I do not own Magi.


Enigma

Chapter Eighteen:

The Adventure and the Tragedy


"They're here!"

"Everyone to your stations! Draw your swords; we will not let them advance!"

"Send the main forces to the black djinns arriving toward the west; we'll hold them off to the east!"

"Evacuate the people underground! Now!"

"War."

Fire erupted along the earth, scorching great plains and sending plumes of smoke upwards into the sky. Furious roars broke the earth as man and monster collided, the world alight by the burning embers flecking the mottled sky. Water crashed down onto buildings, slamming hard into monuments and towering statues as furious cries were screamed into the air as people fought, struggling to survive, struggling to prevail—to live.

Thick storms split the sky as tornadoes touched ground and tempests were scattered along the earth and air. It was as if the world itself were at war as nature pitted against nature, sword against sword, wand against wand.

The chaotic noises churned around her, sounding through her ears like screams as she rose up from the ground and drifted toward the center of the chaos, a routine, a trance.

How many times had she seen this before?

She breathed, smoke burning her lungs and flares of heat slamming into her. The scent of blood slammed into her senses, the coppery smell making her lips curl downwards as she ground her teeth and strode onwards, refusing to relent.

"We need medics, now!"

"Leave him, he's gone!"

"Kill them! Kill them all!"

A few eyes strayed to her moving figure, some looking upwards in hope; eyes growing bright as they grabbed their weapons and once more rallied to fight a battle she knew was going to end. She did not spare a glance to the people around her, to the bodies littering the floor and the charred, broken remains of faces she knew, faces she loved.

Lightning split the earth and crashed with a furious roar. Flames scattered across the sky as figures danced and clashed, the air curling tighter and tighter as chaos reigned.

She could no longer see the light of the fluttering wings around her. The brush of feathers touched her skin, dark, shadowy, as if coaxing her to understand the ultimate ending to this tragic scene before her.

She all ready knew how it would end.

"Why don't you stop?" A voice whispered, sickly sweet. "You know how it all ends, don't you? You know, yet why do you try?"

She stood, turning her head skywards as ash and blood smeared her cheeks, scars and scrapes curling around her.

"Because," she began softly, eyes flickering almost dully as the world fell to pieces around her.

"I have to try."


"I'm telling you, I keep trying, but I just can't do it."

Kali's stern words broke out into uncontrollable laughter as Aladdin pursed his lips once more, setting his hands on his small hips and using his arms to push at his nonexistent chest. Sharrkan spat out the wine in his mouth, clutching at his stomach as he toppled backwards and Alibaba broke out into a fit of laughter.

"Why don't you just try, Kali-nee?" Aladdin began, his voice octaves higher as tears sprung in Kali's eyes and she shook her head, waving her hand in front of her face as Aladdin pouted. "You could be anyone you want to be!"

"Stop! Aladdin, stop!" Alibaba begged, clutching his stomach as the performance of how the group conquered the dungeon went alongside them, a ridiculously ripped Aladdin flexing his muscles as a dorkier version of Alibaba pranced about on stage. "This is too much!"

"If you want to see her have some fun you should see her drunk!" Sharrkan exclaimed excitedly, throwing an arm around Kali's shoulders as the young woman paled. "There was one time—"

"And that stays one time," Kali corrected, shoving the swordsman's head aside as she rolled her eyes, playful mirth shining through as Sharrkan pouted. "I'm not much of a drinker."

"Eh? Kali can't hold her liquor?" Alibaba inquired, tipping his head upwards somewhat proudly as he took a sip of his glass. "That's nothing to worry about."

"Then you should shut up and drink!" Sharrkan shoved a bottle between Alibaba's lips, his eyes growing wide as he spluttered and Sharrkan cackled above him.

The paper lanterns glowed brightly around them, the emblem of Sindria glistening against the darkening night sky. Torches burned around them, laughter and music littering the air and carrying all across the country as people threw their glasses upwards in cheers and victorious cries for their country had prevailed and all was well. Kali's eyes warmed, drinking in the rare sight of such victorious joy as she settled back.

"You should enjoy yourself," Camio offered quietly. "At times like these it will not ruin you to relax once in awhile."

We always think that but we know in reality we've always got to be careful. Kali thought back quietly, Camio growing quiet in her mind as she glanced to the side, the darkening sky glistening with stars above them. The moment I enjoy this moment as it is and try to take it for granted, it feels like everything will fall apart.

"You're afraid," Camio clarified, his voice a soft murmur as Kali shut her eyes.

Terrified. Her fingers gripped the loose fabric of her shorts, smile turning upwards on her face as she took in the colorful scene around her. I'm afraid to lose it all.

"We won't."

We won't. Kali agreed.

"You're awfully quiet, Morgiana," Kali observed, glancing to the side as the Fanalis beside her looked up in slight surprise.

"I was thinking," Morgiana admitted, her eyes following Alibaba's shaking shoulders and Aladdin's beaming face as he mimicked the man on stage with poor comparison. "My chest feels like it's going to burst. I can't help but be grateful for everything..." Her eyes lowered to the chains wrapped around her wrist and Kali gazed at them quietly. "Especially since we're all here now...alive..."

"You have no one else to thank but yourselves," Kali reminded her. A household member, huh? With Alibaba it should be fine... Morgiana's a good person. "You're the ones who pulled through and made it out of the dungeon—you did more than anyone could imagine."

"No, I wish I could have done more," Morgiana shook her head, eyes burning brightly as she gazed forward, a young soul no longer bound by the chains she had been shackled with. Kali watched the Rukh flutter brightly around her as Morgiana's lips turned upwards into the barest of smiles, eyes shining. "I want to get stronger."

"I will carry those I love upon my back and support them with my strength—I will never give up."

"You will," Kali said quietly. "You'll become someone that everyone looks up to, with burning wings and a strength that surpasses that of any Fanalis."

Morgiana turned to her in surprise, eyes wide with the sudden praise and Kali blinked, laughing to herself as she idly scratched at her cheek and grin. "Well, I think so at least."

"Because it has already been done," Camio murmured softly.

"Kali... you are a strange person," Morgiana said finally. Kali looked to the girl beside her in surprise, but the words that left Morgiana's lips meant no ill intent, a strange look of curiosity in her gaze as she watched the woman seated beside her. "You always smell like the earth, like rain and grass and..." Fire.

You have power. Morgiana looked wonderingly onwards as Kali simply smiled, rubbing the back of her head and laughing as she admitted it must be because Camio's a life djinn—her eyes brightened and she began to rattle on about how she heard Hakuryuu had conquered a life djinn as well. Enough to become someone everyone could fear or enough to protect everyone you love.

So why do you always look so sad?

"You know, maybe one of these days you should go traveling with me, Morgiana," Kali began offhandedly, a bright smile on her lips as she turned toward the red haired girl. "You must see Reim—I met of group of people there called the Fanalis Corps—I'll think you'll get along with them."

"The Fanalis Corps?" Morgiana looked up in awe and Kali nodded.

"And entire elite army made up of Fanalis," she recalled warm eyes and a charming smile, the bustling city dulled with the clank of chains and tumbling golden locks down slender shoulders. "They're...a nice bunch."

"That's amazing," Morgiana began, looking in awe of the very idea as she seemed to grow more determined. "If I could be something like that for Alibaba and Aladdin..."

"Aladdin," Kali caught onto the familiar voice as she half turned, eyes landing on cascading purple locks and a warm smile as Aladdin glanced down to where Sinbad stood below him. "Could we talk for a minute?"

"About what?" Aladdin looked curious and Kali paused, a glass to her lips.

Sinbad's lips turned upwards. "About the other magis beside you."

Aladdin paused, gazing fully down at him as Sinbad gazed back. Golden eyes turned her way and Sinbad even offered a hand, his eyes twinkling. "You can listen in if you'd like, Kali."

"I do my best to reserve my thoughts for your own biases," Camio began quietly. "But even I know not what this man wants."

Kali's hand slid into his and she took a step forward, Aladdin stepping down beside her as Sinbad turned.

I'd like to think I still know too.


"You know the first very well," Sinbad started. "Judal, the magi of the Kou Empire. He has deep ties to Al Thamen, and as such, he is a magi to be wary of."

"But not feared," Kali added. Sinbad threw her a sideways glance and she brought a grape to her lips, slipping it through as a small smile touched Aladdin's lips.

"The second one is... The Wandering magi, Yunan. The one who caused the first dungeon to appear fifteen years ago."

"The first one?" Aladdin inquired and Sinbad nodded.

"Yes. His intentions and motives are unclear. He's simply an enigma." Sinbad sighed, eyes flickering as he recalled memories from all those years ago and Kali remained silent, popping grapes into her mouth at the mention of the familiar face when Sinbad added. "If you want to know more about him though, Kali would be the best person to ask."

"I would?" Kali inquired, looking up in confusion while Camio chuckled in the back of her mind and Aladdin looked up curiously.

"We did spend an awful amount of time with him, I fear even his tendencies have rubbed off on you."

That's no good. "I'll do my best," Kali offered with a sigh, swinging her legs back and forth. "But if you really want to know anything, Sinbad over here knows more than you'd think."

Sinbad hummed, neither denying nor confirming her words and Kali rolled her eyes as Sinbad allowed a small smile to touch his lips. "Right now though, the one most shrouded in mystery is the Reim Empire's magi, Scheherazade. She's a legendary magi who's said to have supported the empire for the last two hundred years."

"Two hundred years?" Aladdin exclaimed, a look of clear disbelief on the boy's features as Sinbad smiled.

But she doesn't look a day over it. Kali idly recalled running from shouting soldiers and a baffled Muu while Scheherazade frowned at her. Now that I think about it, it's been ages since we went back to Reim. After Sin and gaining Asmodeé there...

"I know it may seem hard to believe, but there's no question that Reim's current prosperity is due to her power." Aladdin looked thoughtful and Kali glanced to the side, a thoughtful expression coloring her features as well. "So Aladdin, will you go to Reim for me?" Kali looked up sharply. "As the magi of Sindria?"

"I see."

Sin...

The air was filled with happy cheers and joyful laughter. Sinbad gazed forward, eyes focused solely on the young magi before him while Aladdin gazed upwards in slight surprise. Kali's back was turned toward the two, her gaze forward as Sinbad's words hung in the air and her brows furrowed ever so slightly, fingers playing with the sash tied securely around her waist.

"Uncle Sinbad... I'm not the magi of this country yet, you know."

The air flickered, brush of wings flew past her cheek and Sinbad laughed, shaking his head. "You're right about that. Give this conversation some thought after the festival," Sinbad stood, offering Aladdin a bright grin. "Just enjoy yourself as much as possible tonight."

Golden eyes met gray and Sinbad offered her the briefest of smiles, the faintest twinkle in his eyes before he turned and continued on his way. Kali's brows furrowed ever so slightly as she gazed after the man she'd known for longer than she'd care to admit, the familiar slope of his broad shoulders etched into her mind from that of a young boy charging head first into the world.

"Aladdin, what do you think of Sinbad?"

Aladdin glanced upwards, gazing at her thoughtfully as Kali continued to gaze forward into the night sky above her, her face hidden from view.

"I think he's a great man," Aladdin admitted. "There's a lot to thank him for and I really like everyone here—they've all done so much for us. He's strong, and he's a very good king."

"But?"

"But I feel that Uncle Sinbad is the kind of man who shines so brightly, I feel that if I'm not careful, I would get sucked up in his own flow." Aladdin answered simply. "And with the way I am right now, I am not in the place to settle down with any country yet."

Kali smiled, "I know what you mean."

"Kali-nee, what do you think of Uncle Sinbad?"

Kali paused, looking back in surprise as Aladdin gazed at her curiously. The light of the lanterns around them bathed everything in a warm, orange glow, and Aladdin's bright blue eyes gazed openly back at her. I feel like I can see the world in his eyes.

"There are a lot of things I think about him," Kali admitted, turning fully and situating herself properly on the seat to face Aladdin as she reached forward and held a grape between her fingertips, eyeing the small fruit thoughtfully. "I've known him for a very long time, far before he was ever a king or the Conqueror of the Seven Seas, back when he was just a fisherman's son trying to change the world."

Aladdin watched her in silence, taking in her words thoughtfully and Kali's smile turned upwards ever so slightly. "I think he's an idiot, but far cleverer than people give him credit for. He's greedy but gracious. He's warm, but if you get to close you'll be burned.

He's a man who takes pleasure in life and has his eyes set on a future that you can't help but wish to see for yourself. In all honesty, I have always considered him to be someone dangerous for the same reason you're not leaping at the chance to be his magi. When I look at whom he was before and the man he is now... Even I wonder."

"But...?" Aladdin inquired softly and Kali's eyes softened.

"But," Kali began quietly. "Sinbad is the kind of man I could never turn my back on."

She would never forget those burning eyes as that boy reached down from the top of the gaping hole and stretched his hand out to her without knowing a single thing about her. She would never forget the memories and the laughter shared, the world that he had pulled her head first into before she could stop herself. When she feared she was lost and didn't know if she could be found he and Yunan had been the only things reminding her of the world she existed in, here and now.

But she could never forget the expression on his face as he gazed outwards onto the world, bathed in moonlight, and she could only step back and wonder as to the world this fearful, great man had in mind.

"Do you mean that you don't trust him?" Aladdin wondered, and Kali looked up in surprise.

"Well, I suppose that's a thought," Kali's lips turned upwards and she tipped her head to the side. "But let's just say that even if the whole world were to be against him..."

Kali's hand slid over her chest, gripping the cloth just above her heart. "I don't know who I would point my sword at."

Her eyes turned upwards, expecting a look of understanding or something akin to wariness on Aladdin's face. But Kali was surprised to find the magi gazing at her with an expression that bordered sadness, a soft look in those baby blues that seemed achingly familiar as Aladdin reached forward, his small fingers curling over her hand as he offered her a warm smile.

"Kali-nee, I don't think you could ever be a bad person," Aladdin said quietly. "That I'm sure of."

Kali's lips parted, words waiting to slip through when Aladdin turned his head upwards. "To be honest, I feel really at ease when I'm with you. Sometimes I feel a bit left out when I think about everything, but when I'm beside everyone it feels all right."

"Funny," Kali's lips curled upwards. "I feel pretty easy around you too, Aladdin."

After all...

Aladdin's eyes softened and Kali understood what was going on through his mind as he spoke up, "I...I don't know what you know, Kali. From what I have seen I feel that the parts of you I know are parts you don't know. And if you want..."

"I think there will be a time when I'll learn," Kali began quietly. Camio's presence warmed in the back of her mind, questions she could only ever fathom asking him and knowing he would answer in kind swimming through, but she kept them at bay. Now is not the time to be worrying about my own questions when there are other things I need to do. "For now... Ignorance is bliss, I suppose."

"What do you plan to do?" Aladdin inquired, eyes swimming with curiosity as he gazed up at the woman before him. "With all you've done and the power you've gained... Kali-nee is someone who could affect more than you think."

"I'll keep doing what I've been trying to do," Kali glanced upwards, the sky swimming with stars and her heart feeling strangely light as she sat here, speaking with Aladdin. "I don't know if it's the right thing, but I'll keep doing it for now."

"And we will follow you, my king." Camio began softly.

"What about you, Aladdin? There's still a lot for you to see, and there's tons of things you could do." Kali smiled. "You could even stay here if you wanted."

"I'm not sure yet," Aladdin admitted. "But I have a feeling I'll find out soon enough. If you have time, Kali-nee, you should visit a friend of mine."

The one they brought back from the dungeon. "Another poor soul lost to their cause." Camio murmured and Kali hummed.

"After I take care of a few things, I think I will."

We don't belong in this world, do we?

"But it doesn't mean you cannot exist."


"Is there something you'd like to say about my devious ways as well?"

Kali allowed a smile on her lips as the crescent moon above them illuminated the entire garden in silver light. The arches of the marble hallways from the grand palace casted shadows over the two of them, the light of the moon sheathing the other have in light as a girl who didn't belong gazed at the man with the power to change the world.

"I don't need to repeat what Ja'far's told you," Kali answered quietly and Sinbad turned his head slightly, a small smile on his lips.

"I thought you told me eavesdropping was an unsightly habit."

"I never said I wasn't a hypocrite."

The garden was teeming with life, the fountain only moments before he had brushed past with Kougyoku's fingers slipped through his glistening with moonlight. The flowers around them seemed to crane their necks against their stems, blossoms opening up in response to the gentle light humming from the metal leaf against her chest as Camio's powers resonated with the life around her. Sinbad's eyes never left hers and Kali found herself silent as she gazed into those golden irises. It's a lot harder than we think, Aladdin, to not get swept up in the world that surrounds this man.

"Though I may hate to admit it at times, you will always be someone important to me, Sin," Kali began finally, and Sinbad glanced upwards, eyes flickering. "No matter what you do."

There was a flare of magoi, a brush of heat, and Sinbad remained calm as Kali gazed at him, eyes burning.

"Don't hurt them."

Silence, and then...

"Kali, do you remember what you said to me the day I thought everything fell apart?"

Kali said no words. Her footsteps brought her closer and until she stood before him, merely an arm's length away—close enough that if he were to reach outwards his fingers would brush against her.

I would give you the world if I could.

Kali drew the sword at her side—the sword that they had won together, the dungeon they had conquered together. Raum's blade glowed silver in the moonlight, the dragon's lips pulled open in a snarl as it ran along the blade. The very tip pressed against Sinbad's chest, just above his heart, and golden eyes gazed deeply into gray turned silver as Kali gazed back at him, unmoving.

"If the whole world were to turn against him, I don't know who my sword would be pointed towards."

"Should you fall and cast everything aside, I'll be the one to run this sword through you," Kali answered quietly.

And that means I will always be by your side.

Sinbad smiled, reaching upwards and gripping Raum's blade in his hand. Kali paused, quickly drawing the blade back, but Sinbad held tight, blood slipping past his fingers as her eyes went wide. "Sin—"

"Look at me, Kali."

Her eyes shot upwards and she grew silent, Sinbad gazing down at her as the moon shone brightly above them, taking in their words as if they were solemn vows.

"You can doubt me all that you'd like. You can look at me with eyes full of hate, distrust me, loathe me; you can do all of those things." Sinbad began quietly. His eyes shone fiercely and Kali was left at a lost for words as he stepped forward, the tip of her blade pressing dangerously close into his chest.

"But know that I will never doubt you."

Because my feelings will never change.

Camio was silent, and she knew in that moment how he must have felt toward the situation before them as Kali allowed a smile to touch her lips, brows furrowing.

"How do you expect me to believe you after that stunt you just pulled with Kougyoku?"

"I don't," Sinbad answered simply.

Sinbad was dangerous for more than what she'd told Aladdin.

He was dangerous because Kali knew she could never toss away the ties that she had forged with the people here.


"I'm a terrible person."

"No you're not."

"I'm a horrible person," Kali corrected miserably, Hakuryuu gazing at her with slight exasperation as she ran her fingers up and down his now wooden arm, over and over again. "How could I let something like this happen to you?"

"You didn't let it happen to me," Hakuryuu corrected, flexing his fingers and gazing at his arm with something akin to admiration and slight regret. "I made my choice that moment in the dungeon. Everything that happened was of my own choice and consequence."

"If I could heal something like this I would do it in a heartbeat," Kali began somberly. "I'm sorry Hakuryuu."

"Bringing back someone from near death is one thing, for there is something to heal." Camio murmured. "But a case like this where we can't attach anything back... There is simply nothing you can do, my king."

"It's not that bad," Hakuryuu added, awkwardly patting Kali's back as the young woman gazed dejectedly at the floor before her. "Zagan has at least given me an arm back, and that's more than I can ask for."

What use is a power like this if I can't help them? Kali sulked, letting out a heavy sigh as her eyes drew downwards to the emblem emblazoned against Hakuryuu's spear. Zagan, huh?

"Of all of them..." Kali perked up in interest. Was there something between you two that I don't know?

"I shall merely say that as djinn of...similar abilities we did not always get along."

But your powers are different from his, aren't they? I mean, a little bit at least.

"I suppose."

"If anything," Hakuryuu began quietly, and Kali turned toward the prince as his eyes shone, Rukh fluttering proudly around him as he clenched his wooden arm into a fist. "It serves as a reminder as to how much I still have to grow to become stronger."

"Then I'll do all that I can to help you," Kali began eagerly, Hakuryuu turning to her in surprise as she winked, vines curling down her arms and stretching outwards as Zagan seemed to hum in response. "We have similar djinn after all."

Hakuryuu's eyes brightened and he nodded, bowing his head slightly. "Then I look forward to the training I can accomplish with you, Kali. Allow us to spar as we once did back in Kou before I return."

Kali's eyes brightened in kind, stilling only for a moment when she caught the flicker of thoughtfulness on Hakuryuu's face before he seemed to dismiss it as he stood, grasping his spear in his hand.

It feels like everyone's beginning to move. Kali realized, standing up and letting vines creep upwards from the earth as Hakuryuu braced himself. Her eyes strayed upwards, the daylight streaming through, warm and bright, and a sudden thought struck her.

It's almost time for that again...isn't it?

There was a shift in the air, heavy, slamming into her like a slap to the face. Kali staggered, a look of shock coloring her features as Hakuryuu looked up sharply in alarm. "Kali?"

"Help me."

"My king!"

Kali disappeared, reappearing before she had time to realize it as her feet landed on soft carpeting and startled cries echoed around her. Her eyes darted around her, for one heart breaking moment her entire body fearing that it had happened again when instead she met Sinbad's startled gaze and Yamraiha's look of surprise, Aladdin gazing at her in disbelief at her sudden appearance. "Kali?"

Black Rukh flew past; threatening to suffocate her as her eyes shot forward and she gazed in disbelief at the broken body before her, Dunya's face contorted into one of pain as black crystal jutted from her body, a magical seal lit up beneath her. "What's going on?"

I just talked with her minutes ago. Kali's eyes widened in surprise as she gazed at Dunya. I only just met her last night with Aladdin—how is this...

Al Thamen.

"She reacted negatively to the metal vessels," Sinbad explained quickly, stepping forward and pulling her back as Kali's eyes darted to him briefly and his brows furrowed, eyes narrowing.

"I've slowed down the process, but at this rate..." Yamraiha began, a look of brief panic flashing across her features as Kali's eyes went wide.

Maybe... Vines shot downwards from her arms, spreading across the floor and reaching upwards almost tentatively as Kali took a step forward, heart pounding as time raced against them, trying to register that only moments before she had just been about to spar with Hakuryuu. This is the life we live, I suppose.

A tendril of white shone briefly against the vine as it reached outwards, attempting to reach for Dunya. The thick green turned black upon contact, shriveling up and falling to ash and Kali recoiled, a hand to her chest at the sudden surge of dark energy that threatened to go her way had the vines not receded. Forgive me, Camio.

"It hurt you more than it could hurt me," Camio answered quietly. "I should have known we cannot heal something like this."

"Aladdin, you can do something about this, can't you?" Sinbad said suddenly, and Kali turned to him sharply as Aladdin looked up in surprise. "With that power of yours."

"He means..."

It could work. Kali agreed quietly, but her eyes never left Sinbad's features as Aladdin nodded beside her. But why would he...

"Solomon's Wisdom!"

Kali's eyes widen and a flurry of white Rukh burst forth from Aladdin, so powerful it seemed as if it could be seen by anyone truly gazing toward them. A sudden surge of warmth wrapped around her, tight, like arms curling briefly around her, and Kali froze, her gaze leaving Aladdin's fallen body and Dunya's broken form as a flurry of images seemed to surge past her eyes.

"I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU—"

"I'm sorry we couldn't see the world together."

"Don't forget, okay?"

The briefest flash before her eyes, broken images of burning buildings and looks of terror, and Kali felt her heart clench in horror at the idea that she was reliving all those times—

"Look further, my king."

And then a warmth so familiar brushed against her as lips pressed themselves to her temple as Kali stood, frozen still as the Rukh fluttered madly around her, Camio's presence in the back of her mind surging forward and stronger than she'd ever felt before.

"Don't forget how much we love you."

Kali suddenly felt like crying.

And before she could grasp onto the fleeting image of a warm smile and gentle laughter, it was ripped aside and the Rukh around her dispersed, leaving her gasping for breath as she stumbled, bringing a hand to her head as firm arms suddenly steadied her. "Kali! Kali, are you all right?"

This didn't happen the last time he used that power. Kali gripped Sinbad's arms tightly, fingers fisting the fabric as her brows furrowed, eyes darting around wildly. Were those...

"Memories he could show to you," Camio said softly. "Of a time long forgotten, my king."

"Kali?"

"I'm fine," she was anything but okay, but what could she do to explain such a thing to this man before her? "I think... I think the sudden surge of Rukh just took me by surprise... So much of it so suddenly..." Is dangerous to someone in my position, especially when it's almost time.

Sinbad didn't look convinced, brows furrowed in worry as he helped her stand and Kali brought a hand to her temple, looking at Aladdin's body in slight wonder. Imagine the sort of memories he's carrying on those tiny shoulders...

"The weight of an entire world," Camio murmured. "Not unlike you."

"Aladdin!" Yamraiha exclaimed happily, and Kali realized bright blue eyes were suddenly blinking blearily into the world once more as the dark crystals against Dunya's chest broke apart, vanishing in the air like scattered bits of ash.

"It worked," Sinbad said proudly, offering the magi a wide smile as Aladdin's lips turned upwards tiredly, his eyes straying to the side where he paused.

"Miss Dunya?"

Kali froze.

"Miss Dunya?" Aladdin repeated, voice growing worried.

Ah, now I remember.

Kali slowly straightened herself, Aladdin's cries of alarm ringing loud and clear in her mind as Yamraiha surged forward to assess the princess' conditions as she panted heavily, face contorted in pain as Sinbad ordered for medics to be brought forward. I remember this all now.

She'd seen this happen before.

I almost forgot, Cam. Kali began quietly, and Camio grew solemn, whispering words of comfort as Kali gazed blankly at the familiar scene before her. I almost forgot this happens. We couldn't do anything no matter what we did, could we?

"No, my king, we couldn't."

That's right. Kali stepped forward, a look of genuine worry and sadness shielding her features as she reached forward to help Aladdin, despite knowing the outcome of what was about to happen.

She'd almost forgotten she'd seen this happen before.


I almost forgot, Cam.

"You were busy with everything that had happened."

I let my guard slip down.

"You were doing your best to make the right decisions."

I was so caught up in everything I didn't even think of a new situation to try and stop it even though I knew what was going to happen.

"You had no idea."

I let another possibility slip away.

"You didn't know, Kali." Camio said firmly, forcing her to hear his voice of reason through her clouded thoughts as she pressed her head into her hands, vines and leaves wrapped thickly around her in the seclusion of the room here in the palace. "You cannot blame yourself for her death."

"I even talked to her the night before, I met her like Aladdin asked," Kali began quietly. "How could I have forgotten what happens next? I should have done something."

"You can't expect to remember it all." Camio began earnestly. "You can't expect to think you'll know what to do each time—"

"Then what's the point of all we've been doing?" Kali whispered. "What's the point of going through them over and over again to make sure we've done all that we can? If I forget something like this—what else might I forget?"

"You did try everything you could," Camio reminded. "There's no other way to change this path."

Kali ground her teeth, moonlight streaming through once more through her window as night over took day, and the vines around her tightened as she shook her head. I was so startled—when I saw those images I lost it for a moment and now there's no way to save her, even if we tried.

"Kali," Camio's said, voice ringing loudly once more as she shut her eyes, tears unable to fall. "You have done all that you can."

"I got caught up in the moment, Cam," Kali began softly, her hands clenching tighter in her hair as she opened her eyes and gazed down at the vines interwoven across the floor. "I can't do that. I need to be watching. I have to be careful."

"But you cannot forget who you are here and now," Camio said sternly. "Yunan already told you, if you continue to look at this world as if you didn't exist in it you will—"

"I know," Kali said quickly, voice hoarse. "I know."

The thing that I fear the most...

Her body flickered and Kali stiffened, her lips pausing in the words they were about to form as she pulled her hands away from her head and gazed down at the scarred palms, blinking once. It's time again.

"I am with you, my king." Camio said softly, vines wrapping tightly around her. "We are always with you."

I'm sorry, Camio. Kali shut her eyes, gripping the necklace against her chest as tightly as she could. I should be focusing, I'm sorry for making you worry again.

"If you didn't break down like this I would fear you are no longer human."

Kali laughed, shaking her head as she stood, a bitter smile on her lips as she looked outwards weakly to the moon illuminating the country before her—the world she loved so much. It's been awhile... Do you think we'll be gone long?

"No," Camio answered.

How do you know?

"I do not, my king."

Kali smiled, the bitter tone leaving it as she shut her eyes and tilted her head forward, letting the breeze tug at the ends of her hair as she braced herself for what was to come. Then all we can do is hope, I suppose?

"No."

Her body flickered.

"We can make sure it happens with our own strength."

And she disappeared.


Omake: The Forgotten Gift

"Are you sure?"

"I am."

Koumei grimaced, pressing the top of his fan to his chin as he regarded his brother calmly. Kouen gazed downwards, hand moving resolutely as his brushed trailed across the paper, writing the necessary words and ensuring with all the power that he held in his hands that it would happen.

"Something like this will not change as easily as we may hope, it will take time."

"A factor I have considered and something I am willing to deal with."

"You really mean it, don't you?" Koumei began quietly, setting down and gazing at the man before him, his brother—his real brother—despite considering Kouha and all his sisters his siblings, Kouen would always be one he held if only a bit closer due to their shared blood.

Kouen paused, his brush hovering above the parchment before him as he leaned back in his chair; the few candles in his study the only things illuminating the room. A few more added due to the fact that a certain woman had brought them along when she snuck in during the darkening hours of the night, not at all surprised to find him there, and setting them down with the simple comment that his study could use more light. He contemplated his brother's words, assessing them in his head and figuring out how he was to word his own as he gazed forward.

"I am."

Koumei let out a breath of air, slumping down in the chair before his brother. Kouen flashed him the briefest look of disapproval for his lack of composure, but otherwise seemed to care less considering how well he knew his younger brother. Koumei gazed at the wooden ceiling above them, intricately arched in areas and casting shadows along the wall.

"What if it's a mistake?"

Ren Kouen was a smart man. He was intelligent—clever. He had won his countless battles making decisions that brought his armies to victories and investments that always went to the betterment of Kou—to his country. His decisions were always made for the sake of accomplishing the goals he'd set so far ahead, never for the sole sake of someone like himself.

This time was perhaps the only exception.

"If I could explain it to you, I would," Kouen glanced upwards. "But this is something that escapes me even further than the Torran language and the mysteries surrounding the dungeons."

Koumei raised a brow, looking intrigued and at the same time understanding as Kouen folded his hands together, gazing at the documents before him with burning eyes.

"Is it worth it?"

"Are you worried about me?"

"I am."

Kouen turned his gaze upwards and Koumei gazed back at him. "Despite how well she gets along with everyone, despite the fact that she is kind, I will worry about you first and foremost, always."

How strange. Kouen wondered. To be at the mercy of not another king, not someone's sword, but at the simple words one woman could utter in return to my own.

"I have always considered the prospect of marriage to be something to use for our country," Kouen began calmly. "After seeing our father and his many concubines and all that has occurred, marriage had become a political tool that did not go past my father when he sent our sisters to be married. If need be, I would have easily given up such a thing if it helped our country."

There had been countless proposals over the years from desperate kings and fearful emperors of the countries they had conquered offering up riches and things that could all help his country if he would take the hand of any of their daughters or sisters. But the idea of his words being bound to a woman from some foreign land with something to offer had shifted to a strange being with nothing but a name and a crooked smile to offer.

And he had never wanted anything more in his life.

"I suppose I'm glad you're doing this because you want to be selfish," Koumei admitted finally. "Instead of throwing yourself away to some strange woman thinking it will help Kou."

"This will also better out country," Kouen added.

"But you did it first in mind with your own desires."

Kouen allowed his lips to twitch upwards the barest bit, and Koumei gazed at him for a moment longer before sighing.

"If it's what you want..." Koumei clasped his hands together. "I will support you the best I can."

"Thank you, Koumei," Kouen reached forward and spread wax of the parchment before him, rolling it up and pressing his seal downwards. If all went as he planned, slender, calloused fingers would pry it apart to find the words and the law he planned to implement beneath.

"It really will take time you know, something big like this."

"It is time I will make sure we have."

For if she were to allow herself to be bound to him, and him to her, the words allowing the thousands of people bound by slavery in Kou to be freed seemed a strangely small price to pay if he could wake up to her face and those distant eyes every morning.

A dangerous thing this emotion is.

Kouen did not realize that the parchment he had intended as a compensation for the decision she would make would go unused for a time longer than he expected, sealed and unbroken, hidden in the depths of his drawers.

Waiting.


IF THIS CHAPTER SEEMS CHOPPY TO YOU GUYS I APOLOGIZE, AND IT MAY OR MAY NOT BE CONFUSING AND NOW YOU GUYS MAY BE LIKE WTH BUT TRUST ME I NEEDED IT TO BE LIKE THIS.

Because we're about to have some big reveals next chapter! :D

Some of you smart cookies may have already begun to figure out just what all this means for Kali, especially since I know a lot of you have all ready devised your own theories about her and I always smile reading them because you guys are just awesome and I hope I can live up to what you expect. :) To those of you who have no clue and are just like. "TELL US ALREADY DAMN IT." You'll have to wait ;) I would have liked to have her interact a little more with Dunya, but doing it like this was better for the way the chapter is next update, so she didn't get much time, sorry. :(

GUYS. GUYS. GUYS. WE ARE ALMOST AT A THOUSAND REVIEWS.

I AM SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW.

YOU ARE ALL SUCH WONDERFUL PEOPLE. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH.

I hope that Kouen extra showed that. :) Especially with how crazy things are right now I was contemplating putting it in, but I decided, eh, what the heck, and did it anyways because I think we all just needed some Kouen right now.

BECAUSE THE MANGA RIGHT NOW HOLY SHIT.

This is going to be a long thought because right now I just need to express my feeling somehow and talking to you guys is the best way to do it because a lot of you in the recent reviews understand my pain as you've read the recent chapters and understand the turmoil I am going through.

SINBAD BABE.

KOUEN, MY BABY.

HANIBABA AND JUDAL HURRY UP YOU LOSERS.

I must say though, it is really interesting to see the latest reviews of you guys and your feelings toward certain characters and how this story will go based off the manga (Integrity, Yui's Sweet Dream, R. Firefly, and zahedra –wink, wink-) I, myself, honestly had this whole story more or less planned out in a way that I was fairly certain wouldn't change no matter how the manga ended, but with the way things turned out, that plane sort of crashed and burned but then I managed to salvage it because Ohtaka is a genius and a cruel troll and somehow her plotline just fell perfectly into what I have in mind and I'm crying for joy and dreading because the final arc of Magi is about to begin and I'm waiting to see what happens.

BECAUSE FINAL BOSS SINBAD IS REAL. IT IS REAL AND DAVID NEEDS TO SUCK A LEMON.

I don't know if you guys have read the most recent chapters 282 and 283, or at least the spoilers for them from Etude—bless her soul for translating these the moment I find out they're out—but I was in major turmoil for awhile thinking that SPOILER Kouen had actually died, but after finding out that he's okay like I hoped I was a lot more glad because even if he had died Kali wouldn't let that happen but it still would have been a problem SPOILER END. What's really interesting right now though is the confliction between everyone as to how they feel about Sinbad and Kouen.

I think Kouen especially has been portrayed in a better light then I've ever scene, and I love it. It showed a part of him, powerless and at his own brother's mercy, and simply how human he really is and his true goals, and it honestly made me love him so much more as a character. It's a part of him I can't wait for Kali to see because it will honestly change her perception of him a lot and it will shift a lot of things for her, so KoLi fans look forward to some development between them in chapters to come. :)

AND DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED WITH SINBAD.

I think we all had our suspicions and lingering thoughts about him, but now that all this has happened and its been really revealed, especially in chapter 283, what's happening, I'm certain that war is coming, and Sinbad is going to be at the other end. A lot of you have cast your stones for Sinbad's character, but to be honest, I really feel that Sinbad isn't bad. While he may have stated that he is Sinbad and not David, there's still a connection to David, and I think that has to do with the way he is now, if not just someone with the right ideas and misguided goals. I can't believe that the character we've seen back in Sinbad no BoUken was ever born bad, something happened, something changed. And this turn of events is something I'm so excited to write because something like this for Kali is something unimaginable despite how she's always tried to keep him at arms length because Sinbad is a precious person to her and the torn emotions between the generals will just be scenes I look forward to being able to implement.

So yeah, look forward to a lot of drama for Kali, and grief, lots of grief. It sounds terrible but it's gonna happen...haha.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR FEELINGS WITH ME. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE SOME MAGI-BASED CONVERSATIONS RIGHT NOW AND HEAR WHAT YOU GUYS THINK! :D

ALSO.

I AM BRINGING BACK ASK KALI FOR THIS CHAPTER!

That's right, Ask Kali! :D Feel free to ask any questions you guys have and Kali will do her best to answer them! Just keep in mind though that Kali has yet to know what will happen in the manga so have mercy.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR REVIEWS. I HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED!

Marshmellow-

-OUT!