CHAPTER 14: An Old Friend

Alibaba was worried for Aladdin ever since their conversation about the bully Judar. He wished he could talk to Judar's parents, but no one knew them, so it was difficult. He tried focusing on doing his job, but he wanted to do something to help Aladdin.

"Hey, Alibaba! Careful with that!" his boss said as he noticed Alibaba losing his grip from carrying a crate. Alibaba woke up from his thoughts and adjusted his grip tighter on the box.

"Sorry about that, Sir," he apologized.

"Are you alright? You don't seem like yourself today. Are you caching a cold?"

"No, I'm fine. Sorry, Sir. I was just thinking is all."

"Well, be careful. The flu has been going around lately and I wanted to make sure you were doing okay," his boss said. Alibaba smiled.

"I will. Don't worry about me. I never get the flu. I'll be fine."

After work, Alibaba made his way back home. Morgiana said she would pick up Aladdin from school today. Alibaba was sure he heard someone 'pssst'ing him and looked around in confusion. He didn't see anyone, just an empty market street. Yet, he felt as if someone was watching him. He picked up a board and prepared to knock out anyone who could be suspicious.

"Come out and show yourself! Now!" he demanded. A figure came out of a corner and into the torchlight. His hands were raised above his head and he had dark hair. Alibaba raised an eyebrow. This person seemed familiar.

"Kassim?" he asked the stranger. The stranger smiled.

"Long time no see, Alibaba!"

Alibaba smiled and put down the board. He gave Kassim a playful punch.

"You gave me a bit of a scare, don't do that!" he chuckled.

"I heard you were in the city and I thought I'd say hello," Kassim said.

"Tell me everything, Kassim! How did you get here?! Morgiana will be glad to see you! Why don't you have dinner with us?" Alibaba could hardly keep his excitement in at seeing his old friend. Kassim chuckled and scratched his cheek.

"Well, I suppose I can stay for a little while." He wrapped his arm around Alibaba's shoulder and the two made their way to the house.

Morgiana was surprised to see Kassim, but glad too. She and Alibaba had known Kassim since they were kids back in Qushing. However, After Kassim's parents died, he decided to move to Balbad to start his own life and manage to succeed. Aladdin was excited to meet Kassim and wanted to know everything. After a little celebration of friends being back together again, Alibaba told Aladdin that it was time for him to go to bed.

"Aww, can't I stay up just a little while longer?"

"Sorry, Aladdin. But I don't want you falling asleep during school tomorrow," Alibaba said with a shake of his head.

"But," Aladdin began, but Kassim interrupted his excuse.

"Listen to your big brother, Aladdin. He knows best. Besides, you can't learn if you're sleepy."

"Okay," Aladdin said reluctantly.

After Aladdin was put to bed, Kassim had a serious talk with Morgiana and Alibaba.

"You're aware of how things are in this country, right? The economy is in a poor state right now."

"Yes, it gets more and more expensive to purchase supplies than when we've first arrived," Morgiana nodded.

"We may have to leave Balbad," Alibaba said disappointingly. Kassim shook his head.

"Hold on, there may still be a way to stay here and make a living."

"How?" they asked him in union. Kassim looked around as if concerned that someone might hear them, even though they were the only ones in the house. He gestured for them to lean in closer and they did so.

"I hear rumors that the current king of Balbad will unite with the Kou Empire. Not only that, but he'll sell all his citizens to save the economy."

"WHAT?!" Morgiana and Alibaba yelled. Kassim shushed them and looked around again. They were quiet for a minute before Alibaba spoke.

"Have you tried getting an audience with the king to talk about this?"

"We have made at least three attempts already, but he won't listen to the people. There is only one thing that we can do: start a rebellion!"

"But how do you know if these rumors are true or not?" Morgiana asked him. "Surely there is another way?"

"If there was another path, I would take it, but there's not!" Kassim said, slamming his fist down on the table and startling the two. He took a moment to calm down before continuing.

"Please, I was hoping you would help me with this."

Alibaba and Morgiana looked at each other for a minute.

"We will have to think about it, Kassim. If we agree, we'll let you know."

Kassim looked frustrated, but he nodded and stood up from his seat.

"I see. I am planning to strike the palace in three days. Don't keep me waiting too long."

He left the house and Alibaba watched him disappear into the darkness. He closed the door with a sigh. Kassim turned his head back at the house. He hoped his plan would work.