leafyling - Thank you, I'm glad you like it. Well, as for her reaction, I thought it would be best suited, it may have been awkward or something, but it is how I wanted her to react. :p

voidharpy - Thank you, my dear, I'm glad I could make you happy in some way. And with, I wish you and your country much strength and hopefully all will become better. Yeah, Mu doesn't seem like someone who would give up the love of his life, but he does respect her. I find that trait suited for him and I'm sure that in reality he would be doing the same. Thank you for your support and your faithful reviews! I hope you hadn't received much damage from the typhoon.

Love from Belgium!

SmileRen - I can't write the point so I'll have to use the dash button. Now, for your question, I can't tell you that. You can only know the things May knows. So, other things remains a mystery for you guys.

Kagehana-Tsuki - Of course not, you can like whoever you do. Just saying that the possibility between pairing may be surprising or unsurprising. It could be anyone-Mu, Masrur, Sinbad, Ja'far, ... I'm not going to tell a thing. Can't ruin the surprise, now can I? I find Yunan amazing too, he had a superb personality! :D

kenegi - About the list, if it's not too much trouble, can you send me a list of it in a pm? I like the storyline behind FSN. :D As for your question-May is Lady Scheherazades King Vessel, but about Yunan I can't tell you anything. You guys can only know what May knows, so yeah.. Sorry! Hmm, that suggestion of yours is actually not bad, I also like Dunya Musta'sim and always felt bad for her past. Maybe I can tweak her Fate a bit and change it? Thank you for the suggestion, I'll be sure to tell you if I use it or not!

Guest - Who said she chose Mu?

Sinbad's age: 28 years old

Masrur's age: 19 years old

May's age: 18 years old

Judar's age: 17 years old

Morgianas age: 13 years old

Once again, voidharpy, thank you for the idea of the Wind Djiin! Like I had said, your ideas will be used! :D

Pride of the Fanalis Clan

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By Angelbloodlover

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~ A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.

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Lao Tzu

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Chapter 17: Judar, the Oracle

Already a year had passed, and many things had happened in that time span. From completing my Magoi Manipulation training, finally after two years, to completely mastering my wind Djiin equip. Thankfully, my relationship with Mu hadn't perished, he was still the old Mu, smiling and laughing, although I could feel the longing at times, but I had to admit, he was good in keeping a leash on it.

Though, it did hurt me seeing him like that, I could jeopardize my self-appointed mission, not when Morgiana was waiting for me.

Shambal had been devastated to let me go, but I had promised him to pay him a visit soon. And with a part of the conquered money, I had paid off his debt. Together with the leader of the Yambala Gladiators, were Mu, Myron, Rohroh and the rest of the Fanalis corps. When I had seen them all there, waving me goodbye, it made my heart flutter warmly. That moment I felt loved and protected. They didn't want me to leave, Myron had even tried to cage me in her room, but they respected my choice and accepted the course of Fate.

And now, my journey continued. I had left the Reim empire and was on my way towards Amro, like promised, I would pay him a visit.

I smiled softly, "Amro, long time no see."

Said person blinked his eyes, mouth agape. "M-May?"

"Father, what's wrong?" A pretty, curvy woman appeared next to him, and I could definitely see the similarities between them; the shape of the eyes, the small beauty spot near their left temple. She frowned when she saw me, but the moment her father uttered my name, a bright smile appeared on her face. "Welcome dear, you must be the girl who saved my father." She ushered me inside, her father still too dumbfounded to do a thing.

I didn't know my presence left him that shocked. Must be my dazzling presence that made everyone shocked.

Once inside, Safa, Amros' daughter offered me many delicacies, "Here, you must be tired from your journey. Please, do feel at home."

Nodding, I nibbled on the delicious cook, the savor leaving me satisfied and fed. "Thank you, it' absolutely delicious."

She smiled brightly, "Thank you! I'm glad it's to your satisfaction. Father!" At that moment, her father appeared again, dressed wealthy and composed, "I'm here."

"Amro, how have you been for the last two years?"

He smiled softly, wrapping an arm around his daughter's shoulder, "Thanks to you, my life has become better and Sabah had been cured."

Said girl smiled as bright as the sun, bowing in gratitude, "I can't thank you enough, May, I'm indebted to your honorable deed. If there is something I can repay you with, please tell me."

I shook my head, "No, I did it out of free will. No need to repay me with anything."

Smile intact, she bowed again, leaving towards the kitchen to prepare a good meal. "Please, stay for the night, that's the least I could do."

"With pleasure, Amro."

"Ahh!" It felt good to feel the Rukh around me, no magic tool detaining my Rukh. Freedom. I had stayed at Amro's house for one night and then I had continued my path, towards Balbadd. Only Solomon knew how long that would take me. And thankfully, I could use my magic turban, slightly rusty from not using it, but now, could freely use everything in my arsenal.

My Metal Vessels all decorating my body: my pearl-decorated scythe strapped to my back, next to my sword, my golden collar with the emerald-crafted palm leaf etched in it, my ruby-decorated head piece and my bracelet chain ring. The feeling that came with wearing this ornaments made me feel invincible and the thrumming of the Rukh, hovering around me left me speechless and in awe. With that, I had bought a brand new poisoned whip since it was my second favorite weapon to use, my first one being the sword.

A sword may be unoriginal, but I had too many precious memories linked with it.

Now, floating on top of my carpet, I felt invincible, craving for this feeling that left me at ease. Until, I saw a giant building erupting from the ground and an adventurous smile appeared on my face, "Time to get wild!" I increased the usage of Magoi and the magic turban moved even faster, the wind playing with my braid and flapping my bangs against my face. Though, it did hurt, I ignored the sting, the entrancing feeling clouding all of my senses.

When I got closer, I noticed a person floating above the building and to my shocking surprise, this person was none other than Judar.

Even after half an hour, Judar was still flying in the air, looking around him. I wondered if he wasn't bored or anything. To top it off, I was itching to enter that Dungeon, but remembering Yunan's words, I stayed put, until he would leave. I didn't want to have a second experience with Yunan's dark side, as I liked to call it.

Thankfully, he left after five minutes and I used that momentum to fly in full speed towards the Dungeon, entering the disgusting membrane that made me think of my birth. That was a remembrance I tried to forget, it left me nauseous. But that pesky thing kept popping up in unusual moments, like now. And all I could feel, was that same traumatizing experience as I got pushed out...

Inside, I saw a bright light, connecting my world with the magical one from the Djiin and then another blinding light came up. I was forced to close my eyes, followed by a shrouding darkness that left me unconscious. Once I regained consciousness, I groaned in annoyance-this was an experience I was dreading too much, but afterwards, I could start the real fun: slaying monsters, solving quests, finding treasures, acquiring a Djiin and finally capturing another Dungeon. With it, my fighting experience increased, also rising my survival rate at the same time.

Looking around, I saw nothing but walls of fire and straight ahead, I saw a burning castle, the fire licking the stones and the smoke embracing the air.

Smothering heat was making me dizzy, the smell of burnt goods were invading my nostrils, thanks to my enhanced senses. Step after step, I continued walking straight ahead, my magic turban stashed safely away in my shoulder bag. Till now there was nothing blocking my way, not even a monster, or a fire-spewing dragon. No nothing. This was too suspicious, normally I would have been attacked by something, anything, really. And when minutes ticked by and nothing came out, I was watching everything with hawk's eye, my gut telling me that something is off. Danger was clearly written all over this place, but what?

And then my body froze as wide, red eyes locked with red-ringed ones from one of the person I was dreading to meet. "J-Judar..?"

He smirked, lips twitching upwards as he eyed me up and down, "What have I stumbled upon?"

I shivered at the way he was looking at me, and shifting my feet apart, I readied myself for any incoming barrage.

"One, two, three and oh look, four Metal Vessels. My, my, you've been collecting quite a lot." His smirk widened, wicked eyes staring right through my soul, "And it seems you know of my reputation. I feel popular!" He raised his arms, laughing loudly in his arrogance.

Clenching my fists, I asked him, "I saw you leave. Explain."

Amusement was written in his eyes and to satiate my thirst for knowing, he answered, "That was simply a mirage that you saw. I had felt your presence way before you came." He descended from the sky, his feet almost touching the tip of the ground. ""Because, you see, the Rukh around you loves you too much. I wonder why..?"

I swallowed, trying to find an escape, but running from Judar would be a mistake I wasn't keen on doing. However, if I did try to escape, I had to run for my life. But in the end, a confrontation was inevitable and lifting my chin up in defiance, I smirked in bemusement, "Generally, I'm a loved person." I joked, trying to humor him instead of getting on his bad list. That would be the stupidest thing to do. No, staying safe and friendly in his books was the smartest think to do. Absolutely.

He chuckled, crossing his arms, "Who are you?"

"May."

"Aren't you one of those walking muscles?" He questioned seriously, head tilted to the side as he studied my obvious appearances.

I arched my eye brow, wondering what kind of image he had of the Fanalis clan. "You mean the Fanalis clan?"

He waved my statement aside, "Yeah, yeah, the famous walking muscles. They are pretty much the same for me."

Shrugging carelessly, I kept wary eyes on him, "Now, if you don't mind I need to conquer this Dungeon, thanks for killing off every monster in the area. This way, I won't have to stay much longer than necessary."

I would be stupid if I didn't link Judar's arrival and the empty Dungeon together-he must have killed every single one of them. Creep. When I was about to walk away from him, he blocked my path, eyes narrowed into thin splits and a cruel smirk plastered on his face. "I don't appreciate it when people are walking away when I'm trying to have a conversation here."

"Well, to be honest, I'm a bit busy. No offense meant." I somersaulted over him, sending him a smile as I ran away, using Fanalis full speed. He must have been shocked because when I glanced back, I saw him stare. Pushing my legs even faster, I ran straight into the castle, stumbling upon a large square. In the middle was a huge fire, resembling the fire of Olympus, shining bright and beautiful.

Again next to it, was a message written in the Torran language, "Come forth and embrace the powers."

Frowning, I stared at the message and then towards the fire, wondering what they would mean with this. Judar might catch up to me and time was running out; I had to find the answer soon. So, I paced around the fire, staring intently at it. Could they perhaps mean that-"You know, I hate rude people!" Judar's shout echoed around the square.

Shit! He had caught up to me... Not good. I flinched when I heard the anger in his words and gulped inaudible, "It's ruder to keep people waiting when it's obvious they want to leave." His laughter resonated and I smirked when I heard the amusement in it. "I'm glad you aren't too mad. Don't want to ruin that pretty face of yours."

"If this is some kind of proposal to become my girlfriend then I have to refuse. I'm not into walking muscles."

I giggled, strangely finding this conversation very amusing, "And I'm not into walking skeletons. Eat more vegetables!"

He appeared in front of me, his face blanched in disgust, "I'd rather stuff those vegetables in your throat. See how you would like that."

"I don't like boys feeding me."

He arched his eye brow, "I'm not a boy, I'm a man. Got it."

I nodded absentminded, an idea appearing in my head, "I got it!" The answer from the puzzle, it was so simple and yet I overlooked it.

"At least you haven't lost your mind. Much better than that brainless douchebag Sinbad parades around like a dog."

Glaring, I narrowed my eyes, "Watch your tongue, that's my best friend you're talking about."

"Did I hit a cord there?" An arrogant smirk decorated his face, "As if I care about that dog."

"Then why are you talking to me in a civilized manner?" I snarled dangerously low, keeping my temper in check. I knew how to solve the language, I just needed the right time to disappear; a bit more.

He shrugged his shoulders, not really knowing the answer himself, "You're strange, the Rukh around you is strange. What are you?"

"I'm not a what, but a who." Placing my hands on my hips, my glare intensified at his insult, "Like I had said again, I'm May."

He sighed in annoyance, vicious glare intact, "Whatever, idiot."

"Dick!"

An amused chuckle left his lips and I growled in anger, "You're a fucking prick with an ego as big as the moon! You're insufferable, plain annoying and grating my nerves!" Fuck being calm, this dude was asking for it.

He growled, his aura changing into a freezing blue and suddenly a wand appeared in his hand, "It seems I need to teach you some manner."

"Cliche!" I replied, rolling my eyes at that commonly used word, "Too bad I'm not sticking around to hear about it. So long sucker!" Sticking my middle finger towards him, I leaped towards the fire with closed eyes, literally embracing the fire. From the surprise and my humanly reflex, I choked back a cry when the fire didn't hurt me instead I felt a soothing presence. Opening my eyes, I touched the fire and sighed in contentment when the fire felt like a tickling touch.

This persistent feeling stayed until the fire formed a path, which I followed obediently. The atmosphere was enchanting, two walls of fire were separated and I could see slithering fire snakes within the walls. It left me breathless and in awe, thinking how beautiful the place was. Nearing the end of the path, I entered a giant cave, gasping at the sheer beauty of it-floating fireballs illuminating the cave and red dragonflies fluttering in the air. Giant stairs led towards another floor, in the shape of a circle.

I walked, step after step, until I arrived there, observing the place carefully. Again, the Seal of Solomon was drawn in the ground, "This must be a fire Djiin." Surrounding the star were packs of treasures, lying for all to pick freely. The perfection of this cave was becoming my number one favorite Dungeon, the feeling left me tranquil and the silence reassured me nothing bad would befall upon me. And of course, there in the middle was none other than the Metal Vessel, in the form enchanted golden earrings, taking the shape of many leaves, with attached fine chains and golden ear cuffs. The leaves were sparkling alluringly, calling out to me, whispers of unimaginable powers and promises of strength unknown to humankind.

When I walked towards it, admiring the fire that protected the earrings, I stuck my hand through the fire, touching the earrings. Not once did harm befall upon me, instead the fire slithered up my arm like a protective cocoon.

Like always, a fire vortex surrounded the ornament, leaving me stumbling away from fright as the Djiin materialized. However, this time the blue giant left me gaping at his handsomeness. Never had I felt attracted towards another man until now and what a man he was. I couldn't even keep my eyes away from him. Oh God, I was getting horny just from watching him, but this was very unusual since I was never that kind of girl. Whether the man was handsome or not, I kept neutral until I met him and understood his personality. But now...

This Djiin was a walking sex God.

What's worse? I was attractive to a Djiin-Great, I'm one weird girl...

"Who shall be King?"

Confident and blushing brightly at his crooked smirk, I replied loudly, "I shall be your King!"

Silently, I hoped he hadn't noticed me drooling and coughed awkwardly, trying to hide the obvious redness in my cheeks. Though, I could see his smirk widen, which meant only one thing-he fucking knew. Oh dear

Red, eerie eyes glowed ominously in the illuminated cave and I shivered when his entire body was apparent. He had a huge muscled body, finely sculptured, sweat dripping down his marble. Around his muscled arms were golden bracelets and his hair was as red as fire, the end of each tresses burning with flickering fire, the color clashing with his blue body. On his forehead he had a star tattooed and to top it off, he had huge wings. Choice of clothes were nothing but tight pants and jewellery decorating him beautifully-rings, earrings, bracelets and so on. "You are a Magi?" He narrowed his eyes, the color of his fire turning blue, which probably indicated that he was curious.

..God, he was sexy...

"Ah, I see, loved by the Rukh, child of Solomon. Then I, Djiin of Fire and master of the twenty-third Dungeon, Aim, shall accept you as my King." He crossed his bulky arms, the muscles in his arms flexing. With fixated eyes, I watched every muscle of him flex and twitch. How tempting it was to slide your fingers of them or even lick it. Shaking my head, I mentally gaped at my change of attitude. What the hell was going on with me? I had never acted like this.

"Most females have this kind of reaction." He explained my peculiar behavior, "It's my aura, it attracts any females." He smiled towards me and I swear I was on the verge of fainting. Clenching my fists, I tried to retain some of my dignity and smiled back. Think of other things not-captivating ruby-red eyes-No! Think of Morgiana, yeah, my dear sister, she was waiting for her big sister. Nodding, as if to reassure myself, I returned the handsome smile with one of my own. Things were getting better and better!

Laughing brightly, I bowed in respect, "I shall do my best to abide your wishes as your King and lead this world towards peace."

He dipped his head, "I see a great future lying ahead of you, May from the Fanalis clan." He snapped his fingers and Solomon's sign glowed enticing, "You may want to hurry because a Magi is coming towards here and he doesn't seem very happy about you."

Shaking my head from the bewitched spell he had on me, I nodded, quickly and efficiently picking up everything and placing them on top of my magic turban. At last, I was done and with a giant smile I waved the Djiin goodbye, making sure that I picked up the beautiful earrings. So, I waited until the sign of Solomon would appear on them, but nothing happened. Instead the Djiin glowed brightly and transferred towards my sword.

Finding this even better, I put the earrings in my ear lobe, smiling happily, a sigh of contentment leaving my lips. Another addition, another experience. Well, Judar might still be pissed about me, but meh, who cares? Not me, if you were wondering. He deserved to hear the truth and next time I would see him, I will be prepared for the worst.

But hopefully, he would forget about our unfortunate encounter and be all neutral towards me. However, I beg for differ, he seemed pretty pissed off and Aim had told me the same. Well, some time to cool off would do him good. Another bright light illuminated and I watched as the Dungeon was collapsing. So much for the most beautiful Dungeon I had ever seen.

Teleported to the human realm, I flew for dear life, trying to avoid the many icicle spear coming from Judar as he spewed out many curses.

"Aww, you love me, Judar-kun!"

His ferocious growls reached my ears, "I'll show you how much I love you by turning you into a popsicle!"

I giggled, ducking when another spear almost skewered me, "Not interested, dear!"

"I'll kill you!"

"Love you too, baby!" I laughed and used more Magoi to fly even faster, enjoying the wind howling in my ear and playing with my braid. For a moment, I swore that I had even hear Judar chuckle in amusement, but that could have been my imagination. "Besides, I'm your King Vessel! You aren't supposed to kill me!"

"Fine, I'll only rip of your limbs!"

Rolling my eyes, I shook my head at his statement. Only Judar might say such things.

...maybe getting on Judar's bad list wasn't such a smart idea?