Night 34- The Festival of Maharagan
Magi © Shinobu Ohtaka
Shahra © Me
Alozza © Darkdarling98
"Are you ready, Aladdin?"
"Heck yeah! Gimme your best shot!"
Yamraiha smiled before she held up her staff, creating a ball of water before she threw it at Aladdin, who erected his 3-Headed Dragon Barrier as Alibaba and Shahra stood nearby, watching. The heads of the barrier then lunged at Yamraiha, who jumped back, dodging the bites.
"There it is!" Alibaba exclaimed. "Aladdin's 3-headed dragon barrier! What is that?!"
"He's using his magoi to defend himself," Yamraiha said. "It's called a borg. It's proof that you're a sorcerer. Since our bodies are more geared towards magic, they're weaker than the average human, but to make up for it, we can use a borg to protect ourselves from most physical attacks and even some minor magic attacks, too. I've never seen a borg with dragon heads, though, and used offensively."
"When I was in that mysterious room," Aladdin answered, "my Mother gave this kind of magic to me. That's also where I learned Heat Magic for the first time. Pretty cool, huh?"
"I'll admit, your magic is powerful," Yamraiha said, "but what you're doing is actually just releasing a blast of fire, and that's actually child's play."
"What do you mean?" Aladdin asked, confused.
"Well, magic can actually do a lot more," Yamraiha said. "Take this, for example."
Suddenly, she vanished into thin air!
"W-what in Solomon's name?!" Alibaba questioned. "She's gone!"
"Where'd she go?!" Aladdin asked, looking around.
Shahra also looked around, confused.
"I'm right here, you silly boys."
Suddenly, Alibaba's hand lifted up, seemingly on its own.
"Huh!?" Alibaba muttered in confusion and shock. "H-hey! What's going on?!"
"Is that magic, too?" Aladdin asked.
"That's right," Yamraiha answered from wherever she was standing. "I call it Sharrar Magd. I told the rukh to refract the light off water vapor to hide myself."
"You can do that?!" Alibaba questioned.
"That's right," Yamraiha said as she reappeared beside the blonde-headed prince, "if I give the rukh the correct commands for gathering water, converting water vapor, and controlling light."
"Commands?" Aladdin repeated.
"Magic consists of spells," Yamraiha answered. "Certain commands to rukh have certain effects, according to the invisible laws that shape the world. Figuring them out and combining them to cause certain phenomena…that's what magic is. With training, a magoi-user like yourself can employ magic consisting of hundred of commands!"
"…So that's magic…!" Aladdin whispered, gripping his staff eagerly. "Thanks, Yam! Please tell me more about magic! I wanna get better at it!"
Yamraiha nodded her head, smiling warmly at the boy.
"I'll teach you everything I know," she said.
Alibaba smiled as Yamraiha led Aladdin away with Shahra following not long after.
'Aladdin…he sure is one hell of a kid,' he thought…as he put his hand on his broken knife. 'As for me…well…'
"Hey there, Alibaba!"
Alibaba turned to see Sinbad approaching with Alozza and Morgiana following behind him.
"You working hard or hardly working?" Sinbad asked.
"Sinbad!" Alibaba exclaimed.
"Come with me," Sinbad said. "It's time to train with your Metal Vessel."
XXX
Sinbad, Morgiana, Alozza, and Alibaba walked into the palace.
"Aladdin's training seems to be going well," Sinbad noted.
"Yeah, considering how the little twerp groped his teacher's cans," Alozza added.
"Anyway, Alibaba," Sinbad began, "Morgiana has also asked for a way to be of more help to you. Are you getting better at using your Djinn?"
"Uh…that's something I needed to talk to you about, actually," Alibaba said as he held up his broken knife. "See?"
"Oh, yeah," Sinbad remembered. "It broke when you fought the Dark Djinn."
"I can't summon the Sword of Amon at all," Alibaba said. "I can't even make a spark come out, and Aladdin can't make Amon come out anymore. What should I do?"
"Hmm…" Sinbad hummed as he looked at the knife. "Yep…this knife is completely useless now."
"What?!" Alibaba, Morgiana, and Alozza questioned.
"But if that's true," Alozza began, "does that mean…?!"
"Relax," Sinbad assured. "Amon's still alive. The Metal Vessel is broken, but you can transfer him to another one. Then you can summon him again."
"Oh, great!" Alibaba exclaimed, relieved.
"The only problem is what metal to use," Sinbad added. "You see, during Djinn Equip, Djinn and master become one, so metal that is familiar to the wielder is best. Amon chose that knife as his Metal Vessel because it was dear to you, Alibaba. How did you come by it."
"Oh!" Alibaba said. "Well…my Dad, the previous King of Balbadd, came with me once for a commerce lesson outside of class. I negotiated my first deal that day to get that knife. I remember him telling me about how Balbadd was a trade center and how I had to learn the subtleties of commerce…and that was the first time he ever praised me for doing a good job. Although…this knife sure was cheap. Too bad it broke, huh?"
Sinbad and Alozza smiled a bit.
"I think I understand now," said Sinbad. "You kept that knife with you because it reminded you of your father. Come with me…I have something to show you."
XXX
Moments later, Sinbad is in the palace treasure vault, opening up a chest.
"I've been meaning to give this to you," he said as he put down a knife with a golden handle in the shape of a fierce dragon's head, a red ruby in the middle, and a black sheath.
"What's this?" Alibaba asked.
"Your father, the previous King of Balbadd, gave this to me," said Sinbad.
"Huh!?" Alibaba questioned.
"His old man?!" Alozza repeated in surprise.
"That's right," Sinbad answered. "It is a relic blade of Balbadd's royalty. You see, you father taught me a lot. I didn't know anything when I founded this country. You see, not long after Sindria came to be…a large fight broke out. I was young and arrogant, back then…and in the wake of battle, I was lost and the people suffered…including my sister, Alath."
"Oh, jeez…" Alozza muttered in concern.
"However," Sinbad continued, "the king gave this blade to me as encouragement…and now, Alibaba…I entrust it to you. That is, if you have cause to take up the sword."
Alibaba gasped…but then put on a serious expression.
"Of course!" he said. "On my life!"
Sinbad smiled as a brief image of himself when he was about 16 kneeling before King Rashid as he was given the relic blade appeared. As the image faded…he saw Alibaba in the same position as he was, many years ago.
Alozza and Morgiana both smiled at their friend.
"And now it's your turn, Morgiana," Sinbad said.
Soon, they arrived in a room, full of golden, metal objects: golden swords, golden armor, golden urns…golden everything!
"Sweet Solomon's rukh!" Alozza exclaimed. "This place is HUGE!"
"Choose whichever metal item you like, Morgiana," Sinbad told the Fanalis girl.
"Wait, what?" Alibaba asked. "Morgiana needs a Metal Vessel, too?!"
"Yes," Sinbad answered. "She will fight alongside you, Alozza, Shahra, and Aladdin. Someone who is with the users of a Djinn Metal Vessel becomes part of their household. The king's Metal Vessel calls to her. She will benefit from the magoi of the chosen King's Candidate and his Djinn's power. Thus, Morgiana needs a Household Vessel to house that power." He then held up a dazzling bejeweled necklaces. "An item you wear, like jewelry, is best. Any of these would look lovely on you!"
"I agree!" Alozza said. "You'd look so pretty with that necklace, Morgiana!"
"…I've never worn anything like this," Morgiana answered, shyly.
"Hey, Morgiana!" Alibaba called. "These would look great on you!"
Sinbad and the girls turned to see the Third Prince of Balbadd, holding up a pair of golden clawed gauntlets.
"…You're kidding me, right?" Alozza asked, incredulous.
'Alibaba, a girl wouldn't wear something so…sinister,' Sinbad thought.
A pause…but then, Morgiana, with her trademark pouting expression and a blush on her face, put on the gauntlets.
"Do you think they really become me?" she asked.
"Yeah! You look awesome!" Alibaba answered.
'…She sure seems happy,' Sinbad and Alozza thought, sweat-dropping.
"Morgiana," Sinbad said, "maybe it's better to use something you've worn for years."
"You wouldn't happen to have anything like that, would you?" Alozza asked.
A slight pause came, but then Morgiana gasped quietly.
"Can it be anything…as long as it's metal?" she asked.
"Of course," Sinbad answered, nodding his head.
"I'll be right back!" Morgiana said as she ran off.
"Where's she going?" Alibaba asked, earning a shrug from Alozza in response. A while later, Morgiana returned, holding a bundle in her hands. As she put the bundle down on the table, it made a clanking sound, and when she opened it, is revealed to be a pair of rusty old shackles, stained with dried blood.
"What the hell?!" Alozza questioned in surprise. "What are these things?!"
"Morgiana…aren't these…?!" Alibaba asked.
"Mm," Morgiana nodded. "They're the shackles I used to wear when I was a slave. I dug them up where Dungeon No. 7 was. I couldn't throw them away."
"But why?" Alibaba asked, confused.
"Aladdin was concerned about them…you unlocked them for me…and Goltas convinced me to leave them," Morgiana said. "They're a symbol of my gratitude towards those who are dear to me!"
Alibaba gasped quietly…but then he smiled, and Alozza and Sinbad smiled, as well.
XXX
At the Northeastern Coast of Sindria, the sound of bells ringing vigorously in the air is heard, followed by people shouting.
"Alert! Alert!" shouted one of the guards as he pointed to the sea, where a huge shadow is seen, swimming towards the shore. Then, as it neared the rock wall that surrounded the island, a huge, claw like tentacle reached up and latched onto it. Soon after, a giant, shadowy creature climbed over revealing itself to the islanders. As they looked up, they saw that it was a giant blue eel with sharp fangs and red eyes.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!" a woman screamed. "OH, DEAR SOLOMON, IT'S A WILD MORAY EEL!"
The islanders began to shake like leaves, looking as if they were about to panic…but then, they began to break into cheers!
"All right! Tonight, we're gonna party!" exclaimed a young man.
"It's been six months!" cheered a little girl.
"Inform the palace, immediately!" shouted an older man.
XXX
At the palace, Sinbad is talking with Alibaba and Morgiana with Alozza and Masrur standing nearby.
"I asked a metalworker to turn your shackles into ornaments," Sinbad said. "Just wait until you see them!"
"Okay," Morgiana nodded.
"I wanna transfer Amon to this sword, now," Alibaba said, holding up the relic blade.
"I understand, Alibaba," Sinbad said, "but it isn't time. The sword isn't used to you, yet. Keep it close and use. Once it's part of you, Amon will transfer himself to the blade. Until then dedicate yourself to swordsmanship."
"I understand," Alibaba said as he looked over at Morgiana and Masrur, who are talking about their training. "Uh…hey, Sinbad."
"Hmm?" Sinbad hummed.
"Will you…teach me swordsmanship?" Alibaba asked. "I only learned for a few years at the palace."
"That's a good idea," Sinbad said, "but I know a better teacher. He's much better at swordplay than me."
"Really?!" Alibaba asked.
"Hey, what about me?" Alozza asked. "What can I do?"
"I think you're fine on your own, Alozza," Sinbad said. "You already have the power to shapeshift, as well as being able to use a sword."
"Yeah, but I feel like that's not good enough," Alozza answered. "There must be something else I can do to help Alibaba and Aladdin out, right?"
"…Well…" Sinbad began, but he was soon interrupted when he heard the door open.
"Sinbad!" Alath cried as she rushed in. "It's happened again! A South Seas Creature has appeared near the East Orchards!"
"I see," Sinbad said. "The timing couldn't be better. Alibaba! This is your chance to see just how skilled your new instructor will be!"
"What?" Alibaba muttered in confusion.
"Assemble the Eight Generals!" Sinbad exclaimed.
"Right!" Alath nodded.
XXX
A while later, Alibaba, Morgiana, and Alozza arrived at the East Orchards and gasped upon seeing the giant moray eel, rampaging.
"What in the hell is that thing?!" Alozza questioned.
"I don't know, but we gotta get everyone outta here!" Alibaba shouted before he looked to the cheering islanders. "Quick! Everyone run!"
"Why are you cheering?!" Alozza asked. "Don't you see you're under attack?!"
"What's wrong with them?!" Morgiana questioned.
"Alibaba! Morg! Alozza!"
The three turned to see Aladdin and Shahra approaching them.
"Aladdin!" Alibaba exclaimed. "What are you doing here?!"
"Yam told me and Shahra to come here," said Aladdin. "The soldiers said something about it being hunting time or something."
"Hunting time?!" Alibaba, Morgiana, and Alozza repeated, more confused than ever.
Soon, Alath appeared, smiling calmly.
"Alath!" Alozza cried. "Where's Sinbad?! We need him!"
"Oh, don't worry," Alath said. "He'll be here soon."
"Look!" exclaimed a little boy. "Here they come!"
GONG! GONG! GONG! GONG! A large group of soldiers appeared, banging on gongs as Sinbad, Ja'Far, Masrur, and several people- the same ones who greeted him in the palace when he returned- appeared.
"There they are!" said a young man. "Sinbad and his Eight Generals!"
These eight people Sinbad's Eight Generals who serve Sinbad: there's Pisti, the blonde-haired girl, riding on top of a white bird, Masrur, Drakon, the dragon-man, Hinahoho, the tall, blue-haired man holding the red spear, Ja'Far, Yamraiha, Spartos, the armored man holding the lance, and last, Sharrkan, the white-haired man holding a black sword.
"Sharrkan!" Sinbad ordered. "It's up to you to bring in today's prey!"
"As you wish, my King!" Sharrkan exclaimed, brandishing his sword. He then jumped up, high into the air. "Hey, you leviathan! Over here!"
The eel roared before it lunged at Sharrkan, who grinned as his sword began to glow.
"Household Vessel: Foraz Saiqa!"
ZLASH! With one swing, Sharrkan lopped the beast's head off with little to no effort at all!
"He killed it with one cut?!" Alibaba questioned.
"He's not done yet!" Alath pointed out.
"Next…slit the underside!" Sharrkan exclaimed as he sliced the moray eel's stomach open. "Then, cut out the innards and backbone!"
Soon, the monster's organs and bones were removed, then Sharrkan made multiple slashes with his sword, causing the creature to be cut into pieces, which landed on tarps set out by the people. The way it was spread in a circle, it was almost like it was being served on a platter!
"Dissection complete!" Sharrkan declared.
"HE SERVED IT?!" Alibaba, Morgiana, Alozza, and Aladdin exclaimed in shock.
"Divide it evenly, okay, everybody?" Sharrkan asked the islanders, who all cheered.
"Damn…he's good!" Alibaba said.
"Show off," Yamraiha murmured, looking away.
Morgiana, Aladdin, and Shahra just drooled at the sight of the meat, their stomachs roaring in a chorus.
Soon, everything had calmed down a bit, and Sinbad was introducing Alibaba to Sharrkan.
"Alibaba, this is Sharrkan," Sinbad said. "He'll be your new swordplay instructor."
"P-pleased to meet you," Alibaba said, still in awe over Sharrkan's swordsmanship.
"So you're gonna be my pupil, huh?" Sharrkan asked. "Well, you came to the right guy! You must like swordplay a lot! Valuing the art of swordsmanship is a good place to start! So what was you name, again? Something-baba?"
"It's Alibaba," Alibaba corrected. "Alibaba Saluja."
"Right! Alibaba!" Sharrkan said.
"Be careful," Yamraiha said. "Otherwise, his lunacy will rub off on you."
Sharrkan's eyes went wide before he sneered at Yamraiha.
"What did you say, you little witch?!" he asked. "This is why I hate sorcerers, especially ones like you! They're weaklings that are too arrogant to understand the beauty of victory with nothing but a sword and their skill! Swordsmanship is best!"
"Magic is best!" Yamraiha argued. "A drunken loser who always a bunch of women draped around him and swinging a flimsy strip of metal wouldn't understand! Your Household Vessel uses magic, you know!"
"Oh, yeah?!" Sharrkan questioned. "I don't need it to beat you!"
"Oh, yeah?!" Yamraiha questioned.
"Yeah!"
"Yeah?!"
"Yeah!"
"YEAH?!"
"YEAH!"
Soon, the two started glaring at each other with pulsing auras: Sharrkan's was red while Yamraiha's was blue.
"Uh…" Alibaba muttered. "Shouldn't we do something?"
"Don't worry," Alath reassured. "Just wait until later. You might see 'em make out."
"Eww!" Yamraiha cried, her face flushed a bright red. "I am not touching his lips!"
"I'd rather die than kiss her!" Sharrkan shouted, his face also red.
"And yet, I've seen you two making out in the garden," Alath smirked.
"We weren't making out!" Sharrkan retorted, still blushing.
"Yeah!" Yamraiha added. "We were just…uh…err…"
They then sighed in defeat.
"Hahaha!" Sinbad laughed. "Good thing your masters love their fields. I have an idea! Why don't you tow compete and see whose student is better!"
On that, Yamraiha and Sharrkan lit up.
"Yeah, good idea," Sharrkan said, grabbing Alibaba.
"I'm counting on it," Yamraiha said, grabbing Aladdin.
"Uh…help…?" Aladdin squeaked, nervously.
"Let's see whose student will come out on top!" Sharrkan shouted.
"You're on!" Yamraiha snarled, a stream of lightning sparking between their eyes.
"Uh…don't we get a say in this?!" Alibaba questioned.
"No!" Sharrkan answered as he began to drag Alibaba away. "Come on! Time for training!"
"You, too, Aladdin!" Yamraiha shouted.
"ALADDIN!" Alibaba cried.
"ALIBABAAAA!" Aladdin cried back.
"…Wow," Alozza muttered.
"Masrur, I'm glad you're my teacher," Morgiana said.
"Hold on a minute!" Sinbad said. "I didn't say anything about training now!"
"Huh?!" Sharrkan and Yamraiha questioned.
"Oh, thank the stars!" Alibaba exclaimed.
"Phew!" Aladdin sighed.
"You can start training them tomorrow," Sinbad answered (not seeing the expressions of comical dread on Aladdin's and Alibaba's faces). "For tonight is Maharagan!"
"Oh, yeah!" Sharrkan beamed, dropping Alibaba who made an "OOMPH" sound.
"What's Maharagan?" Aladdin asked.
"You'll see tonight," Alath answered.
Soon, the islanders began to gather the meat of the moray eel and carry it off into the city to cook it: they grilled it, roasted it, braised it, broiled it, made kebabs, and used it in soup.
Colossal beasts known as South Sea Creatures inhabit the waters around Sindria. A few times each year, one breaches the offshore defenses and attacks the island, but Sinbad and his Eight Generals defeat them. Usually, they would be a threat, but Sinbad has turned defeating them into a performance to ease the islanders' anxiety and entertain tourists. The South Sea Creatures' meat are rich in protein and feed the whole country. They call their harvest feast Maharagan, and tonight is another celebration!
The whole city was alive with festivities. People blew horns and wore fierce-looking wooden masks on their faces as fireworks shoot up into the sky. The islanders go about, serving meals to everyone attending the festival.
"Here's to King Sinbad and the bounteous sea!" shouted a man in the crowd as he raised a glass of wine, and everyone soon cheered as they did the same.
"Holy Mother of Solomon!" Alibaba exclaimed, standing up in a balcony with Sinbad and the others. "What a festival!"
"Indeed!" Sinbad concurred. "Tourists always enjoy Maharagan and the islanders look forward to it. So I need to make it lively! Now why don't you go out and enjoy yourself, Alibaba?"
When no answer came, Sinbad turned see that Alibaba had already gone down to join in on the fun. He looked around in awe and wonder, seeing the people distribute the food and even giving some to the local fauna.
"Man, this is awesome!" Alibaba exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it!"
"Hey, Mister!"
Alibaba turned around, only to shriek when he saw a boy wearing one of those scary-looking masks. However, the boy removed the mask, revealing himself to be Aladdin.
"Ta-dah!" Aladdin exclaimed as Shahra came beside him. "It's me!"
"Ha!" Alibaba laughed. "Good one, Aladdin! You really got me!"
"The men are wearing the masks of a local god," Aladdin said as he held up another mask. "Here, Alibaba! I got one for you, too!"
"Aww, thanks, little buddy!" Alibaba said as he took it.
"Look! The girls are all gussied up, too!" Aladdin added, pointing at a group of girls, wearing silk belly dancer outfits, wearing wooden masks, and handing out flower necklaces. One of them, a bit shorter than the others, approached Alibaba, putting a necklace around Alibaba's neck, then giving one to Aladdin and Shahra, respectively.
"Oh! Thank you!" Alibaba said. "Hey, Aladdin, do you know where Morgiana is?"
"Huh?" Aladdin muttered. "No."
"Huh," Alibaba murmured. "Well, where is she?"
Just then, the girl reached up and tugged at Alibaba's sleeve.
"What are you talking about, Alibaba?" she asked as she pulled off her mask…revealing herself to be Morgiana, whose hair was now tied up with flowers and a headband. "I've been right here, under your nose, this whole time."
"M…Morgiana?!" Alibaba questioned as his cheeks flushed red.
"Miss Alath told me to wear this tonight and hand out flowers," Morgiana said.
"Wow, Morg!" Aladdin exclaimed. "You look so pretty in that!"
"I…I do?" Morgiana asked.
"Sure do!" Alibaba agreed. "That look really suits you! You look so pretty, I almost didn't recognize you!"
Shahra nodded her head, also agreeing.
A pause, but then Morgiana suddenly turned around, to Alibaba's confusion.
"Uh…Morgiana?" Alibaba asked. "You okay?"
"Mm-hmm…" Morgiana nodded…squeezing her blushing cheeks while pouting.
Grrrwwwll! Aladdin's stomach growled long and hard.
"I'm hungry~!" the boy whined. "Come on, you two! Let's go get some food!"
Soon, they went and sat at a table, where they saw Alozza, drinking some wine with her meal. As they ate, Morgiana told Aladdin about how she was going to get her Household Vessel.
"Oh, a Household Vessel!" Aladdin said as he fed Shahra some meat. "I hope you get one soon, Morg!"
"Mm," Morgiana nodded in agreement.
"So, Morgiana, I was wondering," Alibaba started, "can you…stay with us, just a bit longer?"
"Huh?" Morgiana muttered.
"What's this about?" asked Alozza.
"Well, in Qishan, she said she wanted to go back home," Alibaba replied, "and Sinbad said there are ships here that go to the Dark Continent."
"Yes," Morgiana added. "It is considered a savage region, but Reim has a foothold in the north. Anyone who boards a ship leaving the empire can go there."
"Well, what's stopping you?" Alibaba asked.
(A/N: Cue "L'arabesque danse toujours" from the Magi soundtrack.)
"…Well…I started thinking about Al-Tharmen," Morgiana answered, causing everyone to gasp. "I can't the fight in Balbadd out of my head. I want to repay you both, but in addition to that, you're all fighting oppression…and I want to fight alongside you…so please, let me stay!"
"M…Morgiana…!" Alibaba whispered.
"I'm staying, too," Alozza spoke up. "I can't just sit by, knowing that Al-Tharmen is messing things up, all around the world…plus, I've kinda come to really like you twerps."
Alibaba smiled at this.
"What do you think, Shahra?" Aladdin asked as he looked at the tigress. "You wanna fight Al-Tharmen, too?"
GRROOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRR! Shahra responded by giving a powerful roar.
"Heehee!" Aladdin giggled. "I'll take that as a 'yes'!"
"So…can I stay?" Morgiana asked.
"Of course you can stay, Morg!" Aladdin answered. "If that's what you really want! You can stay with us, now and forever! Right, Alibaba?"
"S…sure!" Alibaba answered. "That's right!"
Alozza smiled as she crossed her arms, while Morgiana stood there, surprised by Aladdin and Alibaba's answer.
'They…said I could stay,' she thought, 'and yet, they didn't have to. I can do what I want now…I can use my strength to help them…now and forever!'
Ba-bump! Ba-bump! Ba-bump! The young Fanalis could feel her heart throbbing within her chest, feeling like it was going to burst with excitement.
"Hey, Morgiana!"
Morgiana turned to see Alath, who is dressed in the same outfit as her, only it was more of a lavender shade.
"So this is where you were!" she said. "Come on! The show's about to start without you!"
Alath then took Morgiana by the hand and led her away.
"This is great!" Aladdin exclaimed. "Morg is gonna be fighting with us!"
"You got that right!" Alibaba agreed. "She's really powerful!"
Soon, they heard everyone start cheering, and as they looked, they saw Morgiana, up on a stage with other women, dancing. She thrust her hands left and right before hopping and twirling around, her feet surprisingly not breaking the stage, considering her strength. In the crowd, Ja'Far happened to be seeing this and smiled at the sight, but then Alath came and stood by him, giving him a flower necklace.
"Oh, thank you, Alath," Ja'Far said before his eyes went wide. "Wait…Alath, what are you doing here? I thought you were dancing tonight!"
"I had Morgiana fill in," Alath said. "I taught her pretty well, huh?"
A pause…but then Ja'Far chuckled.
"Yeah," he replied. "You did."
Meanwhile, Aladdin, Shahra, Alibaba, and Alozza smiled as they watched Morgiana dance.
"Wow…she's good!" Alozza exclaimed.
"I wonder what kind of dance that is," Aladdin said.
"I dunno," Alibaba answered, "but…YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL, MORGIANA~!"
Morgiana looked up upon hearing Alibaba call her…before she smiled brightly.
'…Thank you, Alibaba.'
XXX
The night went on, and so did the festivities. Morgiana had finished her dance and had gone off to enjoy the festival. Alibaba, however, was searching for Aladdin and Shahra, who have mysteriously vanished. He approached Alozza, who is sitting at the table, her arms around her face as she leaned forward.
"Uh…Alozza?" Alibaba asked.
"Huh?!" Alozza asked as she sat up, revealing her face, which had a deep flush on it. "Whozat?!"
"It's Alibaba," Alibaba answered. "Are…are you drunk?"
"No, I'm not, ya dumb-ass~!" Alozza slurred. "I can hold my liquor better than yoooou in a day!"
"Right," Alibaba muttered.
"Uh, Alibaba?" Alath asked as she approached him. "If you're looking for Aladdin, I saw him head to the docks with Shahra."
"Oh, thanks!" Alibaba said as he ran off in the direction Alath pointed to.
XXX
At the docks, Aladdin stood before a cliff while Shahra stood nearby, her back turned as the young Magi hurriedly tried to untie the sash around his waist. He drank a little too much water during the festival, and before he knew it, he heard the call of nature. Soon, he managed to undo the sash and pulled down his pants, just slightly, before he heaved a sigh of relief. Soon after, Alibaba appeared behind him.
"Oh!" Alibaba said as he looked away. "So this is why you left, huh?"
"Oh, hi, Alibaba!" Aladdin said. "Sorry. I tried to find you so you could take me, but the crowd was so big and…well, I couldn't hold it in much longer."
"It's okay," Alibaba said. "…Come to think of it, I gotta go, too. Move over."
After a moment, the two had finished taking their leak and were about to head back to the festival with Shahra, but on the way back, Aladdin stopped to look up at the starry sky and the quarter moon.
"Hey, Alibaba," Aladdin said. "Is it okay if we stay here for a bit? It's nice and quiet here."
"Sure," Alibaba answered. "Besides, it sounds like things are settling down, now. The festival will probably be over in a couple of hours."
Soon, the three sat on the beach, staring up at the sky.
"…Hey, Aladdin."
"Yes, Alibaba?"
"There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about for a while."
"Yeah. Same here."
"What do you think…about Al-Tharmen?"
Aladdin looked up at Alibaba, who had a serious expression.
"I…I can't forgive them," Alibaba said, "and it's not just because of what happened to Cassim. Cassim only thought he was trash…because Al-Tharmen manipulated him…and as for me, well…I can't really forgive myself for not stopping them, either."
"Alibaba…" Aladdin muttered, worriedly.
"It's true, people are different," Alibaba started, "but no one is born scum. I wanna put a stop to the people who tell us otherwise."
He then stood up and looked at Aladdin with a determined face.
"From now on…that's what I'm going to fight for."
At this declaration, the rukh began to flutter around Alibaba vigorously, and Aladdin smiled.
"Are you, really?" he asked.
"Yeah," Alibaba answered. "I am."
"In that case…I'll fight Al-Tharmen with you!"
"You are?"
"Of course! I'm going to lead the right king to disband Al-Tharmen, the darkness and chaos in the world, and the darkness in Judar's heart and any other kings they've corrupted! That's…that's the reason I was born! I'm sure that's what my Mother meant when she said I was one of a kind!"
"…Aladdin…can I ask you something else? You always talk so much about your mom…but where's your dad?"
Aladdin tensed up a little at this.
"…I never met my Father," he said. "He…he died not long after I was born, trying to protect me and my Mother from a monster."
"…I see," Alibaba said, sadly. "I'm sorry, Aladdin."
"It's all right," Aladdin answered. "My Mother told me my Father's always looking after me, even though I can't really see him."
Alibaba smiled at this.
"But let's not talk about sad stuff," Aladdin said. "I can't really say much more yet, anyway."
"Huh?" Alibaba muttered.
"Lucky for us, we've already got a king fighting alongside us!" Aladdin said.
"You mean Sinbad?" Alibaba asked.
"Mm-hmm!" Aladdin nodded. "This country's a monarchy, but the people still hold their heads high. He really is a great king, you know!"
"Yeah, he sure is," Alibaba agreed.
"I think you'll probably be just like him, someday," Aladdin said.
"Me?" Alibaba asked.
"Haven't you noticed?" Aladdin asked. "Your faith encourages the people to face the path to their future. Your fight is led by the rukh. It's the flow of fate! That's why…the reverse flow that Al-Tharmen is trying to create will continue to go after you…but I know you can overcome it, Alibaba! It may be far in the future…"
He stood up and put his hand on Alibaba's arm.
"…But I know you'll be a king, someday! You will be the one who leads the world forward, and as a Magi, I'll be there to guide you!"
"A…Aladdin…!" Alibaba whispered in surprise.
Shahra smiled at the young Magi, her tail gently twitching back and forth.
Just then, Aladdin's stomach started rumbling, again.
"You're still hungry?" Alibaba asked. "Boy, why am I not surprised?"
Aladdin giggled before he started to head back with Shahra following behind.
'…I wonder what Aladdin meant by me becoming a king,' Alibaba thought. 'He also said he can't say much more right now…oh, well.'
"…Hey, Aladdin," he called, prompting Aladdin turn to him. "I'm sorry I didn't mention this sooner…but you're a good kid. I bet you were waiting forever for me to get my head together.
"What do you mean, Alibaba?" Aladdin asked.
"Err…never mind," Alibaba said. "Come on! Here's to the day ahead!"
"Yeah!" Aladdin cheered.
XXX
Back in the city, everyone is still enjoying the festivities, eating and drinking (some drinking more than others). Morgiana is walking around, looking for Aladdin and Alibaba.
'I wonder where Aladdin and Alibaba went,' he thought. 'I'm alone in the middle of all this festivity…'
"Morgiana."
The Fanalis girl turned to see Masrur, holding up a plate of food for her while pointing to a table.
"Eat," he told her.
"Mm," Morgiana nodded as she took the plate. "Thank you."
Then, she sat down and began to eat while Masrur did the same. However, he noticed that Alozza was still sitting by herself, still drinking. He paused for a moment before he stood up and walked over to her.
"Hey," he said.
"Eh?" Alozza muttered, her face flushed drunkenly. "What's up, handsome~?"
"It's rather undignified for you to sit alone, drunk," Masrur said as he helped her stand up. "Come on. You can some and sit with me."
"Uh…okay," Alozza said, a bit confused, in spite of her current state. Masrur then led her over to his table and sat her down next to him.
"There," Masrur said. "That's better."
"Well, well, well!" Sharrkan said as he came over. "Look at you, Masrur! Turning into a regular Casanova? Haha!"
"Don't be ridiculous," Masrur said. "I'm not some perverted creep like you."
"What was that?!" Sharrkan questioned as he pinched Masrur's cheek. "Why you…!"
BONK! Ja'Far smacked Sharrkan in the back of his head.
"OW!" he cried.
"Quit bullying your younger comrade," Ja'Far chastised.
"What?!" Sharrkan questioned. "You hypocrite! You hit me!"
"He's right, Ja'Far," Alath added. "You're 25 years old. Sharrkan's 21."
"Oops," Ja'Far realized. "Sorry. I acted on impulse."
"Ow," Masrur muttered, rubbing his cheek.
Soon, they heard the sound of giggling girls. As they turned, they saw Sinbad, being surrounded and cuddled by a bevy of women.
"Hug me next, King Sinbad!" said one of the girls.
"No, me!" added another.
Sinbad chuckled as he held a girl in each arm.
"Oh, dear Solomon," Ja'Far muttered in irritation.
Soon, Alibaba, Aladdin, and Shahra appeared, the latter gasping happily.
"Ooh! Girls!" he exclaimed as he ran to them, and almost instantly, their attention turned on him.
"Aww, what a cutie!"
"Look at that little face!"
"I wanna hug him!"
Soon, the girls started cuddling Aladdin, to Sinbad's ire.
"Looks like the king has lost his touch," Sharrkan said before he fell back in laughter.
"Oh, can it, Sharrkan!" Sinbad shouted. "Anyway, Aladdin, Alibaba, I've been wanting to speak with you two. Ja'Far! Gather the rest of the Eight Generals!"
"Right away, Sin," Ja'Far said.
A few minutes later, Yamraiha, Spartos, Pisti, and Drakon had arrived while Aladdin, Shahra, Alibaba, Morgiana, and Alozza (who had sobered up a bit) sat in front of them.
"Allow me to introduce Sindria's Eight Generals," Sinbad said. "I couldn't introduce them, before. You already know Ja'Far. He's a government official and used to work as an assassin, so if you like, he can be your sparring partner."
"If you so desire," Ja'Far smiled.
"Masrur used to be a gladiator," Sinbad started, "but he gave up using a sword a while back, so I'm afraid he won't help much in the swordplay department."
"I apologize," Masrur said, simply.
"What's a gladiator?" Morgiana asked.
"They're arena warriors on the Reim Continent to the west," Alozza answered.
Just then, the group felt a shadow loom over them. As they turned, they gasped upon seeing Hinahoho, towering over them.
"What the what?!" Alibaba questioned.
"Damn, he's huge!" Alozza cried.
"That's Hinahoho," Alath answered. "He's an Imuchakk warrior from the far north. He's a big guy, but then again, so is everyone else in his tribe. He may look scary, but he's pretty gentle. He even has kids!"
At that moment, 3 tall children, at least a foot taller than Ja'Far appeared; two boys and a girl, all dressed in the same clothes as Hinahoho.
"Hey, Dad!" said one of the boys. "Can I have some wine?"
"No," Hinahoho answered. "You're too young."
Then, Sinbad gestured to Drakon and a well-endowed woman with long brown hair and a robe like Ja'Far's and Yamraiha's.
"This is Drakon," Sinbad said. "He's a former soldier of the Parthevian Empire. He looks like a dragon, but he started out as an ordinary human being, and he's an exceptionally loyal man. He's got a beautiful wife, too."
Aladdin grinned as he eyed Drakon's wife, but as he was about to throw himself betwixt the soft valley of her chest, Shahra pinned his braid down with her paw, and not long after, Alozza grabbed him and sat him back down between her and Alibaba.
"What are you doing?!" Alozza asked.
"You don't touch another man's wife!" Alibaba whispered.
"What?! You got a problem with it?!"
"Your head's already big, so don't wear stupid hats like that!"
They soon turned and saw Yamraiha and Sharrkan fighting again.
"Yamraiha of Magnostadt and Sharrkan of Heliohapt," added Alath.
Pisti giggled as she watched Yamraiha and Sharrkan.
"Those two sure fight like a married couple, huh?" asked Pisti.
"Pisti of Artemyura," Sinbad said.
"Hi!" Pisti greeted, waving at the group.
"And finally, Spartos of Sasan," Sinbad said, pointing at Spartos. "Spartos is actually skilled in archery. Alozza, he can teach you in this."
"If you wish," Spartos said.
"Archery, huh?" Alozza asked. "Sounds good to me!"
"These people are royal children, entrusted to me by allied nations," Sinbad started, "or refugees who came because of circumstances in their homelands. Alibaba, they're a bit like you."
"They are?" Alibaba asked.
'…A lot happened in Balbadd,' he thought, 'and many kinds of people were there…but the people here are from many nations and all depend on one another.'
"Hey, Spartos!" Pisti said as she pointed to some girls. "Let's go join the others, huh?"
"Oh, absolutely not," Spartos answered. "That is far too vulgar for me."
"Aw, don't be such a fuddy-duddy! You need to let loose once in a while!"
"So, tell me, my king," said Drakon as he had a drink. "Do you still not plan on taking up a wife?"
"Yeah, Sinbad!" Hinahoho added, his daughter sitting in his lap. "How about it? Kids are great! You should have bunch, like me!"
"I don't really see why," Sinbad said. "After all…the people of Sindria are my family!"
The islander cheered as Sinbad raised his glass.
"All hail King Sinbad and the Kingdom of Sindria!"
BOOSH! The fireworks shot off in the sky, once again.
"Looks like the festival's almost over," Alath noted.
"Sure looks that way," Ja'Far said as he came over and put his hand on Alath's own, causing her to smile.
"…The Kingdom of Sindria," Aladdin began, "is a small island, but a big country!"
"You said it, little buddy," Alibaba smiled.
And thus, the festivities drew to a close, and everyone began to clean up and head home to rest from a night of feasting and partying.
"Man, that was some fun," Alozza said.
"You said it," Aladdin said. "I never ate so much in my life! I'm so full, I don't think I'll have room for breakfast tomorrow!"
Alibaba chuckled as he put an urn aside.
"Hey, Alibaba."
The blonde-haired teen turned to see Sinbad.
"Let's talk," he said.
"Sure," Alibaba answered. "What about?"
"It's about the Kou Empire. While I was negotiating with the emperor, I accepted a proposal for a Kou prince to study here in Sindria. He'll be arriving in a few days, and it should promote friendly relations. The empire occupies your home, but please don't do anything rash."
"I see…I understand!"
"A prince from the Kou Empire, huh?" Alozza mused.
"Sounds a bit risky," Aladdin said.
"I wonder what he'll be like," Morgiana added.
"Speaking of the Kou Empire," Ja'Far said, "did you happen to speak to Princess Ren Kougyoku, whom we met in Balbadd, Sin?"
"Oh, yeah!" Alath said. "Ja'Far told me about her! Said she had taken a liking you, Big Brother~!"
"Did she?" Sinbad asked.
"Clueless as ever, I see," Drakon said.
"A princess, huh?" Sharrkan smirked. "I'm jealous! I may not like the empire, but the stories about their beautiful women are! Ah, what I would give to spend a night with the princess."
THONK! Yamraiha bonked him on the head with her staff, causing him to glare at her.
"Oh, dear Solomon…!" Ja'Far whispered in horror. "Sin…you didn't…you know…have your way with her, did you!? You know what would happen if you did that with her! One wrong move would mean war!"
"Oh, calm down, you worrywart!" Alath said. "I'm sure Sinbad went there for diplomatic reasons, only! Right, Sin?"
"That's right," Sinbad answered. "I went for purely for diplomatic reasons, for the people of Sindria and Balbadd. I would never endanger my mission. I swear, nothing happened between us. I didn't even see the princess during my stay."
XXX
Early the following morning, out at sea, a fleet of Kou ships are seen, sailing for Sindria.
"Our passage to Sindria goes well, my prince," said one of the soldiers, bowing before Prince Ren Hakuryuu, who had a serious glare in his eyes.
"…What kind of man is this King Sinbad?" he asked.
Behind him…stood Kougyoku, who had a dark aura around her as her eyes glowed red and she held the Sword of Vinea in her hands.
"My dear King Sinbad…I'll kill you," she murmured. "My dear King Sinbad…I'll kill you…! Rrrrrggh…I'LL KILL YOU~!"
Until Next Night…
Dun-dun-DUUUUUUUUUUUN!
And to the one known as Martyn, no I will not make Aladdin fat. He's not cute that way.
Review, please!