Anonymous - You're welcome! The Djiin regards herself with water. And thank you for your kind, encouraging words!

Masrur's age: 9 years old

May's age: 8 years old

Morgianas age: 3 years old

Pride of the Fanalis Clan

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By Angelbloodlover

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~ "If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself."

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George Orwell, 1984

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Chapter 8: Secret of the Dungeon - Part II

I panted, kicking another giant crab away from me. My muscles were itching and hurting. I just wanted some peace and quiet, but no, I had to face giant serpents and now giant crabs. I was afraid of what I would face next. This was awful. I had never thought that it would be this difficult. But maybe comparing myself with Sinbad had been bad, since many Magis had said that he was a very special case, but then again that mysterious man had said that I was a special case, I just didn't know how special I really was.

"Stupid crabs!" I jumped on top of one and punched it savagely, smirking when I heard the loud cracking of its shell. Well, at least this way I was guaranteed to have some food. Jumping off the dead crab, I somersaulted to the next, throwing my leg down like an axe. Alright, all these gory stuff on me was distracting my sense of smell.

Flipping backwards when a giant crab slammed its claw down. These beasts were starting to tire me out. I cursed when four crabs surrounded me, great intelligent crabs. Worse and worse, this Dungeon was a pain in the ass to finish. All four of them charged at me and I jumped in the air, chuckling when they bumped into each other.

Unfortunately, bad luck didn't really care about me being special, and a pained cry left my lips, slamming downwards, into the harsh sand. The next thing I felt was a sharp claw gripping me around my torso, increasing the pain around my torso.

I glared fiercely at the crab, but to my horror the crab wasn't like the other ones, instead I had one hell of a crab. Pretty much the same size as the King of the Serpents. "Oh come on!" I struggled as best I could, ripping the claw open.

...and cursed when I was falling down, a horde of crabs awaiting me.

I embraced myself, ignoring the wild stomps from the King Crab. It didn't even care that his minions were being squished like bugs.

Apparently, the strongest survive and the weak die. Avery unfair hierarchy, had it been humans instead of animals. As for now, I could care less for them.

When I touched the ground, all the crabs attacked crabwise, some of them even fought against each other. I used this to my advantage, and grabbed one of the crabs, huffing and puffing as I picked it up and threw it right at the King Crab. I felt like Superwoman. Sheathing my sword from its hilt, I slid under a crab, slashing its innards open. Moving on the next one, I kicked it harshly away and stabbed the other one in the eye. Before he could hit me with his wild movements, I jumped on top of it and watched with satisfaction as the rest attacked it. Maybe, I could-Whoa! I jumped on the head of another crab when my previous ride had been reduced into a puddle of gore by King Crab. Someone was being a grumpy ass.

That beast was really violent, probably because of my little gift I had given him unexpectedly.

Glaring at it, I screamed loudly, letting out a battle cry, which scared the little ones but not the boss. All the crabs surrounded the two of us as we had a stare down, and then all hell broke loose. Its slashed down with its claw, creating a quivering earthquake. I gnashed my teeth and ran towards it, evading its claws as it kept ramming the ground.

I leaped away when it destroyed the ground near me and lost my balance, falling into the pit that it had created. Cursing my luck, I dug my fingers into sandy ground, coughing out the sand that kept pouring into the hole, accompanied by the gushing water. Shutting my eyes, I crawled out of it, and in the last moment, I jumped out of it.

Tiredness was invading my bones, and I wanted to sleep. My small body couldn't handle all this stress, but what was there left for me to do? I could only hope that I would defeat the King and move on to the smaller ones. Unfortunately for me, the King Crab became restless and started stomping the ground, creating craters and never-ending pits. The holes sucked in water, sand and even the smaller crabs. I jumped from place to place towards the beast-I had to finish him off before it would obliterate the entire place and me with it.

Sword in hand, I dashed, avoiding the giant holes and jumped high in the air, lading on top of its head. I groaned, feeling the bile rise up my throat and before I would fall, I threw my clenched fist through its hard shell, grabbing a chunk of its meat to steady myself and not drop off it.

Stupid crab kept trying to shake me off. Tch. As if.

With the sword in my hand I pushed it inside its brains, deeper and deeper, with more strength behind it. Until I was forced to release the sword as it seared through it. With a last, weak whimper it dropped on the ground and then...quietness returned. I let out a shaky sigh, pushing my knees and commanding my legs to hold my weight. The biggest threat may be gone, but there were still a bunch of crabs left. I groaned pitifully, "Give me a break, please."

I prepared myself to attack any of the crabs, but instead something weird happened, something that only happened in my wildest dreams. All the surviving crabs were bowing their head in respect. I wasn't sure, but I didn't relax until I was sure. For a long fifteen minutes nothing happened and I narrowed my eyes, taking a step forward. Nothing. Not even when started running towards one.

Even when I let out a battle cry, nothing special happened, only that they cowered under the force behind it.

Tilting my head to the side, I frowned, "What the hell is going on?" Could it be that they saw me as the leader since I defeated the previous one? But that was absurd, I didn't even look remotely like a crab.

Dropping on the sandy ground, I sighed in relief, noting that nothing happened. "I wonder where the exit is?"

Then, finally, something happened-All the crabs started walking sideways towards my left side, clicking their claws. With raised eye brow, I followed after them, keeping a distance between them. And then to my shock, I saw light coming from a giant cave. I smiled brightly and limped towards the exit and before I stepped inside of it, I turned around, facing the crabs, "Thank you. And I'm sorry I killed your friends." With a bow I left, somehow it felt appropriate to thank them after they had led me here and didn't attack me after killing their boss.

"You're welcome."

"Huh?" I jerked back my head, wondering where that voice came from, turning around to face the crabs I found nothing there, only sand, and broken crater filled with holes and dead crabs. Where did the rest go? And who was that voice?

Shrugging, I continued and shielded my eyes when the light became unbearable.

What I found there was a large cave with many openings in them, to which one of them would lead me to the right path. Giddy, I looked around, noting that every opening looked the same, "Hmm..maybe I should take the one in the left?"

"Third row. Fifth opening."

A frown marred my face when I heard that voice again. "Okay, what the hell is going on here?"

Nothing.

I glared at nothing in particular and searched for that opening, wondering what made it different from the rest. Jumping on the small cliff I stared at said opening, "Nothing special that diffe-Wait." I walked closer towards it, and saw that this one had a small symbol, whereas the rest didn't. This seemed like a sigil, which possibly represented a demon or other entity, but in this case it could mean that walking through this opening would lead me to the Djinn.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to go through it, embracing myself, since I had lost my bag after my near-death encounter, I had to be quick. I was without food or drink and I was tired. And dear God sleep sounded so good...

Shaking my head, I continued limping, hoping that no other monsters would appear.

Finally, after limping for God knows how long, I arrived in a giant room where five pillars were holding up the room and in the middle of it was the sign of an eight-pointed star, with in the middle of it, a hand-made of coral, which shone prettily, holding a giant pearl oyster.

I walked closer towards it, having an inkling that within that hand a majestic being would come out from.

Tilting my head to the side, I leaned closer and poked it. "Aaah!" I screamed out, scrambling away from the oyster as a bright, swirling light appeared, and then it mixed with water. To my amazement, the oyster opened, and a beautiful, melodious voice spoke, "Who will...become King?"

I choked on my spit when I saw a beautiful Djinn, lying on top of the oyster. Like all Djinn she was blue with very revealing clothes. A white front, twisted chiffon dress where the velvet bodice had off-the-shoulder puff sleeves and side slits that revealed lots of sinful flesh, golden accents decorating it beautifully. Draping white sashes were flying serenely around her body, glued to her forearm's golden cuffs that were crafted very intricately. A very alluring halter neckline that would drive any sane man crazy with unadulterated lust. Golden-trimmed belt to keep the dress perfect in one place. And many jewelry that made her even more irresistible for the mortal eyes. Collar made from pearls, earrings and many more. As a finishing touch was a headpiece in the form of many pearls that were dwindling elegantly on her forehead.

She had gorgeous black hair, that flowed like water, silky and smooth. Bright blue eyes with black eye liner to make her eyes look even bigger, and lips as red as blood.

What shocked me even more was that she had magnificent white wings, like an angel. In one hand she was holding a scythe, a string of pearls decorating it, and in her other one, she was holding an hourglass. "I'm Beleth. The Djiin of Courage and Generosity." Her curios eyes peered down at me, and a melodious giggle escaped her lips, "Oh my, I didn't expect to see you here."

I rose my eye brow, keeping wary eyes on the magical being. "What do you mean?"

"I mean that you are not from this world, young one." She nodded and leaned closer, "Although the Rukh around you seems to love you for some weird reason..."

Shaking my head, I asked, "What do you mean by that? Someone told me the same thing but I couldn't ask any questions. Does this mean I'm a Magi?" God forbid that, please, don't make me Magi..

She giggled, "Of course not silly, you're just special."

"What does this 'special' entail?" I ignored that jab to my pride, did she have to say it in such a patronizing tone, not that I really wanted to a Magi in the first place.

"Simple," She started, "It means that you have a great future ahead of you."

"Pfft..that answer of yours didn't help at all. Besides if I'm so much loved by Rukh then why can't I see it floating?"

In a cute manner, she pursed her lips and leaned even closer, the top of her finger touching my forehead. At first nothing happened, but then an overwhelming pain descended upon my frail body. I choked and gasped for breath, dropping on my knees. "W-what..d-d-id you d-do..?" I panted loudly, grabbing my forehead tightly.

"I ordered your Magoi to wake up." Apologetically, she spoke again, "Forgive me, but it was needed, otherwise you wouldn't have been able to utilize me." When I looked up, my loud breathing echoing in the cave, I saw her clasp her hands, "Now, I have to say, you conquered the thirteenth Dungeon of Beleth amazingly, especially for a little child of your age. Now, tell me, little one, what is it that you will use my powers for?"

I knew this was a tricky question, so I had to tread careful. Sincerity lacing my voice, I answered, "I wish to protect my precious people with all I have!" Confidence surged through my tired body, but the answer I had given her was nothing but the truth, and it seemed that she was very pleased with it.

"Very well, with your accomplishment I shall acknowledge you as my King." She waved her hands around, "But I won't reside in any other weapon than a scythe."

I frowned, "But I don't have any scythes!"

She winked at me, "Then I shall give you a present for you courageous deed." She waved her hands and there in my hands a beautiful scythe appeared, decorated with pearls and sparkling gems. I could feel the power thrumming within it, "Now, this shall be the end of this Dungeon, you may take anything you want with you, little one."

My eyes widened when the room was filled with lots of treasure chest, pearls, golden coins, jewelry, everywhere. I was in awe at the sheer beauty of it. And it was all for me.

I stepped inside of the ray of light, underneath me the eight-pointed star. I smiled brightly when I saw all the beautiful treasures around me. Father and mother would be pleased with what I have done.

"Maybe taking all the jewelry with me wasn't a smart choice on my part?" I huffed as I kept the pile of sacks in my hand, walking back towards my camp. But I couldn't let all those beautiful, sparkling ornaments stay in that cave. Besides, I wanted to divide it between my clan members. And I had even found elegant mirrors. They would be very pleased if they saw what I had done, especially Masrur and Morgiana would be happy to hear my wild adventures, I sure did.

...well, not so much the almost dying part, but the rest had been awesome.

Finally, I was almost there.

My legs wanted nothing more than to drop on the ground and stay there, but I couldn't, "Come on, just a bit more."

Then to my horror, I smelled something weird-burnt flesh, fire, blood. Rotting flesh, and feasting animals.

I couldn't hear anything, I couldn't see nothing, I couldn't feel anything only smell those scents. Without a second thought, I dropped the sacks of treasure on the ground, not caring about them at all. Even with all my aching muscles, I ran and ran until I was in front of my camp.

...or what was left of it.

Burning tents, rotting flesh, disembodied limbs, vultures and other predators feasting on the littered chunks of flesh. I knelt over and threw up, although I hadn't eaten anything until now. I kept throwing up, heaving and crying. How could this have happened? How much time had passed?

No. No. No.

I had done this for the clan, all of this stupid gold, all of it was for them.

"No!" I screamed in hysteria, digging my broken nails into the ground as the sand moistened, "No...father, mother...Morgiana..." I sobbed loudly, hitting the ground continuously, "...Masrur, Malik, Marus-sensei..."

All of them...all gone...

All of this time I had fought for nothing, all of this time my existence didn't change a single thing. In the end I was, "...useless..."

Growling with anger, I stood up on my wobbly legs, walking around the destroyed camp-Everywhere, blood, and more blood.

I held in my nose, the stench killing my nose. The fact that the stench was this bad meant that they were dead for a long time. Teeth gnashing on each other, I attacked the feasting animals with my scythe. "Die! Die! Die!" I repeated again and again. Punching, kicking, slashing, snapping, ...I did everything to get this insufferable rage out.

...when I had no energy left, I burned each member from my clan, along with the animals that had taken big chunks from them, and picked up the things that were usable; some piece of clothes, a hidden flask between the pile of skin, and a little food that littered around the camp. Once they had been burned, I marked my cheeks with their ashes, vowing, "I promise, I, May from the Fanalis tribe, shall avenge you all."

Greedy flames licked the air, black smoke rose up, and with it, it rained ashes..