Looking through everything and upon several requests, I've developed a timeline for you guys to follow! I know the recent reveal about traveling to different worlds makes things a little confusing, and I can't put everything on the timeline because it'll reveal stuff meant for later, but hopefully this helps you guys follow along a bit :))
-Kali "conquers" (conquers is in quote because technically, Kali did not go through all the trials and hardships of a normal dungeon conqueror, reasons for this which will be explained later on, so technically, Sinbad was still the first) Camio, Sinbad has already conquered Baal, trains with Yunan for a short period of time
-Kali conquers Seere, meets Sinbad for the first time, and discovers she can travel between worlds, returns to train with Yunan
-amidst popping back into the original timeline, Kali is experiencing and living throughout various other timelines
-Kali conquers Raum, Sinbad has conquered Baal and Valefor
-Seredine as conquered Zepar, during this time Kali is still traveling through various worlds
-Kali visits Reim for the second time, conquers Asmodeé
-Kali is constantly experiencing the deaths of those around her in various other worlds, due to circumstances she takes her two year disappearance
-Kali conquers Ose and meets Kouen for the first time in the original timeline properly, spends time in Kou, is still traveling to different timelines throughout her stay there
-somewhere during the two year gap Kali conquers Murmur along with other events before finding her way back to Yunan once more, spends several months with him before "recovering" and heading back into the world
Hopefully that clears up a few things! If there's still some questions feel free to ask and I'll do my best to clarify, throughout this timeline Sinbad is conquering his own dungeons, but we have yet to know that exact order so I didn't put it in.
Thanks for being wonderful and amazing people, I love ya all.
I do not own Magi.
Enigma
Chapter Twenty One:
The Flower and the Bud
"Why?"
Out of the thousands of outcomes that she faced, the thousands of paths that she had walked, the mistakes she had made, none of them had prepared her for this one.
"Why?" He echoed back, sounding almost amused.
Kali gazed wide eyed at the man towering over her, fear, hurt, confusion and disbelief struggling to triumph at the top of all her emotions. Her lips trembled, tears near threatening to pool in her eyes as she tried to process what was happening around her.
Fire, there was fire. It was always fire. The smoke stained the already darkened sky as people shouted and screamed, their voices mixing in one terrifying cacophony below the palace. The memories of the her in this world had yet to hit her, leaving her unable to even fathom what she could've done in this world to lead her to this outcome.
Something warm and wet was beginning to pool around her fingers before she realized with dull numbness that it was blood—her blood. Raum's equip wavered, threatening to disperse as her sword lay several feet away, burning hotly against the ground, a crack traveling up the dragon imprinted on the blade. Some part of her laughed that it was in Raum's equip that this was happening, a bitter, confused laugh as she trembled from the strain of propping herself upwards with the body pinning her to the ground above her.
"You know why," he said quietly, almost gently.
Kali jerked, pain blossoming tenfold in her stomach as her hands quickly grasped onto the glistening blade, slicing her palms along the sharpened edge as she struggled desperately to keep him from moving it any further. Bloodied fingers struggled weakly against the glistening metal as the man above her flashed her a look that was almost pitying. A pained scream tore from her lips, echoing off the palace walls—but this was not the palace she was used too. These were not her sleek marble floors and rolling columns—no, she knew this place.
Kou.
Kali's fingers scrambled desperately along the blade, the tears in her eyes trickling down the corners as she willed for the memories of this world to come to her—she needed to understand, she had to understand how this happened so she would never let it occur in her world—her real world. The blade twisted clockwise and her head slammed against the blood coated floor as another scream of pain tore from her lips as her back arched with the motion, breathless gasps escaping her lips as she struggled weakly to keep the sword from moving any further.
"Why?" Kali choked, blood pooling from the corner of her mouth as Camio's voice raged wildly in the back, willing her to disappear.
But she couldn't—not yet. She had to understand. Had to figure out why—had to know—
Several feet away her eyes landed on a near lifeless body, the frustration and fear and desperation in his eyes not suiting his normal visage at all. Blood pooled around him freely, his sword limp in his grasp as he reached one hand forward, attempting to reach for her as anger colored his features.
Her gaze snapped forward to the man above her and the pain in her stomach was nowhere near to the pain that had overtaken her heart. Watching her friends die one by one, over and over again was torture, but dying by one of their hands...
Hah. It was almost deserving, wasn't it?
"It's strange," he began, those familiar eyes flickering. "You speak to me as though you've known me a whole lifetime."
Because I do. She thought quietly, a bitter laugh mixed with a sob threatening to leave her lips. I've known you for a thousand lifetimes.
Suddenly it all came crashing into her. Kali's eyes went wide and she nearly choked, the memories of the Kali from this world hammering against her skull like nail after nail. Her eyes shot to the man several feet away, surprise and disbelief and pain filling her before they turned back to the man above her tears falling freely as a pain so fresh and new overtook her entire body.
I see. She thought bitterly, grinding her teeth together as she gripped the familiar sword firmly between her hands, blood dripping down her palms. A world like this exists too.
Kali laughed and the man above her paused, tears streaking down her face. It hurts.
The sword pressed deeper and Camio's voice was nothing more than a mindless shout for her to disappear, the man several feet away gathering up his strength to reach for her, eyes desperate.
"Die, Kali."
A world where I can't be your friend, Sinbad.
Kali's bloodied hand reached upwards, watching the red liquid drip down Sinbad's cheek as she cradled it softly in her hand, offering him a small, apologetic smile.
"Good bye, Sinbad."
Sinbad's eyes widened, confusion flickering through his eyes before Kali's eyes fluttered shut and she disappeared, Sinbad holding nothing more than a bloodied sword.
"Awaken and walk forward into the light, never ceasing."
Kali's eyes fluttered open, half lidden and gazing hazily through the twinkling streaks of light that shone through the window somewhere off to the side of the room. She paused, trying to recall once more where she was. The air flickered around her and she paused, realizing she was still here, in this moment, alive. She turned her head slightly in her arms, gaze traveling languidly around the room as she realized she was in her room in Sindria—ah, she remembered.
Dunya's body lying quietly against the silken sheets. Aladdin's pleas for her to awaken. A piece to the storyline she had forgotten all over again.
Her eyes flickered and Kali's eyes were drawn to the leather bracelets around her wrists, the metal flowers glimmering in the faint streak of sunlight. The thousands of memories swarming her head began to pound, almost painfully, struggling and vying for her attention and belief—it happened sometimes, when all the different lives got mixed up and she started to forget where one world started and the other ended. No matter how hard she tried and struggled, there was simply no way for her to retain her own sanity and remember each and every world that she had traveled too.
I'm not strong enough.
"It has nothing to do with strength," Camio whispered quietly. "You've changed greatly from the person you once were."
And who exactly was that? Kali inquired curiously and Camio chuckled.
"Should I start with the timid girl who never stopped crying? Or the power hungry brat desperate to get her hands on as many metal vessels as possible, not caring for making friends and the people around her—"
Okay, okay, I get it. Kali sighed through her nose, letting her eyes drift to the side. It looks like we weren't gone long after all.
Her hand drifted to her stomach, remembering the scar that existed from her battle so long ago, and the newer one that had appeared when she'd come back with the wound someone she'd loved so much had given to her. Her eyes drifted shut once more, the dream she'd had making the reality that in another world, something like that had happened all the more painful and fresh. Not every world did she have the luxury of thinking all she had to do was try and keep them alive. In some worlds, everything she had was barely enough to keep her alive.
A soft finger suddenly brushed against her cheek and Kali's eyes snapped open, turning in surprise when beautiful blues met her eyes calmly. A warm smile touched Aladdin's face, as he laid his hand against her cheek. "You were crying, Kali-nee."
Kali blinked, realizing for the first time in a very long time, a tear had trailed down her face in her sleep. She wondered how long Aladdin had been waiting there beside her bed when she remembered stumbling back into her room at some point late at night after having returned to find him there, sitting against the side of her bed fast asleep. A small smile touched her lips, forcing her eyes to crinkle slightly. "It's been awhile, keep it a secret for me would you?"
Aladdin said nothing, watching as Kali let her eyes flutter shut for a moment, breathing in and out before she sighed, pulling herself together and sitting up. "How's Dunya?"
"She's doing her best," Aladdin said softly, a sad look flickering through his eyes as he gripped his wooden staff tighter.
"It's not your fault you know," Kali said suddenly. Aladdin turned to look at her and found Kali's gaze settled on her hands, watching them as though she could suddenly pull forth something. "Of everyone here, you're the last person to blame."
"You aren't to blame either."
Kali blinked once, thoughtful. Aladdin watched her silently before a small smile touched her lips and she turned to face him fully. "You're a good person, Aladdin."
Kali's hands reached outwards, grasping Raum at her side and bringing the sword closer to her. She reached for all her other vessels as well, beginning to set them in their regular places as Aladdin watched silently, not speaking a word.
"Aladdin," Kali stopped, mouth opening before it closed, before she opened it once more. "Do you think I'm fake?"
"Fake?"
There were moments sometimes when she wondered if the people around her really loved her for who she was, or for the person she was in another life. It grew difficult sometimes, to tell whether or not the way she acted was because that was who she was originally, or the traits and habits she inherited from the Kali in another world. She'd been to worlds where she was despised by some of her greatest friends, and to worlds where she was adored by them. It was easy then, to simply act the way the Kali from the worlds where she was loved acted, and gain what she had. Kali reached a hand up and ran a hand through her hair, eyes flickering. Who is Kali?
"I think," Aladdin began, quietly, an honest genuine smile on his features. "That Kali-nee is Kali-nee, no matter what."
Kali laughed, reaching over and ruffling Aladdin's hair as she grinned, eyes shining. "Sorry Aladdin, I've just been reminded of some things I didn't really want to remember as of late. I hope I didn't bring your mood down."
Aladdin shook his head. "It's moment like these where I feel closer to you than I've ever been."
Kali grinned. "I heard you're planning on going on a journey all by yourself."
Well not really heard. Kali smiled somewhat cheekily. Going by the many outcomes that play out from here, I'm sure he'll be setting out on his own.
"Mhm," Aladdin gazed at the staff in his hands. "I'm not strong enough yet to do the things that I want to do, so I need to work harder." Aladdin's eyes hardened. "If I go, I know I'll be able to figure things out for myself and become better."
"It would have been nice if you were more earnest like this about power," Camio mused and Kali shushed him in the far corners of her mind.
"One day," Kali began somewhat hesitantly before her voice grew stronger. "One day, Aladdin, let's sit down, the two of us."
Aladdin watched her with curious eyes and Kali smiled, eyes shining. "There's a lot of things I'd like to share with you about myself, and there's a lot of things I'd like to know about you too."
Blue eyes grew bright and Aladdin beamed.
"I'd like that a lot."
"Djinn equips aren't just a matter of having plenty of strength or magoi to use," Kali began almost sagely, tapping Raum against her shoulder as she watched Alibaba slash at the air repeatedly, eyes focused. "As strange as it may sound, it has a lot to do about the bond between your djinn and yourself."
"The...bond?" Alibaba halted, looking at Kali in surprise and she nodded.
"From what I've gathered at least." She stepped forward and idly drew her hang along Amon's blade, feeling the power and heat thrum beneath her finger tips. "All my equips came to me at different times—some easier than others. But the time between them varied on the level of understanding we could gather between each other."
"You make it sound like it's a relationship," Alibaba's brows furrowed and Kali nodded.
"That's because it is." She held Raum before her and smiled, cradling the sword in her hands. "They picked you for a reason, no matter what it was, and they feel that you are worthy to bear their power and name. The only thing we can really do is our best to live up to it."
Alibaba gazed down at the sword in his hands, brows furrowing. "Why they chose me, huh..." A curious look flickered over his feature and he gazed at Kali with wonder. "Kali, can you djinn equip with all of them?"
"I can!" Kali said somewhat haughtily, nose in the air as she grinned, reveling in the little things like this that she could take pleasure over. When you were constantly surrounded by some of the strongest people in the world, it was nice to brag a bit every now and then. "Of course, the strain it takes to jump from equip to equip could kill me if I tried to do all six in one sitting."
"All six..." Alibaba said somewhat breathlessly. "That's amazing."
"Eh, you'd be surprised." Kali sighed, crossing her legs as she plopped down onto the floor, idly making some flowers bloom in the crack beside her. "Camio was the easiest because we connected the fastest—I wouldn't even consider what I did conquering his dungeon because I'm sure he took pity on some weird little girl. Seere and I had the most trouble since he's lazy and likes to do his own thing. Raum is the most convenient because fire and heat are pretty strong in battle—"Alibaba nodded furiously at that. "Ose...well, she's fine. Asmodeé was a tease that's for sure and..."
Kali fingered the leather bracelets woven with metal flowers at her wrist, eyes growing further away. "I was a little desperate at the time with this one."
"You speak about all of them like they're friends," Alibaba noted and Kali blinked, looking at him with a somewhat stupid grin.
"Because they are!"
Alibaba grew silent, gazing silently at his own hands as his brows began to furrow. Kali sensed the sudden shift in his mood at the word 'friends' and she scratched the side of her cheek. "Well, I just make a lot of this sound easier than it actually is—Sinbad is probably the best to go to for advice on djinn equips. Even though I have a nice amount, I'm not as skilled in using each of them as I am with the others. It's far more powerful to be excellent with one than average with several."
Kali blinked awkwardly when she realized Alibaba stilled looked unsettled. Jeez, was it this hard to talk to me whenever I was in a funk?
"A bit." Oh, hush Cam.
Alibaba suddenly swung his sword back and a surprised cry fell from someone's lips. The two of them turned to find a startled Kougyoku sprawled out along the floor, her eyes wide with surprise. "Well! That's dangerous you know!"
"S-Sorry," Alibaba frowned, a confused look coloring his features as he rubbed the back of his head. "But what are you doing here anyway?"
"I didn't think I needed your permission to go as I please—hello Kali!" Kougyoku added, but a proud look settled onto her face and she smirked. "But I came to give you this!" Kougyoku reached behind her and withdrew a well-made flower crown. Alibaba's eyes went wide and he reached forward, taking the piece gently in his hands.
"Whoa! You did a good job."
"Eh~ That's pretty good," Kali mused and Kougyoku blushed, turning to the side haughtily as she smirked.
"What do you think?"
"I mean, before this you were all thumbs—it's a real improvement!"
"Oh, shut up!"
Kali couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her lips, light and breezy as she watched the two interact before her. A sight I never would have thought to see in my entire lifetime really. A Kou princess with someone affiliated with Sindria... Kali paused, looking thoughtful. No, that's not really right, is it? Alibaba is different from the people here at Sindria...more average.
"A fine man in the making," Camio agreed, somewhat bemused. "With a little help."
Well, Aladdin didn't pick him for nothing. Kali smiled, eyes warming as she slid a bit back, watching the two of them interact.
"Are you and Kali in the middle of something?" Kougyoku inquired, looking as though she were attempting to withhold her interest.
"I was just trying to do a little training..." Alibaba admitted, looking to the weapon equip in his hands and sighing.
"I was just being lazy," Kali shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not really much help when it comes to training really."
"Don't speak about yourself in such a manner!" Kougyoku quickly gushed. "Without you, I never would have realized how much potential Vinea has as a water djinn! We must practice again soon with Ose—"
"To be hones though..." Kali laughed sheepishly, scratching the side of her face as she glanced to the side. "Ose's equip is a little...embarrassing."
Alibaba blinked in surprise, a light blush coloring his cheeks as he looked faintly intrigued. "What do you mean?"
"Well, I equip Raum the most because he's so convenient," Kali began practically. "But compared to that equip, the others all make me look a little funny."
"Looking like a dragon..." Alibaba trailed off, recalling the fierce red djinn equip he'd seen Kali don on several occasions and blinked, looking somewhat confused. Is convenient?
Kougyoku suddenly whirled around to Alibaba, eyes shining. "Since you were training this is perfect, I was feeling rather rusty myself." She withdrew Vinea with a flourish, throwing a smirk Alibaba's way as her sword quickly formed in her hands. "Take me on, as my fellow metal vessel user!"
"I can't!" Alibaba quickly shook his head, looking to Kali for help but the traveler remained impassive. "I can't take on a princess..."
That's his reason?
"Why not?" Kougyoku raised her sword and a flurry of water surrounded her in a fierce vortex. "Spirit of Sorrow and Isolation, dwell in my body—Vinea!"
A gust of wind fluttered past and Kali smiled in exasperation, Kougyoku's equip sheathing her body as Alibaba's eyes widened in surprise and wonder. "Now come! Show me your equip as well—if we're lucky Kali will be willing to join in and—"
"No, you see..." Alibaba trailed off and Kali paused, somewhat tempted to join in on the fun herself when there was a flicker in the air, familiar wings fluttering past as she turned, and meeting familiar golden eyes.
"Well, now! This is quite impressive."
"Lord Sinbad!" Kougyoku's eyes went wide and her cheeks flushed as she quickly crouched down, turning away from him as her equip left her. "Seeing me in such a vulgar state..."
He thinks things like this are far from vulgar... Kali mused inwardly, recalling the various instances where djinn equips grew physically dangerous in another sense. Sinbad came to a halt before them, a smile on his lips. "What's this? Are you stopping now? And here I thought I could put myself to use as your djinn equip sparring partner..."
"Well, I'm sure I would've been enough." Kali mused, crossing her arms behind her head as Sinbad flashed her a curious look. "We don't exactly need you per say."
"Are you saying you'd like to join in?" Sinbad smirked, and Alibaba blinked, eyes darting between the two hesitantly as Kali peeked an eye open at Sinbad.
"The last time you two fought each other with your djinns was on less than friendly terms though..." Camio seemed to remind her and Kali's eyes flickered to the side. Well, that was a long time ago you know.
"This is Alibaba's first time right?" Alibaba perked up and Sinbad's smirk grew. "Let me show you right here and now."
He's not picking a fair fight. Kali watched the interaction before her carefully as Kougyoku quickly rushed to say how she wouldn't compare to Sinbad in the slightest. Nowadays, I can't really believe either that he just wants to spar for fun.
"There was time where you could believe that though, couldn't you?" Camio questioned.
Kali paused at that, eyes flickering as she brought a hand up to her stomach, a somewhat sad smile touching her lips. Yeah, there was a time when I also believed this fisherman's son was nothing more than some idiot running around the world wanting nothing more than to change it. Her eyes flickered back to the man before her as Sinbad managed to coax Kougyoku into a little sparring, her eyes quickly growing bright as she agreed and Alibaba took a few steps back to stand beside her. Is that still the case, Sin?
She'd like to believe it was.
"Dwell in my body, Vinea!"
"Dwell in my body, Focalor!"
A flurry of light and wind filled the small area and Kali stepped back, bringing an arm up to shield her face as she squinted against the onslaught of magoi in the air. Familiar feathered hair and striking blue scales appeared in her vision for a moment before Sinbad and Kougyoku leapt upwards into the air, crashing through the dome rooftop and sending a cascade of rocks crashing to the floor. Alibaba let out a noise of surprise, eyes wide with disbelief and amazement as the two quickly began to trade blows in the air, water and wind battling fiercely against each other.
"Amazing..." Alibaba breathed, clutching the sword at his side tightly. "They're both amazing."
"Hard work," Kali spoke up softly. "And certain circumstances." Alibaba's eyes darted to her for a moment, taken in by the strangely somber look that had colored her features. "Most people seeking the power of kings don't have the luxury to be fooling around."
Droplets of water quickly fell across the kingdom in a torrent as Sinbad repelled another of Kougyoku's attacks, mimicking rain. Kali let the droplets drip down her chin and dampen her hair as she shut her eyes until Alibaba spoke beside her. "But Kali, I'm sure you could be up there was well holding your own."
Those ever shifting gray eyes turned his way and Alibaba paused, mesmerized for a moment as Kali smiled.
"I'm sure you could be up there, Alibaba."
The water gave way and a beautiful rainbow streaked out across the sky. Kali watched, curiosity growing as Sinbad began to fall downwards, a second light illuminating his body as his form shifted and Kali blinked, eyes growing wide as Alibaba laughed beside her at his form. "A second equip..."
The dwarfed figure of Sinbad in Zepar's equip turned, belly jiggling slightly as his tail flicked. "Alibaba, cover your ears."
"Using that man..."
Zepar? Kali's eyes narrowed and Sinbad's gaze met hers for the briefest of moments before he smirked, turning forward as Kougyoku shot downwards with a wicked grin, water flowing in torrents around her sword. Sinbad's mouth opened wide and a piercing screech quickly filled the air as Kali clamped her hands down over her ears, vines trailing over her hands and furling around her head as well in protection. The sound waves shook the palace, echoing fiercely through the air as people around them fell in slumber and Kougyoku's eyes dulled before she fell through the air, equip leaving her body.
"Spirit of dreams and illusions..."
Alibaba quickly rushed forward, arms outstretched as he lunged, skidding along the ground as he caught Kougyoku. His eyes were wide as he took in her unconscious form. "What happened?"
"I instructed her spirit to fall into slumber," Sinbad explained, wings beating as they lowered him to the ground. "That's the power of Zepar. It's unwieldy to use though, since it also affects those nearby somewhat."
Alibaba blinked in disbelief, turning behind him to all the slumbering bodies littered on the floor. "S-Somewhat..."
"But really," Sinbad crossed his arms over his enlarged belly, the small form arching a brow as he turned to face eyes of silver, colors shifting at every angle. "Did you see that much of a need to equip into that form as well?"
Alibaba blinked, turning around in surprise to find Kali's body shrunken down to that of a child's, slightly taller than Zepar. Once sooty black hair streaked out in shimmering silver, near white in twin pigtails and he froze in surprise and confusion and the hardened look on Kali's features, an expression of fear and distaste along with something he couldn't put his finger on. Her furred claws gripped the flickering mirror in her hands tightly, eyes narrowing despite the crooked smile that appeared on her features, a fang protruding outwards. "Kali's djinn equip..."
"Can you blame me?" Kali inquired somewhat bitterly and apologetically. "This is the only one that can stand up against Zepar."
"But there's no need for you to take such precautions," Sinbad sighed, his equip left him and familiar golden eyes gazed down on her with a hint of sadness. "I already promised you, didn't I?"
Kali stiffened, a more apologetic look flickering across her features as Alibaba blinked in confusion.
"I would never use such a power against you."
There was a pause, a flutter of Rukh, and Kali's eyes fluttered shut. A flash of golden light enveloped her and her equip disappeared, leaving nothing more than her usual self as she casted her eyes to the side.
"I know," she said softly. Sinbad's eyes warmed and he offered her a small smile, but Kali couldn't shake the nagging feeling in the back of her mind.
I know you wouldn't, right?
"Kali!"
"Sorry to bother you so late at night," Kali grinned, shouldering open the door to Kougyoku's temporary room as she withdrew several fruits, using the front of her tunic to balance them all. "But I figured we could spend some time together before you take off—I hear you're about ready to return home."
"Ah, did Alibaba tell you?" Kougyoku looked somewhat sheepish, glancing down to her hands atop the sheets as Kali edged forward and took a seat at the end of the bed, letting the fruits scatter before them as she made quick work of peeling some or slicing others.
"Everyone's moving," Kali mused, watching the fruit in her hands fall to pieces as she drew a knife through them and she added. "You did really well today, you know. You've gotten strong."
"That's only thanks to everyone back home and all the people supporting me," Kougyoku began earnestly. Kali paused at that, turning to her with something like pride and affection in her eyes as the younger girl beamed. "After today too, I know what it is that I need to do more than anything else."
"What's that?" Kali inquired, quickly trying to remember if Alibaba had shared anything with her when he'd relayed the information that Kougyoku was planning to leave.
"I mentioned this to Alibaba, but you of all people deserve to know as well..." Kougyoku gripped the sheets tightly in her hands. "Knowing that you would surely be able to help me with this as well... I want... I want to convince Judal and my brother that Sindria is not our enemy."
The knife in Kali's hands slipped, creating a cut along her finger as she blinked. Kougyoku let out a cry of surprise and Kali turned slowly, gazing at her with eyes widened in disbelief and a vine slowly wrapped itself around her finger. What? "What?"
"I-I want to convince my family that Sindria isn't our enemy," Kougyoku said more firmly. "After spending all this time here, I can tell. The people of this country—they're not our enemies. There's no reason for us to go to war against each other. I won't ever use this power I've been granted against the people of this country—I promise."
"But Kougyoku," Kali began, eyes looking somewhat lost as she reached forward. "Kou is... Kou is your home. It's where the people most precious to you are... Trying to fight for something like that, standing up to the ones you love isn't that..."
Treason?
"But I've also found people I find very precious here as well," Kougyoku began with a warm smile, eyes shining. "I know that if I do my best, I may be able to convince my brother's that there's no need for going to war with Sindria!"
"Kouen will never sell for something like that," Kali said dazedly, unable to believe how much Kougyoku had truly been affected by this country to love it enough to protect it against her own blood. You love Kou. You love your family—you wanted to grow strong for them.
Isn't this a good thing? A small voice in the back of her head whispered. Isn't it good? This way Sindria and Kou won't go to war, you'll never have to pick any sides. You could help Kougyoku convince her family—
"You fear for her life," Camio murmured quietly. "Because you've seen a world where Kougyoku has perished due to such a decision."
"I know he will be the hardest to convince but..." Kougyoku turned to Kali with a hopeful smile. "With you by my side, I know he won't just cast my wishes aside. Brother Kouen really...really does care for you, you know. It affected him greatly when you left. You're not just a valuable asset to him, Kali, Brother Kouen loves—"
"Do you love Sinbad that much?" Kali inquired finally, almost breathless.
Kougyoku's eyes widened, startled by such a question as her cheeks flushed, but Kali had to know. Why are you doing this?
"It's... It's not because of something as childish and silly as that," Kougyoku turned her eyes downwards, tears pricking the corners as Kali felt a stab of guilt. "I... I did love him, I still do somewhat. I know in the end that he would never see me as someone capable of ever standing beside him in such a light but I don't want to just save this country because of him."
It's not for love. Kali turned down to the fruit that had begun to drip down her arm. No, Kougyoku is better than that. She truly believes that Sindria is worth saving.
"Which it is...isn't it?" Camio inquired softly and Kali quickly nodded. Of course it is. I would do anything for this country but I don't know why, Cam. I don't know why...
I feel so scared.
"Kali isn't this...a good thing?" Kougyoku questioned quietly and Kali's eyes shot up in surprise as her friend gazed at her hesitantly but firmly, wondering. "You love this country so much—I see it in the way you walk amongst them and smile, it's different from how you acted back in Kou but not unlike it. You have many people precious to you here too, don't you?" So why do you seem so against it?
"I do," Kali turned to Kougyoku with a smile, eyes shining somewhat as she pushed aside the worry and the fear and brought forth all the pride and love she felt for the girl beside her. "I guess I'm just worried about you, Kougyoku. Something like this will never be easy, especially with the kind of man that Kouen is. I don't know how your father and the rest of your family will take it either."
"I'll do my best," Kougyoku vowed, looking down at her hands with a blindingly white smile, Rukh fluttering about her wildly in response to her convictions. Kali watched the birds with quiet regard, wondering. Kougyoku turned toward her and offered her a bright smile. "Will you help me, Kali?"
I hate making promises I can't keep.
"Why Kali?"
"You...killed me."
"They all hate me now."
"Thank you."
"Yes," Kali whispered. "I'll help you anyway I can, Kougyoku. I promise."
Kougyoku's eyes brightened and she clapped her hands together, quickly rattling on about how excited she was to share some stories of what had been happening in Kou as of late, as well as the recent marriage of some of her sisters. Kali listened in content silence, a small smile on her lips as she brought a fruit native only to Sindria to her lips, the skin sweet on the outside but painfully sour inside.
Kali bit down sharply, letting the sour and sweetness mingle in her mouth as she grimaced.
The scent of fire invaded her senses, Kali's eyes quiet and somewhat dull as she gazed forward at the burning coffin. Yamraiha stepped forward with tears pricking the corners of her eyes, tossing a flower into the burning embers as it quickly turned to ash and she turned away.
Dunya had finally passed away, nothing more than a chipped corpse of black and ash.
I won't let it happen to anyone else. Kali vowed inwardly, gripping the flower in her own hand tightly, nearly snapping the stem in half. I promise.
She sensed an odd tension between Morgiana, Alibaba, and Aladdin, but figured that the three of them must've become cross with each other about their own decisions. They'll figure it out. Her main worry was how Aladdin was taking this whole ordeal, considering how close the two of them had grown.
"He is something all on his own," Camio murmured. "He will be fine."
Kali allowed a small smile to touch her lips and her eyes returned to the burning and flickering flame before her. A multitude of thoughts were invading her senses, vying for complete control of her attention. Everyone's moving now, aren't they? Her eyes shifted to each of the three before her, gazing at them with a gentle fondness before she refocused her attention further upwards to where the palace at the head of the island glinted against the evening light. Even him, I'm sure.
"So what will you do now?"
Going off of how this part turns out in other worlds or how I would like it to turn out?
"Going off of what you want."
Kali smiled, eyes glistening as she stalked forward. She came to a halt only a foot away from the roar of flames, heat licking out and scorching her bare feet as she reached forward and gently tossed the flower into the smoldering flames, watching it disappear in a puff of ash and smoke, dispersing.
I'm sorry this happened to you, Dunya. Kali shut her eyes and she breathed, a ring of flowers blossoming forth from the ground around the burning coffin and entwining about with each other. Kali turned, meeting Aladdin's quiet gaze for a moment before she offered him and smile and turned on her heel.
I guess I'll get moving too.
And Kali disappeared.
"Aladdin, did you pack those thing I mentioned yesterday?" Yamraiha inquired, rifling through Aladdin's bag once more for good measure as the blue haired magi smiled.
"I did, I did."
"It's because you're such a scatterbrain..." Yamraiha sighed, shaking her head. "You've got this...oh, you have this too..."
Aladdin laughed good naturedly, a warm look on his features as Kali stood a little ways to the side with a small smile. The sun was shining down brightly upon all of them, promising a good travel and smooth sailing for the journey ahead. The harbor was shifting with life and clamor and Kali felt the shifting of the lives around her, vibrant and moving.
"Time sure does fly though," Sinbad sighed. "To think that already, I'm watching you strike out on your own. But this is your decision after all, I respect that."
"Do you really?" Kali mused and Sinbad threw her a playful glare as Aladdin beamed.
"Thank you, Uncle Sinbad!"
"Alright, you're all set for your journey." Yamraiha declared proudly, handing Aladdin his bag as he readjusted it over his shoulder.
"Please allow me to accompany you as far as the Actia Kingdom," Morgiana's voice spoke up, and Kali turned in faint surprise, having expected her to be taking off as well based on the events in timelines she'd witnessed before, but uncertain if this would turn out the same.
"Really, you can't keep comparing this world to all the other ones you know," Camio sighed. "It'll drive you insane."
I know you're only half joking with that one. Kali mused and Morgiana stepped forward with a small smile. "I'm going to see my homeland with my own eyes and find some kind of closure. To help me in the battles that may lie ahead."
"Good for you for making a decision like that," Masrur praised quietly, and Kali nodded her head.
"Stuff like that is important," Kali said sagely. "It's good to respect your roots."
"Say," Sharrkan scratched the side of his cheek, looking thoughtful as he hooked an arm around Kali's neck. "Where did you come from again?"
"Let's not worry about me now—"
"It was Hakuryuu," Morgiana admitted. "Thanks to you I was finally able to make such a decision."
"Well, I'm really happy for you..." Hakuryuu began bashfully. Kali arched a brow in curiosity, watching the Rukh around Hakuryuu flicker into a soft pink hue. "S-Since I'll be headed for the Tian Shan Plateau where my elder sister is, we'll be with each other for quite some time."
Did Hakuryuu possibly...? Kali blinked, eyes widening before she felt her brow twitch, a somewhat hesitant smile touching her lips as she glanced to the side. Well, I've seen worlds where that worked out and it also didn't.
"Hey, the Rukh around you are all pink, Hakuryuu!" Aladdin commented, and Hakuryuu flinched, looking scandalized.
"W-What?"
Everyone chuckled as Hakuryuu grew flustered under Aladdin's inquiries while Masrur turned to Morgiana. "Morgiana, there are some people in Reim who are skilled at catching Fanalis, so be careful. Watch your back."
Morgiana nodded dutifully and Kali appeared beside them, ruffling the girl's head as Morgiana blinked in surprise. "There's also a huge group of Fanalis you know—they're a bit loud but quite the friendly bunch, so I hope you get to meet them. Say hi to Muu for me—"
"They don't exist." Masrur said flatly and Kali threw him a look of exasperation.
"Hey, just because you've given up after all of Sinbad's jokes doesn't mean anything—"
"Nonetheless," Sinbad broke in and Kali turned. "Be sure to come back safely."
"If things get too rough, you can come back home anytime." Pisti chimed in and Kali smiled.
That's Sindria for you.
"No, when a young man sets his sights on a goal, he should see it through to the end." Drakon murmured wisely.
"I'll do my best, Mr. Drakon!"
"I pray that you'll have a good journey." Spartos added and Aladdin smiled, looking lost for a moment.
"Who are you again?"
Spartos' face turned into one of disbelief and Kali felt laughter bubble wildly from her lips, sobering up when she noticed Sinbad's fond smile on her features. Aladdin promised he was joking only to reveal he didn't even correctly recall Spartos' name. Sharrkan burst into laughter, slinging an arm around the forlorn knight. "What do you expect? You have so little presence."
"That's right," Hinahoho agreed, setting a large hand atop his head. "Eat more and grow bigger! Aladdin, you make sure you eat well and train hard! Grow into a great big man, okay?"
"Gotcha, Uncle Hinahoho!" Aladdin promised.
Kali's eyes flickered off to the side for a moment, watching quietly as Ja'far conversed with Hakuryuu and the two smiled. Her eyes flickered, an unspoken emotion shifting through them, well aware of what sort of topic was being touched on. She turned at the feel of eyes on her and met Sinbad's thoughtful gaze, meeting it evenly before she jutted a tongue out and his brow twitched.
"I guess Alibaba decided not to see us off after all..." Morgiana murmured quietly and Kali and Sinbad both blinked, turning to them in surprise as Aladdin nodded.
"I know, he wouldn't even talk to us since that day..."
"Do you suppose that he is angry after all?"
"What are you talking about?" Sinbad set his hands on is hips, flashing them a look of amusement.
"Don't worry about him," Kali mused. Everyone turned toward her curiously and she smirked. "I had my own discussion with Alibaba."
"About what?" Sinbad inquired, looking intrigued and Kali grinned, tossing him a look of complete and utter mischief.
"That's our secret."
Sinbad's eyes glittered and a gong sounded, the three quickly turned, Morgiana and Hakuryuu making their way onto the ship. Aladdin made a move to head there as well when a hand laid itself on top of his shoulders. Kali offered the magi a warm smile, eyes shining in earnest as she crouched down, pressing her forehead to his.
"Be safe, okay?"
Aladdin's eyes warmed and he smiled brightly, nodding. "I will."
Kali stepped back, watching with a fierce warmth in her chest as the three began to wave from the top of the deck, eyes bright and shining as they prepared to set forth on their own adventure. Farewells were quickly called out left and right and Kali beamed, praying and wishing from the bottom of her heart the best for all four of them. No matter what awaits them.
The Rukh fluttered about, wild and fierce and full of light. Kali felt her heart soar for a moment, full and pounding as she felt a smile play on her lips.
"Fate will guide them all to each other, I'm sure of it."
"You two seem rather friendly," Sinbad mused aloud as the ship began to pull from the harbor and Kali let a smile settle over her lips as her eyes shut and she beamed.
"Well, the two of us do share a rather unique connection you see."
"I don't," Sinbad beamed as well. "Care to elaborate?"
"Not really."
The eight generals threw the two of them wary glances, the two metal vessel users before them continuing to wave even though the ship was far out of the harbor now. There was a brief moment of silence before Sinbad turned to Kali in fond annoyance. "Don't I deserve to be a little in the loop when it comes to your life?"
"I'm not sure, when were you going to tell me you agreed to aid Hakuryuu whenever he needed it?"
"I thought you did the same?"
"I agreed to help him, not back him in a civil war."
Sinbad's brow twitched and Kali flashed him a bright smile. The eight generals looked on eagerly and warily, watching carefully until Sinbad sighed, startling them as the king reached forward. Kali paused as his fingers brought her braid to his lips and his lids lowered, offering her an honestly earnest smile.
"We'll be having a small dinner to celebrate the departure of our dear apprentices," Kali paused and Sinbad drew away, bringing his hand up and throwing a wave over his shoulder. "Join us if you'd like."
Kali gazed after the swaying purple locks, somewhat transfixed for a moment before she grinned and disappeared. The eight generals remained, looking forward with thoughtful looks on each of their faces.
"He's got her hooked."
"No, he's eating out of the palm of her hand!"
"Please, Kali just loves us!"
"Kougyoku!" The princess jumped, turning around with a startled look on her features before her eyes settled on Kali and she blinked, a wide smile touching her lips.
"K-Kali! What can I do for you—"
"I have an important favor to ask," Kali explained. Kougyoku looked to her in surprise as Kali shuffled in her pockets and held out a note for her to take, folded up neatly. "Do you think you could deliver this for me?"
"My, that's not very difficult," Kougyoku smiled, easily taking the note and tucking it into one of her sleeves. "Who is it for?"
"Are you certain, my king?" Camio questioned, but her friend sounded pleased with her decision as Kali grinned, eyes shining brightly despite the fear crawling up the back of her spine. Yes.
"It's for your brother, Kouen."
"It's finally over now, isn't it?" Sharrkan mused aloud, bringing a glass to his lips.
"Eh? Don't tell me you're sad now," Yamraiha teased and Sharrkan scowled above his cup.
The moon was shining halfway through the night, the glistening light casting silver beams down along the palace walls. A gentle breeze wafted by, carrying with it the scent of the sea and flowers, intoxicating. Kali brought a cup of water to her lips, not really caring to partake in any alcohol tonight as she leaned back against one of the marble pillars, a plate of food beside her as she gazed out across the country, watching the lights flickering about. She'd decided to show up after all—it was a free invitation for food.
"Of course not, having an apprentice wasn't my style anyway." Sharrkan muttered.
"But all three of you did a splendid job as their masters," Sinbad raised a cup to them with a grin. "This is my way of thanking you, eat and drink to your heart's content."
"But what a surprise," Yamraiha mused, cheeks slightly flushed do to the alcohol. "Who knew that even Alibaba would sneak onboard that ship?"
"True..." Masrur added. "We all assumed he would just be staying here."
"Well, not really..." Sharrkan murmured under his breath, looking off as though he were recalling something and Kali smiled to herself, idly biting into a charred fish and savoring the taste. "That kid for sure... man."
"Well, I had a chance to talk to him too." Sinbad smiled, eyes flickering to the side he added. "As it seems Kali did." She threw the king a signature grin and he rolled his eyes. "In the end, he made the decision himself to set off on a journey."
"I see." Yamraiha beamed and Sharrkan smiled proudly.
"Well, now all our apprentices have taken off. Guess we'll have to see whose apprentice ends up making the most of himself."
"What are you talking about?" Yamraiha exclaimed, butting her head forward as she narrowed her eyes. "It goes without saying that Aladdin made the most of himself already!"
"What the hell?" Sharrkan snapped, butting his head into hers as he scowled. "And when was this decided, huh? Don't be ridiculous!"
The two quickly began to shoulder at each other, eyes narrowed and spiteful looks on their faces until Masrur spoke up, a fish bone between his teeth. "No, it's Morgiana."
"Huh?"
"Not only did she acquire a household vessel and its use, she could make short work of the two of you with her bare hands."
"If that's the case, Alibaba can do the same!"
"Oh, you mean the one who can't even perform a djinn equip?"
"You little—"
Must be nice. Kali mused, munching idly on her skewer as she swung her feet out, letting the cold night air tickle her bare feet almost playfully. I wonder what having someone to teach and guide would be like.
"I'm sure you would make a fine teacher." Camio assured.
"Isn't it lonely?"
Nah, it would be too much work. Kali leaned against the pillar, a thoughtful look on her features. Besides, they would probably get really annoyed of me anyway. I'd put them through too much trouble and what not.
"So?" There was a clink of metal, the flutter of Rukh, and Kali peered over the top of her glass as Sinbad came to stand beside her on the railing of the balcony. There was a warm smile on his features, golden eyes regarding her with curiosity as well as a look of expectancy. "Now that those four have taken off, what will you be doing?"
Kali hummed, a thoughtful look flickering over her features. The three generals behind them turned toward the two with interest, awaiting her answer but not expecting much. Sinbad was silent, waiting. He was well aware that half the reason that Kali had returned was due to the events that had occurred along with those four that she had grown so fond of.
Although... He'd like to think it had something to do with himself and his country as well.
Everyone was beginning to move. The world was shifting and Kali was so used to struggling to keep up with it, bare feet hitting the floor as fast as she could, never taking a moment. There were many things that could be ready to be set into motion, turns this world might take that she needed to prepare herself for.
"Whatever your decision, my king," Camio began softly. "We will be with you."
"I think," Kali began quietly, looking thoughtful. "I'll stay here for a while."
"As expected," Sinbad sighed, taking a long sip of his wine before he paused, eyes widening in disbelief as he suddenly spat out his drink and turned to look at her in disbelief.
Yamraiha clasped her hands, eyes shining with amazement while Sharrkan let out a cry of disbelief, Masrur looking the same as all three of them pressed forward, Sinbad's brow twitching as he looked at the woman beside him.
"W-What did you say?"
"I think," Kali began again, turning to him with a small smile. "I'll stay here a little longer."
Sinbad pressed a hand to his head turning around with furrowed brows. "I was drinking too much, that has to be it."
"Eh~ Should I go ahead and leave then?"
"No! I mean, that's not—"
After all... Kali daringly took Sinbad's glass from his hands, bringing the cup to her lips and taking a long drink of the wine, wincing at the burn down her throat.
I have a big mission on my hands.
Omake: Djinns
"You show me one and then I'll show you one."
"I don't see the reason in such an exchange considering the fact that I have two more than you."
"Then you will see Koumei and Kouha's as well."
Kali's brow twitched, a wary look spreading across her features as Kouen regarded her flatly, the expression on his features promising these terms were non-negotiable.
"But I can't really equip with Ose yet," Kali muttered, rubbing the back of her head. And I don't really like showing off yours, Cam.
"Why not?"
It's a little...well...
Kouen's lips twitched the barest bit and Kali's eyes narrowed, a scowl touching her features as she very much realized that this man was mocking her the faintest bit. She huffed, not one for a wounded pride and crossed her arms firmly over her chest. "Alright, I show you three, you show me your three, how about that?"
"Interesting considering I could always just make you show me."
"As if, you can't force people into a djinn equip."
"Shall we test the notion?"
"Spirit of Passion and Destruction, in the name of my magoi and my will, dwell within my body, envelop me to grant me greater power, I order you and your members—Raum!"
A flurry of flames licked outwards, enveloping Kali in a thick vortex as Kouen made no move to shift backwards, watching quietly as Kali reappeared before him, bearing fangs and horns, scales covering various parts of her body and loose silks wrapped around her hips. Kali stepped back, plunging a flaming Raum into the earth as she smirked, hands on her hips as she gazed back at him haughtily. "Now how's that?"
"Scandalous!" Kouha called from the room alongside the garden the two stood off in. Koumei beside him drinking tea as the two watched the other two before them with curiosity.
Neither knew what had suddenly driven their brother to find Kali amidst the beds of flowers, idly watching them grow and bud of their own natural accord and declare that she show him her djinn equips. Kali had cheekily responded after a moment of confusion that she shouldn't reveal all her cards to him when they weren't even aiming for the same goal—to which Kouen had remained silent before saying that she must not know how to djinn equip then. Upon such words Kali had quickly stomped over to him, jutting a finger to his chest and promising that she could equip with four of the five and Kouen had merely smirked, tipping his head to the side and prompting her to prove it.
"Kali is rather..." Koumei trailed off, looking at the two curiously. "Easy to manipulate to a degree, isn't she?"
"I think En just wanted to see her in more revealing clothing," Kouha commented. Koumei's tea went flying from his lips and Kouha flashed him a look of disgust as his elder brother coughed.
"I'm sure that's not the case..."
"Astaroth."
Kali stepped back, eyes growing wide as a flurry of blue flames enveloped the man before her. She blinked, watching carefully and somewhat mesmerized by the dazzling color, never before having seen such bright blue flames save for Sinbad's crackling electricity. Kouen suddenly appeared before her, hair nearly burning at the ends as he gazed at her coolly, hair shifting this way and that and Kali blinked, ignoring the flaming serpent that seemed to wind up his arm and watching instead the shifting movement of his hair. Curiously she stepped forward and Kouen paused, watching her in silence as her scaled hand reached outwards, ebony talons adorning slender fingers enclosed around one of the shifting locks.
Kouen's face winced ever so slightly as she clenched her fist, eyes growing wide in surprise as the lock of hair hissed at her, tears seemingly sprouting from the snake's eyes. "They're alive!"
Crimson eyes gave her a look nearly bordering amusement but outshining with annoyance as the snake quickly pulled from her grasp and Kali hummed. "Not bad, but I think Raum is cooler."
Kouen arched a brow and Kali inhaled, the djinn equip leaving her in a flash of golden light as she drew the dagger forth from her chest, eyes growing bright as she pressed her lips to the blade. "Spirit of freedom and happiness, dwell within my body, Seere!"
Koumei and Kouha turned, watching with interest as a storm seemed to surround Kali's body, crackling with electricity and wind as it darkened before expanding, a furious gust blowing out past them and threatening to shake the doors from their sliders as Kali's eyes shone, the gray irises flickering with a blue streak around her pupil. Her hair had become an ashen color, pulled back into a ponytail with fringes framing her face. The ponytail was locked in place with a golden band, golden wings protruding from the top and an arrow through the center. A line of silver markings shone across her cheek, covering the left side and over her eye as it trailed down her neck.
A simple stretch of silken fabric covered her chest, a golden emblem of a horse shoe between her breasts as a chain hung loosely from it. Golden bands encircled her arms, fabric hanging loosely from her arm and connecting to the other behind her back. Golden hoops adorned either ear, sashes of stormy colored fabric crossed over her hips, barely covering beneath. Anklets encircled her feet, wings protruding from the back and Kali threw Kouen a cheeky grin, head held high once more.
"Well?"
"Surprising," Kouen said simply. "Considering how inexperienced you are."
Kali quickly understood the dig he was making, cheeks flushing as she huffed, stomping her foot as mini tempests appeared beneath her feet.
"There's nothing wrong with that, okay! Just because I may not be as loose as some people, doesn't mean that—"
"Agares."
Kali stepped back, a flurry of golden light illuminated Kouen's body before she blinked, looking around in surprise before she craned her head downwards. Her eyes went wide and a laugh began to bubble at her lips, tears nearly pricking her eyes as she clutched her stomach. "K-Kouen you're—you're—"
"Powerful," Kouen finished, looking unaffected despite how dwarfed he was in Agares' equip. Kouha and Koumei blinked, looking amused as Kali crouched down beside him, giggling to herself as Kouen regarded her coolly, unfazed despite the annoyance flickering in his eyes.
"Well, it's very...cute," Kali admitted with a breezy laugh. Kouha and Koumei both choked at the term, looking to Kouen for a reaction, but their brother merely smirked. "I wouldn't mind if you stayed like this, it's very charming."
Kali's equip left her and she sucked in a breath, growing a little worn out from switching equips but glad she wasn't fighting in them, so it didn't take up as much of her energy. Her eyes grew somewhat warm, finding this to be a little fun as she sat back on her heels, tapping the anklets around her legs. "Asmodeé."
Warm, silver light coated Kali's body and Kouen watched, still in Agares' equip as Kali's form flickered and he blinked once, looking mildly amused as a younger version of Kali appeared before him, eyes silver and a pair of fox ears shifting atop her head as she grinned. A fluffy tail shifted behind her, a golden ring pierced through the tip and she tucked the mirror in her hands under her arm, setting furry hands atop her hips. "I guess this one is kind of the same as yours, isn't it!"
"Hey, Mei," Koumei turned at Kouha's look of startling seriousness. "I'm not crazy right, this scene right now is kind of—"
Cute.
Imagining their fierce brother as nothing more than a younger child and Kali matching him in such an appearance was strangely... charming. But then considering that the two were very aware of how fierce Kouen was even as a child, they kept their mouths shut.
Kali looked curious, as if listening to someone before she turned to Kouen. "You know, I think the two of them might have been friends."
Kouen arched a brow and Kali grinned, pointing to herself and then to him. "Asmodeé and Agares!"
Kouen's eyes flickered. "An interesting notion."
Kali beamed, showing a surprisingly joyful face that Kouen found himself rather transfixed with. Despite the seriousness of needing an equip in most circumstances, she seemed almost happier when she was one with her metal vessels. Kali paused once more, reaching forward after a moment and clasping his clawed hand in hers, soft silver fur and gently clawed hands slipping through his as she tipped her head to the side. Kouen regarded their joined hands before bringing his eyes to meet hers and Kali laughed, somewhat embarrassed. "Sorry, for some reason Asmodeé really wanted me to do that, I was curious to see what would happen too."
"It's been too long," Kouen paused at the voice in his head, realizing it was Agares with a look of interest flickering through his eyes.
His body flickered and Kouen appeared once more, adjusting the sword at his side and he gazed down at Kali. "I suppose that will be all for today."
"Wait a minute!" Kali looked indignant, quickly dropping her equip and throwing him a look of disbelief. "That's not fair! You only showed me two! I showed you three."
"There are still two that I haven't seen," Kouen replied simply. "Perhaps after you've managed to master the fifth, I will show you Phenex."
"He just doesn't want to show her because it's not very masculine," Kouha grinned, looking amused as Kali continued to huff.
"You know, as much as you talk about uniting the world and what not, I don't think it'd be such a grand place if a cheater is at the top of it all," Kali growled, crossing her arms over her chest as she turned her head to the side with a huff. "Making promises like that and then breaking them... You're a real piece of work—"
"If you would stop acting so childishly," Kouen turned halfway, regarding her coolly as his eyes flickered, Kouha and Koumei looking surprised at the almost fond look that seemed to shine through. "You will find that I am a man of my word."
Kali paused, looking hopelessly confused as Kouen merely turned, cape fluttering behind him as he began to walk forward. "There was a new shipment from a tribe to the east we managed to convince to join our cause, they are particularly known for a strange fruit that tastes similar to honey."
Within seconds Kali was following at Kouen's heels, inquiring more about this tribe and the sweet fruit as Kouen responded occasionally, head tilted towards her slightly. Koumei and Kouha watched the two disappear around the corner and remained silent for a moment, a bird chirping off to the side.
"Do you think she knows he's already planning the wedding ceremony?"
"Doubtful." Koumei responded.
"Well, she must realize he's been trying harder than I've ever seen to please her."
"For a person of his status, I suppose, but Kali is rather a fool."
"She must understand at some point, right?"
"With the right approach, perhaps."
...
...
...
"I still think En just wanted to see her in more revealing clothes."
"Let's not imagine our brother with such thoughts floating about his head, shall we?"
Just a small or not so small scene I was originally going to slip somewhere in the Kou arc but it didn't really flow for me so I added it in here. :) Look forward for more omakes to come, I've got several ideas for them~
I HONESTLY REALLY SHOULD BE UPDATING MY OTHER STORIES BUT FORGIVE ME GUYS I'VE JUST BEEN SO INSPIRED TO WRITE FOR MAGI LATELY ITS KILLING ME.
So I quickly busted out this monster of a chapter for you guys! Ten thousand words is pretty good to make up for that hella long absence right ;-; I say expect another chapter or two and then we'll be plunging feet first into the major djinn battle that takes place! The plot is finally moving again and I'm getting really excited for the scenes that are coming up.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR BEING THE KIND, WONDERFUL PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE AND STICKING WITH ME :,) I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH I CAN'T.
What did Kali's note say to Kouen, we'll have to wait and see!
Thanks for everything and hope you guys enjoyed!
Marshmellow-
-OUT!
