Night 26- The Djinn Metal Vessel

Magi © Shinobu Ohtaka

Shahra © Me

Alozza © Darkdarling98

"Try again!" Sinbad ordered as he stood before Alibaba, who body glowed a fiery aura.

"O Great Spirit of Decorum and Austerity!" Alibaba exclaimed. "I beseech thee and thy kin! Feed upon my magoi and grant me great power! COME FORTH, AMON!"

Thrusting his knife to the sky, Alibaba unleashed a whirling column of flames that surrounded his body.

"That's wrong!" Sinbad said. "Gather Amon's flames closer to your body!"

Alibaba growled as he held his knife closer to his chest.

"Come on, Alibaba!" Alozza cheered. "You can do this!"

"You need to use your Djinn like that princess from the Kou Empire," Sinbad told him. "Embrace the Djinn's power to make yourself a demon! That is the proper way to use a Djinn!"

"Right!" Alibaba said as he kept holding the knife, the flames still burning hot, and yet they did not burn him.

Flashback; earlier that day

"You want to learn?" Sinbad asked, standing in his quarters with Alibaba. "Why the sudden change of heart, Alibaba?"

"Well, I thought about what you said," Alibaba replied, "and while I'm still not sure about becoming the next king…I feel that I should at least do what I can!"

"…I see," Sinbad said. "Very well. I'll teach you."

"Thank you!" Alibaba said. "Thank you so much!"

Just then, Alozza entered…and she gasped upon seeing Alibaba's bruises that he received from Cassim.

"WHAT THE HELL?!" Alozza questioned. "WHERE DID YOU GET ALL THOSE BRUISES?!"

"Uh…I can explain!" Alibaba stammered. "You see, I-"

"No excuses!" Alozza shouted before she grabbed Alibaba and dragged him out. "Come here, right now!"

"No, wait, stop!" Alibaba cried. "You don't understand! I need to talk to Sinbad! LET GO!"

SLAM! Alozza slammed the door behind her.

"…Well, that was…interesting," Ja'Far spoke, confused.

"Uhh…yeah," Sinbad agreed.

Masrur stood by, saying nothing…and yet, inside, he felt an odd nervous twinge.

Flashback end

"I wonder what caused Prince Alibaba to change his mind," Ja'Far mused.

"Hmm…" Sinbad hummed, wondering.

Alibaba groaned as he kept trying to keep the flames surrounding him and his knife.

'I'm sorry, Sinbad,' he thought, 'but…I can't tell you about what Cassim is planning! He may have changed…but he's still my best friend. If you knew, you'd try to stop him by force…and there's a good chance you'd kill him. I don't want that! So I have to do this!'

Just then, the flames dissipated, and Alibaba collapsed to his knees, panting heavily.

"You okay?!" Alozza asked as she ran up to him.

"Y-yeah, I think so," Alibaba answered.

"You've nearly depleted all your magoi," Sinbad said. "Don't push yourself too far."

Alibaba looked at his knife, and he gasped when he saw that the eight-pointed star was gone.

"Oh, no!" he cried.

"It's just like with Aladdin's flute!" Alozza added. "Does that mean…?!"

"Relax," said Sinbad. "Amon's not gone. The eight-pointed star seal will return when Alibaba's magoi regenerates. When the magoi in a Djinn Metal Vessel runs out, you're powerless, so you need to pay attention to how much is left."

"Right," Alibaba answered. "So…how do I replenish my magoi?"

"Restore your own physical strength," Sinbad answered. "If you keep your Metal Vessel with you while you rest, it will replenish in a few hours."

"But what if I'm fighting?" Alibaba asked. "What then?"

"That's a very dangerous situation," Sinbad answered, "but even then, there are other ways to replenish your magoi."

"Really?" Alibaba asked. "Like what?"

Sinbad then spent the next few moments explaining how to replenish magoi during battle to Alibaba, who took the time to eat some snacks and drink a bit of water.

"Okay…I think I get it," Alibaba said. "One more thing, though…what's this about 'wrapping my Djinn around me'?"

"Well," Sinbad began, "you saw how Aladdin summons his Djinn, right?"

"Yeah," Alibaba answered.

"How could we forget?" Alozza asked.

"It was powerful," Sinbad continued. "By giving vast amounts of magoi into a Metal Vessel, it's possible to physically manifest a Djinn. However, only a Magi like Aladdin can do such things."

"Maybe that's another reason why Aladdin's sleeping so much," Alozza noted. "I guess he's still gathering up his magoi, too…s-sorry about that, Sinbad. Continue."

"Thank you," Sinbad said. "Now, as I was saying, it's impossible for those of us who are weaker in power. However…by thinly covering ourselves in a Djinn's power and assimilating it, we can approach the power of a manifest Djinn. In other words, a Djinn Equip."

"Djinn Equip…!" Alibaba whispered in awe. "Wow!"

"The person contracted with the Djinn will then taken on the characters of said Djinn's form," Sinbad continued. "Just like the princess from the Kou Empire."

"You know, when I think back," Alozza started, "the way her sword looked…it was almost her Djinn was some kinda sea creature, or some such thing."

"What about your Djinn, Alibaba?" asked Sinbad.

Alibaba gulped…as he imagined himself with Amon's long beard, long face, and distended belly.

"Err…" he murmured. "Can we move on to a different subject, please?!"

"Sure," Sinbad replied.

"Well…I was wondering," Alibaba began, "how did you dispel a Djinn Equip or extinguish Amon's fire just by mere touch?"

"That's been on my mind, too, actually," Alozza said. "If it were me, I would've gotten my hands charred to cinders!"

"I can control the magoi in my own body to counteract them," Sinbad answered. "It's something known as Magoi Manipulation. I spent a year learning it in a tribal village in the mountains. That's not something you can learn in a couple of days, though."

"I see," Alibaba said.

Just then, the eight-pointed star reappeared on the blade of Alibaba's knife.

"Oh! Look at that!" Alibaba exclaimed.

"Your Metal Vessel has regained its magoi," said Sinbad. "Now then, try a Djinn Equip."

"Okay," Alibaba answered as he held his knife.

"But this time, don't cover your whole body," said Sinbad. "It's too soon for that. Trying covering only a part of yourself. In other words, a Djinn Weapon Equip."

"A Djinn Weapon Equip?" Alibaba repeated.

"Yes," Sinbad answered. "You saw the princess from that night. Her Metal Vessel transformed into a large blade, and her arms became scaly, like armor of some kind. The vessel is close to the Djinn, so it's easier to equip. The resulting blade takes the form of the Djinn's actual weapon. Now…show me Amon's weapon!"

"Got it!" Alibaba exclaimed as he held his knife to his torso, and soon, his body began glowing with magoi.

'I've gotta learn this,' he thought. 'I need this power…I need this power to save my country!'

Alozza stood nearby, watching worriedly.

'He's really pushing himself,' she thought. 'This kid…he sure is something.'

"RRAAAAAAAAAAARRRGH!" Alibaba roared as the flames burst from his knife, and Sinbad gave an impressed smirk.

XXX

Later on, Sinbad is his quarters with Ja'Far and Masrur.

"So, how is training with Prince Alibaba?" Ja'Far asked.

"He has aptitude," Sinbad said. "I'll give him that much. He won't pick it up in just one day, but we'll start again, tomorrow."

"I see," Ja'Far said. "What do you have in mind for Alibaba?"

"I still want him to make him the king of this country," Sinbad replied, "but it's still not gonna be easy. To depose Abhmad and replace him with Alibaba, outside political action will be necessary. I will try and muster Sindria's allies."

"I see," Ja'Far nodded. "But what does Alibaba need power for, exactly?"

"…To be honest," Sinbad began, "he doesn't need it, but it seems that's the only thing that will help build his confidence, so when he takes the throne, he'll be hard to assassinate. Still, he isn't the only one who has to work hard. Tomorrow, I shall take action, myself."

"Meaning…?" Ja'Far inquired.

"I shall go and speak with Princess Kougyoku," Sinbad answered. "She is betrothed to Abhmad, and she can tell me more about Balbadd than Abhmad can."

"Are you sure about that, Sin?" Ja'Far asked. "What makes you so sure she'll confide in you?"

"Oh, she will," Sinbad answered. "Call it a gut feeling, I guess."

A pause…but then Ja'Far sighed before he turned and walked away.

"Is that so?" he mumbled.

"What are you insinuating, Ja'Far?" Sinbad asked with a suspicious look.

"Oh, nothing!" Ja'Far answered.

"Lady Killer of the Seven Seas," Masrur whispered.

"You said it," Ja'Far agreed, softly. "Lord Solomon, help that poor woman."

"I heard that!"

"D'OH!"

XXX

Meanwhile, Morgiana and Alozza are walking to Aladdin's room.

"It's been about three days, now," Alozza said. "He should be at least up and walking by this time, shouldn't he? I mean…he gets up occasionally to use the bathroom or something, but that's it."

"Maybe he's feeling a bit better, today," Morgiana said as she opened the door…only to see Alibaba, sitting at Aladdin's bedside as he spooned him some soup while Shahra lied on the floor, watching.

"Thank you, Alibaba," Aladdin said, "but…I think I'm full now."

"Good," Alibaba said as he took the bowl away. "It's good to see you've still got your appetite, little buddy."

Aladdin smiled, but that smile soon fell.

"…I'm still really tired," the boy said. "Is it okay…if I sleep just a bit longer?"

"Sure," Alibaba answered, gently running his fingers through his azure mop. "You sleep as much as you feel like it, Aladdin."

Aladdin sighed as he lied down, once more, but then he glanced over at his flute, which still stood on the nightstand…and the eight-pointed star was still gone.

"…You still thinking about Ugo, huh?" Alibaba asked.

"…Alibaba…what if I never see him again?" Aladdin asked.

Alibaba paused…but then he smiled and gently ruffled the Magi's hair.

"I'm sure you will," he said. "And even if he was gone…he's never too far away. He'll always be a part of you…in your heart." He poked a finger in Aladdin's chest for emphasis, causing the boy to giggle at the ticklish feeling.

"…That does make me feel a little better," Aladdin answered before he yawned. "Thank you…Alibaba."

With that, the young Magi soon fell asleep, once again. Alibaba sighed as he watched him while Shahra placed her head in his lap, giving a worried growl.

"I know, Shahra," Alibaba said, petting her softly. "I'm worried about him, too."

"You're not the only ones."

Alibaba turned to see the girls.

"Yo," Alozza greeted.

"Did you rest enough after your training?" Morgiana asked.

"Y…yeah, I did," Alibaba answered. "I feel better, now." He then looked back at the snoozing Aladdin and sighed.

"…Aladdin…I'm so sorry, little buddy," he said. "This is all my fault…I dragged you into this big mess…you, too, Ugo."

"Hey, come on," Alozza said. "Don't start that guilt crap. Aladdin spoke a lot about you, and even in the short time I've known him, I never heard him say one thing bad about you."

"That's right," Morgiana agreed. "Aladdin really respected you as his friend…so I doubt he considers you helping your country as dragging him into a big mess."

That's when Alibaba remembered the things Aladdin told him back when they were leaving Dungeon No. 7.

"You're a brave guy, as well as a respected friend of mine!"

"…Thanks, Morgiana…Alozza," Alibaba spoke. "That gave me a push."

"Uh…no problem," Alozza answered.

Morgiana just gave Alibaba a concerned glance before she left with Alozza following after.

"Well, that was weird," Alozza said. "Wonder what he meant by that."

As the girls walked through the backstreets, Morgiana suddenly gasped in shock.

"What?!" Alozza asked, flinching. "What is it?!"

"I just remembered," Morgiana answered, "he said something like that…back in the oasis town of Qishan…and then the following day, he left his on his own!"

"…Oh, dear Solomon…!" Alozza realized. "He wouldn't!"

"He would!" Morgiana cried.

XXX

The following day, two guards stood at both sides of the palace gate, holding spears, when suddenly, they heard the sound of galloping footfalls. They looked up to see…a hooded figure with two small barrels strapped to his back, riding on the back of a tigress, headed right for them!

"What the-?!" one of the guards before Shahra braked to a halt, just about 4 feet away from the gate.

"Who are you?!" asked the other guard. "Reveal yourself!"

A pause…but then, the man removed his hood, revealing himself to be Alibaba!

"Ha! It's you!" the guard gasped. "Alibaba the Wondrous!"

'Sorry, Sinbad,' Alibaba thought as he got off Shahra's back, 'but I couldn't wait two more days. Before they do it…and before anyone else…I must take action at the palace! Me, and no one else!'

"I am Alibaba Saluja! Third Prince of Balbadd! I demand that you open this gate, immediately!"

Soon after he announced this, a large crowd started to gather at the gate.

"It's Alibaba!"

"Prince Alibaba!"

"He's at the palace gates!"

"What's he doing there?!"

"I have come to speak with King Abhmad!" Alibaba shouted. "Now open the gate!"

"No way!" barked the guard. "We're not the leader of the Fog Troop into the palace!"

Suddenly, he flinched when a rock was thrown at him, followed by more. He looked up to see the angered citizens, throwing stones and holding various objects as makeshift weapons as they all clamored angrily. Shahra even roared at the guards, as if to help to get the point across.

"You heard him! Open up that gate, right now!"

"Yeah, open it or else we'll get rough!"

"Open the damned gate!"

"If you open the gate now," Alibaba began, "I'll stop this angry mob. Your lives are in danger, here!"

"Are…are you the only one coming in?" asked the guard.

"Yes, I am," Alibaba replied. "I swear upon my name as Prince of Balbadd."

The guards glanced at each before nodding their heads. Then, they went to open the gate.

"Shahra…stay here," Alibaba told the tigress. "I have to handle this, alone."

He then raised his knife, and then, a column a flames burst forth, swirling around him, to the people's shock and awe.

"People of Balbadd! Heed me!" Alibaba declared. "Wait out here! From this day forward…THIS COUNTRY IS ABOUT TO BE REBORN!"

Everyone gasped as Alibaba charged into the courtyard…before they all burst into cheers.

XXX

Meanwhile, in the Imperial Villa of Balbadd Castle, Princess Ren Kougyoku, the Eighth Imperial Princess of the Kou Empire, is sitting in her room, having a cup of tea when Ka Koubun approached her.

"How is Judar's condition, Ka Koubun?" Kougyoku asked.

"I have been healing him with my Household Vessel, Your Highness," Ka Koubun answered. "Unfortunately, it may take some time for his fractured bones to heal."

"…I see," Kougyoku sighed.

"Something troubles you, Your Highness?" asked Ka Koubun.

"…Isn't it odd, Ka Koubun?" Kougyoku asked. "Why does a princess such as myself have to marry for political reasons. Hakuei should do it. She is the previous emperor's daughter, after all."

"Your Highness, with all due respect," Ka Koubun started, "Balbadd is a pivotal trade hub in the South Seas, so it will be an important base for the empire as we advance to the west. To attain without spilling blood, as well to impress the people, a legitimate princess, such as you, must ascend the throne as queen."

"I understand that," Kougyoku retorted. "It's just…I just captured a dungeon and got a Djinn Metal Vessel. I just wanted to be a warrior, like Hakuei, for once…but…more than anything…I just wanted to fall in love."

As she said this…she thought back to Sinbad, who looked at her with a smiling face.

"Oh, Princess," Ka Koubun said in concern. "I know you want that more than anything…after all, I've known you since you were just a little girl."

"Oh, Ka Koubun," Kougyoku smiled. "You know me so well."

"However," Ka Koubun said, "your father, the current emperor, commands it, and your brothers, the princes, will be attending the ceremony."

"I know that," Kougyoku replied. "I suppose I'm just getting the…how do they say, 'pre-wedding jitters'. As princess, I must put aside my own feelings and do what is best for my country."

"Indeed," Ka Koubun concurred.

'According to custom,' Kougyoku thought, 'I'm not even allowed to see my future husband's face. I guess I'm a bit nervous about the marriage…I wonder what King Abhmad is like? I hope he's a good man.'

In her head, Kougyoku imagined Abhmad as a tall, handsome fellow with a bright smile. Unfortunately for her, Abhmad was anything but those things.

XXX

Meanwhile, in the throne room, Entai, Enshin, and Engi kneeled before Abhmad.

"Your Majesty," said Markkio. "Does the princess's betrothal gift please you?"

"Yes," Abhmad answered. "They look splendid. The military's best fighters were not even a match for them."

Behind the trio…there was a large crater, filled with bloodied and broken bodies.

"Indeed," Markkio said. "So, will they be your guards?"

"Yes, indeed," Abhmad replied. "Serve me well, you three!"

"Yes, King Abhmad," Entai, Enshin, and Engi answered.

Just then, the air is filled with a cacophony of angered yells.

"Ugh…what's all that noise outside?!" asked Abhmad.

Just then, a palace guard burst in, panicking.

"Your Majesty!" he cried. "There's an intruder in the courtyard, and it's…it's…!"

"Oh, bother," Abhmad said as he went to the balcony to look, followed by Sabhmad and Markkio. "Who could it possibly at a time like this?"

When he looked down, he gasped upon seeing Alibaba, who is now surrounded by guards. The blonde prince remained surprisingly calm as he glared up at Abhmad before he took in a deep breath.

"ABHMAAAAAAAAD!" he roared. "GET DOWN HERE, RIGHT NOW! YOU AND I ARE GONNA TALK, AND THIS TIME, YOU'RE GONNA LISTEN TO ME!"

"A…Alibaba…!" Sabhmad whispered in awe while Abhmad seethed angrily.

"Isn't that the boy from the other day?" asked Markkio.

"What in the world is this nonsense?!" Abhmad questioned. "Who let him passed the gate?! Banker! Kill him!"

"But it isn't he a prince of-" Markkio started.

"I DON'T CARE!" Abhmad shouted. "I DON'T RECOGNIZE SUCH TRASH!"

"Very well," Markkio said. "Entai, get rid of the boy."

"Yes, sir," Entai bowed as he jumped down into the courtyard, where Alibaba stood.

"Who the hell are you!?" Alibaba questioned. "This has nothing to do with you! Get the hell outta my way!"

Entai pulled back his veil, revealing a rather handsome human face.

"Who am I?" he asked. "But we've met before, haven't we? You sure are thick! Still, I won't bother introducing myself. After all…"

Suddenly…Entai's face began to swell and bulge, and not long after, his whole body began to follow suit…until he took the form of a grotesque elephant-like monster: the same one that attacked the Fog Troop the night Judar appeared!

"YOU'RE GOING TO DIE, NOW!" Entai boomed in a deep, demonic voice.

'it's that elephant man from before!' Alibaba thought.

Entai trumpeted before he raised one of his trunks and slammed Alibaba into the wall!

"UGH!" Alibaba cried. "What the hell…is he even human?! In any case…I can't fight him alone!"

He then raised his knife, which soon burst into flames.

"GO AMON!" Alibaba shouted as he sent a wall off fire at Entai, who began to swing his trunks in a circular motion, almost like a fan, before knocked the fire right back at Alibaba.

"WHOA!" Alibaba cried as he shielded himself. "WHAT THE HELL?!"

"Fool!" Entai shouted. "I am the strongest warrior ever born of the Kou Empire's technology!"

Then, he began to slurp up water from a fountain with his trunks, and then sprayed jets of water at Alibaba, who dodged just in the nick of time. However, the pressure of the water caused the ground to crack!

'Dammit!' Alibaba thought. 'This freak put out my flames!'

"Is this over, already?" asked Entai. "Then it's time for you to die!"

GRRAAAAAAAAAAAWWWR! A powerful roar suddenly filled the air, and as Entai turned, an orange and black blur suddenly leapt up and bit down on his left eye.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Entai screamed as Shahra began claw at his face.

"Shahra!" Alibaba cried. "What are you doing here?! I told you to wait outside!"

Before Shahra could do anymore damage, Entai grabbed her with one of his trunks and threw her to the ground.

"Damned cat!" Entai roared as he raised his foot. "Die already!"

Before he could stomp her to death, Shahra rolled out of Entai's way before she jumped and bit at his ankle.

"Shahra! Get away from him!" Alibaba shouted. "Leave him to me!"

As he charged, the prince thought about what Sinbad had told him earlier during training.

"Wrap Amon's flames around you to become a demon!"

'I need more practice,' Alibaba thought as he held his knife, 'but here goes nothing!'

"DJINN EQUIP!" he shouted as the eight-pointed star flashed on the blade. Soon, a huge column of fire erupted from the knife, momentarily blinding Entai.

Flashback

"For Djinn Equip to work," Sinbad said, "you have to wrap yourself in a Djinn's power and gain its strength, but without more practice, the best you can do for now is a Weapon Equip. Gather Amon's flame around your Metal Vessel and arms!"

"Right," Alibaba said. "Lemme try again!"

Flashback end

"What are you doing?!" Entai questioned. "Are you trying to burn yourself?!"

"Rrrrgh…come on!" Alibaba cried. "Focus the flame on my blade!"

At first, the flame shrunk, swirling around Alibaba's knife and arms, but then, they burst again!

"No!" Alibaba cried.

WHAM! Shahra pushed him out of the way as Entai tried to hit him with his trunks again.

'It's no good!' Alibaba thought. 'I can't focus the flame!'

"Enough of this foolishness!" Entai roared. "I've had just about enough!"

WHAM-WHAM-WHAM! He continued to slam his trunks in the ground, trying to hit Alibaba and Shahra, who both tried to dodge. Then, Alibaba leapt up and slashed his flaming sword in Entai's eyes!

"AGH!" Entai cried. "Damn you!"

'If I can beat him with my flames like this…' Alibaba thought…before he imagined Kougyoku, Enshin, and Engi. 'No…I wouldn't stand a chance against the other three! I have to do this!'

Shahra roared as she jumped at Entai again, but the elephant beast knocked her away.

"Shahra, stop getting in the way!" Alibaba shouted, holding his knife. "It's my fight! Stay out of it!"

Shahra growled as she got back up and ran at Entai again.

"I said 'stay out of it!'" Alibaba shouted. "Ugh! Damn cat won't listen to me! DJINN EQUIP!"

FWASH! Alibaba's knife burst into flames again, but Entai, slamming Shahra into the wall with his trunks again, sucked up water from the fountain and sprayed at the prince!

"That damned flame of yours is annoying!" Entai shouted as Alibaba dodged him again. He roared as he charged at him, preparing to pummel him with his trunks, but Alibaba held up his knife to block him. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough, for ended up getting thrown back!

"GAAH!" Alibaba cried as he rolled backwards, but he soon got back on his feet.

'Come on, focus!' he thought. 'Focus the flame on my knife!'

"HAHAHAHA!" Entai laughed. "You weakling! You may be a Dungeon-Capturer, but you're still human! I don't know what you and that cat of yours are up to, but give it up, already!"

"Never!" Alibaba shouted as he and Shahra dodged strikes from his trunks.

'Focus…focus the flame!' Alibaba thought as the flames kept sparking from his knife. 'Dammit, why can't I do it?!'

"Oh, my!" Markkio exclaimed. "I do believe he has a Djinn Metal Vessel, doesn't he? He's a bit inexperienced, but it looks like he's a Dungeon-Capturer."

"Him?!" Abhmad questioned. "A Dungeon-Capturer?! That piece of trash!?"

"If so, he must be a King's Candidate," Markkio added.

'Impossible!' Abhmad thought. 'That piece of scum, a King's Candidate?! He's a dog from the backstreets! He could never be a king like me! I'm certain of it!'

Alibaba and Shahra tried their hardest to dodge Entai's attacks, the latter going back over and over to bite and claw at his face, but the tigress was knocked back every time. Alibaba, meanwhile, struggled to control the flames from his knife, and by now, he was bleeding from his forehead.

'Dammit!' Alibaba cursed mentally. 'Why, Amon?! Why won't you listen to me?! Am I not fit to equip you?! Is that it?! Do you really want me to die?!'

Entai trumpeted as he charged at Alibaba and Shahra.

'I failed at it in training,' Alibaba thought, 'so I thought that maybe it might work if my life were in danger!'

BAM! Entai rammed his head into both Shahra and Alibaba, throwing them down to the ground. Alibaba coughed up blood as he lied on the ground in a heap, in great pain.

"Well, that was irritating," Entai said, "but now, I can finally finish you!"

He then stomped towards Alibaba, raising his foot.

"I'll start with you," he said, "then I'll kill the cat!"

GRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWRRR! Shahra roared as she sprang to her paws and lunged at Entai again, biting his face.

"AAAAAAAGH!" Entai cried. "DAMNED TIGER! LET GO OF ME!"

Alibaba watched as Shahra continued to clash with Entai, who started thrashing about in an attempt to throw off.

'Shahra…why do you fight for me?' he thought. 'I told you…I have to do this on my own…!'

As he lied on the ground, panting heavily, he began to think about what all the people he had known throughout his life. First, he saw himself as a child, crying as his mother, Anise, held him.

"Don't cry, Alibaba!" he could hear her say.

Then, he saw his ill, bed-ridden father, Rashid.

"Alibaba…I will leave this country in your hands."

Then he thought back to a few nights ago, when Sabhmad came to the backstreets.

"Because I believed that if you were with them, you'd be able to change this country for the better!"

Then he thought of what Sinbad said.

"They've all sensed a prince's duty. Your duty."

Then, he began to think of all the people of Balbadd.

"Please! Please, help us!"

"Prince Alibaba, please help!"

"Help us, Prince Alibaba!"

"SAVE US!"

Just then, SLASH! Alibaba imagined himself getting cut down by a blade before he fell to the ground, limp.

'Dammit…!' he thought. 'Is this…really how I'm supposed to go out?'

"You know for yourself that you're powerless, inexperienced, and unprepared!" Cassim's voice rang. "You're useless, even as royalty! You think you can really make a difference in this country!? YOU'RE NOTHING, ALIBABA! YOU HEAR ME?! YOU'RE A WORTHLESS PILE OF DOG SHIT!"

'That's right,' Alibaba thought. 'I'm worthless…I'm nothing!'

But then…a small hand reached out to him, causing him to look up…and see Aladdin, smiling at him.

"You're a brave guy, as well as a respected friend of mine!" he told him.

Alibaba gasped as he finally snapped back to reality, just as Shahra was slammed to the ground a 7th time. He grunted as he began to stagger to his feet.

'Dammit, Alibaba!' he thought. 'Quit spacing out, already! It's not about having strength or not! Whatever happens…I…I vow to keep moving forward!'

"You pricks!" shouted Entai. "I'LL KILL YOU BOTH!"

Then, his middle trunk split open to reveal a mouth full sharp fangs! One bite could easily sever both Alibaba and Shahra in half!

However, Shahra growled as she leapt up and bit Entai in the face, once more!

"Shahra!" Alibaba shouted. "What are you doing?! You're too hurt! Get out of there! He's too much for you!"

Shahra growled as she kept clawing at the monster's face…and that's when Alibaba finally realized something.

'She's not trying to fight him off for me,' he thought. 'All she's been doing is trying to buy me time! Of course!'

"That's it, Shahra!" he shouted. "Keep him busy for me, just a little longer!"

Shahra roared as she kept biting Entai's trunks, causing him to roar in even more pain.

"DJINN EQUIP!" Alibaba shouted as he held his knife to his torso, the flames bursting forth.

'Come on, come on!' he mentally urged. 'Focus the flames on my blade! …No…that's just not for me! I'll focus the flame…on my arms!'

FWOOSH! The flames began to engulf his entire body!

'I'll burn from within…burn more and more! I'LL BECOME THE FLAME, ITSELF!'

"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Alibaba roared before he vanished in a flash light, and as Entai finally pulled Shahra off his face…SLASH! He was suddenly cleaved vertically in half!

"W…WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!" he roared…before both halves fell to the ground.

Alibaba landed behind him…holding a long, black sword!

"I did it!" he exclaimed. "This is…the Sword of Amon!"

Until Next Night…

Things are heating up! *SHOT*

Anyway, review, please!