Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic / Magi: The Kingdom of Magic

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 8 –

[details=spoiler]Alibaba seems a bit torn between his friends. Conflicting promises to both ended up in him rejecting Aladdin. Morg visits him in his hideout and scolds him for his treatment of Aladdin. When he tells her that there’s nothing he can do, Morg kidnaps him and takes him to Aladdin.

Sinbad discovers that Balbadd is working with the Kou Empire and the economy is suffering because of the forced use of Kou paper money. Sinbad also finds out that the king is going to marry a Kou Empire princess.

Poor Aladdin is so down over the fact that his friend has rejected him. Alibaba has broken his heart, but it’s nice of him to try to justify it and just go on from there. He could travel with Morg to the Dark Continent or he could stay with Sinbad for a while. There are lots of things he could do, but he just doesn’t have the will to do anything.

I like the way Morg threw Alibaba through the window! He did deserve that and Aladdin is surprised to him too. With Morg standing over them, they seem awkward and really don’t have much to say to one another. Morg puts in her two cents about the things that are going on in Balbadd, but Aladdin wants to talk about fun things and Alibaba happily agrees. Aladdin recounts his adventures up until now and finally asks Alibaba why he’s in with the Fog Troop.

Instead, Alibaba tells them about his friend Cassim – the leader of the Fog Troop. Friends since they were children, they lived in the slums. While Alibaba had a more pleasant life, Cassim and his sister Mariam were abused by their father. But once their father abandoned them, the two lived with Alibaba and his mother and became a family. However, the fun days didn’t last long once Alibaba’s mother got sick and died.

As young as they were Cassim took over as head of the family. They worked together honestly as a team, but then Cassim fell in with the bad guys and started stealing. Alibaba knew Cassim was just trying to keep them together and even offered to help him. But Cassim didn’t want Alibaba involved, primarily because Alibaba was a good kid. Cassim felt that it was ok for him to steal because he got the bad blood from his father.

Then one day, the king of Balbadd came to the slums and claimed Alibaba as his son. His mother was once a palace maid and the king fell in love with her, Alibaba being the result of that love. He later tells the tale to Cassim and to him it just confirms everything he thought about Alibaba. He tells Alibaba to leave and this hurt because Alibaba thought they were family. But I can see what Cassim is doing. They fight and Alibaba leaves to live in the palace.

It was a completely different life for Alibaba with all the new things he had to learn and before he knew it, three years had passed and his past was a distant memory. However, he needed to see the slums again and he snuck out of the palace one night to find the slums completely gone. But he did find Cassim there.

The two seemed happy to see one another and caught up on old times. However, Cassim gets Alibaba drunk and he reveals a palace secret to Cassim about a tunnel. Alibaba also apologizes to Cassim about the fight they had that last day together – Alibaba now knows that Cassim had chased him away for his own good. And once Cassim agrees, it made Alibaba happy to know that. However, when Alibaba returned to the palace, he was followed by Cassim’s friends – probably to see where the tunnel was.

A while after this, the king is on his deathbed and wants to make Alibaba his heir. Alibaba is reluctant, but once he finds out how the king really felt about his mother, he accepts. He hears a commotion outside of the king’s room and goes to investigate. It is Cassim! And he and his friends are stealing the palace treasures. Alibaba is hit over the head and Cassim starts a fire to cover his tracks. It looks like the king suffers a heart attack and Alibaba can only feel guilt, for he was the one that told Cassim about the tunnel.

Now, Cassim has been informed that Alibaba has been kidnapped and he is gathering his troops to take him back![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 9 –

[details=spoiler]Alibaba continues his story. When he came to, he found out that the king had died and he fled Balbadd. He thought that if he conquered a dungeon and got some treasure, he could make amends. But it was only a thought and he just spent his days as a drifter. And of course Sinbad and Ja’far are listening to every word!

Morg wants to know why Alibaba is now helping one who once betrayed him. Once he had met Aladdin and conquered the dungeon, Alibaba needed to settle things back in Balbadd and so he returned. But when he saw the state the country was in, he grew distraught.

One night he came across the bandits called the Fog Troop and once again met Cassim. He thought that Cassim was the one causing all the trouble but Cassim set him straight and told him that it was the government. Cassim brought him to Mariam’s grave. She had died during an epidemic that had broken out some time after Alibaba left to live in the palace. The government did nothing to help, instead blocking off the slums so that everyone would die. And with no food, doctors or medicine, many did die, including Mariam. Once the disease took its toll, the slums were burned to the ground.

This was why Cassim started the Fog Troop – to stand against the government. A dangerous thing to do, but what other choice did he have? Cassim now asks Alibaba to lead the Fog Troop. He feels that with a prince in charge, it will legitimize them and their cause. Although Cassim betrayed him, he was still family and so Alibaba joined him in his crusade. And in order to win the people to their side, they began to share their stolen goods with them. Alibaba claims that he will confront Ahbmad once the time is right.

Aladdin is reminded of his friends in the village and asks Alibaba what he will do if things don’t work out as he planned. Alibaba thinks that they may not be any other choice but war in that case. He knows it isn’t right, but doesn’t know what else to do. Alibaba gets a little hysterical and tells them to leave the country. I like Aladdin’s response – he hits him over the head with his staff!

Aladdin tells Alibaba that the problems will be difficult for them to overcome – I like how he included himself in that – but that everything will be all right in the end because they will figure it all out together. But as they shake hands on it, the wall blows up and Cassim is there with his men. He recognizes Aladdin and Morg from the night before. And the rest of Cassim’s men are attacking everyone at the hotel!

Sinbad and his men are also attacked, but they manage to hold off their attackers. Cassim grabs Alibaba, but Morg interferes and causes Cassim to take Alibaba upstairs to the roof. Morg follows and asks Alibaba what he will do. But then Sinbad appears with his men. Cassim orders an attack, but Masrur soon takes care of that problem! Cassim attacks Sinbad with the black fog, but Sinbad easily breaks free – such things have no effect on him. Once Cassim is captured, Sinbad challenges Alibaba. He hesitates and Sinbad tells him that no matter how hard he tries to pretend that he is one of the Fog Troop, he is still a royal prince.

Alibaba gets all emotional and tells Sinbad that he knows nothing – that he really is like Cassim and the others. He calls forth Amon and attacks Sinbad in order to save his brothers in arms. Sinbad analyzes his method of fighting and easily defeats him. Sinbad tells Alibaba that he doesn’t even know how to use his Djinn. Once Cassim starts yelling at him, Sinbad lets him have it too.

But it isn’t over yet! Ja’far thinks all of the Fog Troop will end up on the gallows; however Sinbad shocks them all by asking to join the Fog Troop! Ja’far thinks he’s crazy – he was supposed to take down the Fog Troop, not join them! He calls Ja’far callous and says that instead of helping that “moron of a king”, he’d rather help out the people that are suffering.

Alibaba does not believe Sinbad or trust his reasons, but Sinbad tells him that the problems are not isolated to Balbadd. They are happening all over and Sinbad would like to help “resolve one such Distortion of the World”. Alibaba isn’t sure what to do and then Cassim puts in his two cents, saying that Sinbad is one of the rich and would like to see them all starve to death. Ja’far shuts him up, saying that he doesn’t know Sinbad at all.

In the end, Sinbad joins the Troop, but seems to take it over as well. He and Alibaba will go to the palace. Sinbad feels that now is the time for Alibaba to confront Ahbmad as he had promised to do. Notice is given to the people to come to the palace and witness the talk between Alibaba and Ahbmad regarding the future of Balbadd. The notice also announces that Alibaba is their prince as well as the leader of the Fog Troop, so the people gather in front of the palace.

Alibaba and Sinbad go before Kind Ahbmad and Alibaba confesses his past sins. But he also mentions the underlying cause and begs Ahbmad to protect his people. Alibaba says that if he does this, he will disband the Fog Troop. But Ahbmad is a real bastard and turns the tables on Alibaba. He will not recognize him as his half brother and he should not be speaking to the king without permission. He orders Alibaba to get out and is very insulting. Alibaba responds that he isn’t fit to be king!

Someone named the “Banker” shows up and outside, Aladdin spots another Magi. More trouble?[/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 10 –

[details=spoiler]The Banker introduces himself as Markkio and claims that he is the financial advisor for Balbadd. The man that Aladdin spotted outside arrives and is named Judar. He says that he is the priest for the Kou Empire. He seems to be with the Banker too. Ahbmad tells Sinbad and Alibaba to leave and also tells them that he will not resume trade with Sindria because he is handing over all trade to the Kou Empire! What a rat! And this is the Banker’s idea of saving the country’s economy. He must be in league with the Kou Empire too.

Alibaba admits to his friends that he got nowhere with the king. And although the people are calling for him, he cannot tell them that the king rejected his plea. However, Sinbad makes the announcement to them anyway. Sinbad encourages the people and promises to help them. He even offers them a home in his own country.

Judar shows up and Aladdin’s flute glows again. He says he enjoys war and wants Sinbad to join him and that they will conquer the world together. The fact that he is a Magi is confirmed. Sinbad refuses his offer and Judar turns his attention to Aladdin. He is told that Aladdin is also a Magi and calls him a “little twerp”. Judar holds out his hand to Aladdin and offers friendship, but instead makes a fist of that hand and punches Aladdin in the face, knocking him to the ground.

Judar then proceeds to make fun of Alibaba as a King’s Candidate. At this, Aladdin finds his voice and stands up to Judar. Judar then attacks Alibaba, but realizes that Aladdin wants to fight him. Aladdin knows that Judar is evil and must be stopped. Sinbad tries to stop the fight before it begins, but can’t. Judar’s magoi is all over the place, but Aladdin captures some of it and throws it back to Judar, taking out his protective barrier. Judar seems surprised and suddenly does not want to fight, saying that there is no point, since their magoi is canceling each other out. Instead Judar requests a magic competition.

Aladdin has no idea what this is and Judar gives him a demonstration. Creating Lightning Magic and aiming it at Aladdin, Judar thinks that he has destroyed Aladdin. But when the smoke clears, Ugo has protected him. Again, Judar seems surprised and finally acknowledges Aladdin as a fellow Magi. However, in another attempt, Judar shows his skill at Ice Magic and once again harms the surrounding group of people. When Judar tries again, Aladdin has Ugo attack him. But Judar attacks with ice again and before Aladdin can get hit, Ugo protects him, taking the ice spears himself. Aladdin runs to Ugo and tries to give him some extra power. Ugo manages to rid himself of the ice, but is losing Magoi.

Judar continues to insult Aladdin and Ugo wants to fight, but Aladdin doesn’t want him to. He orders Ugo back inside the flute and doesn’t understand how Ugo is still moving. Ugo is ignoring the order to return and as Aladdin begs him to obey, Judar attacks again. This time he is saved by Morg. Then Alibaba attacks Judar and manages to cut his cheek. Judar retaliates, but before he can attack Aladdin again, Ugo gives him and good punch and attacks him again before Judar can recover.

Aladdin still begs Ugo to stop, but Judar points out to a shocked Aladdin that someone else is supplying Ugo with Magoi and that he isn’t even Aladdin’s Djinn! Judar attacks Ugo again and this time Ugo defeats Judar, but Ugo himself is so badly injured, I’m not sure that he can recover.[/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 11 -

[details=spoiler]Ugo lands a final tremendous blow on Judar that destroys the surrounding area. Aladdin doesn’t understand how Ugo could be moving on his own. But now another group has appeared and they have saved Judar! They are from the Kou Empire and are led by a princess that decides to continue Judar’s fight. She calls forth Vinea and defeats Ugo. Once she realizes that Aladdin is Ugo’s master and he is with allies, she orders her men to destroy them all while she deals with Aladdin. However, Sinbad steps in and identifies himself. She seems flustered by him and when Sinbad asks the princess to withdraw, she does so, but she does say it wasn’t because he asked her to!

Ugo is back in the flute, but his star has vanished. Aladdin tries to give him power, but I think he may take a while to heal. The wounded are being seen to, but it seems everyone is all right. It was funny when Alibaba was examining his wounds and Morg walked in! She treats his wounds. Both felt helpless against the power they had fought and now Aladdin is off somewhere feeling depressed as well.

A commotion in the street beckons Alibaba and Morg and they find an unconscious Aladdin clutching a glowing flute to his chest. Sinbad appears and tells them to take the flute away from him. They do and get Aladdin to bed. However, he’s in bad shape. He’s used too much of his own magoi and that may endanger his life. Sinbad also notices that the start hasn’t reappeared on the flute even with all the magoi Aladdin has supplied.

Sinbad suggests they let Aladdin rest and Alibaba leaves only to be confronted by his men asking what they should do next. Alibaba is in no frame of mind to deal with this right now and Sinbad steps in to calm them down. He tells them that help is coming from Sindria and to get ready so they can mobilize when the order is given. The men feel better with a purpose and leave to help with the wounded. Alibaba feels rather useless and wonders what happened to Cassim. But his thoughts are interrupted when word comes that the military is attacking!

General Balkak shows up and Aladdin knows him. He has brought Sahbmad with him, Alibaba’s brother and a rather sickly man. He is the Deputy King and thinks Alibaba is amazing for what he has done. Balkak tells Alibaba that Sahbmad has come to talk and Sinbad comes to greet him as well. It turns out that Sahbmad was the one supplying info to the Fog Troop. Alibaba had no idea, but Sahbmad thought that Alibaba and the Fog Troop could fix the country. He wants Ahbmad stopped – he is afraid of his brother and what he is trying to do.

Sahbmad breaks down and Balkak takes over the story. When the King first fell ill and responsibilities fell to Ahbmad, the Banker showed up and made a deal to improve the country’s economy. It involved paper money called “Fan” from the Kou Empire and was to be used in trade. Things did improve and soon the country was completely reliant on Fan and it was all due to the Banker, for he was the supplier. But it was all a trap. Fan generates interest and value fluctuates. Inflation hit and the country was losing more than it made. The country ended up in tremendous debt and the Banker would no longer lend them money for free. The country’s assets were used as collateral and frozen. Goods remained in short supply, but taxes rose anyway and the people were suffering. This coincides with the story that Cassim had told Alibaba about the slums being abandoned. And of course the rich got richer.

When there was no more collateral left to borrow money with, Ahbmad decided to use the citizens as collateral. Alibaba is confused by this and Sahbmad tells him that the country is about to become a nation of slave export! He has come for Alibaba’s help and Morg agrees that they must stop this plan. Everyone else agrees as well and it looks like Alibaba is going to be pressured into helping. He looks at Sinbad – perhaps for advice, but getting none, must decide this on his own.[/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 12 –

[details=spoiler]Very soon, there will be a wedding between Ahbmad and a princess of the Kou Empire. At that time, the citizens will be signed over as slaves. All this will happen in five days. That won’t be very much time to organize anything on Alibaba’s part! Sahbmad begs him again to help and Sinbad steps in once again. He promises to stop the plan and Alibaba has yet to say anything. Balkak takes Sahbmad away and tells Alibaba that they are counting on him. I’m sure he is feeling even more helpless at this point.

Alibaba sits with the still unconscious Aladdin and tells him that his brother wants him to save the country. He knows that someone has to do something, but isn’t sure if that someone should be him. Alibaba thinks that Sinbad is a true hero and compared to him, Alibaba feels he is lacking.

Meanwhile, Sinbad is having his own doubts. Temporary solutions won’t help this country and he doesn’t have much faith in Alibaba either. Morg overhears much of what he says about Alibaba and barging into the room, informs Sinbad that Alibaba was the one that saved her from slavery. She tells him that she believes in Alibaba and leaves. Still there is plenty of difference between one girl and an entire country.

Meanwhile, the Banker is assuring Ahbmad that Balbadd will prosper with the forthcoming wedding and signing ceremony. He is such an idiot king! And Sinbad has discovered why the Kou Empire has expanded so much in so short a time – Judar! Both Alibaba and Morg ask to know what exactly a Magi is. Sinbad explains and tells them that Balbadd is the Kou Empire’s next target. Morg has heard enough and leaves, but when Alibaba tries to leave as well, Sinbad stops him, saying that they two of them need to talk.

Alibaba is still feeling sorry for himself and Sinbad stresses that the country needs to be “reborn” and that he wants to see Alibaba as king! Of course this shocks Alibaba. Sinbad promises to help him, but Alibaba wants none of it. He has absolutely no confidence in himself. Sinbad tries to encourage him and talk some sense into him, but I don’t think Alibaba feels up to the responsibility. Walking alone through the slums, Alibaba wonders what he is supposed to do. He is recognized and the people flock to him. They crowd him against the wall of a bridge and beg him to save them. He panics and suddenly is pulled off the bridge and into a boat – by none other than Cassim!

He knows of the plan to turn the citizens into slaves and he plans to leak it to the people, arm them and rise up against the king. He tells Alibaba about a man that has been helping the Fog Troop with weapons and such. Alibaba is introduced to this masked man, but there is something off about him. Alibaba warns Cassim not to do what he’s thinking of and tells him that the Kou Empire has unlimited resources. But Cassim stands firm in his belief that the people will overcome any force. Alibaba realizes that he is speaking of war and Alibaba warns Cassim again. Cassim has confidence that the people would rather die fighting for their country. Alibaba is shocked that Cassim could treat life so lightly and wonders what’s become of his friend. And Cassim expects Alibaba to join him in this war!

Cassim says that this is the only way now, but Alibaba rejects his offer. He tells Cassim that he’s wrong and that there is another way. Alibaba is sure what that way is but promises to find an answer. Alibaba then swears to save the country without letting a single person die. In answer, Cassim punches him in the face! He tells Alibaba that he’s useless and that he isn’t needed anymore. Cassim tells Alibaba to leave and that the next time they meet, they will be enemies.

Alibaba returns to Sinbad and tells him that he will accept his help so that he can protect his country. Sinbad wonders what changed his mind, but Alibaba decides to protect his friend and so does not tell Sinbad about Cassim’s plan. Instead, Alibaba tells Sinbad that he still isn’t sure about becoming king, but he wants to do whatever he can for the country. And so begins Alibaba’s training in the use of his Djinn. Afterwards, Sinbad has more hope for Alibaba and also plans to meet with the princess. At this, Masrur calls him the “Womanizer of the Seven Seas”!

Morg finds Alibaba sitting with the still unconscious Aladdin. He mentions getting Aladdin involved in his mess. Morg tells him that Aladdin had always considered him a friend he respected and Alibaba remembers him saying the same thing. He thanks Morg and says he’s made his decision. Morg thinks he’s acting a bit strange and remembers another time he acted this way – just before he disappeared! But now Alibaba has concealed himself as he moves through the crowd at the palace gates. This is the day that Cassim will make his move. As Alibaba rushes forward, he pulls off his scarf and naming himself as the third prince, he demands that the gates be opened![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 13 –

[details=spoiler]The guards refuse Alibaba entry and the crowd begins to throw stones at them, yelling for the gates to be opened. Alibaba stops them and tells the guards they will be safe if they open the gates only for him so that he may settle things with Ahbmad. The guards comply and Alibaba draws his dagger. Engulfed in the dagger’s fire, he tells the people to wait there for him for he is about to change the country!

The princess questions her political marriage and says she would have liked to have chosen the path of a warrior instead. She understands that Balbadd plays a key role in the plans of the Kou Empire, but she laments the fact that she would have liked to fall in love. And she thinks about Sinbad! The princess, who won’t see her husband’s face until the wedding, puts it down to a case of the “marriage blues”. She hopes her future husband is “enchanting”. Just wait till she gets a glimpse of Ahbmad!

Part of the bride’s dowry are elite warriors that Ahbmad has just tested against his own guards. He seems happy with them and unconcerned about his own dead guards. Sahbmad turns away in disgust. At the Banker’s suggestion, Ahbmad makes these new warriors his personal bodyguards. He is interrupted by a commotion and is told that there is an intruder in the palace courtyard. Sahbmad hears this and runs to the balcony and is soon joined by Ahbmad. He and Alibaba see one another at the same time and Alibaba calls out that he’s come to settle things and that Ahbmad should come down to him. Yeah, that’s going to happen!

Ahbmad is extremely angry and orders the Banker to kill Alibaba. The Banker hesitates to kill a prince, but Ahbmad assures him that he will never recognize Alibaba as such. Satisfied, the Banker sends one of the new bodyguards, Entai, down to Alibaba. He leaps off the balcony and lands in front of Alibaba. Alibaba wants nothing to do with him, but Entai says that they have met before and turns into an elephant monster. He slams Alibaba into a wall and Alibaba calls forth his djinn, Amon. Flames erupt, only to be put out by the water sprayed from Entai’s three trunks.

Alibaba is having some problems with Amon’s power and he can’t seem to use the djinn properly – just as Sinbad had once told him. Ahbmad notices the dagger and the Banker informs him that not only is Alibaba a dungeon capturer, but he is also a King’s Candidate. I can see the wheels turning in Ahbmad’s head at this information. Meanwhile, Alibaba isn’t doing well and it looks like he may lose this fight. Entai moves in for the kill and is just about to stomp Alibaba when he remembers all the people that believe in him as well as those that doubt him. He has no faith in himself and sides with his doubters, believing they are right and he has no power or resolve to win his place in the country.

Alibaba considers himself a useless prince, but then he remembers the faith Aladdin has in him. At that moment, he is able to stab Entai’s foot and he backs off in pain. That little cut should not have hurt him that much. Alibaba finds his resolve and Entai promises to crush him. He becomes even more monstrous as Alibaba struggles with his djinn. He finally finds his power and cuts Entai in half! His dagger has become a mighty sword – Amon’s sword!

Ahbmad blames the Banker for the monster’s failure to kill Alibaba, but the Banker assures him that the fight isn’t over yet. He sends other bodyguards down to Alibaba – these look like monkey monsters. Alibaba has no time for this and plans to get through them with one blow. But when he strikes them, they regenerate into creepier monsters that look more like demons. The Banker tells Ahbmad that they are dungeon creatures. The king of these creatures joins in the fight. Alibaba heads for the boss, but is interrupted by Morg. She has come to fight with him and chides him for trying to do this alone.

Alibaba insists that he must do this on his own, but I at least am glad to see her. Morg tells him that he isn’t there to fight these creatures, but to do something else and he looks up at Ahbmad on the balcony. Morg convinces Alibaba to go on ahead while she deals with the creatures. I liked how she grabbed him and tossed him up to one of the balconies and he yelled all the way! But he recovers quickly and heads inside the palace. Morg protects the entrance from below so the creatures cannot follow him.

Meanwhile, Sinbad is surprised to learn that Alibaba has stormed the palace on his own. Now his plan of solving the problem by political means is ruined. Sinbad heads to the palace, hoping that there is still time. And something is going on with Aladdin. Alibaba is still running through the palace, heading to Ahbmad. He reaches a room where another of the bodyguards attacks him. This one looks like a leopard. Alibaba’s sword cuts right through his attacker’s and the creature jumps back.

Just when Alibaba goes to attack again, his magnificent sword turns back into a dagger – his magoi is depleted! The monster thinks he’s won – he has a second sword! He heads for Alibaba with sword drawn and Alibaba throws oil on him. He ignites the oil, but flames have no effect on this monster. However, it does serve to call forth Amon’s sword for a moment and Alibaba cuts this creature in half as well. Alibaba was able to convert the brief flames into magoi, but what will he do when he needs the sword again?

Alibaba continues on as Morg continues her fight with the creatures below. She isn’t really getting anywhere and decides to try a move that Masrur once made. It did work better, but it wasn’t enough and she is getting tired. Morg decides to try for the boss, if she can get to him. She consolidates her strength and jumps right through the monster! She also destroys most of the courtyard as well, taking out the other creatures. But will they all regenerate?

Alibaba arrives at the throne room, calling out his intent and sees the guards, both living and dead. He is shocked and disgusted that Ahbmad could do this to his own men. And there is Ahbmad, sitting atop his throne, looking completely unconcerned. Probably because both he and the Banker know that Alibaba is without magoi and cannot summon Amon – or his sword.

Alibaba tells Ahbmad that he doesn’t need his djinn because the guards are people of Balbadd, and they won’t kill each other. But Ahbmad softly gives the order – “kill him” – and when the guards hesitate, he urges them on. The guards move forward but Alibaba says he is there to settle things with Ahbmad as a prince of the country. He sheathes his dagger and tells them that he will not fight them. He tells the guards to back off and appeals to them as citizens of the country. They know things are not right with Balbadd, but once again Ahbmad softly orders the hesitating guards to kill Alibaba.

Saying that he is nothing but “trash from the slums”, the guards finally listen to Ahbmad and hold Alibaba down with their spears. But then another voice tells them to release him. It is Sahbmad! Ahbmad laughs at him and tells him to step aside. He then tells the guards to only obey his orders. He calls again for Alibaba to be killed, but once again, Sahbmad finds his voice and calls for Balkak to stop the guards. He does and Alibaba is freed.

Ahbmad tells the guards not to listen to Sahbmad and to ignore Balkak as a traitor. However, Sahbmad finds his courage and takes the staff of office from Ahbmad. I didn’t think he had it in him, but in a clear, steady voice, Sahbmad commands that no one is to interfere in the discussion between Alibaba and Ahbmad and orders the guards to put down their spears. Ahbmad is angry and thinks that Sahbmad is seizing the kingship for himself. Alibaba steps forward and says that Ahbmad’s rule is at an end![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 14 –

[details=spoiler]Even the princess can hear all the commotion in her part of the palace, but her retainer assures her that they are probably inspecting her dowry and getting ready for the wedding. Judar is still healing and it’s funny that both he and Aladdin are still unconscious. I wonder if they are connected somehow and will wake up at the same time. Meanwhile, with their boss dead, Morg easily defeats the other creatures. She then looks to the palace and wishes Alibaba well.

Ahbmad now knows that Sahbmad has betrayed him and thinks him crazy. Sahbmad finally voices his opinion of Ahbmad’s plan to enslave his people and tells Ahbmad that he is the one who has lost his mind. The guards are hearing this plan for the first time and are taken aback. Ahbmad accuses Sahbmad of wanting to be king himself, but Sahbmad denies this. Ahbmad makes him look at the view from the throne and tells him of all the responsibility he will have to face. Sahbmad is soon reduced to his old quivering self. He drops the staff and falls to the floor.

As Ahbmad calls Sahbmad a coward, Alibaba is climbing the steps to the throne and tells him to stop. He calls Sahbmad a man of courage. Ahbmad has heard enough and grabbing a sword from one of the guards, he runs at Alibaba, who easily knocks the sword from his hands and slap his face, knocking him to the floor. Yay! Ahbmad totally deserved that! Alibaba lists the reasons Ahbmad’s rule is over and informs Ahbmad that he will be stepping down as king. The unbelieving Ahbmad holds his swollen cheek and commands the guards to take Alibaba and chop off his head. They just stand there and look at him. Probably the fact that they now know they would have become slaves was the last straw and they have turned against Ahbmad. The guards walk away from him.

But now the princess has entered the throne room and wants to know what is going on. Sahbmad turns to Alibaba for advice. Meanwhile the Rukh have come to Aladdin – and Judar! They are connected! And a mysterious man is witness to this from atop a high tower. Back in the throne room, the princess introduces herself as “the eighth princess of the Kou Empire, Kogyoku Ren” – and Ahbmad’s fiancée. She looks around and asks which one is the king. Surprise! The look on her face was priceless when Ahbmad announces himself – from the floor where he is kneeling and still holding his swollen cheek.

The princess seems resigned once she composes herself, but the Banker informs her that they really don’t know who the king is right now. I think the princess was happy to hear that Ahbmad is being forced to abdicate. Now she won’t have to marry him! She informs the group that she will fulfill her mission and marry the kind of Balbadd, whoever that may be, in order to ratify the agreement between their countries. She tells them to hurry up and make their decision immediately as to who the king is to be. Balkak tells Sahbmad that he should be king, but he declines, saying that he is just as guilty as his brother because he didn’t try to stop him. He feels that he isn’t qualified to rule either.

Everyone then looks to Alibaba, including the princess. She asks him if he will be king, but he tells her no and this shocks everyone in the room. But he does ask her to invalidate the agreement between the Kou Empire and the former king concerning the citizen’s human rights. No one wants this to happen now. The princess sees his point but can’t do anything. It isn’t in her power to do so. Instead she will marry the next king, the treaty will be signed and the plan will go forward. Alibaba tells her that she will not be doing any of that. Since no one will be king, Alibaba declares an end to the monarchy and that Balbadd will now be a republic!

Once again, everyone is in shock. Abolish the monarchy after twenty three generations? Have the people rule themselves? What an incredible idea! And even the princess doesn’t know what to do at this point. Alibaba says that he would like to have a hand in running the new government and devote himself to serving Balbadd for the rest of his life. At this point, Sinbad walks in with three diplomats from the Seven Seas Alliance and causes a stir among the people in the room. The princess blushes when she sees Sinbad too!

They would like to recommend Alibaba as king – at least that was Sinbad’s original intention. But now he sees that Alibaba had something else in mind. Alibaba apologizes but stands by his decision to make Balbadd a republic. The princess interrupts and reminds Alibaba that Balbadd is still in debt to the Kou Empire. Alibaba asks her to disregard that. Apparently the country that became indebted no longer exists – at least this is Alibaba’s argument. The country that exists now is free and separate from the previous one and therefore has no agreements with the Kou Empire.

Alibaba reminds the princess that there is no one for her to marry and that she should return to the Kou Empire and tells the Emperor that the agreements are invalidated. Her retainer thinks she should stand firm and is surprised to see that the princess would even consider returning home. Alibaba again tells the princess to go home, but she tells him that they were to acquire Balbadd without bloodshed through the agreement - now there may be war. Alibaba proposes trade instead of war. He is very eloquent in his speaking and I think he is swaying the princess with his argument. Kogyoku Ren says that his logic is unacceptable.

Sinbad puts in his two cents and says that the Emperor may very well consider Alibaba’s proposal after all since Balbadd will be joining the Seven Seas Alliance. Against her retainer’s advice, the princess says that the Emperor would be the best one to make the final decision in this matter. However, she wants Sinbad to go to the Kou Empire with proof that Balbadd is part of the Seven Seas Alliance. Sinbad agrees and the princess withdraws. As she leaves, she thinks that anything is better than marrying “that pig-like person”!

As the guards cheer, Sinbad is a little surprised that Alibaba was so strong in not giving an inch to the Kou Empire. But I think Alibaba was even more surprised at himself. Sahbmad congratulates Alibaba, but the Banker is in the background with Rukh coming from his staff. The princess is hurrying home to talk to her father and to get ready for Sinbad’s visit. She is leaving Judar behind with the Banker, who told her “to leave it to him”. I wonder what he is plotting. But the blushing princess seems more excited at Sinbad’s visit than anything else. She has such a crush!

Sinbad asks Alibaba’s intentions and Alibaba says that they need to “recruit representatives from among the people and hold national assemblies”, but first they need a transitional government. He really has all this well thought out. Sahbmad wonders what’s to become of him and his brother and Balkak think that the people will want their executions. Balkak intends to die as well, but Alibaba says that there will be no such deaths. Instead, they need to work together rewrite the laws and put the country together, little by little. The Banker interrupts with his negative opinion. He says that republics fail and a king usually takes over.

There is a massive crowd outside when Alibaba appears on the balcony. Their cheering quiets down when Alibaba begins to speak, but starts up again when he tells them that the king has abdicated. And he is met with dead silence when he informs them that the monarchy is no more and that Balbadd is now a republic. They don’t know what to think. The Banker is on a tower and sends Rukh out from his staff and into the city. The mysterious man is still standing on his tower and is wondering what action to take as the Rukh fly by. The Rukh increase over Aladdin and form a bright sphere. It looks like it turns into a golden bird and flies away.

Alibaba explains what a republic is and how the people have already been ruling themselves. But now they can work together to resolve their issues and problems and make their country a better one to live in. They finally understand and begin to cheer again. Over the cheers of the people, Alibaba promises himself that he will never run away again. But that also means he may have to break his promise to Aladdin of going on an adventure together. The Rukh are flying over Cassim and his gang. And they are marching towards the palace with weapons drawn![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 15 –

[details=spoiler]Cassim and his men join the happy crowd before the palace. The subdued crowd makes room for him to move forward. A man steps up to Cassim and tells him that there is no longer a need to fight for there is no longer a king. Cassim is surprised to hear that the country now belongs to the people, but their joy does not affect him. He keeps moving forward until he stands before the balcony where Alibaba is.

Cassim’s speech starts out nice enough, but then turns ugly. He demands that the royals be wiped out and it looks as if the crowd is with him. With a little help, is crowd gets fired up as Cassim calls for blood. The mysterious man that is still observing seems pleased with this outcome.

Aladdin is faring no better and he begins to dream in his unconscious state. The Rukh guide him to Ugo’s head who assures him that he is still alive in the real world. Ugo was also trying to bring Judar to him, but it didn’t work. Meanwhile the light and dark Rukh are hovering together over Balbadd and the dark is overpowering the light. The mysterious man is determined to bring darkness to the world as he raves about reversing Fate. Just who is this guy? And why does he want darkness to win?

Cassim calls for the death of everyone – not just the royals and the army at the palace, but the wealthy and anyone with any kind of elite status in the city. And full of dark Rukh, the crowd attacks! But how can Alibaba attack his own people? Meanwhile Ugo is also telling Aladdin about reversing Fate. He explains that reversing Fate is called the Falling and that the Rukh turn black. He also confirms that Aladdin is not his master, although he does look exactly like him. Sadly, Ugo tells Aladdin that he can’t protect him anymore. He has used up all his power and can no longer replenish it.

Ugo shows Aladdin a vision of Alibaba and his current trouble. He tells Aladdin that Alibaba is about to die and that is not what his original Fate was to be. He tells Aladdin that he needs a power to slice through the darkness and restore Fate. Ugo sends him on a further journey – to receive Solomon’s Wisdom! It was so sad when Ugo said he’d never see Aladdin again. But Ugo also knows that with his new found friends, Aladdin will be fine.

Aladdin awakens as he flies among the stars and a voice tells him that he is at “the entrance to a gigantic vortex of knowledge”. He tells Aladdin that he will gain all the truth of the universe and be reborn. Back on Earth, Aladdin seems to be doing a little better and hearing the crowd calling for death, Masrur and Ja’far leave to join Sinbad. The army tells t*he Deputy King - Sahbmad – to order the army to attack. But he hesitates and looks to Alibaba for advice.

Alibaba comes up with a plan and promises to stop Cassim himself. He goes out to meet Cassim and encircles the Fog Troop with fire. He points his dagger at Cassim and demands a reason for his actions. Cassim says he never asked Alibaba for a Republic and attacks him. He is able to fend off the Black Binding Fog Swords, but then he gets hit with the Scarlet Hallucination Fog Sword and loses his vision. He is bound by the Black Fog and as Cassim step forward, he sounds as if he wants to be king! He sends a tremendous blow towards Alibaba, but he is able to defend himself with Amon and Amon’s sword appears.

Alibaba says that he will no longer let Cassim have his way and attacks, destroying all the fog swords with one blow. As he rests Amon’s sword against Cassim’s neck, Alibaba demands that Cassim withdraw his troops. Cassim says he would rather die than withdraw. He repeatedly tells Alibaba to kill him as he keeps stepping forward, but Alibaba backs off. Balkak urges Alibaba to kill him as well. However, Alibaba cannot find the courage to kill his childhood friend. The flames disappear and Amon’s sword becomes a dagger once again.

Alibaba pleads with Cassim to withdraw his troops and to end the riot. Cassim says that Alibaba has “gone soft” and walks away, seeing his Fog Troop held by the army. He remembers the words of the mysterious man – to use the true power that lies within his weapon. But he is warned that if he can’t use it, his life will be the price. Cassim raises his hand with the broken sword and plunges it into his own body! With blood pouring out of him, he promises to prove that anyone can use power.

Cassim calls upon the power and all the broken swords come to him and also plunge in to him, creating a Black Vessel. This turns Cassim into a monster, overflowing with dark Rukh. Sinbad seems to recognize it as the observers are stunned by the transformation. The mysterious man seems pleased with the outcome as the giant Black Demon hovers over the palace courtyard. How are they going to fight this one?[/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 16 –

[details=spoiler]Cassim has transformed into a Dark Djinn but from what the masked man says, it also sounds like it was an experiment. Alibaba still doesn’t believe his eyes – is that thing really his friend? Morg tells him to get it together and do something. The monster eyes Ahbmad and Sahbmad and heads right for them, but Morg cuts him off. The monster lands in front of Alibaba and Morg urges him to use his sword to kill it but Alibaba is still in shock. However, when the monster moves to strike, Alibaba cuts its arm off.

Morg urges Alibaba to strike again, but the Demon calls forth the dark Rukh and a new arm regenerates. He becomes bigger and stronger. Morg attacks again, but the monster gets to her first and she gets thrown into a wall quite a distance from the palace. Morg realizes that even Alibaba’s sword is useless against that kind of power. The Demon heads towards the former king once again and this time Sinbad tries to stop it. As he urges Alibaba to strike a blow, it looks as if the dark Rukh are going to possess Sinbad as well. But first the monster buries its claws in Sinbad’s back. Sinbad continues to tell Alibaba to strike.

Alibaba runs forward with Amon’s sword aflame, but cannot strike a solid blow. The dark Rukh are protecting the Demon. Alibaba calls forth more power from the sword, but a form of Cassim appears on the monster’s chest and once again, Alibaba hesitates and gets tossed back by the Demon. More dark Rukh aid the monster and Cassim is covered up. Sinbad is up to his elbows in the monster’s back and is beginning to see the effects, but his presence irritates the Demon and he finally pulls Sinbad off his back, tossing him near Alibaba. Morg saves him and Sinbad tells Alibaba to put everything he has into a single strike.

And once again, he sees Cassim and his power dissipates. He just cannot strike his friend even though that friend no longer exists as he once was. Does Alibaba really think that this Demon will ever be Cassim again? Balkak takes matters into his own hands and organizes what is left of the army. He orders them to attack and the men are ready to fight with their all. Once Alibaba sees their resolve, he finds his strength and can power up his sword with Sinbad’s help. Just as he is about to strike the monster from above, Judar appears before him. Great! Now they have to fight two powerful demons!

The masked man has summoned Judar to get rid of Alibaba, so the monster can do its work. The dark Rukh have infused Judar with even more power and Alibaba is almost out of magoi and is unsure of what to do. The rioting and killing is still going on in all parts of the city and Masrur and Ja’far are doing what they can to help. So much for heading to the palace! But they are of more use right where they are. The thieves are on their way to return Sinbad’s metal vessels, but I don’t think it will help much. Surviving citizens pray for help and can only wonder how things turned out this way.

A golden bird made out of light Rukh flies down from the sky carrying none other than Aladdin! I hope Solomon’s wisdom gave him the knowledge of how to destroy the monster and stop Judar. He flies towards the palace as all look up at him in awe. Meanwhile, the masked man tells Judar that he can make the monster his slave and that it will do his bidding. He easily controls it and as Sinbad stands up to do something about it, Judar uses his magic to attack Sinbad with ice spears which pin him to the wall. Judar promises not to kill Sinbad, but he turns his attention to Alibaba instead.

Judar transforms the monster further and sends him to attack Alibaba. Morg gets Alibaba to safety but knows that they can’t dodge it forever. Alibaba asks Morg to throw him up to where the Demon is, confident that he can strike a last blow. Morg tries to talk him out of it, certain he will die. But Alibaba feels that he must do something and this is all he can do. Alibaba calls upon the last of his power as Morg throws him up into the sky. But Judar sees him coming and easily sends him back to the ground. Judar forms a giant ice spear and it becomes the Demon’s sword. It attacks Alibaba and Amon’s sword breaks into pieces.

It looks like the end, but Alibaba wants Morg to throw him back up to the monster. She sees the broken sword and refuses his request. He begs her and she gives in. But the Demon strikes before she can do anything. Aladdin is witness to this and before the monster can strike the killing blow, he interferes and saves Alibaba. Judar seems happy to see Aladdin but only so he put his Djinn against Aladdin’s. Aladdin has to tell him that Ugo isn’t with him anymore and this shocks all the observers too.

This annoys Judar who thinks Aladdin should just die, but Aladdin has his own power now and is a match for Judar and perhaps the monster as well. Nice that his magic takes the form of Ugo and was a gift from his friend. Aladdin uses his Heat Magic to free Sinbad, take down Judar and destroy the monster. Aladdin tells Morg to take Sinbad back into the city where he is needed. But the magic really didn’t do anything to Judar and he calls forth the dark Rukh again.

Aladdin just happens to mention that he can’t defeat Judar because his magic is still incomplete. Great! Now what are they supposed to do? He turns to Alibaba and assures him that he is the one to defeat the two evil monsters. Alibaba isn’t sure how he’s supposed to do this and feels helpless. Aladdin tells him that isn’t true and shows him that the tide is turning in the city. The people are beginning to believe in themselves and have hope. Aladdin says that this is Alibaba’s doing and it is that hope that empowers the light Rukh that flows to Aladdin. As the power builds, the masked man notes that Aladdin has acquired Solomon’s Wisdom![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 17 –

[details=spoiler]Aladdin restores Alibaba’s sword and instructs him to strike the monster as he defends against Judar. The blow does no good and Alibaba gets sucked in to the monster. Aladdin then shows Judar the truth of his existence and Judar falls to the ground. The light Rukh are protecting Alibaba within the Demon and he is able to see Cassim. Alibaba can hear Aladdin’s voice telling him to rescue Cassim as quickly as possible. But Cassim tells Alibaba that he had always hated him and had always been jealous that Alibaba was one to live in the light.

As Aladdin fights Judar on the outside, Cassim fights Alibaba within the Demon. Even the light and dark Rukh fight against one another. Alibaba tries to convince Cassim that they are the same, but Cassim won’t listen. He had always had his own ideas about Alibaba. And to prove his point, Alibaba is shown Mariam’s painful death and the destruction of the slums. But the masked man shows up to inflame the people and Cassim accepts the challenge.

Cassim thinks he’s killed Alibaba with a spear made of dark Rukh, but then the light Rukh flow into him from Alibaba’s wound. The spear shatters and Alibaba is all right although he is beginning to think that Cassim is right in his view of the world. And Cassim begins to think that he should have accepted Alibaba for what he was. Once Cassim can admit this, the monster shatters from within and Cassim says goodbye to Alibaba. But Alibaba won’t let him go, insisting that he is there to rescue him.

Cassim says that he wishes he could apologize to everyone that followed him, but Alibaba still won’t accept his goodbye. Cassim glides towards the light but shares one last memory with Alibaba – that of Cassim killing his father to save his sister. And his father’s last words that curse Cassim for being just like him. His one good wish was not to let Alibaba be like him. Once he gets rid of this last piece of darkness within himself, Cassim has freed himself. But Alibaba follows him still. And as he catches up and calls Cassim “friend”, the smiling figure shatters into enough light Rukh to dispel the dark.

Judar’s powers disappear along with the dark Rukh. The masked man rescues him and tells Aladdin that they will meet again before flying off with Judar. Aladdin looks over to the crying Alibaba who holds Cassim’s corrupted body in his arm. The light Rukh dissipate as well.

From afar, the masked man promises himself to get his hands on Aladdin, Solomon’s Wisdom and his King Candidate as well and infect them all with darkness. But a voice tells him that it isn’t going to happen and Masrur attacks him. As he falls from his perch, Ja’far also attacks him. I guess Sinbad got his vessels back, for a fully armed Sinbad attacks next. In a tremendous burst of power, the masked man is no more. But it wasn’t enough, for as the head sinks into the sea, a snake escapes from the masked man’s eye. It seems Sinbad knows just who he is dealing with too! Apparently this fight between light and dark has been going on forever. And the dark refuses to give in!

In the end, Aladdin explains the light Rukh to Alibaba and allows everyone to see their dead loved ones. For a moment, everyone is reunited and Alibaba gets to see Mariam again before she takes Cassim’s hand and flies off with the others to return to the Rukh. I wonder what she whispered in Alibaba’s ear? And as Alibaba stares up into the great white light, he realizes that he was able to save Cassim after all. A very emotional episode, but I’m glad it ended on such a positive note.[/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 18 –

[details=spoiler]Balbadd is rebuilding and Alibaba is putting together the new republic. He knows it will be a long hard road, but also rewarding. A mysterious snake bites Alibaba and then disappears – right before he is told that a fleet of ships has been spotted and they are from the Kou Empire! Sinbad advises Alibaba to leave the country. Sad that in its infancy, Balbadd will be taken by the Kou Empire anyway. Alibaba does not want to run away and abandon his country but Sinbad insists. Alibaba is adamant and says he will fight, so Sinbad just hits him over the head. Alibaba awakens on a ship headed for Sindria. At least Sinbad went to the Kou Empire to try to negotiate for Balbadd as part of the Seven Seas Alliance but Alibaba is still angered in more ways than one.

Sinbad eventually returns to Sindria and Ja’far informs him that Alibaba’s rage has finally cooled. Sinbad meets with Alibaba and Aladdin and tells Alibaba that the Kou Empire had indeed placed Balbadd under their authority. However, they will allow Balbadd to remain a republic and will also guarantee the freedom of its citizens. Sinbad did what he could but Balbadd is not completely free – and may never be. Sinbad is a little surprised when Alibaba actually thanks him for his efforts.

When Sinbad asks Alibaba what he’d like to do next, he says that he still wants to support Balbadd from the sidelines. Sinbad tells him that may be difficult because he’s already caught the attention of the “Organization” and explains about Al Sarmen and how they are responsible for most of the evil in the world. Alibaba grows angry again when he thinks of what they did to Balbadd and Sinbad asks for his help in their battle to defeat Al Sarmen. If Alibaba agrees, Sinbad promises to help train his skills. In fact, he offers both Alibaba and Aladdin mentors.

The meeting is interrupted by an emergency. A sea creature has appeared and Sinbad thinks it’s a perfect opportunity to show off the mentors’ skills. He has the Eight Generals summoned. It seems these “hunts” are quite the show for the citizens as Alibaba watches in puzzlement. Sinbad and the Eight Generals make an impressive appearance up on a cliff. The sea serpent has reached land now and Sinbad orders Yamraiha and Sharrkan to go after it. Yamraiha uses water magic to distract the serpent while Sharrkan uses a Household Vessel - Foraz Saika – to behead the creature. He then fillets it, cuts it up and serves it to the citizens! Alibaba is in awe, but I can see why the citizens were so happy about the hunt in the first place. They get treated to a good meal!

Sinbad introduces Aladdin to Yamraiha and tells him that she will be his instructor. But the thing that pleases Aladdin the most is her breasts – I don’t even think he heard anything else! Yamraiha is annoyed by his conduct and “steams” him, promising to boil all his bodily fluids if he ever touches her again. Alibaba is then introduced to Sharrkan who will be his swordsmanship instructor. It also seems that Yamraiha and Sharrkan are rivals as well as allies. Sinbad stops their bickering and announces that night is “Maharagan”.

Maharagan is a festival and Alibaba is impressed not only by the festival, but by the fact of all that Sinbad has accomplished so far. He’s really in awe and looks up to Sinbad. A masked woman approaches Alibaba and Aladdin and anyone can see it’s Morg, but the guys don’t recognize her and wonder where Morg could possibly be. Morg removes her mask and asks Alibaba what he’s talking about – she’s right there! She looks really beautiful tonight and the speechless Alibaba can only blush. Once Aladdin tells Morg how great she looks, Alibaba finally finds his voice and agrees. Morg turns away, rather pleased with his compliments.

The three join Sinbad, surrounding by many pretty women, and he officially introduces them to the Eight Generals, noting their skills. Some they already know, but Hinahoho, a giant of a man is new to them, as well as Drakon, a dragon looking warrior, Pisti, who looks like a little girl and Spartos of Sasan. Sinbad tells Alibaba that the Generals are just like him. He also tells Alibaba about one more thing – a request from the Kou Emperor. One of their princes will be educated in Sindria, under Sinbad’s care. He knows this will be hard on Alibaba, but Sinbad asks for his patience.

Funny that Sinbad is asked about marriage by his men and that Princess Kougyoku was also mentioned. But Sinbad doesn’t feel the need for a wife and why should he with all those pretty girls around him all the time? He says that even if he never has children, the people of his country are his family. He raises his cup to his people and they cheer him. Once again, Alibaba, Aladdin and Morg are impressed by this country and its people.

The festival continues and Alibaba gets a moment alone with Morg. He asks her if she’s sure she wants to continue with them, even after all this time. Although she can reach the Dark Continent from Sindria, she wants to fight Al Sarmen, she still needs to pay them back and she also wants to join Alibaba in his fight to save the oppressed. But these are just convenient excuses and I guess that both are blind to the fact that Morg likes Alibaba.

Morg kneels to Alibaba and asks for permission to accompany him. Alibaba hesitates, but Aladdin says that if that is what she wants to do, then she should do it – that she is free to do as she wishes. Morg still looks to Alibaba for his thoughts and he says that Aladdin is right. It seems she still has a little bit of a slave mindset as she rises and thinks about what they said – that she could do what she liked, without permission. Morg experiences a feeling that she’s never had before and doesn’t know what to do about it. As Aladdin and Alibaba are happy that Morg will stay with them, they hear a commotion from the crowd about a “party crashing girl”.

It’s Morg! And she’s dancing! Wow, that girl can dance and she puts the other dancers to shame! Aladdin wonders what kind of dance she’s doing, but Alibaba just says it’s beautiful. In fact, he calls out to her that she’s beautiful and Morg smiles just for him. He then tells Aladdin that he never wants to see anyone else end up the way Cassim did and vows to make sure it doesn’t happen. Aladdin promises to help him fight Al Sarmen too. Then the fireworks go off making for a pretty spectacle as Morg continues to dance. This was a really nice interlude, but I know some tough times are in store for everyone. I hope they’re ready![/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 19 –

[details=spoiler]Training has begun! Aladdin is learning the fundamentals of magic and how to command the Rukh. Alibaba isn’t doing all that well with his lessons either. Sinbad interrupts and takes Alibaba to transfer his Djinn to another metal vessel. Since Alibaba’s dagger had great meaning and a connection to his father, Sinbad gives him a sword that the previous King of Balbadd had once given to him. I think this one will have twice as much meaning for Alibaba. Alibaba draws the sword and Amon moves to it immediately much to everyone’s surprise.

Morg is then asked to choose a metal vessel for herself. Sinbad explains that as a powerful warrior, she can become Alibaba’s Household Member and will benefit from Alibaba’s magoi and the skills of his Djinn. But she will need a Household Vessel to store that power. Sinbad walks over to some jewelry and picks up a necklace for her, saying that she would look good in any of it. But Morg hesitates and says that she’s never worn such things, looking a little uncomfortable.

The moment is broken when Alibaba calls to her. He’s found an ugly metal gauntlet and says it would look good on her. Morg walks over to him and although Sinbad says that’s no fit item for a girl, Morg tries on two gauntlets. Blushing, she asks Alibaba if it “becomes” her. Alibaba tells her that she looks “crazy powerful” and Sinbad notes that she actually looks happy. Sinbad tells her that the vessel should really be something that she’s been wearing. Morg runs out and brings back her shackles. She couldn’t bring herself to throw them out. It seems she associates good memories to them as well as bad ones. She tells Sinbad and Alibaba that they are dear to her.

They are interrupted by Ja’far and Masrur, announcing the arrival of the Kou Empire delegates. They all assemble on the dock to meet the Fourth Prince of the Kou Empire, Hakuryu Ren. It seems he has some kind of power too as Alibaba hears the words “hate him” as he gets off the ship. Greetings are exchanged between Hakuryu and Sinbad, and then another passenger is noticed - Kogyoku Ren! Just what they need!

Sinbad insinuates that they hadn’t had a chance to meet while he was visiting the Kou Empire, but apparently the princess remembers differently and challenges Sinbad to a duel, since he isn’t apologizing. The bystanders get to hear that Sinbad committed “the barbarous act of violating the body of a maiden” and that he deserves to “die 10,000 deaths”! Ja’far yells at Sinbad and asks what he did but when Sinbad says that he didn’t do anything, he then asks the princess who begins to cry.

As Kogyoku falls to her knees and hides her crying face, Ka Koubun tells the story, as the princess told it to him. On the last night of Sinbad’s visit, a farewell feast was held. The next morning, Kogyoku woke up in her bed to find a naked Sinbad sleeping next to her. Everyone would just love to hear Sinbad’s explanation for this! While Sinbad tries to think of a diplomatic solution, Kogyoku begs Sinbad again to duel her so she can kill him and then die herself.

Sinbad asks himself if he did do it, but can’t remember a thing. Ja’far reminds him of the scandal involved. “A lewd act by the king of Sindria…… Followed by the princess’s suicide…… Leading further to war with the Kou Empire!” Sinbad is in a panic, but trying to remain calm and figure things out. Sharrkan mentions that Sinbad didn’t drink at all during the banquet. Sinbad then remembers that he only had a sip or two of alcohol out of courtesy and then went to bed – fully clothed. He was seen by his men, Sharrkan and Spartos and Sinbad remembers falling right to sleep.

The princess slips up and asks why she was in his room. And why he was naked. Sinbad still doesn’t remember but he does admit that he often removes his clothes while asleep. Kogyoku then tells her version of the story. She says she was also at the feast, but stayed hidden and never got a chance to speak with him. She claims she was assaulted and knocked unconscious. She remembers waking up in Sinbad’s bed with him next to her, naked. I did laugh at Ka Koubun’s version of events! At the gasps of the onlookers, Sinbad tells them to have faith in their king. Funny that they believed that version. Even if he is a ladies’ man, he does have some honor. At least I would think so.

But considering his reputation, his own vassals believe the tale. Sinbad is disappointed in them as he remembers how he met each of them and the bonds of trust they had. In order to make amends, they tell him that he must marry the princess. I’m pretty sure Kogyoku snuck into his bed after he was asleep, hoping for this outcome. Ka Koubun agrees that they should be married and that the Emperor would forgive such a discourtesy. Ja’far says there’s no way around it – it would have to be this political marriage or war. All this just makes Sinbad more nervous.

The vassals step forward as one and ask for his decision. Sinbad can’t take it anymore and asks Yamraiha to use her magic and prove his innocence. Being that this will show the truth, Yamraiha asks him if he’s sure. He accepts and Yamraiha asks Sinbad and Kogyoku to step forward. She works her power and shows that Sinbad did go to bed as he said. They then see the princess being carried and placed into Sinbad’s bed. And nothing happened! Sinbad is vindicated. The princess is a bit embarrassed, but Ka Koubun says that she shouldn’t be deceived by magic and tells Sinbad to admit his guilt.

Kogyoku tells him to stop and apologizes to Sinbad. But who would have done such a thing? Was it Ka Koubun? He knows that Kogyoku loves Sinbad. I think he loves her too, being that they grew up together, and he wants to see her happy. Did he do this, thinking he was doing Kogyoku a favor? It was him! But will he admit it? He remembers his involvement in things as they really happened. Wow! Ka Koubun is really a bad guy. He wanted the princess to marry the king of Balbadd and produce an heir, so he could take over the country as its guardian. But with no marriage, his plan fell to pieces. So, with Kogyoku’s infatuation with Sinbad, he thought he could do the same thing in Sindria – he just had to get them married. And now this plan is falling through – but maybe not.

Ka Koubun steps forward and insists that Sinbad must still take responsibility and marry the princess. What a weasel! Thankfully, the two men that helped Ka Koubun put Kogyoku into Sinbad’s bed confess and say it was all Ka Koubun’s plan. They feel more loyalty to the princess as her vassals. The order is given to take Ka Koubun into custody, but he won’t go without a fight. He draws his sword and of all people, Prince Hakuryu stops him. He kneels to Sinbad and apologizes for the actions of his countrymen and asks for permission to remain in Sindria. Permission is granted and Ka Koubun breaks down and confesses his evil plan. But it is Kogyoku that sees the good in him. Plotting again, Ka Koubun thinks he can apologize to the princess and get her forgiveness. By as he cries in her arms and prepares to give his apology, Ja’far looks at him.

In the end, Sinbad lets it all go since the prince will be his guest for the foreseeable future. Alone with Sinbad, overlooking the city from a balcony, Hakuryu is impressed both by Sinbad and his accomplishments. Hakuryu is also impressed that Sinbad was the first person to stand firm against the Kou Empire and its Emperor. But when Sinbad says that he still wants to have “amicable relations” with the Kou Empire, Hakuryu accuses him of lying and says that he has something important to tell Sinbad. The organization within the Kou Empire is looking at Sindria as their next target and is already on the move. Sinbad questions Hakuryu’s motives in volunteering this piece of information and Hakuryu tells Sinbad that he wishes to destroy the Kou Empire![/details]

[TheCoffeeGod]

Ep. 22

NOOOOOO!
NOT MORGIANA!

[LadyOfWicca]

Episode 20 –

[details=spoiler]Although Sinbad understands Hakuryu, he wants him to learn more of the world and in order to have someone help him do that, Sinbad wants him to meet Alibaba.

Alibaba and Aladdin continue their training. Morg had her shackles turned into ankle bracelets and now has her metal vessel too. They’re lovely, but the chains seem a bit too long and she has to learn how to use them.

Hakuryu and Kogyoku join them and Hakuryu says that Sinbad requested that Hakuryu follow and learn from them. Although friendly, there is a little tension in the air. Alibaba seems to be having trouble with his wound and is hearing voices telling him to hate and to kill. That can’t be good!

As Hakuryu talks, Aladdin and Morg notice that something is wrong with Alibaba, but he doesn’t hear them calling to him. Alibaba falls to the ground in obvious pain, grasping his arm. That back rash is spreading!

Alibaba is taken to bed and Sinbad joins the group. Suddenly that masked man pops out of Alibaba’s arm in a black mist! Sinbad attacks him and cuts him in half, but the pieces join back together. He brings a curse with him to turn Sinbad and Alibaba dark and they will die if they try to fight it. He tells them that he will be waiting for them in the “darkness of the Fall” before he disappears.

Sinbad later tells them that there is no such thing as a curse and has Yam verify that it’s some kind of magic instead. She says that the back bruise on Sinbad is being controlled by magoi. However, she’s never seen such a thing and it can probably only be reversed by the caster himself. Sinbad mentions a dungeon called Zagan on one of the nearby islands inhabited by the Tran. If that dungeon can be captured, they will gain the power to cure any wound or illness.

Alibaba wants to go, but Sinbad tells him that neither he nor any of his household can go with him. Alibaba, Aladdin and Morg will go alone, but Hakuryu asks to go as well. Sinbad warns him of the danger, but Hakuryu tells him that he is prepared, so Sinbad grants his permission. On the voyage to the island, Alibaba broods, blaming himself for what happened. Yam has temporarily sealed the curse, but it’s a very fragile seal.

Great! Of all the things to happen now, they get attacked by a sea monster! Luckily, Pisti is with them and tames the creature, sending it back to the sea. It also turns out that Hakuryu is an amazing cook and provides the group with a feast. Pisti teases him that he will make a good husband someday. Morg tells Alibaba that Hakuryu isn’t anything like what she expected. But Alibaba is still hearing the voice telling him to hate and to kill.

Just before the voyage, he confided to Sinbad about hearing the voice and Sinbad said it probably belongs to that man, but Alibaba is worried that it might be the voice of his true feelings. He is concerned about having Hakuryu go with them, since he may try to harm the fourth prince. However, Sinbad knows that he can overcome that and will not harm the prince. Back at the palace, it seems that Sinbad got infected on purpose to give the others more motivation. He tells Ja’far that if Al-Thamen is after them, they will actually be safer in a dungeon.

The ship arrives at the Tran island and as the groups gets ready to depart, a young girl approaches them and begs to go with them in order to save her parents. Pisti tells them that the Zagan dungeon is said to eat humans. Alibaba tells the girl that she can’t go with them since she would only slow them down. Her tears are about to change Alibaba’s mind when Hakuryu speaks up and says that he will find her parents. He promises to find them or avenge them, if they are found to be dead.

They approach the dungeon by canoe and Aladdin notices that Morg decided to wear her shackles on her wrists as bracelets with the chains wrapped around them. Morg confesses that she still isn’t sure how to use them. As they get closer to Zagan, it seems Pisti was right. Long filaments pluck them from the canoes and pull them into the dungeon, leaving their supplies behind. Alibaba sees a place he’s been to before and can only promise to overcome his ordeal.[/details]

[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-03-31/magi-anime-gets-sequel-this-fall

Magi Anime Gets Sequel This Fall

posted on 2013-03-31 05:17 EDT
Sequel to be set in Magnostadt

The final episode of the Magi television anime series ended with an announcement that a sequel has been green-lit for this fall. The setting of the sequel will be Magnostadt.

[LadyOfWicca]

That is good news! :cheer:

Episode 21 –

[details=spoiler]Once inside the dungeon, the group finds itself in a single room with a giant beanstalk. So, they begin to climb it, looking for the room that houses the treasure and opening all the doors they encounter. Each door leads to odd creatures that can talk. Morg reminds them that the creatures in the dungeon of Amon spoke as well. But the creatures here are just protecting their homes. Morg is the one that finds the door that will lead them deeper into the dungeon.

However, the door leads to another creature, resembling a honey bear, that asks them for honey. Then they hear a strange singing which seems to turn the creature into a monster. They defeat the monster, but Hakuryu was useless. They find another room with a forest. The trees bear strange fruit and the trunks have human features. These must be the humans that Zagan eats!

A voice welcomes the group to “his” dungeon and they meet Djinn number sixty-one, Zagan. He explains how he uses the humans for his orchard and how their magoi feeds the trees. Strange that when the fruit ripens, it produces puppy-like creatures that take care of the trees. Hakuryu remembers his promise to the young girl and tries to pry a human from one of the trees to no avail. This magic can only be undone by the caster.

Alibaba asks Zagan how he could do such a thing and is told that he hates humans and would rather die than have to choose a king. He will stay and be happy right where he is – with his “stylish” creatures. Can Djinns be crazy? I think this one is slightly insane! Hakuryu attacks Zagan, but he easily evades. When he appears again, Zagan is holding the girl that Hakuryu made the promise to. He will give them the girl if they can reach the treasure room and even gives them a path to follow. Hakuryu is a bit too anxious to get there and can’t see that the door is probably a trap.

Alibaba stops him and promises to save everyone. He approaches the door and cautiously opens it to reveal a room with a very deep abyss to cross by jumping on floating cubes. Some cubes contain little rabbit things that look like wizards. Zagan, watching them, knows their power and decides to increase the level of the dungeon. The group hears that singing again and the rabbits turn into monsters. This is going to be a tough fight. One wrong step off those cubes…………….

Hakuryu is a bit overconfident and attacks a creature only to find it’s protected by a barrier and Morg has to save him from a fall. At least the creatures aren’t the only ones that can make the cubes move and Alibaba attacks next. He manages to attack one, but the rest come at him and it’s too many to take out. Aladdin tries magic next and is slightly more successful – until a giant rabbit thing shows up. Alibaba cuts it in half and they all manage to get to the other side of the room - where another door awaits them.

They are in a corridor now and Hakuryu tells them not to assist him during any battles. He feels that as a prince, he shouldn’t rely on others. I guess this prince never heard of teamwork. Granted, that might be an alien concept for any prince. Alibaba tells him not to worry about it, but Zagan’s voice says that he can’t have them helping each other out. He tells them to split into two teams and even helps them out. With a snap of his fingers, Alibaba and Aladdin are sent one way and Morg and Hakuryu another.

Morg and Hakuryu find themselves in a corridor of armored suits. Hakuryu suggests they keep moving and you know those suits are going to come to life at any moment and attack them. Hakuryu tells Morg to look to her own safety and how it’s the perfect opportunity for him not to have to accept help from others. Just as Morg thinks that he is stubborn enough to remind her of someone, one of the suits comes to life! Morg attacks it with her strength, but Zagan’s voice warns them that his golems are only susceptible to magical attacks. Great! I bet Hakuryu is about to rethink taking help from others and will end up wishing Aladdin was with them.

Surprisingly, Hakuryu does have a type of skill that he calls “ki” and is able to stop the golem. However, Zagan just wakes up more of them. If ki does depend on magoi, Hakuryu isn’t going to last very long. Meanwhile, Alibaba and Aladdin are fighting golems as well. Alibaba asks Aladdin how he feels about Hakuryu and confesses to Aladdin that he just doesn’t understand him or trust his motives. Alibaba says that Hakuryu just irritates him. Aladdin reminds him that they have to find the others.

Hakuryu is getting tired and a voice in his mind reminds him to “fulfill the mission”. Not sure I like the sound of that. Does he really want to take down the Kou Empire or is he just a spy? Morg begs him to retreat and rest, but again she is reminded of Alibaba – this prince has the same attitude! Hakuryu is determined to capture this dungeon without anyone’s help. Morg insists on giving Hakuryu her strength and steps in front of him. She picks up one golem and tosses it at another, destroying both of them. Hakuryu is just as stunned as Zagan! Morg tells Hakuryu that it’s time to move on, but Hakuryu passes out. So much for his strength!

Hakuryu has a vision and again is told to “fulfill the mission” and to “fight to the end”. He is running through a room of flames as a young boy and then is in another room where a woman (his mother?) tells him to “be strong” and “keep it together”. When Hakuryu awakens, he finds himself reunited with Alibaba and Aladdin. They are at a stairway leading up and down. Zagan’s voice tells them that he’s impressed they made it that far. He also tells them that Hakuryu is holding them back. He teases Hakuryu and has the boy doubting himself. Hakuryu begins to cry and admits to the others that he’s useless.

Hakuryu really breaks down and calls the others names when they try to calm him. I did like when he call Zagan a “masked moronic pervert”! This was a funny scene and relieved some of the tension. I think I know why Alibaba felt so annoyed by him. He just looks down at the quivering mass of crying jelly that is Hakuryu and smiles. I think Alibaba can accept him now.

After Hakuryu is finished with his hysterics, he tells the others to go on without him. Alibaba berates him for being a baby and says it proves the burden he carries. Hakuryu accuses Alibaba of “sugarcoating” things and says that he knows Alibaba hates him. Alibaba says that he doesn’t, but Hakuryu still has his own ideas. Alibaba confesses that he was once like Hakuryu, hot headedly thinking he could do everything on his own. But if he had accepted help sooner, he could have saved many more people in Balbadd, including Cassim and he tells Hakuryu that he had to kill his friend.

Alibaba, crying now, refuses to lose anyone else and tells Hakuryu that he’s not alone. Hakuryu remembers what Sinbad had told him – to learn about the world and those living within it. Alibaba struggles with his words, but tells Hakuryu that they are there together. Hakuryu tells Alibaba that he was always being saved by his siblings and knows he can’t depend on them forever. He kneels to the others and asks to be allowed to fight with them. Alibaba accepts and they are finally a team that will conquer this dungeon! And – not good – Judar is outside the dungeon. I wonder how he will manage to interfere.[/details]

[LadyOfWicca]

Finished! And now I can’t wait till the next season!

[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-05-12/magi-sequel-listed-as-opening-this-fall

Magi Sequel Listed as “Opening” This Fall

posted on 2013-05-12 01:48 EDT

Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine listed the sequel to A-1 Pictures’ Magi television anime as “opening” this fall, as opposed to “airing.” “Opening” is the term normally used for film releases. The final episode of the Magi television anime series aired in March with the announcement that a sequel was green-lit, but did not indicate how the sequel will be released. The story’s setting will take place in Magnostadt.

[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-07-04/viz-neon-alley-to-stream-magi-anime

Viz’s Neon Alley to Stream Magi Anime

posted on 2013-07-04 20:24 EDT

25-episode anime adapts Shinobu Ohtaka’s fantasy adventure manga

North American anime licensor Aniplex of America announced at Anime Expo on Thursday that the Magi - The Labyrinth of Magic television anime series will air on Viz Media’s Neon Alley service.

Magi, which adapts Shinobu Ohtaka’s fantasy adventure manga, re-imagines tales from the classic story One Thousand and One Nights (also known as Arabian Nights). Director Koji Masunari (Read or Die, Welcome to THE SPACE SHOW) helmed the 25-episode anime adaptation at A-1 Pictures. Toshifumi Akai (Kokoro Connect, Sound of the Sky) served as the character designer and chief animation director, and Hiroyuki Yoshino (Accel World, Guilty Crown, My-HiME) handlied the scripts. Shiro Sagisu (Bleach, Evangelion, Berserk films) composed the music.

The anime premiered in Japan in October, and Crunchyroll streamed the series as it aired. Aniplex of America announced last October that it had licensed the series. All Neon Alley shows air with an English dub.

Viz Media is releasing the original manga in North America. The manga is inspiring a sequel that is listed as “opening” this fall.

[TheCoffeeGod]

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-07-08/magi-sequel-to-premiere-in-october-on-sundays-at-5-p.m

Magi Sequel to Premiere in October on Sundays at 5 P.M.

posted on 2013-07-08 10:45 EDT

The August issue of Animedia magazine is reporting on Wednesday that the sequel to the Magi television anime will premiere this October, and it will return to the 5:00 p.m. timeslot on Sundays. Aladdin and Alibaba will appear along with new characters as the cast departs from Sindria by boat to Magnostadt.

Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine had listed the sequel as “opening” this fall, as opposed to “airing.”