Princess of Balbadd (Magi x Reader)

Labyrinth of Loneliness

AN: Super-Long-Climatic-Chapter, ENJOY!

"I will go. I'll make sure she comes back alive."

~*~

"(y/n)! (y/n)!!!" Sinbad yells, banging on the barrier that prevents him from entering the dungeon after you. "Bring her back!"

"One such as you that has been to many dungeons should already know there is only one way back," the djinn responds through the shimmery veil.

He reprimands himself, "I shouldn't have brought her along. I knew something bad would happen." He implores to the djinn, "At least let me in to protect her! I won't try to take the dungeon's power for myself."

The soft, hallowed voice of the djinn echoes, "I refuse to let you enter."

Sinbad shouts, "Why?! If you can reject anyone you wish then why let those not strong enough to survive in? So many lives wouldn't be lost."

"Think of the entrance as a mousehole and your power has grown too big to enter," the djinn responds.

Realizing he can't reason his way in, his fist pounds the unyielding barrier again then he sinks down to his knees with clenched teeth. His shoulders shake visibly from his frustration. Masrur and Ja'far watch him silently for a few minutes.

"Good grief," Ja'far sighs deeply and starts unwinding the red wires from his arms.

Sinbad's eyes open and he looks back at Ja'far questioningly. "What are you doing?"

"My household resides in my kunai. Perhaps without them I can follow Princess (y/n) and watch out for her?"

He hands his kunai to Sinbad. He takes a deep breath then raises his hand to the barrier. It feels pliant as his fingers press into it. But still it will not let him pass through. At first he bites his lip, but then his eyes narrow.

"Please," Ja'far begs, "As being household members, Masrur and I are unable to claim your power. At the very least you should allow us to aid the princess."

"Would you sacrifice your life on that?" asks the djinn.

"Huh?" The three look up at the ethereal silhouette.

The djinn elaborates, "Only one may leave here alive. Anyone else who enters would be sacrificed. Is it worth protecting her, knowing it's at the cost of your own life?"

The notion weighs heavy on the trio in silence for a couple of minutes.

Ja'far's fist clenches on the barrier. With dark resolve, he mutters "If you would command it, Sin, I will go. I'll make sure she comes back alive."

"Don't be ridiculous!" snaps Sinbad, standing up.

Shocked, Ja'far opens his eyes. "Huh?"

"I told you long ago that I'm extremely greedy and will not lose even one of my comrades. That includes you." Sinbad hands Ja'far the kunai back and gives him a thumbs up.

"But Sin! Without Prin..."

"We'll have to hope for the best. Put our faith in her. This isn't her first dungeon." He may have been trying to convince himself not to worry, but he did a good job looking confident in his words to his vassals.

The djinn affirms, stating, "It is wise to not throw your lives away. There is but one comfort I may offer you. Every day she spends in the dungeon will only be one hour to you. You should be assured of her fate by morning."

Standing tall, Sinbad faces the impenetrable entrance with his arms crossed in front of him as he heroically dictates, "Ja'far, Masrur...take the boat to the palace and begin unloading the cargo into the treasury. I will stay here to greet Princess (y/n) upon her success."