DISC: I DO NOT own any of the characters from Aladdin. I do own whoever you don't recognize.
"A Whole New Life"
Chapter 1
A storm raged outside the window of a building not far from the palace of Agrabah. It was rare for Agrabah to get thunderstorms, but they did happen. Thunder crashed outside, followed by lightning illuminating the sky. Inside the building, the young occupants of one of the rooms were fast asleep, except for one. A little girl lay in bed, but she was wide awake. As the thunder continued to crash, she curled into a ball as the tears of fear came. She had to be quiet or risk being beaten. As the tears continued to fall from her eyes, she gazed out of the window, sending up the same silent prayer she always did every night. 'Please, Allah, I want a family.' Closing her eyes, she tried her best to sleep.
*****
Sooner than the little girl would have liked, she was being shaken awake roughly.
"Come on, you brat! Everyone else is already in the kitchen. No breakfast for you again." With that, the glaring woman pushed the little girl out of bed.
Landing hard on the floor, the little girl tried hard not to cry. She got dressed and followed the matron into the dining room. After breakfast was over, the little girl followed the other kids out of the building. They took frequent trips to the marketplace. The little girl liked going on these trips for two reasons. One of them was she could look at all of the different things sold there. The other reason was she secretly hoped to meet the princess of Agrabah. She had heard a lot about her and she sounded like a nice person.
"Now, everyone knows the rules," the matron reminded them firmly. She glared at all of them in turn. "You may go and look around for a little while."
With that, all the children took off in different directions.
"Are you just gonna stand there all day?" The matron barked at the only little girl left.
She shook her head, her brown ringlets bouncing as she did so. She let her eyes wander over to the palace.
Seeing where the little girl was gazing to, the matron sneered at her.
"Keep dreaming. You'll never live in a place like that."
Glaring at the woman, the little girl took off towards a stall selling an assortment of muffins. Her stomach growled as the sweet aroma met her nose. Reaching a tentative hand out, she had barely touched the edge of the cart when a growling voice met her ears.
"What do you think you're doing, you filthy street rat! Get your dirty hands off my food!"
The little girl was about to pull her hand back when her arm hit a few muffins, sending them to the ground. Fearing what would happen next, she turned to run, but felt her arm being pulled back painfully.
"Where do you think you're going? I think you need to be taught a lesson," the angry man's voice stated.
Shaking with fear, the little girl tried her best to pull away. But weakness from hunger made it hard to do so. Closing her eyes, she prayed it wouldn't hurt too badly. It couldn't be any worse than the beatings she received on a daily basis at the orphanage. As she waited for the strike to come, it never did. Instead, she heard another voice join in. This one was female. At first it sounded firm, but the little girl recognized another feeling in it as well.
"Ferouge, what are you doing? Let her go."
The little girl held her breath. She didn't expect the man to listen to this stranger.
"She was trying to steal a muffin!" Ferouge insisted.
The little girl suddenly felt eyes on her. She dared to look up and found a pair of kind brown eyes looking back at her. She broke eye contact a second later.
"I'm sure she didn't mean any harm. She's just a little girl. Let her go and I'll pay whatever the damage cost. You know I will. Please?"
"Fine," Ferouge growled. "I wouldn't do it for anyone else but you, princess."
"Thank you," Jasmine smiled at him as she passed him a bag of money. "And I'll take two apple muffins, please?"
Once she was free, the little girl turned the other way and ran for it. She could hear someone calling after her, but she didn't wait to see who it was. She just wanted to find somewhere safe to hide. Seeking shelter in a small out cove, the little girl sat down on a multicolored rug. It felt soft and she was sleepy from her rude awakening that morning. But as her eyes closed, she heard a voice coming closer. Standing once again, she was about to run when the voice stopped her.
"Wait, please? I won't hurt you, I promise. Are you hungry?"
The little girl glanced up to see the same woman who had saved her from the fruit seller standing in front of her. She was wearing a tan coat with a hood and her eyes were full of kindness. The little girl backed up a little while keeping eye contact.
"No, no, it's okay. I won't hurt you," the woman assured her. "My name is Jasmine. Can you tell me yours?" She slowly extended her hand with the muffin in it to the child.
The little girl's eyes darted to the food and then back to Jasmine's face.
"It's okay," Jasmine gently assured her. She kept her gaze locked with the little girl's as she spoke. "I bought it for you."
The little girl raised her eyebrows as if to ask why did you do that.
Jasmine smiled gently at her in reply.
"I see you met Carpet," she stayed where she was, not wanting to scare the little girl any more than she already was.
The little girl blinked in confusion at her statement.
Jasmine indicated the rug beneath her feet.
As the little girl's eyes locked with Jasmine's identical ones, she let one word escape her lips before going silent again.
"Zaida."
"What was that, sweetheart?" Jasmine asked. "It's okay. I didn't hear you."
"Za…Zaida," she said again.
Jasmine's heart soared.
"Is Zaida your name?" She asked.
The little girl nodded.
"That's a very pretty name," Jasmine said.
Zaida smiled a little. Carefully, her hand closed over the muffin. When she didn't feel Jasmine pull it back, Zaida took it and tentatively bit into it.
"There you go," Jasmine coaxed, "is it good?"
Zaida nodded.
"Do you mind if I sit down next to you and we can eat together?" Jasmine asked.
Zaida shrugged and shook her head.
Jasmine smiled warmly at her before doing as she said she would. In the middle of eating, she asked Zaida some questions to see if she could learn a little more about her. But apart from saying her name earlier, Zaida didn't speak again.
Just as the two were finishing up their breakfast, Zaida gasped at the sound of an approaching familiar voice.
"She has to be around here somewhere. When I find her, she's gonna get it. She knows better than to run away! Where are you, you little brat!"
Zaida stood up. But as she went to run, she tripped on one of Carpet's tassels. Falling forward, she felt her knee scrape against the ground.
"Zaida!" Jasmine gasped in concern. She was at the little girl's side in seconds.
Feeling someone pick her up, Zaida started to struggle, but stopped the moment she heard Jasmine's voice. She was still shaking, but she allowed Jasmine to hold her. She buried her face in Jasmine's right shoulder as she heard the voice getting closer.
"Don't worry," Jasmine soothed, "I'll protect you." With that, she sat back down on Carpet and gave him the signal to fly. As they rose into the air, Jasmine felt Zaida tense in her embrace. "Shh, shh, it's okay, it's okay…"
When they landed, Zaida gazed around in wonder. She hadn't expected this. She was at the palace! She let Jasmine carry her inside to a bedroom. As she felt Jasmine try to set her down, she tightened her grip, hoping Jasmine would understand.
"It's okay, Zaida, I'm not going anywhere," Jasmine soothed. She sat down on the bed with the little girl in her arms.
Zaida relaxed when she felt Jasmine comb her fingers through her hair. A few minutes after Jasmine started to hum, Zaida's eyes closed and she soon fell asleep.
*****
Zaida had to find a place to hide. She knew they would find her if she didn't move fast. They always did. As she spotted a doorway up ahead, she felt herself falling to the floor. Letting out a scream, the little girl sat up quickly. Gazing around the room, she became more afraid when she didn't recognize where she was. As the tears came, a sob escaped the girl's lips before she could quiet it. The harder she tried to stay quiet, the more she sobbed. Hearing a door open to her left, Zaida gasped and forced herself to quiet down. She soon heard Jasmine's voice meet her ears. To her surprise, the princess sounded concerned, not angry.
"Zaida? Oh, sweetie…shh, shh, it's okay. I'm here." With that, she took the shaking and crying child into her arms. "Did you get scared?" She asked. She felt Zaida nod against her shoulder. "Shh, it's all right. You're safe now. I won't let you go."
Zaida relaxed even as more tears came. She let them fall, even though she was still afraid.
Just then, someone else joined them.
"Jasmine, what happened?" A male voice asked.
Zaida tensed when she heard him, even though she had never heard this particular voice before.
"It's okay," Jasmine planted a kiss on the top of Zaida's head. "Aladdin won't hurt you either." Then to her fiancé she explained, "I think she had a bad dream."
Aladdin frowned.
"Is there anything I can do?"
"Can you get me a cup of water?" Jasmine requested.
Aladdin left and returned with the cup. He handed it to Jasmine before sitting down across from them.
"Zaida, are you thirsty?" Jasmine asked.
Zaida shook her head and buried her face in Jasmine's shoulder as she tried to push herself further into the young woman's hold.
"Shh, it's okay, it's okay…" Jasmine soothed. She glanced up to see Aladdin giving her a questioning look.
"She's really scared," Jasmine said, "She's been through a lot."
"Where did you find her?" Aladdin asked.
Jasmine told her fiancé all about rescuing Zaida from Ferouge and buying her breakfast.
"She was terrified," Jasmine frowned as she remembered how badly Zaida had been shaking when that person had come for her. "I couldn't leave her there. I wasn't about to leave her," she said determinately.
Aladdin smiled at his beloved.
"That's what I love about you the most," he said. "You're always willing to help anyone who needs it." He glanced down at the little girl. "What's her name?"
"Zaida," Jasmine replied.
In response to her name, the little girl opened her eyes and lifted her head to look at Jasmine.
"No, no, sweetie, close your eyes for me, it's okay," Jasmine assured her. "Aladdin and I are just talking."
Zaida obeyed almost instantly. She was exhausted.
"Thatta girl," Jasmine kissed her cheek this time.
Aladdin smiled at Jasmine in a knowing way. He could see Zaida wrapping Jasmine around her finger.
Once Zaida was asleep again, Jasmine and Aladdin continued their discussion.
"So when is Genie coming back?" Jasmine asked.
"Tomorrow," Aladdin replied. "I hope he had fun."
"You know he always has fun whenever he goes on a date with Eden," Jasmine assured him.
"Do you think she's hungry?" Aladdin asked.
"I'm gonna try to get her to eat something later," Jasmine revealed. "She's just really afraid, poor thing. She hasn't spoken a word since she told me her name."
"It's just gonna take time, " Aladdin said wisely.
"You're probably right," Jasmine grinned at him. "You don't mind if I…"
"Not at all," Aladdin said. "I understand. This room is perfect for Zaida. It's your old room, isn't it?"
"Yes," Jasmine replied.
*******
The next morning, a fearful scream pierced the palace. A shaking and crying little girl sat up quickly, tears streaming down her face.
"Shh, it's okay, Zaida. I'm here. Come here," with that, Jasmine pulled the frightened child into her arms and started rocking her a little. She planted a kiss on her cheek and made calming circles on her back. She started humming, knowing it had helped her the night before. Slowly, the little girl started to calm down.
"There you go. Do you feel better now?" Jasmine smiled down at her.
Zaida nodded.
"I'm glad. Let's get you dressed and then we'll do something fun after breakfast. What do you wanna do?"
Zaida shrugged and stayed silent.
"We'll figure something out," Jasmine assured her. She kissed her cheek before gently pulling away so she could find the child something to wear. She smiled when she found the perfect outfit for Zaida. It was pink and mirrored her regular everyday outfit except the shirt was short-sleeved rather than strapped. Jasmine even found a pink headband for Zaida's hair.
"Do you want to dress yourself or do you need help?" Jasmine asked kindly.
Zaida shrugged again as a frown crossed her face.
Jasmine went about the task of helping Zaida get dressed for the day. She gently took off Zaida's tattered clothes and set them aside. As she caught sight of the bruises on her stomach and welts on her legs, she tried not to react outright. She didn't want to scare her. She couldn't believe someone would hurt an innocent little girl. It wasn't right. Jasmine made a mental note to talk to Aladdin about her discovery as soon as possible.
"There you go," Jasmine smiled at her as she finished doing her hair, "you look so pretty. Do you wanna see?"
Zaida nodded. She let Jasmine guide her over to a mirror.
"See? Do you like it?"
Zaida studied her reflection for a few minutes before nodding. She smiled a little, making Jasmine's heart soar once again.
"Are you hungry?" Jasmine asked.
Zaida nodded once again.
"Okay. Let's go eat breakfast and then we'll decide what to do."
When they reached the kitchen, they found a surprise waiting for them.
"Genie!" Jasmine cried happily.
"Hey, Jas! What's up?" Genie floated over and hugged her before gazing down at the little girl hiding behind the princess. "Who's the new kid?"
"This is Zaida," Jasmine introduced. "Zaida, this is Genie. He's really nice. He can be really silly too!" she giggled as the words left her mouth.
Zaida slowly came to stand next to Jasmine and gave Genie a tiny smile.
"Hey kiddo!" Genie greeted. "What's up?"
Zaida shrugged before smiling.
"What's the matter?" Genie asked before changing into the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. "Cat got your tongue?"
Zaida giggled.
It was a sweet sound to hear. And it warmed Jasmine's heart.
"She's still getting used to things," Jasmine explained.
Genie turned back into his normal form and grinned.
"So what will it be for breakfast? Fruit, pancakes, waffles, eggs over easy?"
"What are pancakes?" Jasmine asked.
"Glad you asked, Jas!" With that, Genie snapped his fingers and a stack of circular dough appeared in front of her and Zaida on the table. Genie sprinkled them with butter and syrup.
"They look delicious!" Jasmine declared. She turned to Zaida, "What do you think, sweetie?"
Zaida nodded. She let Jasmine lead her over to the table. She sat next to her and watched as Genie sat across from them and next to Aladdin.
Zaida tasted some of the pancakes while listening to the conversation around her. She didn't gaze up until she heard Jasmine say her name.
"How about you, Zaida? Do you wanna go for a ride on Carpet to our friend, Thundra's rainforest? It's a lot of fun!"
Zaida shrugged before nodding.
"Great!" Aladdin smiled enthusiastically.
Just then, they were joined by Iago. He fluttered down onto Jasmine's shoulder.
"Did someone say Thundra?"
Jasmine giggled knowingly.
"You can come too," she offered.
"We know how much you enjoy spending time with her," Aladdin winked at Iago suggestively.
"Are you gonna let your fiancé talk to me like that, princess?" Iago turned to Jasmine.
"It's true," she giggled.
"That hurt!" Iago acted like he was going to fly away, but he didn't move. He glanced over and did a double take when he saw Zaida. "Who's the kid?"
"This is Zaida," Aladdin answered.
Iago nodded.
"That's all I need. More cuteness around here!"
"Iago," Jasmine eyed him sternly. "Zaida needs us. She doesn't have anyone else."
Iago sighed. A few minutes later, he flew off to get ready for the day trip.
After breakfast was over, Jasmine went to get ready with Zaida following her. Getting to the room, Jasmine dressed quickly before joining Zaida. The child was gazing at a box of old toys of Jasmine's from when the princess was little.
"Do you like that one?" Jasmine asked. She picked up a plush teddy bear. "Do you wanna see it?
Zaida nodded. She reached her hand out and touched the soft fur of the animal. She smiled.
"Would you like to keep her?" Jasmine offered.
Zaida frowned.
"You can if you like," Jasmine assured her.
Zaida slowly took the bear from Jasmine and pulled it close to her chest.
"There you go. What about this one?" she pointed to a toy lute. "It makes music."
Zaida took her free hand and touched the toy gently.
"Do you wanna try it?"
Zaida thought about this before shaking her head.
"Okay, what about this?" Jasmine picked up a xylophone.
Zaida shook her head again.
"Do you want me to read you a story?" Jasmine offered.
Zaida nodded. She came over and made herself comfortable in Jasmine's lap. She snuggled in, making Jasmine's heart melt.
****
A little while later, the gang was flying on Carpet towards Thundra's rainforest. They arrived a little while later. Thundra was happy to see them. "Hola mi amigas!" she greeted. She smiled when she saw Zaida. "Who's this laninia?"
"Her name is Zaida," Jasmine introduced. "Zaida, honey, this is Thundra. She's a good friend of ours."
Zaida smiled at her and waved. "She's a little shy," Jasmine explained.
"A little shy?" Iago muttered.
Jasmine shot him a look and he shut up.
"Well," Aladdin said, turning to the little girl, "now that we're here, is there anything special you wanna do?"
Zaida glanced up at Aladdin with a frown on her face. She shrugged before her eyes locked with Jasmine's for help.
"Do you wanna go for a swim?" Jasmine tried. "Do you know how to swim?"
Zaida shook her head.
"Okay. Or we could have a picnic," Jasmine suggested.
"Food sounds good right about now!" Iago declared.
Zaida giggled at him.
"Do you wanna play hide and seek?" Genie asked. He changed into a kid-sized version of himself and added, "Please? Please? It's fun!"
Jasmine laughed this time. "Oh Genie!
Thundra joined in the laughter.
"How about a game of tag?" Genie the kid suggested.
Zaida shook her head.
"I don't know if she knows how to play," Jasmine guessed.
Genie turned back into his normal self and snapped his fingers as an assortment of games appeared before them.
"Let's see, we have Bingo, parcizi, scrabble, monopoly…"
"Genie," Jasmine said as she saw Zaida's eyes fill with tears, "I think all these suggestions are overwhelming her." With that, she turned her attention to Zaida, who had silent tears streaming down her face. She was about to comfort her when she saw Aladdin had beat her to it.
"Hey, hey, it's okay." He knelt down in front of the little girl and gently wiped her tears away with his fingers. "How about we show you around Thundra's forest?"
Zaida smiled in agreement. She reached up and took Aladdin's hand in hers.
Jasmine smiled proudly at Aladdin.
Once the tour was over, the group rested by a waterfall with Zaida curled in Jasmine's lap. The princess was reading her a book they had brought from the palace while the others just talked amongst themselves.
Once the story was finished, Genie zapped up sandwiches, and the group had a picnic which included some of the fruit from Thundra's forest. Afterwards, Zaida looked tired, so Jasmine rocked her a little.
Thundra smiled at the sight.
"Zaida loves Jasmine, si?"
Aladdin nodded.
"I think it's mutual," he smiled at both of them.
*****
A few hours later the gang was flying back home on Carpet. Zaida was wide awake listening to Jasmine and Aladdin talk while holding onto her teddy bear. Iago was perched on Jasmine's shoulder.
"Did we have to leave so soon?" he whined. "Thundra and I had plans!"
"Nobody said you had to come with us," Aladdin informed him. You could have stayed longer. You know the way home."
"I think you came to make sure Zaida was okay," Genie guessed, a smirk on his face.
"What are you talking' about?!" Iago yelled.
Zaida jumped in Jasmine's lap.
"Iago!" Jasmine hissed. "You scared her."
"It doesn't matter to me what's goin' on in that kid's head!" Iago declared.
"I know that's not true," Jasmine said as she drew calming circles on the little girl's back.
"Think what you want, princess," Iago muttered.
When they got home, Iago flew off to check out a hidden room in the palace while Jasmine took Zaida into the library so she could read her another story. Little did they know they were being watched…