Author's Note: A few people had already reviewed in the first chapter, which honestly made me very happy. Unfortunately though, one of them disappointed me and made me want to shake my head in in disapproval.
At the end of this chapter, there is a note to which I direct towards the reviewer who calls themselves 'DeprivedofCoffee' who already deemed Miriam a potential Mary-Sue at the very first part of the story. If you are this person, please skip this chapter and read my note first. It would do you and me some good. :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Magi. I only own the characters that are not depicted in the story such as my OCs.
Warning: Again, this is not going to your typical and average SI OC fanfic. There will be harsh and tragic realism here. For those weak at heart, go away and forget this ever happened.
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Night 1
I sat quietly inside the caravan, my back against one of the wooden walls inside. I turned my head to the side and caught sight of Alibaba's golden tresses, swishing from side to side as the caravan swayed.
Seeing how clean and beautiful his hair was, I wondered how it would feel if I touched it. It was so shiny and looked so soft that it was quite difficult to suppress the urge to hold it.
As if sensing my gaze was on him, Alibaba turned to me. Even when we made eye contact, I didn't stop staring at him with a blank expression. My eyes though, I knew, said different.
Alibaba tilted his head, curious as to what I may have been thinking about.
"What's wrong?" he asked, brown eyes searching for a silent reaction.
I stayed quiet for a few moments. My calm façade must've been pretty impressive if Alibaba couldn't tell I was internally screaming and having a freak out session. The feeling of guilt and shame stabbed my insides repeatedly as I reminded myself I was only using the blond boy as means of surviving.
"… I'm a bit hungry." I admitted softly, holding my stomach.
Alibaba's eyes widened slightly in realization but relaxed and laughed lightly afterwards.
"Ah, of course you would get hungry." Alibaba said as a smile graced his lips. "There are some apples and bread in the basket over there, next to the crates. You can help yourself to them."
My eyes twinkled in delight. Alibaba noticed this and smiled to himself as I made my way towards the basket. I opened it and gingerly took a peek inside. Instantly, the soft scent of food filled my nose, further fuelling my hunger. Inside there were a number of apples and bread, although I did see a small bottle of milk.
I was so hungry that I grabbed a loaf of bread as fast as I could and started eating it. The bread wasn't as good as my previous home, but it was still food and honestly I didn't want to starve.
Half-way through the loaf, I paused. I turned to Alibaba, who had already shifted his focus to driving the caravan and back to the bread I held in my hands.
'How did he get food? Don't tell me that this is—'
"Alibaba… this is the food you earned from your job as a cart driver." I stated.
Alibaba looked back at me, who was giving him a frown. He nodded slowly.
"Yeah, it is. Is there something wrong with them?" he asked, placing his left arm on the top of the wood and letting it hang there.
My frown deeped considerably as I pushed the loaf away from my face.
"Why are you giving it to me?" I asked. "Shouldn't you keep this to yourself instead of sharing it to someone like me?"
Alibaba stayed quiet for a moment. His brown eyes gazed on me, as if he was thinking about something very important. A few moments later, I noticed him snap himself back to reality and gave me a look.
"I said I would take care of you, didn't I?" Alibaba said before turning away from me and focusing once more on the road. "Besides, I have food back at my house too, so don't worry about shortages."
I hummed lowly under my breath before continuing my meal in total and complete silence. I supposed that was enough for me ensure that he wouldn't be angered if I accidentally consumed all the food in the basket.
When the caravan stopped, I had already consumed two loaves of bread and an apple. My stomach wasn't as full as I want it to be, but it was satisfactory. Despite my brain and stomach nagging me to eat all the food to my full, I resisted that urge. It wasn't my food— it was Alibaba's. Until I could earn food alongside Alibaba or by myself by doing some work, I didn't allow myself the full satisfaction of a hearty and full meal.
The curtains of the caravan opened and Alibaba peaked in.
"Come on, we're near my home." Alibaba said, pointing his thumb behind him.
I nodded wordlessly and slowly made my way towards him, careful with the dress I wore. Earlier I had noticed that while I didn't lack underwear, I lacked any more clothing that would cover my lower body. Thankfully the dress was knee length, so not much of my skin showed. Though I would rather wear some pants, even if they are as floppy and weird-looking as Alibaba's.
As I swung my legs over the edge of the caravan, Alibaba took my hand and gently pulled me forward. I landed on the ground and fumbled slightly. The trip from the desert took quite a long time, so my legs fell half-asleep along the way.
Even while I stood, they felt slightly numb. Noticing this, Alibaba looked at me in slight concern, his eyebrows furrowing together.
"You okay Miriam?" he asked once more.
I felt my face warm up slightly. I wasn't used to someone caring for my well-being so much as he was. It was quite difficult for my mind to wrap around the fact that I was in Alibaba's care now and that he had voluntarily taken me under his wing.
My eyes went to my hand which he held in his. I felt my eyes widen ever so slightly and my heart fluttered as a warm feeling spread across my chest.
"Yeah." I said softly, nodding.
Alibaba sigh in relief. He then dropped my hand, much to my disappointment, and headed back inside the caravan. He took one of the out and carefully placed it on the ground. He then took out the basket filled with food and placed it beside the crate.
"Miriam, can you carry the basket? I'll take the crate." Alibaba said as he took the heavy wooden crate once more in his arms.
I noticed that he struggled slightly to support to weight of the crate and my lips curled downwards in slight sadness.
"Do you need any help?" I asked.
Alibaba looked at me and shook his head, sending me a goofy smile.
"Nah, I'm fine. I may not look like it, but I'm really strong!" he said.
I blinked a few times.
"… I agree. You really don't look strong at all." I said comically.
Alibaba nearly fell over.
"Hey!"
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I followed behind Alibaba, carrying the basket of food in my hands and being careful and wary of my surroundings. A few people looked at me in slight worry and shook their heads my way while others whispered.
I felt extremely uncomfortable with the attention I've been getting. I was one who didn't like being focused on. Especially all those gestures the people around me have been doing… it was as if I had done something wrong.
"Don't mind them." Alibaba's voice said, snapping me from my thoughts.
"Your clothes are just a bit dirty that they remind them of a slave. I think they have the wrong idea of me buying you… ehehe." Alibaba said, looking at me with a nervous smile.
My facial expression must've changed slightly because Alibaba detected my unease and anxiety towards the situation at hand.
"Don't worry, you're not a slave. I won't let you become one." Alibaba said, his expression determined.
With that said, he turned back forward and continued walking. With his gaze away from my face, he couldn't see the smile I had on my face.
"Alibaba." I called.
"Yeah?" he said without turning his face to me.
"What is this place?" I asked curiously.
Actually, I knew exactly what this place was. I knew what kind of people live here and especially what kind of fate that Alibaba would soon meet when he finally sees Aladdin. But he didn't known what I did, so I had to act oblivious. It would be suspicious if I didn't.
Also, I needed to distract myself from the stares of the people around me. I felt safer only if Alibaba was there.
"This place is Qishan." Alibaba answered. "It's a merchant outpost ruled by Lord Jamil."
I held back the habit of clicking my tongue in distaste. Ugh, the mere mention of that man's name makes me want to shove my foot up his ass.
I remember my reaction when I first read the "Magi" manga when Jamil showed up. He represented one of the people I hated… yet at the same time he represented me.
How so? I was sadistic and I used people as means as to get what I want. Just like what I was doing now. I didn't care for Alibaba. I was only pretending. I was pretending to be a helpless person that needed to be saved, when in reality I just needed some free service and a place to stay.
Perhaps Alibaba wasn't my personal choice, but compared to other characters in the Magi universe, he's the only one I could actually depend on NOT betraying me. That, I had faith in.
The rest of the walk was silent. The sky darkened little by little and soon we reached Alibaba's house. Seeing as his hands were occupied, I jogged forward and pushed the wooden door open, allowing Alibaba to enter first.
"You know, it's usually ladies first." Alibaba said lightly.
"I'm hardly a lady." I answered as I entered his house, walking inside.
The whole room was bland. There was a few plain rugs on the floor, probably where Alibaba slept. Crates and baskets were scattered here and there messily, giving me the expression that Alibaba was anything but a tidy person. It was sort of small and less spacious that I had speculated, but nonetheless I was thankful for having shelter.
I turned to the corner where most of the food baskets were stories and walked towards it. I kneeled and carefully placed the basket among the food storage before standing up and dusting my knees and dress.
I turned towards Alibaba, who was looking a bit uncomfortable.
"Uh… well, there's nowhere else comfortable so we're just going to have to share the rug." Alibaba said, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "Sorry about that."
I turned to Alibaba and shook my head.
"No, it's fine with me." I said with a small and reassuring smile. "I have no complaints whatsoever."
Alibaba turned to me in slight surprise.
"Really?" he asked, somewhat shocked with my response.
I nodded wordlessly, mustering the sincerest smile I could possibly make. Alibaba's eyes widened slightly, still surprised, but it slowly softened and he relaxed, his tense shoulder's loosening.
"I see." Alibaba said, smiling in relief.
'He shows his expressions too easily…' I observed silently. 'That would be a huge disadvantage in the future against his opponents. No wonder I can freely use him like this.'
"My work isn't that great and the money isn't that much, which is why I have been living like this." Alibaba said, casting his brown eyes downwards. They were filled with sadness and slight regret, something I didn't like seeing in Alibaba.
"But one day, I'll become rich. Rich enough to buy everything we need! No, everything we want! Rich enough to buy a whole country!" Alibaba exclaimed, raising his head up. A smile and a fierce look of determination appeared on his face as he clenched his fist in front of his face.
"Then we'll have to nothing to worry about anymore!" he said.
I watched with him, my mouth slightly agape. I was speechless. 'So this was how he thought before he met Aladdin and conquered Amon…'
"We…" I murmured.
Alibaba looked at me.
"You said we…" I repeated. "You'll include me?"
Alibaba lowered his fist and nodded.
"Of course I will. I meant when I said I'll be taking care of you. Besides, I'm the one who gave you a new name, right?" Alibaba said.
"Right, Miriam?"
Hearing my new name come out of his lips, I felt myself smile against my own will. I felt so happy. Why? I didn't know. I just felt so happy that tears sprung from my eyes.
Immediately, Alibaba started to fuss over me, asking me what was wrong and if he had possibly said something mean towards me. While he fussed, I kept on shaking my head.
"No, no—" I said, wiping my tears away with my hand. "I'm just happy that I'm able to live now with you, Alibaba."
Alibaba leaned back, eyes widened with surprise.
"I'm happy to be able to be with you, Alibaba." I said, smiling.
From the moment when Alibaba discovered me in the desert… that must've been the only truthful thing I told him.
And that crushed my heart.
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Life with Alibaba… well, not exactly boring nor entertaining.
Since Alibaba was still stuck with money engraved in his mind, each time he would have a noble or rich customer, he would act like a total sap. He literally kissed ass and did everything obediently, acting like a loyal dog towards them until they paid him.
I frowned upon that kind of behaviour, but knowing that he'll change his mind soon was enough to refrain me from hitting him.
Since Alibaba saved me and gave me a new life and name, I saw myself in his debt. Normally, I would've detested the fact that I owed someone. But for some reason…
I couldn't bring myself to hate Alibaba.
My personality varies towards the people I meet. Had Alibaba been someone else, I would've been able to hate him with all my heart and do anything sabotage them. But with Alibaba…
He was… like a warm ray of sunshine. He willingly helped me and saved me from my doom in the desert. Even towards some of his customers who were just normal people like us, he was very kind and warm.
Never once did he raise his voice against anyone nor did he get mad at his customers, no matter who they were or what they did to him. Even when there was that one time when a noble who got pissed when Alibaba accidentally toppled over his crate of goods, he still didn't get mad and accepted the punishment.
Alibaba was kicked and beaten by the said noble. Thankfully, it wasn't as severe as I thought and he was still able to accomplish the job, which were to deliver the noble's goods to another town somewhere Northeast of Qishan. But I was so angry that time that I gladly admit that I wanted to kill that stupid rich man.
But before I could even reach the knife nearby, Alibaba directed a stern gaze towards me, which would immediately deflate my anger. It was as if he was saying 'Don't do it' or something along those lines.
It was similar to a glare but at the same time held no hostility.
When we finished the job and finally got rid of that stupid noble, I burdened myself with the responsibility of nursing Alibaba's battered body. The bruises were large and purple and I knew that Alibaba would have trouble moving for a few days. I frowned and traces my fingers on his bare skin, where he would occasionally flinch when I pressed on the bruises a bit too hard.
While I traced the bruises on his back, I was also admiring his well-toned body.
What? Was it strange for me to oogle on a handsome and shirtless man in front of me?
I clicked my tongue in irritation and distaste before applying some ointment I bought before. Alibaba winced slightly but kept quiet and still for me to fulfil my job.
Once I finished, I leaned back and stared at his back. I realized then that I didn't want Alibaba to be hurt like this again.
It puzzled me. Why was I starting to care?
Alibaba noticed my stare and turned his full body around. He placed a hand on my head, snapping me from my thoughts.
"This is nothing. Once we become rich, we'll show them." He said encouragingly, giving me a smile despite the pain of his sore body.
It was then when I had found more respect for Alibaba than ever.
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I laid down the rug on the floor, staring at the starry sky above me. Alibaba's house never had a roof to begin with, but it was actually a good thing. For one, during the night, the desert wind is very cool, which means that we don't need anything to keep us from feeling the heat. Another is that without the roof, I could gaze at the clear night sky endlessly.
Beside me, Alibaba was snoring loudly, his left arm was beside him while his right arm was laying on his stomach. I turned to him and stared at his sleeping face, snickering slightly as I spotted a small trail of drool oozing out of the corner of his mouth, which made me snicker.
As I stared at Alibaba, I stretched my hand and neared it towards his face. It hovered above Alibaba's cheek and only one move, I would be able to feel him.
Alibaba made a somewhat choked noise from the back of his throat and turned his body to the side facing me. I froze and quickly retracted my hand as he started mumbling incoherent words under his breath and as he squiggled and squirmed similar to a worm in his sleep.
I sigh quietly to myself and focused my attention back at the night sky.
'What am I doing?' I asked myself, raising the hand I used earlier to nearly touch Alibaba's face.
'Why am I starting to care about him?' I asked. If I ever cared for anyone, it would mostly be myself. I was a selfish person, and I never thought twice about what might happen to other people if I were to gain something they lost. All I ever cared about was about my needs and wants, never someone else's well-being.
I looked at Alibaba's peaceful face and pushed my lips into a thin line.
'Is it because of him?' I wondered. 'Am I slowly changing because of him?'
As the night went on, I started to feel drowsy. My eyelids were becoming heavy and I released a silent yawn. Realizing that I couldn't stare at the stars anymore that night, I just curled myself into a comfortable sleeping position and closed my eyes.
'It seems that you're slowly realizing your purpose here.'
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Today was another normal day, loading and unloading crates and objects from one caravan to another. Just because Alibaba was a cart driver doesn't mean he was on-duty all the time. Sometimes his boss would give him mediocre or typical work, such as helping others with loading and unloading things into other caravans.
If I were to estimate the time I've spent with Alibaba ever since he found me in the desert, it would approximately be 3 months. I thought I would've been able to meet Aladdin and see Jamil dead by then, but it seemed that I was wrong.
As I helped carry boxes, I couldn't help but wonder. When was Aladdin going to show up?
"Hey Miriam, can you help me lift this to the caravan over there? They're about to depart."
I turned around and saw Alibaba struggling to lift a medium sized crate. I silently made my way towards the opposite side of the crate and positioned my hands under it, ready to push it up.
"On 3. 1, 2, 3!"
I hoisted the crate up and thankfully with Alibaba's strength, we were able to move the crate towards the other caravan without further inconveniences. We placed it on the cart and pushed it fully inside, fixing its position so that there would be more space for the other crates to fit.
Alibaba dusted his hands together while I dusted my dress. Yes, I have been wearing the very same dress for 3 months. I didn't want to ask Alibaba for money so soon and forced myself to stay quiet about it, even though I hated wearing the stupid article of clothing. I wanted some real clothes damn it.
I noticed Alibaba staring at me as if he was thinking deeply. I raised an eyebrow at him and waved my hand in front of his face, catching his attention and snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Alibaba?" I asked, my voice soft. In this world, I was Miriam. And as Miriam, I deemed myself a soft spoken and kind person. That was who Miriam was.
But I wasn't exactly Miriam now, was I?
"Ah, yeah?" he asked.
"You were spacing out again." I said.
"Oh, that." Alibaba said, scratching his head. He was still staring at me, as if he was contemplating on something important. I started to feel a bit uncomfortable under his gaze.
"What's wrong?" I asked, tilting my head slightly to the right.
It sort of unnerved me how conflicted Alibaba looked. I didn't like it. I preferred him smiling or doing something idiotic.
"… let's buy you some clothes." He said.
I blinked a few times.
"… what?" I asked.
"You've been wearing the same dress for a long time. You're a girl and all, so let's buy you some proper clothes." Alibaba said.
I stared at him, eyes widened. I tried to kill my joyous smile by biting my inner cheek and my pinching myself.
'It's about time, damn it!' I screamed in joy mentally.
I smiled at Alibaba and nodded.
"If you say so." I said.
Alibaba smiled.
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I stared at the clothing shop Alibaba took me to, blinking owlishly and face slightly warm. All sorts of clothes were on display, varying from gender, age, and social status. The woman whom I noticed to be the seller eyed me carefully, as if I was some sort of lab experiment she was contemplating on performing.
"Hmm… who is this girl, Alibaba? Your girlfriend?" the woman asked.
If I were to describe the woman, I would say she was in her mid-forties to early fifties. She was really, really plump but somehow managed to cross her arms across her chest and scowl in an effectively fearful way. Her eyes were sharp and thin, as if she suspected everyone around her to be some sort of thief.
"Wha— no! She's a friend of mine!" Alibaba sputtered out, his face dusted with pink.
I blinked a few times and feign a pouty face.
"That's so mean, Alibaba. I thought we were in a relationship!" I said, acting slightly more dramatic.
Alibaba turned to me with eyes so wide I was afraid they would pop out of their sockets.
"M-miriam?! What are you saying?!" Alibaba cried, his face burning with embarrassment.
The woman in front of me cracked a small grin, which somehow made her seem less menacing and cruel.
"Heh, she's quite the vixen Alibaba. What kind of clothes? The ones you expect a harlot to where?" the woman teased.
"Geez, both of you stop it! I just came to buy Miriam some clothes, that's it!" Alibaba cried. "And don't you dare give her those super skimpy outfits!"
"But I thought you would like me in those Alibaba." I said, catching his attention. "You do often stare at me when you space out. I sometimes wonder if you fantasize about me."
"M-miriam…" Alibaba half-growled and half-pleaded, his face red from embarrassment. I laughed at his flushed expression, which caused him to twitch in slight annoyance.
I grinned slightly. I enjoyed teasing Alibaba, especially if it was about an embarrassing subject.
I walked further inside the shop, passing by the seller and gazing at the shelves and clothes on display. Much to my chagrin, most of them were far too revealing for my tastes. I prefer more civilized clothes such as sweatpants and a hoodie. But of course, would you find those type of clothing in this world?
I noticed a curious red top. It looked similar to a towel-like dress held up by two straps connected to each other. It was one of the only least revealing tops I had found so far so I picked it up and started searching for a bottom.
As I walked further in, I noticed Alibaba walking out of the shop. I felt a bit panicky at the thought of being alone without anyone familiar with so I instantly called his name.
"Alibaba, where are you going?" I asked, trying to mask the anxiety in my voice.
Alibaba turned to me and send me a smile.
"I'm just going to check up on something. Don't worry, I'll be right back!"
Before I could protest, he headed out the shop, leaving me alone with the scary woman. Said scary woman gave me an eerie and mischievous smile, a smile that I hoped I would never live to see again in my entire second life.
"So are you his girlfriend?" she asked, drawling out the word 'are'.
I choked.
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Alibaba's POV
The blond boy neared his home, carrying a beige colored sack in his hands. He was quite proud of himself for being able to buy something for Miriam without her knowledge, although he was quite afraid of what her reaction towards his unsuspecting gift might be.
Alibaba did sometimes visit bars and casinos from time to time if he had enough money from his month's savings, but he never had a female companion he could actually call close to a friend. His fear of Miriam not liking his gift gnawed his insides, so when he arrived at the entrance to his home, he froze.
Would Miriam like his gift? He silently hoped so, but a part of him was beating him, saying that she probably won't accept a gift from someone like him.
Alibaba shook his head from side to side furiously, trying to gather his thoughts together. What was wrong with him? This was Miriam he was talking about. Miriam was a kind and gentle person he decided to help out.
The blond's eyes lowered to the ground, feeling slightly ashamed. His true intentions at first were to only use Miriam as extra help in his work so he'll be able to earn more money while cutting the amount of work he usually exerted.
But as the months flew, he started to grow attached to her. He started thinking about the many things that could've happened to Miriam before he found her in the desert.
Was she a slave thrown out? Or a prisoner? Possibly a bandit?
The thoughts were unlikely, though possible. Alibaba was very curious about Miriam, but after knowing the girl for the few months he spent time with her, he got the image of her being quite soft-spoken and gentle. It was as if she was a carefully and beautifully carved piece of glass. Make one wrong move and you shatter it.
Alibaba, despite his usually selfish tendencies, had a kind heart. While he did save Miriam to possibly have an extra helper with him, he was awfully lonely and never had a true friend… aside from Kassim.
But that was a tale for another time.
Inhaling deeply, Alibaba looked up at the wooden door in front of him. Mustering as much courage as he could, he gripped the sack in his hand tightly before pushing the door open.
"Miriam?" he called, his voice wavering slightly.
"You're back soon."
Alibaba turned to the side, where the other room lay. When Miriam walked out, his jaw nearly dropped.
When Alibaba first saw Miriam, he didn't give her appearance much thought. Her chin length brown hair was stringy and stuck up in all sorts of places plus her dark eyes were similar to that of a dead fish; as if she had ambition in the world. Her body was covered in dirt and sand, also her previous dress was filthy. It was no wonder when she first arrived to Qishan, many people assumed her to be a slave. Slaves hardly were clean nor did they have anything proper to wear at all.
But now…
There was an oasis near the area where Alibaba's house was located, so the blond boy assumed that Miriam cleaned herself there. The dress top she picked earlier in the shop complimented her figure greatly, hugging her chest and sides. Two straps of cloth were attached on the top, connected to each other which resembled like a noose which Miriam wore around her neck.
Her clothes for her bottom were what impressed him further. It was no shock that most female clothing for common folk were slightly or too revealing. Miriam had picked out a knee length flowing red cloth that acted like a long skirt, with the exception of a large slit on her left leg, exposing it for the world to see.
The cloth was attached securely by a golden pin that stayed on her left hip. Miriam had also chosen some simple open toed sandals to wear. Her hair was now calm and tamed, plus her dark gray eyes shone brightly with much more life than he last saw her.
All Alibaba could do was stare.
He saw Miriam blush slightly and turn away.
"Sorry… this was what the seller offered me. I couldn't say no since she was so persistent…" she said softly, holding her other hand in hers tightly.
Alibaba blinked a few times and shook his head.
"No, no. It's just… wow. You look beautiful, Miriam." He said, his voice breathless as if the very sight of this new Miriam was too much.
Miriam's gray eyes widened slightly and her blush grew darker. But she didn't bother to hide it and managed to give a small and shy smile towards him.
"Thank you, Alibaba." She said, her voice soft as always. Alibaba liked her voice. It was soothing and gentle.
Alibaba smiled and suddenly he remembered the sack he still held in his hand.
"Oh yeah— here!" Alibaba said, walking near Miriam and handing the sack to her. The said female tilted her head in confusion and opened the sack. Her eyes widened and inaudible gasp escaped her lips as she saw the contents of the bag.
"Don't worry about the price of these things— I managed to haggle with the seller. It was easy too, as well. Not many people liked the designs of these armlets, but they're actually really unique you know." Alibaba said, taking the armlets and Miriam's left arm, sliding the cool metal onto her upper part of her arm, near her shoulder.
"Alibaba— this is too much." Miriam said weakly as Alibaba slid the other armlet onto her right arm, not minding her protests.
"It's not." Alibaba said with a smile. "Besides, I promised you didn't I? One day, we'll be so rich these armlets will be worth nothing to you. We'll be able to buy and eat anything we want and live our lives in luxury."
Miriam stared at Alibaba in pure surprise before her expression morphed into curiosity.
"But… how? With the money you earn each month…" Miriam said.
Alibaba grinned.
"I plan on conquering a dungeon." Alibaba said.
"A dungeon?" Miriam repeated, unknown to the term.
Alibaba nodded.
"A dungeon is said to be home to a huge amount of treasure and amazing magical items. Magical carpets that can fly, jugs of wine that can fill themselves, and the famous metal djinn!" Alibaba said, his voice filled with excited and joy.
Alibaba took Miriam's hands in his own. A tingle and spark shot in his body, but he was much too happy to mind it.
"Miriam, I swear. We won't keep living like this forever." Alibaba said, his face determined.
Alibaba noted how Miriam gazed at him in surprise. Her gray eyes softened and a smile appeared on her face, which somehow relieved Alibaba of all anxiety and unease he felt earlier.
"Okay." She said with a nod. "And I'll follow you. I'll always be by your side."
Alibaba's eyes lit up with happiness as he held his and Miriam's hands together.
"Thank you Miriam. I'll never leave you too." Alibaba said.
"We're friends after all!"
The blond thought that if there was something he wanted to do for making Miriam have no other place to go than by his side, he might as well make her happy by being with him. And Alibaba knew that money could pretty much buy happiness and any materialistic object that could bring forth joy.
He wanted to make up for forcing Miriam to only have one home. He wanted to stop feeling guilty that his true intentions were to take Miriam only as a helper and that he first never intended to be her friend.
He truly wanted a friend. And Kassim… he didn't want Miriam to betray him as well. So he was desperate to keep her.
Alibaba was much too excited to notice how Miriam's eyes darkened and how her lips tugged in a sad frown.
Alibaba thought that he was using Miriam and taking advantage of her.
But in reality, it was the complete opposite.
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[A/N:] This must be the longest chapter I have ever written, seeing as it has ranged from 15-16 pages in Word and that it hosts more than 6,000 words so far. I'm quite proud of myself. :)
Below, here is the letter I send towards the reviewer who goes by the name, 'Deprived of Coffee'. If you are not this person, please skip the non-bold text for that is the letter. Resume reading the author note below.
[To DeprivedofCoffee who said that Miriam may become a potential Mary-Sue just because she is able to adapt to change very easily and seems that she isn't least bit fazed even after entering an entire different world and the fact that she had died once already, here is an explanation for you;
People's personalities are different. Much like in anime, some characters can cope with a quick change of environment while others don't. Giving Miriam the personality and mind to adapt to change and a new environment in a hurried pace does NOT mean she is a potential Mary-Sue. It is called allowing to think rationally and to place one's priorities straight.
While yes, it is true that if somebody else was faced with the situation, they would've reacted in another way. But sadly, Miriam is the OC. And sadly, she is not exactly normal.
Right now, I have revealed Miriam to have 2 personalities. The first is the personality which she uses to act towards Alibaba. The second is her internal personality, one that reflects her true thoughts and intentions.
This fanfic will represent a human's nature; the internal conflict of our intentions and our actions. The desperation and the lengths in which a human will act upon if they need to survive. Just because Miriam is not outwardly expressing her reaction does NOT mean she isn't overwhelmed by the fact she is now stuck in a world she used to deem fictional and that her only chance of not becoming a side character and dying a painful and nameless death is to stay by Alibaba's side.
Also, some people do accept absurd situations easily. If you say otherwise, then you must really get out more. Not all of us are just like main characters of an anime
I apologize if this letter seems rude, but I am quite annoyed by your rushed judgement when I only posted, what, one chapter of the story, and it was only the prologue or the beginning. You cannot deem a character a Mary-Sue just because of her ability to adapt to change.
I am basing Miriam on my personality you know. And yes, if I were to confront the very same situation Miriam is in, I would've done the same thing she did to Alibaba just to survive.
THERE. DONE. FINISHED. OVER. ]
I do hope that I'll be able to keep updating regularly like this. It's still summer where I'm at and I hope nothing interferes again with my passion for writing. Also, special shout out to the guest reviewer who calls themselves 'Insanity'. I'm glad you're happy about me coming back from hiatus. :)
~Choco-chan