Reunited

by Mystic Star

Part 1

A year had gone by, and now they were returning. They had promised too, and even if they hadn't, nothing could keep them away.

One year ago, they had gone their seperate ways, they had to prepare for this day on their own. They had to get their own lives, and power from the self.

They all came to the dock in Baghdad, meeting a year after they had last sailed out of this port. A week before they would reach the same destination as they had a year minus one week ago.

Twelve shadows walked up the plank in silence. This was a day to be reverent, a day to undo the curse of Turok's death.

A year ago they had left this port, without some of the people here now, and with one other. They were going to kill Turok on an island a week's journey away. They had succeeded, but Turok would not just die, he left his curse.

The one who killed him would be trapped on the island, behind the waterfall that the evil sorcerer did his black magic.

The woman had arrived after the one had been trapped, she was who they promised to when they left all those moons ago. She had told them to return to this place a year later, when the stars opened the doorway again.

In the year away, they were to prepare, gain strength, keep the memory alive. They would gather enough people to bring the one back. The woman had told them two sevens would be needed, she would be one of them. The seven who were there left in search of five more.

The seven knew who to call to the task. Some of them would prepare themselves, some would live new lives, and some would fetch the last few needed to free the one.

Tetsu worked for the Caliph that year, fighting the enemies of Baghdad. He was a roaming warrior no more with his new life. And he waited for the day fo return to come.

Doubar had stayed in Baghdad with his brother's estate that had been returned by the Caliph. The Nomad had been allowed to stay in the docks, waiting for the day of the return to come.

Firouz went to help Velda fight a diseased town that was on the verge of death. They cured the people and continued traveling to places in need of healing. She would come with him to free the one.

Bryn had regained her memory with Turok's demise, his spell had been blocking it. She returned to Gaul, her home, to find her family. She found her brother, as gifted in magic as she, and got to know each other again. He would accompany his sister to free the one.

Ronger went back to his country to help his sister rule. There was another reason he was there. The Black Rose of Oman was terrorizing merchant ships nearby. He went in search of Talia. Though some weren't pleased with the idea, she would help liberate the one.

Dermott and Maeve stayed together. They had been apart enough, and Maeve needed someone to care for her, though she wouldn't say that. That year they spent with the master and his wife, waiting for the child to be born. The child would be one of the two sevens.

The master and his wife did not need to be called to the task, they already knew of it. Once Dim-Dim had returned to this world, straight in Caipria's home, they knew what had happened. The woman had come to them then, explaining the details of what had happened. The two would join the cause.

The thirteen were on the Nomad now, waiting to sail out as they had the year before. This time though, the dread of not succeeding was worse than when they faced Turok. Freeing the one was more important than even that great mission. Freeing Sinbad--brother, surrogate son, sailor, father, lover, captain, friend--to them, was the most important mission of all.

Part 2

Doubar was at the tiller, waiting to cast off. He was glad to see hid friends, family, after so long, but his mood still was somber. If they did not succeed, then his only real family would be lost. Except for the babe, of corse, but it wasn't the same.

He was always glad to his nephew, but somehow he couldn't bring himself to hold him right now. Maybe because if the mission failed, if he failed, that little babe would never know his father. He couldn't face that pressure, afraid to let down the child. The great man resituated himself on the tiller, steadfasting himself for the journey ahead.

Tetsu and Rongar were getting the sails ready, positioning them to catch the wind. They did the job silently, not even making eye contact. This journey had to much importance and both were afraid they would lose the chance to save their friend, a brother almost.

The shame at not freeing Sinbad would be overwhelming, they would not be able to face the world again, failing one of its greatest heroes. And they wold never be able to look his family in the eye again, not Doubar, not Maeve, and not the child. The readjusted the sails once more, tying them down, as the ship cast off.

Bryn's brother, Stephen, was the one casting off. Once finished he leaned against the rail by his sister. She had told him of Sinbad, how he had saved her and been a good friend when she needed one. He would make sure this mission succeeded, if only to see his sister smile without guilt. If he didn't, he would be the one guilty.

Bryn felt strange, being on the Nomad without Sinbad didn't feel right. She sighed to herself, not wanting to break the silence of the ship. Her brother squeezed her arm. He'd been there for her since she returned with her memory intact. It felt wonderful to know who she was, but it was a marred wonderful. How could she be happy when her best friend was trapped by a curse? She would not give up hope though, even false hope. She needed it, to believe that everything would turn out all right and not get lost in her worst enemy, fear of letting those she cares about down. That fear weakened her magic because she couldn't believe in herself if she failed. She wouldn't be able to hold her head high knowing she failed Sinbad, so it simply wasn't a possibility to think about right now. She leaned back into the railing, watching the scenery pass with her brother as they sailed out of the harbour.

Firouz was with Velda, her head leaning on his shoulder. Fighting the plagues had been tiring, but they had succeeded, he only hoped this mission would be so successful.

He was staring into space thinking about all the importance this mission held. With that in mind, he knew he couldn't allow himself to fail. The world needed a hero like Sinbad, not to mention his family. He looked over at Doubar, solemnly holding the tiller, and Maeve, gently cuddling her son. He would not fail, for the world, for his friends, and for Sinbad.

Velda was watching Firouz. She knew what he was feeling, he had told her about his fears. But he didn't have fear now, his face was full of determination. She followed his glance to Doubar and Maeve. She smiled at the small baby. Velda knew that Firouz would not let his friends down, like he couldn't let the sick depending on him down. She smiled, she knew they wold succeed, simply because Firouz would not let them down. She trusted in him, and to show her support, she clasped his hand and squeezed. He looked down at her and smiled slightly. They both knew the mission would be a success, it had to be.

Dermott was holding on to Maeve's shoulder, knowing his sister needed the support. He glanced down at his nephew, who was awake and just watching him. He had been very quiet, like he understood that what was happening was very important. He might even know this was to save his father.

He tightened his grip on his sister, who was just staring at her baby. She was strong, but losing Sinbad had been very hard for her, especially with the guilt of her child not knowing his father on her shoulders. Dermott would do anything to take that lost look from his sister's eyes, and he was determined that she would be happy again, and for that she needed Sinbad.

Maeve was very quiet, just staring at Terrance. She wouldn't say it, but she was scared to death at the thought of not seeing Sinbad again. The only thing that had kept her going the last year was her child and the hope Sinbad would be freed. She needed him, not just for herself, but because Terrance deserved two parents.

If this mission failed she would lose all hope of having Sinbad in her life and in the world. She wouldn't have survived the last year without the hope of seeing him again, the hope of Terrance being held by his father. She was scared of failing, but she wouldn't think of that, couldn't think of that. She had to foucs on Sinbad being freed and holding his son, then yelling at him for getting stuck in the first place and making her feel so alone.

Terrance blinked at his mommy, than resumed staring. He knew she was sad. She was always telling him about his daddy, and she would get this look in her eyes when she did. He knew whatever was going on know was about his daddy, his mommy had that look in her eyes again. He would help his mommy not be sad, he would be good for her. Then his daddy would come and make his mommy happy again.

Dim-Dim and Caipira were in the center of the ship by the mast. They felt the guilt, determination, hopelessness, fear, hope, shame, and love everyone was feeling. The other magic possessors would too, but they weren't ready to handle other people's emotions yet, they were having trouble with their own.

Maeve was thier main concern though. She had been devasted with Sinbad's loss, and they knew she would be emotionally damaged if this didn't work. Cairpria had delivered Terrance four months ago. Dermott and Maeve had been living with her and Dim-Dim since the incident. They had seen everything she was going through, and knew she would only be her old self when Sinbad came back.

The old couple also knew the mission would succeed. They had the outmost confidence in the people here. Anything was possible when they worked together. And they trusted the woman. She would know what would be best for all of them, it was always one of her gifts. The two waited for the day of return, a week away, when all these people would realize they did it, and smile with unmarred happiness again.

Talia was alone, up in the crow's nest. She felt wierd, like an outsider. She knew the importance of this mission though, and knew it had to succeed or too many people would be let down.

She had been shocked when Rongar had found her and she had been asked to join the mission. She didn't think she would be welcome, especially by Red. But she had been, and that just proved they couldn't let selfish deisres get in that way on this one. Everyone was doing this to free Sinbad, and were putting up with her to do so. The least she could do is be there to help.

The woman watched over them in a scrying pool. She heard what all were thinking and smiled. The mission would succeed, she knew it for a fact. They would come, and all would be restored.

Part 3

A week went by and the travelers arrived at the island. The sailing had been quiet, with both the people and the water. All had been calm, knowing events of great importance were happening and nothing should or would get in the way.

The twelve shadows walked towards the waterfall where Sinbad was trapped. Some traveled in pairs, some walked alone. Each had their doubts, their hopes, and their fears all mixing in their thoughts. Before they knew it, they were in front of the waterfall, then all thought, This is it.

The woman arrived right after they did, in a glow of golden light. She looked the same, with blond hair and clear blue eyes full of love and compassion. Her golden coin caught the sun and shone. She spoke in a voice that comforted all, easing their doubts and raising their hopes. "Welcome."

She walked over to Maeve and peeked at Terrance. They smiled at each other, their eyes the same shade of blue. She looked up and smiled at everyone there, and all of them felt assurance, they now knew they would succeed.

The woman in blue spoke again, "Gather in a circle in front of the waterfall, hold hands as best as you can, and focus on the love and hope in your hearts, the place where goodness blooms."

They did as she said and all joined hands, except for Maeve who held Terrance with both hands. Dermott and Caipria put their hands on her shoulders. Once the circle was complete, the woman began the spell.

"Stars of the heavens blue, feel the goodness of the two sevens before you. Aid us in our quest, help us undo the evil's curse. Free the one we seek to free, stars of heavens we request of thee."

The stars started to come out in the sky, tiny dots of light, even though it was day. The sky turned into the truest blue it has ever been. Those wonders went unnoticed to the fourteen people below, they were too involved in concentrating on freeing their friend.

The woman's chant continues, "By the seven that were here..."

Firouz, Rongar, Doubar, Dermott, Bryn, Tetsu, and Maeve all began to glow with golden light.

"...and by the seven that came..."

Dim-Dim, Caipria, Talia, Velda, Stephen, Terrance, and the woman began to glow the gloden light.

"We seach for the one held dear, Sinbad of the Seven Seas his name."

The glow of all of the two sevens intensifies, blinding to those not under tha spell. The stars added their silver light to the cause, and with it thier power. And still the woman continued.

"By the love in all the hearts of the two sevens, I beseech thee, stars in the blue heavens. I call the powers or magic that be, open the gateway, let hime be free!"

The golden light of below gathered in the center of the circle as the silvery light of above weaved into it. The glow grew in size and brightness, and then exploded outwards, leaving peace, love, happiness, and strength to all the good it touched. And everything evil it touched shattered into nonexistance.

The fourteen came out of the trance they were under slowly, becoming aware of their surroundings. Their heads suddenly cleared and they all looked towards the waterfall, hope on their faces he's be free, fear that he wouldn't be in their eyes.

Lounging against the cliff smiling at them was Sinbad. Everyone stared, not quite daring to believe it.

He grinned, "Impressive light show."

Maeve was the first to run to him. He embraced her tightly, murmering "I missed you" into her hair. He looked down at his son cradled in her arms, making gooing noises. He laughed and took him from Maeve's arms.

"What did you name him?"

Maeve smiled, not believing this was really happening. "Terrance."

"Perfect."

Sinbad hugged her with his free arm and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around him and their son. Finally they were a family.

The others came up to Sinbad and hugged him as best they could considering he wouldn't let go of his son and he wasn't letting Maeve get far way from him. He was introduced to Stephen and told what everyone had been doing for the last year. The reunion went on until the sun was starting to set.

"So, is the Nomad close by?" Sinbad finally asked, a little too casually.

Everyone grinned, they had been waiting for him to ask that, the sailor that he was.

"Little Brother," Doubar started. "I don't know how to tell you this, but the NOmad had an accident..."

Sinbad's face paled.

"...while we lent it to some local fishermen..."

Sinbad blanched.

"...but we did get the boat of the fishermen. It only needed a few repairs, a new hull, mast, and tiller. Oh and a paint job. Nothing major."

Sinbad was close to fainting at that last bit, and everyone burst out laughing. He looked at them, his gaze incredulous.

"You're joking?! About that?! That isn't funny!!"

Everyone only laughed harder.

"Serves you right if it had happened. What were you thinking?! Getting stuck in a cursed cavern!! If you ever do that to me again I'm going to tie you to the mast and sink your ship!!"

Everyone knew Maeve had been waiting to yell at him, and having her back to her old self made everything all right. And when he gulped nervously, they all laughed more.

After a little while Sinbad asked almost timidly, "So the Nomad is fine, right?"

Doubar laughed heartily again and slapped him on the back, "Yes Sinbad, everything is fine!"

Part 4

The next morning everyone get ready to go back to the Nomad, which they to assure Sinbad a few times was really not sunk. Everything was right again, and all were happy.

Firouz walked to the shore with Velda. He would stay on the Nomad and sail with Sinbad again, as long as Velda could some too. He knew that wouldn't be a problem though. He was happy the mission succeeded and he hadn't let anyone down.

Velda was looking forward to sailing with Firouz and helping people all over the world. She smiled and snuggled into Firouz's side. She knew everything would work out, it always did when it really mattered.

Doubar, Tetsu, Dermott, and Rongar were walking together. They were joking around and telling stories about travels and fights. They couldn't resist a bit of teasing though, and Maeve showed her appreciation with a few sparks their way. All four of them were happy they had succeeded and that everything that really mattered was set right. Tetsu would return to Baghdad and serve the Caliph, but the others would continue to sail. It was in their blood, and with Sinbad back, it was the only thing they could think of doing.

Talia walked with Bryn and Stephen, flirting with the latter. She would go off and cause mischief, but would meet again. She tried to persuade stephen to come wit her, but he adamantly refused. He and Bryn were going back to Gaul. They would love to sail with Sinbad and their friends again someday, but their homeland was in danger and they felt they had to be there. Perhaps one day, they would return to the Nomad for more adventures.

Maeve and Sinbad walked together, talking and just needing to be close to each other. Sinbad still hadn't let go of Terrance, and Maeve doubted he would for awhile. Not that she minded, her son had a father and she had her love, there was nothing more in the world she wanted. And now she would be sailing all over the world with her family and close friends. Life was perfect.

Sinbad was happy to hold his son and see his love. He had known about Terrance from the woman. She had given him means to look out at thw world and see his friends and family, if only for brief amounts of time. He had seen his son been born, and figured that not being there in person had an upside, Maeve couldn't kill him if he wasn't there. He was waiting for her to mention that and yell at him, he was actually looking forward to it. It was who she was and that's why he loved her. And he would spend the rest of his life sailing on the sea he loved he with the pople he loved.

Terrance laughed happily, no longer silent. Gooing and gaing noises came from him constantly now. His mommy was happy, he could see it in her eyes when she looked at him. And he had a daddy now. And his daddy was happy too, he had made his mommy happy. Everyone was happy, and he was happy because of that. He knew his daddy wouldn't let him go, and that other poeple wanted to hold him. He hoped the big people would take care of it, he was busy wathcing everyone be happy.

Dim-Dim and Caipria walked behind everyone else, smiling at the people they still considered children. They knew everything would work out fine, and seeing all these good people happy made their hearts burst with joy. They had thanked the woman, who as always said there was nothing to be thankful for, and thanked them all for coming. That was how she always had been and always will be. The couple would go to their home in Basra and help people as they needed it. And they would always just be a mist away if their surrogate family needed them.

The End