Retreat to the Slums

At first things had felt like they were going to go back to how they were before. The three of them would finally reunite. However, that wasn't exactly what Alibaba was thinking, unlike the other two. It was nice seeing his friends again but he wouldn't allow them to get in the middle of his business. They had been separated for months and Alibaba had been previously under the impression that Aladdin and Morgiana wasn't coming back, that they left him. Filling the gap that they left was someone just as important as they were. Kassim was there for him when they weren't.

It didn't matter what he went through with Morgiana and Aladdin because if anyone knew him better it was Kassim. Sure, they didn't have the best history but they were closer than ever now and he wasn't going to let anyone tear him away from his family, either. So, when Morgiana had referred to his family, the fog troop, as thieves he wasn't very happy. In fact, he was pretty irate. Morgiana had no right to say anything and despite what she thought, she didn't know him.

When they finally met Sinbad, the man the troop had been searching for, he was relieved. He definitely wasn't a fan of killing but the troop wanted their revenge and so did he. The Prince would have continued to fight Sinbad but Kassim was right, they needed to go if they wanted to live. Of course, they were lucky they could get away in the first place. That was a couple hours ago but they had finally managed to make it back to where they resided.

"Phew, that was a close one, wasn't it?" Alibaba chuckled as he took a sigh of relief before looking at the troop with concern, "Are you all okay? Did everyone make it back?"

Kassim frowned as he looked around, noting that there were a few missing. Apparently not everyone kept up with them. As hard as it was though, it wasn't all that new since they didn't have the best reputation with the royals and authorities. Still, he put on his best smile before replying.

"That sure was but I'm glad we made it out…. That bastard was going to take us out for sure! I don't care what his promises were, you could never trust a guy like him," Kassim commented and tried to keep his smile, though it did falter, "It looks like a few didn't make it… but I think the rest of us are okay."

A good portion of the troop was injured but not too badly, nothing that couldn't be fixed with some treating and a good night's sleep. Alibaba was satisfied with that but he was still angry at Sinbad. The man added fuel to the fire, which he would regret.

"That man sure knows how to piss someone off, I mean, did he really think he could convince me to turn against you guys? I would rather die before that could happen," Alibaba replied and frowned deeply, "Our fallen comrades will be avenged, not matter what it takes. I won't let that man and his friends get in the way."

It's funny how much someone could change over time. Even someone as kind hearted as Alibaba was no exception. He was once a man who never held grudges against anyone and was almost always nice. However, when he joined the fog troop and stayed with them in slums, he could see just how blind he was to things. Alibaba saw the error of his ways and decided that not everyone deserved kindness. The world was a truly cruel place, and so was fate it seemed.

Right now, Alibaba wasn't in the best state. Losing family was one thing but to try and turn him against them? No. Anyone who treated his family and loyalties like that was an enemy, someone he should hate. Even Morgiana tried but not Aladdin. Oh well, it was probably best that they weren't friends, right? A mixture of white and Black rukh surround him, though there were slightly more white than black, as Alibaba continued to dwell on his thoughts. Of course, he himself didn't notice nor did anyone else.

"Enough about that, we've all had a long day," Alibaba sighed before smiling at everyone, "I think what we all could use is some rest, yeah? We should be safe enough for the night."

Everyone was hesitant and rightfully so, considering the fact that they were public enemy number one but slowly they all started retreating for the night. The only two that were left was Kassim and Alibaba. Of course, the two did usually sleep in the same area.

"Say, Alibaba, what were you doing there in the first place? Who were those people?" Kassim asked and raised an eyebrow, "We were so worried when we discovered that you were missing."

Alibaba took a deep breath before responding, "They were some old friends, Aladdin and Morgiana. They helped me conquer the dungeon and we got a little close. We were going to come back together but somehow we ended up parting ways. Morgiana took me when I was least expecting it and believe me, I tried to fight but she's hard to fight her." Alibaba went quiet before speaking up once more, "According to them, they've spent all this time looking for me and they were trying to convince me to stay with them. I'm just thankful that you came when you did."

While they both know that when found each other again that Kassim was using Alibaba, that had slowly changed. In way he was still using Alibaba but it's not like the other was doing it against his will. So, over time their relationship grew and they were closer than when they were younger. Close enough that he felt a jealous rage. He wasn't going to let two strangers separate them again. After all, they were partners in crime.

"Friends? They aren't very good friends if they left you. I know I have no room to speak but at least I came back," Kassim muttered and shook his head as he took a step closer to Alibaba, resting a hand on his shoulder, "I would have been there sooner but the troop were preparing, too. It was easier to rescue you first and be ready to face that bastard. She didn't hurt you, did she?"

Kassim was right, he didn't have any room to speak but that didn't bother Alibaba. Alibaba actually understood why Kassim did what he did. If he had been in Kassim's shoes he probably would have done the same thing. No one else besides those who lived in the slums would understand. The blond looked down at the hand on his shoulder and then back up at Kassim.

"Did Morgiana hurt me? No, not at all, not physically at least. I don't want to think of what might have happened if you took any longer," Alibaba said sadly before turning serious, "I don't know how we got separated but you're right. At least you came back when I ran into you. They couldn't take me away even if they tried harder. Besides, they may have been my friends before but not anymore. They don't matter now, they're nothing. Anyway, I think I need some rest, are you going to join me?"

|Yeah, I know this is short and not the best but eh. (It's probably boring.) The first few chapters are just some basic stuff and introductions, probably. Hopefully it will be okay? Let me know what you all think.|