Thump Thump Thump
That was the only sound I could hear. Barefooted, I walked down a rocky path towards the dark side of the world. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I desperately wiped them away. It hurt to know that one of my friends died but he couldn't be dead right!? His body was still here which could only mean that it was only his soul that was transferred somewhere. The question is where?
Soon, I saw a tingling light ahead of me. I knew that he was there waiting for me. Running towards him, he pulled me to a hug. He heard it from miles away, he knew that they fought yet he didn't interfere. Aladdin was well versed with his nature.
"There, there. You don't have to hold everything in." That was enough. I let everything out. Not only for Alibaba's death but because I felt so lost right now. So lost that I was no longer sure of what I should do. I cried for Alma Torran, my past, my djinn, my friends, Alibaba and especially, my fate. Everything flipped in a second that I lost my way around.
"I look like a mess right now. I'm sorry for the snot, Yunan." I joked.
He chuckled and led me inside his house. He prepared tea and cookies to eat. I drank it all and smiled at the warmth it provided. I couldn't help but let my tears flow. He grabbed a clean cloth and wiped away my face. I was both tired and embarrassed but I knew that he was doing his best to help me up. He sat the opposite side of mine and offered his ears for him to listen. I told him everything, even though I was sure that he already knew since he could hear everything across the world.
"What are you going to do now?" I honestly didn't know what will be my next step but I will not let his death burden me.
"I plan to visit the species of origin. She might know the answer to close that hole and send that 'god' away." His eyes widened at my answer. He clenched his hands tightly that his knuckles turned white.
"I have to do it, Yunan. I am not sure if it will work but I have to take the risk. It's the only way. A civil war is going break out anytime soon and Hakuryuu is the one who's going to lead the opposite side. Kouen already decided that he will not let him do what he wishes. Whatever the result of the war maybe, I have to stick to my destiny."
I stood up from my chair and reached for his hands. I held them within my small ones and said, "You'll wait for me right? I-I don't know if I can tell you yet but when I do, it will be when I come back. So will you?"
He reached for my cheeks and held them closely before he leaned forward to the point that I can feel his breath on my lips.
"I will." His lips touched mine. It was a sweet kiss and I could feel the warmth from it. It tasted a little bitter yet sweet, probably because of the tea and sweets. He deepened it but we had to part for the lack of air. Red tinted my cheeks but a smile was evident on my face.
"I will wait for you no matter how long." I grinned and hugged him. I guess I really fell for this magi. I felt light ringing within my metal vessel. Furcas' necklace glowed.
'Oi, magi! You better treat her right or else, I'll chase you down the ends of this world and kill you, myself.' Furcas growled. I heard a whack somewhere and I assumed it was Sitri and Ipos who did it.
'Damnit, woman!'
'Are you saying something, Furcas?' Ipos asked sickeningly.
'N-Nothing! Nothing!' We laughed at his fear and my staff appeared in my hands. I glanced at Yunan once more before giving him a 'see you later' kiss.
"Alwaqt: Alnnaql Alfadayiy!" A soft glow from underneath me appeared. Before I forgot everything, I sent a part of my rukh to Lucien and Setta telling them to be with Aladdin's side.
'I don't know what will happen but I have to make sure that they're alright since I will not be here to help them against him.'
Balbadd Kingdom
Alibaba's Funeral
Setta's POV
The rukh fluttered around me vigorously as if it wants to say something. I reached for one and I heard Azami-nee's voice loud and clear. She was about to go somewhere and left us with prying words.
'Setta, if you are hearing my voice, I want to make sure that you do what I say. After the war, I want you to go with Aladdin and don't you and Lucien ever dare contact Sinbad. If you ever engage in a battle with him, I want you to find a way to escape and find refuge. He's a dangerous man. By the way, I'm looking for the origin dragon in case you're wondering. I believe in you, Setta. Use the time you'll have to be stronger and protect the others as well. Don't forget to have proper meals and bath every now and then. Take care. I love you!'
I understood what she was about to do but I could feel my throats constricting. The others didn't notice it so I prayed.
'Please be safe, Azami-nee. Keep her safe, Solomon.'
Kina Kingdom
Lucien VS Nanaumi
Lucien's POV
"Heh~ You have to do better than this, Lucien!"
Claws met swords as it rang around an isolated training room. The King of Kina was kind enough to let me in but I found it weird. That was until I explained to him that Azami was like a little sister to me. He was glad to hear that she was doing alright. I was kinda worried about mistress. She seemed to be more serious even if she hides it with her playfulness.
"Focus, Lucien!" I snapped out of my thoughts and spun to deflect Nanaumi's claws. I'll tell you this. Their training was intense. The king even offered to help me with my swords and I agreed immediately. Nanaumi will help me master the full potential of household vessel while King Takeru will help me master swords so that I won't have to rely too much on using magoi.
"Take this!" I ran and crossed my swords to attack her. It hit her but she kicked me back. I landed roughly. Blood poured out of my arm and I could see bruises and cuts there. Suddenly, I felt a light envelope it. My mind went blank and I heard my mistress' voice.
'Lucien. If you're hearing this, it only meant that I was going far away and won't be returning soon. I sent you a message here through the rukh to tell you things you have to do. One, I want you to master your skills. Second, whoever wins the war, I want you to believe in that person. Be by his hide and protect him from Sinbad. I already told you his story right? I hope you didn't forget. If you want to know what happened to me, you can ask Setta or Yunan. By the way~ I'm with him now~ Hehehe. Ah! Before I forgot, don't forget to eat three times a day, take a bath, don't let your injuries be untreated (or I'll find you and deal more damage), socialize (no kidding) and foremost, believe in yourself. I'll see you two soon so you better be careful okay? And don't worry about me, I'll find the answer to that hole and join you soon. It may take time. I'll see you later, Lucien.'
The voice faded and I could see the worried faces of Nanaumi and her friend. They fired me multiple questions and I lied to them that I was a little tired. She pouted and asked me to rest to which I did. She brought me some snacks and I was grateful for that.
'So you're with Yunan huh? I'm happy for you, Azami-sama but please be careful to wherever you will be going. I will not be there to protect you as your household member but when you come back, I will serve your will, My Queen.' I closed my eyes and listened to the surrounding as the air shifts around. We were in a moving fortress after all.
"Nanaumi. Train me more. I want to be stronger." Her eyes widened before nodding.
"I'm not going to hold back so you better ready your ass, Luci—"
"Language." I smacked her head lightly. It looked like she bit her tongue to which she pouted at me. I chuckled before drawing my swords.
"Sea Trinity Punishment!"
Azami
Dark Continent
Fanalis Area
With my staff out, I entered the Fanalis' home. It was an amazing sight. There were vegetations I haven't seen before and what's more amazing was the before me, stands the strongest tribe. The Fanalis tribe. Grinning, I ran and tapped one of the Fanalis.
"Hello! Can you tell me where to find the Origin Dragon? I don't know where to find her. I'm Azami by the way." He looked impassively at me before growling. I could see his body shaking in anger and in the nick of time, I was able to dodge his claws.
"Oh shi—"
'Language!' Sitri said. I sweat dropped.
'Take mushrooms! Got it! Why is he angry!?'
'You trespassed their territory?' Stolas suggested. I cried internally.
'I was just asking!' I jumped again to dodge his kick but it was late and I slammed down the rock behind me hard. My vision darkened but I held my staff and used magic.
"Zalam!" Small dark flames erupted from my staff and encircled the Fanalis. He glared at me before I dismissed the magic and used light instead.
"Mada'a!" Weak binding light emerged from my staff and gripped the Fanalis' body. I huffed and stood in front of him.
'Magic is really weakened here.'
"I'm sorry for startling you. I was just asking for directions and I hope you don't get angry at me anymore." I bowed down. It looked at me surprised before laughing.
"Hahaha! It's been a long time since I met a polite human. You did come to this area unannounced and you have to meet the elder of this tribe. I'm Yurell." My magic wasn't needed anymore so I casted it off. Yurell was kind enough to carry me! Then along the way, we had a nice chat. I learned that there were a lot of Fanalis here and I was sure that Morgiana would love to visit this. I hope she would do. They really were beautiful creatures. The Fanalis here were a little weary of me but not that much since I would offer them a smile to which most of the children would return. Can you imagine this!? They were really cute and fluffy!
"Say Yurell? How did you grow this tall!? It's amazing! This place is one of a kind!" He laughed at my antics and told me a story. It was an interesting one. After that, I hummed songs until we reached the elder's place where I could see an old Fanalis with whitish beard.
"Gutama-sama, I brought a little guest to talk to you. She said that she was looking for the Origin Dragon." The old Fanalis looked up and I jumped down from Yurell's shoulder to a boulder next to him before introducing myself.
"Hohoho~ What an interesting guest. Azami of Alma Torran." My eyes widened at his words but I told him that I was the reincarnated one.
"Hmm? No matter, you are still her and I'm glad Ugo found you. Hohoho~ You're looking for her I hear? Why is that child?"
"The world is in chaos. Ill Ilaah is finding a way to descend once more like in Alma Torran. A hole has already appeared and black tentacles already erupted from it. I fear that not long from now, everything will be like Alma Torran. I don't want that that's why I'm looking for a way to close it. Please tell me where she is, Gutama-sama." I pleaded. Yurell and the elder were silent. Then, he looked at me and said, "If you defeat a Fanalis, we'll let you see her." I froze. Defeat a Fanalis? I can't even compare to Myron when battling. Well, not that much. I have to do it nonetheless though.
"I accept! I have to. So who am I going to battle?"
"Hohoho~ Such bravery. Well then, you'll be up against my granddaughter, Fanel!" A feminine Fanalis came to my view and let me tell you, she was a unique one. There was a white cloth draped along her waistline and golden eyes pierced through me. But I could see the redness in it.
"You called grandfather?"
"Hohohoho~ This child is looking for the Origin Dragon and so I gave her a challenge which was to battle you." She looked at me before grinning.
"Why isn't this interesting? A human. When are we going to fight?" She was excited. I nervously laughed and the elder told her that it will be three days from now.
"Can I use magic or metal vessel only?" They looked at me in awe but I told them that it ran in my veins. They laughed and told me that I could use anything as long as it won't result to me killing her. I would never wish for it.
"Got it! Better be prepared then! I'm off to train, Gutama-sama!"
"Hohoho~ Take care and you can ask Yurell to take you to our training grounds."
I did and he showed me to a wide area where I could freely use my magic and djinn equip. It pumped me up so much that I already transformed to Furcas full body equip.
"Hmm? That's an interesting equip, Azami."
"Right!? Let's spar!" It was fun fighting with Yurell. I tried different tactics to take him down and it was until I used Sitri and Ipos. After that, we hunted for dinner and I was even invited to eat with the other Fanalis. I got along with them nicely and it was as if we were all family.
It was now time to go to sleep. I built a makeshift home near the spring in the forest and decided to have some stargazing moment.
"I hope you're doing well you two."
After 3 days
Fanalis Tribe
It was now the time to fight Fanel. There were a lot of spectators. I floated down the arena and transformed to Sitri's djinn equip. My daggers were ready as well. Fanel stood in front of me, her figure towering over. It kinda made me laugh internally just how small I was.
"Ready, FIGHT!" Fanel punched the ground and it trembled resulting to me losing my balance. She used that opportunity to grab me and slam me again to the ground. It hurt but I took my dagger and aimed at her hands.
"Sitriana Gazell!" Light bound her hand and lifted it up giving me enough time to prepare for another attack.
"Sitrian Saiqa!" The light froze her movements and I used Ipos to attack her and I was able to delve a deep wound in her arm. Not that deep since a Fanalis' skin is susceptible to deep wounds. I tried another one and it hit her left leg and right knee. She dropped to her knees but with a huge amount of dirt in her hands, she threw them at me. I was caught off guard and she kicked me towards the forests. I skid to a stop with blood dripping from my mouth. I threw up some more before changing to Stolas' djinn equip to heal. I was able to heal most of the deep wounds. Taking my staff, I rushed back to Fanel and hit her head with enough force. She fell and blood was dripping from her right eye. That gotta hurt. We both growled and readied for the last attack.
"Let's end this!"
"Agreed!"
I changed to Furcas form and used my spear. She readied a powerful fist attack and we both lunged at the same time.
"Furcas Alqumudassa!"
"HAH!"
We collided which resulted to a huge explosion. It was quiet and I could feel my knees weakening. It cleared and it showed both us still standing. That was until we both fell unconscious.
3rd POV
After the fight
Draw
The elder watched the two as they fought. They were giving their best and he could see the potential within Azami. Of course, his granddaughter will never give up easily. He noticed just how similar her tactics were to her previous self. 'What a strong will. She will be able to help those humans.' He thought. Yurell observed their skills and could tell that Azami was better in using her spears and daggers. There was a problem though, it was a little strained. Fanel's attacks were the same as well. They were being held by something. It occurred to him that they will need to have an intense training to stop the straining in their bodies and to release tension.
"Hohoho~ Isn't this amazing, Yurell?"
"Yes but I believe that this will be a draw."
"Hohoho~ I know." It did end up in an equal battle. They both collapsed and the Fanalis tribe saw her now in another light.
"That concludes their battle. It's a draw. What do you prefer, Fanalis?" The others were in thought until they hear the elder laugh.
"She isn't bad but I could tell that you also see the resemblance in her from Azami of Alma Torran. She's the same after all."
"But how is that possible, Elder?"
"She told me that Ugo found her rukh and was reincarnated in the world he created. I guess their wish was granted after all." They were all shocked to hear this and agreed to let her meet the Origin Dragon. Yurell took the young girl to a healing spring while the others assisted Fanel.
"I hope these two wake up soon."
"Let's just see. Hohoho~"
It took four days for the two of them to wake up. Azami was sore to the bone and had troubles in eating. Yurell was kind enough to give her delicious edible food.
"Thank you, Yurell. How is Fanel? I hope she's alright."
"Hahaha! Don't worry too much kid. She woke up three hours before you. Her wounds already healed yesterday and I guess she just felt tired. She's with her family right now."
"Cool. So what's the decision?" She asked. Yurell smirked and gave her a light pat with his index finger.
"You can meet the Origin Dragon, kid." Her face lit up and jumped up. Unfortunately, her body fell down in pain. Yurell howled in laughter before setting her upwards.
"Be careful kid. You need to heal properly first. We'll be going there once you're healed." He said.
"Thank you, Yurell."
"No worries."
=END=