#magi prophet fanfic

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #41

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[AO3] [wattpad]

Sinbad x OC

*Mori goes to horny mecha *More sex ed things *Emotional/tonal whiplash ~POV Sinbad~ Mori couldn't keep their eyes off of him for days, but they turned away every time Sinbad returned their gaze. He was definitely getting under their skin. It was only a matter of time before they fully became his, but he wasn't certain he could make it happen before he left for the Kou Empire. It was only after he sat at his desk and couldn't seem to finish a single document that he couldn't deny Mori was under his skin too. Even the waves were pointing him away from his desk.

However, the King couldn't exactly leave when he had just started working -that was what Zepar was for. The bird circled the Black Libra Tower, and when it entered through an open window of Mori's office it wasn't his Beautiful Prophet inside. That was definitely Ja'far leaving the room holding a bunch of scrolls. And when he entered the court yard, the General was headed towards the White Capricorn Tower. Something told Sinbad that Ja'far was heading his way without the waves. He dropped control of the bird.

Sure enough, Ja'far entered his office with the scrolls and put them on his desk. "Sin, is what Mori wrote in these true?" Just glancing at the labels he knew, "I haven't read those ones yet, but I'm sure they are." "Read them now." Ja'far had not looked this upset with him in years. "I'll wait."

--- ~POV Sharrkan~ Mori was ranting and it was far worse than anything Yam had ever said. "Yeah, no! I don't care how pretty these are or how much of a tourist attraction they are! You have to stop selling and supplying quartz and wooden dildos!" The Prophet pointed one such facile at the group before her. "These materials are porous. They can't be properly sterilized, so they will eventually lead to infections no matter what orifice they're shoved into!" Sindria's best swordsman was stuck between covering his face or ears while Mori 'educated' him and the staff of the Red Light District. This was a mistake. 'Can the King just show up and kill me right now????' She sighed. "You can make a similar-ish affect to quartz with glass right? That's actually safe to use, easy to sterilize, and they can handle a wide range of temperatures so you can even use them for temperature play." The Prophet twirled the crystalline dick while talking. "I was surprised when I saw how advanced this country's glass is so there shouldn't be a problem making dildos out of safe materials with the glass work here." Sharrkan had thought she would just take notes or something and leave, not try to fix everything right then and there!!! What materials were safe, what practices were dangerous; 'didn't matter that she was also teaching them things they could do/use instead that would work better. Wasn't Mori supposed to be a huge virgin nerd like Yam??? Why did she know so much about all of this? There's no way this was just from her visions. The staff were the ones taking notes instead of the Prophet. 'At least they seem to be enjoying themselves.'

--- ~POV Sinbad~ Ja'far brought the remaining Fate scrolls Sinbad had yet to read, but only really wanted him to read parts of 2 of them for the conversation. The contents were telling, both in his mistakes of the past, and Ja'far's current glare. When his Beautiful Prophet first told him that he ran away from responsibility using 'Fate,' he thought he had found the true answer in the waves. But that was a contradiction. The waves were caused by people's decisions, so even if they guide people to opportunities it doesn't remove their agency. Without realizing it, Sinbad had fallen into another phantasm to protect himself from guilt. Some of the comments Mori made since they met had hinted at the real reason but it was clear she had no intention of telling him directly. All of the scrolls had signs of being edited here and there, but not these two. They were still in process. And so there was the truth written directly in the paragraphs after his release from slavery.

...He had long forgotten how to ask for emotional support ... Those feelings would fester every time he made another mistake until he was able to fully replace his guilt with the acceptance of 'Fate' as inevitable. He wouldn't be able to acknowledge his own potential for evil for another 15~ years...

That last line held the answer. 'His own potential for evil.' That was the point Mori was really talking around all this time. In her visions he hadn't been able to accept that side of himself until it was too late. He knew he was capable of such things on a factual level considering how he viewed some of his Kingly actions as 'necessary evils,' but that wasn't the same as acknowledging that truth in his Heart. The reason he had longed for the ways of his youth was because back then he hadn't done anything that would haunt the rest his life; he had yet to gamble in desperation only to hurt those around him. But even that wasn't really the truth. When Sinbad had read about when he left home after capturing the Dungeon all he could think of was how that action damned everyone in his village just as was revealed in the scrolls in front of him. He had been making this mistake since the start. 'Just what have I been doing all this time?'

Ja'far's darkened stare waited until he got through the 2nd scroll. "This is so much worse than how you made it sound. This is more than some kid thinking he's the chosen one." A hand went to his head as he tried to wrap his mind around everything. "Sin, why do you think we all swore our lives to help you achieve your dream?"

Sinbad couldn't look away from the scrolls. Doing so would only mean seeing the disappointment in his friend's eyes. He had spent so long keeping what happened in Parthevia a secret. There was nothing he could do about it now.

"I know you don't like sharing your plans, but I thought... Did you ever trust us to help you?! What was the point of gathering all of us then??"

The King opened his mouth, and the realization that he couldn't say the 'right' answer and believe his own words hit him much harder than Ja'far's accusations. His heart started racing to match the flow of the waves. The General may have only read those 2 scrolls but Sinbad had read everything leading up to them, so more of his past was fresh in his mind. Sure, he reached out to people to teach him things periodically, but any time he ran into a real problem he always took on that burden alone. Sinbad had expected 'support' from his Household Members and citizens, but never 'help.'

Sinbad lost control over his expression. "That's part of why I decided to change this path I'm on. Mori made it clear that I will repeat the mistakes of my past if I don't start relying on you all even when I..." He was unable to find the right words to finish his sentence.

"Sin." Ja'far practically hissed his name. "If you don't fix this bad habit of yours then I'll kill you myself, just like I promised all those years ago, before you can cause the 2nd Calamity."

"I'll count on that." He would rather that than be the one that almost destroyed the world. Taking a deep breath didn't help nearly as much as he hoped. "I think we've humored Mori long enough. I need to know for sure how I'm connected to the 2nd Calamity." ---

~POV Mori~ To be honest, I wasn't expecting the management of the Red Light District to believe me right away. But apparently, being officially announced as the Prophet was really good PR because they were very excited to receive some of my 'prophecies for the betterment of Sindria.' The waves had grown dangerously high during my info dumping. If I didn't know how much of a change a sexual revolution could cause from reading history I might have been concerned. Instead, it made my heart swell with pride.

Returning to my room empty handed was a bit disappointing, but it did make it easier to sneak back without being noticed. It also gave me time to make a space the bunch of the new glass dildos I preordered. I was definitely looking forward to the future.

"Finally!" Sharrkan groaned as we exited the district. "If I knew you were going to take so long figuring out-" Both of us froze in the gold gilded doorway.

'Why is Sinbad entering the Red Light District in the middle of the day???' That thought was immediately counter when I noticed Ja'far standing next to him. That meant he was here for official business, not pleasure. 'Why am I only now realizing I could have waited for him to leave the country before attempting this????' At least I wasn't carrying a bag of dicks. That would have been the most damning evidence. --- ~POV Sinbad~ When the guards had revealed that Mori was escorted to the Red Light District by Sharrkan, Sinbad was unwilling to wait for their return. However, something wasn't quite adding up to his expectations. Mori was happily walking out of the Red Light District, and Sharrkan was drained and depressed besides her.

Before the King could say anything, Mori greeted them. "Hello, you're Majesty, Ja'far! I was originally going to tell you after writing up a report first, but since you're here I'll let you know now: I realized I could share medical information for reproductive health here." She gestured behind her, "I just finished my first trip to see what is the current common knowledge, so I could better understand how I can help."

'Does that means Sharrkan didn't drag Mori here?' Even so she was talking a bit too quickly. She was definitely nervous about something.

Ja'far responded before the King could gather his thoughts. "Mori. You do remember that you promised not to invent anything, don't you?" His smile was not the nice one.

"Yes," she admitted without skipping a beat. "However I don't need to invent anything that we aren't already working on to help here." Mori's smile was unwavering.

Sinbad sought direct confirmation. "You really came here to figure out ways to improve this place?" ---

~POV Mori~ "Of course! Who do you think I am?" I said, you know, like a liar. I placed one hand on my hip, and the other over my heart for added flare. "The whole reason I came here was because the rubber experiments are coming along, and the same material can be used to make comfortable condoms you can actually feel through. That way no one has an excuse to not use them." The King and estranged prince coughed at my words. Ja'far's eyes widened. I took his lack of comment as a sign to continue. "We are already working towards rubber gloves. And what are the fingers on gloves other than tubes? We can make condoms by just making bigger tubes." I gave a perfect customer service smile to the man in charge of finances. "From my visions, I know how much trouble 'people' get into when they can't deny their desires, so I thought I could at least help with this part of the problem." "Mx. Prophet," Ja'far took a few steps forward and grabbed my hands. "You should have told me sooner! Something like is invaluable with a King like Sinbad." 'Fish, meet hook.' I softened my expression to lean into this pity angle. "I understand. I know how many complaints you've had to deal with because of him."

((Blatant Rose of Versailles reference ;3)) --- ~POV Sinbad~ This was a dilemma. Even though Sinbad had stopped taking partners, his Beautiful Prophet was none the wiser. This was a good opportunity to enlightened her, but there was something else he had to take care of first. Ja'far might have disliked Mori when they first met, but ever since the rebellion in Balbadd was stopped things started to change. They had started having periodic moments like this when their thoughts aligned. Sin didn't like it. He gently separated their hands and received their attention at the same time. "Hey now, I stopped asking for call girls weeks ago." On one hand, if Mori wanted something, Sinbad wanted to make sure she got it -if that was the assistance of one of his Generals so be it. But on the other hand, he didn't want anyone else catching Mori's eye. When he had heard that Sharrkan brought her to the Red Light District he had thought that one of his Household Members had betrayed him. From the look of things it was starting to seem like, instead of Sharrkan, it was Ja'far he should have been worried about. Ja'far took a few steps back. His eyes and brow scrunched in great disappointment and complete lack of fucks for the topic. "I think we will all feel better with this added protection considering your track record." "Yes, well..." There was no denying that. Sinbad cleared his throat into a fist to buy time as he listed the facts in his head: '-Mori has already admitted to her feelings for me before so clearly she wants to be with me. '-Mori is also aware of my own feelings even though she hasn't fully accept it yet. '-Mori has started working on condoms that are comfortable. 'She is clearly working towards our future, so we can have a long honeymoon before growing our family!!' Mori's expression was only marginally better than Ja'far's. "Are.... you sick?" The Prophet still trusted her visions far more than anything he could say. "I'm fine. I promise." This was a failure of a conversation. Sharrkan's snickering rubbed salt in the wound. There was nothing the Womanizer of the Seven Seas could say to clear his name. "...Okay." She clearly didn't believe him. Mori lightly clapped their hands together with a smile. "Well, on that bombshell, we'll let you go do whatever you were gonna do in the Red Light District." Regret. Humiliation. Was how he spent his life really such a bad thing for a future spouse? Wouldn't his experience and expertise mean that he would be guaranteed to satisfy them? Ja'far brought the topic around to their true purpose. "Actually Mori, we came to get you. We have some questions about the future you saw in your visions."

--- ~POV Mori~ The room they brought me to was the same one that lead to the balcony where I had dinner with Sinbad more than a month ago. As soon as we entered, the King started taking off his rings. Confusion spiked my anxiety. Sinbad gave me a reassuring smile. "I noticed during our meetings about Fate that you keep looking at my rings. When I remembered you know my Djinn's abilities it was obvious what you were worried about." He took off his remaining metal vessels and placed them on a coffee table. "I know I'll never use any of these on you, but actions speak louder than words at times like these." Ja'far followed his King's example and placed his metal vessels on the the table as well. I knew I looked at Zepar's ring a few times when talking about Fate, but I thought I made it seem like my eyes were wandering. I couldn't respond. My brain was still catching up and accepting what was happening. 'This isn't going to be about his trip to the Kou Empire...' I had already explained what visions I had of that trip during a meeting about preparing for it, but it was still the most likely topic I could think of. It wasn't until they settled in amongst the plush seating that I realized I should sit down too. Sinbad's expression went serious but he didn't feel angry. After a moment's hesitation he looked me in the eye. "The person who causes the 2nd Calamity is me, isn't it?" . . . . . . 'How????' The thought was immediately followed by the realization that since I hadn't responded right away there was no way they would believe anything other than admittance. I couldn't even consider the option. ((So that emotional whiplash of a cliffhanger, amiright? The chapter took so long to come out because- Surprised! That eye infection I had came back and being on the medication this time really messed me up. It's a stronger antibiotic since the last apparently didn't fully knock it out of me. I couldn't go outside without catching on fire and passing out, and I had to hyper monitor my diet. The doctor said I'm past the next stage so the dosage was cut in half. I feel more like a person again :D I'll be on it for at least another month. Wish me luck!! This chapter was also delayed because I ended up deciding to do Artober daily this year. It was my first year making a piece every day since Jake Parker ruined Inktober by trademarking it and doing a plagiarism. Anyway, I really enjoyed the challenge :D Inspired me to work on more of my original work and things. On that note, the next chapter is going to be delayed because I want to get a lucid dream one shot out by December 7th. I definitely chose that date for no reason in particular. It absolutely has nothing to do with it being a Jujutsu Kaisen dream. Promise UwU I also have an original piece I'm nearly done writing, but I'll wait to finalize it until I have the next chapter of Sindria's Prophet posted :3 The world and this country is on fire but that doesn't mean it's the end. We have survived every day up to this one, we can survive another. We will preserve.))

[morimakesfanart]

No wait! Something about that felt wrong so I checked the saved dates on my drawings. I had to have started writing before this dream since my first concept art is dated the end of that September which I drew right after the first draft for chapter 4. (that drawing is not posted anywhere) I still had very little idea of what I was doing...

It was after that dream that I realized why the chapters after the original ch4 didn't feel right, so I went back and changed 4 and then everything started flowing for several chapters. That was when I realized that it might be something other people would enjoy reading. That dream is why I started posting -u-

This is what happens when I loose my sleep schedule drawing for 3 days straight during vacation. I loose track of all time when my schedule XD

Okay so, I know I suddenly stopped posting in the middle of Artober HallowInk etc but I can explain

Ya know how I go by Mori’s Lucid Stories most places? Well I chose it because of how a lot of aspects from my stories come from my lucid dreaming

I normally write my dreams with some illustrations, and sometimes I end up making comics of sections of my dream, and on rare occasions I end up turning almost the entire dream into a comic.

The dream I woke from on Saturday was such a dream.

Originally I wasn’t going to post it so was drawing quick and sloppy, but when I realized I wasn’t going to have time for Artober etc and drawing my dream, I decided to post the dream comic when I finished it…

Okay so, I hyperfixate. And for the past few years I’ve been regularly fixating on Sinbad from Magi & Sinbad Adventures. His character arc over the franchise is like a trainwreck I can’t stop rewatching. & he became my comfort character at some point.

So it’s basically a dream of me running from Sinbad because he gives me the nice feelings.

It was a very fun and happy dream. Kinda hilarious at times. I wouldn’t be sharing it if it was a nightmare.

Read left to right

It was a dream of going to an anime con & not having to worry about Covid-19. & the manga Sinbad Adventures had an official English release.

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #40

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[AO3] [wattpad]

*Sinbad goes yandere off and on *Sinbad goes to horny jail *Major spoilers for the Adventures manga ~POV Mori~ The King left with the first few fate scrolls and I dropped onto my new sofa. Even after the curtain covering my doorway stopped moving I couldn't look away. 'Does he mean it? ...Actually, what was "it" in that question? His willingness to change his path, or what he pressed me on before that? ... But Sinbad never falls in love or gets married.' I could try to deny which part was hitting harder all I wanted until those feelings made themselves into words I couldn't look away from.

There was no way I was going to get any meaningful progress done for the rest of the day, but I also couldn't bring myself to move. Only the ringing of the Great Bell was able to break the looping conversation in my head. ---

During the meeting the next morning I couldn't stop myself from watching Sinbad. 'How much of the scrolls did he read?' There wouldn't be anything actually useful for him for a few scrolls so that could be why he looked the same. Regardless, my heart couldn't stop racing every time I remember everything else that happened around his request to take the scrolls.

Eventually I couldn't hold back my curiosity and a few days later I asked him what he thought of the scrolls at lunch. He got a nostalgic expression, and put down his food. "I was surprised to see you wrote that much about my parents. I don't have many memories of my father so it was... nice to read about him."

"I see." I wasn't sure how else to respond.

The nostalgic look in his eyes left but I couldn't tell what it was replaced with. It reminded me of when he was analyzing new information to make some type of plan. He moved the conversation along the timeline and eventually asked, "Is what you wrote about Yunan true? He really has the memories of multiple lifetimes?"

I nodded with my answer, "Yes. Having to experience the continuous ups and downs of history first hand is what made him so jaded."

"I see." Sinbad immediately switched topics to the adventures recorded in the scrolls and talked of feeling nostalgic but it didn't touch his features like it did earlier. At least his laugh seemed genuine. "Reading about how I handled Sassan and Artemyra made me realize just how little I cared about the basic rules of nobility. It's no wonder Ja'far was always so stressed."

I almost had a spit take. "That's putting it lightly." He used force to back their leaders into a corner and then said 'Join me in the name of peace.' --- ~POV Sinbad~ The King had hoped for more detailed answers. It was clear that the section about Yunan had been rewritten to remove something important. But that wasn't the only reason. In a later scroll, he read about his own experience in learning what Magi are. When he realized Yunan, a Magi, had chosen him it only made him more certain that he was chosen by Fate, and his gift of the waves was undeniable proof that he was special. His Beautiful Prophet did not hold back when she wrote: 'his illusions of grandeur reached a new height and were undeniably why he would fall into traps made by his own greed just as much as by those wishing for his downfall.' Knowing what would be covered in the next few scrolls made those words hit harder. It also made him hesitate to retrieve them from the Prophet.

Mori was getting better at hiding the aspects of Fate she didn't want anyone to know. If he pushed, it would become obvious what he was actually looking for: clues about the 2nd Calamity as well as his own death. At least Mori's answers confirmed the thoughts he had reading the scrolls. As soon as lunch was over, Sinbad instructed Ja'far to gather as much information as possible on Yunan and, more importantly, any information about the past Kings chosen by magi. There was an important clue there; he could feel it. ---

~POV Sharrkan~ The King dismissed all but the first generation of Household Members from the meeting room. Spartos dutifully left to return to his post, and Yam returned to the Magician's Tower with Mori. Meanwhile, Sharrkan and Pisti roped Masrur into staying back with them to eavesdrop. Ja'far was the first to speak. "We've narrowed down the options to 3 rooms for Mori," he sighed, "but I have a feeling you won't pick any of them." A pit formed in Shar's stomach, 'Wait. Doesn't Mori already had an office?' Their King laughed. "I'm sure they're all good options, but I still say the rooms next to mine would be the best." "Right." Hina teased, "Because Mori's going to be real happy when they realize you put them in the Queen's Suite after they rejected you." 'Nonononono!' Pisti and Masrur both gave Sharrkon pity pats. The shorter of the 2 struggled to suppress her giggles.

When the Palace was made, Sinbad said he didn't want a Queen's Tower or Harem built because he'd never want either. The lack of a Harem was eventually accepted, but Sin couldn't deny that the Kingdom would someday need an official heir so the Queen's Suite was made to placate the voices he couldn't convince. However, nothing short of the threat of war had a chance of putting someone in those rooms, until now. "They confessed their feelings for me first. It'll be fine." Sinbad defended his decision. "In time, Mori will realize that my feelings aren't going to change and all of this will be a thing of the past, won't it? I just want to make sure they're safe and comfortable while I'm out of the country." 'Damnit! If Mori actually likes Sin, then repeatedly coming on to her would definitely prove that his feelings weren't changing.' ((Boy no... (⁠ಠ⁠_⁠ಠ⁠)⁠>⁠⌐⁠■⁠-⁠■)) Shar was about to lose the last bet and there was nothing he could do about it. The only bright side was that this could give him the answer of how to finally get Yamuraiha to turn his way. Drakon countered Sinbad's enthusiasm. "While constancy is important, so is respecting consent." The Generals hiding outside pictured his serious expression in their heads. "Forcing them to fill the position in all but name will only make them hate you." "Augh." Sinbad groaned in time with Sharrkon. "I know, but what am I suppose to do then?" The Womanizer of the Seven Seas asked with not even a fraction of the despair his protegee was feeling. "Well, for one thing," Ja'far gave the first recommendation, "you really need to stop asking for call girls and flirting all the time." "I know. That's-" Sinbad started. "A decade and a half of cleaning up your messes is reason enough, Sin." Ja'far continued. "I don't know what Mori told you, but did you forget what they said back in Balbadd? How they'd never fall in love with a womanizer? They might not care while they're just flirting with you, but that's very different from being in a relationship." No wonder the Prophet had brought up Yam saying the same thing to Sharrkan... Sin tried again. "I know. That's-" Drakon agreed with his fellow General. "For a man to prove his character, he must show what type of partner he will be before he ever enters a relationship." "Which is why I-" Hinahoho added for good measure, "Think of it this way Sin: which of us here have actually had happy marriages?" "JUST WHAT TYPE OF MAN DO YoU TaKe Me for?!" Sinbad's voice booming was followed by a thump of him crashing back into his chair. "Don't answer that!" He paused. "I never wanted to get married before so it wasn't a problem until now!" He sighed loud enough to be heard outside the room. "Mori told me directly that they don't believe my advances because of reading my Fate, so I've already been working on it! Ja'far!" He was probably pointing at him. "How many complaints have you gotten about me in the weeks since the Announcement? I know I haven't been requesting any call girls recently either." There was a short silence. "Now that you mention it..." Ja'far mumbled something that Masrur explained was counting under his breath. "There were a few in the days right after, but those were about things that happen at or before the Announcement." Sharrkon wanted to cry. Or at least get a drink. Hina and Rurumu were really happy together while she was alive, and Drakon and Sahel are really happy now. Sin had gotten married by accident a few times and would always flee the morning after, but now that he wanted to get married for real, the object of his affections repeatedly turned him down. Womanizing was the problem all along. This was all Sinbad's fault! ---

~POV Sinbad~ Sinbad talked a big game to his Generals, and he meant every word. He had to completely shake those habits if he really wanted Mori to view him as an option. His original plan was to ween himself off of that vice by the time he came back from the Kou Empire. However, Fate had other plans and made him quit cold turkey early. ~flashback~ After seeing Mori recovered, the King struggled with his new intense emotions. He drank himself into a stupor, and only sobered up when the woman leaving his room said, "So... 'Mori' is the Prophet, right? You seemed really close during the festival." She giggled. "Will you just be calling us when she's on her period from now on?" The memory of his actions attacked him viciously. He had called out Mori's name multiple times. In fact, his memory told him that he thought it was his Beautiful Prophet under him in those moments thanks to the alcohol. "N-no." He shrugged her off with a smile. "This will be the last time actually." Why hadn't anyone warned him that this could happen?? "Aw~ that's a shame. I'll let the others know." Sinbad sighed in relief when she left. He knew the fear of death and injury from his adventures. He had even experienced guilt, and regret due to the weight of others' lives on his shoulders. But love was teaching him the hell of humiliation and shame. He knew that his thoughts were turning to Mori more and more at the mere idea of satisfying his libido no matter how he got there, but how could he call out their name when they weren't the one with him? Even worse, how could he mistaken anyone else for his Beautiful Prophet??? Between alcohol and sex, he knew which would be easier to quit -especially since the later would only be until he got his partner of choice to join him.

~flashback over~ At least he had the Fate scrolls to fill his suddenly empty nights for the time being. They weren't nearly as fun, but he'd rather think about the scrolls than why he had more free time. The King cleared his throat. "There shouldn't be any problem with preparing the Queen's Suite for Mori. But if you really think it will be a problem, prepare one of the rooms you've picked as a back up as well." All 3 Generals showed their disappointment, but this was one decision Sinbad wouldn't back down from. He didn't want Mori questioning the sincerity of his feelings if they were given anything less than the Queen's Suite. They were already insecure because of their ex fiancé and Sinbad's own reputation, so he would do whatever he could to remove any shadow of doubt in their mind. ---

~POV Sharrkan~ Sharrkan hit the Prophet's desk and the sound echoed in her office. She looked up shaken and stirred.

"I'll take you!" Sinbad sabotaged Sharrkan's relationship, so fuck 'im! "But I want you to fix something for me in return." If Sinbad does anything because of this it will only drive a wedge between him and 'his Beautiful Prophet.' "You gotta clear up this thing between Yam and me!" She blinked up at him a few times before jumping up. "What- Is this about the- Can we go right now??" "Yeah! Let's go!" ---

~POV Ja'far~ The General walked towards the Prophet's office only to catch a glimpse of them passing between a few book shelves in the opposite direction. "Mori! Do you have a minute?"

"Ah! Um." Mori's voice called back. They mumbled something and then appeared before him. "Yeah. What's up?"

"I wanted to read the Fate scrolls. It seems like they have been enlightening to Sin so far."

"Of course! They're your Fate too." They started to turn away. "Feel free to take them from my office. I'm on my way to a meeting, so I'm sorry I can't show you this time."

Ja'far thanked them before parting ways. It was actually better that the Prophet couldn't be there. Sinbad had mentioned that the scrolls he grabbed went up to their return to Riem which meant that the ones that remained might include the secret Sinbad was hiding -how he truly knew the risks of siding with Parthevia but agreed but agreed to buy the island anyway. The King might have admitted to that mistake, but he still refused to give details.

The scrolls had notes on the outside to explained what they covered, so Ja'far was easily able to find what he was looking for. He brought them to the guest table to unroll.

Before reading, the illustrations caught his attention. The first was of a teen Sinbad standing in front of a cage full of monsters that Ja'far recognized as victims of Parthavia's experiments. In the second, Sinbad was shocked with drawings behind him -they seemed to be depicting what Sinbad was thinking about in that moment. The biggest showed Ja'far beating sense into Sinbad under him. It looked to be around the time Sinbad was freed from slavery. Even before reading, Ja'far was getting an idea of what this was about.

What was written confirmed what Sinbad had admitted that night a month ago. He knew full well what type of person Barbarossa was, and how he treated his own people. But there was one thing Sinbad was very wrong about: his ability to read the waves had nothing to do with his decision to side with Barbarossa.

...Sinbad was desperate to reach the next step towards his dream after all of his recent failures, but he couldn't ignore the horrible truth starring him in the face. If he denied this opportunity to become King there was no telling if he'd ever get another. But if he accepted, he'd be putting everyone that trusted him at risk to the same treatment as the villagers he had left behind when he was 14. In that moment his mind was sent to the only other time he faced something similar. That time he had made the decision to accept the opportunity -risking the lives of the slave children. When he was freed before his plan even finished, he was finally safe enough to be able to see how needless their sacrifice was. There was only so much he could do to make up for his mistake though. While he struggled with the guilt of that decision he was told "Did you think you could realize your dream while keeping your hands completely clean? This is the path you chose." Ja'far had said more in the moment, but that was the line that stuck with Sinbad. If the avoidable deaths of children were something he needed to accept, than surely siding with a violent fascist was also necessary even if it would definitely lead to more victims...

"What is this??" Ja'far was shaken. He grabbed the scroll that would have the full version of the memory that apparently haunted Sinbad. The illustration that had been behind Sinbad in the previous scroll was drawn bigger in this one. He skimmed the surrounding text until he found what he was looking for.

...Sinbad had done all he could to correct his mistake. Making Madaar sign the agreement she had already promised to the Sindria Company only saved the few slaves that somehow survived the massacre. He turned to the one person present that he could rely on. Ja'far looked at him with obvious disdain. The guilt poured over into Sinbad's words, "I knew this would happen if I caused a rebellion..."

Mori wrote out Sinbad's whole self deprecating rant. He struggled to cope with the guilt that he learned from watching Madaar manipulate the vulnerable and became willing to use the exact same techniques. He lamented the irony of his actions and his goals for the future. The rant ended with Sinbad quoting to Ja'far the exact thing he said when he swore his loyalty to him.

"'If you disappoint me, I'll kill you'... I guess it'll turn out like that, huh? As I am now, I have nothing to say about it..." Ja'far had had enough of Sinbad's pitty party and punched him in the face as hard as he could (which was actually kinda impressive with their height difference at the time). "NO... THIS ISN'T A FUCKING JOKE!! SINBAD!!" It wasn't punishment enough to quell his guilt. "But I disappointed you, didn't I?" The person Sinbad disappointed the most was himself. Ja'far beat him until he lay on the ground bloodied and bruised. "What a fucking joke. Disappointed me? Yeah, you disappointed me. You'll take responsibility for everything? You're not taking responsibility for anything are you? You're letting yourself sink into despair, giving up, and, on top of that, having the nerve to act like it's all over..." Ja'far called out his bullshit. "Listen up!! IT'S YOUR NAIVETY THAT DISAPPOINTED ME THE MOST!!"

This was more like what the present Ja'far remembered. Mori wrote his full rant back at Sinbad. Why didn't Sin understand that his point was that he needed to be responsible for the survivors? Ja'far was what? 13 at the time. His wording of things wasn't great, but he had to pull Sinbad back together -Sin could have his breakdown later. Of course dirtying his hands is unavoidable sometimes. But that-

...Sinbad relented and apologized, and would never admit to the pain and guilt he held from this event ever again. He couldn't afford to disappoint everyone relying on him. He was the one chosen by 'the Magi' to become King. Sinbad grew up having to be the rock of his small village since all the men died in war, and the remaining adults were too sickly or burdened. He had long forgotten how to ask for emotional support and the the first person he tried opening up to shut down his expressions of guilt. Sinbad was unable to understand that the timing and choice of person was the problem. Those feelings would fester every time he made another mistake until he was able to fully replace his guilt with the acceptance of 'Fate' as inevitable. He wouldn't be able to acknowledge his own potential for evil for another 15~ years... If Sinbad hadn't admitted to struggling with this directly then Ja'far wouldn't have believed the opinionated portions of what the Prophet wrote. This was what Sinbad was hiding. This was why he refused to explain anything that had happened back then in detail. That last line hinted at the future they were afraid of. If Sinbad was unable to view himself as human until 15 years after that incident, it would line up perfectly with when the 2nd Calamity happens and he dies. These 2 scrolls gave more credibility to that dreaded theory. It would also explain why Mori would agree to be Sindria's Prophet and help Sinbad. Because he refused to ask for help. Because he hid his pain from the very people that swore to support him. Mori offered the help Sinbad no longer knew how to ask for because she already knew he needed it. Mori was the only one able to get Sinbad to defend that he wanted to change a part of how he did things because she was the only one that knew what parts he meant and what not changing would lead to. He needed to talk to Sinbad. Ja'far grabbed all of the remaining Fate scrolls and headed to out to have a very important conversation with the man he had sworn his life to. ((HiHi!! This past round was pretty okay for me :D I only had a small disability ep! Here's hoping this stays the pattern for a while :3 But even better than that is: While working on the next arc (specifically ch42) I hit a new level of healing from my PTSD with my ex. :D I literally felt my brain rewiring when it happened and recognized it from past times it's happened. For the week afterward I was unable to stop being stupid levels of happy. And now I'm frustrate with Mori because they aren't past it yet XD At least I know what I needed so I can write it))

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #38

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[AO3] [wattpad]

*CW -cults+ mentioned; child abuse mentioned; suicide attempts implied

~POV Mori~

While I was sick, the magicians developing alchemy magic were able to make a wider range of materials by doing something closer to assisted chemistry; they started transmuting rubber from the milky saps of some plants -like the rubber gloves from my medical scrolls. It was inspiring! With the power of success and dopamine I finalized my printing press schematics in only 2 days.

These accomplishments were later brought up at the morning Assembly, not by the people making them, but by Ja'far and the accountants of the White Capricorn Tower. "Even before becoming the official Prophet of Sindria, Mori has help our magicians, engineers and doctors make leaps and bounds of progress in their fields. Many countries of the Alliance have agreed to help fund these projects and have already preordered scrolls of the information. *However,*" he held up a document, "due to all of the extra people and resources needed we are already over budget for the year! And so we request that the Prophet not invent anything new for the rest of this quarter and the next. This way we will have time to start finalizing what we already have for production and can start receiving a return on these investments."

Yamuraiha jumped to my defense. "The work Mori has been doing in the Black Libra Tower has been revolutionary! How can you say you don't have a budget for life changing-"

"I am not denying their contributions! We simply can't afford this rate of advancements!"

I raised a hand to get their attention. "If there's no budget, then there's no budget. However, I can't just sit around and do nothing for 5 months."

There was a bit of a back and forth, and eventually it was agreed that I would continue helping in the Black Libra Tower, but any future schematics would be placed on hold and judged for priority by the researchers and accountants. And so I went to working as an encyclopedia in the mornings, and would work on Fate scrolls after lunch.

---

The Great Bell rang, and thanks to the power of hyperfixation, none of us could tell what time it was. Not long after, I noticed a familiar shift in the waves that gave me the answer. Knowing who was coming gave me another boost to get a little more done.

Menachem greeted him when he arrived. "Ah- good morning, your Majesty."

Sinbad's laugh made my heart race. "Yes. Good morning." For the past week, King Sinbad had came in person every other day for updates even though it would be covered in the next morning's Assembly. The violet haired man walked over to where I was sitting, while showing me the world's most charming smile. "Mori. How are you doing?"

'Excited. Happy. Nervous. Embarrassed. Confused. Self-conscious.' He hadn't said anything directly flirty since I was sick. And yet, it was noticeably harder to refute the Magicians' claims. Sinbad had said at the Announcement that he didn't want to play at flirting with me, and wanted to become someone I could trust. He certainly didn't trigger my lactose intolerance anymore. 'He said he wanted to move me to the Purple Leo Tower.'

I fought back the urge to hide. "I'm fine." The room definitely felt hotter than it did a minute ago. I re-explained what I had gone over with the magicians. Sinbad nodded along and asked questions at all the right times. He also remembered the things I had said previous days. He made me feel validated and respected every time he stopped by. It was becoming increasingly bad for my heart.

There was a suspicious amount of people meandering nearby. Most were watching us out of the corners of their eyes. At least the magicians didn't comment as much as the first time they saw the pink Rukh around us. Although, it was getting easier to judge when they were looking at the Rukh even without those comments.

The King smiled, and I cursed his ability to charm me without flirting. He used a hand to point at the scroll from over my shoulder. He was much closer than I realized; I would only need to lean over a little to make contact. Just like how he had stopped overtly flirting, he hadn't touched me either. He knew I needed space, and I was grateful for that, but it also illustrated for me just how used to his skinship I had become.

I couldn't do this anymore. It hurt too much. I was projecting my past onto someone who might actually reciprocate my feelings. What I was feeling might not have anything to do with the present or him as a person. I could just be recognizing my past in him and repeating those patterns while hoping for a different ending. But the patterns include the endings, and if I wasn't self-aware enough I'd force those endings out of fear of being caught unaware. Even if Sinbad actually liked me now, the attention he showed me would dry up eventually, right? I require closed relationships so eventually he'll come to resent me for limiting his options. We aren't compatible. The waves rose slightly and I couldn't ignore the thought that this was fanfiction, so anything was possible.

"Excuse me, Mx. Prophet?" A voice called for me from the entrance to the library.

'OH THANK GOD' I was saved! "Yes??" I looked in the direction of the voice and called back. "Do you need something?" My face was finally starting to cool down. At least now I could stop thinking about how easy it would be to touch Sinbad. 'Remember who he is in 5 years.'

The worker appeared from around a line of bookshelves. He froze at the site of the man next to me for a moment before giving the message. "There's a- There's a blacksmith looking for you."

'A blacksmith?' "THE SCISSORS!" I was out of my seat in a flash. My brain shifted gears quickly after passing through the doorway into the hall.

The blacksmith that made the scissors during my first week in Sindria understood how important of a development this was and came to talk to the designer, me, shortly after seeing who I was at the Announcement. If he was here to see me again, he must have finished some prototypes for different types of scissors! The thing that made the evolution from shears to scissors so important was the addition of the hinge to the tool. There was no time to worry about Sinbad right now! There was history happening!

---

~POV Sinbad~

Sinbad had figured out that Mori wasn't the type to leave in the middle of work, even when she was putty in his hands. So, what was so important that she was willing to leave while in the middle of talking with her King about said work? They wouldn't have been interrupted if Mori had her own office. Sinbad crossed his arms as he watched them leave. At least she looked excited for whatever this was about.

Menachem came back over, as if he hadn't just been enjoying the show from behind a potted plant. "You know, your Majesty, I didn't think it was the case at first, but now I'd be willing to bet money that the Lady Prophet has blue Rukh." He stroked his beard as he talked. "You're going to have to be more direct if you want her attention." The old man laughed.

Sinbad sighed a laugh back and shook his head, but didn't answer.

There was a superstition that you could tell a lot about a person's personality from what type of Rukh they had. People with Type 2-Blue Rukh were said to get lost in their personal interests, and struggle to recognize romantic advances. That first part definitely sounded like his Beautiful Prophet, but Sinbad wasn't sure about the second. Mori was ignoring his signals on purpose. It would take a while to convince them he was worth the risk.

((In one of the Magi extras Yunan describes these Rukh based personality types with canon characters as examples. It's not stated as common knowledge. I wanted to add it because it reminded me of the way people talk about astrology signs sometimes :3 Btw, according to the manga's personality quiz, I normally get Rukh type 7 -the same a Sin. Sometimes I get Type-2, 8, or. 4))

When Sinbad turned the corner, Mori was already out of sight. Not a problem; the waves would lead him. The King found them on the first floor talking with a burly old man that was a known blacksmith.

Mori had two fingers in rings with blades attached. "This pair is really close to the ones I first commissioned. Thanks again for those. I've been able to cut my bangs without worrying about accidently shaving my eyebrows with a knife."

Sinbad walked up to them. "How would someone even do that?"

Mori turned to him with a knowing smile. Her cheeks turned a little pink when they made eye contact. "I didn't think it was possible until I saw it happen in one of my visions. He had to go without sleep for several days, and often cuts the left side of his bangs too short." Sinbad unconsciously brushed his bangs at the mention of a habit he knew he had. "He was lucky that he knew a magician that was able to regrow it." She wasn't talking about him, right?

"Hello, your Majesty," the blacksmith greeted King Sinbad before explaining: he had originally wanted to make a deal with the designer to make and sell scissors, but after finding out that person was the Prophet he wasn't sure if that was acceptable -the information from the Prophet's visions were the property of the King. The two had been working on a pitch together which Mori immediately got into since Sinbad was clearly available.

The King examined one of the pairs of scissors during the explanation. He could see how this allowed a higher level of finesse then shears or a knife for certain tasks. This would be a profitable and widespread product even if Mori's visions weren't right. Still, those eyes full of expectations just made him want to tease her. "You know Mori, I remember you agreeing to withhold on inventing things for the time being."

"Ah- Well..." Her surprise was cute. "I actually reinvented scissors before I made that agreement!"

He smiled down at her. "I'm not sure if that will be enough to convince Ja'far and the others."

Mori froze as she calculated her next strategy. The waves did not give Sinbad enough warning before she made her way over to him and placed her hands on his forearm. "You'll help me then," her fingers made his skin tingle, "right? My King?" Sinbad couldn't look away from the eyes glittering up at him.

How long had he been holding back only for Mori to touch him first? He'd relent even if she hadn't invented them beforehand; the production wasn't coming from the Palace budget anyway. "Of course." Sinbad smiled down at his Beautiful Prophet. He sheathed the scissors he was holding and turned to the blacksmith. "I brought Mori to Sindria so they could help all of my citizens thrive."

The conversation wrapped up quickly after that. And through the whole thing, the King couldn't stop thinking about the hands holding onto him so affectionately. Without looking, Sinbad put his free hand over one of Mori's to keep it on his arm a little longer. But it didn't stop her from pulling away after the blacksmith left.

The person pulling at his heart started to head back towards the stairs to return to the library. He wasn't ready to part ways yet, but there was also no reason he could think of to follow them back. "Mori. Would you tell me more over lunch?" He had been trying to keep their time together to a minimum for Mori's benefit, but if they were reaching out to him then it should be fine to take the next step, right?

The waves moved between them, and Mori looked back his way. "Oh. Um..."

"These inventions from your visions are so interesting. And we could discuss some potential future inventions."

Their smile was nervous but not forced. "Yeah. Okay."

Sinbad offered his arm to them like he did in the past when they walked together, but Mori declined even though she had just been clinging onto him so sweetly. They walked side by side, but the distance between them felt larger than before. She made his heart race and then dropped it when she got her way. It made him think of their first dinner together. She claimed she was seducing him just like he seduced others to get his way. He really had no idea how it felt to be on the receiving end until now.

---

~POV Mori~

Multiple scrolls laid out on the table in my room drying. I had reached the slave arc in copying down Fate. After drawing the first pic of Sinbad fighting little Masrur in the Coliseum, I couldn't bring myself to draw again until I reached Ja'far punching Sinbad when he was freed. I laid on the floor between the pools of light from the windows to cool down my ruminating.

Seeing Sinbad go through it and directly acknowledge how horrible it is and eventually go numb... There was an eerie beauty in it -like a memento mori. 'I'm disgusting.'

((CW until marked))

The Slave Arc is my favorite arc in the Adventures manga -not because of what happens, but because of how it affected me. When my mom was hospitalized, and then died, she could no longer stop me from seeking therapy. When I explained my home life and childhood to my personal therapist, I was told that it sounded like the stories of children raised in cults and manipulated to become slaves for the leaders. Even though it was a comparison I made when I was young, I thought it had to be inflated hyperbole until I read how Maader indoctrinated Sinbad and the slave children. I was never put in a collar, but I related way too much. It got me to look up actual cults and victim stories. The abuse I grew up in was the same level of high control.

My mom almost died having my sibling and it changed her. By the time I turned 10 I couldn't deny there was something wrong with how my parents treated us. The one thing saving us from complete brain washing was that they couldn't afford to home school us. I tried to ask outside adults for help, but my mom was too well known in the community and I didn't emote properly. So when I read the scene where Sinbad convinces the children to rebel, I cried. I didn't care that he was manipulating them from his perspective; he validated the pain they were hiding, and gave them agency long before I got it. Yes, many of the slave children died in the rebellion, but many also lived to finally be free. When the cruel refuse to stop nothing can change until someone dies. Many have risked their lives for that reason.

Just like them, I knew nothing would change in my life unless someone died. The conversation Sinbad has with himself after he remembers his life's purpose was very similar to the one I had with myself from 12-14 years old -especially after how my parents normalized suicide. I realized it wasn't worth the risk to fight back , but also I chose to stay living anyway at the last second so I could continue to protect Lyly from our parents; and when they were a little older, Lyly chose to live to support me too. 'You can't protect anyone if you're dead.' No one was coming to save us so we had to learn to survive and protect ourselves. ((Yes, the thing Mori said to Alibaba in ch6 was this mantra I made for myself))

Our mother was already working herself to an early grave when I was child. She was rapidly aging from stress. I knew we had a strong chance of outliving her as long as we were able to hold on. Still, I wish she would have changed before she was on her deathbed. Her last words were an apology to Lyly. Things greatly improved after our mom died in 2016. Knowing how things were going for the other me, gave me peace of mind. Both versions were healing. I didn't feel as guilty for wanting to stay in this world anymore.

((End of CW))

I needed breaks because, just like being reminded of my own past, Sinbad wasn't just a character to me anymore. It felt wrong to draw any scene where he was shackled. Even if I never showed him this scroll, I didn't want to immortalize it. There were a few panels I had always wanted to redraw because they helped me process my own experience, but now that I was in this world I couldn't do it. If I ever drew them for the catharsis, I'd have to burn them afterwards. Each time I reached the plot points for one of those panels I had to step away and go through the same cycle of thoughts before I returned to the table and continued writing without drawing again.

"Ugh~" Who would have guessed that writing would help me process and get the ruminating out of my system? Me, actually, because this is always how I process things. I had separate scrolls for my ruminations so they wouldn't get in the way of the Fate scrolls, and because I kept writing in a circle. At least each time the rants got shorter. I'd already written this or that, and continuing to write the same thing gets frustrating to the point that I am forced to move forward. Like all types of mourning, it will always be there, but it can't hold me down forever unless I let it.

I couldn't stop the waves of disgust I had for myself. When I had originally read this arc, it carved Sinbad into my heart. It made me think, 'This person would understand me.' But I wasn't projecting my experience onto a character anymore; I was projecting it onto a real person who went through far worse than I ever did. I pressed my palms into my eyes. Ruminating was far easier than addressing this. I had to strip away all of my projections so I could see him clearly. And not just the Sinbad I read about, but the one who talked to me regularly and called me '(his) Beautiful Prophet.' Sinbad said he wanted to find a new path, but what would it even look like? What would it take for me to recognize it?

((I forgot to draw the curtains again...I really don't want to fix it though, so please pretend there are curtains framing the window.))

The sound of fluttering drew my attention. I had left my windows open on purpose in case Sinbird decided to stop by, but I also didn't think I would cycle this hard. I removed my hands from my eyes and looked up to see the possessed bird in one of the windows watching me.

"Hi, Sin. I'm okay. Just doing a big think, and that's easier from the floor."

The bird flew from the window to perch on one of the chairs at the table.

"I've been working on Fate scrolls. I want to get a few more done before I pass them off to you. I know this room probably isn't the most secure-"

'The vent scroll!' I sat up with a jolt and stumbled my way to the table after getting up too quickly. Sinbird flapped his wings in surprise when I yanked the vent scroll off the table. "This one is personal." I started rolling it up. "I don't mind talking about my past or feelings if you ask, but I'd rather you didn't read my unfiltered thoughts."

The bird watched me. I wished I knew what he was thinking.

I walked across the room, and put the tied scroll within the growing pile filling one of my bedside dressers. "It would be nice if I had somewhere to store these. This room isn't exactly designed for me to be using it as an office."

Wings flapped behind me and the bird landed on my shoulder as I turned to see what he was up to. He gave a small trill and I had the feeling he was proud of himself for something.

"We're both lucky that bird doesn't have talons, you know?" I was definitely going to need perches for him, and to start wearing a shoulder cloth that I wouldn't have to worry about getting pulls. As the bird watched me innocently another thought struck me, 'I probably shouldn't ask for a cat if I'm going to be visited by a bird frequently.'

((Hey, so you know how I said I was all better when I posted the last chapter? Apparently I was in the incubation period of COVID. It's out of my system now, but brain fog from long covid is kicking my ass. I had a bad fall last month because of it and got scraped up a bunch (including a little road rash). It's been 3 weeks and there's just the faintest remains of a scab left :D Just in time for my birthday (today) too! Here's hoping that my bad luck era is over!

Also, I am in a Magi server on discord. https://discord.gg/R5yzce4e I'm there all the time (and an admin). We talk about Magi, OCs, and fanfiction a lot))

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #37

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[AO3] [wattpad]

*CW-Long term affects of medical denial & child abuse, living with PTSD *Kink & toys mentioned

((I keep forgetting to tell you guys: Lyly is pronounced "lee-lee." It's short for their middle name, Llyn/Lynn (<-genderfluid affected spelling)))

~POV Mori~ I woke up gasping. I sat up and wrapped my arms around myself so I could tell the difference between actual physical touch and the phantoms left over from my night terror. My body wouldn't stop shaking; I needed Lyly's help. When I got out of bed I froze. Not only did my bed not have curtains, this wasn't my room. No. This was my room. Sinbad picked it out for me in the guest tower. I was in Sindria; in a whole different dimension. All of the adrenaline supporting me left and I sank to the floor. I was still trembling but I wasn't scared anymore. The people who hurt me couldn't reach me here. I had that dream because after spending the past month hyperfixated on the present, I had been triggered into remembering one of the worst parts of my past, so now I was remembering the rest too. 'Sorry, Lyly.' The safety I had gained in this world was invaluable. I couldn't imagine going home willing. Based on how little light was getting through the curtains it was still the middle of the night. I was drained from my dream, and my hips were still aching but it took a while for my mind to calm back down. Tomorrow and the distractions that came from it couldn't come soon enough.

--- "Alright now, Mx. Prophet," the doctor gave me my diagnosis. Sinbad had him sent first thing in the morning, and his arrival woke me up. "You need to rest for a few days. I'll have painkillers sent over to help with your hip pain, fever, and migraine." With his job done, he saw himself out. 'I can't miss the Morning Assembly! ...But-!' I knew the doctor was right deep down. I was in no condition to do much of anything. I was fine resting when I didn't have obligations, but I had a job now. If I was back home I would have had to give Lyly my keys so I couldn't leave. Five years just wasn't enough to fully rewrite my base instincts. Although, from the new memories I was gaining, the me back home was doing a bit better. Those new memories were why I was healed and practiced enough to stop myself even if a doctor hadn't told me to... especially since I had a fever. As long as both me's kept whatever this connection was then maybe we would also keep the benefits from both sides. --- ~POV Sharrkon~ Mori was the only person that missed the morning Assembly. Yamuraiha had a growing smile throughout the meetings, and now that it ended she mumbled something to Pisti. Shar groaned; he knew where this was going. "Yup." Pisti giggled. "I heard from a reliable source," probably 1 of her boyfriends, "that Mori's not 'sick'. Her hips were injured and her body over worked last night." The King refused to look at the gossips. His silence spoke volumes compared to the past month of him adamantly defending that there was nothing special between him and 'his Beautiful Prophet.' "Oh ho~! It finally happened after I left!" Hina slapped Sharrkan on the back with a laugh. "Looks like the 2 of us have to pay up! But I guess you lost the most, huh?" "Oh, no! I ain't paying nothing! Nothing happened!!" Shar had a hurt ego to nurse and he would not let them step on it harder. "Mori got hurt dancing. Our King had nothing to do with it!" Sharrkon felt a shiver run down his spine that made him hold his tongue. Hina looked to the others for confirmation. "Is that true?" Drakon answered him. "It's true. However, it's also true that Sin carried Mori all the way to their room from the festival." "Oh~? That's proof enough for me." Drakon, Ja'far, Yam, and Pisti agreed with their own comments. The man in question still refused to comment, so Hinahoho addressed him directly. "You're really not going to say anything, Sin? After all of that time, telling us how you don't want to get married?" "Fine. Fine." King Sinbad finally turned to them with his arms crossed. "It's simple really. You know I'm not the type to reveal my hand until I'm certain." Sinbad was smiling, but Shar knew instinctually the King was the threat that told him to stop talking. The giant laughed. "Is that so?" "I know you're aware this is a first for me." Sharkkon's wallet cried with him. He had lost 2 out of 3 bets. It was only a matter of time before he lost the 3rd.

---- ~POV Mori~ The Great Bell rang out. The morning Assembly was definitely over. There were several things I had wanted to do today, and I couldn't do any of them since I had to rest. I needed to meet with Queen Artemina before she left Sindria. I had to solidify our connection as allies, but she was set to leave in a day. As I wrote a letter to send her, the waves shifted. This was the right choice for me, and the future I wanted. The letter would need time to dry before I could send it. I got up from my chair and stopped. I didn't want to lay down again yet no matter how much my body needed it. 'Damnit! How much more of my life am I going to spend sick??' I groaned into my hands. I was born with a weak raspatory system, so I get sick multiple times a year and often end up bedridden. "I am allowed to rest even though I can sit up and walk. Pushing will only make it worse." My mom eventually stopped acknowledging when I would get sick due to the expense which is why I struggle to let myself rest as an adult. I made a point of putting the truth into words to fight her conditioning. I climbed back in bed even though I knew that meant I would be stuck with just my thoughts until I fell back asleep. This was the perfect opportunity to process everything that had happened with Sinbad, but I couldn't think about it at all. Being triggered, recognizing these new memories, and that night terror just made me think about home more -well the place I came from. Even when I was in my room there I often couldn't help but think 'I want to go home' because even though it was comfortable and familiar, I couldn't feel safe. My last therapist told me that as long as I stayed in that house full of reminders there was only a slim chance of me recovering from my CPTSD. If only I could have afforded to move out.

In the new memories I got, our dad finally agreed to reorganize all of the living spaces, so that me and Lyly weren't getting as many flashbacks anymore. Hell, he even apologized for everything and started acting like a real dad some of the time. The me that stayed home was able to persevere until an opening for change finally came. 'If they got Isekai now I wonder if they would want to go home?' The thought had never occurred to this me -just like it never did back when I was in in-patient. Although I was still worried about Lyly like I was then. I rolled over to pull out a scroll from the bedside dressers. When I was on the ship I had worked on all sorts of scrolls and one was a memoir of my life back home. One of the first things I did was draw the people important to me before I'll inevitably forget their faces. I unrolled the scroll. Lyly's face stared up at me from the page. As difficult as that place was to live in all of my loved ones were there. In this world there was no one that knew me, and I wasn't sure if I could let my self get that close to anyone here -especially Sinbad. He already knew how deep some of the scars on my heart are. I didn't want him to think any less of me, or use my pain against me. And even more than that, I was scared that the safety I had here would shatter if I made a wrong step. 'I thought I was doing better.' This world had treated me so well that I fell into a false sense of security. Not being surrounded by reminders of my traumas made me feel like I was somehow cured and could restart from scratch. But that's not how healing works... Being away from triggers just made it easier to avoid having an attack. It's only after feeling safe that we let ourselves feel the emotions that are unsafe to feel in the moment. A few tears fell down my cheeks. I placed the scroll on the bedside table and rolled back towards the middle of the bed. Surely it was okay for me to cry in a situation like this. I allowed myself the luxury even though the tears didn't last long. When I was young I cried just as often from joy as sadness. The abuse I experienced made it unsafe to cry at all, so I learned to cry silently until I eventually stopped crying altogether. Being in this world made me feel like it was okay again. Letting myself actually feel these emotions was an important step in the healing process. Beating myself up for getting triggered and relapsing wouldn't help at all. I needed to forgive myself.

--- One day of rest should be enough, right? It's not like I still had a fever. I didn't want to stay in my room and make an even worse impression. My hips would hurt a little if I over worked them, but that would just act as a limiter. ((<<= This person is in denial))

I got dressed after breakfast, but as soon as I grabbed the doorknob I froze. "Yeah, no." I was not in the mood to see Sinbad in person yet, and I would have to if I left my room. As soon as I took Queen Sinbad's choker back off I felt a wave of relief. It had given me so much dopamine and serotonin when it was part of a fantasy, but now it was a reminder of my fears. How could I mark myself with it when I couldn't feel safe in my own desires? Wearing it felt like a lie. I definitely wouldn't be able to wear it for a while.

'Guess I haven't completely lost my sense of self-preservation.' Besides, I hadn't actually had time to do most of the things I like doing to relax since I got to this world. Going out in this state would be worse than not going out. Another day off as I recover from the stress had to be reasonable.

But what options did I have to relax?

Everyone else was busy with work at this time of day, so I could masturbate without having to worry about being interrupted. But my toybox didn't isekai with me; I only have my hands, and some ribbons for mild shibari. Sinbad said I could make requests, but there was no way in hell I was letting him find about this, let alone use his money for my sex toys. I'll figure out where to get some after payday. The night terror was still fresh in my memory anyway.

Video games, comics, and anime were obviously out of the question. Printing still isn't big enough for fiction to be popular to write -that's part of why Sinbad's Adventure story was such a huge success. I had 3 cats back home, but I can't exactly adopt a new pet while sick. I do sing a lot to relieve stress, but it would be embarrassing to be overheard without knowing. 'Note to self: get carpets to hang up to dampen the sound.' There were places I could go that would be harder to be heard but leaving wasn't an option until I was better. That only left me: writing and drawing.

'Working on Fate scrolls it is!'

The flow of ink was good for my brain. It did more than help calm me; it gave me more perspective but it couldn't give me true answers. 'I wish we could just go back to how things were before that night. How am I supposed to know when I will be ready to see Sinbad again?' He isn't any of the people that hurt me, so why can't I just like him without being afraid of betrayal?

Were Sinbad's actions manipulation, or earnest? Could I trust the safety I felt around him? It was definitely a combination of how he treated me, what I knew from reading his Fate, and how familiar I was with being around those types of manipulation. But there was something strange. When I looked for signs of his manipulation in how he dealt with me, or any expected fallout, nothing came from it. In fact, everything kept ending in my favor. The cycle I was expecting was coming from me, not Sinbad. The waves swirled as I finally let myself think about it.

What was he actually going to say when I cut him off? Even if it was what I thought, would I be able to believe him? Even if I didn't have relationship trauma I don't think I could trust him romantically after reading his Fate. He claimed he wasn't playing the flirting game, but that could have been manipulation. Was it my heart or pride that would be hurt more if he was lying? I couldn't tell yet.

I was lonely. Both in general, and in this world. There was no one that knew me here. And I was too scared to trust the person getting closest to my heart. Even though I didn't want to be seen like this, I didn't actually want to be alone; I just couldn't shake the fear of rejection or punishment I thought was inevitable. I left my windows open just in case. ---

~POV Sinbad~ The King sat on the edge of Mori's bed. He had been unable to visit the first time she was sick. Now that he understood his own feelings he couldn't stay away unless he was on the other side of the world. The only reason he didn't visit the first day was because he knew she needed space away from him. The waves had been trying to guide him here for a while though. Who was he to deny them? No one answered the door when he knocked or called out. The silence and waves worried him. The last report said her current fever was mild, but it could have spiked since then. Mori developed an extremely high fever on the ship several hours after everyone saw she was unwell. He entered without permission only to find his Beautiful Prophet was sleeping peacefully. He had gotten to see her; that would have to be enough. Mori turned her head in her sleep and her bangs fell onto her eye lashes. Sinbad leaned over to move her hair out of the way. He tried to keep his touch light to not wake her, but her eyes fluttered open. Unfocused eyes watched him. "Sin..?" The sound of their voice was a relief. It didn't sound strained at all, only weak from sleep.

"How are you feeling?" They weren't anywhere near as bad as last time. "~*yawn* Better now that I'm awake." "Oh? Did you have a bad dream?" They watched him as what he asked slowly processed in their newly conscious state. "Yeah, I did. Thank you for waking me." "Anytime." Sinbad returned their weak smile with his own. "I guess that's why it wasn't just my waves leading me here." He hesitated. "Mori, what do you think about moving into the Purple Leo Tower? It will be easier to care for you when you get sick. You'll be safer there. And your waves could reach me faster." The same fear from the other night started seeping into their expression. "I'm fine here." But he wasn't fine. "Besides, it will be harder when I have to move out of the Palace." For a moment he forgot how to breathe. "Why would you have to move out?" Why would she ever think she had to leave?? "Would you really be okay with me staying after my visions run out?" The King couldn't stop his hand from reaching to caress their cheek, but he was able to hold back from making contact. "Of course." Mori's brow creased farther and they glanced at his hand. "What about after I share all the knowledge I have from my world? I wasn't an engineer. I only know the basics." Sinbad's heart dropped. From the beginning Mori had been marketing herself as a resource, and he had only ever responded positively. Yet another way he'd messed up without even realizing it. "Of course, I'll still want you by my side." The more he was able to peer into Mori's heart the more worried he got. "You are a person, not a resource. You do know that, don't you?" Mori closed their eyes and leaned their head towards his hand; he took that as permission. Their cheek didn't feel feverish. They spoke flatly about their emotions like they did the night of the Announcement. "I know that logically, but I struggle with knowing how to act if I'm not helping someone." They brought a hand up to his. "I really do like helping people, but sometimes it feels like that's all I am. It's what I had to do to survive since I was little." Ah. He could understand that thought process. Sinbad had been a caregiver for his mother and village from a very young age, and went straight from that to king's candidate. There was very little time in his life when he wasn't working towards helping someone. Drinking, and philandering became his break from that -although he would hopefully be narrowing that last point to one person soon. "You seemed to do just fine at the festival." So fine that he couldn't deny his feelings anymore. "Huh? -Oh. Yeah. I guess I did." Her expression softened into a genuine smile. "It was probably going around the festival that got me sick though." It was mainly stress according to the doctors' report. Mori closed her eyes with a yawn. "I'll have to keep more distance between me and the citizens next time. I didn't realize I was so interesting." "You're incredibly interesting." They let out a quiet chuckle. "If you say so." Sinbad watched and felt as they turned their face into his palm, and sighed. Mori relaxed more into his hand with each breath as if his scent and touch were comforting. It bubbled up desires he knew he shouldn't act upon with a sick or unconscious person and yet he couldn't make himself leave either. He took a moment to ground himself but it did little good. He couldn't bring himself to leave until after Mori let go of his hand. To think another person would have this much power over him. "You really are amazing." There was absolutely no way he'd ever allow anyone else to see this side of them. Mori would be moved to the Purple Leo Tower in time, and would just have to learn through experience that he had no intentions of letting them go. ---

~POV Mori~ I woke up to the Great Bell the next morning. Sinbad being here was not a dream. I had just been too groggy to question the situation. What was the point of staying home, if he was going to visit me in person?

On the plus side, seeing Sinbad while I wasn't stuck in my trauma brain helped break the cycle of questions. Sinbad might be stubborn but through his whole life he is shown being someone fully willing to change his mind when given enough information. At this point in the story he is someone with conviction who says his truth directly -even if he often speaks in a manipulative way. So when he said he's chosen a new path, he meant it -even if I don't know what that means yet. And when he is shown seducing women, the idea of moving any of them into the Purple Leo Tower would never be considered, let alone offered -even in private. And yet he offered that to me.

Sinbad was changing and I'd never be able to accept how if I stayed cooped up in my room. To understand myself, and Sinbad I needed to spend more time around him. My rest was over. I didn't need to jump all the way in at once. I'd see him at the morning Assemblies, swap pleasantries, and part ways until the next day. 'Slow and steady.' --- ~POV Sinbad~ Was this how Hina and Drakon felt when they looked at their wives before they got together? Just seeing Mori enter the halls of the White Capricorn Tower made his heart swell. And hearing their voice? Well, he was starting to understand why Ja'far had been so upset with him since they returned from Balbadd. Even seeing Mori dressed androgynously didn't shake his feelings -though it was a bit jarring after how they dressed for the Announcement. It just cemented that what he felt wasn't simply based on how Mori presented. They were undeniably the most beautiful person in the world to him now.

After going through more options than necessary, the first thing the Dungeon Capturer managed to say to Mori was, "I'm happy to see you're feeling better."

"Yes. And thank you for visiting me while I was resting." Mori's smile made him feel at peace. Seeing them up close confirmed that they cut their bangs some. "But never enter my room without explicit permission again." Their sharper tone pierced him repeatedly with each sentence. "That includes the bird by the way. If my curtains are closed or I don't answer the door: don't enter my room."

He wore a smile to ease their anger. "Of course. It won't happen again."

Even as Mori accepted his response and left, the King couldn't get his heart to stop racing. Why did there have to be so many large risks of ruining his chances when he already knew she liked him from reading his Fate?

--- ~POV Mori~

As soon as the Assembly was over, I fled to the Black Libra Tower. 'He said he was happy I was better! AND he didn't say anything about about my change of gender expression!' Sinbad said all of two words directly to me and I started short circuiting. I remembered that he offered to move me to his tower -the one he sleeps in???- and immediately went on the defensive. I was not as ready as I thought!! I was going to need my favorite hyperfixation to survive the rollercoaster I was trapped on. And if it didn't exits yet, then I was going to reinvent it myself! It would be relatively easy to make a printing press since this fanfic was in English instead of whichever Arabic language was the region's canonical one, or Japanese like the series was originated in. Both require significantly more characters than English, and some kanji can be too intricate to make with this world's current level of technology. Speaking of which, this world had stamps and seals so this next level of printing shouldn't be too crazy of a change. I took some print making classes in high school and college, so I got to use a few different scale printing presses. I knew enough to draft prototypes. I excelled at typography in college too -so well that the department head signed off on me skipping a few courses so I could get to the high level stuff faster. The typography was digital, but I still learned enough to draft prototypes of stamps and such. ('A shame I couldn't afford higher than an Associates Degrees.) Since I was working on a table in the middle of one of the libraries, people came up to ask me about what I was doing. I gave a brief summary to the latest onlooker, before I pointed to the examples I was drafting. "I see." His voice was familiar but I was too focused to register it. The person moved around the table to read the part I had finished this morning. He made a few sounds of recognition as he read. "Won't spelling out each word every time be a hassle?" "Well, yeah. It's better to have most words premade. And full lines of text can be fused together to make reprinting more issues easier and faster." He pointed to a spot on the parchment. "Ah- that's what this part is then." My eyes were drawn to the glint of his rings. Every cell in my body remade itself as my brain finally acknowledged who was talking to me. "That is convenient." Sinbad's voice was unmistakable now that I was paying attention. I prayed to every God I knew of that my emotions didn't show in my actions or voice. "This might be a new technology here, but you won't have to completely reinvent the wheel thanks to my 'visions.'" I had to focus on my breathing to keep my heart rate down. I was able to keep the conversation moving, but I wasn't sure I would remember it well. I was more focused on not looking like an idiot. We had exchanged greetings at the morning assembly but this was the first time I was talking to him fully sober in days. His polite gestures and this conversation made my heart swell, but he wasn't flirting; he was just existing while being attractive. 'Why did I have to start thinking it could be mutual??? I can't even enjoy it like this!' If anything starts there's going to be an end.

--- ~POV Sinbad~ Sinbad didn't have a 'real' reason for visiting Mori in Black Libra Tower on their first day back, but, as King, there was no one who would question him. Although, Ja'far would come to get him if he's away from his responsibilities for too long. He arrived a bit after lunch to find Mori sitting at a table in the middle of the library where anyone could and did come talk to them. The proof being that they didn't beat an eye at his questions. In fact, it sounded like they had explained about this stamp system multiple times. Mori needed their own office in the tower. He'd make sure they got one asap. As interesting as this new technology was, Sinbad kept finding himself staring at his Beautiful Prophet more. It was hard enough to focus at his own desk -let alone when Mori was right in front of him. Sinbad had heard that acknowledging the feeling makes it stronger, but he wasn't expecting this. Mori tensed for a moment before scooting their chair away from him. He had been leaning closer to them without realizing, and they moved away. How was this the same person that fell asleep holding his hand the previous day? Were they just too tired back then to remember what was going on? Did they think it was a dream? He definitely shouldn't flirt with them while they were this uncomfortable to be around him. Would they even be willing to hold his arm while they walked together? He didn't think so. Sinbad took a moment to ground. Even if Mori had turned into a feral cat or wild rabbit around him, the way they watched him when they thought he wasn't looking was a sign that they wouldn't mind being tamed by him. They had enjoyed his company before; he just needed to remind them of that. The only question was if he could regain Mori's trust before he had to leave for the Kou Empire.

((OMGOSH I did not expect this to take this long. At least a month of that gap was from back-to-back illness too, so it took even longer. My digestive track turned off for 24 hours and took 48 to fully come back online. While I was in recovery I caught a really bad upper raspatory infection that gave me a 103F fever for a week. So of course my period hit me like a freight train a week later. Somehow I was ill the weeks around the holidays and not on them, but it was a still a super rough couple of weeks. I'm better now :D which is why I was able to have the energy to write.

I processed a lot of my emotions while working on these chapters. They're all things I already knew, but consolidating them like this helped me see more of the places they were affecting me, and cement in my head that it is okay to move forward. :D

This arc is 3 chapters long including this one. Since I do have the next 2 written already, I just need to refine them and make the art, so there shouldn't be as long as a break for the next chapter. Like this chapter, they will have scenes of Mori processing their emotions. I needed a lot of time to edit them down a ton since there's obviously things I don't intend to post on the internet, and I want the story to feel good to read chapter to chapter. I've already got the next arc started too. It's a lot of character confrontations that became discarded drafts of earlier arcs, but definitely need to happen now. Since I have those drafts as a basis, I hope to get that arc ready before I finish posting this one. I have another DeadEnd chapter to post, and a few one shots I almost have ready. I've been posting wips and art for for them on patreon, but I won't be posting them here until I have full chapters ready U-U))

[morimakesfanart]

Took me 5 months to get around to this :V

I hope everyone who complained about me drawing him with pjs last time is happy XD this one is for you guys

also, everyone go check out my fellow admin that made the og edit. He is cool and his art is cool.

pps, this is 100% going into Sindria's Prophet, but maybe without the text censoring that Sinbad is going camping (this is a pitched tent pun)

@morimakesfanart sent this in the Magi discord so of course i had to help her

[morimakesfanart]

The process for the new full color image :3 I realized to start recording fairly early in. It gets a little flashy when I'm figuring out colors. It's been a long time since I painted a night scene so it took me a bit to remember how to do it XD

The spot 1:30 where it looks like nothing is happen is basically me futzing with his hair and neck, so it isn't super noticeable this zoomed out.

[morimakesfanart]

Sindira's Prophet #39

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[AO3] [wattpad]

*Sinbad goes a little yandere off and on *masturbation, sex and sex toys mentioned. ~POV Mori~ Sinbad only had to invite me to lunch twice for me to realize this was his new pattern. By the end of the week, it was undeniable he was coming to the tower just to spend time with me. It rose my expectations higher. He really did seem to genuinely enjoy my company. We were always served something delicious too. I knew I was being seduced, but damn if it wasn't working.

((Comic description: Sin gesturing to the table with food. Mori looks at him and then the food. Their eyes glitter at the salmon. Mori sits down and Sin pushes their seat in for them.))

The room we ate in reminded me of the ones where Sinbad met with Aladdin and Alibaba in the manga, and thanked Yam, Sharrkon and Masrur in the anime. I had no way to tell if it was either room, but the table, chairs and open wall were the same. Lunch was fish sautéed with fruit like the first time we ate 1-on-1. It made me nostalgic but not for that night I shared with Sinbad. "My sibling made salmon similar to this, but they also added ginger and honey. It was delicious." "It sounds it." He smiled. "You must have been really close. You talk about them every time you bring up your home." My heart tightened and I almost didn't answer. "Absolutely. They are my best friend. We were always there for the other." The waves shifted and I looked out the windows to avoid eye contact. "I miss them a lot." At least my trauma wasn't the only thing I brought with me to this world. I had a lot of good memories too. His voice was the expected warm sympathy. "I'm not surprised. You ended up in this world without any warning. If there is anything you need to feel comfortable here, please let me know right away." That pierced my heart worse than it had any right to. And the feeling that oozed to the surface first was guilt. It didn't last long since I knew the Lyly in the writer's world was okay. "I'll think about it." --- ~POV Sinbad~ It's said that the way to a man's heart is his stomach. The same method clearly worked on Mori. They had started telling stories of their past. This was a sign of growing trust, wasn't it? But it was also obvious that after over a month in this world, Mori was finally starting to feel home sick. The King smiled despite his concerns. "Alright. Let me know if you think of anything." Finishing eating would mean the end of their time together for the day, but he couldn't stop the procession of time. When they got back outside to the court yard Mori turned to him, "Good luck with the rest of your day." Although it was a failed offer every time, Sinbad tried his luck all the same. "You're heading to the guest tower, right? Let me walk you there since it's on my way." His Beautiful Prophet smiled at him, but it was controlled. "I am, but I'd rather walk by myself." This was as close as Mori would let him get now. "Alright, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow then." They left without looking back. Sinbad was no stranger to being patient while the other side slowly turned his way, but he wasn't used to feeling this uneasy. How long will it take for her to accept that he isn't the person from her visions? Even if his womanizing wasn't handicapping him, it was obvious that decisions he will make in the future were a major source of the distrust she had for him. Sinbad only had 2 more weeks before he was leaving for the Kou Empire. How could he leave his Beautiful Prophet for 4 months during this crucial stage? As a King, Sinbad had the power to give Mori nearly anything she could want to fill the void in her heart and keep her near him. But he couldn't bring her loved ones into this world. Her own arrival was an anomaly. He would just have to make sure Mori felt like Sindria was her new home. 'But what if it isn't enough?' She enjoyed his company, but rejected his offers for more. There was a dark thought that kept Sinbad from worrying too much: there wasn't enough magoi in this world to send her home. She had said so.

--- ~POV Mori~ The morning meetings left me with close to zero dopamine, so I took to pacing the libraries in the Black Libra Tower as a stim to replenish dopamine, and discharge excess energy. To make matters worse, ever since I was banned from reinventing things my options for what to do with my energy were severely limited. And I was being spoiled with good food and comfortable clothes, and I was getting plenty of sleep. There really wasn't much for me to focus on, and I knew I'd run out of things to do long before I'd be allowed to reinvent things again. Boredom leads to a lot of stupidity and bad decisions. 'Damnit.' And to top things off I was in one of most annoying stages of my menstrual cycle. Without anything to distract me, I was having a hard time (pun intended). 'I'm really fucking horny.' Being asexual just means that I don't experience sexual attraction; it doesn't stop me from having a frustratingly high libido. Masturbation can eventually get it to calm down, but none of my toys came to this world with me. My fingers will never be long enough to hit my favorite spot. There was absolutely no way in hell that I was going to ask for a dildo or anything like that through the normal channels because there was no way word wouldn't get back to Sinbad somehow. And there was no way he wouldn't offer his expertise to 'help me' if he found out. Luckily, the scissors were already starting to turn a profit, so Omi gave me my cut. I could go buy things myself! ...If I knew where to go. I'd ask Pisti since she's one of the horniest people I have access to and would have a chance of knowing where I could get things, but she was obviously a shipper and would tell Sinbad. There was only one other person I could ask for help, and I didn't like it. Sharrkan was the person in charge of the Red Light District, and if there was anyone that wouldn't tell Sinbad, it was him. The problem was, he's kinda unstable from an inflated ego, so talking to him about anything was going to be a nightmare. I was going to need physical and mental fuel to talk to him. Talking to Sharrkan after lunch with Sinbad would be best because it would fuel me and Sinbad is less likely to come looking for me afterwards. 'Perfect! Plan made!' --- I headed to my room afterward lunch like normal and then waited about 20mins so Sin had time to settle into whatever he was doing. Then I finally headed to the Silver Scorpio Tower to find Sharrkan. Sindria's greatest swordsman was sparring with a few soldiers. He could have been training them to be honest and I wouldn't know the difference from this distance. Watching them made my hands and arms itch. As a reenactor I had learned some sword fighting, and watched even more. Sharrkan definitely knew what he was doing with his sword, his opponent, and his body in general. I wanted to draw him. 'It's a shame what happens when he opens his mouth.' When the round was over I called out to him. It would be an understatement to say he flinched the moment he spotted me.

--- ~POV Sharrkan~ "OI!! Sharrkan!!" An unexpected feminine voice got his attention. To his absolute horror, it was the one person he should avoid at all cost. Sharrkan couldn't be in the same room as Mori without their King glaring daggers at him.

((Comic description: Mori calls out to Sharrkan. A big "DO NOT INTERACT" sign is overlayed on top of them. The is a chibi ghost of Sinbad glaring at Sharrkan from behind Mori.))

Sharr made his way over to the Prophet. "What d'ya want with me?" He crossed his arms in a display of annoyance. He was not stupid enough to get between Sinbad and his conquest.

"I have a request that only you can help me with. I'd like to talk to you about it 1-on-1, if you don't mind." Actually, he did mind. A quick look around proved King Sinbad was nowhere nearby, but there were a ton of witnesses that could misunderstand. "I don't see why it has to be me. Besides, I'm busy." "I just need you to show me around a specific place so I can do some product research. I know for a fact that what I'm planning will benefit you." Mori's pout wasn't nearly as cute as Yamuraiha's. Nothing she said could sway him. He waved a hand as he rejected the Prophet. "No way. If you won't even tell me where, I've got no reason to consider it." "Fine. I'll just tell you here." Mori's cheeks turned a little pink which could only be a bad sign. "I saw in Fate that you are the head of the Red Light District." There's no reason she should be bringing that up to him. "You know the rubber gloves we keep talking about in the morning Assembly? The same material can be made into condoms you can feel through much better then animal intestines. I wanted to ask if you could take me to the Red Light District so I can see what else might be useful."

That would definitely make the District better. The medicinal contraceptives imported from Riem were extremely expensive and getting harder to get a hold of, so having other methods was becoming a necessity. ((Ancient Rome had a very affective herb for preventing pregnancy and they harvested it to extinction.)) Pregnancy was the leading reason any of the call girls needed time off, and it was near impossible to get customers to use condoms when they felt like *that*. ((Ancient condoms were made of animal intestines and other thick or uncomfortable materials.)) If Mori went around and found other things to improve on, well, one could only imagine. Sharrkan found himself between a rock and a hard place.

"I see what you're getting at, but I ain't risking it." He took a step away.

Mori's expression went from nervous and expectant, to confused. "What risk? I'm the one that will get in trouble with Ja'far and the accountants for trying to invent more things."

"Ja'far isn't the problem." Shar looked to the side. He needed to leave this conversation asap. "It's no wonder you hang around that magic woman. Both of you spend all of your time learning a bunch of worthless crap but are too stupid to see the obvious."

"Excuse you???? Did you really just say that out loud with your mouth???" Mori's voice cracked. She gestured at him. "You call us stupid but you're the one still using Sinbad as a role model to attract Yam. She very told you that building the Red Light District and being a womanizer were all the proof she needed to know your advances didn't mean anything. And that was what? 5+ years ago."

Sure, Mori had visions outside of important events, but why would she have a vision about that???? 'Did Yam actually say that???' And he missed it?? There was a lot he didn't really pay attention to when they were arguing. 'Shit.' He could kinda remember that actually. "What in the world would make you think I like that monster woman??"

The Prophet's gaze twisted in disgust. "I knew your personality was the problem. It's only after you mellow out that she considers you." Mori was telling him off, but that was good news, right? He had a chance with Yam in the future? "I don't care how cute your kid is." He was going to have a kid with Yam???? What did future him do that current him hadn't done yet? "With how you talk about Yamuraiha when she's not around I don't think you deserve her."

'NONONONO!' With Mori's knowledge of Fate, she could sabotage his chances! His dream family was crumbling before it even started. Sharrkan needed to fix this. He had already decided not to agree to whatever Mori asked before she explained anything simply because Sinbad was a jealous asshole, but this was his own love life at stake!! He needed to be in Mori's good graces! "That shows what you know! I was able to win her over in your visions! I don't need your help!!" FUCK!!

"Right! Because constantly calling her names and dismissing her work is soooo romantic."

Damnit. He just couldn't control his tempter when it came to Yam. "Shut up!!" Sharrkan left before his mouth and anger management issues could make his situation any worse. ---

~POV Mori~ After the Morning Assembly, I headed to the Black Libra Tower with Yam like normal, but she followed me instead of heading to her office. "How are your dates with his Majesty going?" I stumbled at the question, and tried to cover my reaction by scanning for the right reference material. "They aren't dates." I started sorting through scrolls. "We just talk a little while eating." Yam leaned over me with her extra bit of height. "But it's just the two of you, isn't that right?" "...yes." Of course I knew what it looked like. I'm not that stupid. My face started burning. "And~ where do you go to eat?" "...The Purple Leo Tower." Okay, they're probably dates, and a not so subtle way of showing his claim -*assuming he does have feelings for me.* When was the last time I was teased over a crush that might like me back? The way Sin's expression changed when I held his arm the other day flashed in my mind. He used flirting all the time to get his way. I knew using the same tactic against him gave me a boost, but who knew it was that affective? It was almost like he actually had a crush and didn't know how to handle it. And I didn't know how to handle that. The head magician giggled. Her eyes sparkled as my face grew hotter. I recognized that expression from how often the magicians had watched the Rukh around me and Sin. In the canon, all of the Generals showed interest in their King's love life -both from the love of a good drama and genuinely wanting to see him happy with someone he could truly call family. "You know Mori, his Majesty doesn't give this much attention to just anyone." "HhnnNNNnnn~" I scuttled to the closest corner and curled into a ball. ((<-An actually reaction I have had when teased about a crush.)) "I know!" I was enjoying the moment and the fantasy of being requited and happy, but I couldn't stop a familiar fear and disgust from twisted my insides. Even if his feelings were real, Sinbad is the person who causes the 2nd Calamity and a womanizer. I could never be with someone like that. 'AAAAAAA~ but the waves showed there was a drastic change and -' This was supposed to be a self indulgent fanfiction.

((Image Description: Mori curled in a ball in the corner. Pink rukh gather around them as Yam watches.))

"Oh~?" The waves moved with Yam as she walked over to me. "Then this shouldn't surprise you at all. Follow me."

She led me to an office with the most gaudy furniture I'd seen in the tower. "This is your new office! Let us know if there's anything you need to make it better for you."

"Thanks." I couldn't help but remember the musings I made to myself while a certain bird watched. I dropped all of the scrolls I was holding onto my desk and looked around. Two walls had built-in shelving, another was windows; all were bookended by potted plants. There was a guest chair near the front of the desk.

It took most of the morning to get all of the Fate and science scrolls, and equipment I had started hoarding in my room moved to my new office. There were scrolls already stored around the tower too. Any that didn't have permanent homes were moved to my office. I was working on organizing the shelves when I heard someone enter.

"What do you think of your surprise?" Sinbad sauntered in.

I faced him and gestured around the room with a scroll in my hand. "I'm more surprised at how fast my requests were fulfilled than the fact that I was given an office."

"Is that so?" He looked around at the guest chair and table, plants, sofa, and then he froze when he finally noticed the bird perch next to my desk.

I giggled at his expense. "What do you think? Since I seem to be gaining a feathered companion I thought I should make sure he's comfortable anywhere he's likely to visit me." I watched a jeweled hand stroked the top of the perch. "I had one sent to my room too."

I expected Sinbad to laugh like he normally does, but instead his smile softened as if he was genuinely touched. When he finally returned my gaze, my heart raced. Something about Sinbad's demeanor had become intoxicating the past few weeks -bitter yet sweet with an undeniable heat behind it. I was glad he was going easy on me because if he flirted like he did before but with this new tenderness I was sure it would make me cry.

"You really are amazing." ---

~POV Sinbad~ Mori may have drawn a line between them, but she was still making sure there was a dedicated place for him. Never in his life had he ever been this touched by something so small because this was the first time Sinbad ever had these feelings. "You really are amazing." He filled his words with the feeling he couldn't say directly without scaring her. As soon as the words left his mouth, Mori turned to the shelves. It was only for a moment, but he was sure her expression was the same mix of fear and hope from the night of the Announcement. He shouldn't have said it. When she finally responded, she did her best to mask the emotion in her voice, but she couldn't hide it completely. "Every time you call me 'amazing' it feels like you're saying something else. Even when you said it back in Balbadd." Both the change in Mori's demeanor as well as her words caught him off guard. "Since Balbadd?" "Yes." He knew he had this feeling before he accepted what it was but it was there for longer than he realized. Somehow in those first few days he fell in love and didn't notice. Sinbad hummed to stall. There was no direct answer he could give that wouldn't upset them. The best he could do was, "You've read my Fate. Why don't you tell me?" Had Mori noticed the feelings he was trying to hide for their benefit, or did they merely recognize the way he said it? Mori watched her own hands with an unyielding focus. "It's because of everything I've seen in your Fate that I don't understand it. The answer I keep coming to goes against it." One hand gripped the shelfing. The waves shifted as Sinbad noticed an opportunity. He walked next to his Beautiful Prophet and gently placed a hand on the one she had on the shelf. "Did you forget that you aren't in any of your visions?" He leaned over them. Their hand stiffened but they didn't try to pull away. "No, but...I'm not..." Mori struggled to not look at his face instead of his hand. "But you've never wanted..." They knew, but just weren't able to accept it yet. Mori let him intertwine their fingers and pull their hand away from the shelf. Her on finger tips came to rest lightly on his. "And in the future you're..."

((Comic starts from when Sinbad place's his hand on Mori's.))

Sinbad could only imagine what they were remembering. "In the future, I'm what?" They froze. He had half a mind to kiss their hand, but he didn't want to push his luck. Instead, and lowered his voice even though there was no one else around. "I told you I chose a new path, didn't I?" The hand in his flinched. "You did. You said you'd talk to the others when you don't like the options you find." That wasn't all. "I refuse to repeat my past mistakes like you said I will, and I won't die either." Many of the scrolls on the shelf before them held proof of his past pattern. He vowed to break that pattern with his own hands. "Morgan, give me the Fate Scrolls you've written so far. I want to see for myself what my life looks like from an outside perspective." His Beautiful Prophet finally looked up at him with wide eyes. "Of... Of course. I tried to keep my opinion out of it, but it will inevitably have my biases." Their voice was quiet. They were unable to hold eye contact and looked back at the scrolls. "I only just finished when you bought the island in Parthevia." "That's fine." It was much farther than he expected. ((Hi everybody. I'm not dead :D I went through something really scary the day after posting the previous chapter, and then I got really sick and had a severe allergic reaction to one of the antibiotics I was on, and had to go to specialists. I had 2 types of eye infections at one time so I wasn't allowed to use screens much outside of work for about 2 months. I was marked as infection free last month, and again last week. I have to do a bunch of check ups to make sure it doesn't come back for several months. I still have to go slow since it affected my vision and now I get vision fatigue faster. It's getting easier every day :3 I want to add a special thank you to my patrons that stayed with me through this sick period. Your support helped pay for my meds, so I had one less things to worry about through this <3  ))

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #34

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[AO3] [wattpad]

*Sinbad feeling jealous and possessive (this is why I put the kinda yandere tag on AO3) (it will also become a thing for a while so expect to see it tagged here often) ~POV Generals~ What had they just witnessed? Mori waved at them as she left to return to the festival; all the while, the Womanizer of the Seven Seas stared after her instead of paying attention to the women on his lap. No one had expected Mori to flirt with Sinbad to tell him 'no,' but clearly it was affective. All of the Generals knew of the growing soft spot Sinbad was forming for his Prophet, but never had they expected their over confident King to look so lost.

The giant's laugh boomed across the whole platform, Sharrkan whistled, and Yam squealed.

Yam was barely able to contain herself. "The Rukh are going crazy! There's no way he could deny his feelings after that!!! Mori will definitely move into the Purple Leo Tower sooOOoon~!"

Pisti giggled and added. "Why stop there? She should just move straight into King Sinbad's bed."

Sharrkan gestured towards them with his cup. "Here's to you two making winning the bet better for my pockets."

On the first day the Generals met Mori they started placing bets. Would Sinbad realize his feelings before going to the Kou Empire? Would Mori be moved into the Purple Leo Tower as soon as Sinbad realizes? Both women immediately bet that Mori would move into the Purple Leo Tower before the trip to the Kou Empire -Yam because of what she saw in the Rukh, and Pisti because she thought she could push them into it with enough interventions and it was funny to her. Nearly all the Generals placed bets one by one. Sharrkan waited until after the meeting the other day, when he decided on Sinbad not being interested in Mori at all.

Yam yelled at her 'Arch Nemesis,' "What's that supposed to mean??"

"Have you seen our King? If he was actually interested in Mori this would be over already."

"Are you blind??"

Drakon commented at the other table. "He can be very stubborn, but it seems even Sinbad is finally notices the change in himself." The first household member had bet that his King would ultimately figure it out before his trip to the Kou Empire.

Hina mused. "He's like a little kid having a crush for the first time. At least he's mature enough to not pull their hair as he struggles to figure it out." The giant's bet was on Sin not realizing his feelings until after he leaves for the Kou Empire. Their separation would be the trigger.

"True," Drakon agreed, "but he doesn't have the best track record. Sinbad has no experience with a real relationship."

"Ain't that the truth. Still, I'm sure we'll be hearing good news soon."

Drakon smiled and nodded with his old friend.

Pisti yelled, "I have to know what she said!" before following after Mori.

For the record: Masrur had added to both Drakon and Hina's bets instead of making his own -he trusted the experience of 2 men that had actually gotten married over the words of a womanizer. Spartos refused to be a part of the bet on principle. Nearly all of the Generals agreed on 1 thing: as soon as/if Sinbad accepts he's in love, nothing could stop him. Ja'far was the outlier on that point. Sinbad was following Mori's pace whether he was conscious of it or not. If Mori wasn't ready he'd hold back which meant that even if Sin did realize his feelings, there was a high chance that nothing would change right away, so the only bet he placed was against Sharrkan.

--- ~POV Mori~ I held back giggling until I was out of sight. I don't know if Sin naturally gets more subby when he's drunk but it was in line with how he's shown getting clingy and sappy when drunk in the og and side comics. Regardless, doming him was thrilling. It was obvious that Sinbad preferred being the dom, but as a switch, I was happy to learn he could be a good sub for me under the right conditions~ (I may be asexual, but I'm the horny sex favorable type, and into BDSM.) I know I won't have an opportunity to actually be sexual with Sinbad since we'll never be in a relationship -I set those rules to protect myself- so I would just have to enjoy playing with him outside of a bedroom.

I meant what I told him too; he can be with whomever he wants when I'm not around because if someone is mine they will come back to me with their full attention -not that Sinbad was actually mine. 'That shocked expression on him was so cute!' This felt wonderful. For that moment I was the only thing he could think about. It was almost like he had feelings for me. It didn't stop me from being pissed though. 'He really asked me to join a bunch of call girls that were being paid to fawn over him??' At least he took his punishment well, so I was able to let off some steam.

It wasn't enough though. I had too much energy left. The mix of negative feelings barely hiding under the good ones were a strong reminder to my ex fiancé. Wish fulfillment would only trigger me. I needed a distraction asap. There was still one thing I hadn't gotten to do yet at this festival -and I love dancing and singing- so I chose that.

As if to answer my wish, the waves brought Pisti to me. After I answered her questions, she was more than happy to help me learn the dances here in Sindria. Most of the dancers were locals, but there was an area where tourists were learning some of the basics. Pisti stayed with me until one of her boyfriends showed up and whisked her away. By that point I had found my rhythm so I didn't have a problem with not knowing anyone. No one would bother me here. The more I embraced the moment and unmasked, the happier I was. Finally. This was what I needed. The waves helped me learn the patterns of the music and dances, so I could keep up better. --- ~POV Generals~ The women around Sinbad whined for his attention, and he returned it, but barely. It was obvious to everyone who had known him through the last decade that his heart wasn't in it. The Womanizer of the Seven Seas was unable to keep it up. He got up and walked to the edge of the platform alone. He was standing there before Pisti came back and remained staring out at the festival after she returned and explained that Mori wouldn't be back anytime soon.

Sahel, Drakon's wife, smiled. "I see why you thought it was different this time."

Her husband nodded, "I believe this might be the moment I was waiting for. Our King is finally thinking about it in earnest."

Sharrkan grumbled into his cup. "If he realized he likes her, then why isn't he doing anything?"

Sahel answered, "He's still processing his feelings." She looked between her husband and Hina. "Teasing him will only make him double down."

The giant rested an arm on the table and leaned on it. "Then how would you push him?"

She put down her cup and turned towards their King. "Your Majesty!" Sahel called out and Sinbad looked back at her. "You should go after her if you're that worried!"

The King pressed a hand against his closed eyes before combing it through his bangs.

"It will make you feel better!"

Sin turned back towards the festival.

Hinahoho snorted another laugh. "I thought you said not to tease him!"

"Give it time."

--- ~POV Mori~ When I finally stepped off the dance floor, the moon was high in the sky. I got carried away and turned wrong, so my left hip tried to pop out of the socket. I've had loose joints since I was little so I knew how to take care of it. After putting it back in place, I tried to find a place to sit down; my legs felt ready to give out on me. Most of the benches were taken up by the elderly, and families with young children just like earlier. I finally found a spot a bit out of the way. As soon as I sat down, I knew I was not going to be able to get up for a while; my feet, back and hips burned from over use even after fixing my bone alignment. My feet would be fine in an hour (I pace all the time), but I could tell I wouldn't be so lucky with the rest. I looked around at the view that was going to keep me company while I rested. Luckily, I could still see the King's platform from here, and the steps leading up to the Palace over the city- "Shit." 'I have to climb those steps, and the steps of the guest tower get to my room. Maybe I should stay at a hotel tonight. I'll send Sin the bill since this is his fault.' --- ~POV Sinbad~ Somehow, that was the hottest thing Sinbad had ever experienced and it was someone turning him down. None of what happened made any sense to him while it was happening. That feeling only Mori gave him had filled him to the point of stupidity. Mori said they fell for him while reading his Fate; even if it was said in jest, there had to be some truth in it, so how could they turn him down? Becoming sober let him remember Mori admitting to being a tease on purpose. 'Damnit.'

No matter how much the others made fun of their King, he wouldn't budge. Nothing was wrong with him. He wasn't sulking. Sure, not flirting with groups of women was the rarity for him, but the Prophet knew exactly how to get under his skin. He had been too drunk when Mori was messing with him, but not so drunk as to follow after them. Still, he couldn't deny that ever since they left he was abundantly aware of their absence. 'Maybe I should follow after them.' It is what he had wanted to do since morning.

Pisti had returned hours ago, but not the Prophet. Hina even took his children home to bed, and the other Generals started turning in, but Mori still hadn't returned. Ja'far let him know that the Sindrian knights that were guarding the Prophet were sending reports, but it wasn't enough. The King had to go make sure everything was fine with his own eyes.

The waves led him to where Mori was sitting on a bench farther away from the dance stages than he was expecting, and she wasn't alone. There was a group of men around her. The fact that Mori was smiling at them made something dark twist Sinbad's insides. She didn't like when he flirted with multiple people in front of her, and yet here she was doing the same thing to him -although, she didn't know he would see.

One of those men grabbed her hand and all of Sinbad's muscles tensed on reflexed. Mori's expression and tone hardened immediately. "What do you think you're doing?!" She wasn't interested in them at all. The only person she likes holding her hand is Sinbad.

He shouldn't feel this giddy that she rejected them. Maybe something was wrong with him after all. Sinbad called out to announce his presence. "So this is where my Beautiful Prophet has been." The men surrounding her froze in a satisfying way.

"King Sinbad!" Mori looked tired, and the glint in her eyes was relief that he came for her.

Sinbad shouldn't have held back from following after her. The waves rose the closer he got.

The man holding Mori's hand let go and took a step back after making eye contact with the King. Sinbad directed his words at his Beautiful Prophet, "It's getting awfully late," then scanned the faces of the group bothering her, "You were planning on coming back soon, weren't you?" And then looked back at her.

Mori's laugh was full the nerves. "I wanted to go back much earlier, but I uh..." she glanced at the recent problem before looking back at her King.

The group of men said some hurried good'byes before leaving around the corner. Too bad for them that the waves gave away that they were still there -just out of sight.

Sinbad offered Mori his hand. "Now that you're free, let me escort you back." He wanted to replace the memory of that man's hand with his own.

Mori took his hand with the one he wanted, but stayed sitting. "Thank you for coming to get me." They squeezed his hand.

His heart swelled; he squeeze her hand back. "The waves will always lead me to you whenever you need me."

Her face turned a little pink. "You never quit, do you?"

"Do you want me to?" Sin teased.

Mori's smile dropped as she seemed to think about his question honestly. She answered through a pout. "No... because then you wouldn't be you."

He laughed. "Good. Because I don't want to stop either." Mori's words always managed to warm his heart. "Shall we go back now?"

Her free hand gripped the fabric of her skirt. "People talking to me isn't the main reason I'm still here."

"Hmm?" he encouraged.

Her smile grew like a child being caught red-handed. "I danced so much that I hurt my hips..."

Sin wished he had seen it. "Ah- Pisti said you were dancing." The stage was too far away from where he sat. He'd have things rearranged for next time.

"Yeah. It was really fun but," she looked down at her legs, "I can tell my legs will give out if I try to walk back on my own right now." Her head whipped back up at him, and she flailed her free hand. "I was hoping I'd be better enough to walk back *before* someone came looking for me."

The feeling of being watched stole his attention for a moment. Those men were still watching from around the corner to see if Sinbad was going to leave Mori alone again. He hadn't been completely sure at first, but this was proof they were coveting his Beautiful Prophet. 'Now what should I do to make sure no one else-'

"HMM???" Mori's voice cracked and pulled his attention back to her. They made eye contact and she took her hand back from him to covered her face with both hands. "It's nothing! I'm tired so I just had a very dumb idea for how I could get back without walking."

"Oh?" This side of her always made him want to tease her. "I want to hear this 'dumb idea.'" Mori's knees tensed, and the way she moved one hand to pulled at the fabric there paired with her words and made a very interesting idea form in his own head. In fact, it was a good way make sure unnecessary people stayed away from Mori in the future. Sinbad didn't want to end up punishing his own citizens because his Prophet was too Beautiful to resist. The waves were on his side.

Mori released the remaining hand covering her face and started flailing it in front of herself as if she was trying to shoo something away. "Don't pay attention to it! I said it's stupid! It's not necessary!"

It took a second for Sinbad to realize what she was talking about. She was trying to shoo away the waves that were gathering around them. The waves were responding to his idea, but from Mori's reaction it was also the 'stupid idea' she was hiding. These waves were moving this way because they wanted the same thing! His heart felt like it was going to burst from that feeling only Mori gave him. He couldn't blame this on being drunk like he could earlier. He couldn't say if this feeling was what everyone thought it was yet -this was still too new to him to be sure- but he also couldn't deny that Mori was special to him. Sinbad had never felt particularly lonely, and yet meeting someone else that could undeniably feel the same waves as him gave him a sense of connection he didn't know he was missing.

He could respond properly, but that was less fun. "What shouldn't I pay attention to?" He smiled as he leaned over her.

Mori glared up at him, but he wouldn't respond until she said it directly. "My waves." Yes. She was the only other person that could feel the waves. She was able to understand an aspect of his lived experience that no one else would ever be able to truly understand. And what's more, she knew his greatest mistakes and still stayed by his side.

Sinbad laughed. "Yes. But what about them isn't necessary?" She was being too cute to correct right away.

Why wouldn't he want to make sure no one could take her from him? Surely, not wanting to keep her all to himself would be a true sign that there was something wrong with him. If this feeling was what everybody thought it was then he was starting to understand the hype.

"You-!" Her face was growing more red by the second. Mori clenched her eyes and turned her head down. "Their suggestion!" Her hands held her legs by her knees where the waves were focusing. When he didn't respond, Mori's eyes peeked up at him while her head continued to face down. "...It's not something a King should do, right? And... those rumors have already spread outside the Palace..."

She was right; only a few hours ago, he was intentionally trying to counter those rumors. And she rejected him because of that decision. King Sinbad let out a sigh he couldn't hold back and uncrossed his arms. Her expression was a challenge to deny it, and he obliged, "It's fine." He had let his Generals teasing bother him to the point that he missed something very important. Not anymore.

"But..." Mori's protest had no strength behind it.

Sinbad rested a hand on the back of the bench. She fell for him while reading his Fate, but she also couldn't see past everything she knew about him from those same visions -just like he had also been stuck in his own self perception. Yes, he was finally seeing things clearly. If Mori had never told him about those parts of her visions then he would have figured it out sooner. "Let me help you get back. I don't mind walking with you, but I have a feeling we've both thought of a faster method. These wave are responding to my will just as much as yours."

Mori broke eye contact. "But... I don't want to be the reason others pressure you about something you hate that much. In my visions you had a nightmare about being married." She's wasn't rejecting him because she's didn't want him. It was because she was afraid of being rejected by him if she crossed the line.

It was true that he had never he wanted to get married or have a partner before but, "I'm actually fanning those rumors on purpose right now." Mori's head whipped back to look at him; their expression asked the question they couldn't verbalize. He was fully willing and able to change to get whatever he wanted.

Mori's blush reached it's fullest extent. "Ah- um." They broke eye contact. "Gimme a minute."

"Take your time," was what he said but it wouldn't be long before they'd agree. The waves had only gotten stronger.

Not even 30 seconds later Mori furrowed their brow. "It is late. And I'm exhausted. And I shouldn't walk in this condition. And there's no way I'm going be better enough get there on my own tonight." Sin laughed at the excuses they were using to accept it. They looked up at him. "I don't know why you want to feed the rumors now, but don't ignore the new rule I placed when you want to get rid of them again."

There was no way in hell he'd flirt with anyone other than Mori when they were an option. "You'll never have to worry about me doing that ever again."

"Okay then." Their expression dared him to take it back, but he never would.

"Then, may I carry you, my Beautiful Prophet?" Sinbad learned earlier that night, that Mori prefers explicit over implicit consent, and using it on her made her pupils dilate in a very satisfying way.

Mori hid her face in her hands again. She took a few deep breaths as she regained the will to answer. A quiet, "Yes," snuck past her fingers, and was followed by a slightly louder, "I'll just be embarrassed."

"I can live with that." Sinbad reached down to follow through on the waves' direction. His right hand went under her knees, and his left around her shoulders. Mori continued to cover her face with her hands as he lifted her. She didn't hesitate to lean her head against his shoulder. The weight in his arms made that dark feeling from earlier dissipated completely. 'Mine.' Carrying her back would send the clearest message: Mori wasn't just Sindria's Prophet, she was Sinbad's Prophet.

((Time to remember to breathe. I was on a stay at home vacation this week so I was able to make time to finish this chapter. And because I had extra time I gave in and painted the last illustration :3

I'm going to try to have the last 2 chapters of the arc done very close to each other because of all the emotions involved))

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet Concept Art #2

[#1]

This time it's drawings of interactions between Mori & Sinbad that I made while working on the first few arcs. They're mostly flirting drawings tbh XD Some of these were done because I wanted to test out outfits next to Sin, or scenes, but mainly it was because I was feeling self indulgent.

This first set was made when I was still figuring out the dynamic, and wasn't super sure when I wanted certain events to happen. Sinbad likes stomach out fashion so I focused on that for a while.

These next ones were made after I had a lot more of the over arcing plot figured out. These are just as much outfit tests as they are scene tests. Most are from ideas for the Announcement Arc, but some are for some arcs I have planned for later -not sure if all will happen though

Next is the drawing that defined the style I make the illustrations in :3 This was for the final scene of chapter 4 that I really liked (for obvious reasons), but I realized that it was too rushed (for obvious reasons) so rewrote a ton, and it was making that rewrite that I realized I wanted to start posting. Anyway, here is the drawing and how I edited it to make the style:

The edited art for the Spotify Playlist:

((Posting these is making me want to draw more things like this again XD))

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #36

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[AO3] [wattpad]

*I'm not sure if I'm sorry for the sudden jump to comedy. I think we could all use a break before getting back into it *CW1- self harm ideation *CW2- more romantic trauma explained ~POV Sharrkan~ When Sinbad had left those lovely ladies alone, Sharrkan took up the post. He ended up drinking himself stupid trying to impress them and now his head was throbbing. He fell asleep with his head in his arms on the table. It was the sounds of voices that woke him up.

King Sinbad's voice ended up being the last straw forcing Sharrkan awake. He was using a tone Shar had never heard from him before. "And after finally leaving him, she promised herself she would never be with anyone again." What the hell was he talking about? Sindria's best swordsman slowly rolled his head up. It was probably for the best that he woke up since he still had to head back to the Palace. Sinbad was carrying Mori for some reason. "She told me when I tried to tell her I..." Sinbad didn't finish his sentence. After a moment he scoffed at himself.

Ja'far beat everyone to asking for clarification. "Hold a second Sin... Did you accept you have feelings for Mori because of what happened earlier?" The King nodded. "And they rejected you again?"

Sinbad hesitated before nodding again.

That fully woke Shar up. 'Nononono!!' That would mean he was the biggest loser of the bet. "There's no way!" Sharrkan was standing before he was aware of what he was doing, and he wasn't one to back down. "Do you know who our King is???" Why had Shar spent most of his life emulating and practicing how Sinbad flirts with women if his methods would fail the one time it really matters????

All heads turned to Sharrkan and he had the distinctive feeling that he shouldn't have said that.

Mori's mumbles cut through the silence following his question. "Why (are) you yelling?" Their voice was much clearer with the next question. "Who did what now?"

The King, Ja'far, Drakon, and Sahel froze. Shar was already in trouble so it didn't matter if he got into a little more. "You rejected King Sinbad!" All the eye daggers pointed at him weren't a good sign, but he didn't care. If Sinbad was actually in love with Mori, and they rejected him, then was that why Yam seemed to hate Sharrkan more every day?? Was being a womanizer bad actually???

Mori's answer only made things worse. "Yeah. Which time? I've been rejecting him since Balbadd." They tapped Sinbad's chest a few times. "Put me down, please." As soon as he complied, Mori's legs buckled under them. "Ah!" They wrapped both of their arms around the King to keep from falling, and he caught them at the same time. Sin's expression only supported the others' bets more. Mori apologized to their source of support. "Sorry. That was a bad idea. My hips still feel like they want to fall off."

Mori's hips hurt..? All of the Generals and Sahel looked between Mori and their King who was helping her to the nearest seat. The way Sinbad kept an arm around her and sat with her made everyone want to tell the couple to get a room... but they might have already gotten one from the sounds of it. Shar had to know for sure. "Hold on, did you not reject him this time?" Do Sinbad's techniques work or not?

Mori took the longest to figure out what he had just asked, and their face turned bright red when they did. "IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! WE DIDN'T- DID PISTI NOT TELL YOU GUYS THAT I WAS DANCING???" Their voice cracked a bunch. After a sharp inhale, they rambled an explanation of hurting themself while dancing.

"Oh." Came from everyone except Sinbad.

Ja'far recovered from the whiplash faster than the rest. "I'll go have a cot setup for you, and I'm sure at least one of the medical magicians hasn't gone to bed yet."

Mori looked away from everyone. "I want to get back to my room as soon as possible."

Ja'far left to see what was available at the medical tent.

While they waited, Shar walked over to Drakon and Sahel. He spoke quietly enough to keep things in their circle. "So... Why is he so upset if they've been rejecting him the whole time?" When hadn't Yam rejected Sharrkan? You didn't see him cry to the others about it! ((Yeah, only to Masrur))

Drakon sighed and shared a look with his wife. This only made Shar more curious, but it was obvious he wasn't supposed to ask again right now. He just crossed his arms and turned to watch his King. --- ~POV Sinbad~ When Sinbad helped Mori to the bench, he kept an arm around them to stabilize them, but also so he could keep touching them a little longer. Mori kept their arms around him for support while walking, and even after sitting down they didn't fully let go, so neither did he. When Ja'far made his suggestions, Sinbad could feel Mori's back tensing even though it didn't show on their face or in their voice. He would have to ask about it when he had a chance.

Barely a minute after Ja'far went to get a medic, Mori spoke quietly. "I'm sorry... for burdening you."

Sin responded just as quietly. "You have nothing to apologize for."

"But I made you carry me all the way here."

"I wanted to carry you, and I'd gladly do it again."

Mori tightened their grip on his clothes. "But I snapped and trauma dumped on you without your permission." He hadn't heard that phrase before, but he understood from context.

He sighed. Was this guilt an aftereffect of their outburst? "Mori. You know parts of my past I've never told anyone. You accepted me and chose to help me anyway. I can't do the same for you if you never tell me anything."

Sinbad couldn't see their face past their bangs with their head down, but he could feel and see them trembling again. They covered their face with one hand as they nodded to respond. He lightly squeezed them against himself with the arm he had around them. That was all the encouragement Mori needed to lean their head against him. Tension slowly released from his shoulders. However upset Mori was with him, they were still willing to find comfort in him. Earlier they had even agreed in wanting him to become someone they could trust. Mori still liked him. Sinbad hadn't lost yet.

Ja'far returned with a very tired medical magician and painkillers. The healing magic would promote faster healing, and the medicine would lessen the immediate pain over the next few hours. After the magician left, Ja'far repeated his offer from earlier. "Are you sure you don't want to rest here?" It was worth a shot.

Instead of answering Ja'far, Mori looked up at Sinbad with an expression that made his heart race. It was one part longing, one part desperation, one part hopeful, and 100% adorable. "Did you mean what you said before?" They were quiet so the others couldn't hear, but that wasn't why Sinbad was caught off guard. Fate was on his side in a way he couldn't have anticipated. When he didn't answer right away Mori clarified, "...That you'd carry me again?" They looked at the steps leading up to the Palace. "I won't be in any condition to climb those stairs on my own for a while, and I really want to go home, so..."

'Yes! Absolutely!' Mori called his Palace 'home!' Sinbad had to calm himself and get his expression under control while she wasn't looking. There were multiple options to get her to her room asap, and she still chose him. He didn't know why Mori wanted to be in his arms again after what happened and he was not going to jinx it by looking overly enthusiastic. He kept his expression and tone as nonchalant and gentle as possible, "Of course. I never make a promise I can't keep."

--- ~POV Ja'far~ The General wasn't sure what Mori said to Sin, but the expression on the King's face said it was a good thing. And then that King scooped her up into his arms again and stood in one smooth motion. Mori had an arm around him for support this time.

"Hold on, Sin!" Ja'far took a few steps forward and repeated his question from earlier. "You're not still thinking of carrying Mori up to the Palace, are you?" Sin looked at the stairs, but didn't say anything, so Ja'far turned his attention to the Prophet. "Mori, I know you're injured but isn't this a bit excessive?? You were worried about the rumors too, weren't you?" This was going to make so many headaches for him later -especially with how Sin reacted to the rumors- Wait! That wasn't a problem anymore!!! But there were still reasons Sinbad shouldn't carry anyone up several flights of stairs.

Mori stared at Ja'far for a moment, and then let their head loll against Sinbad's. "He said it's okay."

'Damnit! There's 2 of them.'

Sinbad's smile was distinctively bigger as he looked at the person in his arms. "It is a long way up on foot." Nonono! Ja'far knew that expression. Sinbad was going summon a Dji- "Spirit of Dominance and Submission..." The silver bangle on the dungeon capturer's right wrist glowed as he spoke the incantation, and summoned "Focalor" 's Fullbody Djinn Equip.

Mori was just as surprised as the rest of them, but she was absolutely not of the same mind. "You're a genius."

'Damnit! There's 2 of them!'

Their overconfident King laughed until Mori talked over him. "This is easily one of your most comfortable Djinn Equips."

"Huh?"

Mori continued proudly. "It's really uncomfortable to have your metal vessels pressed into me for an extended time. And most of your Djinn Equips are just as covered in metal. But Focalor," they pulled at the gold rings on Sin's chest, "has thin jewelry that doesn't cover as much. 2 birds, 1 stone." ((Heeheehee "bird"))

"Ah. I didn't realize," was Sinbad's first response. "I'll remember that for next time," was the second. And there was no way something like this wasn't going to happen again when they were both idiots that wanted the same thing!

The idiot couple flew off to the Palace before the group could say anything. They were definitely going to have to ask Sinbad for more details in the future because they were absolutely missing something.

--- ~POV Sinbad~ The guards were understandably shocked to see their King descending into the court yard in a Djinn Equip. Sinbad dropped the Equip as soon as he landed to not worry everyone, even if it would be a bit uncomfortable for the person in his arms. As he started walking towards the guest tower, he also started looking for reasons to stall. "You know, Mori, you really surprised me when you asked me to carry you again."

She made a sound of recognition, but didn't say anything. He could see Mori watching his face with his peripheral vision. Sin walked halfway across the court yard in silence. If she didn't want to say anything, he wouldn't push- "It was the safest and fastest way I could think of."

"'Safest?'"

The waves swirled around them like before. Her voice was a sober melancholy. "I'm still not in a good head space, so my brain is expecting specific types of violence even though I know better."

Sinbad stopped walking and looked Mori in the eyes. "Do you think I'm going to hurt you?" He may have hurt her heart on accident earlier, but there was no way she thought he'd hurt her physically, right?

It was dark, but he could make out their expression. It was as melancholic as their voice. "You go out of your way to avoid using violence as much as possible so I felt safe asking you." That was a relief.

It didn't leave many options though. "Then, was it my Generals?"

Mori looked away and he knew he was on the right track. She sighed and continued in the same monotone. "Ja'far is someone that does not hesitate to use violence when he thinks someone is a threat to you." Sinbad had hoped that the friction between the two was a thing of the past. Mori continued, "He threatened Cassim in Balbadd for projecting his experience with nobility onto you. Ja'far might have killed him if you hadn't stopped him." That wasn't long before Mori entered the world. Somehow it still surprised him when he learned more of her visions. "I know things you have done and will do that Ja'far would never believe of you. He has plenty of reasons to hurt me if I say them even if he wouldn't threaten me into it."

Sin could understand where that fear came from. Ja'far becomes aggressive and violent if someone is even just defaming King Sinbad. If Sinbad isn't there to confirm Mori's visions about his secrets, the General would never believe them. "Ja'far will never force you to talk about your visions." Sinbad would make sure of it. "You never have to talk about them with him when I'm not around either."

((CW1)) Mori shook her head. "When I'm like this, 'punishment' feels inescapable. I'd rather provoke the person and get the punishment out of the way because the fear of what and when it will happen is much stronger than any pain will be when it's over. And if I can control when it happens, I can influence how bad it will be." That made his breath catch. Just what had Mori gone through to think like that? "It's why I..." Mori hesitated, "ended up telling him about you dying in five years. But nothing happened. Instead, he said he'd never pressure me again, but the fear is still there." Her hands had gone colder than normal. "I know this isn't how I should be, so I normally look for any option that will removed the risk of me doing that." The matter-of-fact way she was talking made what she was saying more unnerving.

Sinbad confirmed, "In this case, asking me to carry you back was that option?" She nodded and her grip on his shoulder tightened. As happy as it made him to know she thought of him when she was in need, it wasn't a good sign that she felt that way about one of his Generals. "Mori, no one in Sindria will ever be able to hurt you. I will protect you. I promise." He already had ideas on how to fix this, but now wasn't the time.

Her eyes softened and a chuckle escaped her. "I knew you'd say something like that." Mori looked him in the eyes again; a smile was pushing past their melancholy. "I know you make promises to people you want on your side, and I've seen in my visions how you show kindness to anyone in front of you that needs it. You even feel empathy for your enemies." They knew he was on their side and that he would help them if they asked. "Even before I met you I was drawn to that kindness you give to everyone equally."

The waves were rising again with his relief. Sinbad didn't bother to control his expression. This smile was an earnest one. "How does it feel to be on the receiving end?" He was more than willing to show them this side of him any time they needed.

Mori turned away and clenched her eyes shut. Even with just the moon light he could see their face getting a little red. "It's making me greedy!"

'Greedy?' Earlier that night Mori called herself greedy when she said she wanted him all to herself. His kindness made her greedy for him? Even after what he did earlier? Maybe the apology had worked after all. "I think you could use to be more greedy." This was a much better mood than the previous one.

Mori whipped her face back towards him. "Says the man so greedy that the Djinn had to cut him off!" As grumpy as she looked, she wasn't actually upset with him. He was proven correct when she added, "Why don't you give me some of your greed if you think I'm lacking so much?"

Sinbad laughed. This was perfect. "If I give you my greed, what will you give me in return?"

"Ugh~"

He laughed again.

After a moment of watching him, Mori took the bait. "What would you even want in return anyway?" She was definitely feeling better if she was playing along with this. This could also be a sign that she was willing to continue flirting with him.

"I want your name." He wanted it attached to his own in a way that would tell everyone they were his alone. Mori would get upset if he said what he wanted directly, so this was the best he could do for now. It wasn't like he could actually give her his greed, so why not request something she couldn't give either?

"Oh." Mori was understandably confused; he already knew their nam- "It's Morgan. I never liked how the 'g' sounds in it, so I prefer to be called by my nickname." They continued in a half grumble, "And most characters named 'Morgan' in the stories back home are antagonists and I didn't want to be seen as a bad person."

Somewhere along the way he forgot that 'Mori' was just a nickname. "Oh." And now he was the only person in this world that knew more than just that nickname.

Mori hummed at his expression and then smirked. "Did you forget I only told you my nickname before?"

"It seems I did." Sinbad had a feeling it would be hard to win against his Beautiful Prophet now that he knew what this feeling was.

The mischievous smile she was showing made him want to give her the world. "In that case, what should I ask for as compensation?" Mori was already putting that boost of greed to good use. "Oh! I know. Since you can't tell the difference between a name and a nickname, let me call you by yours without your title." Her face got more red and her voice more unsure as she said it.

Now that he thought about it, he couldn't remember Mori ever calling him without a title. She'd said his name plainly a few times when talking about him, but never to him. "Of course." It wasn't something he thought needed explicit permission; he was learning just how much Mori requires that to take action.

"Thank you, Sin." Mori had to immediately look away after saying it.

This must be what people mean when they say love turns people into fools. Sin needed to bring Mori to their room before he did something that would definitely make them angry again. Besides, he had to talk to Ja'far asap about Mori's fears of him if they were going to get past this.

--- ~POV Mori~ I was finally alone. My head was swimming from everything that happened as well as the waves. Fate had changed in a major way. Last time was because Sinbad chose a new path. I had a feeling I knew what happened this time, but I was not emotionally capable of accepting that yet.

I really had a PTSD attack, passed out, and when I woke up immediately went into attach and fawn towards the very person that had triggered me. When I told Sin that I was scared of what I might do around Ja'far I wasn't lying, but I also couldn't bring myself to admit to fawning over and attaching to Sin for safety as another repeat stress response.

Damnit. This didn't make any sense. After I broke up with my ex fiancé I had issues because of what happened but I didn't get PTSD from it. This level of reaction seemed to be from something else and only colored by the fear of projecting my ex fiancé on to a partner as I tried to rationalize it.

I got changed and looked out my windows in time to watch Sinbad cross the court yard to the Purple Leo Tower. Watching him only made the ghost of his touch more prominent. Wanting to be held by the person I like shouldn't be confusing. I was the one who asked to be returned to my room so I could be alone and safe enough to think; and yet it was a struggle not to cling to him harder.

((CW2 until end)) I definitely liked Sinbad. The last time I was able to bounce back after being triggered by thinking someone had romantic interest in me was when it was someone I was already crushing on. When I finally recognized that I kept having a PTSD response, and realized that we wouldn't be compatible long term (I can't do long distance), I ended up ghosting the person because I couldn't handle my own feelings and didn't want to hurt him by projecting my ex onto him. The thing that had protected me all this time was knowing that in the canon, Sinbad never falls in love or gets married. As soon as I realized that could change I panicked.

My blood ran cold. That memory of the last time this happened was from 2022. How could I have memories of home from after I entered this world in 2020? I did periodically gain knowledge that I didn't already have. My heart hurt all over again.

The memories of what caused this new trigger finally flooded my mind. Around the start of 2021 I was assaulted by someone I thought was my friend when he finally accepted that I wasn't going to take back my rejection no matter how much time I spent with him. He had a complete breakdown while he pinned me down and admitted to manipulating my family to have access to me. By the end of that year another person I thought was a friend also had a breakdown after spending months refusing to accept that the 'no' I gave her was real. Then in 2022 I realized that someone confessing to me had became a full trigger when I had PTSD attacks to two more people even though they were able to accept 'no.' It had became a compound trauma. ((This is why I went on longer breaks a few times btw))

Time kept moving for the writer/god of this world. They were still experiencing painful things and affecting me along with them. This sucks.

Sinbad's form disappeared into his tower. I felt sick to my stomach. My attraction wasn't going anywhere, and now it looked like he might actually like me back. I have an obligation to stay in Sindria; I can't run away this time. My heart was a broken vase that could no longer hold onto the feelings being poured into it. Any time the vase started to be repaired, I broke it again myself before anyone else could beat me to it just like I did earlier. I'm not one to repeat the same mistake many times once I know where it's coming from. But was Sinbad worth it? He said he wanted to choose a new path. Depending on where this new path went, he would be. And even if he wasn't worth it, I am worthy of healing for myself.

((Hi everyone. The thing about processing trauma is that it can take a long time. Writing this is definitely helping me, but it also means that the posing rate is based on my recovery. I thought I had this chapter done and just needed to do the art when I finished the previous chapter, but in working on the art for it, and working on writing the next arc I realized it was missing something: Mori's/my perspective which is the side where I actually process things. I have many chapters worth of content written for the next arc but there was something wrong with it, and I realized I was avoiding writing my perspective more often and when I did write it I was just filling my time with so much that I didn't have to think about the hard stuff -it's a bad habit that I know I have and am working on.

Even after figuring out what was missing and writing the last scene, I struggled with drawing the harder parts of the chapter. I talked to Lyly about it, and they made me feel better about not having more art throughout.

Anyway, I have no idea how long it will take me to get the next arc done enough that I can start posting. Processing stuff is hard but important and necessary for growth. In the meantime I will be responding to Simpbad Collection Asks, and posting more stuff there including a scene that I couldn't manage to fit before the Sindria Arc, and concept & outfit art. I'll also be going back and rereading what I've posted so far, and fixing any more spelling and grammar mistakes I find. It's been a while since I last did that.

Thank you all for being so patient with me. ))

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #33

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[AO3] [wattpad]

*CW coerced/forced polyamory mentioned ~POV Mori~ After the meetings I headed back to the guest tower; I needed a break or I was going to snap. I'd change into something more comfortable while I was at it. There were servants running in and out of the castle to prepare for the festival, and a familiar blond watching them from the shade of the guest Tower. I was surprised to see him out here. "Alibaba." I called to him, "Good morning," even though it was lunch time. A short deviation should be fine.

He turned to my voice. "Mori, it's you. Uh, yeah, good morning." The bags under his eyes could be worse. "Do you know what's going on?"

I explained about the celebration for the citizens paired with my Announcement. Then I asked, "Where's Aladdin?" Morgiana was probably training, but it was weird to see Alibaba without Aladdin tagging along.

"Well..." Alibaba trailed off while looking back at the crowd.

As if on cue, Aladdin ran into the courtyard from the Palace Gates. "Alibaba! There's so much food!" Then he saw me. "Miss Mori!"

"Hi Aladdin."

Aladdin's eyes sparkled while he looked at my chest and my adrenaline spiked. The young boy dropped his staff when he got close, and jumped at me with out-stretched hands. "It's good to see you!"

I grabbed his wrists before he could make contact and glared down at him. "Never touch people without their explicit permission." There was no way in hell I was going to let him grope me like he did to all those people in the original.

Aladdin whimpered even though I wasn't squeezing him. As soon as I let go of his wrists, he ran behind a frozen Alibaba for protection. "You were so nice before! Why now??" It was written in the Character Encyclopedia that Aladdin can sense when someone will be nice to him and let him do whatever he wants, but that wasn't women being nice.

I continued my lecture a little calmer, but no less pissed, "The only reason you've gotten away with this disgusting behavior so far is that you target those that you think are too meek to stop you or will think you're just a kid who doesn't know any better." His silence meant complacency, not necessarily understanding. I adjusted my glasses. "Aladdin. If you keep this up you will hurt people. They might not say anything but they will become terrified of others touching them. Is that what you want to do to someone?”

He and Alibaba shook their heads 'no.'

I wasn't going to accept it without making sure he knew what the problem was. "What are you going to do in the future?"

Aladdin stared up at me with tear filled eyes and when I didn't soften, he looked down and finally answered. "I'm not going to touch anyone without asking them first."

"And if they don't explicitly say 'yes?'"

He squeezed his eyes shut. "Then I won't touch them!”

I looked over at his King's candidate next. "I know you're currently an emotional mess, Alibaba, but promise me you'll stop taking him to the red light district. That's no place for a child."

Alibaba just nodded with a terrified expression.

I sighed. 'You'd think I cut his hands off with how they're acting.' Aladdin was in the wrong but I was definitely taking my anger out in him.

I really needed alone time. They were standing between me and the door to the guest tower. Whenever I started walking closer they flinched. My only option was to return to where the others were. Luckily, Ja'far led me to a quiet studying room to rest.

I collapsed onto a plush lounge. Seeing those two reminded me that I still hadn't gotten the chance to talk to Aladdin about the future or Alma Toran. Now was definitely not the time for that. I needed to stop thinking in general with how my head was buzzing or I'd have a meltdown or breakdown or both. 'And there's more after this?' Meditation would help a little. I was at least able to block out some of the sounds drifting in from the hallway. The more I was able to get the world to quiet around me, the more obvious the waves became. They weren't as high as when they spiked last week, but something about them reminded me of that night. I still hadn't figured out what happened that night to affect the waves like that. --- ~POV Sinbad~ The Announcement to the citizens went exactly as planned. The people cheered as King Sinbad introduced his Beautiful Prophet. After mingling at the start of the feast, he could relax and have some fun too. This day was to officially bring Mori into his circle, and yet they had been unable to share a moment alone since sharing morning greetings. Mori was walking towards the steps down into the rest of the festival. Sinbad rose from his chair to catch up with her.

"Following after her already, Sin?" Hinahoho called attention to his actions.

The giant wasn't the only one waiting for the King's answer. Their expectations put a bad taste in his mouth. Sinbad laughed off the comment. "Is there a reason I shouldn't spend time with the guest of honor?" He crossed his arms.

The oldest General laughed. "Yeah, yeah. I'll believe that's the reason until you return with her clinging to your arm instead of some call girl."

Sinbad smiled as he waved away the comment. His old friend had inadvertently given him the perfect idea on how to quell the rumors. Delicious wine. Delicious food. Beautiful women. His country had all in spades. It was time for Sinbad to prove he still deserved the nickname 'The Womanizer of the Seven Seas.' --- ~POV Mori~ Walking around a carnival back home rarely overwhelmed me because they make me feel like an anonymous observer. It's a type of stimulation I can disassociate to while walking around and recharging. However, since Sinbad had introduced me to the citizens, I was being recognized. I had wanted to wander to get some alone time, and clear my thoughts, but this wasn't too bad. They were at least understanding that I wanted to stay in the shade. 'I can deal with this.'

One thing that the series made abundantly clear was that Sinbad took good care of his people. Those under him were fulfilled and happy. I know it was a festival so people were bound to be cheerful -and this was the party country- but this was different than reading about it. The same care that Sinbad gave his people was gifted forward to anyone who visited Sindria. I had felt it that day I went shopping with Pisti, and I was feeling it again now. Sinbad's will on the waves had a contagious affect on the people here. I liked it as much as it made me understand why all of the magi turned against Sin in one way, shape, or form.

Excited eyes sparkled when their owner finally got their turn to ask me a question. "Lady Prophet, is it true that you're going to marry our King?"

I would have been surprised if I hadn't been asked this exact question several dozen times already since my walk began. I explained that was wrong and left. My stomach tightened. 'I should probably avoid Sinbad a bit longer.'

I saw more of my OC's, gave them prophecies like I did for Kain and Behr the other week, and guessed their pasts with the 100% accuracy one would expect of their creator. It added credibility to my ability to read Fate, and raised the people's view of me. It wasn't the alone time I had wanted, but it was a huge mood booster.

The Sun was getting close to setting when I finally noticed how hungry I was getting again. I could have gotten something from one of the street venders, but I remembered the fish at the King's table, and wanted more of that. And Ja'far had made sure there was sulfate free alcohol for me in the form of mead (honey wine). I hadn't had any earlier, and I definitely was in the mood now.

Climbing the steps back up to the platform proved just how sore my legs were getting from all the walking. I've had joint and hip problems since I was a teen, so I was used to this. After resting while eating I could walk around some more before needing to call it quits. Not like I could leave early as the guest of honor.

"OH MY!!" A woman's voice cooed, and was accompanied by the giggling of half a dozen other similar voices. The sight that greeted me when I reached the top of the steps dealt far more damage than any amount of joint pain. I had forgotten that while I was out, there was a certain man that was bound to embody hedonism for the evening.

((CW is for next paragraph)) The familiar feelings of disgust, jealousy, and guilt twisted in my stomach. It was a stark reminder of what I already knew. Sinbad flirted with me but in no way was that exclusive to me. And even if he was romantically interested in someone, I seriously doubted he would be monogamous (certainly not sexually). A flirt can only be entertained by the novelty of any relationship for so long before it stops being enough for them -my own ex-fiancé made sure I'd learn that the hard way. I was coerced into polyamory by him for our last 10 months together. I learned that I actually enjoy poly. As long as my partner only flirts with me and with people I'm also with in front of me then I don't care who they flirt with when I'm not around. But I couldn't keep up with having multiple relationships -ever since I was little I've only ever preferred having a few close friends etc. I ended up ignoring my friends to have the emotional energy to give my partners and failed anyway from being spread too thin. Unless I'm living in a polycule, it isn't worth it for me. Ever since seeing myself in this dress this morning I kept ending up thinking about my past. 'I need to ignore Sinbad.'

The King's waves tried to guide me towards him, but I was not going to let that corner of the platform make my mood worse. The praise I had been soaking up for the past few hours kept me grounded. Sinbad might be the King of this country but many of its people were mine. I refused to make eye contact with anyone in that gaggle of indulgence. Instead, I b-lined for the table and the food on it. The fish was delicious, and the mead made it tastier.

All of the Generals were still there. Drakon's wife, and Hina's children were also on the platform. As I filled my plate and cup, I exchanged pleasantries, but mostly I just listened to their merry making. It was hard to ignore Skarrkan and Yam's flirting? fighting? flirting (I was right the first time) because of how loud they were. The best part was that I couldn't hear much past them. When I finished eating I decided to stay a while longer to enjoy the mood at the table. I wasn't really a part of their family yet, but it felt really nice to be able to watch them all have fun.

I noticed Ja'far walking around the table. He came to stand next to me. "How are you enjoying the celebration, Mx. Prophet?" He smiled while he emphasized my role. Maybe he accepted me more than I thought.

I smiled up at him. "I'm not the type that parties very often, but I am enjoying myself." I raised my now empty cup. "Thank you again for accommodating me."

"Of course. I only wish we knew about your allergies sooner." Ja'far was ever the gracious host. He reminded me of my younger sibling the way he strived to make everyone feel at ease and welcome at events like this.

I gave a look out to the festival, "I was having too much fun," before looking back at him. "There aren't many benches or places to rest, so my legs are a bit tired from walking so much."

"Oh." Ja'far raised one hand to his chin and looked out to the city. "I know we have some accommodations, but I guess we've grown passed what we prepared for."

I nodded. "It's one of the reasons I chose to come back here to eat. That way I could sit down to rest for a while before heading back out."

"If that's the case," Sinbad's voice somehow cut over everyone else's, "you should come sit with me." The entire table went silent when they noticed their King's words. The Womanizer of the Seven Seas was showing me his most charming smile while both his arms were around the waists of the women sitting on each of his legs.

'Is he seriously asking me to join his harem for the evening?'

Masrur commented from the peanut gallery, "Womanizer of the Seven Seas."

Ja'far spoke with the disgust I was feeling, "Just ignore him."

That's what I had been trying to do this whole time but, "If I don't respond to him at all, he's just going to keep bothering me until I do." I spoke quietly so only the General would hear.

"You may be right."

I gave my answer to the King. "I'll pass. There doesn't seem to be any room for me over there anyway."

Sinbad laughed. "What are you talking about?" He guided both women off of his lap, and held out a hand towards me. "You know I'll always make a spot for my Beautiful Prophet." Those dark feelings from earlier started to boil.

Ja'far made a comment about his King's drunken behavior. I could feel all of the eyes on us; I wouldn't be surprised if some were preparing popcorn.

Sinbad narrowed his eyes and softened his smile. "Aren't you the one that's always saying how much you like 'playing' with me?"

Fine. This was fine. If Sinbad wanted to play that game, I'd play. I could twist his words and play with those women instead. They were all wearing the same clothes and jewelry like a uniform, so they were call girls who would flirt with anyone. 'They're just doing their jobs. This is between me and Sinbad.' The waves were following my lead; I would punish Sin directly. --- ~POV Sinbad~ The buzz Sinbad had going from all the wine he had was nothing compared the pleasure he was going to receive from all of the women surrounding him. Their giggles and praise were a song he had missed for too long while he was in Balbadd. Still, it was a shame he hadn't been able to have fun with his Beautiful Prophet since the party started.

As if the to answer his desires the waves rose and brought Mori with them. His pulse quickened at the sight of her in anticipation of that feeling only she gave him. Yes, what could be better than having his Beautiful Prophet on his lap swooning along side these lovely ladies?

His waves directed Mori towards her King, but she went to the table instead. That was fine; the women on his lap and around him were more than desperate for his attention. Still, the way Mori seemed to refuse to look at him while she chatted with the others only fueled his desire for her more. Mori smiled up at Ja'far while they talked. Was she going to flirt with everyone except him? Not only was Sinbad prime real estate for flirting right now, Mori said he was her favorite. She flirted with him regularly.

Luckily, Mori's words gave him the answer. "...I could sit down to rest for a while before heading back out." She must have just been distracted by conversation while resting.

Meaning it was up to the Womanizer of the Seven Seas to remind her. "If you're looking for a place to rest, you should sit with me." Some of the women around him bemoaned the idea, and some were interested in meeting the Prophet.

Mori exchanged some words with Ja'far before answering. "I'll pass. There doesn't seem to be any room for me over there anyway."

That was an easy enough problem to solve. Sinbad disappointed the women sitting on him by guiding them off of his lap. They were nothing compared to the bigger prize Mori would be when she finally joined him. "What are you talking about?" He beckoned Mori with one hand. "You know I'll always make a spot for my Beautiful Prophet." She didn't respond, but the waves encouraged him to give another push. "Aren't you the one that's always saying how much you like 'playing' with me?"

Mori finally stood up and started making her way towards him. "You're right. I do enjoy having you as a playmate." Her smile was different than the one she normally showed him. Something about it and the way she walked was more provocative.

He had waited all day for this. 'Finally.'

She came right up to her King. The red stone hanging on the chain between her breasts swayed when she stopped. With her chest closer to his eye level, he finally got confirmation of something that caught his eye during the meetings: Mori had a freckle on the inside of her left breast. ((It's actually a scar))

She reached for his outstretched hand and stopped. "Do I have permission to touch you, my King?" Every fiber of his being told him she was talking about more than touching his hand.

"Of course."

She took his hand in her own and intertwined their fingers. "Thank you for your explicit consent." She stepped closer until her legs pressed against his and caused the fabric of his robes to pull. She was taking her sweet time which only raised his expectations. Mori's voice was dark and sweet in a way that demanded his attention. "Now, there's something about this game I apparently need to make clear."

Sinbad squeezed her hand lightly while gazing into her eyes. "Oh? And what's that?" Had his Beautiful Prophet ever looked this hungry for him?

Instead of answering, Mori started leaning over him and he felt the finger tips of her free hand traced his clavicle and slide over his shoulder as they found their way into the hair at the base of his neck. Sinbad's heartbeat quicken at Mori's sudden boldness. Sinbad lifted his free hand, but before he could pull her onto his lap, Mori stopped him. "Uh-uh. I didn't say you could touch me." Why not? -Her breath was on his right cheek. The whisper that followed caused a chill to run along his spine. "There's nothing I'd love more than to play with you and wind you up for the rest of the evening." He'd love that too. "But knowing that it will be one of the ladies here to reap the benefits of my hard work, well, that's just not fair." Mori's quiet voice made the inside of his skull tingle, and his thoughts fuzzy. "I'm actually exceptionally greedy that way, my King."

Sinbad's chest swelled with the feeling that only Mori gave him on top of the lust she was igniting. "Why wouldn't you be the one to reap the benefits?"

Mori let out a quiet sigh that rose his libido higher. Her left hand combed through his hair making his scalp tingle on the outside just as much as it already was on the inside. "You're too drunk to remember, I guess." The disappointment in her voice caused his chest to tighten. What did he forget?

The waves showed Mori leaving. How could he make her stay? "Do I have permission to touch you?" What if he played by her rules?

"Not this time." Mori's left hand pulled a lock of his hair over his shoulder and to her lips as she stood up straight. "I only came over to add a new rule to the game." The nails of Sinbad's free hand pressed into his palm. "I don't care who else you play with, but when you play with me, I expect your undivided attention." She let his hair fall. Her expression was far too calm and collected compared how his own heart was racing.

Mori's actions and words fueled a desire he had never had before. She let go of his hand, and he gave no resistance. He had lost all strength due to his sudden realization.

"Showing me such a cute expression isn't enough to make me stay, my King." What expression was he making? "Heeheehee," Mori's giggle was proof that she knew what she was doing to him. Her next words only rubbed in why she was leaving. "I can see that there are still a few ladies waiting for their turn at your attention," she looked at the women surrounding him, "So I'll have to play with you another time." Mori left her King's side. Sinbad let Mori go, but only because he couldn't think of how to make her stay. "I look forward to it."

"It's my turn next!" "Me too! Me too!"

Each of Sinbad's legs were occupied just like he wanted. 'But I...' His hands went to their waists on reflex. This didn't make sense to him -Mori was still right there. '...I don't need their attention...' Mori was leaving down the steps. '...If I have you...' Describing the desire in words shook him to his core. Maybe he was just too drunk. Never before had he wanted to leave behind the guaranteed pleasure of multiple partners, just to keep one person by his side.

((This last scene is one I've been looking forward to writing and drawing only a few months into writing this fic. I couldn't decide which moment to draw. I didn't want to regret not drawing more of it so I turned it into a full comic :D That isn't the only reason this took so long though ;-; 

I hit autistic burnout. Got sick twice (bedridden for multiple days both times). We found signs that someone tried to break into our house through my bedroom window. It has been rough. We've done a lot of work on the yard so that this rundown house looks less like a target. We still have more to do, but now the smog from Canada has put that on hold because it is not safe to be outside.

I am putting my health and safety first which is why this took so long. I haven't gotten so bad to faint which is really good. I have gotten close a few times though. Lyly has been helping me a lot when I have an episode, so I'm not going through this alone :3 I've also scheduled with work for time off here and there for the next few months so I'll be able to rest more regularly!))

[morimakesfanart]

Sindria's Prophet #35

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[AO3] [wattpad]

*Mori has an emotional flashback through the 1st half, Self blame *There's a multi paragraph summary of the breakup with my ex fiancé. Coerced polyamory does not reflect healthy polyamory

~POV Mori~ As soon as Sinbad picked me up I felt a wave of relief that I would get back to the Palace safely. Then I realized I could smell him and it finally clicked in my head what I had agreed to. And just like that I lost the ability to perceive how much time was passing as he carried me back.

I felt Sinbad's voice through our contact as much as I heard it. "Are you really going to hide the whole way back?"

"Mhmm!" He smelled good. If it wasn't for his metal vessels pressing into me, I'd be extremely comfortable. This was too good to be true! How was any of this allowed to happen?? He has refused to use marriage politically for over a decade even though it's the strongest method for a Kingdom to guarantee peace between different countries which is his entire life's mission. That's how much he hates the idea of getting married. Why would that King want people to think we were together?? The only way this made any sense was if Sinbad had somehow actually fallen in love with me! This was fanfiction, right? So anything was possible? I was allowed to be a little greedy? It took all of my will power to not wiggle my feet.

What could possibly attract him to me romantically? He called me 'Beautiful.' No, he's met many beautiful people around the world, and he was never romantically interested in any of them. Was it because I can feel the waves? I definitely get the feeling that he views me differently because of that. If it makes him see me as an equal that wouldn't be a bad starting point for a relationship... But he sees being able to feel the waves as something special.

There was a sharp paint in my chest. Regardless of why, if he does really feel that way about me, I have no way to live up to his expectations. Sinbad expects greatness. I already know how that ends! 'I need to tell him I changed my mind and to put me down, but-but-' I could feel his warmth. Just like on the ship, I felt distinctively safe in Sinbad's arms, and I was actually fully conscious to enjoy it this time! 'I don't want him to let go! But I can't handle this right now! Why can't I just be happy??' My heart beat was already creeping up my throat.

Sinbad invited me to enjoy the moment with him. "And here I was hoping I could finally give you my full undivided attention."

The reference to my new rule told me to disprove the hope that was straining my damage heart. I spoke past my hands, "That's only because I'm the only available option right now." I needed to shut this feeling down asap for my own safety. How could I think he developed feelings for me when he is the Womanizer of the Seven Seas??

"That's not true." His warm tone was so genuine I believed him. "I've wanted to have you all to myself since I first saw you this morning." The waves were adding the exact meaning to his words that I was afraid would be there. "But every time I had a chance, you left before I could talk to you." My stomach went cold. This is why I had been avoiding him. "I actually wanted to follow after you the first time you left for the festival." He sighed and I couldn't breathe. "If Hina hadn't distracted me while I was following after you, I know we would have spent the whole night together."

I took a few slow breaths through my hands before I could respond, and when I did I could hear the growing desperation in my voice. "Why do you suddenly want to strengthen the rumors?" I knew the reason. "Who in their right mind would believe you're in love with me when you asked me to join a bunch of call girls only a few hours ago!?" Sinbad changed his mind about romance? No. I knew this pattern. Even if he loved me now it was only a short term novelty. He will break me down and give me just enough attention to keep me following after him even after his feelings dry up because I'm useful. My chest ached with the exact pain I knew would follow the hope he built up in me. "I get that you're a womanizer but, I..." Even more than my anger at Sinbad, I was disappointed in myself for repeating my past mistakes. "I didn't expect you to- ask me to do that." Damnit. I sounded distraught. I was, but I wanted to hide it. I was going to lose what little respect he had for me. My eyes started to burn from the tears threatening to escape.

The King came to a halt during my rant and said nothing. Every time someone calls him out on something he can't honestly deny, he doesn't answer. That was actually something I liked about him. Even his lies have a bit of truth to them, and when he can't find a truth to twist he doesn't say anything at all. I felt his chest expand as he took a deep breath, and sighed. Even he knew I was right. This is who he is and how he treats people. He didn't actually see me as special.

His silence only strengthened my will to defend myself. "Not to mention: you promised you wouldn't say anything that sounded like genuine romantic interest in me!" I should have called him out when he first said he wanted to strengthen the rumors; it felt like a damn confession!

Sinbad's voice was quiet. "You're right. That was one of the rules..." There was no reason for him to sound so shocked.

Ignoring my boundaries was proof that he didn't actually respect me; I already knew that deep down. Hot tears pooled between my fingers on my cheeks. "I didn't place those rules to make the game more challenging, you know?" I did it to protect my heart from this exact pain I was feeling. I should have known it was a promise he'd only keep when it benefited him.

Sinbad's gentle voice only cut me deeper. "I figured as much. But Mori, I'm not playing that flirting game right now." The waves begged me to believe him. The fear of reliving patterns fought against the excitement and hope that this time could be different. "I can see why my past actions make it hard to believe me." Nonono. Don't say it! "I want to strengthen the rumors now because I only just realized that I-"

"ST-STOP!! Please." My voice was shaking with feelings too strong to properly show on my face. If I let him finish, I knew it would break me. It was my own fault I got hurt. I was just fooling myself, and giving myself excuses to be self-indulgent instead of protecting myself. No amount of rules in the flirting game would protect me from being swayed when I already liked him. I knew that. I thought that since this was a fanfic that things would work out for me at least a little bit. 'Damnit.' I took a slow breath. "I agreed to this because I can't walk and had a lapse in judgement. I don't like the rumors around us!" This was about more than just what Sinbad did. I had been triggered by memories of my ex-fiancé all day. I couldn't tell how much of my feelings were a trauma response. I needed to explain why I was so upset. "I was engaged once. Marrying him would have been the greatest mistake of my life. And it's a mistake I promised myself I would never make in the future."

"I... I had no idea."

"How would you know when I never told you?" My arms were burning from being in the same position so long. I dropped my hands from my face but didn't look at the person carrying me. Now that I had started, I couldn't stop pouring out the memories I had ran from all day. "He hadn't faced the reality of death until after we were engaged. His grandmother died, then my mom went on her deathbed. He demanded we go on break until my mom died, and barely a week after she did, he said that if I wanted to be with him, I'd have to accept him seeing multiple people. I was desperate for my life to not fall apart completely so I agreed, but it was a mistake. He basically stopped paying attention to me except to ask for help with his other relationships and things. On top of that, he didn't want anyone knowing he was engaged."

I could feel Sinbad tensing, and the waves moving around us.

Explaining this was helping me calm down. "It took 10 months for me to accept the truth -especially since I was in mourning. After I broke up with him, he admitted that he felt emasculate by my successes and hadn't wanted to be with me romantically for a long time -he just didn't want to lose access to me and knew I wouldn't want anything to do with him if we weren't in that type of relationship. He didn't even want to stay with his other partner for very long after I broke up with him."

I glanced at the man holding me. Sinbad was looking away, so I couldn't see his expression regardless of lighting. "You are a known womanizer even to people helping you with your dream. I like flirting with you, but I don't want to be led around by your lies. And I don't want to date ever again in general -let alone someone like you."

Sinbad's voice was void of emotion somehow. "I can see why." He didn't say anything else. I had studied his character enough to know that whatever thoughts he was having were intense.

My eyes started to water again from self pity and fear. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said any of this." I turned my head towards his shoulder in a poor attempt to hide.

Sinbad started walking again. "Why are you apologizing? I'm the one that got drunk and acted foolishly." Why did he sound so frustrated and genuine when we both knew he wasn't going to change? "I should be the one-"

"I read your Fate." I didn't mean to cut him off that time. "I've seen you tell these lies countless times. I know you're lying when you tell them to me." My voice was muffled by his clothes. I felt him tense again. It was a mistake to tell him this -especially that last part. I already told him yesterday I wasn't able to trust him. Why didn't the waves remind me? I felt the ability to talk leave me.

"No, Mori." I could hear genuine melancholy in Sinbad's voice. "I thought that because you read my Fate and flirted with me anyway that it couldn't possibly bother you. But I was wrong. You clearly set boundaries through the flirting game, and I ignored that you even felt the need to do that. I won't make the same mistake again. I am sorry."

. . . Did Sinbad actually apologize without an excuse? This isn't how the pattern goes! -Not for my exes and certainly not for Sinbad! I couldn't process this at all.

When he realized I couldn't accept his apology, he added. "It looks like I have a long way to go."

After a while he continued. "Mori, I'm not the King Sinbad from your visions. During our dinner last week, you told me that I will repeat the worst mistakes of my life. I don't want that; I decided to find a new path." I had said that but was that really enough? "I discussed it with Ja'far, but it looks like it will be a much longer path than I expected." Sinbad's hands squeezed my shoulder and knee.

I looked up at the man holding me to try to find some answer in his expression even though I couldn't see his face. This would definitely explain the changes in the waves at least. But there was no way he'd accept that in such a short time. "Wh-why do you believe me?" I was surprised my voice returned.

The King stopped walking again so he could look down at me, and even though I couldn't fully see it, his soft smile made me freeze. "Because you've proven multiple times that your visions are real, and you can even feel the waves like I can. How could I not trust you?" He paused, and looked pained somehow. "It's like you said. I used to think these waves were a sign that I was chosen by Fate. But I'm not the only one." He took another deep breath.

I couldn't help but stare up at him. Did he mean it? His expression looked nothing like his normal mask. And the way the waves were moving... But he was Sinbad: egotistical with a god complex...

He continued. "Thanks to watching how you interact with the waves on top of your explanations, I have a better understanding of more ways I can use them to my advantage." Ah. There it is. "I want you to be right: that I don't have to dirty my hands for the sake of my dream. When I can't find the right answer, the waves direct me to the people that do. And this time, I'll listen to them."

My voice was lost to me again. I was barely comprehending what Sinbad was saying. Did he really mean it? Did he really talk to Ja'far about this?? His reasoning was off, but he said he was going to ask others for help. My vision was blurry from tears. I couldn't accept this new hope growing in me either. Was I actually changing Fate? Ja'far always pushes Sinbad to dirty his hands any time he wavers; how could he reach this conclusion so confidently??

The arms holding me lifted me, and Sinbad leaned down, pressing himself against me. He whispered, "I'm going to find a new path. One where my Beautiful Prophet feels like they can trust me."

I couldn't handle his words nor the look in his eyes when I could see his face. He wanted me to trust him? 'Why did he say it like that?? Did he mean it?? Even a little bit??' It felt like it might actually be safe to believe what he was saying, just like those times when he called me 'amazing.' But that didn't mean I had to act on it or try anything now. I was too overwhelmed. I turned my head and pressed my face into his shoulder to hide the tears I couldn't stop. It hurt to force words past the block, but I needed to answer him somehow. I managed to say, "Me too."

I wasn't eloquent or nuanced, and I was barely audible, but I knew Sinbad heard me and understood what I meant in how he whispered, "Thank you," back. He lowered me back out of the hug, and after a few moments started walking again.

Relief was washing over me as much as the waves. Even if this was just more of his manipulation, in this moment I didn't care. More tears escaped, rolled past my glasses and soaked into the white fabric pressed against my cheek. If Sinbad noticed, he didn't say anything. I was too exhausted to talk anymore. His words repeated in my mind; I wanted to trust that he really meant them. Both him choosing a new path, and that thing he said before I snapped and cut him off -that he wasn't playing this time, etc. That should have been good for me. Most people want their feelings reciprocated, but not me. Not anymore. Getting that close to someone again is frightening. I'm not sure how long it will take me to be able to trust someone enough to try again. --- ~POV Generals~ Ja'far, Drakon and Sahel decided to wait for Sinbad to get back with Mori. Ja'far would have stayed regardless because of his position, while the other two stayed because they were worried about their King. Sin was either going to return with Mori happily and possibly officially a couple or Sin was going to come back defeated after offending Mori more. What none of them were expecting was for Sinbad to make it back to the platform with Mori limp in his arms.

Ja'far was the first to rush over. "Sin, what happened?? Why is Mori unconscious??"

The King shushed him. "Calm down. They're fine. They just got exhausted and fell asleep." He was using his normal tones, but his smile was slipping, and he wasn't making eye contact.

"Oh, I see." It was rare for Sin to be like this. Ja'far spoke slowly as he decided whether or not to push his King for more answers. "I'll have an area set up for them to rest until they wake up then." He turned to go summon a servant.

"That won't be necessary." Sinbad started walking towards the Palace steps.

"Wait. Sin, are you planning to carry them the whole way to the Palace??"

Their King didn't answer as he kept walking.

Sahel held her hands together. "Oh, it's worse than we thought."

Sin looked back at her with that stiff smile. "They're just sleeping. I promise."

Drakon clarified for his wife, "Not Mori. What happened for you to be making such an expression?"

Making eye contact with his old friend broke the cracked mask; Sinbad's expression fell. He didn't say anything, and after a moment looked down at the person in his arms.

--- ~POV Sinbad~ When they first met, Mori called Sinbad a scoundrel, and yet she still chose to follow him. Mori knew his deepest regrets and what he was capable of, and yet she still chose to follow him. No, it was because he was going to repeat those mistakes if she didn't convince him to stop. She said she liked him, but Sinbad was probably the type of person she hated the most. Ja'far had told him that Mori admitted to having a strong sense of responsibility -a 'noble's obligation' or something like that. That was why she chose him. He could see that now.

When Sinbad had finally reached the platform he knew that it would be for the best to put Mori down so they could rest easier. They could climb the steps on their own or get help when they woke up. That was the most appropriate course of action. However, as soon as Ja'far voiced the same idea, the King knew he didn't want to put Mori down. After her rejection, it felt like the line between them had only gotten bigger. Her weight in his arms was the only thing connecting them, and he wanted to hold onto that link for as long as possible.

Drakon asked a question Sinbad didn't know if he could answer. "What happened for you to be making such an expression?"

Was he supposed to tell them that he made made her cry? That his Generals were right every time they warned him that being a womanizer would come back to bite him someday? That he got disappointed when Mori first told him that he never fell in love or got married in her visions? That he repeated that fact to deny his disappointment? Was he supposed to tell them how much it hurt when Mori said she hated the idea of being with anyone? So much so that she cried at the idea of people thinking they were together? And to make matters worse, even after learning how she felt he continued to carry her because he still wanted to strengthen the rumors that she was his. What else was he supposed to do? She didn't accept his apology. There was no fixing this since Mori had read how he was a womanizer his entire life and only hours ago Sinbad showed her directly that was exactly who he is. Even so, that didn't mean he didn't have other methods. He was a King; he had plenty of options to keep her next to him even if she'd never accept his feelings. But then she would hate him. How was he supposed to accept that inevitable Fate???

The waves directed his attention to the worried expressions of his trusted people. 'That's right.' He just told Mori that he would start trying to rely on others when his back was against a wall; that was the best way to avoid repeating the same mistakes. And he didn't want his Beautiful Prophet to have any more reasons to call him a scoundrel. "I didn't stand a chance from the beginning." Damnit. "Mori was once engaged to a man that took advantage of her. And when she finally left him," admitting this hurt in a way he never experienced before, "she promised herself she would never be with anyone again." Let alone someone like him. "She told me when I tried to tell her I..." How could he say it now when Mori wouldn't let him tell her?

Mori stirred in his arms. There hadn't been many people on the walk back, and now there were a handful talking very close by. She would wake up soon. Maybe that was for the best.

Mori said that she couldn't read her own Fate so she had no idea how her existence would change things. He had been ignoring that part all this time because it was convenient for him. He didn't realize how much pride he had in not wanting to get married or fall in love. And Mori had rejected him multiple times, so he didn't want her to be wrong. The chuckle that slipped out of him was pained. To think it was Mori rejecting him so openly that would make him fully accept what he was feeling. There's no reason for a rejection to pierce his heart like this if he wasn't longing for the opposite. Even Sinbad knew that.

((So... uh... See you in a month when I finish the next chapter?

Not a lot of art in this one because I didn't want to draw the PTSD attack.

Gosh I need to practice drawing Drakon more. It shouldn't take me 3 hours to draw his face.

Also, I've officially reached the point were this fic will start directly conflicting my false truths and fears, so I'm not sure how quickly the next arcs will be written. I have the next chapter (the last of this arc) all written already, so I can get straight to drawing the art for it this weekend! I'll try not to leave you guys on this cliff for too long ;3 I hope to take less than a month this time))

[morimakesfanart]

hey so you don’t have to answer this but last time you gave us some Sindria Prophet sketches. Do you have more? If your willing to share?

I have a bunch more but I made many of them while figuring out how I wanted the current arc to go, so I'm waiting to finish posting the arc before I post the sketches and drawings.

Here's a preview in the meantime:

This is from one of the earlier versions of Mori's outfit for the Announcement arc. It's also from 2 scenes that ended up not happening in the final version. I might reuse them in later arcs if I have the chance ;3 I'll post a bunch of the evolution images of the dress with the collection of drawings, as well as a bunch of other outfit designs

They are all things that my tier 2 patrons on Patreon have already seen ;3

[morimakesfanart]

Hey I was always wondering what made Magi to be one of your favourite anime’s and how did Sinbad become your comfort character so much so that you made a fic about it?

Love Sindria’s Prophet

I went into a bit of this here where I talked about my favorite arcs in the franchise.

Here's the full version:

How Magi came into my life UwU: Me and Lyly started watching Magi independently around the same time. Our mom had just died and I was having a ton of issues with theft in the Miraculous fandom, so we were both looking for something new. A friend recommended Magi to me saying that Morgiana had a similar name to me and acted like me. (She's very autistic with PTSD coded.) I found out about halfway through season 1 that Lyly was also watching it because they messaged me "Sorry about the purple guy." They took one look at Sinbad and knew I'd fall for him. I'd even say they were more into Magi than me at the start though since they had already been hyper fixating on different translations of 1000 Arabian Nights for several months.

We watched it separately, and together. We spent a ton of time analyzing the characters, world, and story. It's rare to see an anime centered on the middle east, and the magic systems worked with physics instead of against it so there was a lot to explore. We agreed that Sinbad and Ja'far's dynamic was a lot like ours; it was like looking at the two of us if we had managed to break out of the abusive situation we were stuck in much sooner. Our free time became us talking about what we might be like in that world, and what our adventures would be like. Then Lyly found The Adventures manga and it just gave us more to talk about and explore. Sadly, the differences between the Adventures manga and anime were to great for Lyly and it broke their hyperfixation on the franchise. They still like it, but their engagement ended there; they haven't finished either manga, but they do let me talk about it at nauseum.

Why Sinbad became my main comfort character: I know I mentioned in an ask before that Yunan is technically closer to my type than Sinbad, but Sinbad is the pattern I keep repeating -especially when it comes to anime crushes. I really like the Prince & Gentle types, but they have to have Main Character Competence TM. Gorgeous, confident, kickass, and kind when it matters. For some reason that means I keep ending up attracted to characters that are revealed to be flirts. I swear I thought Sinbad was just a competent moron teacher type when I fell for him. Even though he was a bit egotistical he was also very compassionate for the people around him, and -at least in the Balbadd arc- seemed willing to help the next generation instead of forcing his ways onto them. (He was impressed Alibaba's solutions even though they were different than his, and respected Alibaba for making them.)

Even after finding out that Sin was a womanizer, I saw that he was attentive to those he is using, and when he is done with them it's obvious, so his targets get a clean break. My Ex was a coward that refused to end things himself even when he was done with me. So while I was going through the breakup, I hyperfixated on Sinbad harder because he treats his partners better than I was. Even if I fell for Sinbad's manipulation, I knew that he'd treat me right while he needed me, and when he would be done with me he'd send me off and stop talking to me. I wouldn't be dragged around by my nose for months when I was going through one of the hardest times of my life. Sinbad is never shown flirting with someone in a bad mental place, anyone like that he would help heal (which could just be more manipulation, but he'd still be helping them get back on their feet).

And then I read Adventures. Sinbad's childhood put him through severe parentification like me. And in the the Slave Arc Sinbad went through more similar abuse to what I grew up in. There was no going back for me. I related to Sinbad so much at the start because how he responds to stressors is the same as me, so seeing him also have a past similar to mine made me feel seen in a way I hadn't felt before. It also explained why Sinbad seemed so trauma informed from the beginning.

Here's an exert from my current draft of Ch38 that explains how I felt:

When I had originally read this arc, it carved Sinbad into my heart. It made me think, 'This person would understand me.'

(Mori is working on Fate scrolls in the scene. Honestly, I'm happy I finally have a place to put this scene. I originally wrote it nearly a year ago.)

The biggest difference between me and Sinbad was that I grew out of my illusions of grandeur through middle and high school. It went hand and hand with realizing that what I was going through was abuse. I only had one person to protect, not a whole country's worth. Who knows, maybe if I was under that much pressure I would have slipped back into it like how Sinbad did after Zepar's dungeon arc. I know I some times get close when things get bad. The confidence it brings can be both addicting and reassuring when you need to be able to make quick or life changing decisions.

But yeah... I hope that answered your question in enough detail :3

Thank you for liking Sindria's Prophet so much! I'm finally working on the art for Ch37. It will probably only have maybe 3 art pieces, but 2 of them will be comics so I think that's okay.

[morimakesfanart]

Sindira's Prophet #31

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[AO3] [wattpad]

~POV Ja'far~ Ja'far was following Sin back to his office to help get done paperwork. A bunch had pilled up as a result of the King throwing his schedule to the wind the previous day, all so he could spend time with the Prophet.

Just as they started to pass a hallway, Sin stopped and backed up to the edge of the corner. Ja'far protested. "Sin, what are you doing?-"

The King cut him off with a "Shh." Whoever was in the hallway was gossiping, and he wanted to know what about. This was a bad habit of Sin's that Ja'far didn't think he'd ever get used to.

"'She was dressed to match his Majesty?' Are you sure?" It was about Mori again. Ever since Mori had arrived there were rumors starting to float around, and they were becoming an especially popular topic ever since Sin invited them to dinner alone.

"It's what I was told." A male voice answered the female one from before. "It was one of the guys that does night shift in the Purple Leo Tower that told me. He said she was dressed head to toe in the same purples when she visited the King's chambers last week."

An older sounding man added, "Was there anyone who didn't see how he paraded her around the Palace yesterday afternoon?" Sin had finally taken Mori on a tour of the Palace when they left the Treasury.

Ja'far protested again. "Sin we don't have time to listen to this."

"Shh." His King silenced him again.

The woman laughed. "She didn't have those jewels on when she was here in the morning. His Majesty was showing off his gifts to her just as much as showing her off -don't ya think?" They weren't gifts, but it's not like anyone other than those involved would know that.

There was no avoiding the rumors at this point. Ja'far had told Mori not to worry about it because it would die off eventually, and right afterwards, as if to fan the flames higher, Sinbad gave Mori a tour of the Palace after taking her to the Treasury.

The first man said, "First the Magicians wouldn't stop talking about them and now this. I wouldn't be surprised if her 'official announcement as prophet' was a code name for His Majesty announcing his engagement."

Sinbad grumbled something under his breath. Ja'far sighed.

((This chapter has an omake that takes place here. You can read it here)) --- 5 jewelry boxes cluttered King Sinbad's desk the following day when Ja'far gave him an update on state affairs. When the General finished and prepared to leave, Sin called, "Hold on a second, Ja'far." He stood up. "Come with me while I deliver these to Mori."

Ja'far was a proud representative of Sindria, and loyal to his King. And just like the rest of the Generals, he was not above pointing out when Sin was being an idiot. "If you're trying to use me to shield you from rumors, it's not going to work." Sin flinched. "All the gossips will pay attention to is that you visited the Prophet."

"I know. I know. But," Sinbad picked up one of the boxes, "I have to see if she has the same response as last time, or I'd have them sent to her already."

"What response?"

"Whenever I've given her something she makes an expression that worries me. It's only when I say it's payment that she accepts, although not always enthusiastically." The King put the box back down. "I need to figure out if there's more to it than a lack of experience."

Ja'far agreed. "If it's a lack of trust that would be a problem."

"It could mean I really am the one to cause the 2nd Calamity."

"'Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.'"

"Exactly." King Sinbad looked towards the windows. "If my citizens want to spread rumors that I'm getting married it will be a small price to pay to find out the truth about my Fate. Mori said that in every version of Fate they read, I never fall in love or get married, so eventually everyone will realize their mistake."

The Prophet also said they couldn't read their own Fate, so it was still possible, but now wasn't the time to push that topic. "Let me deliver these by myself." Sin watched him as he explained his suggestion. "Let's see if she reacts differently towards me." --- ~POV Mori~ It was mine. Queen Sinbad's choker was mine! Since I got back to my room the other day I couldn't stop looking at it. I had already planned to not go to the magician's tower because I needed to prepare for my Announcement, but that was not where my focus was at all. Every time I started making progress I'd remember the choker and lose another hour. And when I remembered the choker while trying to plan my outfit, I found myself trying to remake Queen Sinbad's outfit from the clothes I already had -or at least something close. I am the type to get stuck between wanting to date my fave or be them. And some part of me still held onto Sinbad as a comfort character, and not a living breathing person.

Since the concept art wasn't colored I could take more liberties in what I chose. The purple pants with the clips I wore the other day would do the trick for the bottom if I tied it at my hips. Queen Sinbad had her stomach out; since I'm still a little squishy, I'm not comfortable showing the middle of my back or sides to others yet, but I was alone so that was fine. I wore a boob tube for the top similarly to her design. There were a few lines in the sketches that could be viewed as ribbons, or a shawl, or a long vest -it's not really clear. So of course, I did the only reasonable thing and tried on all of the options I had. The scarfs, and shawls were nice, but they hid parts of the choker so I ended on a long vest -it hid my back which was a bonus. Of course, I wore all of the jewelry I had now -it was nowhere near as much as Sin, but it would have to do. 'If only I had more bracelets.'

I looked at myself in the mirror. I had my hair down like Queen Sinbad, but since I wouldn't (and probably shouldn't) wear a turban there was something missing. This wasn't what I should be focusing on. I needed to be ready for the morrow. My notes were on the table; I could use those to get myself back into the right head space-

My heart tried to jump out of my body as I noticed the bird that Sinbad possessed with Zepar sitting on the back of one of the chairs. How long had he been there? Did he see me making posses in the mirror like an idiot?? There was no way he would realize I was dressing as him, right?

((I'm still figuring out how I want to depict stretch marks in my monochromatic comic style for this I put them in the shaded area on the stomach, but I'm going to need to try something else for the times I won't have strong shadows.))

"Hello, your Majesty."

'Note to self: keep the curtains drawn unless you are comfortable with Sinbird showing up.' ((that nickname is thanks to a few you lovely readers UwU)) Even if he had knocked on the window, I wouldn't have noticed with how hyperfocused I was.

*KNOCK KNOCK* A knock came from my door.

Was I really so hyperfixated that I didn't notice all of these waves pointed right at me????

--- ~POV Ja'far~ When Mori answered their door their face was red. "Hello, Ja'far, do you need me for something?" They spoke quickly.

The General gestured towards the boxes being carried I by servants, and explained the situation. Mori lead them into her room, and didn't even glance at the boxes being put on their table. Instead, her eyes were fixated on-

The bird perched on the back of a chair at the table! "Is that-?"

"He got here right before you did." Mori explained as Ja'far glared at the possessed bird.

Ja'far clarified, "Sin, was too busy to come in person so I came to make sure you are satisfied with these." After the servants finished and left, he glared at Sinbird. "I didn't expect him to show up with Zepar after giving me this task." Sin wasn't going to give up seeing Mori's expressions himself after all. 'What is the point of this test if Sin came here anyway?'

"Oh. I see." Mori looked at the boxes. "I'll uh- I'll start opening them then." They rolled up the scroll on the table before they opened the first box. They pulled out a thick gold bangle with inlaid jewels and a ring attached with chains. Their expression was blank but with wide eyed as they examined it without comment. They put it on their left arm to look at it more. Then they silently opened the next box. It held a necklace covered in precious stones. They seemed to examine its' weight in their hands before putting it back away. Was there a reason they didn't try it on like the bracelet?

Ja'far questioned, "Is anything not to your liking?" They seemed still too shocked by both his and Sin's arrivals to really form an opinion, but Ja'far was there on a mission.

Mori hummed as they looked up at him. "Ah, no. Sorry. I'll try to express my thoughts more." Mori looked back down at the necklace. "I don't have much experience with this type of thing if I'm honest."

"I see."

Mori turned back to the table. They picked up one of the smaller boxes. It held a small silver bangle with a gold border. Emotion -other than nerves- finally reached their features. "I had a silver bangle this size back home. I used to wear it all the time since I was 11." They had a nostalgic smile. "I've been looking for a replacement for a few years now." They put it back in its box.

It was rare for Mori to talk about herself, so Ja'far encouraged her, "Did something happen to it?"

They shook their head. "No." They looked at the box in their hands, clearly deciding how much they wanted to say. "It was a gift. I had really liked it, but as I got older I was able to see the people that gave it to me more clearly and... Even after breaking ties with them, that bangle was a constant reminder so I took it off." They shrugged. "I had hoped that it would lose that connection someday so I could wear it again but now that I'm in this world it's not an option." Mori received that bangle when they were 11 so the people they were unable to cutout until recently were most likely family. ((My grandfather was a part of a treasure hunters guild, and found the bangle with a metal detector. It came to represent my whole family, not just him, so as I came to recognize the generational trauma and abuse being forced on me, I couldn't keep wearing it.))

((Because of the lighting, and fade affect, it's hard to see the freckle on my left index finger in the photo. I drew it darker in the art version.))

Was this the source of their discomfort? Sentimentality? If so, would that mean Sin was right? It wouldn't make sense for someone to be comfortable receiving a gift from someone who would cause a Calamity. Hopefully, Mori just didn't feel close enough to them yet to accept their generosity.

With that moment over, Mori moved onto the next box and pulled up a bunch of chains. At the end of one was a teardrop ruby. While they struggled to figure out which side was up, and untangled what was apparently multiple necklaces, Ja'far realized what type they were and narrowed his eyes at the proud bird. "*Sin*" he hissed. It was the type of thing women wore in the bed room! Just what was Sin thinking when he commissioned that for Mori?

Mori's face turned red as they seemed to figure it out.

Ja'far reassured them. "You don't have to wear any of these if you choose not to. As we discussed the other day, these are the bonuses for all of the information you've given us so far. You are free to do with them what you wish. You can even sell them." This was definitely a reason for her to not accept gifts from Sin.

"Ah- Okay."

After putting the chains away, Mori opened that last box. Their eyes widened when they saw what was inside. "It's the emblem."

There was only one emblem Ja'far could think of without seeing it, and it wasn't something Sin would give just anyone. He moved to the side enough to see what it was, and sure enough: it was Sindria's Emblem. "With your rank, you aren't obligated to wear the uniform just like how many of the Generals normally don't. However, wearing this will help you solidify your standing in the court, so I highly recommend it." When it becomes known that Sin gave the Prophet one of these for their debut... It was only a matter of time before Mori would be moved out of the Green Sagittarius Tower, although whether or not they will be moved into the Purple Leo Tower was yet to be seen.

Mori nodded, still looking down at the emblem dumbfounded. Their voice was a bit on the quiet side when they said, "I'll do that." It was clear that they understood at least some of the weight of this item. Sin trusted them even if they didn't trust him back yet. After staring at the emblem for a while they said, "Since I've accepted everything, could you please leave? I still have to finish getting ready for tomorrow."

"Of course." Ja'far want sure if he had found the answer Sin wanted, but he was out of time to push for more.

Mori walked the General to the door. As Ja'far left the room, he took note that the bird possessed by Sinbad had settled back on top of a chair instead of heading to the windows. --- ~POV Sinbad~ Sinbad trusted Ja'far to handle things well, but not even a minute after the General left, the King couldn't get Mori's face out of his mind. She had been skeptical and guarded both when he had brought her the earrings and again in the Treasury. He had to see for himself how they would react to everything. He had to figure out the source of the line she drew between them.

After Mori closed the door behind Ja'far, they turned to the bird that remained. "That includes you too." But Sinbird didn't leave. He could feel that the waves were on his side. Mori's mouth turned into a pout as the bird just sat calmly staring back. "I don't know what you're thinking and I can't even try to read your expression for clues when you're not actually here, you know."

The Prophet crossed their arms and moved their weight onto one leg as they stared him down. The way their arms pushed up against their breasts just pulled Sinbad's attention to their outfit again. It was exactly his taste -as if he had picked it out himself. It was a shame Mori didn't dress like that more often. Since there was no way for him to communicate, he might as well ogle them for as long as they let him stay.

Minutes passed. Mori sighed. The shift in the waves made Sinbad refocus. "Yeah. The waves aren't telling me enough to know what you're waiting for." There was no response he could give them as a bird. He could only wait for Mori to talk more or to actually force him to leave. "Since you're still here, you're going to have to listen to me ramble," their smile grew as they talked.

Mori uncrossed their arms and gestured at all of the boxes on the table. "You know, my King, compared to the Fate I read, this is far more generous than your normal one or two items. Even with me demanding compensation from the beginning, this is more than I expected from you." They were right. The amount he was giving them was excessive compared to how he normally bribed rewarded others for their help, although she got the reason wrong. His Beautiful Prophet was just that important to keep by his side. He couldn't risk anyone else stealing her away. Mori's tone of voice was hard to read but they held their smile. "I don't like having to put a price on helping people, but I came into this world with nothing to support myself. At least this way, I know how much you value me, I guess."

Sinbad could understand them. It was hard for him, learning how the world really works -let alone coming to terms with all the things he'd have to do to expand his influence. Mori was going to have to learn to do the same.

//There is nothing wrong with a King treating his subjects as commodities//

Mori looked at the bracelet on their arm that had the ring attached. "All of these are status symbols -signs that I have your favor. Selling them would barely get me a fraction of their true worth. And if I don't wear them it could be seen as an insult to you." Gold, and various stones reflected in their eyes.

With Mori's prophecies and knowledge, she was going to have to deal with bribes often. If she couldn't learn how to stand on her own, she would be swept up by someone else's influence. It would be better for him if she never got used to his bribes.

They made eye contact, and Mori's brow creased.

An uncomfortable knot was forming in Sinbad's stomach. There's no way Mori would share her prophecies and knowledge with him if he didn't compensate her; she made that exceptionally clear since the day they met. The Prophet fell into a chair. If he had gone in person, would he be able to reassure them, or would he have been unable to avoid being chased out?

Mori watched the bird. "If I hadn't read your Fate then I probably would have thought you were genuine -the way you win people over by recognizing their talents, and rewarding them for their efforts, and providing for them so they have no reason to leave." Their eyes unfocused as their room fell as silent as his office.

Sinbad had to change to become a King that could raise a Kingdom from nothing. He now understood why every ruler he met was skeptical of his dream. It wasn't something that could be achieved through ideals alone. He missed the days when he was allowed to see helping people as its' own reward.

Just as Sinbad was debating having the bird leave, the waves got his attention. There was something hiding behind Mori's renewed smile. "For the record: I do like all of these things you've given me. I've always been the type to refuse a bribe if I didn't like what it was. I've been like this ever since I was little." Mori started getting while she talked. "There was this rich girl I went to school with. She was really shy and very easy to manipulate -although I wouldn't understand that at the time. Everyone who was her 'friend' expected her to get them gifts as a sign of her friendship. Even her parents made large shows of their wealth to attract favor. We started becoming friends when I was 8, and she tried giving me an expensive keychain. It was glittery and pink and shaped like a stiletto. And I refused it because I thought it was ugly, and I hated stilettos." Mori laughed. "That girl cried when I refused her gift, and no matter what I said she couldn't understand someone staying by her if she wasn't bribing them, so our friendship ended up stopping there. She seemed to be doing a bit better by the time we became adults, but I don't know if she was ever able to find a genuine friend because of her upbringing." Mori took a slow breath and sighed. "It's a shame really. I want to trust you." She looked at the bird, but the sadness in her eyes was for him. Her waves hit the King with the things she left unsaid.

Again, she was telling him that he could choose another path. And again, he got the feeling that he'd have to if he really wanted to prevent the Fate she warned him about -when he would repeat the mistakes he made in Riem and Parthevia. Sinbad now understood the source of the waves, and had enough influence to make changes in the world. He wanted to believe what Mori kept telling him: that he was actually allowed to be that person again -that he didn't have to be so underhanded- if only a little bit.

"It's hard to trust someone you know is manipulating you."

This was why Sinbad felt a divide between them; why he couldn't win her over like everyone else. Why she cut short every moment that gave him that feeling. She knew his methods and was actively fighting against them. He knew that, but it was different hearing her say it herself. He didn't like being this way anymore than she liked being on the receiving end. Whenever he brought up Fate, she talked about the path he was on with disdain. From the beginning his Beautiful Prophet called him a scoundrel. Mori would never trust him as long as he continued to use the very skills he'd practiced to gain his current position.

If she didn't trust him, what would he have to do to keep her on his side?

There were sharp pains in Sinbad's palms and he unclenched the fists he didn't realize he had formed. He finally had the bird fly out, and dropped his control of it.

((This is a fix-it fic and a romance, so the solution that fixes the plot should also be the thing that allows the romance to flourish.

Long time no see. Sorry this chapter was stuck in development hell. The past 2.5 months have been a trip and not the good kind -mostly. I've got a lot to say, and update you guys on. I hope you will read it all.

The Bad: I ended up injured at the start of the year because the person (family member) who drove that day locked his keys in his car so I had to walk nearly 2 hours home to get my car, his spare key, and go rescue him. Then a little over a week later a close friend got injured and needed to go to the hospital so we helped them in their recovery. Then Lyly (sibling) got covid. I had a semi-heated discussion with a transphobe in the office where I work. Then another of my friends found out she is losing her access to housing; we've been helping her find resources, and move her things. (This makes 3 of my friends that have lost housing in the past few years.) Marzipan, one of my cats, ended up needing surgery. Then another transphobe started spouting BS in the comment section of one of the chapters of this fic (I have deleted their comments). And most recently, the company that I work for was bought and absorbed into a company the next level up in size. They promised no one will get fired, but a lot is changing, and I have no idea how my pay is going to change when they issue everyone their new titles. The benefits already don't look as good in a few ways. So there is a lot that has been a lot stressing me out, and keeping me from writing and drawing anything, or doing any other of my self cares.

The Good: Also towards the start of the year: I started learning blender. When I got my second degree (animation) I took a bunch of classes in 3D modeling in maya. I've made models to use in my comics before back when I used MangaStudios EX 4.0 -before MangaStudios and Clip Paint merged into the current Clip Studio Paint. I realized I'm only going to need more and more backgrounds and things as I keep making comics so it would be very useful to make models for my comics again. Since I learn best when working with a hyperfixation I chose rooms from my fanfic as my starting point for learning -that meant it was going to delay the next chapter. I've also been learning more about CSP's brushes, so I will be uploading brushes and 3D assets to the CSP asset store. I already have one up atm -the first version brush I made for the pattern on the Sindrian uniform that Ja'far wears. I'm still figuring out how to put 3D assets on the store so the files for Mori's room aren't up yet. I am making a new tier on Patreon for any one interested in testing my assets (brushes, ready use images, 3D models) as I make them. This tier would also allow for suggestions for future brushes or resources for me to make next. It will be more expensive than my other tiers for this reason.

I have also been working on the first few chapters of The Adventures of Simpbad (one shots, omake, AUs, and shorts), so I'll be able to start posting that soon.

Going forward: The next arc is going to be the Announcement Day arc which will be titled Sindria's Prophet on Ao3 & Wattpad. (I like title dropping :3) It's 5 chapters in the current draft, and I am going to try to cut out enough to bring it down to 4 but who knows with me. This arc will be followed by a few week time skip.

I've made a decision: I have decided that I am cutting out all direct references to my synesthesia going forward. I do not have the skills or confidence to describe it in an understandable and believable way. I am not decided on whether I will remove it from past chapters yet. I made this decision after coming to terms with just how tied my synesthesia is to my PTSD and anxiety, and, after the what the past few months have been like, I just don't have the energy to cope with being told I'm lying, or the fear that it will happen again. And it's not important to the over arcing story anyway.

I'd like to explain my history with it for more context. And I'd like to explain the parts I haven't been able to say before since this is probably going to be the last time I will talk about it publicly.

I have synesthesia from my mom's side. We have a form called aura ideasthesia which makes us see auras around people, animals, and things based on our perceptions of them. When people talk passionately, I see the colors of their aura burst out from around their heads like a cloud or ink in water etc. (why I describe them moving like types of paint.) Honestly, I didn't know that what I experience is synesthesia for a very long time. Everyone in my family had different ideas to what it was -hallucination, visions, spiritual sight, etc. It wasn't until after I started posting this fic that I learned what ideasthesia is and found the aura subset that matches what my family goes through. I decided to use this fic to help me process this part of my lived experience like I was with my other problems. I was very nervous about posting about it publicly. Growing up, every time I tried talking about auras always lead to people not believing me, and calling me crazy. Many thought I was lying about seeing auras and said that I was pretending to be an anime character. I can't deny that when I was young I had illusions of grandeur because of auras in anime and how my parents talked about my ability to see auras. I also know that most people don't know about this subset of synesthesia, nor could I find many written examples to explain any synesthesia experience outside of medical descriptions or visual art pieces. I knew that me having wouldn't be believable to a degree already -especially since I hadn't had it in the fic from the beginning- and so, I withheld the aura aspect from the fic and my public explanations. My lack of skills in describing it or knowing what to describe only made it harder for all of you to understand what I was saying -not to mention the obvious affect of me leaving parts out. I really am sorry and ashamed that I did that instead of being completely honest with my experience the first time.

What's more is that in my family, most of us lose the ability to see auras by the time we are adults. I started losing mine as a preteen. I still saw the auras but they became thin and colorless and hard to see outside of very specific circumstances -like a transparent film of water coating everything. One of the few colors I could still see at that time was black. For me it shows that a person is in or recalling deep emotional pain. My own aura had turned mostly black after what I went through when I was 12, and as things got worse so did the black in my aura spread. I could only see other aura colors on the off day where my mental health wasn't weighing me down as much. It wasn't until my mom passed away and I started being able to make leaps of progress in my mental health that I was able to start seeing auras and colors in the auras more regularly again. When looking at my mother's family's history, and the few members that were willing to talk about their lives, I realized we weren't losing the ability by the time we became adults, we were so emotionally damaged from childhood trauma that we couldn't see past our own auras, and went numb to our own perception of others so couldn't see their auras which are based in our perceptions.

As I've been overcoming my A&C PTSD, and depression, I have been having more and more days when I can see auras again. They aren't as bright as when I was a child, but there is a ton more variety in the colors I see. I think that's probably normal. Of course, I didn't see many colors on a person as a child, I thought things were simple and one dimensional like in children's cartoons. I'm now seeing more colors in people as an adult with better understanding of emotions and motivations. This does make the colors harder to notice in general since they are all muddied together like mixing red and green only to end up with a very neutral brown; it's like how on old TV's and monitors colors were made by displaying small bars and dots of red, green and blue at the same time. The colors I attribute to an individual are the ones that stand out the most and don't get as blended in.

I don't see auras in photographs or in recorded video. That was the first clue I had that what I saw wasn't normal -everyone else said the photos looked exactly like real life and they didn't to me. I only see auras on a person when I see them in person. It's only been as microphones have gotten better (during the same time my mental health has been improving so idk if that's a factor) that I've started seeing auras from vocal recordings. The colors and auras I see from vocal recording appear more in my minds eye like an overlay than something I see directly like when seeing or hearing people in person. It's why I see voice actors' voices even without seeing them in person.

On top of my mental illness making them harder to see, I can't deny that it can be extremely overwhelming to see a person's aura. I have cried from witnessing a person's aura, just like how I have cried from a person having an emotional outburst around me. So I can't rule out the idea that I am blocking out and muting auras most of the time, just so I can cope.

When I look at a crowd I only see the auras of the few people or person I am focusing on. So I normally only see auras one at a time. The main times I've seen the auras of multiple people at once is when they are all seemingly feeling the same or similar things at the same time -like at a funeral with everyone mourning, or a group of performers waiting for their turn.

((If I ever feel like adding more later, I'll put it here.))

I mainly see auras on people and animals which is why those were the focus of what I've said so far, but I do also see them on objects and rooms that seem to have a lot of emotional significance. In rooms or places like that, an aura will fill the place like being in a pool. That and how my lucid dreams feel were 2 of the reasons I decided to give my self insert the ability to feel the waves like Sinbad. The main reason was that I cannot fathom him forming a deep genuine connection with anyone who can't feel the waves like him. It's such a critical part of his lived experience that I think he would need someone who understands that experience personally. Because of how auras act, I had considered making my self insert a magician and converting my experience with auras to how magicians can see the Rukh, but I couldn't decide on how to balance the magic I'd want to give myself. I do still use my experience with auras as a reference for thinking about how magicians see Rukh, and how Sinbad experiences the waves of Fate. So even though I won't be talking directly about my experience going forward, you can get a little taste of it there.

Anyway, thank you for being understanding, and sticking with me through this. I hope you enjoy the next arc.))