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Post by Nomz on Oct 7, 2024 22:47:52 GMT
She blinks once. Twice. And then Felicia giggles hard enough she closes her eyes, head shaking the whole time. She has asked so many questions, of course Aladdin would encourage her to take the risk.
"Alright, fair enough. I wish for three bracelets of Endless Good Luck. They grant good fortune when a touch of good luck can spin a situation in their favor. If separated from the people I gift them to, they always find their way back to them within 30 Earth days. For appearances: a thin, golden bangle that does not close, a delicate silver chain bracelet, and a black bangle that does not close."
Felicia looks up at Aladdin, breath held and wondering if this counts all of her wishes or not. She tacks on as an afterthought, "Ownership cannot be transferred unless the person I gift these to is about to die. They only need to speak their name and the gift passes on."
She knows it is so much jammed into one wish and, honestly, part of Felicia is perfectly happy if it takes up all of her wishes.
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 8, 2024 10:29:27 GMT
Well, she sure went for it, didn't she? Aladdin tilted her head slightly as Felicia made her wish, adding all the details she wanted: three bracelets of endless good luck that would return to their owners within 30 days if lost or stolen. She even added a little clause about ownership—all in all, not a poorly formulated wish. "Your wish is my command," the djinn snapped a finger, and in the air were three bracelets: a thin golden bangle that did not close, a delicate silver chain bracelet, and a black bangle that did not close. "There they are, just like you asked, should be good for eternity, give or take."
She paused, taking a step back to let Felicia collect the trinkets.
"I should, however, give a warning." She continued, "Luck is fickle, and should your friends lose these, they will return in 30 days, but when it is gone, the universe will want to "settle the score", meaning they would most likely fall victim to bad luck. Not even I can fuck with reality without it wanting to fuck back." Aladdin gave Felicia a few moments to take that in. "That was the first of your three wishes."
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Post by Nomz on Oct 8, 2024 19:26:01 GMT
It goes better than Felicia had expected and she takes a step forward to examine the trinkets as they float in the air. Her hand pauses as she tries to reach for them, taking in Aladdin's warning. It is a downside she had not predicted, but perhaps this is just the nature of the lamp.
"Thank you, Aladdin," she says as she takes the three bracelets, examining them. Her head snaps up in surprise when she is told that it is only the first of her three. "I'll be honest, I wasn't quite expecting to get two more of these."
Felicia takes some tissue from the pouch on her belt, wrapping the gifts delicately before placing them inside where they would be safe. What could she possibly ask for? She hums as her mind drifts to her new boss.
"I wish to know the most closely guarded secrets of Matias Jacinto, CEO of the company known as Sentinel Tactical Solutions, please."
Is it a shitty and nosey little wish? Absolutely. Is it information she would have gained otherwise? Most certainly not.
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 8, 2024 20:57:22 GMT
Aladdin bowed her head at the thanks but did not reply; it was her duty to grant wishes. Watching as Felicia collected the three treasures, the djinn was curious what the outcome of those would be; messing with luck was amusing but dangerous. Still, the warning had been given, so it was now in her mistress' hands.
Then... the second wish.
Aladdin had not expected the wish to come so soon after the first, so she was taken slightly aback.
"Very well, as you wish, so shall it be." The djinn closed her eyes, pulling at the threads of reality. "Matias is a man of many secrets; the person he claims to be is but a mask he wears, making life easier." The djinn's voice was calm, with a slight echo. Slowly, the djinn opened her eyes, glowing with an intense golden light. "His second mask is that of Agent-X, the secretive leader of a faction called... The Godkillers, villains that kill villains, which is the most mortal stupidity you could ask for."
Aladdin paused, letting Felicia take it in before she continued. Both those things were nothing compared to what was to come.
"Yet, those are masks; the true face of Matias is B'alamijin, the Nagual, the Chosen of Tezcatlipoca. The were-jaguar. He is a warrior of the Aztec empire who has and will continue to reincarnate each time he dies, with all memories intact. And..."
The golden light slowly faded, returning to the regular look with the molten gold.
" He lied when he said you were "on your own". He is an intense man and will do anything to protect you... in my experience, it can be both a gift and a curse."
Aladdin was done and sighed.
"You'd be wise to be careful around this friend of yours, not because of him necessarily, but because of who he is bound to. Tezcatlipoca is not a benevolent god." The way Aladdin said this seemed to assume the djinn knew from personal experience.
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Post by Nomz on Oct 8, 2024 23:28:33 GMT
While she expects that Matias has many secrets, nothing could quite prepare Felicia for the information she gains. Her brows pull together in contemplation as she turns over the pieces she is given. He is both Matias and this Agent-X of a team known as Godkillers. The near fanatical surge of hatred he's shown for people who take advantage of others seems to make so much more sense. Along with his want to set her up on a job against Lex Luther.
Cat takes the pause Aladdin allows her and uses it to wonder if she is merely a distraction. Was her only true part meant to distract Lex and his team while Matias and his merry band of killers kill the bald politician? Her teeth worry her lip and then Aladdin continues because there is more.
'B'alamijin' she mouths to herself as if trying to taste the strange name. An ancient Aztec warrior who is also a were-jaguar. That is who Felicia has gotten herself tangled and a strangled giggle of disbelief bubbles from her lips at the absurdity of it all.
"I told him I do solo work," she offers as if that is the most pressing matter and maybe it is. Felicia has never needed anyone and the idea that he would try to protect her feels odd in her ears. She sighs deeply before pulling free a black hair tie and binding her long hair into a ponytail. Having the strands of silver out of her face seems to help center her.
"Tezcatlipoca is not a benevolent god. Right. That was more than I thought I would learn and I see why they say to be careful for what you wish for." Most of Felicia is already trying to write Matias off as something she should never try to touch again. If only she didn't have that voice in her head demanding to learn more.
"Curiosity killed the cat, Aladdin," Felicia says with a soft huff of laughter. Still, that only leaves her last wish and she already has an idea of what she can wish for. Great power and all that. Grey eyes look over Aladdin for a few moments.
"You mentioned Aladdin could not wish for your freedom despite trying. Is that because there is no way for you to escape the lamp?"
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 9, 2024 10:10:57 GMT
Aladdin continued to examine Felicia, curious how she had become so involved with a follower of the Aztec God of Night; sure, followers of gods did pop up from time to time. "Well, it does not seem he is one to care what you told him," the djinn said with a half-smile. "To my experience, power tends to do that to a person once desires become more powerful than respecting the desires of others."
She raised an eyebrow at the curiosity.
"But satisfaction brought it back," Aladdin added.
The djinn hesitated when Felicia mentioned Aladdin, but after a few moments, she nodded.
"Yes, so he did, several times throughout his life before he died," Aladdin replied with the slightest hint of melancholy. "Who can say, not even I understand fully the nature of the Lamp. But wishing for my freedom has proven impossible, and destroying it is also impossible. Much like The One Ring, it has a will of its own, not a mind as such, but a will." Aladdin looked at the pendant before signing. "You get used to it after a few millennia."
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Post by Nomz on Oct 9, 2024 15:55:04 GMT
"I wonder just how much trouble I've gotten myself into with him now. Power corrupts and the strong usually believe they're right no matter what path they walk." Her words are quiet and spoken with the type of certainty that can only come from experience.
When Aladin completes her line, Felicia giggles a bit in genuine joy.
"You know, I'm usually the one telling people 'satisfaction brought it back.' It's nice to hear it from someone else for a change." Felicia says this even as she settles on what she wants to try for her last wish.
"Has anyone wished for there to be a way to free you from the lamp?" She watches Aladdin as she speaks. This is the closest to a good person she can get; trying to do the right thing for a single individual. "If not and you think it would work, that is my final wish. If it cannot, then I will merely wish for you to have a new experience, one that is enjoyable to you."
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 9, 2024 16:48:14 GMT
"Yes, that is so often the case with power," Aladdin agreed. "I can tell you've seen that happen before, and so have I; I remember every wish I have ever granted, perfect clarity. Usually, it ends poorly, like the guy who wished his predictions always to come true, which was all well and good until he accidentally predicted the death of himself, and of course... he died." The djinn shook her head, " he was crushed to death by a cow."
"Oh yes, there is a way to break the curse; that is the nature of a curse," Aladdin replied, feeling odd suddenly knowing this as if the knowledge had just materialized itself inside the djinn's mind. "Only the blood of King Salomon can break the Lamp because it was by King Salomon's hand that I was chained to it, aided by The Almighty." Aladdin paused momentarily, and The Lamp suddenly began to heat up, instantly going from mildly warm to red-hot. "It didn't like that..." The djinn muttered bitterly. "Are you alright, Felicia?"
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Post by Nomz on Oct 9, 2024 17:56:39 GMT
Felicia snorts, a hand going to cover her mouth. "I know death is nothing to laugh at, but what a terrible way to go about it. Goodness. Crushed by a cow?"
"Aladdin," she calls as she watches the djinn start to answer her last wish, something like hope coming into play. She hadn't dared to hope that she could wish an exit into existence for them, but it looked as if she had just done that.
"Are you-" Her words are cut short as the nerves in her hand scream. Felicia drops the pendant that she had so carefully held onto since she stole it, her other hand holding her wrist and pulling it up. Angry red lines trace across her fingers and palm, one or two starting to blister. Cat takes a step back from the lamp and closer to Aladdin.
"Just a bit burned," she answers distractedly, eyes still pinned to The Lamp. "No, I suppose it did not like that at all, but. There's a way out now. There is a way for you to have your freedom. I'm sorry I can't provide it for you." Felicia turns to look up at her friend. "Are you okay?"
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 9, 2024 18:30:46 GMT
Aladdin nodded and positioned herself between Felicia and the Lamp; the djinn reached out and gently took her hand. "I'm not much of a healer, but I do know my way around damage caused by heat," she said with a smile. Using a finger, the djinn slowly traced the red line, and as she did, Felicia could feel a soothing sensation as the heat was pulled out of the damaged cells. "I'm quite well, a little surprised. The Lamp has not acted that way since Aladdin was alive, which I consider a good sign."
"You need not worry about that; you've provided me with something I have not had for ages," The djinn released her hand, the damage on the palm and fingers now little more than a light tingle. "Hope. Time is something I do have, so I think knowing it can be done is more than I could ask for at this point."
Now, it was a question of what needed to be done with... Aladdin inhaled a sudden breath as a horrible feeling washed over her.
"The Lamp!" the djinn exclaimed and turned around, only to find the spot where the Lamp had been empty. As they looked at the scorched mark where the Lamp had been a moment ago, they could both hear the faint sound of a laugh. It was male and female, or maybe none, like the ringing chime of several beautiful bells. It faded as quickly as it had appeared, leaving the two in silence. "That was my mother's laugh," Aladdin said through gritted teeth, returning her attention to Felicia. "Mother likes to do this, whisk the Lamp away and drop it in the lap of some madman, or criminal, or whoever might be... fun."
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Post by Nomz on Oct 10, 2024 0:03:28 GMT
There is no fight or hesitance as Aladdin takes Felicia's hand. She only has trust in her gaze as the djinn traces the red line across her palm. The relief is immediate and she releases a little sigh as the soothing sensation spreads.
"Thank you for helping me, Aladdin, and I am glad you're well," Felicia says and she means it. There is something so very caring about the woman once someone can pull it free from where she hides it. "Hope is often the most precious gift you can give another person. I hope that you can be free sooner rather than later."
Her body tenses with the djinn's sudden change in demeanor and Cat's eyes dash to where The Lamp had been. All that remains on the rooftop is a scorch mark and almost too quiet laughter. It has a tone that is pleasing to the ears and Felicia finds herself wishing to hear it again as soon as it stops.
"It makes sense that Desire would have a desirable laugh," she says and then winces. Ugh, that sounds like something Parker would have said in her place.
"If someone else has The Lamp, does that mean you'll have to leave soon?" Cat thinks quickly, not waiting for an answer. "If it does, thank you so much for everything, Aladdin. When you're free, I hope you find somewhere warm and beautiful and enjoy the sunrise. I hope you have an existence that you find satisfying."
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 10, 2024 12:05:10 GMT
"So it is," Aladdin said, "It's rarely a sensation I get the pleasure of feeling, but I do have a few ideas on where I might start looking, and hopefully creatures willing to help me look." It was undoubtedly a different sensation, just the idea that the djinn knew there was a way to be free, even if finding it could take years, if not longer, at least existence became more bearable.
Aladdin chuckled. "Yes, that would be my mother," the djinn said in agreement. "Should you meet Desire, you should know a few things; their eyes are striking, tawny and sharp as yellow wine. Desire is always beautiful, an androgynous figure of gender-fluidity; they can be male, female, or neither, as the situation warrants." Aladdin paused, unsure why, but felt it vital to warn Felicia not to unwittingly fall into the Endless' machinations. "Desire casts two shadows, one black and sharp, the other translucent and wavering. I feel it is important for you to know this, Felicia. At the same time," there was a pause as the djinn examined Felicia. Maybe? "Take this," she pulled out a small tear-drop-shaped pearl and offered it to Felicia. "You can use this to call on me; just say my name to the pearl, and it should be fine."
Well, that was a good question, one the djinn could never answer until it happened.
" Depends on how quickly they will find it," Aladdin replied, " Sometimes it happens right away, and other times it takes hours, days or even weeks. Not that it is anything new; it happens all the time. But, thank you, I appreciate it."
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Post by Nomz on Oct 11, 2024 4:00:59 GMT
Felicia takes the pearl in her newly healed hand, treating it like the precious gift it is. Not for the first time that night, her head is flooded with information and she does her best to commit the important bits to memory. She knows she must write it all out when she gets home. The details of Desire's appearance are still fresh in her mind.
Her gaze is soft and warm when she looks back up at Aladdin. "I just call for you and you'll appear or will it just be communication? Will I be able to use it to keep in contact with you?" She knows very well just how important this could be for them. Despite her stunning personality, Felicia can count her friends on one hand.
She gently tucks the tear-drop-shaped pearl into a secret pocket on her side, sealing the pocket afterward. The thief looks reassured at the idea that Aladdin is not being torn away from her just this second and smiles again.
If allowed, she takes both of Aladdin's hands in hers. "How long do you think you have? What would you like to talk about now?"
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Post by DornKoon on Oct 11, 2024 11:30:48 GMT
"Both; if you call on me, we can communicate from anywhere, and should you need it, I can also appear anywhere as long as you have the pearl. The easiest way is to do what my aunts and uncles do; they have these galleries with all their sibling's sigils and say, "Dream, I stand in my gallery and hold your sigil, talk to me", doing something similar works for you too.
The djinn explained, keeping things as simple as possible. Not to mention that Aladdin had never given this kind of gift to anyone apart from Aladdin before.
" For example, you could say, Aladdin, I stand in this random bank and hold your pearl; talk to me. Or if you urgently need help, say... well... help. You can also ask permission to come to my home this way, so theoretically, you could whisk yourself and others away from harm."
After explaining that, the djinn gave Felicia some time to process; it was a lot to take in. She smiled a little when she grasped both her hands. "Well, no idea; we could always grab a bite to eat. Hopefully, I won't be whisked away too soon." Aladdin offered, "If there is one thing I love about mortals, it is the food. You make such wonderful things with such simple ingredients."
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Post by Nomz on Oct 12, 2024 2:30:51 GMT
"That sounds a little demanding. Maybe more 'Aladdin, I stand in my home and hold your sigil, please speak with me'?" Felicia flashes her a grin at that, knowing that, if needed, she would follow the words exactly as suggested.
"Also, was that a way of inviting me to your home," she asks and then laughs softly. "What does your home look like?"
At the mention of food, she takes a step back, tugging Aladdin with her just a little. "We are not too far from my home if you are up for home cooking. I have some gumbo that I prepared yesterday and I was planning on having it tonight."
"It's good on a cold night, more so when served on a bed of rice. I learned how to make it from the lady who used to own the shop a few streets down from here." She shakes her head a little, eyes glancing in the direction she remembers. "She and her family ended up moving down to Florida for the warmer weather."
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