Sinbad, this is Crystal.

Chapter 8

"I hereby acknowledge you, Sinbad, as my sovereign king!"

A white glow consumed the treasure room and the dungeon disappeared. The six men were standing where the entirety of the dungeon used to stand, and where sacks of treasure now lie.

"It looks like we made it back out," said Sinbad.

What a strange feeling, Hina thought. We haven't been in the dungeon for long, but it feels very nostalgic here.

"Welcome home," Father's voice echoed.

~

One by one, each bag of riches was moved and in wagons for Imuchuakk.

Hina and Sinbad stood in front of Father.

"Father, I must-" Hina started.

"Son, it's time to go home. The ritual awaits."

Sinbad smiled for Hina.

"If you'll excuse me for moment," said Drakon as he walked away.

"Wait up, Drakon!" shouted Sinbad.

Drakon's back was still facing Sinbad. "Nothing has changed, we're still enemies. We joined forces in the dungeon for our survival. Now that we're out, there's no reason to continue as friends."

"Ohhhh..." said Sinbad in a dumbfounded, teasing way.

"What the hell's with that look?"

"Oh, no, it's nothing really..." Sinbad chuckled.

Stubborn as a mule. 

"Anyway, I'm going back to my country. I know it will be risky, but I'm willing to face the odds. There's someone I have to protect back there."

"I see," Sinbad replied happily. "Well, good luck with that."

Drakon smiled at Sinbad.

"I'm certain this is the last time we'll meet." Drakon walked away.

Sinbad, Drakon thought. If I were free, I would've made you my master. Drakon snorted to himself and smiled. What am I saying? He'd put me through hell if he were my master.

A small fragment of Baal's blue light flew into Drakon's jeweled earring, a household member. A household members are attracted to the kings who possess the metal vessel of a Djinn. Drakon, the warrior who recieved the blessing of a king's magoi and its Djinn, was the very first in the world to obtain this incredible power. However, he still doesn't get to use those powers. Whether he ever does, only time can tell.

~

"Now, let's go home!" Sinbad shouted.

The crowd around him and Hina cheered for them, carrying sacks of riches towards Imuchuakk.

As they arrived at the gate to the village, Sinbad was greeted by Crystal sprinting towards at top speed with Pipirika struggling to keep up behind her.

"Sinbad!" Crystal yelled as she tackled him into the snow.

Sinbad's sack fell next to them and yelped in surprise as his back met the cold ground. Crystal wrapped her arms around Sinbad and buried her face in his chest.

"You worried me so much!" Her familiar and soft voice welcomed Sinbad, something he didn't he missed.

Sinbad slowly stood up, with Crystal still hugging him tight against her body. The cold made him hyperaware of the warm radiating off of her.

"You've been gone for so long," she said, "You idiot."

Sinbad smiled and gently wrapped his arms around her in return. He lowered his head into her hair.

"I missed you too, Crystal," he said. It was so quiet and smooth coming from his mouth, like velvet. Crystal melted.

They pulled away slowly, and their eyes met. Only ever in these moments does Sinbad feel so electrified, with Crystal's glowing face staring at him.

Her eyes dropped below his eyes, to his lips, then the rest of his body, littered with scratches and bruises.

"Look at what happened to you!" said Crystal. 

Her brows furrowed as she stared at him intently. 

Sinbad raised his hands, in an attempt to calm her down, but it agitated her more.

"And your hand was cut!" Crystal's hands shot up and reached up to grab Sinbad's hand.

Sinbad smiled cheekily, "It's actually a really funny story..."

Crystal glared at Sinbad.

"Who did this?"

Ja'far stepped forward and raised his hand Crystal turned to him and walked up to him. She raised her hand.

"Wait, Crystal!" Sinbad yelled, running to him. "I'm really okay now!"

Crystal struck both their heads at around the same time, and they both fell to the ground.

"That's what you get for hurting Sinbad and that's what you get for getting hurt!" 

The two boys silently cried together on the ground. 

"Is she always like that?" whispered Ja'far.

"You have no idea," answered Sinbad.

Crystal sighed. "What am I going to do with you two?"

She helped the two of them stand up. Holding their hands in hers, she dragged them in the direction of a hut.

"We need to fix you guys up for the big ceremony tonight."

"Wait!" Ja'far said.

They stopped.

"Does that...does that mean me too?" Ja'far hesitantly laughed.

Crystal smiled brightly and happily replied, "Of course! You're here so you're part of us now! Your friends over there, too!"

Ja'far's face reddened and he looked down. The only thing he ever learned to part of was an assassin team. Now, someone was welcoming him with open arms. 

"Now, come on!" Crystal said excitedly. "I refuse to let you two celebrate the Maharagon looking like buffoons!" 

Sinbad smiled at Crystal. She was so bright and happy, gladly accepting Ja'far. She was so sincere, something of a true friend.