destinystrings | ( 001▐ our responsibilities together. ) closed.

Entry tags:

( 001▐ our responsibilities together. ) closed.

who: judal & aladdin.
where: pisces ward, near the apartment.
when: backdated on the day of newbies' arrival, 01/13.
summary: aladdin shares the city information he received to judal. they properly talk about what to do from now on.
warnings: spoilers for magi later on.

[ Hours passed since the two Magi started collecting information. They ended up working together to make the task easier... The culture of this world is too much for them to bear. The fact that, they are the only two from their world as well, is quite perplexing. They had an agreement to share what they find. By staying together, even temporarily, they might have a better chance of finding a way home.

Of course, the news about that isn't the best. However, the sun has completely set. With the sheet of gentle dark blue crossing the sky, all should know the indication that the time for rest is approaching. Aladdin looks back at Judal, who is a few meters away. He walks quickly to approach the older Magi to tell him that they should rest soon, but notices that he's still talking to a local. The little oracle waits for him to finish. ]

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[Quite pleased the reddened mark, Judal gives the boy a satisfied smirk. Aladdin's expression only adds to his current growing amusement. Though, it doesn't last very long the moment his address is mentioned.]

You don't need to know...! Besides, we still have to go over the information that we've gathered, right?

[Not that Judal managed to find anything at all...]

I already know where your room is, so we should just head to yours! After we're done, I'll leave and go to my own place.

[Stupid Judal. Aladdin repeats that within his mind this time, continuing to pout as he slides out two maps. One was given to him by Yukko, while the other was found in the City Hall, courtesy of Fuuka's information.

First, he reads over the Ward Map to check where "Pisces" is. When he's received that information, he reads the more detailed map from City Hall to look at the streets, and where to pass. Time to time, he glances up to find road signs; just to make sure that he's reading it correctly.]

We're pretty close to my lodging, according to these. It should be this way...

[Leading the way, Aladdin begins to trail off. The end of his robe flutters together with his blue braid against the night breeze. Against the crowd, the two of them are dressed completely strangely. They stick out like shining coins in water.]

[Judal felt that he might have slid by a little too easily there. Though the result would have been the same even if Aladdin protested or not. Judal refuses to hand over private information like that to the kid.]

Don't keep us waiting. Just keep walking.

[And the Magi gestures the boy to hurry along faster.]

And watch out for your dress. It might fly up and everyone will see.

[Their clothes definitely give off quite an impression, not that he particularly cared. Perhaps the only problem he has is the fact that his clothes aren't exactly weather appropriate for the time of year. The night air in this place felt a lot colder compared to how it is back home. Judal is seen visibly shivering a little.]

[Unfortunately for Judal, Aladdin wasn't able to hear his tease this time around. A car just passed by, the speed and zoom of its motor and wheels was enough to overcome Judal's voice. The more distance they have as well, the more their smaller voices disappear within the large crowd of the city...

It's not as if he completely missed it. However, he's only managed to hear a couple of the words.

Turning around with a better smile, Aladdin is quick to forget all that's happened throughout the day so far. Although the younger Magi hasn't forgiven the other for that night, he didn't want a thing like past grudges to weigh him down. There's still the present, and the future... If he really wanted to save everyone and aid the world to move forward, then he, too, should know how to do so.

"Watch out." It wasn't the full sentence, in fact he completely missed the point, but Aladdin is sincerely happy about Judal's warning.]

... I'll be okay!

[As he returns to look forward, the tiny Magi waits for all the cars to pass through before he keeps on leading on.]

[Judal had thought the air was starting to smell a little... strange. The minute the car drives by, he realizes that's where the source came from. The Magi finds himself staring curiously as it disappear down the streets.

By the time the older boy finally faced forward, he noticed a significant gap had appeared between him an Aladdin. The car must have distracted him long enough that his pace began to slow down. Judal didn't want to lose sight of the boy, but he didn't want to run after him either. Instead, the Magi takes awkward big steps in order to close the distance...

...And nearly trips when Aladdin suddenly turns around. Nearly. He was mid-step when the boy faces him, and Judal quickly moves back to bring his feet together.]

H-huh...?

[Did he hear that correctly? The pipsqueak is okay with flashing his undergarments to everyone in public? Is that what this kid is trying to say?

... What the hell is that stupid king teaching him?!]

You should really stay away from that idiot king before he further poisons you with his filth!

[... What? How is Sinbad suddenly related in this conversation?

It may have been random for Aladdin's side, but how Judal is displaying added concern makes him even happier. So, he does have this kind of side to him... The day may have started horribly, but having to witness Judal's more pleasant sides has already made it more tolerable. Aladdin hopes that this is a confirmation that there's hope for him to get to know this strange Magi.

Still, how completely unrelated that was causes him to start laughing a little.]

Ahaha! What are you saying, Judal?

[He probably shouldn't say anything to agitate Judal, though. He wouldn't want him to start bullying him again or maybe even cause the other boy to flee.]

... You don't have to worry about that, though. I haven't seen Sinbad for a while.

Ah... I see. So the damage as already been done then...

[If Aladdin and Sinbad have been apart for a while, and Aladdin still continues to act that way, Judal can only assume one thing; the Sindrian king and rubbed off his bad habits onto Aladdin.]

For a pipsqueak your size and age, you sure act like it's no big deal...

[Maybe walking with a large gap in between them is a good idea after all.

It's like an disease has been passed on from one idiot to another. Judal certainly didn't want to catch any of that!]

Anyway, that's not my business! Whatever you do, that's up to you! I don't care and I won't bother with it!

What do you mean?

[ ?? ] [With the confusion growing, Aladdin wants to make sure that he's not missing out a point here. He doesn't continue walking yet, instead staring up at the older boy with those set of questioning eyes.]

[You're choosing now of all times to question him, Aladdin? Geez.]

I already stated that it's not my business concerning your indecent interests and hobbies.

[That somewhat vague statement should be more than enough for you, right?]

Now quit stalling and take us to where we need to go. I'm really getting tired over here...!

["It's not my business," huh? After saying what he did?]

I don't really get it, but...

["I won't say thank you." Even if Judal genuinely displayed concern for him or not, he won't say it... If it weren't for his actions, then he wouldn't have lost what he had. Saying such words would somehow feel... as if he thanked him for such horrible things. Just for today, he won't say it.

Aladdin's already moved on. It wasn't entirely bad... If it weren't for that incident, he wouldn't have gained what he did. It was Judal who first showed him about magic and made him truly realize just what a "Magi" is capable of. Regardless of it not being in the best manner, his eyes met with reality. The world is beautiful, yet cruel. Of course, he'll eventually fully forgive him... He didn't need anything weighing him down over something that couldn't be changed anymore.

Before that day comes, Aladdin wants to get to know Judal first, in order for him to properly thank the older boy with a brighter smile. Aladdin has to wonder why Judal fights the way he does. Someday, he wishes that he'll understand that; to realize what motivates Judal, as he believes that everyone has their reasons for what they do.]

But... Whether we like it or not, our paths have inevitably crossed.

[Aladdin's next smile is tamer. He's distant, because he knows that they're too different... Even if they're both the same, as they exist as Magi, they're different in heart and existence.

Still, it's these differences that make them able to have conversations and thoughts like these. More than ever, he's looking forward to getting to know him.]

Go ahead and keep playing dumb!

[I don't care.

It would be the third time if Judal says those words again. But repeating them would only seem like he's trying too hard to prove that. There's no need for the pipsqueak to question him on that too.

Before he makes anymore snarky retorts, the Magi takes a moment to pause and ponder over the last few words the other boy had just spoken.]

Do you think it's fate that has lead us to this point? Don't you think that's something worth cursing?

[He's grinning like he'd just said something witty. Well, in Judal's opinion, that's exactly what he'd did! He definitely deserves a pat on the back for that one.]

I just want to make one thing clear, Chibi. This ceasefire is only temporary. I may not dislike you, but I don't exactly like you either.

[He takes several steps ahead of them and then stops when he's put further distance between them.]

I'm making use of you so I can get back home quicker. I actually do have important things to do. And if you're not going to play with me, then I don't want to be around you for more than I have to.

No. I may follow fate, but it's not something that's decided yet... That's why no one can answer. Fate is about creating it. In order to advance forward, we need to be able to face circumstances like these.

[... And, like what happened to Balbadd, as well as numerous other important events that will forever stay in him. In Balbadd, after Al Sarmen did what they had, he then was destined to save the people with a miracle. That was his fate at the time.

He has to wonder again if this is truly fate or not. The answers won't come overnight, but he'll be sure to investigate thoroughly. No matter how long it will take, he can't back down. He has a promise to keep, and a role to finish.]

... But, I do know that you have your own to follow.

[Cursing fate, though... Is that really it? To Aladdin, it seems something else behind the concept. Al Sarmen orchestrated everything, even before Judal ever understood anything. Isnan hasn't told him anything much, but he firmly believes in himself. He will find out.]

Judal, what ever you're doing, as long as it will harm our world... I will continue to fight.

[Hearing that declaration makes Judal grin just a little. There's a certain spark that immediately returns in his eyes as looks over his shoulder.]

You'll continue to fight, huh? Good.

[It won't be as much fun if the pipsqueak easily accepts his end. Easy, yes. But definitely boring. Aladdin is the little dragonfly that's been caught in Judal's hands. And he plans on slowly plucking off his legs and wings before it's all over.]

We'll definitely end up back on opposite sides again the moment we make it back home. And I can't let you get in the way of the Kou Empire or Al Sarmen. What kind of Magi would I be if I allowed something like that?

But it's nice to see that you'll keep things interesting for me. I look forward to it, Chibi.

The "Kou Empire," you always speak of them so proudly. That doesn't seem to be the case for "Al Sarmen."

[Judal may follow Al Sarmen and protect their ideals, but he never seems to speak of them as proudly as he does with Kou. Is there a difference here?]

Judal... Why do you fight? All of us have our own reasons of doing so. You told me before that you didn't know what to do, because your power is too much. However, that's not a real reason... At least, I don't consider it to be.

[There has to be something behind that concept. Aladdin glances at the other boy as they continue to walk, remaining with that calm glance.]

I truly do wish to understand. I've always... wanted to ask you so many things.

That's because Al Sarmen is full of bossy and boring old men. I can't do whatever I want when it concerns them. It's not as restrict when I'm hanging around the old hag and the others!

[That may or may not be the real reason why he has different attitudes towards them. But if he's just going to be a tool that they needed to use, then Judal didn't need to act so fondly about them.]

But is it really a surprise that I'm proud of the Kou Empire? I have a handful of powerful king candidates. Even you have to admit that's rather impressive, right? Hakuryuu has also returned home. Don't you think that will make quite an interesting development?

[Aladdin has Alibaba with him. And while Judal can't see his worth, Al Sarmen felt particularly threatened by the pair. That's why they've been aiming so hard to kill these two off. But he couldn't possibly compare to the likes of Kouen. What's there to be so wary of?]

And why do I fight? Hmm...

[Judal puts on a thoughtful look as if he's really trying to put up a reasonable explanation. Instead, Judal simply asks:]

Hey... don't you think it's a little unfair?

What is?

["I can't do whatever I want when it concerns them," is it?]

... If it's following Al Sarmen, I would think so. But, if you knew that from the start, why? You have a reason, don't you?

[Judal doesn't like being controlled. But, why is it that he allows Al Sarmen to make use of him? It's not hard to piece out that Judal is useful to them, as he is a Magi.

The only thing that Aladdin can think of is a promise. It might be... similar to his situation. All though circumstances are different, how they feel for what they do could be similar. Even though the path is difficult, they move on regardless, all for the sake of fulfilling a dream.]

No, not that. I'm talking about the people who've lived through terrible fates.

[Kassim and Dunya are prime examples that Aladdin should know about. Judal could even use himself as an example.]

Why are we the ones that have to go through something like that while there are others who lead pleasant and happy lives?

[Like the ones in Sindria. Everything about that place seemed really beautiful and peaceful. Almost to the point where it brought a sickening feeling in the pit of Judal's stomach.]

It's not luck or chance that I was born as a Magi. It's fate. But what if I hadn't? I'd still live in that poor but peaceful village you saw with the comfort of my parents. But the same fate that brought me the power that I love so much also took that home away from me.

[And before Aladdin could question why he'd follow Al Sarmen when it was the organization's fault, Judal is quick to answer.]

I'm fully aware it's Al Sarmen that killed my parents and later took advantage of me. You know, I should really hate them but even I'm unsure about my own feelings. They've given me a even greater source of power; the Black Rukh! I'll go along with their plans because I like their ideals. I want to throw the entire world into nothing but chaos and despair. That way, everyone can get an equal taste of those who've been given a far less fortunate fate.

Edited 2013-01-22 07:23 (UTC)

[It all comes down to that. It wasn't too hard to piece that as the possible reason. Hearing it is a different matter. His heart thumps heavily, not liking how such feelings keep constantly tainting the human heart.

It's so easy to feel anger and wish revenge, Aladdin almost was taken by those urges as well. He was just luckily reminded of what was important. He is indeed lucky, because he had a lot of precious people to hold pain with him... That may have been what kept his sanity.

He truly can understand. He almost wished death upon himself once, too. But, if it weren't for Ugo...

Judal. He... Aladdin has to wonder, if the reason of why he's so hurt like this, was because he didn't have anyone like that.]

You're right. It is unfair... But, it's just as unfair to blame others who have nothing to do with it!

Even if you all were to succeed, will your heart truly heal from ending the world? When everything is reduced to nothing, even you will lose everything that you might have right now.

When everyone dies... Yet, there is no one to remember any of us.

So, are you trying to say it's alright for others to feel happy while there are those who end up suffering?

[His expression is blank as he silently approaches the boy. Though seemingly calm, he abruptly grabs Aladdin by the front of his shirt and lifts him up so that his feet were no longer touching the ground.]

I see that you're still a completely naive brat. It's wrong of me to think that part of you has changed in anyway.

[His expression darkens as he grip onto the cloth even tighter.]

But I admit, I'm not doing this for people who've suffered a wretched fate. I'm doing this to satisfy myself.

[Judal already feels that his heart can no longer be healed. Since there really is nothing left in this world for him, he didn't care.]

I'll be please to know that I won't be alone in it. Everyone can fall with me.

No! That's not...

[What point Aladdin wanted to come across is quickly halted. After being grabbed and lifted, his hands reflexively take hold of the offending one. His grip is tight, but not enough to cause pain. His eyes widen a little as he listens to these sad words, knowing well that his chest is starting to tighten. It's not from being held up like this, but those words themselves...]

"I won't be alone..." When you say that, you think of yourself as being all alone, don't you?

I've felt that before. —No, I feel it even now.

[Because even if Aladdin has everyone by his side, none of them are like him. He's a Magi that wasn't even supposed to exist. The only thing that they all know is that something unbounded will happen... Something that has never happened before in their world's history. What's his role in such a place? His knowledge is still limited now, maybe Judal is right to call him naive, but he wants to change that so much! He doesn't want to be the one naive anymore!

No matter if he's different from everyone, that doesn't stop him from loving them. In fact, this might be the reason why he loves them the way he does.]

Even so... There's still a way for people like us to not feel that way! Judal, if you just opened your eyes... I'm sure that there's someone out there that would be willing to understand you! Kassim, Dunya... They both found that! No matter how harsh or terrible their lives were before, they found it...

I'd like to remind you that both of them perished after they managed to find it.

[Though in the end, it's due to the fact that they used the fake metal vessels that had been given to them.]

What I'm doing isn't any different. But I'll be having everyone join me. There won't be a single person left behind.

[Judal's attention turns to the busy streets where cars are noisily zooming on by and he remains silent for a long while.]

Hey, Chibi, do you want to get ahead of everyone else and reach that place first?

[He doesn't wait for the boy's answer and simply carries him over towards the streets. As a car appears from the distance, he waits for the car to come closer before the Magi practically dumps Aladdin onto the street.]

[Just as the vehicle was closing in on the little Magi, it suddenly begins to slow down until it comes to a complete stop. The traffic lights had turn to red and the pedestrian crossing lights had changed to a walking sign.

All the while, Judal seems to be smirking at the boy for whatever reaction he might have had.]

Did you wet yourself a little there?

[His mind just blanks out the moment he was dropped down. Hearing the unfamiliar noise from the approaching vehicle already causes his heart to run faster. That long, suffering sound of the modern world's call, the way the bright lights of technology quickly closes in... The rolling thunder is going to smash him completely.

He wanted to push himself to get up immediately; he had to leave this floor immediately! Though, something may have been knocked at the back of his head... His fear of the unknown exceeded this realization. His head suffered a momentary concussion from the fall, causing his vision to split in a matter of moments.

That was it. After several tears leave his face, those wide eyes of his dull away from color, fainting against the gray, cold ground. Despite what just happened in the mere span of ten seconds, he utters something as the light from his blue eyes fade:]

Judal...

[He'd only meant to do it as a little joke. But when Aladdin suddenly faints, that causes an immediate sense of alarm. For a long while, Judal didn't know what to do. He tries to wait for the boy to wake up. But when the minutes passed by and the traffic lights have changed. And when it became evident that Aladdin isn't going to wake up anytime soon, Judal had no choice but to pull him out of the streets himself.]

Hey... Hey, Chibi!

[The Magi pats the boy on the face in hopes of waking him up. But when the plan seemed a bit fruitless, it seemed like it's now Judal's job to get them to their destination. Not to mention, his actions seems to have brought attention to onlookers.

Not wanting any unnecessary confrontation, he hoists the boy over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and quickly flees the scene.]

[Aladdin doesn't know what happened after that, nor how long it took before he regained consciousness. Of course, his head is painful; though thankfully, it wasn't severe. He opens his eyes slowly, taking his time to recover his sight.

When he could somehow manage a better vision, he realizes that he's now inside of a room instead of the noisy streets outside. For a moment, he doesn't think or move, until the present eventually returns to him... He tries to turn his head, but even that ached so much. That's why he does it at a minimal amount, just enough to glance aside instead of the ceiling's view.]

... Judal?

[Did he leave...? Where is this room? If only he can move...]

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