You are dying.
The voice curled in his mind, infiltrating all corners, taking joy at the pain slicing through his body. Like a fog it encircled his pain receptors, tweaking them for more abuse. You are dying my love my whore. And then…oh then…
You are dying too Diriel. Mozenrath whispered in his head. He knew it was true. The connection that bound them, the spell he had made such a horrible mistake in attempting, was wearing thin. Even through the haze of pain and death he could feel the pull withering away. His body, used for so long as a receptacle of need, began to come back to him. He hadn't realized how heavy the weight of slavery until he was no longer burdened by it.
Aladdin held him close, his hands closed over the massive gaping injury. The blood. Dear Allah how could the human body hold so much? He applied pressure, trying so hard to make it stop. Mozenrath whimpered and twisted. Aladdin gasped and held him steady. It's all my fault. His guilt ridden consciousness blamed him for the full extent of events befallen.
Everything.
From the very first time Mozenrath had crossed his path, he had mocked him. He had defeated him and sewn a seed of hatred and revenge so deep the man had been willing to summon demons. Just to destroy him. Just to regain his lost pride. That there was nothing he could do or could have done to change it didn't register. The man he loved was dying in his arms. The lily white skin grew to the pale of sun bleached bones. His obsidian black hair caressed Aladdin's skin in waves of silken softness. His eyes, those perfect pearl gray orbs looked up at him blankly.
The man he loved.
I die. Diriel's voice chuckled. Death is a condition limited to humans. I leave Mozenrath. I do not die. The claws of the beast, no longer physical clung to him angrily. But Oh my love my whore I will drag you with me. I have brought countless others to my lair in the depths where I sleep. I will take you to. It is easy, for not only is your soul bound to me but to the cold fires of my homeland. The claws dug into his hips, penetrating his flesh.
He felt lost. They had come so close. He had fought so hard. It was funny, ironic even, to see now how everything was turning out. Mozenrath. Wizard of the Black Sands, Ruler of the Citadel. He smirked through the pain in his soul. Diriel was dragging him down, the air around his body grew cold and clammy. I thought I was such hot shit. He smiled sadly. I could laugh. I really could if I didn't think it would hurt.
Aladdin saw the faint smile cross the blood streaked lips. "Moze?" he said softly and stroked back his hair. Carpet was moving at breakneck speed across the deserts. The oceans was miles away by now and the flew over the dunes. They wouldn't make it in time. It was a mantra that scabbed over his lips right now. He always though, that if you think the worst will happen, the best will come about just to prove you wrong. It was with that idea in mind that Aladdin mentally prepared himself for the very worst.
Jasmine stood at the balcony, her eyes turned westward, watching, desperately watching as she caressed her stomach. He'd been gone so long.
Mozenrath felt Diriel pull him deeper down. It was no long his body that felt heavy, but his soul. The sensation of dirty, filthy clouded his thoughts when the daemon pulled him closer.
That's it whore. Come willingly. I can show you things now. I am limited in your plain. But now… Diriel sighed, his great red eyes glowing fiercely. Oh now I will show you such thing. He was no longer handsome. His face, that strong, human face was by far more bestial now. The strange markings burned into Mozenrath's arm scored and became lit with fire, the patterns searing into his bone. Am I pretty my whore? As pretty as you are? Diriel mocked and his great spiked tail lashed to and fro.
Mozenrath felt no fear grip him. He felt calm, almost groggy. He chuckled, shocking the new form of his master. No wonder you primped so vigorously. With a face like that no one would ever try and summon you! He threw back his head though it pained him and let out a full, forced laugh.
You find breath to mock me? Diriel said and breathed hot steam onto Mozenrath's neck. He smirked, if that wide, fanged mouth could form a smirk. See how long you hold your pride down here. I have brothers you see…lesser know, less summoned than I. And oh how they long for sweet human flesh.
Mozenrath could see figured coming for him through the orange mists. They were crooked and gnarly, their bodies twisted into haunches shapes. He felt his body jerk in resistance, the pressure of this world pulling through his body.
The carpet touched ground at the palace and Aladdin surged forward, holding the young, bleeding wizard in his arms. "Help!' he cried out, his voice hoarse and raw. "Somebody help me!" he screamed though it hurt and ran through the doors. "Please!"
Jasmine was first to his side, ignoring the nursemaids pleas that she return to bed. "Doctors now!" she barked the order in the tone of a woman not to be trifled with. "Aladdin put him down here," she said and led them to her room, helping him lay the naked, bleeding sorcerer down on her couch.
Not so unfamiliar a scene. She though grimly. Only this time it was more seriouse. The gash in his body lay from shoulder to ribs, so deep the blood seemed black. She grabbed towels and shrieked at the maids a second time to go find the damned surgeons! Don't worry Mozenrath. You helped me. Even when I cursed you and wished you dead you helped me. I won't let you die. She resolved firmly and propped up pillows to make him comfortable. Aladdin sat with the young wizards head in his lap, trying to will the body into healing.
A pang went through Jasmine and she felt guilty for it. That will go away in time. She promised herself and realized that she expected Mozenrath to be with them permanently. A doctor burst through the door with his kit and moved her out of the way, setting about his task.
Mozenrath felt himself being held as if in a dream. He turned, expecting to see Diriel's arms wrapped around him. But the beasts face was gone, two strong, tanned arms touching his face serenely.
A face began to form, concerned, fearful and open. Dark eyes that bore into his like perfect spheres of hope. A man's face that would never loose it's youthful glow. Mozenrath knew he was sinking to his knees as Aladdin formed in front of him, stronger than the presence of Diriel and his brothers.
Moze… The form said to him, holding his cheeks kindly. Hold on Moze. We're going to help you. I swear it. Oh Allah Moze I'm so sorry… Tear began to come from Aladdin's eyes, streaking down the sides of his face, turning his earnest features into a terrible mask of desperation. Please…please… He bowed his head to Mozenrath's and let his tears fall across the man's eyelids.
Please…
A ragged laughter and Diriel moved closer to him. See how your lover begs you? Diriel laughed in pure sadistic nature. And what did you ever give to him Mozenrath? Did Aladdin ever taste your lips, or wrap his arms around your body? Did he ever bring you to bed and penetrate you with his manhood? He tsked and shook his great head. You are truly an ungrateful bitch, to see a man so completely in love with you and give nothing in return.
Mozenrath ignored him, his gray eyes fixed on the image. He was aware of his body being messed with. The gape on him caused by the sword was being painfully cleaned out and his skin being tended to as best as could be. He was not dead yet. Was he? With a sudden, brazen movement Mozenrath moved toward Diriel. Where are we? He demanded loudly. Diriel froze, his massive eyes narrowing suspiciously. You said you were dragging me to your home, why have you stopped? Where are we my master? It was Mozenrath's turn to mock now. He felt strange, unsure, but a sneaking suspicion was crawling through his mind.
He turned and moved closer to the vision of Aladdin, hovering over him, trying so hard to protect him. Diriel gasped and Mozenrath grinned. He was right. You can't have me. He said confidently. You've dragged me as far as you can and are stalling for time. There was no doubt in his soul. As Mozenrath moved closer to Aladdin, the other figures of Diriel's fellows pulled back, almost afraid.
So what? Diriel snarled. You are dying Mozenrath, and your soul is mine. That filthy street rat bastard can only protect you as long your you breath. But when your heart slows you will be mine! He surged forward, claws outstretched and bulking body straining for him.
As if on cue Aladdin's soul reached out for Mozenrath's and embraced him, pulling him in close. Diriel was thrown back by the sheer power that emanated from their being. No! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! He roared as Mozenrath grasped hold of the strong, hard shoulder, his body lighter than air. He is mine! Mine! I will have him!
No.
A voice. Powerful, immanent. Not angry or rageful, but confident. As if the word it spoke was nothing less than absolute truth. Mozenrath looked up at Aladdin's face, but the lips did not open. Only his eyes seemed to speak.
No. Said the voice, and Mozenrath felt himself begin to rise.
Aladdin took Mozenrath in his arms and felt the chest begin to rise and fall more reassuring than before. The doctor pulled back, his brow covered in sweat and his cloths bloody. "I've done all I know how."He assured them and began cleaning up. "If he makes it through the night you may yet hold out hope." He left quietly and quickly. If the doctor had any opinions of this odd scene, A Sultan holding the body of his dying nemesis while his wife did her best to clean the pale body, he kept them to himself.