Aladdin woke slowly and painfully, his head pounding from where he had been blindsided by the sword hilt. Probably not helped by the way he was flung over the side of what was most likely a horse, his head bouncing off of whatever was in the saddle bag. He was conscious for all of the time it took to notice his discomfort before he was swallowed once again by the blackness.
He came to once again after what must have been at least an hour long 'ride.' He could barely make out the shape of a tiger head rising from the sand and glaring at those who dared disturb that sand cat's slumber. He succumbed to the blackness as he dismissed the cat as a hallucination caused by some bad food and a headache.
He woke again to the sound of a terrible roar and the sensation of leaving his stomach behind has he plummeted into the darkness that was this cavern. He wanted to scream but in the end all he could do was groan as his bruised and sore body crashed into the wall and he cursed the fact he could not seem to stay conscious anymore even as he welcomed the pain-free oblivion that awaited him.
ooooo
Aladdin awoke to the strangest sensation of floating on air. He tried to sit up, roll over, something but in the end he just managed a groan which resulted in him tumbling to the ground in a mass of tangled limbs even as he slid into the nearest wall.
"He…this is horrifying carpet. I don't even know how he managed to rub the lamp in the condition he's in."
The prince fought desperately for his eyes to open against the bright light in… a cave? Why is there so much light where no sun could possibly shine?
"Hello?"
His voice was rough and he would have been surprised if the owner of the other voice could even hear him, much less understand him. What he wouldn't give to be able to function again, this was ridiculous.
"I wish- well no point in wishing is there?"
"I wouldn't say that…"
The voice carried an amused tone now and Aladdin forced himself to track down where exactly this voice was coming from. His eyes watered against the sudden onslaught but he forced himself to blink them clear and focus on the blue clad figure in front of him. Which is when he found himself facing one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. She was wearing a half scarf over her face in the palest of blues. Her hair fell long and thick down her back, he assumed it had to be tied back somehow or it would have cascaded around her entire body.
Her top was simple, well considering it was the same thing one of his father's lowest consorts could have worn. So it was still pretty outside of Sadira's range, but he would pay for her to have one just like it.
Her stomach was bare but just below her waist the tanned skin disappeared into the soft blue wisp which she seemed to fly on inches above the floor. He rubbed at his eyes and heard the gentlest of laughter fall from the…girl's lips.
"How? What? Where?" He shook his head and groaned at the sudden movement before deciding to go with the most important question, "What happened to me?"
The girl shrugged, "Two men threw you down here. One of them was destroyed by the guardian. The other ran off with a tall man in all black."
"Okay… where is here?"
"The Cave of Wonders. If you weren't here on such horrid terms you might have seen beautiful gems and coins of more wealth than you can imagine."
When she took a second to flit up to the top of the cavern before coming back to settle (now with two legs) a foot off the ground, he decided he needed an answer.
"What- I mean who are you?"
The girl smiled at him coming to a full standing position before giving a slight bow- "Jasmine the genie at your service. Your wish is my command, limited to three wishes, no more, no less, and may not be anything concerning death or love as they are finicky concepts and tend to result in the loss of heads and if I have to explain one more time why my head will not come off I do believe I will go insane."
Aladdin rubbed the side of his face absently, "I think it's too late for that."
The girl in blue huffed before narrowing her eyes at him, "I am not deaf. Nor do I believe that your tone is very appropriate. As such I do believe I shall leave you here in your misery."
Nodding once to herself before running gentle fingers along the tassels of the rug, that Aladdin just realized was standing next to her, the girl curled into herself and the resulting blue wisp disappeared into the lamp he held in his hands. Jumping to his feet Aladdin dropped the lamp and stared at it a long moment before realizing the black around his eyes was not his imagination.
Shaking his head he decided that there were bigger fish to fry and he took in the tall, practically seamless walls and rolled his shoulders back. Interlacing his fingers he felt his knuckles pop and with a crack of his neck he began the journey up and out of the cave.
….
Eventually Aladdin collapsed on the floor of the cave in an exhausted, sweaty heap. He had made it almost three whole feet off the ground last time. He'd hoped for a much more productive day, but with nothing to eat, nothing to drink, and a horribly bruised and broken body, the prince of Agrabah wanted nothing more than to go into a corner and hide.
So with a sigh, he did exactly that.
Jasmine floated out of her lamp with a sigh and shook her head at the sight of the young man lying on the floor. He was in miserable shape and obviously questioning his sanity, not that Jasmine could really blame him but the child really did need to know how to take a bit on faith.
At that moment the child rolled over and groaned as he rested on his bruised ribs. The poor thing was likely in agony with all of those injuries. She did wonder who he was and why those men would throw him into an inescapable pit that they likely believed he would die in.
She turned to the carpet that had been observing the boy's antics all day and just now rose to hover beside her. She chewed her lip as she debated her options.
"You know, he seems skeptical about the whole genie and wishes thing. Perhaps I could give a demonstration of sorts?"
The carpet gave her a look of obvious surprise.
"Okay so it might be breaking a few rules, but desperate times and all that. I have an image to upkeep and none of my masters or mistresses have ever left me without receiving all three of their wishes."
Carpet rose and fell in an obvious sigh of resignation before lifting one tasseled corner in a move of reluctant concession to her plan. With a grin Jasmine lifted the boy onto the carpet before settling behind him and letting the carpet race towards the solid ceiling before the trio vanished in a blink.
…
Aladdin woke up in a beautiful oasis in the middle of nowhere. A far contradiction from the shadowed, mildew ridden cave he remembered passing out in.
"I broke a lot of rules getting you out of there. I hope you know that."
Aladdin startled and nearly fell back over as he turned to search for the owner of the voice.
"Jasmine?" He was shocked to see the woman from his dream standing in front of him.
"Oh good you do remember."
"I had the strangest dream that we were stuck in a cave, and you were flying."
"Oh for the sake of Allah! I am a genie and you have three wishes."
Aladdin was silent for a long moment, "I'm supposed to believe that?"
Jasmine frowned, "Anything you want you can have: gold," with a nod of her head a giant pile of gold appeared below Aladdin lifting him high into the air-
"Jewels," he slid down the pile alongside a hundred gems all bigger than his fist-
"Dancing women, if you're that chauvinistic." She raised her hands above her head as a line of women appeared and held the man to his feet.
Aladdin seemed dazed but still skeptical so Jasmine began just flicking her hands, "Fireworks from China. All the silk you desire without the road. Mirrors, food, servants, a castle, a dragon, anything!"
As she spoke the words seemed to shape items that then appeared around their little oasis. Aladdin went to reach for a piece of fruit but just as he lifted it to his mouth everything dissolved, "Anything you wish for."
Aladdin shook his head, "I don't…how?"
"Magic!" With a smirk Jasmine flared her fingers leaving glittering residue in their wake.
Aladdin turned his eyes on her in a grin.
The genie rolled her eyes, and her body seemed to follow until she hung upside down, still cross-legged, above the man.
"So what'll it be? Riches? Fame? A bigger house?"
Aladdin snorted, "I'm good as far as those go. I'm pretty sure those kinds of things are overrated."
Jasmine slowly descended, turning until she was once again upright and standing before her so-called 'Master'.
"You're different, I feel as though you're not who you appear to be. Who are you?"
Aladdin's smile grew, "My name is Aladdin. I am the crowned prince of Agrabah."
Jasmine nodded, "Well that's a new one on me. Two questions then, what did you do to get thrown into the Cave of Wonders by a palace guard? And what is your heart's desire then if not riches?"
"I tried to be Sultan. And… well there's this girl you see and…"
"Nope. Nope. Not gonna happen. I already told you I cannot make anyone fall in love. Or out of love for that matter. It's impossible or at least beyond my abilities."
Aladdin shrugged, "She won't fall in love with me anyway. As soon as she finds out I'm the crown prince, or was anyway, she'll leave me in the dust. She still thinks I'm this horrid spoilt child."
"So then you just need to change that. I'm sure anyone would love to be a princess, you just have to phrase it right."
"No its… she's right. I've been told my inheritance is conditional upon my marrying this princess. And let me tell you- she is a horrid spoilt, insufferable being. But until I do I am to be dethroned as Sultan upon my eighteenth birthday in less than two weeks."
"Okay, well does it say you have to be married to her? And what if she says no to you? Or if she's already married?"
He pursed his lips, "No. It's all or nothing at least the way I understand it."
They sat in silence for a few moments. Jasmine watching with amusement as the boy strode around the oasis kicking at the dirt and muttering to himself. To her the answer was simple. They had to get the royal vizier out of the picture. From what she was understanding the guard had likely been bribed by the other man.
Aladdin just ended up slamming his head against the trunk of the nearest tree.
"If only my mother had never died…If only father was still here…I shouldn't have to deal with this yet…"
Suddenly he stood up straight, "Can you make it so we can go back in time?"
Jasmine shrugged, "It's not listed as a restriction. There's only one way to find out."
"Then I make my first wish, I wish to go back in time to when both my parents were alive and well at the palace."
Jasmine nodded, "As you wish."
And in a swirling vortex they were torn back through time everything swirling around them in a mass of color and sound that Aladdin had to fight to ignore. Just as suddenly they stopped and Aladdin turned a horrid shade of green before running to the nearest bush and dry heaving repeatedly.
"You're here now. We have only a few hours, maybe a day before we'll be sent back to your time. For time cannot exist with two of one being in the same moment longer than that."
Aladdin nodded, "I understand. Let's go find my father then."
They strode through the doors, uninterrupted by the guards. Eventually they stood in front of his father's throne. The man himself seemingly surprised to see the teen.
"My boy? I had thought you were out riding this afternoon."
Aladdin barely hid a wince as he heard the lie he had commonly told his father on days he snuck out to the market, "I did father, it is a rather enjoyable day after all, I may return to my ride following our conversation. I had a thought I wished to discuss with you."
The Sultan nodded, "Very well, talk quickly boy for I have a meeting planned with Jafar before the hour is up."
"Yes Father. I was wondering, I do know it is tradition for our family to marry by their eighteenth birthday, I was hoping that you might be willing to help me decide who would be appropriate."
A brief laugh was his only response, "It's only tradition because our men always meet their first young. It matters not how long you wait. I am still young as is my first. There is no need to rush my boy. Even if there was, I am certain you would be able to choose exceedingly well. Follow your heart, boy."
Aladdin frowned, "So my marriage would not be a condition for my taking the role of Sultan?"
The Sultan frowned in return, "I am not leaving this throne for a good time yet, my boy. However if in the distant future you were still unmarried you would be encouraged to take your first prior to then but no it would not be a requirement as you say. It's not as though we have anyone else to hand the kingdom to at the moment. And if there were to be another child they would be far too young for that."
The boy seemed to think of this, "So you wouldn't mind if I married someone from the kingdom?"
"Where do you think your mother is from, boy? Your first should be of noble blood, but after that you are free to choose. Now if we are done with our chat about a future a long ways off, I must have my meeting with the vizier."
Aladdin shook off the fog of thoughts that suddenly overwhelmed him, "Yes father, thank you for your counsel."
"Enjoy your ride, my boy."
...
Aladdin shook his head as they walked further into the palace. Jasmine could not keep quiet any longer.
"He was telling the truth, I can see falsehoods as plain as day. Did you not say you were to marry this princess before you could assume the role of Sultan?"
"That's what father's will said. I needed to marry the princess by my eighteenth birthday or the kingdom would fall into the hands of Jafar."
Jasmine gave an interested hum in response but Aladdin was already rushing through the halls. Clearly intent on a destination as he reached a section of the castle marked by a piece of sheer silk.
With a gentle voice he called out to one of the woman sitting in the chamber just beyond the doorway, "Do you know where my mother is?"
"Her personal chambers, she was not feeling well I believe."
"Thank you, Jordyn."
"Of course, Aladdin."
The prince gave a slight bow before making his way to the chambers located just down the hall. He rapped lightly on the door with the back of his hand.
"Mother?"
"Come in, Aladdin."
The door was opened slowly and they slipped inside quietly, "I heard you weren't feeling well, are you alright?"
"I'm fine, dear. No reason to cut your ride short, just a slight headache."
Aladdin took a step inside and nodded slightly a little overwhelmed at the sight of his mother lying there. He hadn't seen her in nearly four years now and it was a little overwhelming to see her laying against her countless pillows in a room that had been closed off since the day she passed lying in that very spot.
Her hair was still long and thick falling in a thick rope long past her waist and even with wisps escaping her and there the bottom of the braid was still thicker than his wrist. Her eyes were green, sometimes anyway. The color was so light that in certain lights it disappeared leaving grey in its place. A rare color in their world and adored by everyone who came to trade or converse with his father.
"What is inside that head of yours, Aladdin?"
He gave a slight laugh, "Nothing, mother, just distracted. I was talking to father about taking my first, getting married. I wasn't sure when you both wanted to me to.
She shook her head, "You don't have to. Not anytime soon. Granted the populace will expect an heir eventually, but you likely have a few years even after your ascension."
Aladdin started chewing on his lip, if he had picked this evening out correctly he'd spotted Sadira just a few weeks ago. He might have already started hinting at this but he was going to do something he'd never dared in the past.
"If…if I wanted a girl from the kingdom, wanted her to be my first that is, wouldn't that be good for the people?"
His mother smiled, "Your father will tell you that she needs to be of noble blood. Especially as your first. However, he'll forget to mention that I was adopted into a noble family about three days before your father asked me."
"Truly?"
A single nod, "I have it in good confidence that his father is the one who pushed for the adoption, should your father take offense to it he can likely do the same."
"And you wouldn't mind?"
"Not a bit? What's all this coming from? Did you have someone in mind?"
He shook his head, "Just curious, mother. I haven't really talked to anyone."
She nodded, but Aladdin could see the smile in her eyes as she connected dots that Aladdin had left for her. At least she'll be certain that Aladdin is okay. He was pretty sure this was right before she got sick for the last time. He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek, gave her hand a squeeze.
"I love you, mother. I always have you're wonderful and beautiful and I've never said it enough."
"Are you okay, dear?"
"I will be, just… I really do love you."
"I love you too, dear. I'll see you for dinner tonight."
He nodded with a smile and made himself leave the room before he burst into tears in a very un-prince-like fashion. He honestly hadn't expected that. The last time he had seen his mother she was so pale she could have been lost in the desert sands, her skin was loose and falling around a frail, sickly frame. To see her reclining with a fresh smile and warm eyes of his childhood it…
"Are you alright?"
Aladdin startled, completely forgetting that Jasmine was there. He quickly rolled his shoulders back and nodded.
"Let's go see what Jafar is telling my father."
He could feel Jasmine's eyes on him as he pushed on and wound his way back through the familiar halls and back to the throne room. Jasmine allowed herself to grow solid. Soon she stood on the same floor as Aladdin and caught curious glances when the others noticed her following their prince.
She smiled slightly and then tried to shake the memory of Aladdin's careful fingers and soft smile as he talked to his mother.
A long time coming and my biggest apologies to ObeliskX for this horridly long wait. I hope you enjoyed Chapter 2!
