**“Of course he would!”** Lin was quick to reinforce her point, amused by Shizuka’s own surprise. The impression that girl could make was a strong one, and it was funny to see her squirm under the pressure of trying to impress someone. Lin understood that feeling all too well, so it was nice to see someone else experience the butterflies in ones stomach for once. Taking the empty cup from her hand after smoothly finishing hers, Shizuka had made mention to something Lin had already considered. Being Han’s little sister should have meant a lot, but she believed Shizuka didn’t quite understand the situation she was in. Lies and secrets can be cruel, yet could also be used to protect someone or something very dear to you. Lin had never doubted her brother’s love for her, and he never allowed her to either. Opening up was a lot harder than keeping the doors closed. Shizuka seemed to underestimate her brother’s strength of will in favor of optimism, this was one of those times where Lin could not easily agree. Shizuka tugged her gently into her hold, hugging her in kindness and care that momentarily made Lin think of her mother. The exhaustion of the events leading up to arriving in this world were beginning to take stronger hold, but Lin allowed herself to stay attentive for just a little longer with arms wrapping around Shizuka.

**“If you’ll be my friend for as long as you live, I’ll be your friend even after our lives end.”** Lin muttered, though with her lips pressed against the fabric of Shizuka’s clothing it may have been hard to make it out. Of all things she wanted right now, sleep was slowly making its way at the top of the list. Before Shizuka could offer another word of advice, Lin was soundly asleep in her grasp.

~-~

As Yu was prepared to leave, a certain small but honest merchant (but not really) stumbled past him with two men, both with red sashes around their waists. 

**“Is it time yet?”
**
**“It would seem so, we have visitors from other worlds eager to put an end to all this. This is the opportunity we have been looking for.”** Okal would mention to one of his companions, gesturing towards the bar. The two men had seated themselves there, leaving Okal to be between the two. **“It doesn’t hurt to have a little outside assistance to remove an outside problem. Our patience shall pay off, I assure you.”**

The two men looked at each other, a mixture of joy and concern on their faces, leaving a very difficult expression to read. 
**
“Will ‘he’ help?”**

**“He? By ‘He’ you must mean our own hand to play!”** Okal rubbed his hands together.** “You leave me to inform him. It will not hurt to have other options for aiding us, but Agrabah only has one hero.”**

~-~

**“Both arrogant and stupid. You waste time because yours is worth none. Good to know, outsider.” **Alem summed up Salforge’s actions quickly, not bothering to struggle. Playing games with someone whose actions had no higher cause or purpose other than to irritate the other and seek attention was not a game he wished to play. Dismissing his khopesh and turning towards Asahina, Alem guided Aseela to Asahina’s side. At the very least he’d take advantage of the barrier that kept the foreign creatures at bay. Seeing her whimper as a result of her actions against that beast, Alem could not find the time to console her, especially now. Asahina had a weak disposition, and this wasn’t the time or place to mend that weakness. Taking her hand and holding it firmly, Alem gave a glance towards a nearby alley, eying seemingly nothing. The sands that suspended around them gave him the hint that there was a presence hidden beyond the barrier, and with a plea to his higher being, Allah, Asahina, Alem, and Aseela vanished instantaneously leaving no trace behind.