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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 066: Masrur

Anime: Magi

Prompt: Claustrophobia

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note: [noun] fear of confined spaces

KHM*KHM*KHM

Masrur was walking around the palace when he heard it:

The frightened, terrified scream of Kagome Higurashi, the priestess of Sindria.

Masrur instantly snapped to attention, eyes narrowing, as he shot off into a burst of speed to find the raven haired beauty. Concern squeezed his heart and his lungs felt like they were seizing in his chest.

Kagome had suddenly appeared in Sindria one day, lost and confused. She had exhibited powers and skills not seen in their world, and had quickly become an invaluable member of Sinbad's most trusted group of people, not to mention his priestess. Masrur had been put in charge of her protection.

And it was because of the time he spent with her the male Fanalis knew she had a deep fear of confined spaces. She had always been fearless when facing an opponent, but her past had left scars that would only heal with time and patience. Masrur planned on being by her side throughout the entire process.

It was with that thought Masrur planted his feet firmly into the ground and gained an extra burst of speed.

He stopped when he reached his destination, his eyes taking in the worried maids scrambling around. His eyes narrowed at the closed door, knowing what was causing Kagome's distress.

"Move," his deep, rumbling voice ordered. The moment the maids saw him, they scattered. He didn't speak very often but, when he did, people normally listened without fault. A lot of times, not even Sinbad argued with him.

Masrur focused his gaze onto the obstacle blocking him from seeing the raven haired beauty. Lifting a leg, he forcefully kicked open the door with a single blow. He wasn't surprised when it broke, hanging from its hinges.

He rushed in, his eyes sweeping over the area until it landed on his target.

Kagome was huddled on the floor, eyes squeezed shut, with her hands clamped over her head. She gently rocked back and forth, her body's instinctual response for needing comfort. Every so often, she would release keening whimpers and tears slowly cascaded down her cheeks. It completely broke his heart to bear witness to such a sight.

"Lady Kagome…" He was by her side, his strong arms wrapping around her petite frame. He easily lifted her into his lap, forming a protective wall. With one hand, he gently wiped away her tears, giving his silent support.

"Masrur," she whispered, voice thick and watery. "Someone… Someone closed the door, and I… and I…"

He nodded, knowing what happened and not wanting Kagome to further upset herself by retelling events. He could already guess what happened. A careless maid may not have realized that Kagome was inside the room and had closed the door, sealing the priestess inside. When she had suddenly found herself trapped within the small space, she had instantly panicked and screamed.

His lips thinned in displeasure. He would have to have a very stern talk with the maids and other servants. It was not okay to further traumatize Kagome, especially in her own home. This was the one place she should feel safe and be able to let her guard down.

"I don't want to stay here… I-I need to leave… Please."

The last word, softly pleading and broken, nearly shattered Masrur's heart. Without a word, he lifted the raven haired beauty into his arms, cradling her against his chest and exited the room. He knew exactly where she needed to be.

KHM*KHM*KHM

Masrur gently placed Kagome onto her feet, watching with no small amount of tender affection as her toes curled within the sand. He kept his arms loosely circled around her body, slowly letting her senses soak in the new location. The moment he had stepped outside, she had relaxed, but the moment he had entered the beach, she had been nearly back to normal. It was a good sign. The beach had always been a place of comfort.

The raven haired beauty glanced around, taking in the sandy beach, the salty air, and the crashing waves. Her body finally stopped trembling from her earlier fright, but she didn't leave his protective embrace.

Instead, she softly said, "I'm sorry, Masrur. I overreacted."

"You didn't," he objected firmly.

"I thought I was doing better," she then said, as if he hadn't spoken.

"You are."

Kagome turned enough to look up into his eyes. "It doesn't feel like it. You saw – and heard – what just happened. I just… I just can't get rid of this phobia." At the end, her tone turned frustrated.

Masrur grabbed one of her hands. "It will take time, Lady Kagome," he soothed.

Tears gathered within her eyes. "But it's been almost two years since I've arrived here," she whispered. "And it feels like I'm always taking one step forward but two steps back." With the hand not being held, she ran it through her hair.

It was moments like these that he felt the most powerless. For all of his strength and fighting skills, this was one battle he couldn't win. It wasn't his fists she needed, but something gentler and more emotional.

And he was prepared to give it all to her.

"Don't worry," Masrur said, "Everything will be okay. I will be right beside you." Forever. No matter what, he would always stay by her side. He wouldn't let anything happen to her, and he would do whatever she needed. He would be an unwavering support.

They would defeat her claustrophobia. Together. They just had to take things one day at a time.

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XOXO,

Celestial Law