Hey everyone, hope you like your Halloween eve gift!
While I'm happy to be back, I gotta make a quick confession. It's been a rough month. I was dealing with some stuff, nothing new when it comes to reality. But it just reminds me why I love fiction and creative works.
I hope I can continue to write stories that will do the same for all of you.
I started a new posting schedule, I've been filling more slot stories. I hope you'll continue to support me. Special thanks to my sprouts and seedlings for making it possible for me to keep writing and posting so consistently.
I can't wait to grace you with more stories to take away your pain and lift your spirits.
Happy Haloween!
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CHAPTER 36
Sakura stared at the small boy, despite the similarities in appearance that the people of Heliohapt inherited. She could tell that Armakan and Sharrkan were related just by their eyes.
Gafra then addressed Narmes, his bulky arms crossed. "How dare you insult us by denying Lord Sharrkan the crown that legitimately belongs to him?! Narmes. You're an embarrassment as a consul."
That set the young consul off, his composure lost by the fury that engulfed him by the obvious ploy of the former king's faction. Narmes pointed out that they were using the fact that they have been unable to enter the Royal Tomb to their advantage; he even went as far as to accuse them of aiming to take the throne for themselves because no one was able to have the form investiture.
Gafra then pointed out that this uncertainty was proof that Sharrkan should be the legitimate heir and also added that the majority of Heliohapt were supporting the former king's faction already.
Before Narmes was able to continue his rant through anger, Armakan held his staff across from his consul to pause his words before speaking.
"I am the 36th king of Heliohapt." He spoke with composure, his eyes closed once more. "I have accepted responsibility and have the resolve needed to be king. No matter what you do, or what schemes you put in place. I will never waver. Remember that."
That put a pause of silence in the entire room, no one dared to utter a word until a minute had passed.
"Shut up, False King Armakan."
Everyone's heads turned to the young boy sitting up on the sedan. His face was like a blank canvas. "The one who should be seated on the throne is me. I was entrusted with the will of the former king, and I am the one with the most direct line of succession." He didn't make a sound as he took a breath before continuing. "Besides, I saw it…The name that my father had carved into his sarcophagus…was my name."
There was a change in the atmosphere around the room in that instant. As some seemed to clearly understand the meaning behind this.
"For generations, before a king would die, he would summon a mason and give him the name of his successor to be carved into the king's sarcophagus. It is forbidden for any living person to know the identity of the next heir before the investiture. Therefore, the mason must die alongside the king. However, the former king's mason came to me to plead for his life. He said he had his family to think about…of course, such behaviour is unforgivable. In the end, the mason was beheaded. However, the name that was carved into the sarcophagus..."
He didn't have to say it again as everyone realized that the insinuation spoke volumes. There were various expressions of arrogance and delight from the queen and Gafra, anger and surprise from the current king's faction as well as dread and then simple understanding and cold concern from Sinbad's group.
What's more, Armakan himself had started to tremble dangerously, gritting his teeth hard. He spoke loudly, putting an end to Patra and Gafra's celebratory expressions as well as their statements of preparing for the formal investiture and making a formal announcement of this news.
"STOP THIS FARCE!!" Armakan ordered. His eyes were forcibly shut. "How foolish…you want the throne so badly that you're willing to go that far…You're a disgrace to the royal family!! Never show your face in front of me again!!"
Armakan took his abrupt leave, his followers trailing after him with haste as the former king's faction mocked his behaviour.
'Something's definitely amiss.' Sakura concluded, frowning deeply. She couldn't understand why the second prince would want to keep information about his inheritance to the throne for so long, only to reveal it when Sinbad happens to mention that they were willing to enter into the dungeon and get rid of it.
Then the vizier said something that allowed Sakura to put everything into perspective. "Travellers, you said you know everything about that mysterious structure. That's perfect, I'll give you a special mission. Get rid of that 'dungeon' and return the location to the way it was before. So that we can enter the Royal Tomb."
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Sinbad had accepted the mission given to them by the former king's faction. They would be taken to the dungeon the next morning. With that, the queen, vizier, and silent priest left. Though some of his companions questioned Sinbad's decision to help them, Sinbad intended on conquering the dungeon either way, and this was just a bonus-as their reward for removing the dungeon would be clearance to trade with Heliohapt.
"That man is very greedy, my king, what do you see in him?" asked Beleth
Sakura looked at Sinbad, smiling as she saw him surrounded by his allies. 'A great king.'
Sinbad only seemed to notice that Sharrkan had not followed after his mother, remaining still before ordering the men to set the sedan down. They did so without a word, and he stepped down in his high-soled sandals. Sending the men away with his sedan, he turned to the group.
"I also have something I wanted to speak with you about." Sharrkan's voice was soft, unlike the way he had spoken to his brother, which was harsh and far more forced. "I'm grateful to you foreigners, thanks to you I was able to divert mother's and Gafra's attention. In the palace, I am always supervised by them, so I am quite restricted. Mother and Gafra are unable to control my brother, so they want to make me king and control the country through me."
Sakura titled her head down, she had the sneaking suspicion that there was something like that going on. There were many kinds of parents out there, one of which would use their children as tools for power and political matters. Some would even sell their own children as slaves.
"What I said before…about my name being carved into the sarcophagus and the mason being beheaded…"
"It was a lie," Sakura stated stepping forward to stand in front of Sharrkan.
The second prince nodded timidly, "Yes."
"I thought it was strange. If it was the truth, then it made no sense for you to have kept it from the queen Dowager and vizier." Serendine said.
Sakura nodded, "Because before you made up that lie, they wouldn't have allowed us to enter the dungeon in case your name wasn't actually on the sarcophagus."
"That's right…Asking complete strangers and foreigners, on top of that for help may be a mistake. But there's no one else I can ask. Please get rid of that 'Dungeon'."
There was a sincerity, almost desperation, that could be heard in his voice as the prince presented himself to the group of travelers.
"Prince Sharrkan, that is what we intend to do, but…" Ja'far trailed, "If it turns out that your name is not engraved on that sarcophagus. Then you will be the one put in a precautionary position."
Tightening his grip on the golden staff he carried, Sharrkan spoke in a blank tone. "I know. Ever since we were born, my brother and I have been forced to oppose one another. But the ones who wanted the conflict were only the ones around me; I never wanted that. The truth is that…I wanted something more normal." The group was unaware that he was referring to normal in the sense of his relationship with his brother as well as his life. "I don't care if I'm hated, as long as Heliohapt can return to being the way it should be. That's my responsibility as royalty."
He looked up at the whole group. "Please help us."
Turning her attention back to Sinbad, she waited for him to give a quick nod before proceeding.
Bending down, Sakura held her arm across her chest. "Prince Sharrkan," she waited for the boy to look up at her, before smiling, a smile that could touch someone from the furthest visible distance. "We'll take care of everything. I promise."
Sharrkan nodded, feeling a flutter deep within him. A sliver of hope-something he had not felt in all nine years of his life.
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Sakura glanced back at Sinbad, murmuring to him softly. "When you become king, please refrain from indulging in polygamy. I think today's turn of events has taught us that much at least."
He chuckled, turning on his side to look in her eyes as she lay next to him on the bed. As they would only be heading out of the dungeon in the morning, everyone had gone back to the inn to rest. Sakura gave into sharing a room with Sinbad, after today's events had completely overthrown her mind, as well as her worry for the second prince of Heliohapt.
"I don't know, I think having more than one spouse helps with diversity in marriage. I don't think having two or three wives would be too bad." Sinbad grinned.
"Well," she sat up, shifting the soft covers, causing it to fall from over her shoulders. "I hope the four of you will be very happy together."
Their room was spacious, mostly because it was empty. With a plush feather bed tucked under the window, their djinn metal vessels lying on top of the nightstand, where Sakura noted the intricate snake carvings. A carpet that covered most of the stone floors, and there were a few noted painted patterns on the upper lining of the walls. With a style that was unique to Heliohapt. There was also a low set table, with two long couches-long enough for someone to sleep on. Which seemed to be Sakura's new idea as she moved her legs over the edge of the bed.
Sinbad grabbed the strap of her sports bra and pulled her back onto the bed. he sighed. "You just can't take a joke."
"You just can't take a hint." Sakura retorted. Her face softened as she relaxed back into Sinbad, his hand fell onto her waist, tracing the lining of her almost non-existent curve. "I'm really worried about this."
Sinbad knew she wasn't talking about conquering the dungeon or the conflict in Heliohapt. "Prince Sharrkan."
"And Armakan." Sakura said. "It's just-the whole concept of two brothers being pitted against each other like this-it just makes me-
Her eyes squeezed shut for a moment, blinking back tears. Although the situation was in the utmost vaguest sense related to the topic, she couldn't help thinking about Sasuke and the way he wanted to exact revenge on his older brother for wiping out their entire clan. Her mind was clearly still quite a ways from removing him.
"It's a really dangerous path to set siblings on." Sakura finished, her tone indifferent now. "I don't want prince Sharrkan and king Armakan to be in any danger, but after tomorrow-one of them will be."
Sinbad frowned. "I know."
Sakura gripped the covers tightly, "I promised to help him…I still feel like I won't be able to fulfill it, even if we do get rid of the dungeon."
Sakura felt herself being turned so that she was face to face with Sinbad, he had a calming smile on his face. A reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it. That I can promise you."
A sense of warmth enveloped Sakura, as she rested her forehead against Sinbad's after closing her eyes. She felt him kiss her swiftly and muttered goodnight.
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"Are you not going to be aiming for the djinn yourself my king?" asked Stolas
'No. You four are enough.' Sakura barely felt the hot wind touch her skin as she stared up at the stone structure. Stacked similarly to a pyramid, only with levels and more edges visible in a rectangular form. There was a staircase cutting down the middle that led to the entrance gate of the tower.
Sinbad and his friends all looked at the tower with more or less the same expressions, passive. Although they could feel a tension in the air, it was not resonating from anyone in their group, but they knew where it was coming from. On one side there was Sharrkan along with his mother and her followers, and on the other was Armakan and his advisors.
Sakura looked at Sharrkan as he sat upon the sedan with that same blank face and lonely eyes, while his mother and the vizier snickered. Believing that they were all but one step away from gaining control over Heliohapt. She still worried about what was going to happen to Sharrkan when this was finished. Lying about his inheritance to the throne couldn't end well for him and if he was actually declared king, then the country would continue with its internal conflict but if he wasn't then….
"Let's go." Sinbad said, gesturing to the top of the tower. He held out his hand for Sakura, and she took it without saying a word. Sakura didn't hesitate when they entered the dungeon, engulfed by the light and drawn in too quickly along with their comrades.
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A water djinn, perhaps, was Sakura's first assumption when she opened her eyes to the sight of stone carved lion heads that spouted water from their gaping mouths, into the enclosed room and onto the floor, creating a pool. The group stood on a platform, leading out of the room by a one-way path.
Sinbad looked at his friends to make sure that everyone was accounted for. "Alright, we're all here."
When entering or exiting a dungeon, there was the possibility of time variations, as both Sakura and Sinbad had experienced. It seemed that they were fortunate this time.
Detaching her hand from Sinbad's, Sakura took a cautious step to the edge of the platform to glance into the clear water. From past experience, djinns did not waste time throwing challengers at those who attempted to conquer their dungeon. To a point where she would consider djinns sadistic, although all of her djinns argued that they were merely testing the ability of the challengers.
Everyone who was new to what a dungeon looked like was peering around rather awe struck-especially Mystras.
"We shouldn't dwell too much," Sakura said, addressing everyone.
There was a bit of disadvantage to having such a large group enter the dungeon; when alone, there was no concern for the safety and well-being of anyone but yourself. The situation was different now and not something Sakura was used to. Having conquered most dungeons alone. She wasn't a novice to the situation, but dungeons were unpredictable places where literally anything could happen. It usually wasn't good for visitors.
"She's right," Ja'far agreed. "Our top priority is to conquer the dungeon and return the Royal Tomb to its former state."
Sinbad stepped forward in front of the large double doors that stood at the end of the room. "Let's cut out the exploration and take a shortcut straight to the treasury."
"My king, what is he talking about?" Beleth asked with worry in his voice.
'I don't know, but it can't be good.'
"Sinbad, what are you planning?' Sakura asked wearily. He had a certain gleam in his eyes that usually appeared only before he did something you wouldn't expect-and normally wouldn't approve of.
"Is something the matter?" Serendine asked Sakura, noting she grew a shade paler.
"Possibly-Sinbad, what are you going to do?"
Sinbad's response to her question was to transform into Baal's djinn equipt. His form now resembles a dragon. He held out his sword, now pointing it at the closed doors of the room. "It would be faster to cut a path straight through to the treasury!!"
It took a moment for Sakura to actually contemplate what Sinbad was suggesting, and before she could stop him, Sinbad had already drawn back his sword, preparing to unleash an attack. Ignoring his comrade's protests about the recklessness, this exhumed.
"Sinbad wait-that might not be a good idea-
However, Sinbad was barely able to announce the name of his attack before feeling his feet leave the ground and his body grow weightless. That feeling was shared with his friends as their visions became glared and they felt as if they were being lifted.
When their vision sharpened, everyone felt themselves taking a rather clumsy and unexpected landing. Hitting solid ground. Several 'uwah' and 'ouch' sounds echoed when their bodies made contact with the floor. When Sinbad sat up, rubbing his head, he noticed that he was no longer in his djinn equip. It had somehow been disabled.
"What happened?" Sakura asked, feeling her head throb.
Taking in their surroundings, the group realised that this was a new environment. They were obviously still in the dungeon-but in a different room. A room larger and far grander than the previous one. The ceiling was beyond reach, with several windows and light shining in from an unknown source. Water still filling most of the floor with several small circular platforms surrounding the room. Like little tree stumps, and in the centre of that room, stood a taller platform that overlooked the others. A figure sitting above it.
"This is the treasury. I'm rather attached to this dungeon, so I prefer that you don't destroy it. Which is why I transported you here. I am the djinn of this dungeon."
The figure that spoke was blue skinned like all djinn, with long pointed ears, a large round belly, a third eye in the middle of its forehead and horns. His hair was like coral under the sea, his feet were of a rams, and he had a long, thin tail with a furred tip, as well as wings like a bats. "I am the djinn of spirit and puppetry. Zepar. Welcome, humans."
Sakura heard her djinns speak at the same time. "Uh oh."
"Out of all the djinns…." Trailed Beleth
"Good luck," Sitri said.
"Be careful my king," Stolas said.
Sakura frowned, her djinns reactions felt like a cause for concern. Keeping a closer watch on the djinn Zepar and his eyes trailed through the group. She suddenly felt like disregarding the fact that being in the treasury meant they had avoided going through the long process of traps and tests that they would need to overcome in order to reach the goal.
Zepar looked at Sinbad, his clawed finger brushing against his chin in thought. "You're unusual. You have several djinns already, just like that king…"
'That king?' Sinbad wondered who he was referring to. The only ones with multiple djinns, as far as he knew, were himself and Sakura.
'Who is this djinn talking about?'
"It seems that among all of you, there's already one with his mind set on being king, but…." Zepar gave a rather cold expression. Then Zepar's eyes fell on Sakura, who was standing next to Sinbad, his eyes visibly widened while his pupil grew smaller. He leaned across the platform. "What unusual energy you have, girl."
Sakura took a step back in surprise. How did he know that?
"Excuse me, but we're sort of pressed for time here." Sakura said, crossing her arms. "I may be a dungeon capturer, but I have no interest in obtaining any more djinns. So if you could begin the final test, it would be appreciated."
Zepar sighed, flying back. "Too bad. Sinbad, you possess a rare type of magic power. As you already possess numerous household vessels, you are undoubtedly the king vessel. It's not your strength but the strength of your allies that I'll be testing. As a king, just how well will your allies obey you? That will be my trial for you."
Everyone was shocked by the turn of events, while each dungeon had their own variation. The final trial was meant for those who would be given the chance to obtain a djinn, but in this case, that person would be sitting out of the trial and making his subordinates contend on his behalf?
"If all of your followers pass my test, then I will grant you the power of a king. However, if even one person fails, you will fail the whole trial, and this will be the end for all of you."
There was definitely something deviant about this particular djinn, Sakura was more certain of that after Zepar made that declaration. This situation seemed far more lopsided.
'What is up with this guy?'
"Zepar has never been the straightforward kind," Gaap told her. "He is one crafty guy-it actually suits him better than you would think."
"I'd be cautious." Beleth said seriously, "He is known for being fickle and quite difficult."
Well, Sakura certainly did not like this. She was somewhat relieved she wouldn't be contesting for this djinn. She knew that Sinbad did not mind what kind of djinn he received, so long as he was able to utilize its power for his purpose. In this, she was unable to stop herself from noting that Sinbad stood in a similar position to Sasuke in these terms. Both after power, unconcerned with where it came from, but their purpose and reason for obtaining power was completely different.
"Gluttony may be destructive but that doesn't mean abstinence is constructive."
She remembered saying that to Sinbad once, and now she had to remind herself of it. Keeping herself back from doing to Sinbad what she had tried to do with Sasuke and stopping him from aiming for this power.
Despite all that he had just been told, Sinbad didn't waver when he spoke, smiling as he did. "So, the requirement is just that everyone has to pass the test right?" he turned to his friends. "What's there to be worried about? I believe in the strength of each and every one of you. You all made it this far by fighting together because you're my friends and allies."
Sinbad's words of encouragement were just as effective as ever. Able to move the coldest hearts, no matter how simplistic his words may be. They would not have the same effect if they were repeated by anyone other than Sinbad himself. It was as if this was some kind of talent that could only be performed by one.
Sakura tightened her jaw; the trial hadn't even started yet, and she was already feeling something was wrong in the pit of her stomach. She wouldn't say it, though. This was Sinbad's trial, not hers, and he had accepted. She would trust in his judgement.
"Let's get started then," Zepar snapped his fingers and the water rippled and to the surface appeared another platform, towering over the rest of the platforms like a stage. "First up, I'll have your fellow allies fight each other here. It'll make it easy to measure your strength."
"Fight…you mean in a match?" Drakon asked.
Hinahoho was grinning, throwing his spear over his shoulder, "Sounds interesting."
"Oh please don't relax just yet, this is a serious fight." Zepar warned. "I expect you to use your full strength. Now then, I'll choose the pair for the first match."
The djinn pointed to the group, more specifically at Hinahoho and Mystras. "First up is you two. Strength is necessary to protect your king. With similar weapons like the harpoon and lance, you seem suited to face each other. It would be beneficial to decide which one of you wields the strongest spear."
At first, Sakura wasn't entirely sure what the djinn Zepar was thinking, putting Mystras and Hinahoho against one another. There was a considerable difference in their physical abilities based on race, but in this case Zepar was attempting to see who could wield their weapon best. Ja'far was concerned about the arrangement as well and therefore called Zepar up on it.
"Is this pairing really appropriate?" the white haired boy asked "Lord Hinahoho is an Imuchakk, a race that has superhuman strength and unnaturally resilient bodies. In comparison, even though Mystras is a knight, he is still a normal human."
Sakura decided to interject at that point, "That's true Ja'far, but physical prowess doesn't always determine the outcome of a battle. Zepar not only testing their physical strength."
'Still, if pairing someone up against Hinahoho, wouldn't Drakon be better suited?" Ja'far asked, looking back to Zepar.
Mystras then spoke, stepping forward. "That's not true Ja'far. I don't feel dissatisfied with the djinns choice." He rubbed the back of his head with a bashful smile. "It's true I'm not some special race of people, and I don't' have a household vessel but I am a knight of Sasan."
Mystras then looked over at Hinahoho, "No matter who my opponent is, I have no intention of losing."
With a satisfied smirk, Hinahoho walked to the front. "If that's how you feel, I can agree with that. Let's figure out, which one of us wields the strongest spear."
Ja'far rubbed the back of his head, realizing that addressing that concern of his just riled his two friends up.
"Relax Ja'far." Sinbad said, "You worry too much. Let's just see what happens."
Sakura kept quiet, she still hadn't forgotten about her djinns warnings for Zepar. However, a match like this didn't seem to be any cause for concern. Although for as long as she had them, Sakura knew her djinns hardly ever exaggerated.
"The match will be decided when one of you is defeated. Now let's begin."
In the instant Zepar finished his announcement, there was the well-known clash of weapons. A dulled out thudding that would echo every time Mystras and Hinahoho's spears touched one another. It was a bit of a slow beginning, but it quickly escalated.
Although Sakura was doing her best to keep a calm demeanour, she would tense at nearly any moment when the two males would clash. Neither was holding back. Hinahoho used his strength to his full advantage and Mystras used his size and agility to skilfully avoid the attacks. Although he couldn't keep away from all of them.
Slamming his harpoon into the ground, breaking it as Mystras jumped back, the broken rock of the floor scattered easily. Hinahoho then went to continue his attack, Mystras continued to evade them.
Peering, his hand over his forehead, Sinbad whistled. "He's got the same ridiculous strength. It would be difficult to withstand one of those attacks."
"But he can't just keep running away either." Ja'far stated.
Serendine looked over to Sakura, her arms crossed. "The Imuchakk is strong."
"Yes," Sakura nodded. "But Mystras isn't someone who will let up just because he's opponents are physically superior."
From all of Hinahoho's attacks, the platform floor was mostly rubble now, creating thick clouds of dust around them. Mystras used that to his advantage, attacking Hinahoho from the side, scathing him with his lance. Then he went on the offense, using his speed to get past Hinahoho's harpoon and strike directly. Sakura noted that Mystras appeared to have gotten even faster than he was in Sasan.
However, Hinahoho wasn't going to give in so easily, he struck Mystras's spear and sent him flying back, across the platform.
"It's a good match." Ja'far observed.
Sakura nodded, "Mystras must have practiced hard for that kind of experience in combat."
Then Sakura noticed rukh, behaving very oddly around Mystras and Hinahoho as they continued to clash with one another. Her eyes then fell on Sinbad's sword, the eight pointed star magic circle was emitting a light and when she looked back to Hinahoho and Mystras, standing at a distance from one another, holding their spears out, she realized what was happening.
From Mystras's lance, a huge flash of lightning that sparked forward in a pointed shape, "Household vessel Bararaq Harba."
With Hinahoho's harpoon, the giant head of a wolf, with jagged teeth in the form of ice and water. "Household vessel. Galfor Roromus."
Everyone was temporarily blinded when the two household vessel attacks clashed with one another; the lightning and ice creating a cloud of mist after impact. When it cleared, both Hinahoho and Mystras were lying face flat on the ground on top of the cracked stone.
"HINAHOHO, MYSTRAS." Sinbad yelled.
Zepar took both of the males, lifting them up by the back of their clothing. "My, my, they are alive but they've exhausted their energy. The power of their household vessel was the same so they cancelled each other out. They were able to get this far by drawing out each other's power so that means they both pass."
Sakura immediately rushed to heal the two, when Zepar placed the unconscious Mystras and Hinahoho back down on the platform where everyone was standing. They were injured, but it was nothing that they wouldn't live through.
"You know that ending was pretty lame, a fight is supposed to be something a bit more desperate, a life or death situation, at least that's what I want to see." Zepar said, before pointing to the two youngest members of the group. "Ja'far, Masrur, you're up. But this isn't going to be a simple contest of strength. It'll be a fight to the death. You two will fight until one of you manages to kill the other."
Sinbad frowned, "What the hell…."
"You can't be serious!" Sakura exclaimed, holding her hands out over Mystras as she healed his wounds. She could put up with a battle, but not one where her comrades had to fight to the death. There was nothing worth that. Not even the power of a djinn.
Zepar had a satisfied smile on his face, arms crossed. "Ja'far and Masrur will fight to the death!"
Ja'far stared back at Zepar with a dark expression, "I'm afraid I have to refuse. Zepar wasn't this supposed to be a trial to test our strength? There's no reason for us to fight to the death."
Exasperated, Zepar sighed. "You just don't get it, in a dungeon the rules of a djinn are absolute. If I tell you to fight, you'll fight and if I tell you to kill each other you will."
'Hey, is it possible to kill a djinn?' Sakura asked her metal vessels but there was a tense silence.
'My king please, do not be rash,' Beleth attempted to reason.
Then Zepar said something that seemed to mortify and stun Ja'far. "Besides…what problem could you have with killing someone? You've killed plenty of people already right? What's the problem adding one more to the body count?"
Sakura frowned, how could Zepar know something like that?
"I know all about you. Sham Lash Chief Assassin, Ja'far." Zepar grinned wickedly, watching as Ja'far's eyes went wide in horror. "You really only felt alive when you were out for blood didn't you? Tormenting, hurting, killing…Somewhere deep in your heart, you found enjoyment in death didn't you?"
"I don't." Ja'far said, his eyes cast down.
"I don't believe you, murderer." Zepar smiled.
Sakura was about to draw her hand against the djinn, not thinking of the consequences, but Masrur had acted before her. He drew his sword as he jumped high enough to reach Zepar's head before slashing through it.
"MASRUR!" Ja'far shouted.
The Fanalis landed on the platform where Hinahoho and Mystras had fought before and turned back to the group. "I am not a slave anymore. No one can order me to fight to the death again."
"You kids really don't listen to what you're told." Zepar said, surprising everyone as he reconnected his head to his neck with ease, steam appearing from where he had been cut as his flesh wound back together and then appeared as though there was nothing done to it in the first place.
"It's pointless. As long as you're in the dungeon, its djinn is invincible."
Sakura really wished they knew that early, if there was no way to defeat a djinn in their dungeon then that meant the only choice they had of escaping would be to go through with the trial but at the same time, she wouldn't want any of her friends to lose their lives for this.
"If you're really that against following my orders…." Zepar pointed a clawed finger at Masrur, "I'll do this."
A flash of light shot from Zepar's index finger, leading its way to Masrur. Zepar's head fell forward, his eyes closed as if asleep. However most of the attention was focused on Masrur, for some kind of reaction to that magic.
"Masrur?" Ja'far called softly.
Without warning, Masrur crouched down before leaping high into the air; stopping only when he reached the ceiling before twisting his body so that his feet were touching the roof and then he kicked off, shooting back down, heading for the platform. He plunged forward, crashing headfirst into the pillar that Sinbad and his friends were standing on, splitting it clear down the middle with his body.
Ja'far, Sakura and Sinbad rushed to the edge, looking down below for any signs of the boy. "Masrur!"
"Are you alright?" Sinbad called.
"How about it? Now we can make this an interesting death match."
Everyone turned around to see Masrur standing behind them, unharmed, having a big smile on his face that was too wide, his eyes were now rippled and green.
'Is he-?'
Masrur disappeared from where he was standing only a second ago, now on one of the lower platforms, running around and laughing as he called for everyone's attention. He was jumping around, doing flips and tricks.
"This body is amazing...I can jump so high like I'm flying and an inexhaustible supply of overflowing power." Masrur did another flip. "With a body like this-I can do anything."
He was being possessed. Sakura had realised that the instant she looked at Masrur's eyes. As someone who had been possessed before, by her friend Ino and her Mind Transfer Jutsu. Sakura knew that it was not something easily shaken. She had managed because she had an inner that held so much emotions it was basically another soul in her.
Masrur jumped back onto the destroyed platform, right behind Ja'far-who had also realised that this was not Masrur.
"I don't know what kind of power that is," Ja'far said, "But that is you isn't it, Zepar?"
'Masrur's' grin widened; "Heh, Bingo. I have the ability to meddle with people's minds. I fiddled with the kid's brain a bit." 'Masrur' tapped the side of his head. "His consciousness is asleep and I'm in control of his body now. This way we can fight without interruptions. Let's get started. A fight to the death!"
This djinn was really pushing Sakura's patience; she wouldn't mind stepping in just to keep Masrur and Ja'far from fighting one another. They were still only children; children she had grown fond of and cared for.
Sakura was about to step forward, reaching for Gaap when a hand settled on her shoulder. "Wait Sakura."
She turned to Sinbad, frowning. "Sinbad what the heck?"
"This is one of the djinn's tests. Zepar may have a reason for all of this. Let's just watch for now."
Biting back a response, Sakura placed Gaap back in the sword's sheath. Fighting against every instinct she had to step forward and somehow help the two.
THAT'S ALL MY LOVELIES! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and remember to stay strong and keep reading!
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