What? Another update already?

:)

I do not own Magi.


Enigma

Chapter Twelve:

The Storm and the Sun


"They're called Rukh."

"Rukh?" Kali blinked, wide gray eyes thoughtful as she reached out, the fluttering wings beating against her as the bird like creatures swarmed around them, bathed in light and so wonderfully bright as she smiled. "It fits."

"It does, doesn't it?" Yunan smiled, tipping his staff as the two of them examined the growing mass of Rukh around them, increasing due to his presence. "As a magi, I can call upon them and see them freely."

"I see them too." Kali reached outwards, as if to grasp them and she paused. "But I'm not a magi."

"No, it would seem that way." Yunan looked curiously thoughtful, his peaceful expression one of wonder as they gazed upwards, save for the hum of her vessel and the life of the world around them, bright, moving. "But I still feel that you're no ordinary person as well. Do you feel the same, Kali?"

"I guess." The young girl shrugged, smiling as a wind came past, bringing with it a calming breeze and gentle whispers. "But I don't mind being able to see them like this."

"It's a gift." Yunan mused, reaching outwards and letting them fly around his hand. "But it would seem you use them in a different way, don't you?"

"Not like you though." Kali clarified.

"Not like me." Yunan agreed, but he smiled. "But unlike anything else."

Kali hummed, standing up on her toes, bare feet curling into the soft grass around them, ankles still healing from previous scars. But tender vines curled around her with very step, and Yunan's eyes softened. "Camio says the same thing."

In a fonder way though, she thought. Camio often spoke of her as if she were some precious thing, some miracle rather than a curse as she'd wondered about herself.

She wasn't sure which she really was yet either.

"Don't you feel the same?" Yunan inquired, and Kali shrugged, her smile suddenly growing wider.

"I don't mind being able to see them like this though." Kali admitted, spreading her arms out and shutting her eyes, a blissful smile on her face. "To hear them like this."

"Hear them?"

"Whispers." Kali turned in a full circle, laughing like a breeze and jumping this way and that as flowers followed after her wake, the grass parting beneath her as she laughed. "Little bits here and there, sometimes stories—but they're there."

"Stories?" Yunan crossed his legs, sitting down and looking curious. "What kind of stories?"

"Old ones, new ones." Kali paused, looking upwards to the vast, wide sky. The night before them shining down and the moon glowing as if it were the sun amidst the glittering black, and she breathed, shutting her eyes. "And sometimes I hear promises, too."

Yunan watched her with warm eyes, glowing eyes as slowly, despite his fears and worries about how this world would turn, and how others could change, he came to his own decision staring at this girl. "What kind of promises?"

"Ones about love, revenge, little things," Kali shrugged, nonchalant until she turned her gaze toward the moon and not the stars, gray eyes glowing silver.

"Promises to see each other again someday."


"You know, I never realized how approachable you seem without your vessels." Kali idly commented, causing Sinbad to pause mid-step as she flashed him a grin. "It's different."

The golden eyed king paused, gazing at her for a moment as Kali simply continued to grin, her hands at her sides, glints of metal shining in the faint daylight. Sooty locks tumbled down her shoulders, and she'd changed into clothes similar to what she originally wore.

Kali gazed back, Sinbad's usual outfit simple considering the jewelry normally adorning his sterner features. The two continued to gaze at each other, not another word said as Sinbad mulled over how to approach the situation and figure out what was running through her mind—he knew that look. He didn't spend years with this woman, constantly matching her stride for stride until he found himself staring at her back more and more often, just to not be able to figure out when she was itching to move.

Kali contemplated what she was trying to gain from striking this sudden conversation. She knew Alibaba had just finished training some with him and was seeing to Aladdin, and Morgiana was with them. So she'd found herself wandering around, sometimes disappearing and reappearing in parts of Balbadd where she felt the Rukh spike up or when she sensed they were near, but they ran off before she had a chance. And somehow her footsteps had led her to find Sinbad, the king walking around and offering advice and orders to some, his shoulders squared, broad.

But he doesn't need things like metal vessels. Kali tilted her head slightly. He's strong enough even on his own.

"Considering the ridiculous amount of magoi within him and natural potential, I suppose so." Camio responded quietly, and Kali hummed. "Were you seeking him?"

I don't know. Kali looked thoughtful. I don't have anything to ask him, I guess we just got here somehow.

Strange.

The thought suddenly made her feel a little sour. He really was dangerous to hang around too long with. The next thing she knew she'd be finding herself beside him constantly, and they weren't even in Sindria.

"You already do that." Camio reminded.

...damn.

"I've been meaning to search for them." Sinbad admitted, gazing down at his bare wrists as his brows furrowed slightly. "I can tell that they must still be in the country... But where is the problem."

Though they wouldn't be of any use to anyone but Sinbad, it was still a large problem at hand, and Kali frowned, a slight stir in the back of her mind. But the young woman shrugged it aside and simply grinned, gray eyes flashing. "Of course, it wouldn't be a problem if you hadn't lost them in the first place."

"They were stolen."

"While you were drunk."

"Surely you don't doubt my skill without them," Sinbad mused suddenly, and Kali paused as he smirked, tipping his head downwards as his golden irises gleamed. "If so, that can be easily settled here and now."

Kali took a wary step back, chin titling upwards as her eyes narrowed. Sinbad's smirk widened and the king leaned back, a look of amusement flashing across his face. "It is rather pleasing to know there's something even you grow wary of."

"You try having to fight for your magoi while it's being stripped away." Kali muttered, crossing her arms over her chest and turning her head with a small huff. "And I'm not afraid of it—it's just a pain."

"Especially in our state." Camio sighed, and Kali frowned. "Magoi manipulation is something to be wary of."

If it weren't for that, we would be fine though. Kali sighed, shoulders slumping slightly. If it didn't effect the way I—

"It's nice to see that you care though." Sinbad commented suddenly, and Kali blinked, looking upwards as his hands slipped past and he held a lock of her hair between his fingers, a small smile on his face.

"Presumptuous man."

Kali smirked, silver eyes meeting gold. "I'm only worried, without your vessels it looks like you need me to protect you."

Sinbad's gaze flickered and Kali sighed, raising her hands upwards hopelessly. "I suppose I have no choice though—it's obvious who's stronger right now, and I completely understand that you need my help."

"I've no doubt of your capabilities." Sinbad drawled, eyes narrowing as Kali grinned. "Though I'm wounded you'd think I couldn't even protect you."

"I'm not the one who got their metal vessels stolen!" Kali chirped, turning on her heel and somewhat bounding off as Sinbad gazed at the back of her head, watching the sway of sooty black locks and the glint of the hair ornament at her side, the thin braid woven with feathers as the dragon seemed to be glaring back at him.

Sinbad inwardly wondered how he'd dug himself this pit as he gazed after the swaying woman, golden eyes glimmering as Kali turned, gray alight with the kind of fire he'd seen all those years ago. Kali flashed him a mischievous grin and he stirred, tempted to chase after her.

"You've got the alliance coming to help, but even then..." Kali turned, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I doubt that pig will listen much to reason."

"He'll have no choice with the pressure placed upon him." Sinbad stepped forward, focused on the woman before him as his hand twitched at his side. "At the rate Alibaba is growing, I'm sure that we can help Balbadd slip out from underneath Kou's thumb, and perhaps just save this country yet."

Gray eyes lowered, a strange expression flickering across Kali's face before it was gone, just like that. "Knowing someone like you does have its perks I suppose."

"I didn't go through all those travels and journeys for nothing." Sinbad reminded, and Kali smiled at that, eyes flickering in recognition before she turn away fully this time.

It was in places like these where she didn't mind having Sinbad by her side—politics, mainly. Due to the fact that she had no ties to any country, no real means to make any diplomatic negotiations; she was useless in a peaceful treaty except for fighting her way through and forcing them down. But like this, Sinbad stood a chance to at least be able to help Alibaba somehow.

I can only help the only way I know how. Kali's eyes narrowed, and with a small smile Sinbad's way, she turned.

And like that Kali disappeared; somewhat reassured that he was helping Alibaba now—Sinbad knew what he was doing. She could offer her own training, but with someone like Sinbad, Alibaba would be able to grow stronger at a faster rate.

She shook off the feel of intense golden eyes and let the wind play with her hair as she gazed out thoughtfully over the city of Balbadd, perched on the top of a building as she watched, eyes narrowing as hordes of white Rukh flooded the skies, seeming to center towards one location.

But that's where Aladdin is... Kali tensed, feeling her body coil as she prepared to teleport herself elsewhere, but her eyes caught on the darkening cloud to her left and she cursed, watching as trails of black Rukh began to make their way somewhere else.

Nothing bad will happen to Aladdin as long as Sinbad and Ja'far are there. Kali stepped forward, hand resting on the hilt of her sword. But what could be...

"To your right, my king." Kali followed Camio's orders and paused, catching sight of a flash of red as Morgiana leapt over rooftops, making her way toward the palace at record speed. Morgiana?

Kali's mind whirled before it clicked and she blinked, a small smile gracing her lips as she felt her body grow lighter. Fate's moving faster than we expected.

"But if Sinbad has called for reinforcements..."

That kid's already making his move. A cloud of smoke rose upwards and Kali let out a whistle, her lips curling upwards in faint amusement, but her eyes darkened at the growing sense of foreboding welling up inside of her.

Realizing where she was most needed now, inhaled and exhaled.

And she disappeared.


"Spirit of dreams and illusions, I call upon you, use my magoi and lend me your power..." Kali's eyes flickered open, gray stained blue glinting in the dull light of the palace as her anklets glowed a silvery hue. "Asmodeé."

The familiar coolness washed over her, and Kali found herself feeling a familiar sense of déjà vu as she was met with the sight of the palace walls, long and arching marble columns, the tang of metal and smoke in the air, and a large crater now shattered the once beautiful palace floor, several bodies of guards laying beside it, blood pooling on the ground.

Ah. Kali's eyes turned steely, raising upwards as Ahbmad sat, snarling like the pig he was and Alibaba glared, panting as he clutched his sword in one hand. The banker from before stirred, glancing around thoughtfully, and Kali shifted, forcing her magoi over herself to form the invisible illusion she'd placed on herself before.

"But we will not remain as quiet this time."

"Kill him."

Her eyes flickered to Ahbmad's form and the sorry excuse for a king narrowed his eyes as the guards around Alibaba tensed, spears raised as hesitant looks crossed over their faces. "What are you doing? According to the banker, he no longer has any power. Hurry up and kill him."

I need a sign, Alibaba. Kali breathed, willing herself to refrain from drawing her own sword and ending this now. But as much as she hated to admit it, Sinbad was right.

She didn't want another war.

"So show us your resolve, chosen king." Camio mused. "And we will come to your aid."

"Stop!" Alibaba drew his sword, but made no move to strike down the guards. "I am her as a prince to speak with Ahbmad! I don't want to fight!" The blonde prince sheathed his sword and the guards paused, uncertain looks flickering over their faces. "Do you guys really think things are okay the way they are now? I'm sure that long ago, each and every one of you realized just how messed up this country has become!"

Kali could feel the cord the words seemed to strike in the guards as the spears lowered, eyes flickering as they gazed at Alibaba, and the Rukh around them swayed.

"Kill him."

Gray eyes turned to the figure on the throne as Ahbmad's eyes narrowed in disgust. "He's nothing more than trash from the slums. Don't listen to his words."

The spears lowered, forcing Alibaba to the ground as he struggled. "Stop, let me go! Stop!"

What can he do if the people won't even side with him? Kali stepped forward, brows furrowing. Perhaps we should—

"L-Let Alibaba go!" Kali blinked, a flutter in her chest as she turned and gazed intently at the shaking figure before Ahbmad, the deputy king's hands curled into fists.

"Sahbmad? Hah! You should sit down."

"B-Brother... I—"

"Don't listen to him!" Ahbmad snapped. "The only orders you need to obey are mine! Kill him!"

"Barkak!" Kali perked up as Sahbmad swung his arm around, turning to face the guards. "Stop the palace guards!"

Within seconds, the man from the night before who'd been with Sahbmad surged forward, swiping the poles of the guards upwards and knocking them back with ease. Ahbmad's fist clenched and the man's face grew red. "I always knew you were against me, but have you lost your mind? All of you! Don't listen to this worthless fool! He's nothing but a palace drapery that can move. He's a coward who can't even open his mouth when it comes to politics!"

Even running Raum straight through his gut wouldn't be good enough. Kali's eyes narrowed coldly. I wouldn't want his blood on my sword.

There was a sharp gasp and Sahbmad lunged, swiping the scepter from his brother's hands and slamming it down onto the ground. Kali's eyes brightened and the brother stood firm despite his shaking frame. "I order you as the deputy king of Balbadd! The Third Prince Alibaba and the King's conversation is absolutely not to be disturbed! Put away your weapons immediately!"

"It seems not only the prince has resolve." Camio sounded pleased, and Kali felt her lips turn upwards.

"Damn you, Sahbmad—is what you want coup' d'état?" Ahbmad snapped, and Sahbmad remained silent as Alibaba strode forward.

"Ahbmad! I've come to change the status quo of this country!"

"With what help?" Ahbmad snapped. "What army?"

Now?

"Now."

"No army." Kali spoke up, and the occupants in the room froze, glancing this way and that while Alibaba paused, golden eyes widening as he turned, and Kali revealed herself before them, dropping the illusion and grinning as she flashed a feral smile Ahbmad's way. "But he does have help."

"Kali!" Alibaba stepped aside, a look of surprise and disbelief on his face before it flickered into one of confusion and recognition, obviously remembering when she'd done this before. "What are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you to make up your mind." Kali flashed the blonde prince a wide smile, eyes shining. "And now that you have—I'm here to back you up of course!"

"That woman!" Ahbmad lurched, eyes narrowing as his face flushed. "Guards, seize her! She's a menace to the crown and a wanted criminal—"

"And here I thought we'd already made it clear where I stand." Kali mused, gray eyes glittering. "Should I prove it to you again?"

Ahbmad flinched; face paling as he glared at her. Kali smiled, turning to the guards then as they tensed, spears drawn. "I'm only here for him." She gestured toward Alibaba. "I mean none of you any harm."

"Sahbmad, it was you who leaked information to those thieves, wasn't it?" Ahbmad accused, and the other brother glanced aside.

"Yes."

"I knew it!" The 'king' smirked, looking away in disdain. "Have you lost your mind?"

"It's you who's lost their mind, brother." Sahbmad began gravely. "You plan on signing over the peoples' rights tomorrow at the ceremony."

Alibaba's eyes narrowed and despite the grin still plastered on Kali's face, the young woman bristled, gray eyes steely as she gazed at Ahbmad.

Ahbmad scoffed. "You want to become king in my place, don't you? That's your ulterior motive, isn't it?"

"No. I don't have the plans or the capability to become king." Sahbmad answered quietly, and Ahbmad's face contorted into one of annoyance.

"No plans or capability? You plan on staging a coup and don't have nay means of following through?" Ahbmad jerked Sahbmad forward, and Kali tensed, eyes narrowing. "Try standing up here! What does it feel like to carry the responsibilities of a king?"

Sahbmad turned, eyes widening as he gazed down from the height of the throne to the guards below, and Ahbmad smirked. "These aren't the only ones to answer too—if you take the crown, you will have to answer to the expectations of all the people of Balbadd, and they will hang onto your every word."

"Like you've done any better?" Kali inquired, a look of incredulousness on her features as she stepped forward, lips pulling into a near snarl as Ahbmad jerked, narrowing his eyes at her. "A man—no, a pig willing to sign away the lives of his people couldn't possibly carry any burdens!"

"What does a woman with no country know of the burdens of a king?" Ahbmad snapped back, and Kali bristled, feeling the very statement spark a chord in her.

"You know nothing of our burdens." Camio muttered darkly, and Kali's eyes were like daggers as Ahbmad took a step back.

They carried more than the burden of just one country on their shoulders.

But Sahbmad fell to the floor, the scepter clattering to the ground beside him as he shook, tears pulling in his eyes from the sheer pressure of the very idea, and Ahbmad smirked, leering over him. "See! You can't do it! You're a coward who's afraid of speaking in front of others! You can't do anything!"

"Stop that!" A hand came down on Kali's shoulder and the young woman paused, glancing to the side as Alibaba stepped forward, golden eyes burning as he ascended the steps. "Sahbmad isn't a coward. He risked his life to come to the Fog Troupe's hideout to come talk to me. And he just took control of this situation and saved my life!"

Alibaba's eyes, burning amber seemed to ignite and he stood tall before his brothers. "Sahbmad is definitely not a coward." Placing his hands firmly on his brother's shoulders he added. "He's a brave hero!"

"S-Shut up, both of you fools!" Ahbmad snapped, lunging forward and swiping a sword from a guard. Kali tensed, waiting as he lunged for Alibaba, only to have the sword easily swiped from his hands. Ahbmad's eyes went wide and Alibaba swung, his hand slapping across his brother's cheek and knocking him to the ground.

Kali grinned, inwardly cheering at some form of physical pain finally being brought to the growing annoyance. Ahbmad looked up in disbelief and Alibaba stepped forward. "Ahbmad. It's true that during your reign, the persistent intervention of the Kou Empire prevented you from implementing food policies. But we can no longer accept a king who allows our country to be driven into a dead-end like this!"

Alibaba moved so that he was standing before Ahbmad, and Kali flanked his side, a silent presence as the blonde haired prince gazed down hard. "So use this chance to resign from the throne immediately!"

Ahbmad's eyes went wide, a frantic look suddenly over coming his features. "I-I'm the king—kill him! He's a traitor who's trying to kill the king! Capture him and behead him at once!"

No movements were made, and Kali remained silent as the guards made no effort to follow orders. Ahbmad's eyes widened and his hands hit the floor. "I'm the twenty-third king of Balbadd...Ahb... Ahb... Ahbmad Saluja..."

"What is with all the commotion?"

The familiar voice rang in Kali's ears and the young woman turned, meeting the thoughtful and careful gaze of Kougyoku, Ka Koubun loyally at her side as she kept her hands together beneath her sleeves. Sahbmad stiffened while Alibaba squared his shoulders, and Kali smiled, feeling the confidence and hope radiate from the boy beside her so strongly.

The kind of world we're trying to help create...

"That's his fiancée." Kali confirmed Sahbmad's fears and Alibaba nodded, eyes narrowing as Kougyoku eyed the scene before her carefully.

Magenta eyes landed on Kali's familiar figure, and Kougyoku's eyes widened. The young princess opened her mouth, but closed it upon Kali's silent gesture as she held a finger to her lips, winking at the Kou princess.

Kougyoku nodded subtly, turning her eyes away and facing the brothers before her calmly. "I heard the commotion and came to see what the matter was." Kougyoku explained. "I am the eighth princess of the Kou Empire, Kougyoku Ren. I am King Ahbmad's betrothed."

The very idea sent a sickening shudder down Kali's spine, but Kougyoku remained firm, unaware as to the appearance of her would-be husband, and she smiled. "I apologize, but I do not yet know the face of the king." The young girl glanced this way and that. "Who is the king of Balbadd?"

"I-I am!" Ahbmad cried, and Kougyoku recoiled, a startled look on her face as her eyes darted up towards Kali, and the young woman nodded gravely.

Being the strong woman she was raised to be, Kougyoku calmed herself, retaining a cool façade. "I see."

"About that, princess..." A sickening voice spoke up and Kali scowled, eyes narrowing as the banker smiled, clutching his staff. "We don't know who the king is at the moment." A tense silence followed the annoyingly truthful statement. "We just experienced a coup and Ahbmad's going to abdicate the throne."

A flicker of hope seemed to appear on Kougyoku's face, but the young girl quickly squashed whatever thoughts ran through her mind. Kali smiled, knowing full well that the princess would go through hell and back for her country—her brother, even if it meant making sure orders were followed at all costs.

"I have come to marry the king of Balbadd and sign the treaty our countries agreed upon. My purpose will not change no matter who the king is." Kougyoku's eyes narrowed. "Please select a new king now."

"Following proper order, you would be next in line, deputy king." Barkak began calmly, and Sahbmad glanced aside.

"I would not be fit for the role." The other brother's eyes flickered shut and he shook his head. "I did not stop brother's rule until today. I watched him do it—I'm just as guilty."

"But not as bad." Kali offered quietly, and Sahbmad turned, the other woman offering him a faint smile before she turned her gaze forward.

"But there is someone who has wanted to save this country just as much as I have." Sahbmad declared.

All eyes turned towards the golden head of hair towards the center of the room. Alibaba standing firm as Kougyoku blinked, a curious look on her face. "Will you become the new king?"

"I will not."

A spark of surprise flashed through the crowd, and Kali could only find her fondness for the young man before her grow as she smiled, strangely content to wait and allow Alibaba to take control of the situation at hand for his country as he gazed upwards, firmly and intently at Kougyoku. "I'm not qualified to be king either. I enabled the incident that led to the previous king's death, than abandoned this country. I have been extremely irresponsible."

"Who are you?" Kougyoku inquired carefully and Alibaba straightened.

"I am the third prince, Alibaba Saluja."

"And my apprentice." Kali added, causing Alibaba to blink while Kougyoku recoiled in surprise, glancing between the two rapidly. Of sorts.

The two of them... Kougyoku's eyes narrowed slightly as she straightened, her gaze hard on the blonde haired boy before her. Kali would be willing to teach and help someone like him... who is he then?

"I have a request to ask of you, the representative of the Kou Empire." Kougyoku's faced remained calm.

"And what might that be?"

"I would like you to annul the Treaty of the Transfer of Human Rights that was to be signed tomorrow." Alibaba began firmly. "The treaty was agreed upon by the former king, and no one else wishes for such a treaty to be signed into law."

"It appears that way—but I cannot annual the treaty, as it was decided by both our countries. Tomorrow, I will marry the new king—"

"You will not be able too."

"—and at the same time, carry out the signing ceremony—"

"You cannot do that either."

"What are you saying?" Kougyoku snapped, eyes narrowing as she stepped forward, and Alibaba remained firm.

"You can't do either of those things because there will be no new king of Balbadd."

"What do you mean?" Kougyoku glanced aside, not daring to hope, and Alibaba's eyes shone brightly, a smile on Kali's lips as she stood beside him.

"The kingdom of Balbadd is to immediately cease monarchic rule." Everyone's eyes went wide, and Kali felt Camio let out a hum of surprise himself as Alibaba continued. "All the people want is happiness. Even without a king, they can do that. In my journey across the desert, I have seen countless countries thriving without monarchies. I believe Balbadd should be one of them."

"Are you out of your mind?" Ahbmad exclaimed, struggling against the pole keeping him at bay. "Are you trying to destroy twenty-three generations of Balbadd royalty?"

Kali idly twirled her hand around, skillfully baring Raum down on Ahbmad as the king flinched, paling under the blade as she kept her gaze evenly on Kougyoku. "I've been to countless places all over the world, as you may know, princess—" Kougyoku's eyes flickered. "—and many countries, villages, and even small islands have been able to thrive happily on their own, entrusting the will of the people to the people."

"If a king brings nothing but suffering to the people, get rid of him." Alibaba said firmly. "The people can choose their own representatives, set up a republic, and hold congress. Let's turn Balbadd into a People's Republic, with no more disparity between the classes!"

Alibaba clenched his hand into a fist, turning to face everyone before him. "That is what I came here to accomplish today! And, if the people allow, I want to devote my body and soul to recreating the country of Balbadd!"

The Rukh around the teen went mad, fluttering wildly and spreading this way and that. Kali smiled, her chest swelling in pride and fear at the outrageous, but reasonable declaration. If it worked out—if it could all go smoothly, than she'd want nothing more than to see this country able to rise up from the ashes, Alibaba at the helm to bring it upwards.

"Oh, dear." Kali paused, looking over in surprise as her eyes went wide at the sight of the people before her, all too familiar faces flanking the smirking man before her. "Is that your answer then, Alibaba?"

"Sinbad!"

"Great timing." Kali mused, and Sinbad glanced to her briefly, a thoughtful look on his face before he turned his attention toward a slightly flushed Kougyoku.

"I apologize for interrupting right in the middle of such important matters of the state." Sinbad nodded toward the princess and Kougyoku's blush deepened as he motion toward the people beside him, and Kali recognized the familiar countries with a small smile. "They are the diplomatic directors of thee countries in the alliance that I command."

"Alliance?"

"The Seven Seas Alliance." Barkak looked thoughtful. "The alliance of seven countries founded by Sinbad himself."

"They're here to recommend Prince Alibaba Saluja to be the king of Balbadd." Sinbad smirked. Kali glanced aside, coughing into her hand as she idly turned the other way, realizing that Sinbad may have called them in vain now that Alibaba had made his choice. "I thought that you needed to become king in order to save Balbadd, so I called them over."

A look of amusement seemed to cross Sinbad's features. "But you thought of a completely different method."

"I apologize for going off on my own without saying anything." Alibaba began, but the prince looked upwards in determination, and Kali's smile widened. "But this is my answer."

Sinbad was silent, perhaps faintly surprised if not thoughtful, and Kali nodded. "A fairly reasonable one if you ask me."

"And what did you think to accomplish this time on your own?" Sinbad inquired, and Kali grinned, glancing aside almost nervously as golden eyes bore into the side of her head.

"Offer support of course." Kali rubbed the back of her head. "Morally and physically."

"You should come visit again soon, Lady Kali." The Artemyran beside Sinbad piped up, and Kali flinched. "The queen would love to see you again."

"I'm sure she would." Sinbad and Kali mused, the two of them glancing away as memories of the country surfaced. The Heliophat diplomat beside them snorted.

"Please wait!" Kougyoku stepped forward, brows furrowed. "What do you mean by recreate? And the People's Republic? Have you forgotten? All of Balbadd's rights have been transferred to the Kou Empire as collateral for Balbadd's many loans."

"I am well aware of that." Alibaba admitted. "This country owns nothing. Even if its organization were to change, those rights will not return. Therefore, I would like to pretend that those transfers of rights did not happen!"

Kougyoku blinked, looking startled for a moment before her eyes went wide. "What?"

"The kingdom of Balbadd no longer exists. This country that is being created now is a completely different, new entity. As such, it does not inherit the old treaties established with the Kou Empire. Don't you agree?"

I want it to work. Kali shifted, glancing between Kougyoku and Alibaba. I know Kougyoku will only do her best for her country...But if she can just let it go...

"At any rate, the fact that there is no one for you to marry tomorrow stands. Will you consider bringing my request to annual all former treaties back to the Kou Emperor first before we proceed?" Alibaba swept on, and Kougyoku glanced away.

"'What nonsense.' Is what my father will say when I bring your request back to him." Kougyoku continued, and Kali smirked at Ka Koubun's startled look. Kougyoku doesn't mind not getting married, she doesn't want that.

"I want to be a warrior!"

"Your mission to marry the king cannot be fulfilled. Please return home." Alibaba implored, standing his ground as Kougyoku frowned.

"The Kou Empire's goal was to gain control of this land completely without too much bloodshed. If he is unable too, he may decide to turn to militaristic methods." Kougyoku warned, eyes narrowing.

"Please ask him to dispense with that ambition as well!" Alibaba declared firmly.

Kougyoku's eyes went wide, a look of disbelief flickering across her face before magenta eyes narrowed once more. "You...impudent child!"

"I am not asking him to do so for nothing in return." Alibaba shook his head. "We will return the favor with the profits that we bring in from our maritime trade. Those profits will not be less than what the Kou Empire could gain by taking over now. Balbadd is the most powerful cornerstone of southeastern maritime trade. Will you set fire to this land through war and turn it into barren ground, or will you treat us kindly and reap our profits?"

Alibaba straightened, and Kougyoku's lips pulled downwards as he gazed at her evenly, sternly. "The choice is yours. If the Kou Emperor is truly a wise man, with not only military strength but also political prowess, which one do you think he will choose?"

"It would be a reasonable choice," Kali offered, and Kougyoku quickly glanced to the other woman, her eyes eagerly seeking some sort of explanation or sign as to what she should do. But Kali stood firm, making it clear that she trusted Alibaba, that he was good, as Kougyoku frowned.

"Are you really one to talk?" Ka Koubun snapped suddenly, causing Kali to look to him in faint surprise as he narrowed his eyes. "Do not listen to her, princess! She's the woman who ran out on Lord—"

"I didn't really run out on him."

"She's basically a wanted criminal!" Ka Koubun not-so-quietly whispered, and Kali's eye twitched. With a glare he turned to her and added. "Who are you to know what the emperor would think? Should you even be speaking at such a conference? Lord Kouen will be made aware of your presence here in Balbadd soon enough!"

What? Kali's eyes widened and she froze, a look of horror crossing over her features. "What are you—"

"Princess's brother, our king, was planning to attend the ceremony tomorrow!" Ka Koubun quipped, looking far too triumphant. "He and a fleet are waiting outside the ports to dock soon, and once he gets word that the one he's been—"

"I don't care."

"You'll be—huh?" Ka Koubun blinked, Kali giving the other man a calm, even stare as she shrugged.

"I don't doubt my abilities to get away from him." Sinbad flashed her a curious look, but she simply grinned. "But if you think I'm leaving this country because of him, you must be sorely mistaken."

I'm so scared I think I'm going to hurl. Kali continued to grin as Camio chuckled in the back of her mind. Please don't come, please don't come—oh god, what if he does make it here before we—no, what am I thinking? Of course I can get away. But Alibaba needs help and...

"Fear is a state of mind, my king."

"Enough Ka Koubun," Kougyoku spoke up, and her advisor paused, looking startled. "Kali is a friend to both myself and the empire." Kougyoku glanced upwards, searching Kali's face. "Whatever advice she offers will be heard and considered, as my brother would have done."

"Y-Yes, princess..."

"Thank you, princess." Kali bowed her head slightly and Kougyoku nodded calmly, glancing away before returning her stare with the faintest smile in her eyes before she calmed herself. Kali smiled and straightened. "From what I believed, Lord Kouen himself would not be so foolish of a man to declare war on such a key cornerstone to the Empire's advance. He would understand that the wiser choice would be to allow the people to choose freely than to enslave them forcibly."

"I won't listen to your flawed logic." Kougyoku began finally, gazing at Alibaba than meeting Kali's gaze. "And though that is true, we still have orders to acquire Balbadd one way or another."

"...I don't think His Majesty of the Kou Empire will turn to military conquest." Sinbad commented suddenly, causing Kougyoku to freeze as the girl glanced over to the king, a thoughtful look on his face as he smiled. "Because the Republic of Balbadd will be joining the Seven Seas Alliance."

Kali's eyes widened and Kougyoku stiffed. I didn't think he'd pull out something like that...

"It helps to have friends in high places, I suppose."

"We do not invade, nor do we allow others to invade us. That is our creed." Sinbad offered a hand and Kougyoku's face remained calm, save for the glimmer in her eyes as she gazed at Sinbad. "I believe His Majesty respects our Alliance and our beliefs."

"That is true." Kougyoku confirmed, but with narrowed eyes she added. "But will you really include Balbadd in the powerful Seven Seas Alliance? I don't know if I can believe that."

"It's true!" Alibaba quickly swept in. "It's an agreement that has been in the works for some time now. Balbadd has had very close relations with Sindria since the time of the king two generations ago."

"Is that true, Ka Koubun?"

"That is true, but that has nothing to do with the current situation!"

Kougyoku let out a quiet sigh, looking thoughtful. "It seems like it would be better to leave this matter to His Majesty."

Kali's eyes brightened and Ka Koubun's widened as Kougyoku turned. "I have a condition for my withdrawal from here. It is on the matter of Balbadd joining the Seven Seas Alliance. If it really is the truth, I ask that come to the Kou Empire and prove it, King Sinbad."

"I most certainly will." Sinbad promised, and Kali glanced to him out of the corner of her eye, gazing at him curiously while Kougyoku's face flushed and she turned.

"Then that is all."

With an elegant sweep, Kougyoku turned on her heel, stalking out of the room. Magenta met gray for the briefest moment, and Kali offered the other girl the warmest smile she could muster, Kougyoku returning it for a fleeting second before she disappeared, the relief evident in her eyes.

There was a moment of silence, calm, silent as the tension dispersed, and one of the soldiers stepped forward. "...we're safe?"

A cry of cheers went up into the air and Kali blinked, wondering if something akin to a miracle had just transpired as Alibaba beside her slumped, a look of absolute relief on his face. Sahbmad quickly rushed to his brother, a wide smile on his lips. "Alibaba! You did it!"

Kali let a grin fall onto her lips as she stepped forward, clapping Alibaba on the shoulder as he jerked forward in surprise. "What did I tell you, hmm?"

"Thank you, Kali." Alibaba quickly turned, a surprisingly earnest look in his eyes as Kali blinked. "If you hadn't... Thank you for being here—"

"I just scared him." Kali nodded toward Ahbmad, gazing bitterly at the floor, and offered Alibaba a warm smile. "You did everything here today. I was mostly a spectator."

"But it's not over yet, is it, my king?"

We could have only hoped. Kali's eyes narrowed as Alibaba's eyes brightened and he turned, speaking to Sinbad and Sahbmad about what was to come next.

And she could only feel the oncoming dread as the Rukh around her went mad, white warm and blinding, despite the darker tones welling up outside the palace walls.

A storm was coming.


"The Republic of Balbadd!"

A cry went up into the air, loud, ferocious, filled with the hopes and aspirations of all the people down below. Kali's lips threatened to turn upwards as Alibaba face the cheering crowd, a look of pride on his face as he stood before the people—his people, as they rejoiced, prepared to march forward in time to make their lives better.

Kali glanced aside, eyes narrowing for the briefest moments until she caught sight of Sinbad gazing at Alibaba in slight wonder, and she grinned, skipping over and flashing the king a smirk. "What did I say?"

"He may just be able to be something amazing one day." Sinbad admitted, and Kali grinned, eyes brightening as she stood beside him.

"Maybe not like you," Kali admitted herself, but her eyes were bright despite the worry clouding her mind, and she wanted to relish this small moment of victory for as long as she could. "But something amazing in his own way."

"You think I'm amazing?"

"Don't push it."

Sinbad smirked, crossing his arms over his chest and he glanced downwards to the woman beside him and paused, taking in the undeniable warmth in her eyes as she gazed at the scene before her. Alibaba smiling breathlessly, amber eyes glimmering, the people cheering, and he was suddenly struck with a memory forever etched into his mind as he remembered standing, tall, towering, before the hundreds of people before him as he opened his arms and declared their island to be a country—when he founded Sindria.

And he remembered Kali by his side as well, and he wondered if she'd held the same expression as she did now when she'd stood, not beside him, but not behind, simply there, always there.

I want moments like these. Kali's hands curled into fists at her sides. I want to protect moments like these—I want people to be able to see moments like these when they cast aside the shackles they thought they had and move forward.

"And we will do everything in our power to see them through." Camio promised, and Kali glanced downwards, a thoughtful expression on her face. "To ensure moments like these."

"He'll be fine." Sinbad began suddenly, and Kali blinked, glancing upwards as Sinbad smirked. "Especially with our alliance backing him up, things should go along fine, save for a few problems here and there."

Kali simply hummed, not trusting her words to deliver the right message as she turned, facing outwards to the city. "I hope so."

There was a spark, a flicker of light in the corner of her eye, and Kali turned, brows furrowed until her eyes went wide at the massive gathering of white Rukh before her, centered around the area where...

Aladdin? Kali's brows furrowed and she stepped forward, watching the massive swarm of Rukh flutter this way and that. Is he alright—"My king." Kali froze, turning to follow Camio's voice as she felt her eyes narrow and her body tense at the mass of black beginning to shadow over the entire area, following one sole group of people making their way through the crowd.

"He will be fine." Camio assured, and Kali waited one moment before nodding, turning to face the storm that was about to finally break before them. "We must focus my king, if we wish to ensure that this country will survive."

It will. Kali's eyes shone amidst the darkening skies, gray clouds shielding the previous light that had been streaming down on them before. I'll make sure of it.

"Kassim's here."

Alibaba's attention turned upwards and he paused, eyes narrowing as he breathed, clearly having expected this confrontation himself as his hands curled into tight fists. Kali followed his gaze and felt a small ache in her heart, at the sight of familiar faces, sunken in eyes and hollowed out expressions as they faced the crowd before them gravely, the dark Rukh fluttering around them.

"There's no more king," Camio began. "So there should be no need to fight."

But when you're this close to falling, you'll drag whatever you can down with you. Kali's eyes remained carefully blank as Kassim seemed to take in the sight of all the people cheering around him, meeting Alibaba's firm, intent gaze, and his lips suddenly pulled upwards.

"I heard that Balbadd's become a republic now!" Kassim began, waving his sword about with ease as he looked to the people, and Kali's eyes lingered on the weapon. "That what was once the king's country is now to be given equally to its people."

Alibaba's eyes brightened, hopeful, and Kali glanced to the side, unable to deny what she could already see by the pitch black Rukh fluttering about them.

"That's a load of crap!" Kassim's eyes narrowed and he scowled, turning to the people and to Alibaba. "You said this country will be given to us, but isn't this entire country built upon our sweat and blood? Wasn't it ours to begin with? Who destroyed this country through incompetent policies? Who made us put up with terrible government?"

"A last ditch effort in hopes of forcing the people to fight." Camio sounded disappointed, if not slightly disgusted, and Kali shook her head, her heart twisting at a scene she'd seen play out over and over again in her head and before her eyes, such attempts and such cries for blood leading to nothing but the same ending over and over.

War.

"Those heavy taxes, those days when starvation took our parents, our siblings." Kassim's golden eyes flashed and he stepped forward, raising his voice. "The dead won't ever come back!"

Kali's fingers reached outwards, gently brushing against Sinbad's hand and the king turned, his narrowed expression changing as he turned to face her curiously, and his eyes widened as Kali gazed at him with a small smile, eyes solemn. "Be ready."

"Do you think that by erasing the monarchy, the pains will be erased? Of course not! The monarchy is still an enemy we must defeat!" Kassim spat, stepping forward as a thick fog began to cover the ground, the pink hue beginning to cover the entire area and Kali shut her eyes, knowing there was only one shot she had to stop this before it could even start.

We've seen this happen so many times, attempted so many different ways to stop it. Kali felt her body grew light and she stepped away, flickering out and reappearing suddenly before Kassim as his golden eyes widened in surprise before narrowing.

"But there's one more thing we have yet to try in situations like these."

"Free." Kassim's eyes narrowed before he blinked, a bemused expression covering his features as he eyed her dully. "No, that's not your name now, is it?"

"It's Kali." She offered quietly, facing him calmly as the people around her began to stir, and she battered off the negative feelings and darkening shadows with a practiced ease, her gaze meeting his dead on. "Hello, Kassim."

"Are you going to give me the speech you've been giving Alibaba now?" Kassim mused, and Kali's expression remained blank as he smirked. "All those ideas, building him up—that's a little cruel, don't you think? When you know that he's going to fail—"

"He won't fail." Kali cut in simply, gray eyes like steel as Kassim blinked, his own expression narrowing. "But you will, Kassim."

"Ho?" Kassim arched a brow, golden irises darkening as Kali shook her head. "Even you think he's better too, don't you? That he's the one that's going to save us all and—"

"Not better, different." Kali's eyes let up and she allowed them to soften, her intent clear as Kassim paused and she shook her head once. "You don't have to be like Alibaba, and you don't have to do this."

"What would you know?" Kassim muttered darkly. "You don't even belong to this country—you don't belong to any country."

"I know more than you could ever imagine." Kali mused, her eyes flashing for a moment before she gazed at him evenly. "I've seen wars and battles that lead to nothing but despair, and this will be one of them." Her eyes flickered. "Unless you stop here and now."

"Then everything suddenly going to be okay?" Kassim inquired, snorting as he shook his head, golden eyes flashing dangerously as Kali continued to stare evenly, holding her ground. "Things will never be okay here, not while they're alive and well while we all suffer!"

The crowd of people around us began to cry out, eyes tinting red from the fog and the delusions fed to them through Kassim's words. Kali's eyes darkened and Kassim smirked, a hungry, fierce look covering his features. "What good can be done simple words alone? We have to take action! Revenge for the dead who can never be brought back—"

"Then what's the point?" Kali stepped forward, vines spreading around and winding down her arms as her gaze softened and she gazed at Kassim. "If they're already dead, what good will revenge do but simply raise the death toll?"

"Closure!" Kassim spat. "Give them what they deserve!"

"Isn't that happiness?"

"You think that what he—" Kassim jerked his sword upwards to Alibaba, who gazed down at them fiercely, fingers clutching the wall before him. "Can give them is any better?"

"Yes." Kali answered calmly. Kassim's eyes widened for a moment and Kali stepped closer. "Alibaba wants to give them the right to choose, you—" She swung her arm outwards, a fresh wave of wind following the movement and pushing back against the growing fog as the people pushed forward, eyes stained red. "You're giving them no choice!"

"This is what they want!"

"This is what you want." Kali snapped back, and Kassim growled, his sword glinting in the dim lighting as Kali stepped forward once more, gray eyes burning. "Causing more death and pain won't bring anyone back, it won't help anyone—it'll only bring more people down into the depths of despair—"

"What's wrong with that?" Kassim murmured, and Kali's eyes widened, her hands falling to her sides as the teen before her glanced aside. "Everyone is equal under fate, isn't that right?"

Then I'll curse this fate with my own two hands.

"You're going to die." Kali said finally, causing Kassim to pause as his brows furrowed and he turned to look at her, only to find no words leaving his lips as he was caught in the stony, brutal truth of her gaze. "If you use what he gave you and march onwards, you will die."

"No matter what we do, there is no guarantee." Camio murmured. "He must stop of his own accord."

Kassim was silent and Kali shook her head, and the clouds above them gathered together, swelling up in anger at the rising storm below, and Kassim swallowed, meeting Kali's gaze evenly as something flickered through those golden irises, causing her to freeze.

"If I have no choice but to follow my fate, I'm already dead."

"Kassim—"

"Kill them all!" Kassim cried, surging forward and bringing his sword down in a wide arch, golden eyes flashing darkly as Kali turned her head and ground her teeth, disappearing and reappearing above the balcony where she fell to her knees.

It didn't work. Kali slammed her fist against the ground, ignoring the searing pain that followed the action as she raised her hand once more in frustration. It did nothing.

"It was not your fault, my king." Soft vines spread over the ground as Kali slammed her fist down once more, cushioning the blow. "It was never your fault."

A firm hand came down on hers and Kali paused, Sinbad's hand largely engulfing her own as he gently slid his fingers through hers, prying them apart and clutching them tightly. Kali glanced away for a moment, her gaze dark before she inhaled and turned, returning the gesture as she stood, meeting his warm gaze. "I'm fine."

"Some are beyond reason." Sinbad murmured silently, a truth the two of them knew all to well as Kali glanced down, grinding her teeth in frustration as her grip on his hand tightened.

There was a sharp gust and Morgiana appeared, a worried look on her face as she panted. "Riots are breaking out all over the palace!"

"Damn it!" Sinbad cursed, glancing down toward the growing masses as Kali's gaze darkened. "What's going on?"

"They think that they can change everything by turning their backs against it all." Kali let her fingers slip through Sinbad's and she ran her hand along the railing of the balcony, feeling the earth hum deep beneath the ground as the mass of black Rukh took toward to the sky. "Kassim's starting a war."

"Deputy king!" Barkak turned toward Sahbmad, causing the prince to step back in alarm. "Order the troops to go on the offensive! They may be our citizens, but this is an all-out war. Please give your orders!"

"What should we do, Alibaba?" Sahbmad began, and Alibaba turned, clenching his hand at his side.

"Half of the military will head towards the main gates. See if they can stop the rebels from entering. The rest of the army is to try and gain control over the rebels that have already broken through." Alibaba turned to face everyone gathered before him, golden eyes glimmering. "My brothers and those injured should take refuge in the inner sanctuary. Kali—" Gray eyes glanced upwards. "Please do what you can to keep the rebels at bay and away from hurting anyone else if possible. As the former leader of the rebel forces, I will take control."

Alibaba's eyes hardened and he ran forward, clutching his sword at his side as the pentagram glowed. "I will stop Kassim."

At that Kali raised her hands upwards, shutting her eyes for a brief moment until the ground broke beneath her and roots soared upwards, winding around and shooting outwards as they knocked people down and pulled weapons away, grabbing soldiers and moving them aside.

If I can only do this fine. Kali ground her teeth and let out a growl, bringing her arms forward as she swung the roots around and reached outwards, binding people here and knocking others out so they would cause no more harm. I get it. It has to be done.

"But that does not mean we can't lessen the casualties."

A wall of flames appeared before her as Alibaba lunged; baring his sword down on Kassim and his troops as they clashed, fog trailing upwards and becoming lost in the bright array of flames. Kali glanced to the head of golden hair and turned one hand downwards, forcing vines to shoot across the ground and curl over wounded bodies, pouring a gentle white glow into them.

A firm hand landed on her shoulder and she paused, a surge of magoi running through her as Sinbad leaned over her, golden eyes meeting gray and she almost smirked, the corner of her lip tugging upwards as she swung her arms around at the sudden surge of energy. "Is that all you can do right now?"

"A little goes a long way." Sinbad quipped, and Kali nearly stumbled at the sudden surge of energy that filled her, back arching in surprise as she coped with the large amount of magoi pouring from Sinbad and into her as he smirked. "Magoi manipulation has its perks, doesn't it?"

Several blades flung upwards into the air and clattered to the ground. Kali paused, glancing to the fallen weapons and then to Alibaba and Kassim as the blonde held his sword to his friend's neck, Djinn equipping the weapon up to his arm. "Stop, Kassim."

"I won't back down Alibaba." Kassim rose upwards, pressing his neck against the blade and Kali's eyes went wide. "I'd rather die here than give up. Fight me—fight me."

"Damn you, Kassim!" Alibaba began, stepping back with the sword as his friend pushed onwards, the skin of his neck burning against the blade as Kassim's golden eyes shone in the fire light.

"Fight to the death, Alibaba!"

"Please strike, Alibaba-sama!" Barkak exclaimed, and Kali frowned, clenching her fists and swinging unconscious bodies over to the side and out of the way as people surged forward, swinging spears and swords their way. "One strike and all will end!"

How can he do something like that? Kali grit her teeth and brought her hands upwards. "Do what you have to do, Alibaba!"

Alibaba's eyes went wide and the blonde cursed, pulling his sword back as a look of fury over came his features. "Damn it!"

Amon's sword made a wide arched before dispersing, never even touching Kassim's as the other teen's eyes went wide and Alibaba fell to the ground, trembling as he slammed his fist against the stone floor. "As if I could do that, you idiot!"

Kassim paused, turning to look at Alibaba in disbelief as the blonde prince turned, golden eyes pleading as tears pricked the side of his face. "Stop this now, Kassim! If you withdraw your troops, the revolt will stop! If that happens, there'll still be a chance for you too! So please!"

Kassim blinked, gazing down at his comrade, his friend—his brother, for the briefest moment before he smiled, shaking his head and stalking past. "You're too soft, Alibaba." Kassim laid a hand down on Alibaba's shoulder and his eyes dropped. "I'm nowhere near as naïve as you are."

Alibaba's eyes went wide and Kassim stood, taking a step away from his friend. "See ya."

The guards at the door stood, baring spears down and blocking off all exits. Kassim paused, glancing toward his troops, caught and pinned down, and then smiling as he raised his sword upwards, the broken tip glinting dully against the clouds as he blinked. "Fate, huh?"

Kali's eyes went wide and her mouth fell open in a wordless cry as she lunged, vines surging upwards in an attempt to stop the process about to unfold, but before she could even grasp the teen before her, Kassim slammed his hand inwards, blood splattering across the floors as he impaled himself with what was left of the blade. A splatter of the hot liquid slammed against her cheek and beside her Alibaba's eyes widened in horror as Kassim stumbled backwards.

"Take a good look, people of the slums!" A trail of blood fell down his chin and Kassim smirked, stumbling uncertainly on his feet before he righted himself. "Military, nobles, and royalty too! I'll show you proof that anyone can be container for power."

"It has begun."

"Come to me now!" Kassim declared, and a pulse of energy swung outwards from the sword, nearly knocking Kali aside as she stepped back, and the fallen blades around her began to rise upwards, pointing towards Kassim.

And there was a brief pause, a moment of silence, and Kali heard her heart beat in her chest as she held her breath, and Camio went silent.

"It has begun."

The broken pieces surged forward, impaling Kassim with a sickening collision as the pieces began to dissolve into his skin, distorting the area of his arms and his back as Kassim let out a groan, curling in on himself. Kali's eyes went wide and something akin to wings began to form on Kassim's back, forcing the muscles of his arms to bulge outwards as his fingers curled into the claws, the color of his skin taking on a sheen of black armor.

"It can't be." Sinbad muttered, and Kali's eyes darkened.

A sudden roar shattered the air around them and people stepped back, looks of fear covering their faces as black Rukh swarmed the area before them, mockingly and ever so fondly brushing against Kali as what was once Kassim staggered, the ferocious beast taking one step forward.

And the storm before them broke.


Next chapter finally concludes the Balbadd arc! :D At first when I was looking back at the chapters already written, I was really surprised it took so long until I realized some of those chapters were for the Kou Arc, haha. And while I feel that Kali played more of a spectator role this chapter, she'll be much more involved next chapter once all the fighting begins. :)

And to be honest, I wasn't quite sure at first if I wanted to intervene with Kassim's death, but then I felt that it was a really big part of Alibaba's life and character growth, so I decided to keep it. But the reason why Kali couldn't do much more will be revealed later on. ;)

I'm loving all the speculations though. Some of you hit pretty close to the truth while others ideas are a little further off, but still heading on the right track. Of course, I don't plan on revealing much more about the past for Kali until later, but you'll all get some insight on a different part of her very soon!

I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED THE CHAPTER! THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR READING! :D

Marshmellow-

-OUT!