kenegi - You told me if she can use her Magoi to strengthen herself since she can't externalize it, but that's strength magic, type 8. So, what exactly did you mean with that review? And it was approximately a year that she had stayed with Yunan, after Aladin's first term in Magnostadt. Oh, since May has become a King Vessel she can't use Magic, there is a bad affinity between them, confusion of orders, like Yamraiha had said.

Guest - What part was confusing? I'll try to explain it to you in the next update.

treavellergirl - Oh, that will be explained once May and Morgiana meet with each other, there she will tell her what had happened after her disappearance.

Anonymous - All I can tell you now is that she will stay with Yunan for the moment being. I'll think about her next Djiin equipment, and whether she will have another one. I'm still thinking about the cons and pros about rescuing the siblings, I have a feeling that it might distort the story development. It's a bit risky, which is why I'm still thinking about it, but I hope you won't be disappointed if it didn't come up.

Sinbad's age: 19 years old

Masrur's age: 10 years old

May's age: 9 years old

Morgianas age: 4 years old

Pride of the Fanalis Clan

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By Angelbloodlover

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~ Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.

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Albert Einstein

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Chapter 10: Accumulating Strength

I stared at him, wondering if he had lost his mind, "...I beg your pardon?"

"..." Yunan laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head with an idiotic grin on his face.

To think that I had survived an entire year with him was unbelievable. How did I put up with his enigmatic behavior? He cried easily, accusing me of bullying when I was obviously much younger than him and was afraid of children. But even summing up all the facts that irritated me to no end, I didn't have the heart to hate him, not even after what he had done on that unfaithful day, precisely a year ago.

I had been furious, blinded by anger and pain, even to the point of falling into depravity for daring to oppose Faith. Stupidity and stubbornness had driven me into insanity, obscuring the sight of reality and hiding it with a thick veil. For one month I hadn't come out of the cottage he had placed beneath the Great Rift, for one month I couldn't keep any food inside of my stomach, for one month I couldn't sleep ("Nightmares, cries and desperate pleads, ..."), for one month I couldn't look at myself, for one month I couldn't do anything.

Weak and starving, bags under my eyes, insomnia and nightmares-and the stack kept getting higher and higher, suffocating me.

...until Yunan had enough of my pathetic behavior and had forced me out of the cottage, telling me that the road I was taking would be one where I would abandon all I loved. He had said, and I quote, "Look at yourself, wallowing in despair. Have you no shame, no dignity, at all? What about your efforts to save your clan, family, friends? What about your sister? Would you let her fight all the evilness of the world all alone, without her dear May-onee-chan?"

How right he had been. I had been selfish, thinking that I was the one suffering the most while in reality my clan, my parents, Morgiana, Masrur were suffering even more than I did. Blinded by my pain, I had lost sight of myself. Yunan's words had hit me deep and with his help I had been purified, the White Rukh, once again, surrounding me lovingly.

No traces of Black Rukh were ever found after that day, after the day that I had acknowledged my path as May, from the Fanalis clan. I had sworn that I would never fall for such lowly whispers from the Black Rukh, I would not oppose Faith, instead I would walk along with Faith. That day had been the most beautiful day I could ever remember, the calmness, the serenity and tranquility from accepting my Destiny had been rejuvenated. As if I had been cleansed into a blank slate, or baptized like in the Christian religion, signifying purification and consecration.

Arching my eye brow, I leaned closer when he started to sweat, eyes shifting nervously back and forth.

"Yunan."

He squeaked when I narrowed my eyes, "You got three seconds to explain yourself. And stop that idiotic mumbling of yours."

I lifted three fingers and stared at him.

"Three," I pushed my first finger down, lips twitching upwards, "Two...," Yunan was trembling, lips quivering as he stared at me, "On-" "Alright, I'll tell you, please don't hurt me!" Tears were streaming down his youthful face and I twitched, feeling guilty and irritated at the same time.

In a deadpan voice, "I couldn't hurt you even if I wanted to, silly. You're a magi while I'm-" "A semi magi." Yunan interrupted me seriously, arms crossed.

I groaned, "Why are you so adamant about that. There is no such thing as semi magi, only a full magi." Ever since I had told him that I had been able to see the flow of the Rukh, he had been fascinated about that discovery and had tried out many experiments with Rukh in general. He started by sending a flow a Rukh towards a certain place and I had to tell him where they were. Gradually on, he started to increase the difficulty of the Rukh by hiding it and asking me to find them.

His curiosity had been satiated and since then I had been dubbed as a semi magi, one who could see the flow of Rukh, but couldn't call on it. Not that I knew of. When I had seen and felt my death, and I still shudder thinking about the way the Black Rukh had embraced me, I had asked for help from the Rukh, but instead of the White Rukh I had received the opposite. Yunan had told me that the reason as to why I got the Black Rukh was because I had opposed Faith and had fallen into depravity. Completely.

I don't know if I might be able to summon the surrounding Rukh, but till now nothing had happened. This saddened me because to be able and call forth the planet's life force would have amazed me and a great help for in battle. Which led us to this situation, where Yunan was calling me a Semi Magi.

How absurd...

...and something that only Yunan would say.

Seriously, I was already used to his behavior, but at times he could drive me mad, like right now.

Arching my eye brow, I crossed my arms, "Well?"

"I had thought that maybe you would like to capture another dungeon?" He murmured quietly, cheeks blushed a vivid red.

I rolled my eyes, "And you were afraid to tell me this because...?" Trailing off, I shook my head, "...at times I really wonder what you're thinking in that head of yours." From the corner of my eye, I could see that Yunan had relaxed, shoulders sagging. "But alright, I'll capture another dungeon, anything that makes little Yunan happy."

Lips twitched upwards into a smirk when I noticed Yunan blushing in embarrassment at being called little. "Which Dungeon and where is it?"

"South of the Rem Empire, and it's the sixty-seventh Dungeon."

As I picked up my small bag, consisting of a refilled flask, some food, daggers, along with Beleth's scythe, I left the cottage, but not before I said one last thing, "Are you sure you trust me not to do anything stupid?"

His gentle, real smile shocked me as he answered, "I trust you, May." I could see the calm floating of his Rukh and then realization dawned on me. Yunan could also read my Rukh, and they must have told him that I wasn't lying, because I really wasn't. I would not save anyone from the Fanalis clan, true at first that thought had killed, but with Yunan's aid I had gotten over it. Morgiana wouldn't need my help, she'll have Aladin and Alibaba who will help her through her struggles. Even though I felt jealousy thinking how strong her bond would be between those three, I knew that Morgiana needed to find her true self, she needed to become the fine woman she would turn into.

And thanks to my 'future-seeing ability' I didn't fear for Morgianas life. Nor for Masrur. But I was for my parents and everyone else, but that would be solved later on. I would find them when the time was right.

Till then, stay safe everyone, I'm counting on you all to stay strong and get through it.

"For now, farewell Yunan, stay safe."

He chuckled softly, "I should be the one to say that to you, May." Laced with absolute confidence, "Besides, I don't need to tell you that because I know you'll capture that Dungeon without sweating a bit."

"You wouldn't even sweat a bit, he said, it would be easy, he said. As if!" I dodged another incoming barrage from incoming thieves who were blocking my way towards my destination, the Dungeon Yunan had told me to capture. Somehow I wondered if he had raised that Dungeon or someone else. Could it also mean that he had appointed me as his King Vessel or was he rather, blatantly, neutral about those things?

When I would get back I would question him. For now, I should start concentrating on finishing them off, they were pissing me off.

"Now, you've made me very mad."

My fingers twitched when they all surrounded me and laughed, pointing at me, "Look at that, the tiny girl is about to cry! Men, let's end this!"

"Aye boss!" came the chorus from the minions.

Sighing, I shifted my feet and kicked one of the incoming thieves in the abdomen. With another swift kick towards his legs, I head his bones snap from the sheer force behind my legs. But I did wince when I heard his heart-wrenching scream before he fell unconscious. And I didn't even need my scythe to chop my way through-to use it one these weaklings would be a waste and disgrace of Beleth's power.

Dashing towards the cowering men, I flipped forward and punched the ground, shattering the ground underneath me. With another slam with my legs, the area around me collapsed, thieves included.

"M-monster!" One of them screamed and I rolled my eyes, thinking about that worn-out nickname. Most people had screamed that accusation in terrifying fear, and some of them even pissed in their pants and ran away. Like now...

I shook my head when most of them started to run away in shock and fear at seeing a little girl pulverize the ground and their allies. Not an everyday sight to admire. By the time they all had cleared out, there was no last man standing. "Bunch of weaklings." And they had even left their so-called comrades behind, such an unfaithful betrayal. For that reason alone, I should have killed them, but I had more pressing matters, like capturing a Dungeon.

Without a care of the world, I continued on my path, dusting my hands off as I passed the groaning and moaning men who were lying in a heap of limbs and flesh, courtesy of little old me.

Ever since Yunan had taken me in last year, my life had changed completely. He had continued teaching me the language of Torran, something my mother had been proud of doing. If it weren't for the fact that my mother had done her utmost best to make her daughters as literate as possible I wouldn't even be learning it now, the memories too painful to bear. But this was something that my mother had absolutely refused to let go, and if I would refuse to learn it then I would be stomping on my mother's honor and wishes.

..something that I wouldn't do.

With that the use of my scythe had got better and better, I wouldn't call myself a master, but neither would I call myself worthless, average, would be the most suited for now. I was still training in the art

Along with literary and weaponry, he had taught me the proper way of using my Metal Vessel. During those training lessons, Yunan would be all serious and concentrated on his task. It was really weird to see his completely different behavior, but I was grateful for his focused appearance since the end result had paid off amazingly.

One would become stronger under the tutelage of a strong teacher.

In my case it had been utterly right. To top it off, Yunan was great company, much better than I had anticipated. When I had warmed up to him, he had started questioning me about my earthly world and the differences between this magical one. His childish curiosity had surprised me to no end. It had been even endearing, my deeply hidden maternal side appearing out of thin air. I had never been a child lover, which had shocked me. But Yunan was really adorable when he wasn't doing anything stupid...

Looking towards the horizon, I could see a giant building and increased my speed even more.

I really wanted to finish this quest and get back. The outside world still terrified me, no, what really terrified me was the fact that Morgiana and my family were somewhere and the temptation to save them was great, addicting even. But I couldn't break my promise, I couldn't forsake my feelings of guilt and sadness for the world's safety.

For now, my goal was to get stronger under Yunan's tutelage and become a valuable ally for Aladin, Alibaba and Morgiana. No way would I be bested by my little sister. Thinking about her brought a smile to my lips. One good thing about my future-seeing ability was that I knew how Morgiana would be when she would grow up; a beautiful, strong woman who cared for her precious people.

Heart slightly at ease, I stopped in front of the gate of the Dungeon, grimacing at the thought that I would enter that disgustingly membrane. When I walked up the stairs, I could see no people around it. This was weird... Was this a new Dungeon, or rather an old one where hundreds of people had perished inside of it?

One way to find out.

I touched the membrane and gasped when I was sucked in.

...into another adventure.

I played with my scythe, twirling it around as I eyed the many ferocious saber-tooth tiger. What made the place even more hypnotizing and scary at the same time was the fact that there was no ground to stand on. Only a layer of black and grey clouds, with the occasion sound of raining and thunder.

And all those tigers were growling savagely at each other, fighting and leaping towards each other's throat... The ground littered with bones and skulls from the deceased men who were ravished by hungry tigers.

...was I really supposed to get out of this alive?

Yunan be damned with his easy talk about Dungeons that could be accomplished without sweating. He must have been delusional to say such things.

Somehow I had a feeling that I was damned to get the most difficult Dungeons ever. All Yunan kept saying to me was that I was a special case, born with supreme gift, a child of Rukh, loved by Solomon itself. I couldn't help it, I snorted. Big mistake. All of the tigers turned their attention on me, baring their teeth as they approached me with feline elegance, eyeing me like their next meal.

Face-palming, I groaned loudly, cursing my absurd bad luck. Only in dire times would I ever get some luck. And even then it would be a gift from Rukh itself, a miracle above all miracles. An epitome of all the goodness of the world, an unimaginable wish come true.

Getting serious, I counted the many tigers, "Around the forty. Doable." My Fanalis strength was all that I'll need. Fanalis stance ready, I leaped towards one of the tigers, sending a powerful kick towards its head. It didn't even let out a whimper as it dropped dead. I focused my attention on another one when suddenly a lightning beam shot towards me, coming through the mouth of the horde of tigers. From the shock, I had gotten away too late and because of my lack of quick thinking I had been burnt badly.

"Ouch." I hissed in pain, glaring at the tiger who burped out a lightning beam from its mouth. "This is war, buddy!" I let out a fierce battle cry, enjoying the way they were cowering from fright and ran towards it, intent on killing it before it would kill me. In this world, there was one rule and rule only: the strongest survived and the weak ones would die. In this case, I was far superior that lightning-shooting tigers. And by all means, I would show them the pure Fanalis strength that coursed through my veins.

I danced my way through, the adrenaline rush making me laugh in pure bliss. For a moment there, I forgot about everything as I drunk in the feeling of being alive, of being able to do something instead of wandering in a cottage, hidden underneath the Valley, near the Great Rift. My evasion skills had become much stronger after Yunan's sadistic way of training-really, he would shoot water icicles and I avoided them, for hours straight. Those were the weird moments wherein he was totally different from normal, and it had scared me shitless to see that side of him.

So, here I was; laughing loudly as slaughtered the horde of tigers as I avoided their lightning attack.

Call me crazy, or weird, I didn't care. The only thing that went through my mind was the fact that I would be seeing my sister soon. Until then, I would train to become stronger and become a big sister to look up to.

After I had completed the first part of the Dungeon, I had walked through a large cave, illuminated by glowing crystals-a beautiful and idyllic sight to marvel at. Once the path had ended, I appeared in a room with a stand in the middle. Upon inspecting it closer, I found an old, crumpled piece of paper on it.

Opening it, I frowned when I noticed that it was the Torran language written on it, well, more precisely, one sentence; "Open sky and do your worst."

The moment those words left my lips, the clouds underneath me opened and swallowed me into a world of darkness...