viii - masque

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Alibaba was the type of person who will likely run from his problems—even avoiding it entirely as is happened. He was a prince who ran from his beloved country as it went downhill and broken more than it should have been.

Balbadd had always have problem with bandits and criminality on it's ground. But nobody would ever think that a prince will side with a bandit troupe.

And that's exactly what he explained to Aladdin.

(I am not a perfect person you might think of me to be.)

Aladdin, as accepting as he is, just smiled the best smile he can. "I know."

The Fog Troupe's plan on robbing a noble house was executed quite successfully—only if you exclude the fact that Alibaba opened his mask in public and he met Aladdin. Something he didn't think will happen this early.

But sooner or later, he will need to talk about this to Aladdin.

He need to explain before Aladdin choose what he want to do.

"I've killed and robbed."

(I am not entirely good person.)

"I know."

Alibaba didn't want Aladdin to be disappointed. He was a kind boy, a lovely magician, he didn't need to be associated in him—runaway prince that had took a path of revenge. Aladdin was a pure boy that didn't need to be a friend with a dirty person like him.

"I've betrayed and run "

(Shouldn't you be afraid of me?)

"I know."

(So, why?)

Alibaba is a pretender with quite the look and luck. Lucky enough for him to be able to conquer a dungeon with a random boy that turned out to be a Magi. Lucky enough to make it back alive and could travel back to his hometown. Lucky enough to found his family once again and became a leader of bandits.

Lucky enough to be the son of a king—something that actually start everything.

(...if only I am not the prince, what will became of me?)

Those blue eyes stared deeply at his yellow ones, not judging nor prying. It made him feel bad of himself.

(He. A liar. How could one became a fair king, loved by his citizen.)

(He. A runaway. How could one became a good example, followed by his country.)

(He. A bandit. How could one—)

He had many reasons. Doubts .

"Why do you choose me?"

A gentle smile appeared in understanding—Aladdin still believed in him.

"Because now I know."

Of the words hidden behind those lines.

Of a fear hidden beneath his mask.

Of many feeling hidden from the world, far inside of his little heart.

(You could choose a friend far better than myself.)

And Morgiana, the fanalis who kidnapped him tonight, could only shake her head. "Now that we know, do not make us afraid more than this, Alibaba-san."

He smiled helplessly. "I can't win over you."

(The things that left unsaid, the feeling that left inside—)

And the building shook as the Troupe attacked, intent to get their leader back and rob some filthy rich people. The three of them promptly go in action.

But before it—"I am glad I've ever met you."

Well, it's true.

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trivia:

masque means "mask" in french

the dialogue is really scarce, sorry