'm sorry this took a while to update, first of all. Summer happened, then I decided to start rewriting another story and escaped me. Then I couldn't get things quite as I wanted them – well, it happens, right?

Anyway, a big thanks to Mystic-Maiden 18, Akumarayne, SakuraWindChime, seaweedbrainlover1117 (what a name, lol :p), and yaoi's of Naruto for your guy's reviews. And everyone else reading, if you still are after a couple of months. Eeep, sorry again.

Chapter 21

Alibaba Saluja was weak; it was as Judal had suspected.

Drawing his weapon back and glancing over the scene of carnage below, the darkening Magi felt somewhat disappointed. He shifted in his perch up on Kassim's shoulder, and knew he hadn't imagined defeating his supposed sibling's candidate to be so easy. Had Aladdin never paid any mind to the princes and princesses Judal had so painstakingly led through all those dungeons? The ones who would strengthen the empire they both served? It seemed he didn't; that weakling half buried in rubble wasn't so much as in possession of a djinn.

A sudden crash tore at the momentary silence as Kassim's massive claws scraped, leaving ragged indentations upon the ruined steps and courtyard below. Once a cloud of dust and plaster settled, Judal scanned curiously over the damage his djinn had caused. Alibaba was now reduced to a crumpled and bloodied heap, and any bystanders caught in that latest attack appeared to be either unconscious or attempting to limp away. He hadn't even noticed anyone else had been there; not that it mattered to him.

It was surprising; if Alibaba had so many of Kassim's rukh trapped inside him, how could he been beaten down just like that? And why would Aladdin choose someone so weak as his first king? It made no sense to Judal.

As it was, Kassim drew back, apparently all too willing to continue. Its fury was overwhelming; the djinn drawing even more heavily on whatever black rukh were still contained within its master. His servant was continuing to prey on whatever strength Judal had left, as if it truly despised Alibaba enough to kill him here and now. He could see the construct's jaws peel back animatedly in a rancid snarl, and his black rukh seep out from him. They blotted against the cloudless skies like spilled ink, before Kassim set about consuming them. Within moments, those same skies had darkened, knitting together under a heavy canopy of storm clouds. A chilling wind started to rake its cruel fingers over Judal's skin, and he closed his eyes to concentrate. He resisted that pull on his magoi, for no other reason than he refused to be made by Kassim to do anything. After all, that beast served him; why should he care if the djinn hated someone enough to wish him dead?

Still, it was somewhat unexpected for Judal to notice how much of his reserves of black rukh had been used up already. He suspected that Ithnan possessing his body to transport them there had drained him more than expected. In a place like Sindria, he'd need to create any black rukh himself, and his body could only take so much. He was tired, and rubbing at his exhausted features he forcefully and silently commanded Kassim to stop forcing the rukh for him. After several moments, it seemed to obey and those massive claws finally relaxed.

Judal just told himself he was best off holding back in any sort of destruction until Ithnan arrived – just so he didn't end up in a position where he was exhausted and captured. The problem was he had just assumed that damnable teacher of his would have shown up by now. Ruby eyes flicked down, aware of an all too familiar blue-haired figure landing on close to a broken fountain below. He grinned as he watched Aladdin glance about the demolished steps and the injured, apparently bewildered by what he saw. Finally he had located Alibaba's gasping body, and knelt down as if to converse with that weakling king of his.

Judal dropped down to the ground silently. He stepped forward, ordering Kassim to remain where it was. "Yo, chibi...it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Onii-san?" that person he once believed to be his cherished sibling asked. Aladdin moved away from Alibaba, who grasped weakly at the Magi's ankles as if to hold him back. "...What happened? Alibaba-kun just told me you did all this. Why...why would you hurt all these people? Stop it..."

Judal felt himself laugh slightly. He felt a film of coldness form on the air, magic forming into daggers of ice that launched themselves forward towards Aladdin. "Yeah, I guess Kassim got a little carried away," the figure stood opposite him brushed aside the painful needles of cold piercing his bare arms, and looked up. It was only then he too seemed to notice that foreboding figure looming overhead. "Sensei said you were meant to be back in Kou already. Don't tell me that fool king here wouldn't let you go."

Aladdin watched Kassim here, as if attempting to figure out what was wrong. He then calmly nodded, gripping at the small flute hanging on its chain around his neck. "I'll go back when I feel I've learned everything I can. I don't think I've done that yet. But..." he met Judal's eye. "What's wrong with you? Something's changed. Just...we need to make sure no one else gets hurt. You know that, don't you?"

"Huh? Already? But I'm only just getting used to Kassim," Judal's thumb jabbed backwards over his shoulder. "I can't help it if all those people got in the way. I was really going for that guy, that king you picked...but I don't think he's even conscious anymore," he acknowledged, and watched Aladdin turn back, alarmed. "Tell you what – you can go, try wake him up if you can. You might even need him to beat Kassim and me with how strong we are now." he watched that concerned expression darken. "But I guess he's beaten up too much already. Seriously, is he the best you could pick you...fake?"

"...Fake? Who are you calling 'fake'?" Aladdin demanded, seemingly oblivious. It seemed Ithnan might have been truthful about Gyokuen erasing his memories, causing Judal's pseudo-sibling to forget all about Alma-Toran. "I don't understand. Why would he say you attacked him and everyone here? Or – is that it? Did Kassim get out of control?"

"Huh?" he stared blankly at that. Was this moron actually suggesting that he, someone who could control both black and white rukh, couldn't even command his own damned djinn? Judal sighed. "Wow, you're so stupid sometimes. Of course I can control it. That's my djinn, and djinns always do what we say. Honestly...how can you be from that world and not know that? You really are dense if you don't know basic things like that?"

"'That world'?" that confused expression continued. "Look, I'm going to be even angrier with you if you keep talking nonsense. I was furious enough you hurt Alibaba-kun like that..." as if Judal cared. Yet Aladdin took a deep breath, as if determined to reason with him. "Alright...I don't get why you're acting like this. Just tell me what this is about."

"Ah- what was it again?" he paused. "Oh right, that was it. All these things are what sensei told me when I asked about you. It's funny, as he said you came from that world, Alma-Toran, like the rest of those magicians. So how are we meant to be brothers, if I was born here? See, tell me how that's meant to make any sense."

"You're right, it doesn't. As we are brothers, remember?"

Judal threw him a look. "Don't give me that. You have to know. You can't have forgotten something like that..." he paused. Really, what was it to him, if he and Aladdin were brothers or not? He didn't care. "Whatever, it isn't as if that matters. All that's important is that I'm meant to bring you back, and until you showed up I was enjoying myself beating that guy you picked. I don't get it though. Even with so many of Kassim's rukh inside him, he's so weak."

Aladdin paused, as if considering something. "What do you mean? Your djinn and Alibaba-kun's friend were the same person?"

"You can't see that?"

"I could see...something alright," Aladdin brushed back his fringe, shaking his head. "This is...a lot you know. But I've been trying to get oji-san to help with my friend. To fix his rukh."

"What? You expect that stupid king to actually be helpful."

"Why not? You used to tell me he was right about all sorts of things. He can help you too, but now..." he had broken off, the confusion in those azure eyes clearing as if deciding what to do first. A bright light was radiating out from his flute. Within a moment a gigantic form of sculpted blue muscle materials in front of him. Ugo, curiously headless as always, stepped forward in a series of deafening steps as if anticipating a threat. "I don't believe you'd want to do any of this. Afterwards, we'll talk and I'll make sense of what you told me. For now though, let me and Ugo-kun help you deal with Kassim, alright?"

Before Judal could respond, Ugo had grasped at Kassim's outstretched claws as if to hold him back. Somehow, it occurred to the darkening Magi that the blue giant seemed more intimidating than he remembered him. Even if he was more concerned with fighting the other djinn than anything else. "...What do you mean, help me deal with Kassim? Tell Ugo to back off."

"No. I told you, Ugo-kun is going to stop Kassim from harming anyone else. So call him back."

Judal scowled. "Will you stop acting like I can't control that thing?"

"I don't think you can, and Kassim is dangerous. I can feel it. I sense that he's fighting back against you; Ugo-kun's never done that with me. Onii-san, you said it yourself, djinns do what we say. Not as they have to, but because as Magi they watch out for us," Aladdin glanced about Judal, then back at Kassim as if he was focusing on something. As if he was noticing those flits of light and dark trailing along the air. "...At least, I don't think you should listen to anything those strange rukh tell you."

"Listen to the black rukh? Try hearing them. They never talk anymore," Judal told him, watching Aladdin continue to scan over those miniscule, bird-like specks curiously. "See, once the magicians back in Kou tear the rukh from fate, they don't sing anymore. They can't. Kassim's different from other djinn as he can use them. So can I. And so I can order them to do what I want."

"You could just ask them nicely, you know. I...don't like this, though. Any of this. And you shouldn't be using a djinn like that." finally Aladdin levitated upwards, and towards the grappling djinns.

"Like you can make that choice for me – hey! I told you to stay back," Judal had watched his false brother draw close to Kassim, who appeared to be trying to break forward to attack Aladdin. Still that moronic djinn pulled against his magoi, and refused to listen to him. As Ugo struggled to hold that demonic monstrosity in place, he knew at least he didn't want Aladdin attacked. "...You damned idiotic djinn, listen to me. You can't attack someone unless I tell you to, got it?!"

"...Thanks onii-san, but I can take care of myself. I just don't want him harming anyone else. Remember though – you promised me to explain everything you were just talking about. Hopefully in a way that actually makes sense to me."

"I didn't promise you a thing," things shouldn't be going this way. Judal should ideally have just demonstrated his power, and then had Aladdin return to Kou with him. He didn't even care about the people Kassim – and he – had hurt. He tried to gain the magoi to float up and stop Aladdin getting closer, but it seemed that demanding djinn of his had taken so much be couldn't do that. "Look, if I wanted to call Kassim back, I'd have done that already. I want it here. I just don't want the stupid thing not doing what I want-"

A sudden current of wind crashed into Judal, and Kassim broke free from Ugo holding it back. This time the ominous figure wasn't focusing on Alibaba, Aladdin or anyone else – its boiling anger was directed towards Judal himself.

It happened before he knew it, and before Judal could move to protect himself. The very last of his magoi was only just rising to form a crystalline shell around him when Kassim struck. Effortlessly the back of a massive, dark hand struck Judal in the stomach, batting him into the opposing wall. It seemed Kassim was tired of being denied its master's magoi, along with perhaps being insulted. Spluttering Judal watched his all too fragile borg splinter, crumbling apart coldly onto his hair and shoulders before falling apart. He landed from where he had been thrown painfully into the tower wall, and tried to ignore the sickening crunch as he landed on his right leg.

Breath ran ragged through his body, blood seeping out to stain against his dark clothing. As Judal gritted his teeth, trying to block out that agony, he had to wonder. How dare that damned thing turn on him, its master. Feeding on his magoi was one thing, but harming him?

Over the sound of his own deafening heartbeat, Judal heard the soft intonation of a flute played into the wind. A blinding influx of rukh swarmed about in urgent ribbons, as if Aladdin was renewing his efforts to have Ugo hold Kassim back. He heard that person rush over to him, pale faced and frantic, and knelt down at his side. "O-onii-san?" he was asking, and seemed relieved when Judal reluctantly met his eyes. "What did...a-are you alright?"

"...Do I look alright to you? That damned well hurt!" Judal's voice sounded a lot more panicked and desperate than he would have liked. The irony definitely wasn't wasted on him that he was very much in danger from his djinn, too. He tried to rise from where he had fallen, and felt that sharp, bruising pain rack through his senses. Aladdin gripped gently at his hands before glancing over the damage done to his knee. "...I don't get it. Why is this happening? Damn you, I'm meant to be stronger than you now! It's why I did this..."

"...Onii-san, does really it matter who's stronger of us?"

"It does to me. It only doesn't matter to you as..." he didn't want to finish that sentence.

"Look, forget that. I need to stop Kassim hurting anyone else. Alibaba-kun...you..."

Judal looked away, not even sure if he should be humiliated or angry anymore. Perhaps both. He glanced at Kassim, yellowed fangs barred and its leathery wings beating against the wind as Ugo pushed it back. That thing was what Ithnan had taught him to control, what was supposed to be the source of his power. The very vessel he had poured all his hatred and fear into, now apparently set on breaking free and destroying Judal himself. Personally, he doubted this would go on for much longer. The chances were he'd not be able to call Kassim back at all, with the djinn acting like this.

"It's me. You don't need to be ashamed, you know," Aladdin told him quietly, as Judal slapped away his attempts to help. Alright, he could see an array of armed men and women clamour noisily into the courtyard. They were flooding its fractured paths, more than likely to both keep the peace and tend to the wounded. Soon, Judal imagined the generals of the island would be there, along with Sinbad himself. This couldn't have ended in a worse way. "...Please, let me help. Tell me how to call Kassim back if you can't."

"That won't work. I told you, he's different to most djinn," Judal rubbed at his forehead, aware of blood trickling down the matted tendrils of his fringe and into his eyes. "He's, well, special. Not like Ugo and the other djinns we met," he took a heavy breath. "Fine...I'll tell you how it is, then. Most djinn like Ugo were from that world...where you're from," azure eyes scanned him blankly. "Still so clueless, then. This is just what sensei told me; that I can control Kassim with black rukh, as it's what he gave in to when he cursed his fate. See, he was human once. He was just trash from the slums in Balbadd. Now he's changed."

"...Changed into that," that brat said. "And back when he was alive, he and Alibaba-kun were friends..." Aladdin swallowed. "Why, though? How can an actual person be turned into something like that."

"Hell if I know," Judal shivered slightly. "I didn't even know Kassim knew that king of yours. Even so – it's interesting, right? When we were growing up, we never stopped and thought about where djinns came from. Why they loved and respected us so much. We just thought they'd always been in their dungeons. But they didn't. They were people too, once. Magicians all from Alma-Toran, before it was destroyed and they all died. Now, well, they're different too."

Aladdin's grip on his hands tightened, somewhat painfully and a strange expression was etched upon his face. He paused, as if trying to understand that. "I just..." he stopped. "Oji-san is here now I think. I'll...I should tell him about this..."

Before he could reply, Aladdin's hand had slipped from his. It wasn't as if that really mattered, anyway, Judal thought as he battled against his growing exhaustion. Part of him felt it might even be worth it, to fall into a deep sleep just to be rid of that dark and traitorous servant. But then what? To be imprisoned here? He couldn't rely for Ithnan to turn up. The only thing he was sure of was that if Kassim hadn't turned on him, this would have been different. Now injured, he just needed a change to replenish his strength. But that much no longer seemed so easy...

Either way, and despite the Magi's conflicted thoughts, the conflict between Ugo and his ever-weakening djinn raged on. By now it was a little more than a cacophony of roars; Kassim fighting futility and being kept from inflicting any further harm. Still whatever command Judal gave the djinn to be called back and calm down was, of course, ignored. Kassim stayed both angry and unruly. It was too late anyway, Judal knew that as sunlight peeked its first rays out from behind those near-black clouds. The tension of electricity wafting in the air grew lighter, and he could feel the last of his magic being used up.

It was sickening; Judal knew that as he Aladdin sprinted up to the tall figure striding to meet him. More than likely, the brat was going to insist this was all Kassim's doing. And sickeningly, that false brother of his seemed intent on saving him.

"...He's not himself. Please listen," Aladdin was protesting, both loudly and desperately. The King of Sindria gave Judal a passing glance as he rested there, against the wall and unable to stand. Something in that brief gaze seemed apprehensive, calculating, as well as drenched in curiosity over what Judal had done. Over what damage a Magi was capable of. "Since he got here he's been saying the strangest things. That he meant to hurt Alibaba-kun and those people. Painful things...but it's not what you think. I don't think he could control Kassim by the end. Then...onii-san got hit, and –"

Aladdin was promptly interrupted. "It's alright. For now, could you go help Yamaraiha with what she is doing? Don't worry about Alibaba, Hakuryuu's already helping him back to the palace."

"...What about Judal?"

"I'll speak to him..."

Somehow, that false brother of Judal's looked stricken. He cast one last fearful and confused look back before sprinting back over the courtyard and was soon gone from sight. It was then that Sinbad's steps drew up to him. A sound of sliding metal, as if of a sword being re-sheathed, cut through the air. Whatever happened, it seemed Sinbad at least wanted to resolve this matter peacefully. "...Judal?"

He shifted, as if making it clear he was still awake even if his still-hysterical djinn suggested as much. What he did notice was that the tone sounded cold, angry even; but then Sinbad wasn't likely to forgive any in Sindria being harmed. Especially so if it was something Judal had enjoyed doing. The Magi instead focused on Kassim and made a slight noise to show he was listening.

"You already know what I'm going to say," Sinbad seemed, too, to be watching the two djinn thoughtfully. "I sent your brother to help Yamaraiha lend Ugo strength to hold Kassim back. But I need your help, too."

"Yeah..." he agreed. "But it's no good; I couldn't control that thing even if I wanted to now."

"It's for you own good, however, you know this. It might be a matter of time until you're attacked again, and that leg looks painful doesn't it?"

Judal had to agree with that, and flinched slightly as he attempted to shift the affected limb. "...Asking for my help, though. I figured you'd fight me over damaging this place. Didn't you always want a country like this? If Kassim hadn't gotten out of control, I'd have done a lot more. Just as it seemed fun to do."

"I see," Sinbad seemed to weigh up his words. "Then it's just as well I feel my home's been damaged enough. I don't want to fight you, but do you think I'll just accept my own people getting hurt?"

"Then what do you want me to do, huh?" Judal bit back. "I told you already, I can't call back Kassim if the damned moron won't listen to me. If he's taken all my black rukh, I can't stop him either. And you don't have that many magicians here, do you?"

"Just the one. But it's a bad idea to fall unconscious like that. I believe you told me that once," it seemed Sinbad seemed to recall much of what Judal had boastfully told him about Magi, one time or another. That man, who had personally conquered so many of the dungeons Judal had raised, always listened to him about such things. And had been eager to learn more. "A Magi's djinn should respond to them, and protect them. The fact Kassim isn't doing that is dangerous. And after hurting Alibaba and the others, you don't have enough power left to draw from the rukh around you."

"That's what I was saying. There's too many white ones here. He needs the black ones."

"...And you're too weak to make them right now," Judal grimaced at his words. Sinbad said that a little too matter-of-factly for his liking and he didn't appreciate being called weak to start with. Sinbad continued to look over his leg, as if quietly assessing the extent of his injuries. "Believe it or not, I understand. If Sindria doesn't have enough black rukh from you to draw one, you just need someone who does. Am I right?"

"Don't say it so simply. It's not as simple as..." yet Judal looked up, staring for a moment dumbfounded. As bright and brilliant as Sinbad's rukh were, streaming around him animatedly, there was something else. Something he had always noticed, and yet never before considered. Darkness gushed in amongst then, a threading of shadow that was a little too strong to believe. And something that called to him. "...I almost forgot you had black rukh too."

"But you can use them, right? You seemed to suggest it's what you needed."

"Well, yeah – are you serious? I can take magoi from you?"

"It's better than Kassim breaking free and destroying my home isn't it?" Sinbad knelt down, grasping his wrists lightly. Some of those small dark lights were already winding themselves around Judal's wrists, as if to prompt him to borrow their strength. "You could barely control that djinn back in Kou a year ago. It looks like that hadn't changed."

"...If you say things like that, I won't do what you asked," Judal glowered, even if the threat wasn't one he meant. He had already closed his eyes, back flattening against the wall behind him to concentrate. He knew that Sinbad had never been forthcoming over how he had come to be cursed with black rukh, in fact it was something he had always been very reluctant to admit to. Yet even now Judal could feel that dark energy crash in against his body, seeping into his skin like waves of a black ocean as if to drown him in their power. It wasn't exactly a pleasant sensation, but it was strong. Sinbad's power, ignite itself within the Magi's body and restoring him somehow.

"...Judal?"

"Yeah, yeah. I know, alright," he snapped back, forcing himself not to become distracted with that curious sensation of dark energy fuelling him. Then he straightened, and looked up towards his djinn.

The act of calling Kassim back was fairly simple, especially with from the sounds of it this Yamaraiha and Aladdin aiding Ugo to hold the beast in place. Still thrashing, for a moment Judal noticed that Kassim looked somewhat confused that its master from a good distance away was forcefully demanding its return. It growled loudly, pulling against Ugo from where it remained so vigilantly restrained to a tower wall. Then, as if knowing what this meant, its yellowed and hateful gaze fixed upon Judal. It seemed that suddenly all that hatred and malice it held towards Alibaba had been directed towards its master. That thing despised him now.

But then, it wasn't as if Judal cared. That was what he wordlessly declared, sceptre twirling vaguely between his fingers to show that he was still its master. The thing should have considered all of this before turning on him in the first place. The monolith grew faint, splitting into wisps of smoke that gradually faded from sight as the creature returned to him. Judal sighed, somewhat relieved, somewhat apprehensive if he ever needed the djinn's strength again.

"...You know," Judal said, after catching his breath. He felt a little stronger, despite the pain in his body and the damage to his sizable pride. "You never did tell me what the heck happened to you. You were cursed, right? That's what happened to me. They offered me this power, and I took it."

"And just look at what you gained from that. But as you know, I never told anyone," Sinbad agreed quietly. "But how about we make a deal? If you don't cause any trouble now and come back to the palace quietly, I'll tell you about that day. About what happened to me?"

Judal paused. "...Seriously?"

"Yes. But in return I want you to tell me about this. About who caught you. How you learned to control a djinn like that – everything."

Judal paused, thinking about that a long moment. What would the harm be? It wasn't as if he'd be able to go anywhere without Ithnan finding him. He nodded. "Fine. But you're so demanding sometimes."

"As are you. And you're the one who came here, hurting my guest and my people. If it wasn't you, you'd be treated a lot worse."

"Then it's a good thing I'm me, isn't it?" Judal attempted to get to his feet. Now, with that new and refreshing surge of power running through him, he felt the darkened magoi help his body hover just slightly off the ground. It was far from perfect, and he didn't really like the fact it was due to that man lending his power. But it would do. "...I don't get it. You're really going to just forgive me for everything?"

"Forgive? I'd not say that, not yet. But I'm curious about what happened to you."

"So what's changed? You've already stuck your nose where it doesn't belong?" Sinbad didn't answer his question. Instead, he was glancing around, to his men, and to the remains of his courtyard now lying in rubble. He walked away, as if expecting Judal to follow him. He did, even with his leg still aching painfully, hovering behind him. "So...was it like that with you? When I was first forced to curse my fate, food didn't taste right anymore. I couldn't sleep properly either. When does that stop completely?"

Sinbad looked back over his shoulder, considering him. "What makes you think it ever really stops?"

"Because, it has to, doesn't it? I figured-"his voice trailed off. Tired as Judal was, with the grey clouds dispersed he felt himself glancing upwards. Then it made sense, the reason Sinbad was so calm, along with what that brother of his had been doing. That barrier, the one that had welcomed him into Sindria, was reforming. Both embers of Aladdin's magic, along with a second vicious and cerulean magic, ripped over its surface. Crackling, and perhaps unseen to many, it was reforming. Yet no it seemed unfriendly, as if forming a cage. And one designed for him to not escape from.

"Is there a problem?"

Judal nodded slightly, indicating the sky. "...Am I a prisoner, then? That's what you were telling Aladdin to do with that Yamaraiha person? Trapping me in that barrier?"

"Follow me," it wasn't as if Sinbad confirmed it, but there was a hint if victory in his expression. He turned back, apparently leading Judal away from the destroyed scene, and didn't meet his eye. But then, what was he expecting, really? As he hovered slightly off the ground, following the retreating man in front of him, there was one thing very clear to Judal. Whatever happened now, and without Kassim's help or perhaps Ithnan until his teacher came from him, he was very much a prisoner in Sindria.