This was another idea for a story that just popped into my head at random for the Aladdin franchise. This one is not as dark as the Poison Mystic story, but it's still intense in points like my usual stories turn out.
Story Summary - The Sultan reveals that too much of the budget in Agrabah is spent in damages to the city during rescue attempts. He regrets having to pull the budget to other important matters in the city, so that from now on - Agrabah citizens will have to wait longer for recovery. Aladdin and Genie are upset by this news, so much that Aladdin ends up getting into an argument with Jasmine about collateral damage.
Aladdin comes up with the idea of starting his own business in Agrabah as a "hero for hire", using all of his earnings to donate to repair any damages within the city. Since there are more than enough people who need help and can afford to pay, they're happy for Aladdin's efforts. He becomes a bit of a "Robin Hood". However, this attracts attention in the wrong way on two notes. Jasmine thinks Aladdin's profiting on his own accord, and the other, an independent group called the U-serpents, composed of snakeheaded travelers who cause damage to cities for profit, realize that Aladdin's business is affecting theirs. They are willing to do whatever it takes to bring Aladdin's efforts down, even if it means making him one of them!
Usual disclaimer - Characters in Disney's Aladdin are copyrighted to their respective creators/copyright holders. I just wanted to tell a fun, exciting, alternative story.
"Oh my word, this is completely and utterly ridiculous." The Sultan held out one of his long scrolls, studying it as he sat upon his throne.
"What's wrong, Sultan?" Aladdin raised a brow as he sat at a makeshift meeting table, one that Genie conjured up for an official meeting with the royal panelists later that day. Aladdin and Jasmine both sat beside each other, watching Genie use his magic to decide how best to decorate for the occasion. Abu and Iago chose to be as far away as they could, since Abu wanted to sleep and Iago really didn't like being in "boring meetings."
"I do say the expenses of the upkeep of Agrabah are climbing up more and more each week. Oh, it troubles me because I know the panel will bring this up at the meeting today."
"Let me take a look." Genie appeared beside the Sultan, and having transformed into something of a businessman, used a spectacle to glance over the list.
"Hmm, let's see here - food expenses are decent, trading seems good, a little up on the rodent control expense, but not so bad...AHA!"
"What is it, Genie?" Jasmine asked.
"I've got it. Building repair and business damages. That's what's making the costs go up, up, up and profits go down, down, down."
Aladdin shook his head. "That doesn't make any sense. It's not like the buildings in Agrabah are about to topple over at any time. The builders here are good at what they do."
"That they are, my boy, but that's not the problem." The Sultan said. "You see, I'm afraid that it's the continuing need for using those builders, and that the damages might, shall we say, be caused by secondary sources."
"Meaning?"
"In other words, everytime someone or something comes into the city and takes a chunk out of the block, Agrabah's government has to pay for it." Genie explained.
"So, why not just have more money cover it? I mean, the palace has to have more than enough."
"Aladdin, it's not that simple." Jasmine said in a firm tone. "A lot of it has to do with Agrabah's government so we can focus on other things that are needed in the city. Trading and relating with other cities is another thing we have to conserve for."
"Indeed, Jasmine's right. Not to mention it would cause quite the fuss among the panel, it's quite a political matter. I'm afraid that we may have to consider allowing the citizens of Agrabah paying for some of this to compensate."
"What? No way!" Aladdin said, taking to his feet. "It might be fine for the people who can afford it, but what about those who can't afford to eat anything now? I grew up in that kind of life, so I know what it's like. Sultan, that doesn't make any sense."
The Sultan sighed. "I know, my boy. I don't like the idea of it either. But unless we find some measure as to why this is happening or find some way around it, this may very well be what we decide to do. I'll just have to find out at our meeting today."
"Well, I think I might know...Uh oh." Genie's face fell for a moment in consideration, then he dismissed the thought with a wave. "Nah, it's nothing."
"What, Genie?"
"Al, I'd rather not say. Besides it's a ridiculous suggestion."
Aladdin studied Genie's features and could tell straightaway that his big, blue, semi-phenomenal-nearly cosmic powered friend couldn't tell a lie to save his life. Aladdin pulled the edge of Genie's curved beard to make his face level with his. "You're hiding something."
"Not a good time." Genie said in a low voice with a frown. "Besides, I don't think it's particularly painting you in the best light, Al. Rather for the both of us."
"Us?" Aladdin said, his tone surprised, and a little louder than Genie wanted. "What does it have to do with us?"
Jasmine and the Sultan were staring at Genie now as well, and Genie sighed, shaking his head. "Well, I think it might have to do a bit on our playing superhero. We've had a lot of big, bad ugly creatures come around and slap around a few buildings and stands here and there. Days turn to weeks, weeks turn to months - it adds up. Not to mention a few broken ladders, but we figure as long as the city is safe - nothing to worry about. Didn't think about the collateral damage."
"So you're saying that's OUR fault? Genie, that's horrible." Aladdin argued, and Genie winced again with guilt. "If anything, it's whatever creature or sorcerer wants to threaten the city. They should be the ones to pay for it, not the people."
"In a perfect world, my boy, it would be something, but I'm afraid Genie might be right." Sultan said.
"So what are you saying? The city of Agrabah can't afford to pay for the citizens' safety?"
"Aladdin, that's not fair." Jasmine said, her hands folded across her chest. "It would help if some of that collateral damage didn't also come from our end either. So don't paint Father and the government of Agrabah as the culprits in this."
"I didn't say that. But it doesn't help if we're pointing fingers at people who are doing good deeds either. It would make sense that the government could be the ones to help out a lot more."
"But wealth doesn't just come from anywhere. It's a lot of things that you don't understa..." Jasmine stopped midsentence, but Aladdin looked taken aback, and his brows narrowed.
"I get it. You don't think I understand because I didn't live life as a prince at first."
"If you think that, then you really don't understand, Aladdin."
"Fine."
"Fine." Aladdin and Jasmine stormed from the room in opposite directions, while Genie and Sultan stared dumbfounded after them.
"Uh...that didn't go so well, did it?" Genie said, pointing after them.
"I don't believe it did." Sultan sighed deeply. "I'll talk to Jasmine, why don't you talk to Aladdin."
Genie smiled. "Fine by me. But it might be better to let their heads cool off just a teensy bit. Those two are scary when they get mad."