Title: Pure Rukh

Rating: T

DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and Magi belongs to Shinobu Ohtaka. Two respected mangaka! I do not own the characters in any way nor the story plot. Only the idea of this fanfiction!

MizukixTsukiyomi's Notes: Hey~ hehe long time no update, huh? Since last June. I'll admit the motivation for this story has been low, but I get it from time to time and I write what I can. The good news is we are entering a new arc in this and Kagome will be interacting with more characters. This following arc will be important fo Kagome's character and her growth. Some of you may be happy with a certain character appearing towards the end.

I do want to thank you all for the continuous support and love this story gets. Honestly, I love you all!

Enjoy~

Chapter 21: Cautious Distrust and Guilt

Ignoring the plates being devoured one by one without pause, Kagome's eyes remained glued on Morgiana. Half of their table was in the frantic to eat everything of their given meal by the village they had saved, and the other half, silent. It was a rare sight to see the young teen having no appetite. Kagome knew that Morgiana was one to say no to a meal, especially when it came to her logic that the best way to get strong was to nourish herself. But here she was with a whole feast right in front of her and she had barely touched any of it.

Musicians played their welcoming tunes for dancers as laughter radiated within the restaurant. The worries the village held all but vanished as they knew their children were back with them.

At least psychically.

Kagome lowered her drink from her lips as he watched Morgiana's eyes shift to her feet and to anywhere else but the table. No eye contact. Her eyes narrowed as she read her aura. It wavered and tensed. Was something troubling her?

"What's wrong with Morg-san?" Aladdin whispered as he leaned closer to the priestess. His eyes softened with concern as he saw their female friend remain silent since Hakuryuu's departure. "She's been pretty quiet…".

Kagome's own body untensed; she continued to study the quiet girl.

"Well," Alibaba chewed, "Hakuryuu did leave out of nowhere like that." His own expression soured at the memory of Hakuryuu's actions with the children before he left. The sudden break up had them feeling a loss. "But," he raised a fork with a good mouthful of meat, "it is times like these that we should be eating and feast up on the delicious food these people have given us! It is the perfect pick me up!"

Morgiana's shoulders tensed.

Before Alibaba could push the fork closer to Morgiana to feed her himself, he found himself being fed. Alibaba blinked as eyes lowered to the fork between his lips and Kagome's hand holding it. "G-Gagome?!" He blinked, taken back by her act.

"Just eat." She replied with a small smile. "I'm sure Morgiana-chan will join you guys later."

"I am afraid Morgiana-sama is going through some self-guilt."

Kagome blinked, eyes staring back at the girl as she heard Sakimitama's voice echo in her head.

"Her meeting with the young Kou prince left her conflicted, Kagome-sama."

The priestess rested her chin over her palm. Boy trouble? Perhaps Hakuryuu said something none of them would know unless Morgiana spoke of them. His decision to leave impacted them all, but it also left a cloud of worry over them. Hakuryuu's behavior towards the end was anything but good. His intentions were clear to them all what he intended to do.

The question was, how?

Blinking, Kagome could not help but let her mouth fall agape at the sudden bowl of fish being pushed towards Morgiana's cheek as Alibaba teased her with the smell.

"But come on!" Alibaba chuckled as he saw Morgiana's nostrils flare. "I mean, you need your stamina, Morgiana! It is one of your redeeming qualities, so come on! No need to hold back! Eat up! If not I'm going to be devouring all of this by myself!" Grabbing one of the fishes by its tail, he slowly swung it side to side in front of Morgiana.

Morgiana's leaned away, but eyes shifted to stare at the grilled fish.

"Go on! Have some!" Alibaba's smirk grew watching the torture Morgiana was placed in. He knew she could not say no to one of her favorite meals: fish. A wide smile appeared on his lips as soon as Morgiana attacked like a starved animal and used a big bite to take the fish away from Alibaba's hands. Content that she was eating, Alibaba threw one at a time into the air and watched as Morgiana caught them all without any problems.

Landing back on her seat, Morgiana glared at the blonde prince. Mouth full of fish, Morgiana chewed. "Ah yu bappy, Aripaba-san?"

He nodded with a wide smile.

Aladdin blinked in between bites; Kagome's brow twitched.

Kagome sighed under her breath as she went ahead to grab a grape from the bowl of front in front of her. Boys would never understand a girl's silence. Watching the three enjoy themselves and basking in their relaxation, it also made her worry. The four of them were set to go their separate ways.

"Are you okay, Kagome-oneesan?" Aladdin asked as he lowered his cup from his lips.

Looking at the magi beside her from the corner of her eyes, she blinked. Lips curved upwards to set his concerns aside. "Yeah, I was just thinking that it's our last meal together like this until we meet again."

Aladdin nodded, trying to match her small smile. "Starting tomorrow we'll be going our separate ways, huh? But aren't you and Alibaba-kun heading to Reim?"

"That's right!" Alibaba cut in. "I'm heading to Remano, the capital of Reim. Isn't that where you're headed, Kagome-san?"

"I'm headed to the palace."

The three of them blinked as her words set in.

Alibaba was the first to lean forward, ignoring the rattling of silverware and dishes, and stared at the priestess with wide eyes. "The palace?! You mean you are going straight to the king?!"

"King?" Kagome blinked back. "Is that what they have? I'm not even sure what kind of ruler they have there. Ja'far told me that they set the appropriate arrangements so I could enter the palace and learn about myself."

"Woah," Aladdin relaxed back in his seat, "I can't believe you get to meet the king of Reim."

"Although," Kagome trailed off in thought, "I do remember Ja'far mentioning a magi aligning itself with Reim."

Aladdin's head turned towards Kagome.

"All I am hoping the magi isn't anything like Judal." Kagome rolled her eyes at the memory of the black-haired magi. The last thing she needed was another pompous magi throwing tantrums and creating chaos. She needed to focus on finding answers about herself and the world she lived in.

No distractions.

Her brows furrowing in thought. 'Although I am worried how Sinbad-san and the others might have worded my role.'

"Hmm, if Alibaba-kun and Kagome-oneesan are headed to Reim," Aladdin's focus shifted to Morgiana, "where are you headed, Morg-san?"

"I'll be going to Katarg, it is south of Reim."

"You will taking a different ship, right?" Kagome questioned. Receiving a nod from Morgiana, her attention then shifted to the magi beside her. "Aladdin-kun, are you set on heading to Magnostadt?" There was no telling what was happening in Magnostadt, and after the atrocious events that had occurred in Sindria, she was worried Aladdin would get swirled into it.

Especially if they knew he was a magi.

Aladdin nodded with a small smile, "I will be going by land."

Kagome silently nodded back.

"But hey!" Alibaba rested his elbows on the table, "let's not all look so gloom! We'll be meeting up again in no time. My plan is to train a year or so in Reim. So if life permits, let's get back together around that time."

Morgiana nodded, "I plan to do the same. As soon as I go see my homeland, I will be going back to Sindria."

"A year, huh?" Kagome whispered, continuing to rest her chin over her palm. A year was a long time, depending how it was spent. Her brows furrowed as the thought of her staying for a year in this world haunted her. Could she stay for a year?

"I may need more time."

Eyes landed on the young magi.

Aladdin's eyes lowered to the drink in his hands. "There's so much that I want to learn…There is a lot more to learn."

"Oi! Oi!" Alibaba interrupted. "You can't decide not to come back at all, okay?"

Aladdin softly laughed, "don't worry, Alibaba-kun! Our destinies are bound to connect again. I'm sure of it!"

"Destinies?" Kagome repeated in a low whisper.

Turning to face her, Aladdin's smile widened. "Mhm! All of our destinies are sure to cross!"

If her worry to return home was not in the back of her head, she would be ecstatic to hear him say that. But to hear that they were destined to meet again after a year, that only made her stomach drop. Was she destined to be here for years?

"Then let's make a promise!" Raising his drink, Alibaba waited for the others to join him. "A promise to meet up again in good health!"

Kagome watched as one by one, Aladdin's and Morgiana's drink joined his before all eyes landed on her. Lips moving on their own to deliver a smile, Kagome allowed herself to raise her glass and clunk it with theirs.

Relaxing back down in her seat, Kagome's attention was pulled to the musicians changing their song and others getting up to join the dance. Laughter increased and smiles projected from everyone. She sat quietly, observing. Her eyes landed on Alibaba and Aladdin joining the many dancers in the middle of the restaurant before Alibaba walked over to Morgiana and pulled her to join him. Joy overshadowed her current concerns for the time being as she watched them enjoy the night.

For kids, they were strong.

For kids, they had already been through so much.

For a second, she felt her heart pull on the worries she carried once again.

Was she to move forward with them? Help them? The promise they just made, could she break it? Eyes landing on Aladdin and the others, she held back the tears.

She prayed fate would not be so cruel to her…

…again.

"That was a lot of fun!" Sighing contently and full, Aladdin stretched out his arms above him as he lead the group. The night was still lively outside the restaurant with people walking back and forth to different street vendors and food stalls. The feast they were given was now settling him down to have a good night's sleep.

"We should definitely come here again in the future!" Alibaba added as he saw the many smiles on the citizens' faces. Taking in the lighted streets and buildings, his head did a double-take upon seeing a luxurious building with beautiful women wearing exposed clothing at the entrance to greet those who entered: men. A blush erupted on his cheeks as he continued to follow the group, but eyes remained glued on the glorious heaven he witnessed.

Clearing his throat, Alibaba quickened his pace to catch up to the group who now headed out to their hotel. "Hey, Aladdin~."

"Hm?" He stopped, along with the two girls to look at Alibaba.

Alibaba cleared his throat again, "h-how about making one last stop, just a little bit?"

"One last stop?" Kagome's brow crooked up. "Where to-?"

"No, no!" Alibaba shook his head, blush darkening. "A-A boy's trip! You know? Like you and Morgiana could have a girls thing?"

Kagome's brow remained crooked. What the heck was he talking about?

"Uh, well I have no problem with that." Aladdin added. "Why not?"

Morgiana raised her hand slightly, "I'm up for it, too-".

"I-It's a guy's hang out!" Alibaba chuckled nervously as he placed his hands on Morgiana's shoulders and began to take her the opposite direction. "Both of you can go rest! Besides, it's dangerous for girls to be up late at night!"

Kagome turned her head to the buildings they had passed before glaring at a lively and colorful area. Kagome's brow twitched. Watching the two boys turn around to walk back the path they passed, Kagome immediately held them by the back of their clothing.

"I don't think so." Tilting her chin upwards, she ignored the shaking fright the two boys displayed. "Don't take us for stupid people, you two. If we are to rest, you are included."

"B-But-!" Alibaba gulped as soon as the glare tightened on her eyes.

"Don't you agree, Alibaba-kun? Aladdin-kun?"

Both gulped together as Kagome's smile darkened. "Y-Yes…".

Sitting down on the edge of her bed, Kagome exhaled as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail. The nerve of the boys to be thinking they could go into an establishment that was obviously illegal. Not to mention they were underage. She shook her head, 'even boys at their age can be perverts, too.' Kagome rolled her eyes at the memory of having to drag them back to the hotel, and at that moment – her eyes stared at the bathroom across their beds – they should be preparing for bed.

Hearing the shuffling of sheets on the bed beside hers, Kagome's focus shifted. She blinked noticing Morgiana preparing her bed before placing her metal vessel handcuffs down on the nightstand. Her aura still held that uncertainty and tension from before. Perhaps it was time to ask.

"Morgiana-chan?"

"Yes, Kagome-san?" Morgiana lifted her gaze to meet the priestess's.

"Did something happen with Hakuryuu-kun?"

Morgiana's pupils dilated; Kagome's eyes narrowed in return seeing her aura spike.

A gentle sigh blew between Kagome's lips as her expression softened. The young girl was scared, and of course a question like the one she threw out there would put her guard up. But her reaction was enough to tell her something had happened with Hakuryuu.

"I don't know what Hakuryuu might have told you, but it isn't something you have to carry on your own. Only you know what's right for you."

Kagome's tone, benevolent to the issue, set Morgiana at ease. The young Fanalis looked down at her sheets as the memory with Hakuryuu replayed in her head.

The kiss; her cheeks bloomed pink.

"You have the right to think things over, and personally, don't rush on making decisions, okay? You have goals of your own first, right?"

Meeting Kagome's gentle and warm smile being illuminated with the help of the moonlight peeking through the windows, Morgiana felt her heart slowly come at peace. Morgiana – blush still on her cheeks – nodded.

"Thank you, Kagome-san."

Kagome was right. She had stuff to accomplish, and nothing could distract her when she was getting closer. Hakuryuu's feelings would have to be set aside, for now.

"Then, take care, you guys!"

Hearing Alibaba give a cheerful goodbye, Kagome turned her head to see the three of them standing in front of her. Morning had come too fast for them all, and the goodbyes were here. Standing in the middle of the harbor and market, their boats awaited to be boarded. The busy people and loud screeches of seagulls all but ignored as Kagome watched the three of them give each other a high five.

And once again she would be alone.

"Next time we see each other, I'll be so powerful! It will shock you all!" Alibaba's lips curved smugly.

Aladdin raised his fist in the air, "so will I!"

"I, too, will be every bit as powerful as the two of you." Morgiana added.

"Ah, await," Alibaba's sweat drop loomed over his head, "I-I thought you weren't going to go there to train…You're already so strong."

Kagome chuckled under her breath.

"What about you, Kagome-oneesan?"

Caught off guard by Aladdin's question, Kagome blinked seeing his bright blue eyes waiting.

"Are you going to get stronger?" He asked again.

She nodded slowly. "Of course. I will do everything in my power to become stronger and more confident in my power." Only time could tell.

Responding with a nod of his own, Aladdin sent the priestess a small smile before quickly diving for a hug. Kagome blinked, taken back by the feel of his arms wrapping around her legs and his face pressed against the fabric of her dress. Her shoulders relaxed as her own lips curved once again to return the embrace. Gently petting the back of his head, Kagome let him hide his tears.

His aura was all she needed to know he was having a hard time saying his goodbyes.

Alibaba and Morgiana remained silent and smiling as they watched the young magi hug the priestess.

"You take care, okay, Aladdin-kun?" Kagome whispered. "Please." Where he was headed, he had to keep his identity a secret. That much Yamraiha had informed them.

But it still didn't calm the nerves boiling inside.

Aladdin gave her one last tight hug before detaching himself from her dress and giving everyone a smile. "Yes!" Grabbing the white wrap from his head, he laid it out before jumping on.

Kagome and the others watched as he slowly floated away into the air and waved them a final goodbye. Waiting for Aladdin to fly away from her sight, Kagome remained still. There was no telling what was going to happen from here. Lots of possibilities and lots of dangers. If Judal's chaos in Sindria was anything but mild, then for sure there were more horrendous things to see in the future if wars continued.

"Morgiana, your ship leaves first, doesn't it?"

Looking over her shoulder, Kagome watched as the last two teens faced each other.

Morgiana nodded back.

"You take care of yourself, too, okay?" Alibaba grinned. The last call for passengers was heard from Morgiana's ship, making them all turn to the sailor on the main deck. "Ah!" Alibaba rummaged through his bag. "Before I forget!" Taking out a metal object from his bag, he placed it over Morgiana's palms. "This is for you."

Blinking at the gold color necklace on her hands, Morgiana tilted her head to the side. "What is this?"

"It's a spare Household Vessel!" His cheeky smile returned. "It is your own Household Vessel. Just in case those armlets of yours ever break, you're gonna need a new metal vessel to transfer the power, right? But remember," his expression softened, "to transfer the power to another metal vessel you have to have had something with you for a long time, so…keep that on you – always!"

Kagome smiled at the interaction. Despite Alibaba being immature at times, he did have a heart of gold. His intentions were to help – help anyone he could.

One last call for passengers were made, making all three turn again.

"T-Thank you." Morgiana smiled, cheeks reddening as she stared at the necklace on her palms. "I will take good care of it."

"But also take care of yourself." Kagome cut in.

"I will, Kagome-san!" Morgiana gave them one last bow before running off to the ramp leading up to her ship.

Watching the young girl set off on her own journey, Kagome was left wondering if she was going to be okay seeing her homeland. Wherever that may have be. Waving goodbye, Kagome's eyes remained on the girl.

'Sakimitama…'.

"Yes, Kagome-sama?" The spirit replied.

'Can I ask that you may take care of her?'

Hearing a light chuckle in her head, Kagome smiled out of instinct.

"But of course, Kagome-sama. I will watch over the young girl."

'Thank you…and please, let me know if she is ever in danger'.

A second pause was given before Sakimitama gave her reply.

"As you wish, Kagome-sama."

It was the least she could do from far away. She could not protect them as best as she could, and there was no telling when she would be leaving. They had already done so much for her and it was only right that she protected them.

She had to.

"Are you ready, Kagome-san?" Alibaba adjusted the strap to his bag.

Turning her body to face him, she nodded. "Let's head out to Reim."

Biting off a piece of beef jerky from his hand, Aladdin munched silently as he felt the caravan he boarded shake gently from the bumps of the rocky road ahead. Getting on the caravan had been easier than he thought. After flying for more than five hours nonstop, his stomach had begun to rumble in need for nourishment. The caravan had appeared on the road in front of him and he took the risk to ask for a ride. The main servant in charge of the caravan, an older male, had rejected him saying they were transporting an important person to Magnostadt. It was his luck that the caravan was headed that way.

Aladdin munched on his last piece. 'I offered him all the money Uncle Sinbad gave me for my travels.' The older male had told him just to stay away from the curtain now separating him from the important person.

He turned his head to the right, noticing the shadows of four people on the other side, but no voices were heard. He blinked waiting for movement. Everything around him was quiet. Just the sound of the moving caravan and horses from outside.

His eyes wandered around the caravan to see it was luxuriously furnished with comfort. Was this person important? He waited a few more seconds for movement, but when nothing came, he decided to lean back against his backpack. A soft sigh blew between his lip as his head tilted upwards to look at the window behind him.

"Magnostadt, huh? Wonder what kind of place it is…".

Aladdin blinked, thinking back to Yamraiha's words.

'Keep my identity as a magi a secret…'. That had been her warning to him, and the warning had been repeated by Kagome more than once. Yamraiha told him that although Magnostadt viewed magicians at the top of the food chain and glorified them, there was also a lust seeking out powerful magicians. His brows furrowed at Yamraiha's warning if Magnostadt were to find out he was a magi.

'Would they really try to capture me?'

Raising his right arm, he stared at the white bandages wrapped around his forearm before looking at the same wrappings on his left arm. His lips curved upwards as he adjusted the bandages and retightening them. Starting now, it was best he kept his guard up.

From the corner of his eyes, he caught the sight of dress's fabric sneaking underneath the curtain separating him from the other people. Eyes sparkled catching the white and pink silk. Images of beautiful women welcoming him with open arms popped in his head.

'Ah! They must princesses!' Slowly crawling closer to the edge of the curtain, he lowered himself down to lift the bottom. "H-Hey there, lovely ladies! Nice to meet you! My name is-!"

A sudden shake of the caravan broke his balance to tumble backwards; horses whined loudly as the caravan shook. Aladdin's tumble pushed him back towards the exit before rolling down outside and in the middle of the dirt road. Aladdin blink as he pushed himself onto all fours and looked at the soldiers and the old man frozen in their spots.

The magi blinked again as he heard unsheathing weapons. Looking around, he fell silent as he saw a group of male bandits surrounding them and threatening them with their spears ands words.

"W-Who the hell are you?!" Shouted the older male steering the caravan.

"Who are we?" One of the bandits laughed as he pointed the edge of his spear on the older man. "Isn't it obvious? We're bandits! What else could we be?!"

Aladdin eyes the group until he noticed the oldest of the group decorated with gold jewels around his neck and ears smiled darkly to show his missing teeth. 'Bandits…?'

The leader wearing gold came forth. "We're not gonna tell you to keep quiet! No matter how loud our prey screams, we are here to kill and then to take the loot!"

The older male on the caravan shook as he felt their threat ground him. Head turning side-to-side to look at his guards, he stuttered with fright. "H-Hey! Guards! I'm counting on you!"

"Leave it to us!" The guards shouted before raising their own weapons and charged forward.

Aladdin's pupils widened as he saw one of the bandits raise his arm and take out a similar weapon they had faced with Aum Madura. Weapons like those the children had been using? "T-That's…!" Before he could finish his sentence, a blast of fire from the metal-looking gun was shot and wounded two of the guards on the front lines. 'That's a Magic Tool…'. The magi watched back and forth as the guards struggled against the bandits' weapons. 'Where did they get them!?'

Watching one guard after another fall victims to the flames of the Magic Tools, Aladdin gripped his wooden staff with both hands before running to the front to protect the caravan.

"Let me handle this!"

The older male watched with fear as the small kid came forth with confidence. "F-Fool! What could a kid like you-?!"

"No worries!" Aladdin reassured him as he stared at the bandits. "I can protect you guys!"

"Keh! Protect?" The leader of the bandits scoffed. Raising his sword up into the air, he shouted. "Kill them all!"

Raising his wooden staff over his head, Aladdin readied his aim. "Halharl-!" Eyes popped wide as the sudden sound of metal sliced through the top half of the caravan. Aladdin slowly looked over his shoulder seeing the caravan's top half having been sliced by a long sword. As the top half of the caravan fell to the side, everything and everyone around him dropped into a pregnant silence.

Bandits' eyes widened at the sight of the young lean boy with long pink hair with three braids on the fringe. His piercing magenta eyes narrowed with malice as soon as the sun's light hit his full body.

"All of you be quiet!"

Aladdin blinked, noticing the young male wearing traditional Chinese silk and gold accessories placing his sword's hilt over his shoulder to rest. The magi gulped taking note of the male's sword being twice his size. Who was he?

Landing at the edge of the now sliced caravan, the young pink haired male scoffed. "All of you are totally killing the mood of my long journey." He scoffed again making eye contact with the leader of the bandits. "Kill? Does this mean you're okay with the death penalty?"

Watching him land in front of him, Aladdin caught the voices of females next to the caravan.

"Your Highness," the taller of the black-haired females spoke as she took a step forward, "you're supposed to be traveling incognito. Please restrain yourself…".

Aladdin's eyelashes fluttered at the sight of the three women and recognizing the white and pink silk on their dresses. Those were the females on the other side of the curtain? The magi noticed the one who had spoken had a wrap of talismans wrapped around her head covering her eyes while the other two petite women had them at the sleeves of their dresses.

"You're wasting your breath." The middle woman wearing a smirk chuckled as she starred at their master rising from his spot and rushing forward.

"Damn you, brat!"

The tallest of the bandits ran towards the rushing boy, raising his metal club. The young boy grinned as he swung his sword to hold it in front of him before sliding underneath the bandit's legs and swinging his blade up, cutting the bandit's body vertically.

The bandits all took a step back watching the merciless act as one of their own had been cut in half and blood pooled in all directions.

"Who's next?"

Eyes landed on the pink-haired kid before pupils dilated at the blood slowly stripping down his face.

Licking the blood at the corner of his mouth, the young master straightened out. "Who is next on the execution list?"

"Mister…," Aladdin whispered looking at the frightened old man next to him, "who is that?"

"Eh?! You don't know?!" He shouted. "He's a prince of the Kou Empire! Master Ren Kouha!"

Aladdin's eyes widened as he starred at the young prince raise his sword above his head and noticing the magic circle embed on the blade. "R-Ren…?"

Rubbing the tiredness stuck in his eyes, Alibaba took cautious steps up leading to the main deck of the ship. The night was not gracing him with peaceful sleep. The hammock was too uncomfortable for him, and part of it was his stress and worries about his training were making everything else in their trip uncomfortable.

"Fresh air should help…". Yawning, Alibaba stretched out his arms over his head as he finally made it out. He blinked at the sight of the priestess standing at the edge of the deck with her arms folded over the rim. No one was there but her, and the ocean's waves hummed gracefully as they glistened with the moonlight.

"Kagome-san."

Pulled out of her inner silence, Kagome turned her head to see the young Balbadd prince walking towards her. "Alibaba-kun, what are you doing here?"

A smile formed over his lips. "I could ask you the same, Kagome-san. Are you okay?"

Smiling back, Kagome's focus returned on the calm dark waters. "Just needed some quiet time. You?"

"I…," he scratched the back of his head, "couldn't really sleep."

"I see." Looking at the moon's reflection on the waves, Kagome's expression softened. When was the last time she had received this quietness? It was silence where even her thoughts had dropped. For once, her mind felt content.

"Kagome-san…?"

She waited.

"Back when, um…Hakuryuu needed help against Aum Madaura you…".

"…ah." Kagome nodded, remembering she had left them all with a bundle of questions. She had wondered when one of the three would bring it up.

Her four souls.

Alibaba's eyes narrowed as he stared at the ocean with the priestess. Memories of the two souls appearing within Kagome's reiki flashed in his head. But the male's voice had him urging for answers. There was no mistaking that the long black-haired male he had seen assist the other woman and Kagome was the person he kept hearing when he fought. "Back in the caves with Aum Madaura, you released something…," his eyes shifted to land on the priestess next to him, "who were they?"

A soft sigh blew between her lips; shoulders relaxed. "Who you saw were Sakimitama and Aramitama – two souls resting within me."

"Two souls…?" He repeated.

"And I have two more, but…," her eyes narrowed, unsure how to word the explanation of the jewel, "they have yet to make a full appearance – even to me." Closing her eyes, she allowed her reiki to evaporate out of her body and slowly blow behind her a few feet away.

Alibaba blinked feeling the rise of rukh around Kagome before catching the pink glow emitting behind them and forming a tall silhouette. The young prince waited as the glow disappeared and revealed the same black haired male he had seen with Aum Madaura. Once the glow blew away, Alibaba's mouth dropped open at the sight of the male standing before them in his black and red silk.

"Y-You're the-!"

"There must be a good reason for having summoned me, Kagome-sama."

Kagome chuckled as she looked over her shoulder. "I think it was time for some introductions." Pushing herself off from her post, Kagome turned around to face Aramitama. "Don't you think?"

The demon soul scoffed.

"U-Um…Kagome-san," Alibaba shifted closer to the priestess, "w-who is he?"

"Him?" She pointed. "That's Aramitama. A demon soul who has rested within a jewel for hundreds of years. One of the four souls resting in the jewels should I say."

"J-Jewel?" Alibaba repeated. "Demon?" Head twisting back and forth from the said soul and Kagome, Alibaba was at a loss. He was completely lost.

"Not the best at explaining, are you, Kagome-sama?" Aramitama could not help but let his lips curl into a devilish smirk.

Rolling her eyes, Kagome exhaled. What was the best way to explain her story? Looking at Alibaba from the corner of her eyes, her shoulders drop, but her heart tensed. "Aramitama is a demon soul, and soul that has been guarding and aiding you. It's a…," she glanced at the demon, "long story."

Alibaba blinked again; taking another glance at the demon soul who merely stood silently – and observing – Alibaba gulped. What story was she talking about? "But how is it that you have four souls-?"

"Unfortunately I cannot share the full story, Alibaba-kun."

He noticed her guilty smile.

"I do apologize for not being able to be transparent with you, but I cannot share the full truth until I can find some answers on my own." Her brows furrowed as her focus returned on the waters. "All I can say is that I am being guarded by four souls that were created by another priestess and I was left with the role to take care of them." Resting her fingertips on her chest, Kagome's expression softened as collected memories of the last battle in the feudal era replayed in her head. "I was given a duty and I am forever to guard what was entrusted to me. The souls aren't evil…they have protected me."

Aramitama watched as her reiki had leveled out: calmer than usual. Perhaps the girl was coming into terms in the reality she was in now.

If only she knew…

"But I have given them orders to protect you guys as well."

Alibaba watched as her smile sparkled with selfness.

"Under my jurisdiction, and their own, we have decided to protect you guys as long as we can." Kagome sighed as her eyes landed on the silent demon behind Alibaba. "Aramitama isn't the nicest of…demons, and he is sort of stubborn from what I have collected, but he seemed to be captivated by your courage and energy overall." She chuckled, "isn't that right, Aramitama?"

Scoffing at her kind words, Aramitama slipped his hands inside the sleeves of his kimono before turning his head away from theirs.

Blinking at his silence, Alibaba slowly tried to process what Kagome told him. There was something missing. A jewel? Did that mean she was carrying a jewel? He had never seen her with it.

"Do…," he whispered, "do the others have souls with them?"

"Others?" Kagome repeated. "Oh, you mean Aladdin-kun and the others?"

Alibaba nodded.

Sharing a look with Aramitama, Kagome then sighed. "I'm doing my best and I'm sure they are, too."

"Your Highness, I told you, it's dangerous to go by land. Didn't I suggest that we travel by carpet?"

"No way!" The young Kou prince waved off his female servant as he was poured another cup of tea. A light breeze wiggled through the cracks of the now broken ceiling of his caravan as they resumed their journey. The only thing covering them was a large tarp, but it was proving to do only the minimum coverage. "I utterly loathe doing that! Not only do your clothes get all dusty, but your skin dries out, too! I'm not that in a rush to get to Magnostadt."

Blinking as he watched the three women massage the prince's arms and legs, Aladdin was left to sit quietly. The curtain had been torn off, leaving the caravan with open space. Ears twitched at the sound of the place.

"Magnostadt?" Aladdin repeated.

The Kou prince's eyes landed on the child sitting on the rug. "Oi, who is this dusty little child?"

"H-He is the one who joined us on board earlier." One of his servants explained.

Raising his arm, Aladdin tried to ease the tension. "Hi! My name's Aladdin. I'm a traveler! I-I'm on my way to Magnostadt, too!"

Kouha's brow rose as he observed the child once more. "Really? You? Hm, but Magnostadt doesn't allow anyone in who isn't a magician, unless you have exceptions like myself."

"I may not look like one," Aladdin showed him his wooden staff, "but I am a magician. I'm going to Magnostadt to study at their academy!"

"Ah, so a transfer student." Twirling a strand of magenta hair around his index finger, Kouha nodded. The interest did not stick, but he was a bit in awe that a child like himself was heading to Magnostadt. By the looks of it, he was unaware of the issues underneath Magnostadt's rug. He scoffed at the knowledge he held. "Well," he relaxed back in his seat, "good luck!"

"Um," Aladdin spoke, "why are you going to Magnostadt?"

Eyes back on the kid, Kouha shrugged. "Business."

"Business?"

"I wasn't supposed to come here, but my older brother sent our other brother who oversees negotiations elsewhere. Apparently, they are looking for a woman." Kouha sighed, eyes landing on the tarp above them. The fact his brother was becoming obsessed over this woman was making him curious by the day.

"A woman?" Aladdin repeated.

As one of his servant's delicate fingers hovered a grape over his lips, he welcomed it and chewed. "My brother met a woman that caught his attention, but it seems she is under a country's protection." He scoffed remembering the eldest in his family warning them not to move forward if they were to find her. "He could take whatever he wanted!" He leaned forward, smirking at the child before him. "That goes for the girl, too!"

Silent, Aladdin tilted his head to the side. "A country's protection?"

"Keh, our brother said Sindria was involved!" He opened his mouth for another grape before a smirk spread itself on his lips. Eyes darkened as his hues looked down at Aladdin. "I don't have much knowledge on the subject, but…," leaning forward once more, he rested his elbows on his knees, "my two older brothers seemed to be very interested." He paused for a second. "Aladdin, you said?"

He slowly nodded.

Kouha's brow rose, "there is specific woman they are looking for, but they mentioned something interesting. Hey, do you know anything about these so-called "miko"?"

The magi's pupils widened as he stared at the glee reflecting in Kouha's eyes. How did Kou…?

"Master!" The caravan driver called from outside. "We will be arriving at the capital in just nine more days."

Leaning back in his seat, Kouha exhaled with boredom. "Eh~? We still have that much more to go? Well, whatever." Eyes landed back on the magi, "guess we have nine days to get to know each other, huh?"

Touching land never felt so good, at least that was what Kagome smiled for. The moment her feet touched ground and was welcomed with the sight of ancient-European buildings of both low and elite class, Kagome felt the air change. She was taken back by the Rome-like atmosphere and the people dressed in simple silks and other in gold armor.

Adjusting the strap of her only and small bag, Kagome whispered, "Reim…".

She had arrived after ten days of travel on water, but what she had imagined Reim to be was not what she was prepared for. It reminded her much of the Rome her history books in her era had informed her of.

Was this the place she would be finding her answers…?

"Kagome-san."

Looking over her shoulder, the priestess noticed Alibaba descending down the plank of their ship.

"I guess this where we part, huh?" With an ounce of struggle, Kagome was able to lift the corners of her lips to form a smile. Separating was becoming harder. She would be alone again.

Saddened over the fact, Alibaba nodded. "Yeah…". His eyes roamed the harbor and the many buildings spreading across Reim. "Who knows where I will be a year from here."

Kagome chuckled, "don't forget a year from now you will be reuniting with Aladdin-kun and Morgiana-chan."

"Eh?" Fished back to stare at her, he quickly narrowed his eyes. "Oi, oi. You agreed, too!"

Kagome fell silent. So he had caught her. Nervous laughter escaped her as she scratched her cheek. "That's what I meant!"

"Hmm…". Eyes on her, and suspicious, Alibaba crossed his arms. "You better." Watching her nod, Alibaba sighed, letting his smile return. "Well, I need to go find the Village of Magoi Manipulation now. Who knows where they could be in this huge country." Training with them would be the key to giving him more power and control over his magoi. He needed to if it meant coming back stronger to protect the country he abandoned.

Nodding, Kagome gave him a bow with her head. "I wish you the best of luck, Alibaba-kun."

He winked, "I'll be so strong you aren't even going to recognize me! Promise!" As soon as Alibaba turned to the opposite direction, he immediately stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Ah, Kagome-san! Be careful of not letting others get attracted to you!"

Eyebrow twitched in return; mouth fell open. "O-Oi-!" Watching him escape her rage, Kagome huffed in return. What the hell was he talking about? Attracted?! Feeling warmth blanket her cheeks, she raised both hands to cup the sides of her face. Kagome groaned under her breath. Now why the hell was she blushing?

The image of Sinbad sprang in her head; she quickly shook it off.

'No! Stop! Concentrate, Kagome! You are here with a goal!' Taking in a deep breath, Kagome closed her eyes, letting her mind become blank. She could not afford to let her feelings and thoughts wander when she needed to find answers - answers to get home.

Slowly letting out her held breath, Kagome opened her eyes. Reim welcomed her again. Nodding to herself, the priestess turned her head left and right as she made her way closer out of the wooden harbor.

'Ja'far-san told me someone from Reim would come to guide me…at least that was the plan.' Her eyes observed everyone walking: merchants, soldiers, fishermen, families, and travelers. Would someone really come? If Reim and Sindria were not in a political friendship, then they could have easily planned her assassination here.

Her eyes quickly took a scan around and on the buildings. 'If I die, I will haunt Sinbad-san.'

Evading the crowds as best she could, Kagome's eyes did a double-take catching the sight of magenta-colored hair draped down mid-back with a small chunk being held into a high ponytail. Kagome stopped, waiting as the waves of people flowed by and let her get a view of the person.

'Morgiana-chan…?' Kagome blinked as she finally got a full view of the female dressed in gold armor cut into a skirt and metal guard on her right arm with both of her shins having the same colored plates. Eyes raking the woman upwards, Kagome saw the similarities from Morgiana: tan skin, long red hair, thin eyebrows. Despite the similarities, she did look a few years older than Morgiana.

Kagome took a mental note at the annoyance she displayed as she leaned against a wall with crossed arms.

Kagome tilted her head to the right. 'She's pretty.'

As soon as the comment was made in her head, Kagome jolted in her spot when her eyes caught those of the other female staring back.

"Oi."

Kagome blinked; she turned her head over her shoulder.

"I'm talking to you, woman."

Kagome quickly pointed at herself. "Me?"

"Obviously you are the one staring at me. What do you want?"

Kagome's brow twitched. What was her problem? She may have had the same features as Morgiana, but the attitude was completely on another spectrum. "I was only admiring your looks, but I can take it all back."

Scoffing, the red-head rolled her eyes. "Flattery won't get you friendship, woman." Shooing her away with her hand, she broke the eye contact. "Now move along. I have work to do." She clicked her tongue, "since when does a Fanalis of the army come down with tasks to babysit a human from Sindria. Tch, I am going to have a word with Lo'lo'!"

Kagome's lips parted. Did she say Sindria? Taking a step forward, Kagome's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Part of her wished it was not this girl that was waiting for her. "Are you…waiting for me?"

"Huh?" The girl's brow rose. Looking her up and down, the female soldier pushed herself off the wall before resting one hand on her hip. "Name."

'That's one way to ask…'. Sighing the thought out, Kagome straightened herself out. "Higurashi Kagome."

"Tch, so you are Sindria's representative?" Red hues took another look at the priestess's appearance. "Seems like Sindria isn't that big on appointing strong people."

"What?" Kagome's brow twitched once again. Everything about her statement had rubbed her off in the wrong way. Representative? Was she calling her weak? "Now wait a minute-!" Her lips immediately sealed thinking back to Ja'far's words. He had told her that he wrote a letter to Reim in hopes to let her in, but the only way was politically.

Now she understood; she cursed herself.

Extending her hand out, the red-head displayed her palm. "If that is you, then show me the papers Sindria signed."

Suspicion gloomed over Kagome's eyes as she slowly took out the wanted documents. Cautiously setting them on the woman's palm, Kagome held back a grunt the moment they were snatched.

Red eyes scanned the writing before scoffing at the signature and stamp at the end. Turning her back, the red-headed soldier looked at Kagome over shoulder. "Follow me."

"Follow?" Kagome repeated. "Where are we going?"

Focus shifted back to the crowded streets of Reim, the female soldier replied. "The palace; taking you to meet our brother."

"Brother…?"

Fidgeting under Kouha's braiding of his hair, Aladdin's eyes remained locked on his lap. Nine days on the caravan had not been so bad. In fact, Kouha and him had talked for most of the trip getting to know each other (and leaving out important details) but also talking about the travels they had made. Aladdin never believed that someone from Kou had such a cheerful personality, but then again, the lust for blood remained in their veins.

Feeling the caravan make a stop and hearing the horses whine, Kouha looked over his shoulder. "Oh? Are we finally here?"

Both the prince and the magi made their way out as the prince's female servants followed behind. Aladdin's eyes awed the grey brick structure blocking the rest of the Magnostadt view. The architecture was different from Sindria. Looking left and right, Aladdin noticed some of the merchants passing through a gate after getting permission from people who were dressed in black and white robes and wearing a witch's hat.

"Um…where's Mangnostadt Academy?" He asked, looking over at Kouha.

"This is just the checkpoint." Kouha pointed at the merchants being checked off. "The academy city is still a ways off." Pointing to a long line of individuals getting evaluated at a separate gate, Kouha smirked. "You've got to get through the entry check over there."

"Entry check?" Turning his head to the direction Kouha pointed, Aladdin watched as one magician with a clipboard instructed a heavily silver armored male to step forward. The armored male held a heavy metal hammer and walked towards the front person in line. Without warning, the armored male brought down the hammer over the individual only for it to be blocked by the simple barrier he made.

The magician nodded, "all right, next!"

"Well, goodbye, Aladdin!" Kouha waved off. "I've got some business to take care of! Do your best there!"

Waving back, Aladdin made his way to the line. Remembering Yamraiha's words, Aladdin took another look at his covered forearms. Yamraiha had placed a diamond ruby in each of his forearms that were embedded into his skin to contain the overflowing rukh magi received. It was a precaution; magicians in Magnostadt could see rukh. It was dangerous for him to use magic and rukh coming in without calling for them.

'Borg, huh?' He watched as each person was being tested to make a barrier. So that was the simple test Yamraiha had been talking about.

"Next!"

Swallowing his nerves, Aladdin made his way to stand before the armored male and waited for the incoming attack. Eyes narrowed, Aladdin tried his best to suppress the rukh from coming to him. As the hammer came down to hit, Aladdin's barrier encircled him within a golden sphere.

Aladdin's eyes widened as he saw a small wave of gold rukh flutter down from all directions. 'Oh no…!'

"W-What's going on?" The magician shooed away the rukh. "The rukh are…buzzing?" Watching them disappear into thing air, the magician shook his head. "Must have been my imagination." Shaking the thought, the magician looked at the small child. "Alright, you pass. Next!"

Aladdin held his relief until he passed the gates and walked into the tunnel leading to the academy. The darkness slowly diminished as the light at the other end expanded.

The pile of scrolls never finished; the more he eyed them, they just would not disappear from his desk. A tired sigh blew past Sinbad's lips as he signed the scroll in his hands before handing it over to Ja'far who was tying them in their proper form.

"You wouldn't have this much work to do if you didn't try to avoid them, Sin." Ja'far sighed as he grabbed the scroll from Sinbad's hand. "This is what happens when you procrastinate." Taking in his silence as a fuming annoyance to the task he had forced him to do, Ja'far shook his head and tied the scroll securely. Perhaps bringing up a certain subject would get him talking.

"I wonder if Higurashi-san and the others have arrived at their destinations."

Sinbad lowered the scroll in hand from his eyes before resuming back to his reading. "They should have by now."

Taking a peek of his king from the corner of his eyes, Ja'far's brow rose. "Will Higurashi-san be alright in Reim all on her own? After all, those documents stated she was a representative of Sindria."

Sighing under his breath again, Sinbad placed the scroll on his desk. A topic he wanted to avoid. He knew the priestess would be raging over the title she was given without her consent, but it was the only way. He granted her the permission to go off to Reim, as much as it soured him. It was the only way Reim was going to "welcome" her.

Sinbad grabbed the scroll again, "it was the only way if she was adamant about going to Reim."

Nodding, Ja'far allowed the second of silence to stretch before closing another scroll. "And are you adamant about her?"

Sinbad's eyes narrowed on his general. He knew the question was ready to sprout at any time. Especially when some of his generals had caught wind of the emotions brewing between him and the priestess. But there was no telling where these feelings would land. Feelings never guaranteed anything.

Sinbad sighed under his breath as his focus resumed on the scroll. "Time will tell, but for now I have to focus on what is best for my country."

The statement halted Ja'far from his own task before eyes narrowed with concern on his king. "Sin, you have to consider her feelings in all of this. Her morals and where her heart lay are different than yours, even if intentions on both sides mean well." It worried him – greatly. He had seen Sinbad grow to what he was now, and he knew what he was thinking. He used people, but he cared. Goals that were set by him were to be completed by any means necessary.

But there was life sprouting from him when he was with the priestess. Life that had been extinguished years ago. Sinbad was focused in making his country prosper, but also unite the whole world under one rule.

Kagome was becoming a blessing yet an issue to him.

Looking back down at the scrolls, Ja'far tied a knot. "Sin…you deserve to be happy."

Sinbad remained silent, but his thoughts continued to run. Whatever thoughts Ja'far had and concerns he carried, he had them, too. There was a lot to think about, a lot to plan for, and a lot to worry for. Allowing Kagome to go off to learn about herself was going to open a door to conflict. Conflict he was going to partake in if it meant she was in danger to being part of another kingdom.

A light knock at his door pulled him out of his cloud of thought.

"Come in."

"I apologize," Yamraiha peeked her head out, "but I brought a few more scrolls from my department that need to be looked over."

Sinbad closed his eyes as another tired sigh puffed out of him; Ja'far chuckled as he instructed the young mage to place them on the awaiting pile.

"Thank you, Yamraiha-san." Ja'far bowed with his head. "Yamraiha-san, how are your studies going for the barrier around Sindria?"

"There is progress." She smiled sweetly, "but there are few tweaks that must be done in order to make it stronger than the last. After Judal's attack, we all need to make extra precautions; there is no telling if my new barrier can also be broken into by a magi."

Thinking the same, Sinbad nodded slowly. A magi was gifted with an endless amount of rukh; a magi could do and make anything. But the moment a magi teamed up with a miko, there was no telling just what kind of power could be constructed between the two. If the myths were true, then they had to be careful.

After all, a miko was the closet being to the gods.

"But I'm hoping my student, Aladdinn-kun, has entered Magnostadt without issues!" Yamraiha placed her hand on her chest.

"We were talking about that," Ja'far added. "You think Aladdin-kun will do okay in the academy? Aren't the students there placed into six classes according to skill level?"

"Of course!" A proud expression flipped on her face. "He is my student! Knowing him, I am sure he landed in the first Kodor!"

"Sixth Kodor."

Aladdin blinked as he grabbed the gold medal from the magician who had tested his skill.

"All right, next!"

Turning his head to the next applicant, Aladdin watched as a flame erupted from the ground where the magician had placed a magic circle. A barrier made of light encased the flames, making sure the magic would stay within for safety measures. The magi stood silently watching the many applicants showcasing their magic to other magicians who wore the same black robes and witch hats. Were they instructors?

Looking back down at the sixth Kodor medal in his hands, Aladdin pouted. He had tried his best to show his own fire magic, but now he understood what Yamraiha had meant. The rukh had been supporting him for years now and this was the first time he would have to depend on his own skills.

"Fourth Kodor."

Aladdin took a few steps towards the older white bearded magician. "I don't understand…," he whispered, "mind if I give it another try?"

The magician's brow rose upon facing Aladdin's sheepish smile. "You really are an impudent transfer student." Sighing under his long white beard, he nodded and took out Aladdin's scroll from the side table next to him. "Go on."

Aladdin gleefully thanked him before coming to stand before the awaiting magic circle. Preparing his stance, Aladdin held his wooden staff with both hands and took a deep breath in. Aiming the top of his staff towards the magic circle, Aladdin's grip tightened.

"Halharl Infigare!"

A flame puffed in the middle of the magic circle before it flattened out into black smoke.

"Right," the magician nodded as he placed Aladdin's scroll back on the table, "sixth Kodor."

Head low, Aladdin took the paper from the magician's hand.

"What a lame little twerp!"

Hearing the scoff from behind, Aladdin looked over his shoulder to see a tan boy in his teens with white hair holding onto a serpent-like golden staff and wearing white robe. Aladdin blinked noticing the smug expression the teen held as his green hues narrowed with confidence before his laughter walked away with him.

Aladdin's brows dropped with worry as he took another look at the paper in hand.

'Sixth Kodor, huh…?'

Aladdin gets placed in 6th Kodor

The silence to the gold embellished palace was dreading and it only made the priestess's stomach churn with every step they took. The whole time – what she presumed to be a Fanalis as well – the female soldier walked in front of her without saying a word. Nothing. Reading her aura was fun though. Either she felt disgust towards or pure hate, but it made Kagome feel on edge about Reim. Everything about the palace screamed ancient Rome, but there was something a little different. There were small inventions here and there helping with farming, assisting merchants to carry products, and what she noticed were scholars both male and female.

For a country that harbored a magi, they were independent.

'A magi…'. Kagome's eyes dropped to the tiled floor, 'I do hope Aladdin-kun and the others have made it safely to their destinations.'

"What the hell?"

Coming to abrupt stop, Kagome's head snapped up to see they were in the middle of a large room with nothing but hallways in all directions and a skylight above them. The light descending on them made the place sparkle with elegance, but with rich ancestry. Speckles of dust slowly floated upwards in the sunlight; the quietness slowly set her mind at ease.

"These idiots better have not left on a mission with me and left me to babysit!"

Once more, Kagome's head turned to the female soldier in front of her now fuming in the middle of the spacious room. Raising a brow, Kagome watched as her rukh fluttered rapidly; she was mad.

'Wait, did she say babysit?' Had she meant babysitting her? Her?

"So?" The female soldier spoke, catching Kagome off guard. "Why would they send you here? Sindria, right?" She turned to face the priestess, "that dumb pompous king is so desperate to have connections everywhere, huh? He thought it be best to send a soft looking woman?" A scoff blew. "He truly is an idiot king."

Kagome's brow twitched in return; the insult was caught. Exhaling the rage out of her lips, Kagome rested her hands on her hips. "I'm here on my own accord to learn about Reim. I'm not here to make tensions erupt." And that was true. She could not even tell anyone whatever tensions were on the thread with each country. She was solely there to learn about herself and hopefully find a way back home. Matching her glare, Kagome's shoulders tensed only to unknot soon after at the feel of a group of auras slowly coming towards them.

"Learn about Reim, huh?" The soldier raised a brow. Reading the human's face, she could not help but narrow her eyes. This girl was not quivering under her? She would show her who had authority. Parting her lips to bark back, her lips immediately sealed as she felt a heavy arm rest on the top of her head. "H-Hey-!"

"Yo, Myron! How is the babysitting going?"

Kagome blinked at the sight of the tan, tall, and muscular male who had purposely placed his heavy toned arm on the girl. He grinned widely, showing his Glasgow smile on his left cheek showing his two row of teeth and the piercing under his lower lip. Her eyes immediately landed on the bright red hair held into a small ponytail. Red hair and red eyes. Head turning to the dark hall, Kagome's focus narrowed to see a group of males and females dressed in the same golden armor as her escort and all having the same red hair.

Laughter gathered in the once soulless room; Kagome gulped as she saw some of the armored Fanalis eyeing her with caution.

"Get off, Lo'lo!" Myron swatted his arm away before turning to face him. "Big brother had left you in charge of this in the first place!"

His smirk stretched, "not my fault you suck at gambling." Adding to the laughter from everyone around, Lo'lo shook his head ignoring the menacing glare Myron emitted. His eyes landed on the silent human woman staring at him – observing him. The grin remained. "This is the human you are babysitting?"

"Can we all stop calling it babysitting?" Kagome's tone was caught heavy with fury slowly leaking.

"Ho…?" Lo'lo's brow rose. She could bite. "This human is interesting."

"The name is Kagome; I really would like it if you didn't refer me as 'human'. I am sure you wouldn't like it if I called you 'Fanalis'."

"And how do you know we are Fanalis?" Myron crossed her arms. "I have said nothing."

"You don't need to," Kagome replied. "I have a friend who looks exactly like you."

"A friend you say?" Lo'lo questioned. Fanalis were an untrustworthy race and one believed to become monsters. What kind of human would become friends with them? Or more so, what kind of Fanalis would friend a human? "Interesting Fanalis friend you have then."

"An unfortunate Fanalis." Myron scoffed, turning away from Kagome's glare. Crossing her arms, Myron looked among the army of Fanalis. "Where is big brother? He was the one supposed to pick up this girl since the beginning?"

"Huh, you keep getting passed down from person to person, huh?" Lo'lo chuckled as he looked at the priestess from the corner of his eyes.

Myron pointed at the buff male, "he told you to take her! And your lazy ass told me to do it instead! When I agreed to be part of this group I didn't agree to be an escort."

"I thought you would like the company~."

Brow twitching back at Lo'lo's smirk, Myron felt her anger ready to lash out. Tip toeing to meet his teasing grin, Myron jabbed a finger into his chest. "I'll have you know that I don't need friends! Anyone weaker than me isn't allowed to get chummy with me! This human is-!"

Watching from the sidelines, Kagome was left to take in the argument and the audience around her. Her ears caught their arguing, but she was not paying attention to the bickering for sure. Was this Morgiana's family? Any connection at all? There was no telling unless the young teen was there, but even so, 'there are so many of them. Morgiana-chan had told me that most of her kind had been captured and enslaved'. Why were they-?

Kagome's head turned to the right upon catching a sliver of strong rukh coming from the hall where they had all emerged. Focus narrowing on the dark hall, Kagome noticed the small rukh fluttering out of the hall before fly around her and back to their origin.

'This aura…'.

"Ma, ma! That isn't how family is supposed to be!"

Laughter broke the fight, making everyone present to turn their focus on the muscular male dressed in the same gold armor giving them a warm smile. Kagome remained silent as the other Fanalis greeted the male with grins, (harsh) playful shoves, and jokes. He was tall, that Kagome had noticed right away; he was easily another foot taller than her. The visible rukh only to her continued to emit from his body, especially from his hip where his sheathed sword rested. Raising a brow, the priestess noticed a magic circle, the same as Sinbad's and Alibaba's, embed on the front.

'That's a-'.

"Who is this?"

Kagome blinked, refocusing her eyes back up to meet his eyes and smile.

"This is the girl Sindria sent." Myron replied. "Did you suddenly forget that the stupid king was sending someone, Muu?"

Muu laughed, "of course not. I apologize for having sent you guys instead of myself. I got caught up talking to Scheherazade-sama about a few things."

'Scheherazade-sama?' Kagome caught the name. His tone held respect.

"So you're from Sindria, correct?" Muu questioned.

Fished back into the conversation, Kagome nodded slowly. As much as she hated the title now to be Sindria's representative, she knew she had to go with the flow. "My name is Kagome Higurashi," she bowed her head, "thank you for the approval of my arrival."

The smile remained on his lips, "not at all. We are honored to have someone representing Sindria to come and keep the connections flowing and balanced. Although this is a first they are sending a female. Are you a scholar?"

She scratched her cheek, "um, I guess you could say that?"

Placing his hand on his chest, the tall Fanalis bowed respectfully. "Well, it is a pleasure to have you here, Higurashi-san. My name is Muu Alexius; I am the leader of the Fanalis Corps here in Reim."

"Nice to meet you…". Kagome nodded slowly, taking in his introduction. Fanalis Corps? She took another look at the muscular and rambunctious group of Fanalis. They were an army? For Reim?

"Scheherazade-sama has been waiting for your arrival, Higurashi-san."

Pulled out of her thoughts, Kagome's eyes landed back on Muu, noticing he had straightened out of his bow. "S-Scheherade-?"

"Scheherazade-sama." He repeated. A smile played on his lips before turning his body to reveal the hallway behind him. "Reim's Great Priestess."

Kagome's pupils widened slightly at the title. Priestess? Retracting her shock, thoughts of Judal flooded her mind. 'Now that I think about it, Kou is calling Judal their priest. Ja'far-san mentioned Reim having their own magi. Is this her?' Countries had their priestesses and priests? Did that mean they were all magi? But from the scrolls she had read in Sindria, only three magi at a time were present. 'But it doesn't explain Aladdin-kun being the fourth…'. The questions continued to swarm her, but one thing was clear in the equation.

Sinbad had no magi.

Muu turned his back, "I will escort you to her."

"Where is she anyways?" Myron questioned. "She isn't in her study?"

"Unfortunately, she is not." Muu shook his head. "She should be resting, but there is one place in mind that she would go to if it isn't her study." Looking at Kagome over his shoulder, his smile remained on his lips. "Shall we?"

"Uh yes!" Walking behind and trying her best not to fall behind his wider steps, Kagome ignored the hardened stares on her person from the other Fanalis as they made a path for them – or more so for their leader. Compared to Morgiana and Masrur, the Fanalis in this corps were not to be messed with.

Watching them get swallowed by the shadows of the hall, Lo'lo whistled. "Still think it's fishy that the old magi woman would allow someone from Sindria here. Funnier that Muu is so calm about it."

"Calm?" Myron scoffed. "We are all on edge about her." Eyes narrowed on the hallway as she crossed her arms. "I'm sure big brother will say something."

Lo'lo released a laugh, "say something? He will make her quiver in fear, watch! He, more than anyone, despises anyone from Sindria."

The walk seemed eternal as the silence thickened around them. Their surroundings constantly changed from lobbies, to outside halls, and stairs leading up and down. To where they were going, she had no idea. Her eyes raked his form upwards before looking back at the sheathed sword at his hip.

'Dungeon capturer…'. It was the same rukh Alibaba and Sinbad harbored. If he was the leader of the Fanalis Corps and a dungeon capturer, he was someone they could not underestimate. 'Not to mention, he carries himself with high confidence.'

"Are they all Fanalis?" She asked.

Looking over his shoulder, Muu raised a brow before his focus returned to the path ahead. "They are all Fanalis; they are all rescued."

"Rescued?" She repeated. "Slaves…".

"Ah," Muu once again looked over his shoulder, "so you are aware of our race? I'm surprised."

Eyes dropping from his gaze, Kagome gulped. She had not meant the word to be said without thought, but Morgiana's story of her days as a slave sprung in her mind. If she remembered correctly, Ja'far had slightly mentioned Masrur being one as well before Sinbad had rescued him. It left a sour taste on her tongue thinking to this world still chained to the idea of having slaves. No world was perfect, but the level of corruption she has experienced in each place she set foot on was different.

This world was a jumble of corruption.

The abundance of cheers sprung her back to reality; eyes landed on the entrance of a colosseum. She blinked before looking down to see they had entered from an attached outside hall elevated high from the ground and entering the higher floors of the building. The cheers continued making her raise a brow. Their priestess was here? Making their way inside the hall, now with the cheers enveloping them into the atmosphere, she guessed an event was taking place.

"What kind of place is Reim, if I may ask?"

Waiting for his reply, Kagome was taken back by his sudden stop. She blinked at the sight of his aura waves shaking. Lips parted to apologize for the question, Kagome froze as she saw Muu turning his body to face her diagonally.

"I have tried to understand Scheherazade-sama's decision to allow this. A decision I opposed since the beginning."

Kagome caught the defensive and toxic tone towards her; eyes narrowed thinly. "Excuse me?"

"I will be straightforward," Muu continued, eyes dangerously narrowing on her person, "I do not like the idea of having a representative from Sindria on our lands. Wanting to learn about Reim is a cover story for whatever reason Sindria sent you. Establishing friendlier terms with Scheherazade-sama? A mutual alliance?"

'That's what Sinbad-san told them?' This was placing her in a tight situation; she had thought Reim and Sindria were on tame terms. Had she been wrong to assume? Her body tensed as soon as she caught his aura hardening with rage.

"Sindria, nor its people, are to be trusted. Anyone coming from that king couldn't possibly have morally good intentions." Taking a step towards the girl, Muu leaned closer to meet her directly in her eyes. "I won't be fooled. If I suspect any harm to Reim or Scheherazade-sama from you, I will not hesitate to eliminate you on the spot. Do I make myself clear?"

Intimidation.

Rejecting the idea to coward away, Kagome held her form strong as she tilted her chin with pride. Her gaze never left his.

"Very clear."

One thing was clear, she would fend for herself no matter where she went in this world.

MizukixTsukiyomi's Notes: And Muu has entered Pure Rukh! I do look forward to writing his character and the upcoming chapters. Everything will be going up and down in terms of angst now. Thank you for taking the time to read and it would mean a lot if your time permits leaving a review.

Again, thank you! I do hope you all enjoyed!

Ja~ne!