His face went bright red before rounding on Sin. "Don't tell me that boy is your son, and that woman is one of your lady friends!"
In a mere second Aladdin's interest was piqued and he sat up straight. I clasped my hands over his ears and looked at Morgiana who seemed to be turning the same lovely shade of pink I was sure to be turning as well.
"Morgiana, why don't you and Aladdin go talk to Masrur for a little." I suggested in a strained voice, Masrur grunted slightly in agreement, he clearly saw where this was going. Morgiana's wide red eyes looked to me in horror before nodding and dragging Aladdin from my lap by his hand. He stumbled a few steps but caught his footing while Morgiana continued to trudge ahead, her iron grip on his hand leading him on.
I waited for the moment he went 'Hi, I'm Aladdin' before I relaxed Breathing a sigh of relief because he was distracted, I then turned to Sin who was at a receiving end of a cold smile
"Do I want to ask?" I bit out. Sin paled slightly and gave me a tired look. He leaned forward and rubbed his head.
"When you left you told me not to hold out for you, and not to close my heart off. I couldn't close off my heart, because you stole it. So, yes, I've tried to find another woman, any woman, who could for once make me forget about you."
Something in my chest twisted painfully. My eyes squeezed shut as his hand touched mine. I lifted them up, and pressed my forehead against the back of his hands. They were cool against my forehead, relaxing as always.
"I never meant to hurt you." I whispered, remorse filling me.
"You didn't hurt me on purpose, you just left. But you're back now." He leaned across the table and kissed the top of my head.
"Sin, why should I know this woman?" Jafar finally asked. I looked up to answer him when something else caught my eye. My little brother, lifting the flute to his lips. I could do nothing as Ugo came bursting forth. Jafar fell backwards in shock, Sin yelped, and I jumped to my feet and went straight to Aladdin. For a moment he looked confused thinking I was angry? I knelt down in front of him and grabbed him by one shoulder, "What did I tell you? Were you in danger? Were you alone? NO! You must be careful! You never know who is watching!"
"Aladdin, you're also a Magi?" Sin's voice cracked slightly in shock. In a moment I had Aladdin pushed behind me, a hand stretched out to keep Sinbad away. Then the world spun, and edges dimmed.
The sky was a dark gray, and where the sun would be, was a black hole. Tentacles reached out to me but I shrunk away.
'Child,' It called out to me, cooing, trying to entice me like a wounded animal. I stood my ground and faced it.
"I know your name." I told it, "I am not afraid."
I could feel its eyes gazing into me, tearing me apart. Then, pain, like I never felt ripped through me, as one tentacle grabbed my chin. I fell to my knees, my muscles tensing.
'I think you are, you are afraid of many things. Shall I show you every single one?' My chest tightened as the pain focused to my head as it tore through my memories. Flashes of Alma Torran, of Tess, of a pair of feet standing before me and the crazed eyes that went with them 'I had fun that day. You could always join me in my party.'
"And you can always go fuck yourself" I hissed in return. The pain increased and I fell backwards seizing under the intensity. I bit down on my cheek to swallow the scream that tried to claw its way up my throat, and the bitter taste of copper filled my mouth. Flashes of blood stained stones, rotting teeth, a whipping post. Then a bright light appeared, 'Go away' echoed a voice. The darkness scampered away, fleeing for but a moment. 'I'll be back later, and then we will have, oh, so much fun.' It crowed back. I fell to the dusty ground, sweating, panting, and shaking. 'how do I carry on,' I asked myself.
'Esther, Esther Tzippora Abraham, you have the strength.' The light said. 'Now go.'
Next thing I knew I saw staring up at the sun and two arms were holding me. A hand caressed my face, then patted it lightly. "Esther, Esther" I knew that voice. I blinked slowly and raised a hand to my head. "Careful," the hand left my face and went around my wrist, keeping it from touching my sore head. I blinked twice before slowly turning my head. There was a veil of violet hair in my way, which gave way to worried gold eyes. Sin.
"Hey there stranger, you better not be trying to get fresh with me." I teased lightly, my words slurred. Though they brought a relieved smile to his face.
"You had me worried. I think that concussion is worse than you thought." He told me.
"I just turned too quickly." I slowly sat up with him supporting me. There were two sets of large eyes staring at me when my vision quit spinning. "I'm fine, honest."
"But Essie, someone was trying to get in your head." Aladdin chirped leaning forward against his knees. I noticed that Ugo knelt down nearby hands clenched together tightly enough to make them go pale.
"They were unsuccessful, but don't worry about that." I glanced at Ugo again who seemed more agitated than before. I could feel his frustrations coming off him in waves. "Calm down, Ugo." I lightly patting the ground. I closed my eyes slightly and went to lean back against Sin, who openly took my weight. Ugo's large hands moved rapidly. You know the side effects, you've gone too long without them. You need to open yourself. It's dangerous to keep going. I sighed and leaned my head against Sin's neck.
"It's too dangerous at the moment. I will, later." I rebutted.
'Your condition will only get more dangerous.' Signed Ugo rapidly, his agitation only grew with each movement.
"I understand Ugo, please, can we not argue about this right now." I could tell he didn't agree with my decision, but after a short stare down his shoulders dropped in consent to let the argument go for the time being. I closed my eyes and sighed. The gentle thumping of Sin's heartbeat was a balm to my anxieties.
"Hey sir, so, you know other Magi?" Aladdin asked. I smiled gently, forgetting my previous predicament. Such a curious child. Sin's chest shook slightly as he chuckled at his excitement.
"Yes… I know another Magi, though our relationship isn't the best..." he trailed off. I cracked an eye open and noticed Sin was eyeing Ugo.
"What," I teased. "Never see a djinn before?" I then proceed to snigger at my own irony while Sin rolled his eyes.
"Just who are you?" Aladdin interrupts.
"I see… Since you are a Magi, I will reveal myself. I've hidden it since now so please don't think badly of me. I am Sinbad." I could practically hear his ego ooze from his silhouette. When there was no immediate response to his decree, I peeked at my little brother who wore a look of innocent confusion. "What? Y-You don't know who I am?"
"I think I've heard it somewhere before, maybe? Just where? I've forgotten." I'm sure Aladdin was pulling his leg. I continue to puzzle as I closed my eyes, but that was interrupted when I felt warm fingers touch my cheek so I opened my eyes once again. Jafar was kneeling in front of me.
"I just want to check you over." He said quietly as Sin continued talking to Aladdin, having dropped me from his arms minutes prior. There the grape headed male stood, begging my little brother to remember his 'amazingness.' I let Jafar lead me up from the ground, and away from the confused child and heartbroken man.
Jafar sat me down near the waterfront. His eyes were soft and sad as he checked my vitals. "I'm sorry I didn't recognize you." He said softly, looking into my eyes. I rolled mine.
"Drop the stoic act Jafar, it's just me." I smiled and touched his hand. Instead he frowned and held mine.
"You left." He croaked silently and shakily, his eyes were dry with practice, but I knew I had wounded him deeply.
"I should have told you beforehand, but I- I was afraid I could never leave you behind."
"But you did. Why did you leave us?" he asked. I looked over at the my brother.
"Aladdin is my little brother. The day he was born, our nation had been destroyed. I promised my Father I would protect him. We were kept hidden for our safety and I raised him alone. When I met Sin, I was on a mission to see if the threat against us was gone. When we were in Sasan, I was reminded of my oath, and rushed to find him"
"A-Amazing?" Questioned Aladdin, still not 'getting' what Sinbad was telling him. "I don't really get it." Aladdin finally admitted to Sinbad. Poor Sin looked ready to have a heart attack in that moment.
"Aladdin be nice! You don't want to give the old man a stroke!" I called over to the demon child who cracked up at my statement, whilst Sinbad melted to the floor
"You're my sister's…" Aladdin started. "Betrothed?" He tried, as he pondered to fill in the blank. His head cocked looking at me. I'm sure I flushed a brilliant red as I tossed a stone at him.
"Aladdin Jehoahaz Abraham, nose out!" I shouted. "And Sinbad, don't go putting ideas in his head!" Aladdin laughed and jumped behind Ugo, who by his posture, seemed just as entertained as Aladdin. "Stop encouraging him, Ugo!" I turned back to Jafar who had a ghost of a smile on his lips paired with a faint
"I had no idea you had a brother." He acknowledged looking at my fond smile. I patted his hand.
"I have two really. One has the tendency to be a real smart ass, but he's adorable so I let him." I faltered, "You really were just like a brother to me. I've never forgiven myself for leaving you."
He smiled at me and gripped my hand tightly, "You're here now." Then he chuckled, "Just don't leave me alone with Sin again with no warning. I nearly killed him a few dozen times after you left."
"Only a few dozen?" I jested giggling loudly as I allowed him to pull me to my feet. Sinbad looked serious as he spoke with little brother. "Oh, no. He's going to be a bad influence." I shook my head and looked to Jafar. "How'd you last without getting corrupted?"
"I'm really not sure." He deadpanned as we stood, and approached the scene.
"Join forces with us, so that the Fog Troupe that is causing a disturbance in this country can be brought to justice." Sin said. My step faltered as my heart dropped into my stomach. How could he? I lashed out, grabbing Aladdin by the shoulder and pulling him close to me. My grip was iron, unyielding as I glared down at the man in front of me who seemed just as startled at my reaction as my brother who had merely yelped. Jafar had rushed at Sin, grabbing him the collar of his shirt.
"What nonsense are you spouting? He's a child you know! How could you ask such a young child to undergo such dangers?" Jafar shook him, trying to knock some sense into him. Sin smiled like the dumbass he is.
"Age doesn't matter does it? The most important point is whether they have the capability of facing the thieves or not. Aladdin is a magi, just as you see here, he wields power beyond imagination. Although he is still a child, his capability already far surpasses that of a full-grown adult! I was fourteen when I first captured a dungeon." Stated Sinbad, flailing in Ja'far's hold
A cracking sound echoed through the courtyard drawing everyone's attention.
My hand moved of its own accord and I felt as pins and needles had settled in minutes after the slap. I struggled to catch my breath from my heavy, enraged pants. I pointed my finger at Sinbad, words had escaped me, as they always had with this man. I could only mouthed and growl at him. He held his reddening cheek in his hand as he stared at my quivering form shocked.
"Fuck you, and fuck no." I growled, causing Aladdin to flinch behind me. Sin paled under my fiery gaze. I took a deep breath before continuing, "We could hardly be considered children when we conquered Baal's dungeon. Aladdin, is a child, in nearly every way. We never got to be like him. You ask too much this time, Sinbad."
"But Essie, I want to help." Aladdin's small voice quipped.
"Let's join them." Morgiana's solemn voice spoke up. "The ship to the Dark Continent was halted due to the Fog Troupe. Once the Fog Troupe is taken down, the harbor will probably resume its activities. From our previous conversation, it seems this man is familiar with Balbadd's king. If we managed to solve this problem we can also borrow the country's resources to aid us in our search for Alibaba."
I dropped to my knees and held Aladdin tightly to me. Why wouldn't anyone just listen. Jafar looked at me with an equally pained expression.
"Can't you just let me protect you, little brother?" I start "I just can't lose you too."
"I'm battle tested already. My friend Alibaba and I already conquered a dungeon. I'll be alright, Essie" Aladdin hugged me back, his attempt to reassure me only pained me more. Morgiana walked up to Sin who looked down at her curiously.
"We are looking for someone; surely you can ask the king to help us." She theorized. Sin smiled and nodded.
"Of course, I will ask the king of Balbadd to send people through the entire nation to search. Then, I'll arrange a boat to the Dark Continent. How does that sound?" Questioned Sinbad. Aladdin was thrilled with Sin's deal, so was Morg, in her own way.
I stayed on the ground as Aladdin bounced around Sin in excitement for the new adventure. Jafar knelt down next to me and grabbed my hand tightly in his. I closed my eyes tightly and pressed my forehead against his shoulder. I can't. Tears pricked my eyes and I squeezed his hand tightly.
"If you want," His soft voice whispered above my ear, "You can protect your little brother, and protect me from bashing my head in, when that moron of yours does something stupid." Despite myself I chuckled and smacked his chest.
"Such a baby." I teased him before getting up.
Sin was ushering Morgiana back towards the hotel entrance smiling pleasantly while she tried to look over her shoulder at him with confused eyes that were quickly turning to anger.
"Just leave this matter to us men; you just wait at the hotel." I heard Sin say. I shook my head, poor Sin. I watched her lift her foot and then break the ground as she slammed it back down. Sin palled quickly sweat appearing at his temple in seconds. The young fanalis girl was not a child to be messed with.
"Morgiana is the one who, single handedly, rescued Aladdin and I from the band of thieves who kidnapped us. Of course at the moment she didn't realize our entire caravan had been taken by slavers, but she had rescued us by herself, I was quite impressed once I could see straight." I mused. Sin shrunk away from her, clutching his hands together in front of his chest.
"W-wow, she single handedly defeated a band of thieves that even captured a magi? Fanalis sure are strong." He stuttered. Behind him Masrur rolled his eyes. Sin chuckled weakly before turning to Jafar, "Can you go ahead to get the strategy briefing ready?" Jafar's lips went thin as he bowed his head and turned.
"Patience is a virtue." He whispered to me as he passed.
"At least one of us has it." I replied with ease. His eyes rolled exagrativly as he walked towards the hotel. I shook my head, he's going to crack one day.
My right hand started shaking as cold crept up my arms from my fingertips. I stared at it.
'You'll understand one day, I'm in your very blood.'
I shuddered and shook my hand out, trying to gain feeling. Even though Ugo had gone back into the flute I could feel his disapproval flowing over me. I have to do this though, for now at least, just a few more days, if I had that long. I had to be careful, if I took things easily, I could last, I will last. However, with this Fog Troupe I'm sure to be wasting my magoi, which would put me in a quickly deteriorating condition. My fingers were still numb. Arms wrapped around my waist and something nuzzle against my neck. I jumped and turned quickly only to see the top of a purple head.
"Sin! Not around the children!" I hissed as I felt his lips on my neck. Sin weakly gestured towards the hotel where Masrur was being dragged up the steps by an over excited Aladdin and followed by Morgiana.
"Kids are gone." He mumbled. I smacked his arm before trying to escape his iron grip. "If you think I'm letting you go now," he started before looking at me with darkening gold eyes, "You are mistaken."
"Don't look at me like that." I ordered, pushing at him.
"Why?" He grinned like he was a real lady killer. Finally I was able to pry his arms away and was able to escape him. I glared at him and crossed my arms.
"It makes me uncomfortable. I'm not one of those other women who you can seduce with a smile or wink." Instead of being dissuaded by me he grinned and placed his hands on my hips again.
"So it'll take a little more than that?" He cheekily asked. I rolled my eyes before he kissed my lips quickly. "So, betrothed are we?"
My face started to burn and I leaned forward, pressing my head into his chest. I could feel him chuckling, and I too started to laugh a little. "Honestly, I have no idea what goes through that boy's head sometimes."
"As long as he knows that in the end you're mine." Sin pulled me close to him.
"I belong to no one."
"I told you before. I have every intention of marrying you Esther. Whether it's today, tomorrow, or thirty years from now, I will always want to marry you, and only you." Sin kissed the top of my head one last time before scooping me up in his arms, despite my protests, and carrying me inside the hotel.