku's cheeks flushed, her lips trembling as she nodded. "I've been working as hard as I can! I never stopped practicing once since you left—I'm going to work hard so I can become—" Kougyoku cut herself off, a confused look coming onto her face as she shook her head. "Oh my, I—I can't wait to catch up with you."
Kougyoku's eyes hardened and she turned her gaze downwards, warm face turning steely as she gazed down below. "But there are some vermin to take care off."
"Kali-nee, you know her?" Aladdin panted, glancing back and forth warily as Kougyoku stiffened and Kali shook her head softly.
"Kou—"
"It's a blessing that you're here, Kali," Kougyoku's eyes shone with happiness. "But I wish we were in better places... These people have wounded Judal and—" Kougyoku paused, turning to Kali. "Kali, why are you here?"
"I was—" Kali's eyes widened and she slumped, a hand clutching at her chest in surprise at the sudden rush of pain that swept through her body. Shit.
"My king," Camio's voice was alarmed, and Kali's eyes darted around, trying to find the source of the disturbance inside her. "You may be too weak..."
I'm not that fragile, Cam. Kali inhaled, but the pain remained, the world around her spinning as Kougyoku rushed to her side. I can fight off whatever little tricks they want to play...
"Kali! Kali!" Kougyoku dropped to her knees, her hands hovering around the woman before her. "Kali? Kali are you alright? What's wrong? Ka Koubun!"
"F-Fine..." Kali ground out, but Kougyoku's eyes went wide with fear. What's wrong? Why is this happening? Why is she... The young princess' mind slowed and she paused, her eyes turning downwards to the people below—to the monsters that'd harmed her friends.
Them.
"Protect this woman," Kougyoku ordered, standing as she raised her hair pin, water enveloping the vessel and forming a sword.
"My lady, isn't this woman the one Lord Kouen has been—"
"That can be dealt with later." Kougyoku's eyes turned cold. "Enshin, Entai, Engi."
Kali's eyes darted to the three large figures behind Kougyoku, faces cloaked and veiled, but the power radiating beneath was screaming to be heard. "K-Kou—"
"Kill them all."
The three figures disappeared, slamming hard into the floor down below and scattering the people left and right. Kali's eyes went wide as she glanced over the carpet, Alibaba and Morgiana rushing forward, Sinbad and the rest coming to meet them head on.
"I'll take care of this child. You three, kill the rest of the trash." Kougyoku ordered with a smirk. Her eyes flared and she narrowed her eyes at Aladdin. "I will not forgive you for wounding my companions."
"Wounding?" Aladdin glanced to Kali and narrowed his eyes. "Your friend attacked us first!"
Raum!
"My king, if you equip now—"
I'll be fine. Kali struggled to stand, her hands fumbling for her sword as she brought it closer to her.
"But the disturbances—"
What's the point of this power if I can't use it to protect others. Kali gazed at the reflection in the blade, steely gray eyes gazing back at her, cuts and bruises lining the skin. What was the point of leaving? Of getting stronger?
"...to accomplish our goal."
Kali smiled, her lips turning upwards as she pressed her lips to the blade. A wave of heat flared out and her eyes tinted red as black turned to fiery red tresses. Then let us work together.
The soldiers around her shifted, moving to stop her as Ka Koubun turned, opening his mouth to cry out orders. Within seconds she'd disappeared, the floor and rubble appeared beneath her feet and Kali turned in a whirl of flames, scaled feet slamming hard into the elephant-like creature. A groan of pain left his lips and she turned, eyes meeting Masrur's as he surged forward and slammed hard into the beast, knocking him onto his side.
And like that she was gone, reappearing for a moment in the air as she gazed down below. Ja'far held back the other man as Morgiana aided him, Kali's eyes flickered to the flames coming from her left and she disappeared, her sword coming down hard as another sword appeared and parried her blow.
"Kali!" Alibaba glanced upwards and she flashed him as small smile as she pushed off from the ground, driving the unknown assailant further back. "You—how dare you betray the princess' kindness—"
"I've definitely made this a bit more of a mess," Kali disappeared and reappeared, slamming Raum in an arch. "But I'll clean it up."
Alibaba gave a shout, ordering the people to move back and run for it. Kali continued to flash in and out, the swordsman managing to block her blows. Another swipe to the left and he leapt, blocking the attack once more. A smirk crawled over her lips and she leaned forward. "Not bad..."
Her eyes shone, looking feral as she flashed him a wide grin. "But not as good as someone else I know."
With that she disappeared and reappeared far too quickly, and she slammed down. His sword rose to meet hers but Alibaba charged in from the side, managing to swipe his side. The man let out a yowl and leapt back, snarling at them
"O spirit of sorrow and isolation, I command thee. Cover my body. Infuse my body." Kali's eyes darted to the side where Aladdin raised his wand and Kougyoku smirked, water beginning to trail up her arm. "Transform my body into a great demon, Vinea!"
Kali ground her teeth, forcing herself forward as she disappeared and reappeared before Aladdin, only to skid to a halt when a firm hand clamped down onto Kougyoku's.
"Please stop, miss." Sinbad held on tightly, amber irises shining as Kougyoku's went wide, her Djinn equip retreating.
"What are you doing?" Kougyoku's eyes widened and she slumped suddenly, her arm laid bare as she fell to her knees. "My Djinn equip is..."
"I believe you are a princess of the Kou empire, correct?" Sinbad stepped forward, and Kali felt her shoulder slump slightly, finding herself able to breathe again. He stopped her.
"Wh-Who are you?"
The moon bore down on them, full and shining, casting a dark shadow across Sinbad as he gazed down at her. "I am Sinbad. Sinbad, the king of Sindria."
A sudden flush shot across Kougyoku's cheeks and Kali blinked, eyeing her curiously. "Y-You're that Sinbad..." Her eyes widened as she pulled her hand away. "How long do you plan to hold my hand you insolent man?"
"My apologies, princess." Sinbad blinked, looking startled for a moment before he returned to a calmer appearance. "But we are both people of rank and status; we should not be fighting in a place like this."
"Please," Kali added, and Kougyoku turned, her eyes widening at Kali's equip.
"Kali! You should be resting—"
"You've jumped to conclusions," Kali inhaled and the Djinn equip disappeared, leaving her in slightly singed and tattered clothes. "I didn't mean to make you worry, but these people aren't our enemy."
"They hurt you!" Kougyoku made a move to stand but her legs wobbled and she slumped, Sinbad moved to help her but she recoiled from his touch, cheeks flushing red. "And this man—"
"Is a good friend of mine," Kali finished. Sinbad's eyes turned to her sharply, golden irises smoldering and searching. Sadly. Knowing she wouldn't be able to live the statement down she sighed, touching Aladdin's hand and moving forward to stand before Kougyoku. "I've known him for awhile, I often visit Sindria as well."
"F-Friends? Y-You and this man?" Kougyoku's eyes went wide as they darted back and forth. "But that child—"
"Is a good kid as well." Kali promised, and Sinbad turned.
"Aladdin, could you please put down your staff?" Aladdin breathed heavily, holding onto his flute. "Its okay, a Djinn won't die from an injury like that. Besides, it's not like you to get so worked up."
"But why are you here?" Kougyoku found her strength and stood, taking a step towards Kali who gazed back silently. "After all this time..."
"I wish we could have met again on better terms," Kali admitted sadly, a small smile on her face as her eyes softened. "I have some things to take care of here." Kali's smiled turned upwards. "But it is nice to see you again."
Kougyoku's lips trembled but she stood firm, her eyes searching Kali's for a moment longer. "Then they didn't attack you?"
"Judal decided to fool around, I tried to get in his way." Kali shook her head. "He should be fine, especially in your care."
Kougyoku remained silent, looking as if there was more she wished to say, and Kali offered her a grin. "I promise to talk to you at a better time. I do."
Sinbad turned back to Kougyoku, causing the girl to stiffen. "I'm visiting this country on some business. If you are as well, then I'd like to meet you at a more appropriate place."
"I-I understand." Kougyoku cheeks flushed suddenly and Kali blinked quizzically, watching as she turned abruptly. "Everyone."
"What is it?" Ka Koubun came forward.
"We're leaving."
"Eh? But princess..."
"We're leaving now!" Kougyoku turned, jutting a finger outwards toward Sinbad, who blinked. "Listen, it's not like I'm leaving because you told me too, got it?"
Her eyes turned to Kali and she turned her head, voice firm despite the sad look she kept hidden on her face. "And I expect to hear from you!"
"I will." Kali promised, and Kougyoku turned, the rest of her forces gathering together as they took off on the carpet.
The group below watched for a moment, a moment of silence waving over them before people began to stir. Cries and groans of pain began to pierce the air, and Kali shut her eyes, inhaling softly and exhaling.
Ah. Her legs crumpled and she toppled backwards, the sky turning up to meet her as she fell. Firm arms slipped around her and she blinked, her body cradled gently against a warm body. Her eyes turned upwards and met with gold, silver clashing against the shimmering color as she blinked. "Nice catch."
"I would call you a fool, but you wouldn't care now, would you?" Sinbad lowered them to the floor, keeping her firmly in his arms. Under other circumstances, she would've danced her way away from him, but right now, she found she didn't really mind. "No matter how strong you are, using up your magoi is using up your life—"
"If only it were as simple as using to much magoi," Kali mused. Sinbad stiffened, glancing down at her in alarm and she rolled her eyes. "No, I am not fated will some terminal illness that will one day come and take me...I'm just..." I'm tired.
"It has been a long day." Camio offered, but the two of them both knew it. Kali should not have weakened that easily, but she had, the disturbances in the flow around them were getting stronger, and she was feeling it. "You worked hard."
Won't fight you on that. Kali smiled to herself, shifting so she was more comfortable in Sinbad's arms before she let out a sigh. "You know, you're pretty useless without your metal vessels."
"I wonder what would happen if we took yours away," Sinbad retorted, and Kali's eyes narrowed.
"Don't even think about it." Not again. "But your concern for my wellbeing is rather heartwarming."
"I am a good friend of yours after all, right?" She could hear the slight pleasure in his voice at being able to speak such words and she rolled her eyes.
People were moving, running about and Kali stirred. Sinbad shifted, his grip on her not relenting. "There's still work to do."
"You need to rest."
"As if there's time for that." Kali scoffed, rising to stand and she blinked when Sinbad didn't force her back down. Her legs wobbled but she forced herself to stand upright, firm. Sinbad was at her side, offering her a charming grin despite the circumstances.
"Then allow me to accompany you?"
"...I'd rather not." Kali moved a step away, pausing at the shadow casted before them. Her eyes turned upwards and she gazed at the moon, the stars shimmering above them, as if unaffected by the pain and terror they had narrowly escaped. Her mind wandered to a time long ago, Sinbad beside her like this, the two of them.
But there were no cries of pain, no rubble casted about and people running this way and that. The warm, shimmering lights of Sindria seemed so far away that it almost hurt had she not caught herself. Kali smiled despite herself, unable to stop the slight laugh that left her lips.
"You didn't get hit in the head now did you?" Sinbad leaned forward, eyeing her thoughtfully and she rolled her eyes, the small smile still on her lips. "What are you thinking about?"
"Partly you," she turned her head upwards, closing her eyes as she sighed. Sinbad's eyes widened in surprise, golden irises flickering.
"Really now?"
"Hmm..." Silver reawakened to the world around her and Kali turned, vines beginning to crawl around her as she walked past Sinbad. "But that's something for another day."
She blinked when the king reappeared at her side, his lips turned upwards slightly as they came closer to the wounded, to the pain before them. "I can only hope that day meets us soon then."
"Let's see if we can get through this night first." She wouldn't tell him that she felt the slightest bit better with him at her side, and as they stepped forward, ready to help, the moon continued to gaze down at them.
And a long night it would be.
Too much needs to be said.
First off, HOORAY I'M NOT DEAD. :D
But on the other hand, I want to apologize to you all for the long and torturous absence. Not only did I leave you guys hanging, I haven't said a word of anything, and I really, really do apologize for that. I want to thank you all for your worried reviews and concerns; because it was really nice to hear them and see you guys actually care. It was really, really nice. And I can never thank you all enough for it.
Life really did catch up with me. My school year started off a lot crazier than I needed it to be, and I'm participating in many different clubs on my campus, and I'm having to work really hard to keep up with everything, and that meant pushing my stories back no matter how much that sucked for me.
BUT FEAR NOT, FOR I HAVE RETURNED AND I WILL NEVER EVER DARE ABANDON THESE STORIES.
You guys have been so great and loyal, and beyond supportive, and if I could reach through and give you all a hug I would, and bake you all cookies. The updates may be slower, but they will not take this long. I promise. I'll keep updating and keep this story going because I know where I want it to go and I love it and you guys to pieces, and I can only keep saying thank you for worrying about me and making sure I was alright.
HOPEFULLY TO THOSE OF YOU WHO READ MY OTHER STORIES THIS MASS STORY UPDATE IS A GOOD THANKS.
Also, I said I would do something special for my 300th reviewer, but since that was a guest, I'll have to go to the next review, so congratulations to the Amayarawrz! I'll gladly write you a one-shot of your choice! As long as it's a fandom I'm familiar with. :)
And to lighten the mood a bit, Kali has to answer some questions!
Q: If you planned to leave but Sinbad asked you to stay for one day more, would you?"
Kali blinked. "Well, that's kind of hard. If it really was one more day and wherever I needed to go wasn't too important, I wouldn't mind. But normally Sinbad tries that trick from time to time so I have to be careful..."
Q: If you had to choose between Kouen and Sinbad to establish a family, who would you choose?
Kali spat out the water she'd been handed and paled, the idea frightening her for a moment. "A f-family? Well... I... I would rather remain single, you know! I mean, I love kids, but I wouldn't want to have them myself—and if it involves marriage, it really is out of the question. But if I really had to choose... I don't know if I could. I hate to say it, but they both matter a lot to me, and they both have their ups and downs. If anything, it would come down to who makes the better food."
Q: What are your views on life? How do you see the world?
Kali smiled at this. "A crazy, beautiful, messed up world filled with troubles. But I love it."
Q: What are your feelings toward Kouen? If you had a child, girl or boy? What kind of name would you give your child? Would you sacrifice your freedom to save the world?
Kali looked thoughtful. "I think Kouen's a scary, mean, powerful, selfish, somewhat childish man. But he's strong—steady, and I did kind of like that about him." She looked troubled then. "I thought he was rather single-minded at first, but he's looking at this world in his own way I suppose. But that doesn't change the fact that I think he's wrong. And I'd love to have either really! I'd always wondered what it'd be like to raise a boy and make him charming and super strong, and my own daughter to raise to be really powerful and cool. For a boy... Layth. For a girl... Nimr, or Alya.
Q: What is the most awkward situation you've been in?
"Waking up one morning on Sinbad's chest, tangled in Ja'far's wires, Sharrkan on my stomach, Ja'far on my other side, Yamu in the closet, Masrur in robes, Pisti on the dresser, and Spartos passed out on the floor."
Q: If you met Kouen during the Sindria Invasion arc, what would you say to him? If you met Kouha with Aladdin, would you stay with them? Would you help fight the medium? What would you do if you saw Kouen injured?
"Sindria gets invaded?" Kali stood, her eyes growing wide. "When? Where? If Kouen was there I'd give him a piece of my mind for thinking he could ever set foot and conquer—Kouha and Aladdin? I'd stay with them, sure. Medium? Kouen injured?" Kali's eyes went wider, reaching for her sword. "I'd make sure whoever did it paid."
Q: If Kouen were to fight Sinbad, who do you think would win?
"Sinbad." Kali nodded her head. "First off, I would put my money on him. But Kouen's been getting stronger too, so I wouldn't doubt he'd put up one hell of a fight."
Q: If Kouen were to show up at Sindria on a diplomatic meeting, how you face him? Assuming you couldn't leave due to a fatal injury. Do you ever plan on going back to Kou? Have you ever thought of freeing the slave there like you did in Reim?
"Well, I hope I'm alright first off." Kali shuddered. "I guess there'd be no other way. I'd face him as honestly as I could. Then run for my life. I would like to see Kou again some time, and I did think of doing that, but it was hard to figure out who was a slave back at Kou, especially when some of them didn't mind their jobs."
Q: Did you have your first kiss yet? With who? Do you still think about Kouen at night?
Kali laughed at this, grinning impishly. "Hmm... I don't think I'll tell you guys that. As for Kouen," her gaze turned serious. "He's only in my nightmares."
Q: Could you ever see yourself married to Kouen?
"Oddly, I could imagine it." Kali admitted, but she smiled, shaking her head. "But I don't think it'd be that great of a marriage. I'm not exactly the type to settle down either."
Q: At the present time, who do you fear more, Sinbad or Kouen? From any anime, who do you think resembles you the most?
"Kouen." Kali shivered. "I'm worried about him finally catching up to me. Sinbad... I can worry about him later. As for looks? I'd say... Sinon from SOA, but with longer, slightly wavier hair, and in black instead."
Q: One any of your other travels, have you gotten arrested?
"I have actually," Kali nodded, a smile turning on her lips. "But nothing as bad as Kou. There was a time when I was still new to Sindria, the people didn't know me and thought I was a thief in the castle. There was this other time I got roped in with the dancers... But that's a story for another day."
Q: Is there like a ten-year gap between you and Sinbad?
"To be honest, I'm not totally sure about my age." Kali blinked. "I'd say there's more of a seven... eight year gap? Maybe even ten, who knows?"
Q: What individual traits do you like about Kouen and Sinbad?
Kali looked thoughtful about this. "Sinbad... Despite the list of things wrong with him, Sinbad's really...bright. He has the air around him that will draw you in. He's this walking sun, shimmering, warm, but it feels that if you get to close, you'll never be able to live without it. I've always admired that about him. The way he is, you could see yourself beside him, he was always...there. No matter what. Waiting. And even if he isn't as wild as he was when he was young, he's loyal. Kouen now... Kouen's steady, like a rock. You can't move him. And the idea of staying in one place has always been a mystery to me, so I like that. Kouen's this force that can't be stopped, powerful—but he's weird. He's quiet, thoughtful, and if you don't look hard enough, you'll miss it, these weird little looks he gets."
The young woman blinked, glancing upwards. "Don't tell them that."
Q: Who is your favorite general? Both from Kou and Sindria.
Silently Kali glanced from side to side, looking pained. "You can't tell anyone, alright? I won't live it down. From Kou...It'd have to be Kouha I suppose. He was the nicest to me first before I really got to know anyone. From Sindria... Ja'far. I love Sharrkan and everyone else to pieces, but Ja'far's been there for a long time for me."
Q: ARE YOU A RETARD? HAVE YOU NEVER BEEN IN LOVE BEFORE? HOW CAN YOU BE SO OBLIVIOUS TO KOUEN'S FEELINGS?
Kali winced, looking pale as she tried to defend herself. "Well, I can be rather naïve, I admit, but in my defense, how was I supposed to imagine this man set out to conquer the world as a lover? And Sinbad gives me things all the time; you don't see him dropping down on one knee... Now, that would scare me."
Q: What are you? Are you going to reveal yourself anytime soon?
Kali smiled, tilting a cup to her lips. "Not really."
Thank you all for the questions, the reviews, and your wonderful love!
Marshmellow-
-OUT!
