Title: Not Without a Price

Author: Rissa85

Part: One

Genre: Violence, profanity, romance, drama, angst (well-rounded list, hm?)

Disclaimer: I do not own Aladdin or any other characters in the series.

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One even, pallid hand resting leisurely on an elaborate, ebony marble armrest the other gloved, sitting motionless in his lap. The glove, so embellished now. It was still black, with a tinge of gold around the wrist. But now it was bright, no, it glowed. Glowed a black light, a light speaking of situations better left unsaid and of impending calamites. It radiated a powerful energy that coursed through the owner's veins unremittingly and steadily. Such a passionate and appalling and lethal energy. One so powerful with enough ingenuity and aptitude it could easily rule over the Seven Deserts.

But such a powerful object did not come without a price. He who had it proved to have battled intensely for it. He who owned it proved to have unattainable vigor. He, who fought for it, had been near death to achieve what was now theirs. The glove invested itself inside the body and mind of the person. He who had the glove did not see it as an object, but a piece of himself. Part of their blood. As it molded itself into the flesh of the possessor, it also fed on the flesh to the bone.

It also gave the one who owned it a mystifying and distressing aura. One that left them shaking themselves and frightened even the owner. But what was he to do, once you owned it became you, or rather you became it. It feasted on the power-hungry blood of its host, intensifying the desire to rule, to own, to control or destroy.

Getting rid of it was unfeasible, for you could not. Even removing it proved to be fatal. He had known, the fateful day he had removed his, he felt an almost unbearable searing through his body, as the glove glowed and shot back to him, latching to bone.

It became your destiny, your fate. Many who had owned it, feared it themselves. But what were they to do? When they removed it, they would almost certainly stare death in the face. Those who wanted it wanted nothing but a curse. And the power it gave was near eternal. With it, you could become immortal, but what did immortality mean if it meant giving your life to an object that controlled you?

Those who had it had genie-like powers. Cosmic, phenomenal powers. Those who had it became Walking Death.

Its present owner, Mozenrath, had known nothing of this, though, until it was too late.

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Dexterous hands and nimble, trimmed fingernails flew over the scrolls, searching particularly for an antique one. Finding the scroll with such attentiveness and speed that would make an experienced wizard proud, she opened it slowly as not to rip the yellowing paper.

Stopping abruptly, she closed her dark-skinned eyelids briefly and touched the amulet on her thin silver chain. It was an aquamarine, a greenish-blue. It had a history of molding to the eye-color of the wearer. A reddish-purple light surrounded her, specifically, the amulet.

The sand shifted rapidly and aggressively and took the formation of a chair, which after she opened her eyes, and the reddish-purple in her pupils dissipated, she sat in, elegantly. Poised, she folded her leg under her and with her back straight, posture perfect, she smoothed out the paper.

Clucking her tongue as her index finger moved rapidly over a list of ingredients, she shook her head. Brushing back a strand of smooth, jet- black hair, she fixed her clothes. Now, clothes that looked rather expensive and hard to get. Clothes that once she only dreamed of. But now she would dream no longer. For now, she had what she had always wanted. No need to want for anything any longer.

Now she owned, instead of being owned, and what she owned was remarkable, considering that she had once been dirt-poor. The thrill, power, and money had been a pleasant one, once she finally achieved what she had always wanted. But not without a price. And it was an immense one. It had ripped her mind of its righteous morals. She had owned, yes.

But not without deception, force, carnage and manipulation.

It had not disturbed her, until times like these, when her mind wandered back in silence, thinking back to when she was nothing. When she had had nothing, knew nothing, needed nothing. When she was nothing. But her mind questioned her.

Was she less now, then what she had been?

Her magical charm did nothing except strengthen her craving for power. Her craving to own and to have a complete monopoly over something, or rather anything. The amulet had wanted her mind, in fact, any mind. Any mind vulnerable to its vicious clutches, in which it could deepen the bond between it and the possessor. There the amulet would settle itself in the middle of the owner's breastbone, where it gnawed into the underlying skin, grasping into it with striking force. Making sure to never leave it.

Many had mistaken it for a precious gem, once finding it, concealing it from anyone. Making sure it wasn't stolen. Yes, while first seeing it, greed entered the mind of the unfortunates. A first glance at the gem was all it took for the future owner to be seized by the vices of greed, until she or he wound up, the gem implanted mid-chest perpetually.

The gem happened to consume the blood of the victim, or rather the holder. Turning the blood of the victim the reddish-purple aura that surrounded the jewel when activated. In a sense, the jewel became the wearer. Or, the wearer became the jewel. It was all too confusing at first, until it was too late.

She that had found the true meaning of this magnificent precious stone was cursed. For once you found the true meaning it was too late, it had embedded itself, connected too profoundly with the mind to be removed. Unless a battle began for the jewel, defeating the owner would release the gem; then, the victor would become the possessor.. And again it would be too late. Again another life sacrificed for immaculate monopoly over something. For avarice.

You could live lifetimes with it. You could be immortal; you could be more powerful-rumored, than a genie. A genie with semi-phenomenal cosmic powers. A genie with immortality and vitality and imaginative and clever mentality.

You could also be Sauntering Death.

The present owner, Sadira, had known nothing of its mind-alternating powers and its wretchedness, though, until it was too late.

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Checking her appearance in the mirror once more, she blew herself a kiss. Then began cackling at her naïve appearance. She wasn't innocent, she knew it. In fact, she was the contrary. She knew what she was about to do, the gem knew what she was about to do. The stone was the support behind her motive.

Everything was in place, jeweled garnet tiara on her hair, which had been left down. Silvered earrings, midriff top, silvered slippers. Yes everything was in place for her plan on that city that quickened her heart, Agrabah.

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Sadira nodded rather halfheartedly, as merchants began to offer her fish, dates, shiny fabrics, wood, precious metals and other goods from their orderly and compact wooden stands. Sadira declined, to each with mock politeness, showing sympathy she wasn't sincere for. She smiled at each one flashing white teeth and leaving a small handful of solid gold coins at each stand that had given her a compliment.

She had heard the background voices, all too well. People gasping, pointing at her, and whispering about her. For she had been notorious in her other kingdom, where she had lived. It involved the kingdom's economy. When she had becp,e charge of the economy in the kingdom, money mysteriously dwindled, and the criminal had never been caught. But as soon as the investigation began, Sadira left. To another kingdom. Leaving the surrounding kingdoms with the thoughts and rumors of conspiracy or coincidence.

Never minding the opinions of others and going about her way, she continued. Things had gotten better, or so she thought. Since her routine of giving to the poor and the homeless caught on to the city, she began to destroy her ill-famed reputation and restore it with one of goodwill and honesty.

But only she knew herself that it was all an act, an act to generate enough power to support her next exploitation. But first, she would try it in a different kingdom. And why not all places but Agrabah? It was the most familiar place to her, and secretly exploiting it would put her high above even her own standards. Yes, why not Agrabah?

Passing an alleyway, she saw a young group of children, the eldest barely in adolescence sitting on a box of crates, looking desperate. From their appearance they had not had a bite to eat in ages. The trio of children looked up at her frightened and paranoid.

Her heart went out to them despite the pulsating disapproval of association to the children by her amulet, and she walked up to them, bending down to the eldest, on her knees.

"Hi how are you?" her warm voice radiated.

The young boy, obvious not used to being face a woman, let alone a wealthy and very pretty one, nodded, "Good."

"Are you hungry?" she questioned quietly, looking up at all three.

The middle child, a blond girl with blue eyes and tanned skin, nodded shyly. The youngest, which had to be no older than four, or five, timidly gazed at her, he was embarrassed obviously. She smiled broadly and took action.

She held out a sack of gold coins. About a week's salary for a middle-class man to the eldest. He spluttered as each child's eyes grew round and huge.

"Here, it won't buy much, but it's enough to buy a small shack." She gave them a caring smile, which could have said more than words ever could.

The boy grew teary-eyed and jumped into the arms of Sadira. Surprised, she laughed, and hugged him back as the youngest stared on, grateful.

"If you want," she prayed to Allah that her place had not been found and was still in shape, "I'll see a place for you, and come get you later on tonight."

The youngest nodded, "A real bed!"

Sadira softened, wanting more than anything to take him home with her. To show him how she lived and to give him a soft comfortable bed, compared to the dark cold alleyways he was probably used to.

She stood, feeling more attached than she knew was out of harm's way. She wandered out of the alleyway, where she spotted the Princess and Aladdin, both in Royal garments making their way into the marketplace. She pretended not to heed them; but, they saw each other instantaneously and wordlessly. She repositioned her tiara on her head and brushed past Aladdin, accidentally, on her way by them.

Unlike those in the city, whereas they addressed the Sultana and the Sultan, Sadira merely gave Aladdin a disinterested look and continued on.

Puzzled by this dark-skinned young lady with the aquamarine occludes that shined with a hint of condescension, he twisted his head, as he watched when she approached a stand with a young lady selling various fabrics and gems, a well-respected lady who owned shops in four separate kingdoms at least.

He had once seen that remarkable smile before, a smile dangerously sugary, which had once been on a juvenile face.

Sadira.

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She had seen her. She had looked different than what she had years ago. She looked immaculate. No longer carrying that street-rat air about her, nowadays she possessed an aura of sophistication and finesse. Why, even the way she dressed was different! No longer the ripped rags and unsightly sashes, now she wore silvered slippers and colorful satins.

How had she done all that? In these few short years? Part of her wanted to believe the rumors that had one-time been flying around the palace and the city. They had all heard of it. A beautiful dark-skinned girl, supposedly thieving a neighboring kingdom of a moderate amount of its profit.. A very deceitful and underhanded trick to gain affluence and high social position. But one Jasmine knew she was capable of.

After all, she had tried more than once to filch Aladdin from her, to no avail. The trust that could have been made had been destroyed and would forever be. And Jasmine knew that behind those eyes was a tinge of jealousy and envy. And she knew that from that first look at Sadira, that whatever she wanted she worked hard to get, an eventually it did belong to her.

What scared her most was why was she in Agrabah, and why did Aladdin seem so fixed on her?

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"Jasmine, was that Sadira?" he inquired his wife, puzzled.

She nodded, happily pulling a pair of earrings up to her ears, trying to get Aladdin's attention which at the moment she feared she didn't have.

Jasmine smiled and turned to Aladdin, "What do you...?"

But then she noticed, he was not there.

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"I do need the extra help running my shops," the middle-aged woman smiled warmly.

Sadira nodded, "I could help you. My father, "she quickly lowered her voice, "…is a little strange. He wants me to 'learn the ins and outs of finance', in case he doesn't trust my future husband. But I come from a wealthy family all the same." She finished with a pointed glance down at her garbs.

The woman leaned in eagerly, "A wealthy family, you say?"

"Oh yes," Sadira boasted, "I have a bit of blue blood in my veins."

The woman looked like she would almost faint, "When would you like to start work for me?"

Giving the woman a pained expression, she fabricated, "I'm visiting relatives here for a couple of days, then I have business in my kingdom."

The woman nodded, obviously scheming.

"Sadira, how about I lend you some money to set up a stand in your kingdom. You can pay me back with your profit."

Nodding vigorously, the lady with the aquamarine eyes smiled and opened her mouth to speak when the Sultan touched her clad shoulder.

"Sadira, how are you?" he asked softly and confidently.

She stared straight ahead, as them gem glowed. The need to own, to have control over something Aladdin owned would make her colossal, adding to her assets.

"Hello, Aladdin." She spoke cool and distant.

This shocked the lady at the stand. Why was this mysterious and wealthy young lady addressing the head of their kingdom with such openness, disdain, and intimacy? Why, did the ruler have a clandestine concubine? She always knew riff-raff were up to no good, and now he was ruling the city? It was almost too much to bear.

Why would a respectful and well-bred lady from a good background like her associate with him? Unless she was even farther above his level that she could cross that social boundary. Why, she did say she was from an opulent family! She never said they were that opulent. Her knees turned weak, wondering how much she could accumulate from this young girl in just her city.

Why she could be rich and get to the position of this pretty dark-skinned girl.

She watched as the Sultan, shifted comfortably, "It's nice to see you here, in Agrabah again."

She snarled and stared at him with enough force and repugnance that even the legendary Jafar would have coward and cringed at. "Is it really, Aladdin?"

He nodded uneasily, "Sadira...I…"

"ALADDIN!" Jasmine's bright cheery voice broke through the silence.

Sadira turned to see the beautiful princess bound over to him in an armful of silks. A silk trade she could easily own.

Jasmine bounded up to him and eyed Sadira with a friendly smile; but her eyes swam with suspicion.

Sadira nodded her way, giving her a look of disinterest.

"Hi Sadira." She had a tinge of coolness to her voice.

She smiled back danger with an off-handed comment, "Hello, Princess Jasmine."

Jasmine was shocked, she had just crossed the social boundary by calling the sultana out of her name, and in such a disrespectful tone she would have surely been condemned had the ruler been cruel enough.

"I am now Sultaness Jasmine. I'm sure you heard that in your kingdom. You were in the palace, there's very little you don't know of this kingdom. Likewise there's little we don't know about you." She arched her eyebrows.

Sadira knew that if Jasmine said anything in front of this lady, her reputation would be again at stake; and her dreams of a monopoly annulled. But it was a risk she'd have to take.

"Why Jasmine, you're Sultaness now? So you two did manage to marry. Instead of just cohabiting inside the Royal Palace?" she had now insulted the Jasmine beside what was to be taken lightly.

Fire danced in Jasmine's eyes, "Sadira, darling you were there at the wedding, I'm sure. At least I've lived in the royal palace all my life."

Jasmine turned to find Aladdin, but he was gone.

Sadira smirked, "If you want to find him, check the palace. You must've ran him off."

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Glowing a black light, so dark it didn't seem to glow, his glove comforted him. For while he was in the Citadel, the place he so truthfully belonged, even if there was no one to converse with.

At least not on an intellectual rank.

"Master sad?" Xerxes smiled, his body suspended in mid-air, as his large lips broadened into an apologetic grin.

Mozenrath arched a perfect eyebrow, "Of course not, Xerxes. What ever gave you the idea?"

The eel shook his head swiftly, "I don't know. Master seem sad."

"No, I'm thinking." He replied bluntly.

Xerxes, used to his master's impolite and blunt answers, slowly slithered out of sight. He knew all too well that the moods of his master could prove near fatal. As one time, he had gotten the Master angered so that the glove flew off his hand and surrounded him in a life-threatening clasp which rendered him unconscious and with half his tail bruised and bleeding his black blood.

Mozenrath could feel his glove, desperate for power. He had conquered the Land of the Black Sand, which fed his glove the power it needed to keep itself and him, satisfied. But now it craved, and it craved for something more, more than what he had or more than what he had wanted.

He could almost feel his hands shaking for power. It should be Agrabah.

Agrabah, the land he had always wanted to control. Since the day his master so fatefully shown him the map of the Seven Deserts. And since Aladdin and Jasmine were now Sultan and Sultana he now didn't have to worry about the former Sultan anymore, since he was so old he could hardly get up from bed. And Agrabah was so prosperous, it could easily become his first. Then, he would conquer the other kingdoms. But first Agrabah. It had the best defense around anyway. Once he had Agrabah, he had everything.

Yes, it would be Agrabah.

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Sadira combed the remote alleyways and streets of Agrabah, at night. Her way illuminated by the amulet acting as a red light to guide her way. The cool breeze of the desert night blew across her skin, the wind gently lifting her hair and placidly letting it fall. The light verdant of her sheer fabric ruffled across the underlying silk cloth. Frustrated, she was near the end of her search when she heard diminutive, nervous, frantic young voices down the dilapidated alleyway.

She smiled with the satisfaction that she had finally found the children. She rounded a corner, which was a dead end brick wall, but behind some rusted old crates, two heads were poking out. She got on her knees, not caring to look a little dirty. She had looked worse.

"Stand up, you! Right there!" she commanded with mock authority.

The kids literally speechless with horror looked up and dropped their half- loaves of bread simultaneously. Their eyes were as wide as the dinner saucers used in the palace. But as soon as they saw Sadira, they smothered her, tackling her with hugs and kisses.

"Alright, alright." She laughed heartily, the amulet glowed bright ruby, illuminating their faces.

"What's that.?" the timid blond girl asked pointing to her silvered necklace.

She bit her lip, lying carefully, "It's a grown-up toy."

The blond girl nodded, "What's your name?"

The dark-haired woman smiled, "It's Sadira. What's yours?"

The youngest boy who had dark hair and a round-shaped face with dark eyes looked up at her, "Danereth. You're pretty."

The blond girl smiled wanly, "Aveina."

Sadira nodded, smiling at the youngest boy, bending down to kiss him on the forehead, "Thank you."

The eldest boy held back with the same dark hair and eyes as the youngest boy was very quiet; and he watched the whole ordeal through hardened, practical eyes. Sadira's heart ached, for she too, had carried that same look at his age.

Turning her eyes from his and to the younger children's she laughed, "Let's go."

The kids followed her as the eldest walked with her side-by-side, matching her stride equally.

They had only walked a few alleyways and blocks when she saw a young man in Royal clothing coming toward her. Aladdin. A dozen cover-ups raced through her mind as she looked at the ragged, destitute children.

He smiled as she walked by, her gaze fixed ahead.

"Sadira!" he called after her.

She stopped, not turning around as the children turned to look at the Sultan.

"Sadira," he muttered, "Can I speak to you alone?"

"Don't you have a social standing to uphold?" she snarled, nastily.

The children watched with awe and wonder. Knowing she was an influence, she went around a near-by corner as Aladdin followed suit.

"Talk and make it fast." She pressed, indifferently.

"Sadira! What's gotten into you? Ever since you left Agrabah and ransacked that poor kingdom-," he was cut off forcefully as a dark hand smacked him vehemently across his tanned face.

"I did NOT 'ransack' that poor kingdom, Aladdin." She gritted her teeth, straining against all her might to ignore the quickening vibrations of her amulet. She knew its deadly and magical powers all too well. They had gotten her the lavish attention of nearly every royal member in near-by kingdoms.

He looked at her mildly shocked, "You've really changed." he muttered, bringing his face to his hands. And for one moment time suspended, and she wished more than anything she could take what she did. The hurt in his face nearly reflected her suppressed own. He was the only person she had ever felt to have a special connection to. Maybe because of their hard and torturous lives? Maybe because of their similar upbringings? Maybe it was all just a coincidence.

She brought her hands to her amulet, the passion of the situation intensifying. "I didn't change Aladdin," her voice was smaller and weaker now, "I.don't know what happened. I..."she turned and began walking fast- paced to leave. But his hand on her wrist stopped her abruptly.

"You can talk to me. As new Sultan, I want to care about the people of this town." His stated sincerely.

Her eyes widened, feeling so angered and insulted she was shocked. He was grouping her like he would some unknown commoner, peasant, or the poor in the street! It was almost if he was talking to a stranger and not a friend!

He saw the bright spark in her eyes as she wringed out of his grasp. "I do not NEED your charity or anyone else's!" she shot out.

Aladdin stopped, "I'm not pitying you!"

She stopped abruptly and looked over her shoulder, "Then stop acting like it! Stop acting like I really was and am a thief! I'm wasn't! I'm not! I did this with my bare hands!" she stopped, for she wished to add, what is more than I can say for you! All you had to do was marry and your authority and power was practically given to you as dowry! All you had to do was be in the right place at the right time! While I had to give up my morals, just so I could eat a decent meal!

"Sadira, we were thieves at one point. And that's where our connection is. I know whatever I said might have offended you, but it was all with good intent. You are one of the only people I've felt a special understanding with because we are both the same-," he was interrupted again.

"Except," she turned around fully and her eyes nearly shocked him. For a moment, their vulnerable minds exposed each other and their anxieties and hurt were exchanged between two knowing minds frightened to share them with anyone but their subconscious. They swam in each other's needs, felt each other's grief, and tasted each other's fears.

She stood, her skin, now seeming to hold an ethereal glow, her eyes filled, stripped and replaced by hurt and hardened pain only street-rats and riff- raff could ever know. "Except," she smirked sadly, mocking her own self, "you have a good heart."

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He tossed and turned passionately until dawn, haunted by her unearthly expression.

"Except, you have a good heart."

What did that mean? He had a good heart. He knew it. And he felt good in her heart too. It was one of the many securities that had begun their intermittent friendship. Until she finally ended trying to capture the Love in his heart that belong to Jasmine. She had given up. And by the look in her eyes last night, she seemed to have given up on Life. He savored the moment when their minds connected again, and for the second time in his life, with her he felt that vibrant bond of stamina and tears and the sweat of hard work that most times went unappreciated or rebuked by society.

Now he was at morning meal, energy zapped and fatigued beyond belief. Throughout the night he had gotten a few hours of broken sleep. Thinking about a special friend. Worried and haunted by her expression and the glow she had. It came from that gem or whatever she had. And he sensed it was black magic. But if it was to cause trouble, the time would come up. Eventually.

"Aladdin!" Jasmine chided gently, "What are you dreaming about?"

He shook his head, as if to shake away his thoughts, "I didn't sleep well last night."

She nodded knowingly, "Well, I suppose since you just ran off after dinner with barely a word. Who could sleep under those conditions?"

He laughed, weakly, "Yeah."

"Aladdin, you can't be tired. We have that Grand Dinner with other royalty tonight." She patted him on his hand, coaxingly.

"I want to invite someone." he nodded at her, with the same comfortable easy air she had him.

Her face drew quiet and restless with a hint of scorn, "Sadira?"

He nodded and abruptly stood, "I shall go check out the market today."

She nodded artificially sugary, "And why don't you take Genie and Iago along with you?"

His expression seemed almost irritated, but he nodded, "Sure."

----------

Aladdin weaved his way around the bustling crowd, looking for that familiar dark-skinned face with the aqua-marine eyes. Genie and Iago struggled to catch up with him for he was bordering on running.

He saw Sadira walking along the street with the three children he saw yesterday, or so he guessed. These children now looked like they had a decent meal, a good night's sleep, and very costly garments on. The blond-haired girl with blue eyes, now had her hair combed in one long pony-tail and dressed in an adorable sheer and cloth outfit. The youngest was dressed in common royal crème-and-yellow pantsuit. And the eldest was dressed the same as the boy, but with a butterscotch sash around his middle.

They all looked like royalty.

"Aladdin, aren't you going to say greeting to that man-stealing woman?" he said, in a narrator's voice, casting a glance to her, "Last time I saw her, she didn't exactly dress and look like that."

Iago laughed, "Those rumors are true! There is no way someone could slide so easily into a royal rank in that little of time!"

Aladdin cast a deadly look of provocation at Iago, "Stop it, Iago."

Iago cringed, "That's the first time I heard you backing up for her! She tried to pry you from Jasmine! She's a deceiver-,"

Aladdin looked Iago hard in the eye, "Stop, Iago! She's different now."

Iago quieted, marginally chastised, why did he feel the need to protect her now? Now that she could finally take care of herself and be out of their way, he wanted to protect her. Iago had almost sensed Aladdin felt an indifference to her in the past, but now even he could feel a link.

----------

Sadira stopped at a stand that sold exotic chocolates and sugars. A man was standing there, grinning lustfully at her.

She watched as the children crowded around her, their mouth watering. She laughed, "Danereth, Aveina, and Izedin, pick out something you'd like."

She saw them, glancing at the big display of chocolates as specific on- lookers gawked at her and what seemed to be, her children's opulence. They seemed of royalty.

She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around, "Hey."

She saw Aladdin with slight bags under his eyes, which were drooping, and the wearied smile on his face, "Hi, Sadira."He watched as Sadira brought her hands to her amulet, "I wanted to talk to you."

She rolled her shoulders, trying to get comfortable as on-lookers passed by, eyeing the two. "Why don't we talk some other time? Like tomorrow or something?"

His face was set, determined, "No, it can't. It can't even wait until tonight."

Nodding slowly, she looked at him, interested. "I'm listening."

He pulled an intricate envelope from his turban, "Here, take this. Please, attend."

She nodded toward the three children, already chewing on their sweets, "I'll try." she finished dryly.

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"Aladdin!" Jasmine searching for him in the palace, but he was no where to be found.

A dark-haired servant appeared in front of her, "He's in the throne room, Sultaness."

Jasmine nodded briefly, weaving past the two talking servants. She would have customarily chided them for talking when they were supposed to be preparing for the dinner that evening. But she could not linger. She had to talk to Aladdin. Now.

She waltzed into the throne room where Aladdin was directing a group of men decorating for the festival.

"Aladdin!" she gasped grabbing unto his shoulder, breathing heavily.

He nodded, "Jasmine, what is the matter?"

She snarled and removed her hand, "The town is talking! About Sadira! And you! And you both!" she brought her hands to her forehead, shaking her head, and looked up at him with hurt-filled eyes.

His heart twisted around three times and almost shredded itself at her tear-filled eyes, he gulped, "I'm sorry; but I had to talk to her. Sadira, I had to." He stuttered.

"You had to what?" she pleaded, "ruin our reputation.?"

He touched her cheek lovingly, "Jasmine, don't be silly."

She nodded, her eyes watering. "Oh Aladdin."

Just then, a guard cleared his throat uncomfortably, "There's a woman at the front of the palace, wishing to see you Sultan."

He squinted his eyes, uncertainly and defensively, "Who is she?"

He bowed, "Sadira, what should I tell her?"

Jasmine's jaw dropped and she gawked up at Aladdin, "You gave her permission to feel free to prance around our palace?! But we have heads of other kingdoms arriving! What will they think, Aladdin? That's it, I'll go get-"

Aladdin held up his hand, "I'll take care of this."

She ignored him and began walking to the main hall where Aladdin joined her in stoic silence.

Alas, Sadira's dark-haired silk-clad body came to view. And Aladdin could not help but to smile in greeting. Jasmine looked at Sadira defensively while they came to a stop in front of her. Automatically, she wrapped her arm around Aladdin's.

"Sadira, how nice it is.to see you." He nodded politely.

Jasmine eyed her and nodded along with him, "Yes, how nice?"

Sadira shrugged off her obviously satirical comment, and switched her eyes to Aladdin's, "I came to return…"

She grew very well aware at Jasmine's persistent glaring and the dropping of her jaw. She leaned forward and whispered, "I can't talk to you right now. I'll have to tell you some other time."

Jasmine yawned, "Very well, but when you arrive again do be quick. We do have company."

Sadira nodded pleasantly, hiding the nasty comments for Jasmine well, "I'll be leaving."

Aladdin knew of Jasmine's jealously and slyfulness and now it was causing Sadira to leave. And for some reason, he felt the urge to talk to her , converse with her. He wanted to know what she meant and if she got the chance, maybe she would tell him.

She began walking away when he latched unto her wrist, bringing her back, "I…Sadira."

Jasmine gawked at the display, her eyes watering, and rushed quickly down the hall from the oblivious couple.

Sadira looked at him, hard, "I can't attend."

He took a step back, "What?"

She nodded, giving the silk-bordered envelope back, "I won't be able to attend, because..."

He held up his hand to silence her, "If it's about Jasmine, I'll handle her. She'll act more polite in public, Sadira I invited you, the least you could do is attend."

Silenced, she took a step back, "I..."

He took her hand and pressed the envelope into it, "Please."

She closed her eyes, relishing the power she felt what he was subconsciously emitting. Her gem glowed briefly and a warm sensation flew through her bloodstream. She opened her eyelids, "Then of course, I will."

---------

Ebony shoes strode swiftly and nimbly across the shining blue marble floor which shone and seemed as transparent and sparkling as new glass. Interestingly enough, he was not invited to attend the grand royal feast that was to take place yards away from him. Deceitfully, he was here with an ally and an ignorant one at that from a land not near enough to Agrabah, but far enough from the Land of Black Sand that the guest was oblivious to his comrade.

Which was why Mozenrath was well on his way to nowhere quickly. Excusing himself immediately upon entering the royal palace, he had paused, his glove began glowing. Which could only mean one thing: a chance for power. Power was somewhere near.

I can't believe I'm here.

Mozenrath rounded a corner which brought him almost near outside the palace. The moon hung yellow, over the sky indolently, as the stars surrounding Luna glittered like luminous jewels in the Agrabah sun. The gardens, which sprawled serenely on either side of the concrete walkway were dark and silhouetted. Lush trees and medium-sized bushes with small thorns adorned the garden. He felt his arm glowing, as his pulse subconsciously quickened. Someone was near. Someone with power. And it could not be Jasmine nor Aladdin because they would not leave the royal guests alone in the palace during the feast.

Who is it?

Slowly, a figure came into view, silhouetted with lengthy hair falling curly past her shoulders. Her dress swayed with the nighttime breeze as the diaphanous pale fabric fluttered unhurriedly. She seemed angelic, unworldly. And an aura surrounded her. An aura of sophistication and finesse. Her shoes clicked with refinement along the walkway.

Slowing her step, but not stopping, she curtsied, "Good evening, my liege."

I can feel that, that gem glowing. Is the power like mine?

He bowed, still stopped. "I wish you the best time at this feast." He grimaced at his artificial sincerity, designed to keep suspicion from his audiences.

She chuckled, light and breezily, feminine, and with a suggestion of scorn. "It's not possible."

----------

Mozenrath sat across from Sadira and to the left of Aladdin. On the right side of the Sultan was his wife, Jasmine. He watched as Sadira was quiet, but seemed to be drilled with questions every time he looked up from his delicious feast of veal and vegetables.

She answered quickly and precisely enough never quite giving an exact answer but more or less one that answered the questions. He could feel the tension of the guests heightened with her sparse details and hidden remarks in her brief replies.

What idiots! Even I know she peculiarly had something to do with exploitation of that kingdom.

"Sadira, tell me how you were invited?" a lady guest with short blond hair questioned, disdain hidden quite poorly in her voice. Jasmine snickered softly.

Sadira, nonetheless, gave the woman ann amiable subtle smile, "I was invited by our dear host." The woman gasped as she dared to shoot a disapproving look to Jasmine, who blushed crimson and looked up, mocking surprise at her husband.

He glanced at Sadira, "Why yes of course, I invited Sadira. We are...past acquaintances."

----------

"I'm leaving." Sadira stood in front of Aladdin curtly announcing to him.

His coffee eyes wavered as they locked with hers, "Don't, Sadira."

She cast her eyes downward, as the dinner guests eyed the two suspiciously while sauntering to the far end of the hall to be entertained. "I must go."

Jasmine, briskly, walked up to them, "Sadira, you must leave now." She whispered, sneeringly.

Aladdin held up his hand to his wife, "Jasmine, please be kind we have guests."

Shocked but marginally chastised she sulked back watching the two resentfully. Aladdin stepped forward, but Sadira turned and left quickly. Aladdin, not hesitating for a second followed her with velocity. Leaving Jasmine alone, but with stunned and censorious company.

----------

"Sadira." Aladdin called urgently, still painstakingly following her through the covered in dust, isolated and dim streets.

Unhesitant, she disregarded him and walked awkwardly and constrainedly toward a dim dusty part of the city. Arched red-brown brick ways and tattered bits of cloth in the destitute part of the city flew every which way. Itinerant sections of loose cloth were strewn over unoccupied wooden stalls. A part of him found this place unnecessarily recognizable. But so remote was the recollection that he dismissed it, unrepentantly.

Arduously, he jumped on the wooden barrels that Sadira effortlessly leapt on to run across the starched cloth that were used to shade the cart from the unrelenting daytime sunlight. He pursued her, as she jumped from the last cart to a small peg in the wall. She effortlessly swung up to the next deck where he swung up after her, breathing strenuous.

Carelessly, he dismissed the thought of Jasmine's face as he left, which was stunned, vulgar, and full of envy. Remembering his past, he looked around feeling disconnected and traitorous. Traitorous to Jasmine. To his present. To himself as Sultan. Loyal only to his nearly forgotten past.

"Sadira, wait!" she stopped before he could finish.

She turned rapidly, her face illuminated by a reddish light. "Would you leave? I told you, do you won't me to do something drastic?"

He shook his head, with compassion and irony, "Would you hurting me, bring me any closer to where I am now?"

Narrowing her eyes, she commented, "You'll never be that close to me again, Sultan."

Holding up his hand, he laughed mechanically, "I do not deserve the title 'sultan', Sadira. You and I know that."

Shocked, she turned her back to him, "But you do nothing to change it? I thought so."

Anger unexpectedly surged through him, "There was nothing I could do about it! If I were ever to marry Jasmine, I would've had to be sultan!"

Her voice wavered, "Don't yell at me Aladdin."

Sadness overtook the anger and with that his energy, "Sadira, please don't. Let's not argue. Please, let's try to get along. I've haven't had the chance to see you for a while."

She shook her head, pulling the ornament in her hair out, causing her hair to cascade, "It'll never be-"

He stopped her abruptly, "If it's about Jasmine, I'll talk to her. We can be friends again."

Turning again, she helplessly looked down at the reddish-purple gem that glowed unworldly in her face, "This.. can't work."

He stepped up to her and for the first time in his life, he saw tears well up slowly in her eyes, but pride held them back, vehemently.

"I can't do everything, but I'll be here for you." He responded sincerely.

She looked at him, then down at her gem, seemingly fighting an internal battle. "You're tired, go home. To your jewels and your Jasmine. And your Life."

Sympathetically, he shook his head, "No, thank you. I'll stay."

----------

Staggering sleepily, through the palace, Aladdin groped his way in the dark to the royal bed chambers were the two guards eyed each other knowingly, and glared at him suspiciously before moving aside.

He entered quietly and was astonished that the lamps were still burning and Jasmine was sitting up, her face swollen and red. She glanced up at him, hollowly. His heart ached, but he pushed it away justifying her weeping as a symptom of uncalled for jealousy. He slid into the bed, next to her, pulling off his now dirtied turban and clouded jewel.

"ALADDIN HOW COULD YOU?!" she yelled, angrily. Her voice raged.

He shook his head; "We'll discuss this tomorrow."

She shook her head fervently; "We'll discuss this now!"

His temples ached, women and yelling at him. It was an awful combination in the course of one night. And one night of awful sleep. He could not sleep were Sadira stayed because of guilt for Jasmine. And now he wouldn't be able to sleep because of guilt for Jasmine and confusion and apprehensiveness for Sadira.

Jasmine wasn't helping.

"Stop it!" he barked, before he could think, irritably.

Her eyes widened, "Sadira did this to you! You would've never yelled at me like this! Aladdin, please. I'll have that hussy excommunicated first thing tomo-"

He stopped her, "No you won't, either. I'll make sure to it."

So intensely she bit her lip holding back a retort that she drew blood. Aladdin noticed this and resignedly wiped her lip for her, kissing it tenderly. "Please.?"

She nodded, entranced, as the anger withered to surface a new emotion. "Aladdin, tell me you love me."

Quizzically, he blew out the lamps and darkness followed the winding trails of smoke from the extinguished light. The moonlight spread blue-ish white over the two lovers, who were enveloped in the dark of night.

She reiterated, disparagement clear in her voice, "Declare your love for me. Swear that you've never loved anyone as much as you've me."

He grew exceedingly taciturn. Uneasily, he questioned, "You know the truth."

She grew vexed, "Please?"

Exasperatedly, he replied, "I swear. Now, are you satisfied?"

An unsettling quietness filled the room as unspoken words of annoyance and woodenness lay between them. Aladdin and his mind, undoubtedly, on other situations. Jasmine, her mind, on Aladdin, who was not thinking of her in the least. And neither that nor Sadira would lead her to mental respite.

---------

She hated mornings, as much as she hated those proverbs that rubbed themselves into her conscience incessantly about her abandoned honor and lost pride. Why was it that memory happened to be the persecutor of the guilt-ridden?

Watching the tiny three slumbering, she stood in front of her luminous mirror. Disentangling her braids, she drew water out of a vase pot and brushed out her hair with her boar bristled brush. She laughed cruelly at the memory. The memory of when she had swiped the brush from the sultana of that kingdom so faraway. It was a wonder how she managed to waltz her way into Agrabah so effortlessly, when other sovereignties had precautions so stringent.

A diffident tall figure with dark hair emerged from the small entrance. Aladdin. She laughed once more, cruelly. He had left late night, to home, no uncertainties. To Jasmine. Her gem glowed brilliantly. What was he to want now? For some reason, she felt that her position in Agrabahian opinion had altered. And so had Aladdin's.

She treaded mellifluously toward him and heard the muffled flurry of the market place. She stood as light eyes met dark eyes. He cleared his throat, looking haggard and wary. Briefly, she considered it her liability before dispelling it. He looked as if needing a warm bed and fresh clothing. Why was he not at the palace?

"Excuse me," her voice tinkled softly, keeping it low because of the nearby children, "Why are you here?"

He smiled unenthusiastically, "I'm tired, please may I sleep here?"

Her eyes widened as she touched her gem, trying to steady her hastening heartbeats as a cogent and assured blitz of warmer blood dispersed through her core.

Power.

The word clouded her mind, before no longer could she see coherently. Why, the power was so very intoxicating and overwhelming! The world weakened into a delicious and dark state of sleep.

----------

Long dark eyelashes fluttered open as she roused; Aladdin's grimace was met with her contrite smile. She glanced around, the children were still sleep, as it was only sunrise when she had awakened. She had never fainted before due to this, this gem. And the disoriented after-feeling was not the least pleasant.

She stood, woozily, glancing at her on-looker, "You may sleep here. I'll get breakfast." She gestured to the partition across the room.

He steadied her arm while she pulled a sheer cloak about her nude shoulders, "That's okay. I'll retrieve. I'll go. Sadira you need more rest. You fainted just a while ago."

She blushed crimson, "So that was what happened."

She watched, as he went over to her and placed both of his hands on her gem before yanking them away quickly, blowing on his burned fingers, "What is that?"

She looked up at him with large blue-green eyes, "A gift. From someone far away." she crossed her arms over her chest to conceal it, to no avail.

"Can I, see it?" he replied, his eyes were watering now, from the lack of sleep and he stifled a yawn.

She shook her head, gently, trying to divert attention from her gem and to his weariness, "Sleep there."

He could only nod and crawled into the warm bed, gratefully, immediately closing his eyes. She laughed quietly and stood looking at him for a long moment before flouncing out into the sunlight.

---------

"Excuse me?" a manicured finger tapped Sadira on the shoulder while she was trying to balance an arm full of melons, she turned abruptly.

"Yes?" her smile dwindled when she saw her inquirer.

"Have you seen the Sultan?" she narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

Sadira smiled politely, aware of the wandering eyes of the passing people, "He's not at the palace?"

Jasmine's eyes blazed, "Why no, you see if he did not have Sadira to constantly twirl around in her little skirts and midriff tops, then he would probably be there."

Sadira's mouth twisted into a dangerously sweet smile, "I think you, as the wife, should keep better track of your husband, hmm?"

And with that, she walked away calmly. Jasmine folded her arms, following her with her eyes.

As soon as you make the wrong move, you are mine, Sadira. Don't think I don't have a clue and neither does the dungeon.

----------

"Genie?" Aladdin muttered, quietly. He was in the royal library, poured over many a scroll, which were expectedly open. Genie appeared, blue with a bright smile on his foolish visage.

"Al! What do you need help with?"

He gazed up with dark brown eyes, "I want you to help me find about a reddish magical gem."

Genie's eyes grew wide with surprise, "Why? Heard something?"

Aladdin shrugged, indifferently, "Please?"

Genie closed his eyes and meditated in the seat next to all before opening them, "One gem from beyond the Land of Black Sand. The Coast of the Desired."

A small smile crept on Aladdin's face, "How strange a name. You may step down."

Genie's smiled wavered, "Be careful about her, Al." And with that he disappeared as quickly as he materialized.

---------

Aladdin flew along with carpet, feeling almost devilish. For he had slipped passed Jasmine with a few elaborate white lies. Uneasily, his conscience smote him from the back of his mind, but he pushed it away. She would never understand his visiting Sadira.

The sun was setting as the coast came to view. The blue ocean water stretched as far as the eye could see, tinged with the golden horizon. Up above, the sky was orange-pink with purplish clouds lisping into nothingness. As he flew closer, he saw a dark figure on the balcony, holding her elbows and an even darker figure, floating in the air near her. A snake-like figure.

Quizzically, he stepped down off the carpet and unto her balcony. Sadira kept her back toward him, continuing to pay attention to this eel creature. She drew her long dark hair over her shoulder, where it rested and Aladdin took heed of her exposed skin, restlessly.

"Tell me more about him. Have I met him, Xerxes?" she asked, furrowing her brows and looking as if she was trying hard to remember something.

Aladdin was more than shocked to see Xerxes consorting with Sadira. Holding his anxiety, he stepped next to her, their shoulders touching; he gripped the balcony, looking over the ocean. Sadira laughed cruelly, glancing at Aladdin.

"I'm busy." She hid a smile, turning to Xerxes.

"Would you tell him, I will meet him tomorrow at noon. Thank you, Xerxes." She turned around, as Xerxes disappeared from her sight.

"What brings you here?" Sadira spat icily.

"You." He answered evenly.

She shook her head, casually, a gust of wind fluttered her hair. "You must have something on your mind. You never looked for me before. I do not appreciate your meddling. And how would you know I live on this coast."

"The Coast of the Desired? I searched." He smiled softly.

"Just the same. I do not appreciate your research. Goodbye."

She turned to leave, but he held fast to her wrist. "No Sadira. I have to talk to you."

Her blue-green eyes shone in the faint light. "Well?"

He motioned inside her room. "You're cold out here. Inside?"

She rolled her eyes, her shoes clicking as she headed indoors. He followed, hesitantly.

As he followed her in, he watched as she drew the glass doors, placing the green sheer in place. Her room, as colorful as it seemed, was dimly lit. There was a fainting couch, three dressers, two mirrors, a large bed, and a large rack of clothes. In the corner, there was a table, and a chair.

Paying no attention to him, she flounced unto the fainting couch, on her stomach, her feet in the air. She traced circles lazily on the marbled floor. Composed, he drew the chair up to her and sat.

"Well?" she repeated at length.

"I do have a lot on my mind, at the moment. Some concerns you." He stopped, wringing his hands.

She glanced at him slowly, "I'm listening."

"I want to know about you. About your gem." He finished quietly.

She stopped tracing her circles, and calmly replied, "The problem with you, Sultan of Agrabah, is that you don't really mind your welfare or that of your city. You mind the welfare of everyone else in the world. And for that you always put your wife and your kingdom at stake. You've come to prod in my Life now when I don't need you at last and weren't there when I needed somebody, anybody. I wish you good night." She dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

Not budging, he replied. "You needed me?"

"That's not the point." She spat. "The point is you have no business here. And I want to know how Jasmine reacted when you told her you were coming to me."

He shrugged uncomfortably, "Forgive me for prodding. I was searching and stopped for a place, when I found this."

She nodded, "What luck I have. But you haven't answered my question."

Bringing his hand to the back of his neck to rub it gruffly, he replied. "I didn't tell her the whole truth."

Widening her eyes, she stared at him condescendingly, "You don't deserve her. I bet no one's told you that. You know that. And if it wasn't for that chance meeting, then you'd have never known her." She held up her hand to count on her manicured fingers. "Lemme see, you've lied to her numerous times, threatened her Life, and hidden the truth from her."

Indignantly, he stared at her back into the pinning turquoise eyes, "You are not so good, Sadira. I know you ransacked whole kingdoms. I denied it. I know you aren't even received in some kingdoms. I know about those warned me of you and told me not to admit you into Agrabah. And I know that you are not as innocent and pure as you appear to be. I also know-"

She sighed loudly; her eyes shut tight, "It's nice to hear of your weaknesses, hm? I want you to leave."

He stood stiffly, "I see. You've changed so much that I can not even talk to you."

She brought her dark head up to meet his. "How can you tell me to go back? I've changed, dammit! I have! There, I've admitted to it! I've changed so much I don't even know who I am anymore! But could I do!" she briefly touched her gem, where it glowed promptly. "Do you know what it's like to starve? What it is like to be barefoot on ground that is rough? Do you know what it is like to have lice crawling all over you because of how dirty your hovel is? Do you know," she paused, cradling her gem, "what it is like to sick with no coins for a doctor?"

He stared at her blankly, "Have you not forgotten where I've grown up? How I grew up?"

She shook her head fiercely. "No, but you have. You barely recognized the riff-raff section of the city following me."

Hesitantly, he took her hands, "You could've came to me. I would've helped. I didn't know."

Her eyes blazing, she countered. "You knew how I was! How many times had I passed you on the streets before I left? How many times had you seen me hungry! You knew how I lived, how we all lived! Yet you do nothing. I'd damn you to hell, but that's too good of a place for you!"

He watched, speechless as her gem glowed. He yelped as her hands grew the same sickly red, burning his. Yanking her hands away, she covered her face with her slender hands.

Aladdin retreated slowly, sorrowful and helpless before her. .