Book 1: Chapter 12 – My End of the Deal

"Have you ever heard of reincarnation?" Heba suddenly asked.

Jabari raised a brow, caught off guard by the unexpected question.

"It's the theory that after death, our souls are wiped clean of all memories before being reborn anew," she explained. "Though usually our souls are wiped clean before are reincarnation, there are rumours of some who're somehow able to retain partial or even all of the memories of their previous life.

Still, till now, I simply took it as myth, but given how vivid your nightmares are – and the very real pain you experience upon waking – I'm inclined to believe it might be more than just a theory."

She studied his face, searching for a reaction before continuing.

"It would also explain why you can't make out the faces of the two young men in your dream. Even if someone were to retain memories from a past life, those memories would likely be fragmented, blurred at the edges."

Jabari exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. "That's great and all, but do you actually have any ideas on how to stop the nightmares? Because right now, I don't care about theories – I need a solution!"

Heba took a moment to consider before speaking. "You said you always experience the nightmare from the mage's perspective, right?"

Jabari nodded.

"If these visions really are memories from a past life," she continued, "then the boy who sacrificed himself to kill 'you' – the mage – is likely the real you. If that's the case, these nightmares might not just be random. They could be caused by repressed guilt."

Jabari's brows furrowed. "That makes no sense. Why would I feel guilty?"

"The act of taking a life is never easy," Heba said gently. "Even the most seasoned warriors struggle with their first kill, no matter how justified it was."

The moment those words left her lips, something inside Jabari cracked.

Suddenly, the world around him blurred, and before he could react, he was no longer standing in the hallway with Heba.

A new vision overtook him – one just as vivid, just as suffocating as his nightmares.

He found himself peering through the doorway of an unfamiliar kitchen – far more luxurious than anything he had ever seen. The warm glow of lanterns illuminated the space, casting long shadows against the polished stone countertops.

In front of him stood a youth with a broad back, his thick, curly jet-black hair neatly cropped on top and smoothly fading into his ochre-coloured skin at the back and sides.

Staring at his profile, Jabari felt an almost overwhelming sense of awe, respect, and – above all else – love. It was a love so deep, so raw, that he had only ever felt something similar for Inayah.

The youth was speaking to someone, but from Jabari's angle, he could only see the back of another teen. A teen with a long, curly afro tied neatly into a ponytail.

"It took longer than I would've liked, but I finally got rid of that cursed nightmare," the short-haired youth said, exhaling in relief.

Jabari's breath hitched. 'That voice...'

It sounded less mature, but it was still the same voice as the older brother from his nightmare.

"How did you manage that?" the long-haired teen asked. His voice was impossibly smooth, tranquil, the kind of tone that could calm a raging storm.

'And that's the voice of his friend – the one who was willing to give his life so the two brothers could escape!'

Jabari's thoughts were abruptly cut off as the older brother responded.

"The elders were right, to rid yourself of the curse that follows after taking a life, you must acknowledge the value of every human life – yet hold no regrets for taking it."

"That sounds easier said than done," the other teen mused.

"It is," the short-haired youth admitted. "But it's a lesson worth learning."

A pause.

"I have lofty aspirations," he continued, his voice steady with conviction. "But there are others out there with similar goals. I have no doubt that our ambitions – though alike – will one day put us at odds."

He turned slightly, the firelight catching the side of his face. Even without seeing it clearly, Jabari felt an inexplicable pull toward him.

"In the grand scheme of things, my life is no more important than theirs," the man said. "But if I want to make my dreams a reality – while protecting the people I care about – I can't afford to be soft-hearted."

His voice grew firmer, laced with quiet steel.

"When I take the lives of my enemies, it's not because I think my life or dreams matter more than theirs. It's because, for the future of everything and everyone I love – I simply cannot afford to fail."

Jabari's breath caught in his throat.

And just like that, the vision shattered.

He was back in the corridor, standing opposite Heba, his heartbeat thundering in his ears.

'Even now, I still can't see their faces.' Jabari mused as the vision faded, leaving him standing once more in the dimly lit corridor.

His pulse was still racing, his mind still reeling, but one truth had become undeniable.

"I think you were right," he admitted, turning to Heba, who stood calmly waiting, her expression unreadable. "That...

That felt like a memory. A memory from another life."

He was still struggling to fully grasp it, but as he replayed the scene in his mind, something caught his attention – something he had almost missed.

For the briefest moment, he had seen his own reflection in a window. But this time, he wasn't the crimson-haired mage. He was the boy who had killed him.

The same boy who looked nearly identical to the him of this life.

"What happened?" Heba asked, curiosity flickering in her dark eyes. "Did you access another memory?"

"I did, but this time..." Jabari trailed off, his thoughts still racing.

Without hesitation, he began recounting everything he had seen, excitement creeping into his voice at the possibility that this might lead to a way to rid himself of the nightmares.

Heba listened intently, absorbing every detail, every nuance. If there were even the slightest clue hidden within his words, she would find it.

Then, as he finished, she suddenly straightened. "Come with me for a moment; I might know a way to help you."

Jabari's heart skipped a beat at her words, but before following, he turned toward Inayah's room.

"Give me a moment. I just need to check on Inayah," he said before slipping inside, leaving the princess waiting in the corridor.

The door creaked softly as he stepped in. Inayah stirred at the sound, turning toward him as she groggily rubbed the sleep from the corners of her eyes. The moment she saw her brother's face, a sleepy yet radiant smile spread across her lips.

"How did you sleep?" Jabari asked, reaching out to ruffle her hair.

"Amazing," she said, her voice thick with drowsiness. "That was the best night's sleep I've ever had!" She yawned right after, as if contradicting her own words.

Jabari chuckled. "Then go back to sleep," he said gently, his heart swelling at the sight of her so peaceful, so comfortable.

She blinked up at him but perked up instantly when he added, "I won't be long. I just need to have a quick chat with Heba – she said she might be able to help me with my nightmares."

"Really?!" Inayah gasped, fully awake now.

If there was anyone who wanted Jabari's nightmares gone as much as he did, it was her. She, more than anyone, knew how much of a toll they took on him.

It was also the reason he had refused to sleep in the same room as her, despite her pleas. He didn't want her constantly waking up because of him – especially given her condition.

Now that there was hope, she could barely contain her excitement.

Jabari saw it in her eyes the second she started moving.

"Where do you think you're going?" he asked, placing firm hands on her shoulders before she could get out of bed.

"But-"

"But nothing," he cut in, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Your only job is to rest and stay as healthy as possible. No exceptions."

"But-"

"No," Jabari said again, his tone final. "I promise to tell you everything when I get back. Now go back to sleep."

Inayah huffed, crossing her arms. "Okay, fine!" she grumbled, though her pout did little to hide her relief.

Jabari gave her one last reassuring smile before stepping out of the room.

"I'm ready," he said, turning back to Heba, who had been waiting patiently.

"Good," she said, motioning for him to follow.

Without another word, she led him through the house and out the back, stepping into a spacious concrete courtyard. A grand stone fountain stood at its centre, water trickling in gentle streams. Four stone benches surrounded it in perfect symmetry, as if the space had been designed for quiet contemplation.

The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of earth and water.

Jabari glanced around.

"What is this place?" he asked.

Heba turned to face him, the faint glow of the fountain-light casting sharp shadows across her face.

"A place where we might just find your answers," she said.

"What are we do-"

Before Jabari could finish his sentence, his words faded into silence as his ears were blessed with the most enchanting sound he had ever heard.

His breath caught in his throat as he followed the melody to its source.

There, poised gracefully on a stone bench before the fountain, was a vision so ethereal it felt almost unreal. An angel, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, plucked delicately at the strings of a shimmering silver harp, each golden thread pulsing faintly with an otherworldly light.

Heba.

She played with a grace that transcended reality, her fingers weaving a melody that resonated deep within his soul. Each note carried something intangible, something that seeped into the very marrow of his being. It was a song that whispered of forgotten dreams, of burdens eased, of a longing finally met.

Jabari barely noticed his own consciousness slipping away, lulled into sleep by the hauntingly beautiful harmony.

But this time…

This time, the dream didn't begin where it usually did.

Instead, he found himself – no, 'himself' – standing alone in a dense forest, the crimson-haired fire mage staring down at the metallic bracelet fastened to his wrist. A holographic figure flickered above it, cloaked in shadows.

"Remember, both brothers must die. Do you understand?" the hooded figure commanded icily.

"Yes, your eminence," the mage replied, his voice laced with forced obedience. He bowed his head with due reverence.

The figure remained silent for a moment before speaking again.

"I know you won't fail because you are well aware of the consequences. Your family's safety depends on your success. Only if you complete this mission will you be allowed to return home."

Then, without another word, the hologram cut off, leaving behind only the cold hum of the bracelet.

The mage remained still, unmoving. But Jabari could see it – the way his hands trembled as he clenched them into tight fists.

"I'll return to you all soon," the mage whispered, so softly that only the trees bore witness to his plea.

Jabari's heart pounded as the realisation sank in. 'He wasn't hunting them out of malice. He was doing it because it was the only way to see his family again.'

Just as the weight of that understanding settled over him, the dream shifted again – this time returning to its usual beginning.

The mage launched his attack. The battle unfolded as it always did, each moment burned into Jabari's mind. But now, with this new knowledge, everything felt different.

Before, the mage had simply been the villain. An enemy. Now, though?

Now, Jabari saw the man for what he truly was – a desperate soul caught in a cruel web, doing whatever it took to reunite with the people he loved.

And as Jabari watched the nightmare proceed with his new perspective, he saw something he had never noticed before.

The expression on his past self's face wasn't one of fear. It was one of love.

A love so strong, so unwavering, that there was nothing he wouldn't do to protect those he held dear.

Just as in this life, where that love was reserved for Inayah, in his past life, it appeared to have been for his older brother.

And then, just before the dream dissolved, the words of the mage echoed through his mind once more. 'To rid yourself of the curse that follows after taking a life, you must acknowledge the value of every human life... yet hold no regrets for taking it.'

The words settled deep inside Jabari's soul, and something clicked.

As he woke from the dream, he barely registered the sharp pain stabbing through his neck. He was too lost in thought, his mind turning over the revelation again and again.

The mage had only been trying to return home. And yet, despite knowing that, despite acknowledging the man's pain, Jabari felt no regret for what had happened.

Because, in the end, the mage threatened his family. And there was nothing he would ever regret doing in the name of protecting those he loved.

'I acknowledge the importance of your life...

But I will never regret taking the life of anyone who threatens my family!'

The moment that thought crystallised in his mind, something inside him shifted. A weight he hadn't even realised he was carrying suddenly lifted.

Jabari exhaled, and for the first time in what felt like an eternity, he felt free. Unfettered.

A genuine smile – one of pure, unburdened satisfaction – spread across his lips as he embraced this newfound clarity.

He turned toward Heba, ready to speak-

And then, without warning, an excruciating pain tore through his body.

Jabari's knees buckled as agony washed over him in an unstoppable wave.

…

At the same time, in a distant corner of the world, high above the sea, a man floated lazily through the clouds, his body shifting with the wind as though weightless.

Dressed in a baggy yellow and white jester's outfit, he appeared to be fast asleep, a large bubble of snot inflating and deflating from the nose hole of his mask with each breath.

Then, the ocean below stirred.

A titanic azure-scaled flood dragon burst from the depths, its serpentine form splitting the waves as it launched toward the jester, its gaping maw lined with blade-like teeth.

The beast roared, the sound splitting space as it hurtled toward its prey-

But just before it could reach him, the sky itself answered.

A streak of fire – no, a meteor – blazed down from above, striking the dragon's skull with terrifying force.

The impact crushed the massive creature instantly, snuffing out its life before it could even comprehend what had happened.

Its body, along with the smouldering meteor, crashed back into the sea, sending a colossal wave rippling outward.

It was only then – after being splashed by the ocean spray – that the jester finally stirred.

With a long, exaggerated yawn, he sat up mid-air, crossing his legs as he peered down at the now-dead beast.

The silver light in his eyes gleamed with something indecipherable. Then, without warning-

"HAHAHAHA!"

A deep, booming laughter erupted from his masked face, carrying across the sky.

"Even after a thousand years, you still find ways to surprise me, old friend!" he cackled, his amusement genuine.

Then, tilting his masked face toward the heavens, he murmured softly,

"Fear not – I will keep my end of the deal."

And with those final words, his body dissolved into the wind, his form fading like a forgotten dream.