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Closing your eyes, you lean against the gold door behind you, trying to focus on how the cold seeped through the few layers on your back. You inhaled a shaky breath, exhaling slightly more confidently.
Opening your eyes while telling your brain that you could do this! you looked around the room with a small amount of awe and still an unfortunate amount of dread.
Somehow, you had definitely lost the worst lottery to ever exist, past and future... and you weren't sure what to focus on. The room was massive enough that the knowledge you were going to have to clean it on your own was a disturbing thought. Thankfully, outside of your master and the disgusting friends who he liked to show his elaborate wealth to, there weren't too many people who put their grubby hands on everything in there.
Maybe it looks worse than it is?
It didn't matter. You were tasked with cleaning everything and you were hardly in a position to refuse. Even if you were completely unable to do it, your master would just find someone else to take your place.
You sighed, before resigning yourself to finally polishing the gold and making sure the jewels all glittered in the candlelight. You tried to pretend you weren't, but your eyes always skimmed by the treasures and landed to your master's pièce de résistance: the rather unassuming brass lamp, placed on a pedestal in the middle of the room.
Your master, Yoshiaki, didn't let others touch it, however he didn't follow that rule, himself. He'd already used his three wishes, of course, but he still feared what would happen to him if he gave up his prize. Now, the only time the genie left the lamp, it was so Yoshiaki could revel in the strongest being in the universe submitting to the human in charge of his home. Though he couldn't grant wishes, he could still provide a way for the lord to feel superior.
You were now the exception to the "no touching" rule, but only because he was so self-centered and lazy he couldn't even polish the lamp, himself. He had to-
No, there was no reason to dwell in your own pain, especially not when you needed to remain alert. Sure, some genies are known to be helpful, but the majority are better known to torment their masters with giving them what they literally asked for, ignoring the spirit of the actual wish. Sure, Yoshiaki seemed to have gotten what he wanted, but he also could have outwitted the genie.
The truth was, there were too many unknowns to underestimate this all-powerful creature... And after a long while of your thoughts going around and around like that, you had "finally" gotten to the point where you were at the last treasure.
Breathing in a deep breath, you thought to yourself, Okay... You can do this. You can't make a deal with him, so he'll probably just get bored and leave you alone...
Releasing your held breath, you quickly rubbed the lamp with your polish cloth, hoping to get everything shiny and fingerprint-free as quickly as you could. Maybe the quick contact would make him overlook you touching it.
You were prepared to start running the moment anything out of the ordinary happened, so when your hands became hazy from all the blue smoke coming from the lamp, you quickly dropped it and ran behind a pillar, trying to keep your breaths even so you don't hyperventilate.
After a moment of nothing, your curiosity overwhelmed your survival instincts, making you peak out to see what would happen next.
When hearing of genies, you had always been told they were all muscles, chiseled features, with a fierce expression, but when you looked, you saw his features were fair, and he was a bit skinnier than you expected. Also, instead of a harsh frown, his face appeared gentle, a kindness in his eyes and slight smile that made some of your fear leave you like a sigh. He almost seemed fragile... or would have if he wasn't made to crouch as he was taller than the ceiling. (At first, you could have sworn he was even bigger, but in the blink of an eye, he was a more "manageable" size, making you wonder if you imagined it.)
His soft eyes traced the room, and you once again ducked into your hiding place. Squeezing your eyes closed, you tried to even slow your heartbeat down to a more manageable pace, sure that he could hear it rampaging in your chest. Sure he didn't look as fearsome as you expected, but neither did Yoshiaki...
"Why are you hiding? If you are my new master, I don't know why you would want to hide from me."
The voice was as gentle as his face, and it seemed to unconsciously lull you into a more relaxed state. Once again, you peaked out, this time your eyes meeting his directly. They were a deep gold, similar to the swirling markings that ran along the entirety of his visible body... and as he was shirtless, that covered quite a bit.
Realizing you were staring, you instead moved your eyes away to stare at the ground. Unable to speak your apologies, you bowed prostrate, arms spayed in front of you.
"There's no need for that..." he spoke, a hint of sadness in his voice.
You peaked up at him and went to sitting on your knees.
"That's better, but I don't mind if we were on a more equal height..." He chuckled, and although it was deep and powerful, it was also melodious, like thunder rumbling in the far distance. "I suppose that's mostly my fault."
He became smaller, making you wonder if your eyes really did deceive you before. He then sat down on his own knees, though they were hazy in his smoke, getting much closer to your height.
"I'll admit, I've seen much in my centuries of living, but never have I had a master who was this timid. Usually, they come to me and just ask their wishes." His voice was still kind... coaxing.
You gave the best smile you could before pointing to your scarred throat.
His soft smile turned into an almost equally soft frown. "You can't speak?"
You shook your head.
He seemed hesitant to respond. "Is it an old injury?"
You bit your lip and looked down before shaking your head, again.
He sighed, and you saw his eyes focus more on your precise scarring. "I suppose that is also my fault... Even 10,000 years later, it seems I do nothing more than cause others' suffering..."
The last bit he said to himself under his breath. He then made some gestures with his hands while asking verbally, "Do you know how to sign?"
Your confused look seemed to give him all the answer he needed to that. He thought a moment more. "Can you write?"
You thought a moment on how to answer. You nodded slowly - hesitantly, before putting your thumb and index finger in an open pinch motion.
"A little?"
You nodded, more certain this time.
"Well, that's a better starting place than I was hoping."
Before he could speak any more, there was a banging on the large golden doors behind you.
"Don't tell me you're still in there cleaning?! The lord has more work for you to do!"
You gave the genie an apologetic look before picking up his lamp and putting it back on its place on the pedestal in the middle of the treasure room.
"Wait!" he requested in a whisper.
You gave him a confused look, but did pause on your way to the door.
"Next time, release me first thing, and I'll clean the room, giving us time to talk."
You looked confused, still, but nodded your head. Cleaning the treasure room was not your idea of fun, even if you weren't sure how you were supposed to "talk" to him.
It was several weeks where you were back doing your normal work, but after your lord threw a great party, you were called back to the treasure chamber. You were tentative on following the genie's advice, though you certainly didn't see how listening to him would make things any worse than they already were.
You rubbed the lamp, then placed it carefully on the pedestal. Smoke once again filled the room, but this time, you didn't cower.
When the genie appeared, his face was stoic and cold, but as he saw you standing there, slightly nervous, his face softened into the same sweet smile you saw before.
"My little master is calling upon me, today?"
You raise your eyebrow in return.
"Well, first thing is first, why don't we clean things up a bit?" He snapped his finger, making the room quickly tidy itself.
The lord's party had gotten a bit rambunctious, so the help was definitely appreciated. You wished to thank the genie, but you could only offer him a grin.
The sweet look he returned gave you the impression he understood what you were trying to "say".
"I thought that, as we now have more time together, I might be able to teach you a way to communicate without your voice... Would you be interested in that?"
You were... skeptical. You couldn't determine why he was so interested in talking to you in the first place.
"You said you can write, correct?"
You pinched your thumb and forefinger together, like you did the previous visit.
The genie chuckled. "Yes, I know it's only a little. However..."
Instead of continuing to speak, he materialized parchment and a quill. There was no ink bottle or stone, but you could see ink on the tip, nonetheless.
Why? you wrote.
"'Why' in regards to what, little master?"
You rolled your eyes at the nickname.
Why talk to me?
He gave you a soft smile. "For a decade I've been made to speak only to pompous buffoons... Is it so odd to believe I'd prefer some more interesting company?"
You gave him a skeptical look. I'm not.
"Interesting, you mean?"
You nod.
"Perhaps not to you, but I long for most any conversation at this point. Anything that allows me to be more than a prop for your 'master' will be a joy for me."
You thought for a few more moments. Sure, you would like having a friend, as well, but you weren't sure if you could get away with it, and if you didn't, you couldn't imagine what the consequences would be.
Still... what more could you lose? Your life wasn't much, anyway. He was offering so much, and asking for so little. Eventually, you felt yourself get more determined, and when you looked up to the genie, you nodded.
He gave you his gentle smile.
"Alright, I think I should start by asking your name, but in case you thought I had forgotten all decorum, I'll first tell you mine. I am called Yoshimoto, my dear master, and I am at your service as long as you possess the lamp."
You wrote down your name and showed it to him.
He smiled in return.
Though the time between visits were often sporadic, you continued to clean your lord's treasure from time to time, and every time you did, you were taught more of the odd language of hands Yoshimoto called "sign language" and he even helped you improve your writing skills, proving to be a kind teacher and friend. Though, you still weren't sure why he was being so nice. He stated it was just loneliness, but with such an ephemeral being, it was hard to tell if he even perceived loneliness the same as humans. He also mentioned that he often spent decades to centuries alone in between masters, which you knew, if a human could live that long, would drive them insane. You didn't want to pry too much, though, as you still felt some trepidation towards him. He spoke little of his values, beliefs or even his past, he seeming to find you far more interesting of a subject, but that left him as just one big mystery.
It was one of your days with him, though, when you couldn't remain entirely "silent", as it were. He was far taller than the room, but laid on his stomach, his hands under his chin while he looked at you. He was hovering, so you weren't sure if "lay" was the correct word, but you got the impression that was what he was going for.
It didn't bother you much by that point, as you were mostly used to his changes in size, but the way he was continually staring at you was another matter. It was making you a bit uncomfortable... or perhaps a bit too comfortable...
Why are you doing that? you signed with a huff.
"Doing what, my dear?" He asked while signing. The combination was a way to help you get used to your new language.
In turn, you tried to remember the signs to get your point across. You were sure it was a little sloppy, but as long as he understood you, you'd be getting somewhere, at least.
You look at me weird. Why?
He smiled, not seeming the slightest bit sheepish.
"It's probably nothing too fascinating; I merely like watching you study. It's like watching a sunset, or a painter with his craft. You are a piece of art, and one that I feel I must admire."
You could feel your cheeks heat up, and you looked down.
I wish you wouldn't say that... I know I'm not pretty. Sure, some look worse, but I am...
You tried to remember what the word was in sign, but instead took the parchment and wrote, I know that I am rather plain.
Usually, when you had to use the parchment, Yoshimoto would sign to show you what to do, and you'd practice, however, he just frowned.
Is he so angry that I messed up? you wondered to yourself.
"I admit, I do not know what humans deem 'attractive', but I have a hard time believing no one else sees your beauty."
You could feel your blush return in full force.
"Either way, I don't want you to say such things about yourself, any more."
You're not going to teach me?
"Not if you'll use those words to insult yourself."
You looked down, wondering if your cheeks would cool off anytime soon.
"I keep hoping that humans will be able to see the beauty around them, but it seems they still remain as blind as ever. It was my hope that it was only the master that was so foolish, leaving this art to waste away in this tomb."
What do you mean?
Yoshimoto sighed. "You humans focus so much on destruction and conquering you have a hard time seeing the beauty right in front of you. Take this treasure chamber: filled with art that should be enjoyed by all people, but instead kept in a crypt with no one but some elites with no understanding of beauty to admire at their whim."
His face turned even further, an anger you didn't know he possessed overtaking his usually soft features. "Then there's yourself. They see you as a slave, someone they can just do with as they will. Did anyone even hesitate when your master decided to cut your vocal cords? They see only their own greed... but such things always turn back to sand, in the end."
You were a bit taken aback, unsure if he would turn his anger towards yourself. Hesitantly, you gathered your courage and came up to him, placing a hand on one finger, as the rest of him was too large for you.
He looked back down to you, and his anger faded into his normal warm compassion. He shrunk until he was the size of a normal man, once again. Your hand that had been holding his pointer finger was instead engulfed in his own. The other came up to your face to put some hair behind your ear.
There will always be people like that, but we're not all that way, are we? Do you see me like that?
Although your mind said you knew the answer, your heart was still fluttering in uncertainty.
"Never, little one. I can hardly imagine how you could keep such purity after facing such hardship."
You found it odd, but for some reason, his calling you "little one" seemed the most affectionate nickname he gave you, yet. You smiled back at him. It was not a demure smile of a lady, but a wide, toothy grin.
He responded by bringing his face closer to yours, his eyes gentle. A part of you wanted to bring him closer, but another part held you back. You backed very slightly away, though kept ahold of his hand. It had only been to give you a little more space for you to see your signing.
I don't understand you.
His face grew a bit more somber. You recognized this face from only one time before: as you were leaving the first day you cleaned the treasure room. He whispered, as if afraid of anyone overhearing. "Before I was in this bottle, things were very different for me. Even 10,000 years after, I am not sure I have adjusted to this new life. I do not recall how long I lived before the bottle, but I am sure that it was not as long as after."
You were shocked at this new revelation, finding more questions than answers. Still, one question seemed more important than the others, to you. Were you happy, before?
"No... in fact I very much wasn't. Is it better being a puppet or a failure? I can't even tell which life was which."
You were no less confused by his words, but you could feel the pain in them, and that was what you focussed on. You attempted the closest facsimile of a hug, despite his body being mostly made of smoke. You felt it solidify to your touch, and for the first time you could remember since you were a little girl, you were in strong arms that made you feel safe.
After that, the damn burst, and Yoshimoto revealed more about himself, and you became closer and closer. He began to forego speaking entirely, relying entirely on "signing" all your conversations, as you were becoming rather fluent. It was like a secret language only the two of you knew. You spoke of hopes and dreams, and where each of you came from. Yoshimoto joked that he had come from the sand, and you, the sea.
You chuckled. I think I've gone longer without having seen the sea than I ever lived in my hometown. Still, I remember the smell somewhere in the back of my mind. I don't know if I could ever explain it, but when I think of it, it feels like thinking of home. I know it's silly of a slave to dream of such things, though.
I don't know that I miss my home... Yoshimoto responded, though it isn't because of the sand or scorching heat. The sad thing is, my time there was much like my time after being trapped in the lamp: doing the bidding of others. The only difference is that now I have more power and somehow even less choice.
I was a poor ruler of genie, and I can only say that my current punishment is fairly fitting. In any case, I don't find you silly. If I were able to make a wish, it would be that you could return to your home, and smell the sea once again.
So many questions flashed through your head, you weren't sure where to start. You had long since gotten over any remaining fear, but whenever he would drop one of his bombshells, it seemed to make you freeze with too much information. Eventually, though, you did speak. You're so sweet to me, but I have long since realized the foolishness of such a wish. In truth, your kindness and friendship has fulfilled the only dream I'd ever think to have. If I could have one more, it'd be only to learn more about you, though I can wait until you're comfortable doing so. It sounds like much of your life has been full of hardships, and I wouldn't want you to relive any of that.
I suppose, maybe I do have one more wish... he smiled with a hint of melancholy, however, I think I'll keep it to myself, for now.
There was a silence, but Yoshimoto's gentleness seemed to firm into something more resolute. There is something that you should know, now that you've come to understand signing.
What?
Although you cannot use any written language to make wishes, signing does count. You are my new master, and have the right to ask your three wishes.
You assume that Yoshimoto thought you'd be excited, or at least happy or surprised, based on his own happy expression. You hoped it wasn't too disappointing that you were unable to feel that way.
I have no desire to be anyone's master... I would never want to turn into just another Yoshiaki, always reaching for more power.
He laughed, though it was only with mild mirth. By having that concern, you have proven that you most certainly are not. If it makes you feel better, you can check and make sure that I do not mind fulfilling your request, though I can almost assuredly guaranty you couldn't come up with anything that would be a problem to me... You can ask to escape this palace... or perhaps have your voice returned to you. There are some limits to my powers, but not many.
I don't know, though... I will want to take the time to think things over, if you do not mind.
Of course. You are my master, and your wish is my command... though being my friend I would have agreed to your request either way.
You felt a little odd at the friend comment, but decided not to dwell on it as you decided to leave and do the rest of your chores, all the while thinking of the best way to go about this.
You were unable to rest that night, as your brain couldn't show down enough to relax.
If I ask for my freedom, would I be causing any problems? Still, I'd like to be able to wish for something that helps Yoshimoto... After all he's done for me, it's as if I've had hundreds of wishes already. What would he want, though? It was obvious that while he cared for the beauty of things, owning things seemed to interest him far less. In fact, it seemed that he only felt it being free made it more beautiful.
That's it! You thought as you leaped up from your laying position. His freedom is the only thing he seemed to have any interest in!
You considered that when he spoke of freedom that he also spoke of not deserving it. Still, you know him well enough to know it wasn't true.
Perhaps I'll start by wishing for our freedom from the palace, then end with setting him free from the lamp... I know he said to wish for my voice, but I don't know... I could remove the problem of being mute, but I don't think I'd ever be able to remove the scars on my heart...
You eventually fell back onto your hard mattress and felt your eyes drift closed, figuring you could make the rest of your decisions tomorrow.
Even though you weren't actually assigned to the treasure room the next day, you weren't sure you'd be able to wait until when you were actually allowed, so you decided to sneak in. The guards were so used to your comings and goings, you were sure they wouldn't be upset, and since you couldn't respond, most people just didn't even bother speaking to you. Your mind was so full of questions, and it wasn't like you were planning to stay a slave after you made your wishes, so you didn't feel that waiting would be too big of a problem.
You were so sure no one would notice...
When you rubbed the lamp, you saw the smiling, blue face of Yoshimoto.
Have you made a decision? he asked you.
I believe I have, though I'll want your insight, as well.
Yoshimoto chuckled. I'm sure whatever you have in mind is lovely.
Suddenly, Yoshimoto's eyes widened in surprise as you felt yourself be pushed to the ground by strong, calloused hands. Looking up, you saw Yoshiaki stride into the room, looking annoyed. When he reached you, he kicked you in the head, and it made your vision swim.
"Who told you to gaze at me, slave?"
As your vision cleared back to normal, you could still see him in the corner of your eye, but barely. You could also just make out a distressed Yoshimoto in front of him.
"You still have to answer any question truthfully, correct?" Lord Yoshiaki asked Yoshimoto.
It felt like Yoshimoto tried to hesitate, but the words tumbled from his mouth, anyway. "I do."
"Can the slave use the hand motions to wish on your lamp?"
Yoshimoto, again, hesitated, but despite his obvious desire, he could not stay silent. "Yes."
"Then, congratulations, Genie. You may not be able to fight humans, yourself, but make no mistake that you are the reason she will die."
Yoshimoto's voice became frantic. "I cannot intercede, but you still are my master. You can still give your wish."
You realized this was possibly Yoshimoto's last chance at freedom. As much as you'd like to believe that someone else would care enough about him to set him free, you weren't foolish enough to think it wouldn't just go to someone else like Yoshiaki.
As one last gamble, you threw all your weight back into the guard that was pinning you down. You got a lucky shot, and your head connected with his nose. In pain, he loosened your grip, and that was enough for you to free your hands.
I wish Yoshimoto free!
It took mere moments for things to go to chaos. A flash of light filled the room, and the treasure didn't help lessen the shine. Despite not being able to see, you felt a pair of arms fold around you. Your first impulse was to struggle, but you ended up thinking twice. You'd only been held like this one other time, and you knew who those arms belonged to.
There was another flash, and you were suddenly on a hill overlooking what you could almost believe was a dream, if not for the nostalgic smell of the sea.
Shocked, you couldn't tear your eyes away from the sight. Tears gathered in your eyes. You'd never felt such a sense of peace...
A groan came from next to you which jolted you out of your thoughts. There you saw Yoshimoto, though significantly more human-sized than normal. He was barely keeping himself from collapsing to the ground as he held himself up on his hands and knees.
Yoshimoto!
When you finally calmed down a bit, you began to frantically sign. What happened? Where are we? What's going on?
Yoshimoto groaned, again, and it seemed to take him a moment to answer.
"Little One?"
He was so out of it, he didn't sign, but instead spoke aloud. It could hardly bother you, however. You were never so happy to see someone in your life.
You waited a moment for Yoshimoto to gather his bearings before signing to him, again.
What happened?
Yoshimoto gave you a small smile.
Just as you wished, you set me free. I was allowed to follow my own desires for the first time since... honestly, even before I was in the bottle, I don't think I ever was able to make my own decisions.
Yoshimoto laughed, sounding so different than any of his chuckles you heard before. They had always felt restrained, but this one was without any restriction.
In any case, since I was free, I was able to use my powers to get us away.
What happened to Yoshiaki?
Yoshimoto became more somber, again. As we left, I sent him and his treasures back to where they came from.
What do you mean?
I can't go back on a wish granted, even after I was freed from the lamp. However, he only wished for treasure, and as I got the treasure from the bottom of the ocean, I just transported it back to where it came from. In order to keep the wish, he will now remain with his treasure for the rest of his life.
There had been a lot of rumors on the wishes the genie had granted Yoshimoto, and the gift of immortality was definitely one that was pretty well believed, including by you. You weren't sure what "the rest of his life" truly entailed, and honestly, you weren't sure you wanted to know.
At that point, Yoshimoto looked down with a saddened look on his face.
"The lamp gave me significantly more power... It was enough to mend flesh. Now, however, I can only do much smaller tasks like teleporting. I can't fix your voice without the power of the wish allowing for it."
You look down, too, contemplating.
Perhaps I should have asked for my voice back before, but I don't know if that actually would have done what you are hoping. I wouldn't be back to how I was before, because who I was before was very different. I in no way am happy about being mutilated, but to just ignore it seems just as wrong to me. I'm sure many people would think differently, and I don't honestly think I would consider them wrong to do so. I just don't know if I would be any happier changing myself to make other people more comfortable... but is that selfish?
Yoshimoto looked back to you with a smile. I find it hard to imagine you being selfish... This will probably make things harder in the future, but I'll be there to help how I can.
You paused, confused. I know things were hard for you where you were from, but don't you still need to return?
Yoshimoto gave a melancholic smile. It was actually my own people who locked me up... so I have nowhere to go back to. If you'd prefer us go our separate ways, I will leave you. However, if you wouldn't mind the company...
Of course I want you to stay with me!
With that, you leaped into his arms. He was still weak, so the surprise actually knocked him onto his backside, but that didn't stop you from kissing him.
It was only a moment after that you realized you forgot to get his permission, and backed away.
I'm sorry, I know I should have checked! And you just were happy that you got to decide things on your own, and I just had to-
You were interrupted by his lips crashing back onto yours as you were swept up into his arms.
"I believe, my little master, that you're the only one I'll let order me to do anything ever again."