Lights... Camera... ACTION!!: A Hollywood Quest

Eskander: Former Prince of Persia, now Mercenary for hire. His fighting's style has only improved due to the use of the Dagger and Sands of Time, gaining an almost reckless impulse. Because of his constant traveling and fighting (and having to keep the Sands a secret) he's more stoic and lonelier than before.

Aladdin, the "Master" Thief: in his own words he would be an "Adventurous Treasure Hunter", in many other's words he would be a "Treacherous Thief". What would best describe him is "Trickster with a heart of Gold". He's a man that despite his best attempts at getting the best deal, will still honor his word to the spirit of it.

"Scar", Leader of the Vanaras of Vesanlanam: Though more violent than their cousins, the Vanaras of the continent, this sub-group of Vanaras hold strong to their martial honor and their word. Scar was their strongest and held supremacy due to his victory in the "Trial of Strength", ever since he's led them across the sea in search of their greatest desire; fights where they can show their martial prowess, and loot to store in their sacred temple.

Kamal, King of Garditapur: Ruler of the Island Kingdom of Garditapur. Arrogant, spoiled, and malicious. He made a deal with an otherworldly being in exchange for power. He struck down his father after being disinherited and assume control of the Kingdom. He now looks for the Dagger of Time to bring his newfound master back.

Aarush, leader of the "40 Thieves": Former Head Guard of Garditapur who managed to escape King Kamal's grasp and formed the "40 Thieves" organization through the underground of the Kingdom. He and his group live moving from place to place in order to avoid the King's patrols and constant sweeps, aiding the population where they can.

Scheherazade, the true heir to the throne: A young princess, named after her mother, who Aarush rescued when he saw her being ganged up by Kamal's Guards. She's kept her identity secret from the rest of the organization, calling herself "Hera". She's fascinated by stories about the world outside of Garditapur, as they remind her of her mother.

Shadow Wraith: An otherworldly entity, sealed a long, long time ago thanks to the use of the Sands and Dagger of Time. The destruction of the Hour Glass awoke him once more, and now it's using King Kamal in order to find a way to break free and lay waste upon the entire world once more.

Narrator: "It's been years since I last told this story, the last time to my children when they were btu babies to help them sleep. And their children when they were babes as well. Now, to speak once more of the men who came to my lands, who selflessly fought the menace born from man and beast alike...Please, take a seat. The story is a long and convoluted one, yet it must be told nonetheless.

Once upon a time, there was a family. The father was a King, who'd been betrayed by his first wife and so banished her forever, while keeping his son away from him in his grief. The gloom spread through the Kingdom as the father's sadness and rage spread through his subjects. Yet once day he met a beautiful princess, who with her stories and trust managed to rekindle the love he'd once thought forever lost. From their union a daughter was born, and happiness was spread through the Kingdom once more.

However, not all was well, for the son had grown angry and arrogant during the dark times, and he would not accept the way things were going now. Unknown to all, he had made contact with a dark being from below who had struck a bargain and granted him power beyond his dreams, power to finally undo the injustice he'd felt subjected to, and reach for what he believed to be his..."

So the narration begins (interspersed with images). It's been 7 years since Eskander left his family, his title and his friends, venturing ever deeper into India. There is a great storm that is battering a ship as it tries to push through the surf below and the crescent waves. The captain is shouting orders at his men, how they need to reach port. Eskander lies asleep near the soldiers inside; his dreams are restless as they cause him to fidget and move. Flashes of his dreams appear, of him running, dark streets, and fire...

Eskander awakens due to the rocking of the ship pushing him enough. He takes deep breaths as he regains his bearings and moves through the rest of the hired mercenaries, going outside...


Eskander is soaked by the rain as the sailors run over the deck, doing their duties so as to maneuver the ship and sails. The waves batter the ship, the lightning and thunder make seeing and hearing orders difficult, the wind tosses the ship from side to side. It's an entire struggle just to keep it afloat. Eskander sees something on the horizon and approaches the captain as he's yelling the orders. The captain is angry at the distraction, and tells Eskander to focus on his job. Eskander warns him to duck, the captain is confused when an arrow goes through his head, as Eskander blocks the one heading towards his own.

Arrows are launched at the ship as many men die, others run, the sails starting to break as fire arrows are thrown and start spreading it through the ship. A different ship approaches, the attackers launch a final hail of arrows to finish them off. Eskander sees the arrows as they approach the ship, grabs his dagger then...Time Rewinds. As the arrows slow down, stop, then return once more. As the enemy ship goes back, the fire smothers down as it was never there, the dead men return to life as it never happened, the mast, the sails all are once more whole. The arrow that struck the captain flows out and returns as the captain is standing once more next to Eskander.

Eskander grabs the captain as he protests and brings him down with him as two arrows pass where they were. Eskander jumps to his feet and yells downstairs to prepare for an ambush, calling the mercenaries to the deck, and to bring shields to block arrows. The captain makes to protest, Eskander reminds him this is what he pays him for. With Eskander's preparations the damage is mitigated, the enemy ship once more arrives, but this time no hail of arrows is thrown. Instead the crew of the enemy ship prepares for boarding as they yell, holler and shout. Their shapes in the dark illuminated by lightning and the small light coming from the moon when the clouds' part...

"Vanaras?! Why are Vanaras---?!" Eskander says as he sees the enemy.

The Ape-Men roar as they jump onto the ship, Eskander holds his Rosam Sword and Dagger in hand as he jumps into the fray. Eskander's fighting style remains an acrobatic one, but now mixed with stronger counters and strikes due to his more muscled body. Eskander is also more reckless and willing to take risks, jumping to face two Vanaras on his own, nearly getting bisected before using the dagger to rewind time and, knowing the movements in advance, cut them down with ease. Allied deaths are also reversed and saved, the battle which on the first round had become hopeless, was now a back and forth where Eskander and his allies were holding his own.

The seas and storm still rocked both ships, moving them from side to side. Eskander meets the Vanara's leader, a huge, muscled specimen whose roar shakes the vessel and has the rest of the Vanaras stop. With signs to make himself understood he has Eskander fight him in a one-on-one dual where both sides display their strength, agility and resilience. Eskander fights him and manages to eke out a win having the leader at his mercy. Eskander taunts him a bit, calling him "Scar" then demanding they leave before sheathing his weapons again. The captain yells incredulously at him.

The Leader, now known as Scar, get ups, roars once more, and leaves back into his vessel, the rest of his crew bringing the bodies of their fallen ones as their ship moves into the darkness. Eskander moves back to his spot, passing by the captain, explaining how Vanaras follow a code of honor that allows for retreats. The captain shakes himself out of it and beings giving orders once more, now including to clean the deck from the bodies, and to make sail for Barygaza. The ship once more moves against the storm trying to reach the port.

Eskander awakens with the sun and sound of birds. Looking at the calmer seas as they finally reach their destination...


The Port city of Barygaza. Jewel of the west Indian kingdoms. Powerful, rich, hundreds of embarkations came and went every day bringing merchandise as far as Cathay from the East, and the Romans in the west. Anything your heart may desire; Spices, Gold, Ivory, Emeralds, Silk... and slaves too. It could be said that anything your heart desired could be acquired in Barygaza...for a price of course.

Eskander leaves the ship after talking with the captain and receiving his pay, he hears and dismisses the captain's offer for another trip to reach the Tamil Kingdoms in the South. Eskander leaves and goes deeper into the city. Eskander is a well-known figure around, so stories around him are traded as the people talk near him; The man who can take on 20 men without a scratch, stronger and faster than anyone they've ever seen, etc. They talk about his past encounters and rumors about him, how scary he looks and how he's never seen with anyone.

Eskander tries to ignore them all as he moves through the docks and leaves into the noisy tumble that is the marketplace; stalls of all colors dot the place, all kinds of merchants exchanging wares as people move to and from. Arguments, haggling, fights, all kinds of interactions happen at the marketplace as Eskander moves through, looking left and right, looking for assailants and possible pickpockets who also move unseen through the mass of people around.

Eskander moves through the market into an alley, not noticing a shape that's been following since he arrived. The shape shadows him as he enters a run-down inn with sketchy clientele. Eskander orders a room as everyone looks at him suspiciously until he leaves for upstairs. The shape manages to sneak inside the inn, without alerting anyone, and moves quietly. Eskander enters his room and starts removing part of his clothes leaving him bare-chested, but with his weapons still within range in case something happens. He sits down on the bed, watching the Dagger of Time, replaying the events of when he was at the Castle, with Farah and fighting all through it in order to save his Kingdom.

He misses them.

We move to a different location, a palace on an Island City, from where a King is moving through the hallways with his advisers. They discuss the different problems in the Kingdom; the lack of trade due to the disappearances, which has led to a decrease in food for the common people, and the increasing attacks by the "40 Thieves". King Kamal, as he's now identified, brushes aside their concerns, when they make to protest, they are interrupted as an assassin attacks him from out of nowhere. Before he can reach the King, the assassin is violently thrown to the side by an invisible force thrown by said King. The King makes as if to check on him, yet when the King touches him, the assassin starts disintegrating, as a silver sliver moves for its body to the King. The King summons the guards, insults them for letting an assassin get in, and when they beg for mercy, he shows none; He orders them to die and their bodies shine as they contract and slowly die as the blood come out of every orifice.

King Kamal once more addresses his advisers, once more brushing aside their concerns, and they fearfully agree with him as they retire. The King goes down to an underground chamber, where a desiccated corpse seems to be. King Kamal kneels before it and addresses it as his master. The being, identified as the Shadow Wraith, tells Kamal to prepare for the ritual. King Kamal asks if he's found the key, the Shadow Wraith claims he's close, he can feel it, yet he wants the ritual to be ready at a moment's notice. King Kamal agrees and leaves, as the Shadow Wraith control a piece of himself to move through the ocean, through cities, to get to the destination; Barygaza, and its price within.

Time passes and night arrives, growing darker as more clouds gather and rain seems to be soon to fall. Eskander once more is asleep, repeating the same dream from the ship; a shadow chasing him no matter where he runs, only this time the location has changed, and he can see what is chasing him, it's a...

Eskander awakens, notices its night now and there's a gentle rain falling. Sounds of thunder are heard from far away as Eskander looks out the window. Eskander feels restless and takes his cloak to walk outside. A light rain falls and he pulls his cloak tighter around himself. There's very few people around, some merchants also hurrying to take down their stalls and leave for the day. Lights from oil lamps from inside the houses he passes illuminate the streets somewhat, but everything is still very dark.

From the dark, a shadow follows, moving from dark spot to dark spot; alleys, bazaars, buildings...always keeping Eskander in sight, moving silently, leaving no trace, until...

Eskander is alert to any possible thieves that may appear, which is why he notices as some shadowy shape quickly moves behind him. He turns but sees nothing. A bit more wary, Eskander moves, the sense of being followed remaining with him. The shape moves from ally to street, always near Eskander but he is unable to see it. Eskander runs, hoping to force it to reveal itself, but as he looks, there is only the bare sign that there is someone following, but not who or where.

Eskander runs through streets and alleys similar to his dream. He doubles back, climbs buildings but is still chased all the way to the docks. There, the form eventually makes itself known...


A dark, formless creature, its body made of liquid shadows with eyes burning as bright as red coals. The ripples across its body making it impossible to determine whether it's male or female. Eskander recognizes the creature from his dreams, gets into a defensive posture, waiting for it to make the first move. Both sides stay still as the rain grows heavier around them, obscuring their vision. One strong deluge blocks Eskander's vision for a moment, the next one there is no sight of the creature, and only his instincts save him from being rendered into pieces as he's attacked from behind.

Eskander's fight takes him and the creature all over the docks as Eskander is pushed beyond his limits, with the creature being stronger and faster than him. The constant running creates a trail of destruction, oil lamps fall and cause fires that spread over the docks and ships. Eskander and the creature end up fighting in the only ship that is not on fire yet; ironically the same ship in which he arrived at the city. The fight releases the anchor and the ship moves into the sea, with the sail open catching the wind and pushing them further into the stormy sea.

Eskander, seeing the danger this has brought him on, activates the Dagger.

Time Rewinds...but not for the creature!

Time is rewinding, yet the creature remains unaffected. It moves to attack him, and Eskander has to stop the rewind due to lack of focus. The fight continues as the ship moves further into the sea and out of Eskander's control. Bells clanging can still be heard over the city yet they grow dimmer the more they move. Eskander's fight with the creature turns frantic as he notices that the fire form the docks has started spreading over the ship, and they're getting farther away from the city. The fight grows desperate, Eskander makes a rash move which the creature uses to lunge and spear him through the chest, the shadows now spreading over his body...right as Eskander had planned. He grabs the "arm" now spearing him and moves further into stab the creature with the dagger, finally causing the creature to scream. Eskander activates it, Time Rewinding...except it doesn't. Time rewinds, yet also not, but the creature now is affected by it. It screams in pain as its body shrivels and shrinks, disappearing once and for all...

Eskander drops to his knees, taking deep breaths. but he has little time to rest as the ship is still on fire, the city is now out of sight, and the storm...

The Island City of Garditapur...


The ports seem to be operating normally, yet it's the citizenry the ones should be on the lookout, as they show the deep fear of a city under siege. The dark clad guards under the control of the King patrol at every turn and make sure that nothing escapes their eye, be it imagined slights or acts of rebellion. Just last night several men, women and children were taken by the guards to the palace where no one knew what would happen. A cloaked man is seen huddling and avoiding their notice, a second man moves pass him, tripping and then continuing on his way, leaving a small piece of paper in the cloaked man's possession. The cloaked man reads it quickly, then rips it into many small pieces.

The cloaked man waits, then slowly moves through the markets, shops, moving to the inner part of the city with its labyrinthine passages. There, with no one seeing him, he enters a drinking establishment, and orders a room. He waits there until another man comes, a big man, identified as Aarush by the cloaked man who chides him about the leader taking such risks. Aarush dismisses it, explains they have little time as another of their assassins failed. Kamal will soon increase his security and all their advantages will be lost, they need to hurry and a little risk is a small price to pay. The cloaked man agrees as he gives the information; Kamal has begun preparing the ritual, that they have not all been killed means it hasn't started yet, but this means that their schedule has moved up. They will have less time than before.

Aarush does not like what he hears, he thanks the cloaked man and leaves.

Darkness.

Eskander lies on a beach, a jungle near it, and the remains of the ship all around him. He is awakened by the sounds of birds and the surf on the beach, he gets up and looks around, finding broken pieces of his ship either on the beach or being brought by the tide. His sword has been lost but the dagger remains in his possession.

Eskander is broken out of his thoughts when he sees the sun up and moves into the jungle looking for shelter.

Eskander moves through the jungle, cutting a path through the interior. Once more he notices a shadow of someone...or something shadowing him. The human shaped shadow moves through the trees up, closer to Eskander, preparing to-

"Wh-Whoa!" The man slips and falls right in front of Eskander, who just looks at him as he tries to quickly get up.

The man gets up and acts as if nothing happened, introducing himself to Eskander as Aladdin the Treasure Hunter, on the look for all kinds of mythical and fantastical treasure in order to-

"Wait, you're named Aladdin? Like the story?" Aladdin sputters a bit, before (embarrassedly) semi-agreeing with him. Eskander tries to ignore him but Aladdin follows, trying to entice Eskander into helping him with what he has planned in the island; there's this temple that he could use someone's help in dealing with the traps. Eskander is not interested until they reach a broken pillar which has some carvings that oddly enough catch Eskander's attention as his eyes glow for a moment; for in said carvings there's clear mention of an Hourglass...and a Dagger along with it. Eskander asks Aladdin if there's more of said carvings in the temple, and when it's confirmed he agrees to join him...in exchange for Aladdin to get him out of the island once they're done. Aladdin tries not to promise, but eventually folds.

Eskander and Aladdin move through the jungle until they reach the temple. Aladdin talks as he walks, mostly about the many adventures he's had, and the places he's seen while Eskander remains quiet. They arrive at the temple where they have to move through many traps, with both Eskander and Aladdin save each other mutually building trust and Aladdin offering Eskander to join him in another trip afterwards, but he rejects.

As they move deeper, Eskander looks for the carvings that Aladdin mentioned but there doesn't seem to be any. When confronted Eskander confesses that he may have exaggerated somewhat to get his help. Eskander is furious, starts hearing the violent voice in his head. He is about to attack but they accidentally trigger a new trap that has them fall into a room full of water, with no way out. Aladdin panics as he can't swim ("Really?! You went out to sea and didn't bother to learn?!") and accidentally pushes Eskander down as he tries to climb over him. Eskander sees a small opening in the bottom and swims down, grabbing Aladdin on the way and pushing both of them forwards. They swim through the passage, the oxygen running low, until they find the opening on the other side, coming out just in time.

They find themselves in a room...


It's a grand room, bigger than anything they've seen, or imagined. A large statue to Hanuman, the Monkey God, dominates it. But to Aladdin and Eskander there is only one thing that has their attention respectively; the huge amount of treasure (gold, emeralds, rubies, all kinds of material possessions) that is all over the entire room, and the carvings in the walls that depict the life and stories of those living in the island before. Aladdin laughs as he moves close to the treasure, trying to fill his pockets and bag with as much treasure as he can get (only the most valuable ones of course) when he sees something near the pedestal where the statue is. Eskander approaches him, still looking angry, when Aladdin points to what he saw: the carvings, but these are more detailed, telling a complete story instead of only fragments.

Back in Garditapur, King Kamal speaks with the Shadow Wraith, who explains that they must wait for the arrival of a man. The Shadow Wraith gives a description of Eskander, telling Kamal that he needs to bring both him and the Dagger when they arrive. King Kamal asks how is he so sure they will, but the Shadow Wraith is completely assured.

Back with Eskander, he is still reading the carvings while a glow in his eyes appears once more as he sees the symbols all telling of a place, an Island, the origin of it all. An angry voice, the one he heard before but stronger, starts reverberating in his head louder and louder as it blocks all sound, the noise feeling like it's going to split his head open...

Aladdin tries to get his attention while he's busy, again and again. Eskander finally snaps out of it and looks where Aladdin is looking at, straight into the group of Vanaras that he's sure he's fought before...Scar leading them in the front.

"...Of course Vanaras would live near a temple of Hanuman."

Eskander makes ready to fight as Scar leads the Vanaras closer. Aladdin gripes about the situation, asks him to be ready, then sets a pouch he had on fire and throws it at the Vanaras. The content inside releases a smoke that catches them by surprise giving both Aladdin and Eskander time to run away, Aladdin being encumbered by the treasure he still carries, and refuses to let go, despite Eskander's protests.

They run through the jungle, hearing the roar of Scar resound through the island. Aladdin keeps on launching more of the small bags obscuring their scents, Eskander bickers that it will just make a trail that will lead the Vanaras to them, but Aladdin retorts asking if he wants to risk it, since their sense of smell is greater than a normal human. Eskander sees that either way they'll be found so they have to run faster, once more trying to get rid of the treasure and Aladdin stopping him.

They reach a river where Aladdin shows his ship...which is a small. Eskander asks if this is it, with Aladdin confirming it as they get in and move quickly. Eskander and Aladdin avoid the river's obstacles as the Vanaras appear on both sides of the river, attacking them or jumping into the Dhow to fight them. Both Eskander and Aladdin work together to either move the Dhow to avoid the projectiles, or just fight the Vanaras who managed to get in and pushing them out, until they finally reach the River Mouth, finally leaving the island behind.

The sun is blocked by the clouds and the wind is blowing stronger.

Aladdin is relaxing when Eskander grabs him and yells at him for not leaving the treasure behind when they were nearly caught. Aladdin breaks off and yells back he worked hard for the treasure. Their fight is interrupted as they hear the sound of a ship larger than theirs moving from behind, and in the decks the Vanaras that were chasing them, with Scar once more at the front.

Behind them there is no light, and the clouds turn dark.

Both Eskander and Aladdin try to get their ship to move faster, but soon realize it would be futile, even if they threw away the treasure. Eskander has Aladdin turn the ship to face the oncoming one (Aladdin protesting but with no other choice acquiescing). Both ships are on a collision course, with the Vanaras launching spears and arrows at the small Dhow. Before both sides can crash Eskander moves the sails so that the dhow turns and brushes the bigger ship. Even so, the brush is enough to break the dhow, splintering apart as the Vanaras watch it sink.

The winds blows even stronger as the clouds begin to rumble. Small drops of water fall.

They don't see Eskander and Aladdin climbing up the ship however, and soon they have bigger problems as the strength of the wind goes beyond what they can control. Scar gives the order to turn the ship and go back to the island. Eskander and Aladdin are discovered by the Vanarans when...

Rain falls as thunder resounds, the winds grow even stronger as the crest of the waves grow, the surf beneath moving the ship in unexpected ways.

The ship rocks violently, putting a stop to the fight as Vanaras go overboard, among them Scar and Aladdin. Eskander tries to use the Dagger to rewind time, but doing so causes his body to start turning dark like coal, as symbols form and the violent voice to resurface with even greater strength, making it difficult to distinguish between his thoughts and the voice's. With a great effort of will he stops the Dagger, just as Aladdin and Scar fall into the water, and has to battle the now violent and callous thoughts telling him to leave them die. He ties a rope to his waist, quickly ties the other end to the ship, and jumps to the water.

On the water, Eskander finds Aladdin, barely above the water but on the verge of drowning, Eskander swims to him and has him grab onto the rope as he goes under the water looking for Scar (after brushing Aladdin's protests). As Eskander looks for Scar under the water, Aladdin holds on to the rope. A Vanaran appears looking at him, Aladdin asks for help, the Vanara instead grabs his sword and prepares to cut the rope.

Eskander manages to break the surface with Scar just in time, the Vanaran seeing the chief quickly grabbing the rope and pulling, calling at the other members of the crew to help him as Eskander, Aladdin and Scar are all pulled over once more. There is a tense moment before Scar roars in his language to the other Vanaras, and then they leave them be. Aladdin is confused as Eskander tells him that Scar owes him his life now.

Scar continues roaring orders as the crew once more tries to navigate the ship through the storm.

The ship eventually manages to survive the storm; battered, lost, but still intact. Aladdin is trying to keep his treasure as hidden as possible (or at least try to convince the Vanarans to let him keep some of it). Eskander looks out to the sea, remembering the violent voice and how it nearly took over his body, when he sees an odd rock formation, one that he recalls seeing when he was checking for the map in the temple. His eyes glow as he remembers then what the rest of the information said; the rock formation, the distance, and the city on the edge, the Island of Time.

Aladdin tries to talk Eskander out of just following some instructions found in some old rocks but Eskander is undeterred. He goes and talks with Scar, and after some arguing (or at least it sounds like arguing) he uses the debt owed to have him follow his directions where he needs to go. Much to Aladdin's displeasure.

During the travel both Aladdin and Eskander get closer to the Vanarans, learning some of their language (or at least, identifying what some of the sounds they make might mean) while also opening up to each other. They find they can respect each other, even if only the fact that both would keep their promises. The weather is still unforgivable, but without the urgency (and the Vanarans strength) they find they can avoid the storms on occasions, if only to take some time without being wet.

The only problem is that Eskander has found that he can't seem to use the Dagger to rewind time without his body starting to turn and the voice in his mind growing even stronger. At times it feels like it's speaking to him directly instead of just meshing together with his mind. He hides this from everyone else.

Their time of resting however comes to an end, when they finally reach their destination...


Eskander and Aladdin look at the city, as tired as Scar and the rest of the Vanarans, but more expressive...which is when the mast, already damaged and barely holding on breaks, hitting the ship. With no way of controlling the ship it moves not towards the port, but towards the shore on the other side, crashing against it.

The Shadow Wraith tells King Kamal that the key has arrived.

Eskander awakens not in a beach nor in a bed as he expected, but instead inside a jailcell. He looks around and sees that the Vanarans are there with him as well, though clapped in chains to stop them from breaking out. It's not stopping them from making a racket though. Eskander looks around, trying to find out where exactly is he, and freaks out when he doesn't find his dagger with him. He tries to call upon someone to answer his questions, a couple of guards enter, Eskander tries to fight them but he's weakened. They beat him, then drag him out with them.

Aladdin wakes up, he's in the beach, his body covered by part of the ship which hides him from the sun. A girl is next to him, trying to take the treasure he has with him. Aladdin sees that she's already taken some parts, she runs and Aladdin runs after her trying to catch her. The chase takes them from the outskirts to the inside of the city where both have to evade guards. The child displays a familiar knowledge of the area, but Aladdin has experience, athletics and speed to compensate. The city's is much different than Barygaza, with a more solemn and muted presence, merchants almost scared of being out, the people not speaking much, moving aside at the sight of guards and terrified of them.

Aladdin catches up to the child, has her cornered, says he only wants his treasure back. The child relaxes and Aladdin stiffens as he feels the edge of a sword at his neck from a new assailant on his back. Said assailant tells Hera, the child, how she needs to be more careful. Aladdin tries to talk his way out but fails, as the man (with his partners at his side) mentions he has an order to let any who may recognize them leave. Aladdin is knocked out.

Eskander has been clasped in irons, and is being dragged through many decorated halls, all the way to the Royal Court where the King is holding audience...


He is forced to kneel below the throne, the King rising and walking down to see him closer. Eskander notices he has the Dagger with him and tries to break free to get it but fails. King Kamal notices and mocks him for it, thanking him for bringing the Dagger, laughing when Eskander tries to protest. King Kamal explains that it's all been thanks to Eskander, after all he broke the Sand Glass of Time! Did he thought there would be no repercussions? It served as a seal upon the Shadow Wraith, his patron, who gave him the power to retake what was his from his treacherous sister! That spawn from a simple whore who took everything from him!

Scheherazade...that woman, she charmed his father with stories of all things!

King Kamal recovers from the outburst. looking at Eskander, who now understands as he remembers his actions seven years ago. But he didn't know, he was not aware that...! King Kamal interrupts saying it doesn't matter, and he's not blaming him. After all, it made him what he is today, and now he would repay his master with the last key to his prison. He holds the dagger in hand as he has Eskander escorted out against his struggles.

Aladdin is being held prisoner in a room within a secret location, trying to get the attention of those who stole his treasure. Hera, the little one that stole from him visits. Aladdin tries to cajole her into releasing him but fails. They get to talking, him telling her stories and tales from the outside, which she has a fascination with, while he also learns of the place, they're in and of the group who took him prisoner; The 40 Thieves, a group that's become infamous in Garditapur due to stealing from the King. Hera leaves when she hears people coming around, leaving Aladdin alone once more.

Hera moves through their secret headquarters until she arrives at a spacious room where a man is checking on his weapons. He asks her about Aladdin, she says that he's of no worry. He's not had any contacts with the Palace, and in fact he could be of aid. The man then gives the order to bring Aladdin in. Once Aladdin is brought to the room, he sees Hera next to another man, who introduces himself as Aarush, leader of the 40 thieves. He reveals that Hera's told him of him being trustworthy enough to join them.

Aladdin is confused as to why, which is when Hera takes over; Hera replies that he did mention he was a Master Thief, right? Plus, unlike everyone else in the island save for them, he's yet to be magically branded. When King Kamal took over, he did so with the darkest magic of them all; Death Magic. The kind that twists your soul beyond recovery. It forces those bound to obey the orders of the King or they will die on the spot. Kamal had no magic potential and practiced none when growing up, yet he still managed to learn and gain great power by contacting an evil entity known as "The Shadow Wraith" who gave him his powers, and when he took over as King, he made sure to forcibly bind all that he could find.

They've been losing ground against Kamal for years, and now Kamal's found the final piece of the puzzle needed to bring forth his diabolical master to this plane of existence; the Dagger of Time. Aladdin realizes that the dagger's description is the one that Eskander had on hand. He asks if he will receive a payment for it to which Hera agrees before explaining the plan. The entire group will launch an attack on the Palace to distract Kamal and the guards, meanwhile Hera will accompany Aladdin to look for the Dagger. Aladdin tries to protest, and also to have Aarush to help him in not bringing her to a dangerous place, but Aarush reluctantly agrees with Hera; She is the only one, aside from him, who knows the ways of the Palace, and perhaps she knows them better. Hera insists as well, as she knows how to stop Kamal's master as well.

Eskander is thrown in a dark room...


He's been tied up and set on the floor, where symbols have been written down. There's no one around but the voice in his head seems to have gotten louder, and it is speaking to him, telling him to run, flee, right now! Eskander is talking back when both are interrupted by another voice; that of the Shadow Wraith. It praises its "Servant" for a job well done in bringing the Dagger back. Eskander argues that he didn't, while the voice in his head echoes him. The Shadow Wraith is astonished that Eskander is still is in control of his body after being possessed by a piece of himself.

Eskander is confused as the Statue explains with a question; why did Eskander came here? Eskander tries to answer and finds he can't. Why did he come here, why was it so important to come to this island? He remembers when he found the carvings, the images, the directions and... how he felt an impulse guiding him here. Eskander is shocked as the Shadow Wraith reveals it had been him all along. From the moment it entered his body it had been slowly but surely taking over, making sure to make him follow his will and bring the Dagger in order to finally free him from his imprisonment.

Eskander tries to break his bindings, keeping the creature speaking to distract it, the voice in his mind strangely silent, yet the feelings coming from it were still felt; anger, fear, hatred. At the same time King Kamal is assembling his guards when the alarm sounds; the palace is under attack by Aarush and his "40 Thieves". King Kamal is furious and demands the guards to kill them all, the binding making it so that they will all die if even a single one survives past this night. Aarush and his men are moving through different parts of the palace, his knowledge allowing him to sneak past, and flank many of the patrols.

Hera and Aladdin follow one of the secret pass ways that Hera knows...which opens inside the jail cells. They are discovered by the jailers and have to escape. Aladdin finds Scar and the rest of the Vanaras, the jailers catch up to them and both Aladdin and Hera try to stay out of their reach. Aladdin swipes the keys, which he then passes to Hera, who passes it to the Vanaras, which then free themselves and run roughshod over the jailers. Aladdin "speaks" to Scar, but has difficulty in getting his aid until he mentions Eskander being in danger. Scar still owing a debt agrees to help by having his crew join Aarush and his men in the attack, while he joins Aladdin and Hera in looking for the Dagger/Eskander.

King Kamal is moving through the hallways, occasionally hearing about the situation in the palace. The sounds of fighting rebounding as he tries to hurry. Eskander has been listening to the statue, now identified as the Shadow Wraith, and learns about the time before when the island was known as the Island of Time, the place where Time did not have any effect. At the same time Hera is leading Aladdin and Scar through different tunnels to the same room Eskander is at. When Aladdin asks why are they going there Hera explains it's the only place where Kamal would take the Dagger.

Both the Shadow Wraith and Hera explain of the time when the Island of Time existed, of the Master who got too greedy and used the Sands power to open a breach in Time from where the Shadow Wraith came forth and absorbed him from within. With the power from the Void where he opened the portal, he laid waste to the entire island and its inhabitants. Before it could move past it and reach for new prey however, the King's ancestors managed to wrestle the Sands and Dagger's control from him, and use it to seal them forever.

The fight in the palace intensifies with the arrival of the Vanaras, the King is approaching the chamber, Hera and Aladdin are nearly there as well, Eskander has nearly broken from his bindings.

And all the while the Shadow Wraith waits...

King Kamal arrives at the chambers with his remaining guards, Eskander hides that he's managed to slip from the ropes, waiting for the right moment. Kamal approaches, showing his master the Dagger as he's told to move closer. Eskander, while preparing to make a move, tries warning Kamal that the Shadow Wraith plans to possess him, but Kamal does not believe him. Kamal is loyal to the Shadow Wraith, believing that it appreciates him in the way his father never did.

They are interrupted by the sound of a secret door opening in the chamber; Aladdin, Hera and Scar have arrived. Kamal mockingly (and spitefully) welcomes back his sister. Hera greets Kamal as her brother and reveals herself as the true heir to the throne, which Kamal argues against. The argument continues from there, with Kamal's jealousy and hurt over his father's abandonment and Hera's replies that father gave him enough chances, and even then still loved him, but it all falls on deaf ears.

Eskander slowly moves closer to Kamal while no one is looking, but the Shadow Wraith does as he alerts Kamal and orders him to get the Dagger to him now!

Both groups act at the same time Eskander does. The guards move to protect Kamal while Eskander tries to rush at him. Scar pushes them aside and fights them While Eskander reaches Kamal. He is pushed aside to the wall by Kamal's magic powers at full force and knocking him out, Kamal has a straight shot to get the Dagger to the Shadow Wraith's body, but is interrupted by Aladdin, who then tries to get it to Eskander once more. Kamal grabs more of his powers and chases Aladdin through the chamber to get it back.

Hera, while no one is looking, rushes to the Shadow Wraith, who starts speaking to her, trying to get her to listen and obey him but she refuses to listen. She cuts her palm, letting blood come out as she spreads it through the base as she starts chanting. The Shadow Wraith sees what she's doing and calls upon Kamal to stop her. Kamal quickly breaks the chase, with Aladdin now trying to stop him before he reaches Hera, but he's too slow. Kamal is in range and launches his magic at her, but Scar blocks it with his body, launching him far away and knocking him out. Hera tries to hurry in her incantation to seal the Shadow Wraith again, but Kamal arrives at the Shadow Wraith's side just in time and bats her aside, releasing his master...and having his body absorbed to serve as the Shadow Wraith's new vessel...

The fight becomes hopeless as the Shadow Wraith, now free, prepares to open the portal from where he summons more of his kind, servants who will do his bidding to destroy the world, kill everyone in their path, and enslave those they please. Scar roars as he tries to attack, but all his blows are either blocked or cause no harm whatsoever to the Shadow Wraith, Aladdin uses what weapons he has to launch at long range, but they all pass through it. The Shadow Wraith ignores them once he sees they're of no trouble as the portal opens. That is until he feels a concentration of magic; Hera is bringing more and more magic power and chanting that is slowing down the opening of said portal.

Meanwhile, from the moment Eskander was out of the fight (at the same time the fight with Kamal is going on), he finds himself inside his mind he finds himself in a dark forest, dead trees surround him as he moves and tries to find a way out. He calls out for anyone around, feeling like he's being watched, stalked as it were by a predator. Eskander runs, intent in making whoever is looking at him reveal himself. Moving through the dead trees a humanoid shadow can be seen, Eskander looks but it's too fast. During the chase different parts become more noticeable until finally, near the end near a cliff, Eskander turns and confronts...

Himself...but not himself. Eskander realizes this is the part from the Shadow Wraith that had been inside of him. His opposite hears him, and just sarcastically mocks him on finally figuring out, yet also being so out of the mark. Their conversation is contentious, as "Dark Eskander" has little to no care for the people around him or for Eskander's "Pesky morals". Dark Eskander was once part of the Shadow Wraith, and he was supposed to bring him to the Island, right up till the moment where he was hit by the Dagger itself, which severed the bond. He started growing as its own entity basing on Eskander's memories and dark emotions, he even tries stopping Eskander from going to the island, talking to him whenever the programming by the Shadow Wraith was manipulating him, yet he still came nonetheless.

Dark Eskander is tired of seeing Eskander falling into traps, humoring those useless wastes of baggage, and overall just wasting his life as he sees it. He's going to kill him and take over, after which he will finally live life as he wants. Eskander and Dark Eskander fight, the advantage goes to Dark Eskander at first thanks to a more vicious mode of fighting, knowing what Eskander will do, and having weapons on his hand. Eskander manages to get the upper hand when during the fight he realizes they're in his mind, and for all that Dark Eskander wants to take over, it is him who is in control. His counterattack has him use his weapons, the environment around, learning the patterns he uses and baiting him into situations where he can counter Dark Eskander with ease.

The battle ends with Eskander victorious, but Dark Eskander tells him of what's being going on outside and how he won't be able to defeat him on his own. Eskander makes a deal with Dark Eskander to "lend" him his power to fight back, to which he agrees as they seem to fuse.

Back on the outside, Hera is doing all she can to stop the Shadow Wraith, but the Portal is still growing. Scar is limping and Aladdin has nothing with which to fight. The Shadow Wraith is moments from victory when a segmented whip sword loops around his neck, on the other side is Eskander, half himself, and half looking like Dark Eskander, and he pulls him away from the portal ("Get over here!"), giving Hera once more the chance to stop the ritual. The Shadow Wraith demands the obedience of Eskander, but he just mocks him as he fights him, the influence of Dark Eskander growing in him little by little.

Hera is able to stop the portal from growing, but is unable to close it. The fight between Eskander and the Shadow Wraith goes all over the room, but is not finished in any way. Aladdin sees the stalemate, asks Scar to give him give him an opening when he says so, then goes. Scar distracts the Shadow Wraith at just the right moment for Eskander to wound him, as Aladdin (already running) moves to attack him but misses. Scar receives the full brunt of the Shadow Wraith's fury, killing him with one blow.

The Shadow Wraith mocks their failure and weakness as nothing they could do would've harmed him. Aladdin slowly gets up...and shows the Dagger in his hand. The Shadow Wraith is stunned, then becomes enraged and turns for Aladdin, which gives Eskander the right chance to strike, again and again, cutting him more and more until there's nothing left, only his essence disappearing forever.

Eskander is tired, which is when Dark Eskander tries to take control. Both sides fight each other for control of their body, until Eskander asks Aladdin to pass him the Dagger, Dark Eskander trying to imitate him so as to not do it. Aladdin is confused but eventually gives him the Dagger, which finally lets him seal Dark Eskander and stop him from taking over his body.

A final cry from Hera has Eskander joining her in sealing the Portal, which is still open if not growing, but shadowy forms are seen from the other side. Eskander uses the Dagger along with Hera, the power of the Sands amplifying her reserves, and pushing back against the shadows from the other side, slowly closing the Portal. More and more of the sands are used, as with a final word Hera finishes the incantation and recreates the seal, forming a new Sand Glass where the portal was, sealing all further incursions forever.

King Kamal's death along with the vanquishment of the Shadow Wraith dispelled the bindings on the guards and the people. The guards surrendered as quick as they could, the 40 thieves had to stop the Vanarans from outright killing them when they learn of Scar's death. They honor his sacrifice, both the Island and the Vanarans, who depart in order to choose a new leader.

Eskander speaks to both Hera and Aladdin. Hera, who will now assume her new position as Queen of Garditapur, asks Aladdin to stay. She has few people she can trust, and having a "Master Thief" at her side who can look into things she need could be helpful. Aladdin considers it, and agrees, not even asking for a payment this time. He asks Eskander if he will remain, but he says that he will be leaving too. Hera asks him about the Dagger, if he plans to take it with him, and he says yes. His purpose had always been to keep the Dagger safe and away from those who would misuse it...and keeping it here, next to the reformed Sand Glass would be too dangerous, especially if the story manages to get out of hand before they can suppress it.

Hera mentions feeling the power of the Sands when they were sealing the Portal. They were emanating from Eskander, right until they were not, when the Sand Glass reformed. The Dagger won't be able to work as before, Eskander agrees, saying he's tried using it and he's found a new limit imposed, around three times per day, and no longer for as long as he wanted. He'll have to learn to fight all over again to make it work. Hera wishes him luck, and Aladdin just finally bursts out about what the heck they're talking about?! The Dagger has some powers aside from just serving as a catalyst?! And what Sands are they talking about?!

Hera and Eskander are amused at the idea that Aladdin never knew about the ability to turn back time, and keep silent.

Eskander walks to the port, the people around now once more looking happy and safe, the dark pallor and constant stress disappearing as if it never existed. He gives a final look at the Palace, from where Hera and Aladdin are also looking, before smiling and boarding the ship which Hera had granted him passage on. He asks the captain the location where they're going, and laughs when he hears their destination is the Tamil Kingdoms, explaining it's a long story to their confused faces.

Eskander moves to his cot, stretches, and goes to rest, quickly falling asleep. In his dreams he walks the same dark path in the dead forest. Eskander walks confidently despite the roaring sounds of struggle and curses coming from a familiar voice. He approaches to a cave in which the form of Dark Eskander is bound in a prison of stone, ropes made out of thick roots and tree branches bind his arms and legs if not his mouth. Dark Eskander notices his presence, and looks at him.

"Don't think it's over...you'll need me eventually, and when that day comes...!"

"We'll see." Eskander replies as he turns and leaves, Dark Eskander yelling and thrashing against his bounds all the way.