Salaam and Namaste! I'm so sorry for not updating quickly; I had a gazillion exams and assignments in between and that kind of took precedence over this (unfortunately). To make it up to y'all, I've made this chap extra long! I cannot believe this story is nearing its end! It feels like just yesterday, that AATAOT was finishing and I was getting all hyped up to start this story sobs

Oh, and the mythological archetypes that appear in this story, are modified to suit my story, so they may not be the original or stereotypical representation of them.

MASSIVE THANKS TO: my fabulicious beta, rubyinnle, girl, thank you so much, this chapter wouldn't have happened if weren't for you!

What pains me most is letting go of my characters! They've all grown as individuals, and it's been so amazing for me to write them since the last story! Anyway, enough from me, enjoy!

Chapter 37: A Familiar Foe

Agrabah had been unusually quiet. The night sky had settled over the city awfully quickly, after it was still early, Cassim noted. The Captain of the Guards nodded to one of the other guards on duty, before heading back through the palace gates. He was truly tired; He couldn't remember the last time he'd worked so hard, at least, for an honest cause. Yawning, he rubbed the back of his head, his hand slowly making its way to his heavy eyes, momentarily dimming his sight as he walked carefully up the stairway of the palace entrance.

"Cassim!" called out one of the guards at the palace entrance "You're expected in the throne room immediately, the Sultan wants to speak with you," His ears awoke with alertness at the mention of the Sultan. Sleep virtually blanketing him already; he meandered his way into the throne room.

"Ah Cassim!" came the Sultan's cheery voice "Come, come sit!"

Cassim ignored the tiredness beckoning him, and sat down at the low table where the Sultan was. "Your highness," he said respectfully.

"Now, no more of this, you will join me for dinner, off duty, as family…today!" The Sultan replied insistently.

"But what about your dinner with the Indian Royals?" asked Cassim.

"They are rather exhausted after today's work, and have retired to bed early; besides, I thought it might be nice that we spend some time together,"

Cassim nodded in return, too tired to speak. The Sultan called for the servants, who marched out with many delectable dishes in large golden platters. Each mouthwatering morsel of meat that was presented seemed too good to lay eyes upon, as though it would disappear in a second. The feast was more than enough for the two men, taking up most of the table. "Help yourself!" The Sultan told Cassim happily, once the platters had been put down. For a few moments, neither man said anything, both delving hungrily into the array of foods at the table.

"So," piped up Cassim, sipping his steaming coffee "Was there anything you wanted to talk about in particular, Your Highness?"

"Now, no more 'Your Highness," answered the Sultan "But since you did bring it up, yes, there is something I'd like to talk about, firstly the children,"

"Ah yes, what about them?" Cassim asked curiously.

"Well, they do seem rather distant, don't they? Rather wrapped up into their own lives, too busy for a couple of old men like you and me, actually just me, you're not that old!" The Sultan chuckled good-naturedly. Cassim laughed with him, but in truth, he himself had been wondering where his kids were, surely the palace wasn't that big.

"I'm sure they've just been busy with their own lives," Cassim offered "Young and restless and all that! I imagine Tali's been somewhat bored though, after all Aladdin and Jasmine would be busy, what, with Jasmine's orphanage plans and Aladdin's work on the council, she'd probably have no one to be with when they're all working,"

He was momentarily surprised at how easy was it was to talk about his kids. They were a part of his life that had been missing for so long; it felt strange to think that they had only reunited a few months earlier.. Both men conversed interestedly for a long time, their children the most frequent topic. After awhile, their conversation paused on one of those reflective moments in between topics, which happen so often in fervent discussions.

"Cassim," the Sultan spoke up tentatively "There's one more thing I meant to ask you, now don't take this the wrong way but…Why had Rasoul claimed that you kissed a gypsy while working? It's no secret he wanted to be rid of you, but he has his limits, I know that,"

Visions of a beckoning Nadira suddenly ran through Cassim's head, their brief moments of conversation before she disappeared from his life, rang clearly in his mind.

"But…how? You—this…look, I can't ever see you again," he'd said "Ever, so it would be best for both of us if you leave,"

"How do you know it'd be best for both of us?" she'd tempted. Her dark eyes had been shining with challenging light. One that made most men want to reply, but in a way that required no words. It was something he turned down when he walked away after that very conversation. "I realise Rasoul can be…stubborn sometimes, but he really is loyal to this family, and I do value his opinion, even he doubts that. It's like I've said many times, I'm an excellent judge of character, it's one thing I pride myself on, and I do believe that Rasoul has some integrity…"

Cassim tuned out while the Sultan continued talking. It was annoying how she sometimes came into his thoughts, not willingly, that was certain. He never just started thinking of her; something always prompted him before he remembered. He realised that just because he'd walked away from her didn't mean she'd totally disappear from his thoughts immediately, if at all.

"Uh, Hamed," Cassim began after the Sultan had slowed in his rambling "You are right, it is no secret that Rasoul was, uh, less than pleased, that I have this job, but even I don't think he'd go that far to make up stories about me,"

The Sultan cocked an eyebrow "Oh? Then it's true?" Cassim exhaled heavily "I believe that day, he'd been feeling a bit spiteful, and maybe as a one time thing he'd done it…but as a person I don't think he would,"

The Sultan appeared momentarily suspicious to his answer, before changing the topic cheerily, much to Cassim's relief. Both men were unaware, however, of Rasoul hiding behind a large pillar, listening intently. Foolishly, Rasoul made the mistake of revealing his hiding spot by storming up to them angrily.

"Calm yourself, Rasoul!" the Sultan ordered "What is going on?"

"Your Highness, Cassim has been feeding you nothing but lies, he did kiss some gypsy outside the palace and he's lying about it to you now! Would you rather believe the word of a dishonest criminal or the word of your loyal guard who has served you for more than two decades?" Rasoul barked.

"That is enough!" burst the Sultan "I no longer care about this gypsy story, stop holding on to it like a petty child, Rasoul! From now on, you two will work together, entirely."

The Sultan snatched the hand cuffs from Cassim's belt and clipped one on to Cassim and the other on to Rasoul, while tucking the key safely into his pocket. The same look of protest appeared on both guards' faces. "Now, neither of you will sleep, until you've reconciled! I cannot entrust the safety of my family and my kingdom into you both until you can co-operate! That means you Rasoul! Now, This is not something I'd ordinarily do, but…" his voice rising slightly on the 'but'.

"Now go," continued the Sultan "Head out front and guard, like you've never guarded before, but together,"

Cassim and Rasoul headed off. Rather, Rasoul dragged Cassim behind him as he strode forward furiously. The sultan watched on in amusement. "They will come around," he said to himself with a satisfied smile "after all; I am an, excellent judge of character…now they just need to fix their own!"

The colour of the sky had mysteriously changed. No longer those deep shades of amethyst that had taunted us while we fearfully walked above those violent waters, it was now an inviting cerulean. The Isle of Secrets definitely was a strange place, after all, the sky changed colour whenever it pleased, and things would disappear and appear faster than a blink of an eye. "Nadira, are you ready?" a voice interrupted my thoughts. My gaze jumped from the sky, to the eyes of person who'd spoken my name.

"Sorry, did you say something?" I asked Ishaq, who looked at me with a smile that would make any girl melt on the spot. I felt my insides flutter madly as he walked towards me. Allowing myself to get caught up like this is just plain foolish, especially when I know he's got some his eyes on some other girl, oh well.

"I was just asking if you're ready to start heading through the jungle, because I think Sharif headed off without waiting," he explained, unaware of my instantly racing heart. It didn't matter how many times I told myself to forget about him, I lost the battle against myself the same number of times and more, falling a little further each time.

"He headed off without waiting? Well, he was pretty fired up after that little tension filled gathering," I conceded, as we began walking through the warm jungle.

Ishaq laughed "Yeah, that's true, plus I think he just wants to come out the other side and prove Aladdin wrong,"

I nodded. We continued to walk through the jungle, ducking vines and stepping over plants and things wherever necessary. It was scorching in there, and the further we went the hotter it became. Thus far, nothing seemed incredibly out of the ordinary, the jungle was actually quite calming, except for the heat. As we walked, I found myself staring at the side of his head. There was something so deliciously masculine and attractive about him, his defined features, his wavy black hair, but most of all, his eyes. Every time those dark eyes turn my way, it feels like he can see straight through me, straight into my soul. It feels… disarming, and wonderful at the same time, if that makes sense.

"You ok?" came his voice. Judging from his expression, he definitely knew I'd been looking at him. "

Yeah, I'm fine, no reason not to be," I answered rather quickly.

He gave me an amused smile "Ok then…" his voice trailing skeptically. The silence after that was reasonably awkward; at least, it was for me.

Suddenly, I felt a vibration underneath my feet. It was only soft, almost like a hum, but it was definitely there. "Do you feel something? Like, a weird vibration?" I questioned him.

"Huh? Um, no, nothing," he replied, truly puzzled.

"Are you sure? Because I definitely feel something," I told him. The vibration continued, in fact I think it became stronger. It was really starting to make me nervous; the soft hum was virtually turning into a tremor.

"Ok, yeah, I feel it now," Ishaq spoke up. Before we could say another word, the trees around us disappeared, spreading far off into the distance, forming a circular clearing around us. Instantly, I felt a twang of nervousness pluck at my insides. Then I remembered that my stupid brother went ahead of us, I mean, what sort of logic is that? We can't afford to be separated right now!

This time the ground was really shuddering; it was entirely visible and caught me off balance, forcing me to the ground. How many times had I fallen in his presence? He, being the wonderful guy he is, helped me up. I didn't exactly need the help, but I wanted it!

"Thanks," I said gratefully, drowning my gaze in his irises "It's all so weird, I mean, this place completely freaks me out,"

He nodded in agreement "I know, and we're not even halfway to wherever we're going," he said. I nodded slightly, my focus darting from him to what I thought, was something moving towards us in the distance. As it neared us, the vibrations became stronger and louder

. "Come with me!" I shrieked, grabbing his hand and rushing him off to the side. I pulled him close to my body, face to face, so we were completely hidden behind the trees. He was surprised, but I'm pretty sure he didn't object to the position we were in, I know I didn't.

"Um, what is it? Why…this?" he asked. I was fairly sure that in the close proximity that we were, he could probably hear my thumping heart.

"Don't ask, just stay hidden," I replied nervously. We stood like that for a few minutes. I don't think I've ever felt such a heat just standing next to someone. Finally, I moved away and tried to see around one of the trees. I didn't quite realize what I was staring at immediately. Not until it blinked at me.

Aladdin and Jasmine walked in silence. Neither had said a word since they'd separated from the group, an unusual awkwardness settling between them. Jasmine glanced up at the cerulean sky, certain that it was a façade, just a beautiful lie, which would eventually disappear to reveal its ominous truths, after all, this place never seemed sincere in anything it presented. A false sense of serenity surrounded them. Had they no dire purposes for being there, the unreal sense of peace exuded by their surroundings, might have been enough to sway them of their mission.

On one side of them was the lush tropical jungle, and on the other, calm turquoise waters, stretching far beyond the eye could see, meeting with the watchful sky. Jasmine tore her thoughts away from the distracting scenery, and glanced at Aladdin. It was written all over his face. The anguish in his eyes was unmistakable. It dawned on Jasmine, just how much they really knew each other. She could see all the words that he couldn't bring himself to say, written like a map on his face, guiding her to the core of his pain. Having temporarily set aside their anger, the weird distance between them puzzled Jasmine.

"Aladdin?" she said softly. He instantly slowed the determined steps he'd been taking as an outlet for his anger. He turned towards her, his face softening when he saw hers. Whatever she'd been about to say, she forgot, the words sliding back down her throat immediately.

"We'll find her," she whispered "I promise," His gaze dropped to the ground. Jasmine came forward immediately, if she'd been unsure, she no longer was. This was what they were supposed to do, right? Bring the other up when they are down, support them so they're strong? Even be willing to forget stupid arguments, no matter how resentful.

"Hey," she murmured gently, taking his hands "Believe me, we've been through this before, and we can go through it again, together," He seemed grateful, but there was an undeniable glimmer of doubt in his demeanor. It made him seem…vulnerable, which only served to show how strong he always was, and had been for her, when she'd needed him.

"But Jasmine—"

"No buts, just listen to me, we are going to find her, it will all be ok, you'll see," she interjected confidently. He still looked skeptical, but couldn't help smiling back at her. She truly was his everything, without her, the good things in life just wouldn't seem good enough, and those rare moments when you could honestly see into a person's soul, wouldn't even exist for him, if it wasn't for her. She wrapped her arms around him, allowing him to share his fears by embracing her strongly in return.

After a few moments, they partially pulled away, all awkwardness between then had vanished. Jasmine glanced up the sky, aware that it could change easily and present more cruel tricks. She opened her mouth to speak "We should get—"

The rest of her sentence went unheard as a slick tentacle unexpectedly emerged from the water, grabbing Jasmine by her ankles and furiously dragging her down into its depths.

"Jasmine!" Aladdin yelled in alarm. Without hesitation or fear for himself, he dove into the sinister waters.

I froze. "I-Ishaq…" I muttered, my voice quavering. I stayed as still as possible, and tried not to stare directly at what I thought was in front of me, in hopes that it would go away.

"Nadira, what is it?" I heard him say as he headed towards me. I didn't answer, I was too scared to. Finally he reached me "Hey, what's going o—"

I cut him off by placing a finger on his lips. I pointed in front of me. Two enormous onyx circles stared back at us, completely motionless in their gaze. "Nadira," he began in a low voice "Are those…?"

I nodded fearfully. Without thinking, I clutched his hand, lacing my fingers through his. We were both still frozen in fear.

"Maybe if we back away slowly…whatever it is, won't…kill us?" I suggested hopefully, although my pounding heart was suggesting otherwise.

I stared at the eyes. A blind stare, if that makes sense, the kind where one is looking, but avoiding actually seeing. Ishaq tightened his grip on my hand reassuringly, as he gently pulled me backwards. The creature's expressionless gaze was taunting in its unpredictability. I was afraid to cast my eyes away. If I didn't meet its challenging stare, then it would know I was inferior.

Ishaq continued to pull me through the unfamiliar jungle. We weren't far from the creature; I could still see its glistening pupils, darker than a nightfall denied of the moon's radiance. Suddenly, my foot slid, as my abaya managed to get caught underneath it. A patch of soft earth gave way under my legs. I nearly fell, certain I was about to hit the ground, but Ishaq's hold prevented that from happening. He pulled me up from the terribly diagonal position I was in, returning the stability to me legs.

"Thank you," I said softly, once I'd recollected myself.

"Don't mention it," he replied, a smile in his eyes.

Just then, a sound like no other pierced the air. It was like the unchallenged cry of an orphaned baby, and the pure anguish of a diminishing soul. The sound stung, resonating in its own terror, violently stirring my pool of fears. Just by looking at Ishaq, I could tell he felt the same. The sound rang again, further igniting my panic. Frozen in our fear, Ishaq and I stood there, unsure of which way to go, the entire jungle suddenly appearing like a deceptive maze.

Then, my eyes locked with a far away movement. Irises of polished obsidian challenged my stare, whatever it was, snaked along in the distance.

"Ishaq…" I said, my stomach turning on its side.

"Yeah?" he answered in equal alarm.

We had no time. I grabbed his hand and screamed,

"Run!"

Jasmine saw nothing as her numbed body was dragged down into the depths of the deceptive waters. Her vision became blurry and her eyes began to sting. She became accustomed to the wrenching motion of her lungs as they tried to beg for air, their hunger going ignored, only contributing to the dizziness in clouding her senses. The princess' limbs had lost their instinctive urge to fight, as she continued to be dragged down below.
Aladdin could no longer see her. He'd swum as far as his body would allow him, before a strong pain began ringing mercilessly in his ears and his insides ached for breath. The darkness revealed nothing, amplifying his distress. His body willingly swam upwards, succumbing to the involuntary pull of the water, until he reached the shore. As soon as his head emerged, he gasped, swallowing each breath as though it were his last. "Jasmine!" he yelled, his voice faltering without enough breath.

Mustering as much strength as possible, he pulled himself on to the land. As he stood up, his eyes scanned the water, no signs decipherable from its cruel face. The water slowed its movements, like a tired old creature whose taste for fun and games had been momentarily satisfied. It became incredibly still…unbelievably still. A puzzled gleam entered Aladdin's eyes. He lost all train of thought, and all he felt aware of was the racing beat of his heart.

A moment later, the entire atmosphere changed. Mist surrounded everything, gliding delicately over the water, as thought it were admiring its reflection. In the short time he'd been there, Aladdin realized that the island certainly seemed to have a mind of its own, its own wiles and ways of fooling with the unsuspecting minds of its new occupants. Aladdin looked up at the sky. It seemed to stare down at him, pitilessly. Or perhaps he was delusional. The colour was truly mesmerizing, a pale violet, and the kind that made one think of gentle breezes caressing one's skin. However, he thought of no breezes, he thought of nothing but his missing princess.

In that moment, a soothing sound wafted in from beyond the mist, a female voice, both melodic and haunting in her song. The enchanting notes were so evocative, thoughts of soft touches and gentle gazes crossed Aladdin's mind, confusing him as to why they did. The sweet sounds were like a call, like beckoning to willing listeners, sending their trance like sounds as an escape. Aladdin listened, unable to deny the compelling feel he had to do so.

Each melodious note was like a peaceful dream, relished in its existence and missed when it has passed. Deep sleep began to work its magic on Aladdin's eyes. He willfully succumbed, as the alluring voice of the woman continued to sing, more than just a lullaby…

"Well, well, well! Who do we have—!" gasped a vaguely familiar voice. Jasmine couldn't place it. Her eyes were shut and while her body was lying limply along the sea floor, whatever she was heard was definitely a voice she could remember. Wait a minute, if I'm at the bottom of the sea…why aren't I now floating upwards…nothing's holding me down, she wondered. A rush of movement swirled past her cheek, whoever it was, they were hovering right near her.

"Armand, how could this happen twice?!" screeched the angered voice "This can't be true…how could she be here!" Then Jasmine knew. She knew whom the voice belonged to. Unafraid, she opened her eyes, staring into the face of her capturer.

"Saleen," she said bitterly, her vocals suddenly operating fine underwater "I don't believe it,"

Saleen stared at her, her dark ocher eyes gleaming like topaz. Her pallor complexion was almost ghostly white against the flaming colour of her long hair. Iridescent pearls adorned her neck, picking up light with every movement. The bold orange of her tailed body was so vibrant, almost shedding a glow of its own.

"How is it even possible," began Saleen, the wicked siren who'd once trapped Jasmine in an attempt to steal Aladdin's heart "that of all the places, of ALL the places possible, you would be here?"

Anger instilled itself in Jasmine's eyes, her threatening glare latching onto Saleen.

"I could ask you the same question," she answered in a low voice as she rose up to meet Saleen's gaze. Armand, Saleen's faithful giant octopus swam up behind her, grabbing onto Jasmine's legs.

"Unhand her," said Saleen, surprising both Jasmine and Armand.

"Armand, would you give us some privacy?" Saleen murmured, more of a command than a question. Armand grunted, but swam away obediently.

"So…" continued Saleen, circling Jasmine slowly "I take it you and Aladdin, are here together? Here in the Isle of Secrets?"

Jasmine narrowed her gaze "I think the answer to that is obvious…but the more intriguing question is… Why are you here?"

A vicious ferocity appearing in Saleen's eyes, her face twisted into a portrait of anger. She swam towards Jasmine, right until they were directly face to face.

"If you must know, I am here because I have been unjustly banished from my enchanted waters," she replied, before muttering quietly to herself "No thanks to that cousin of mine, Kendra, that–"

"What?" interrupted Jasmine. Saleen turned to her with a fake smile "Never mind, it is none of your business anyway…"

Jasmine was aware that Saleen could trap in her the water at any moment, she'd done it before and it she could easily do it again. It seemed odd to her, that she hadn't already done so. The vengeance in her eyes was still prominent.

"So what are you waiting for?" Jasmine questioned "Trap me, like you planned,"

Saleen's wicked laugh echoed in the water "You think my intention was to trap you? My dear, you are pathetic, my, uh,…detection senses, of what's above the water aren't as good in this place, with the constant changes and all…so naturally I'll just take whatever is passing my waters, in this utterly coincidental case, it was you!"

"So why don't you just hold me captive? Or let me loose, I'm not doing anything for you by being here," Jasmine challenged, hoping it would work.

"Well, if I'm not holding you captive, then I can't very well let you loose!" responded Saleen "Even so, letting you loose wouldn't be my style, therefore you are trapped! Ha! After all, you might be worthless to me, but you are priceless to someone else…"

Jasmine felt her insides churn, Saleen had a knack of concealing her calculating thoughts despite everything she said. All Jasmine knew was if anything could please Saleen, it was power or victory, neither of which she could exploit to her advantage…or could she?

"Saleen, have you heard of the Elixir of Immortality?" Jasmine asked, trying not to let the shakiness in her voice show.

Saleen glanced at her skeptically "Go on,".

Jasmine hardly knew anything about it, but from the brief Nadira had given them, it was obvious that eternal life was one of its famed promises, and possibly powers beyond belief. "Well, it's a potion for eternal life, and its right here on this island,"

"Come to think of it…it does sound familiar…" Saleen murmured to herself, trying to remember something her cousin had told her about it, in one of her many intense studies of magic. Very few people knew about the elixir, and only those in the possession of magic, with a thirst in their hearts, Kendra had told her. What kind of sea princess concerns herself with such things? Saleen had wondered. Although…Saleen couldn't help but feel a desire herself, now that Jasmine had mentioned it. If she had it in her possession, and she became immortal, then there would be no telling of what she could do.

"I'm listening," Saleen answered after much thought. Jasmine wasn't sure of the elemental's intentions, but then again, her own motives towards Saleen weren't pure either.

"Well, I'm here to find it, um, for someone, but of course…I could give it to you instead…that is, if you let me free,"

"Ha! Your concocted plan is abundant with flaws! Firstly, how would I know if you'd return, therefore I'd set you free with nothing in it for me…and secondly, I can't leave these waters, the way I used to be able to, so I can't follow you myself! Some exchange!" huffed Saleen. There was no way her desire for the potion outweighed letting Jasmine free so easily. However there was a way…

"There may be a way," Saleen began after awhile. She pulled a garnet ring from her finger. Grabbing Jasmine's hand without warning, she shoved the ring on to one of her fingers. The ring locked tight, the garnet exuding a heat from within.

"I can now let you go, and you can bring me that elixir, then take your freedom, after all a deal is a deal, blah blah blah…however, if you don't," said Saleen, a taunting smile spread across her ruby lips "Then you are a prisoner of this island…and will be trapped here forever! Oh I'm so glad we agree!"

Before Jasmine had a moment to consider the consequences of her plan, Saleen snapped her fingers, causing the water to whirl blindingly around Jasmine. When the whirling stopped, Jasmine felt thirst for air appear once more, as her power to speak underwater disappeared. She was aware that Saleen had removed the spell, and this was her chance to leave while she still could.

Gathering whatever energy she had in her body, she swam upwards towards the blinding light from above. She burst out of the water, her body draping herself across the ground. The gentle wind skimmed across her skin, sending a chill down her spine. With each breath Jasmine felt her senses strengthen again. "Aladdin!" she screamed.

A mere echo of her voice was the only response. "Where are you, Aladdin?" she cried out helplessly, salty tears now streaming down her cheeks, as she broke down beneath a tree. She wiped her wet cheeks and pushed her soaking locks away from her face. She always tried to be so strong, and so defiant of anything that challenged her. But now, as the one thing that she treasured more than anything, felt lost to her, trying to feign strength or courage seemed useless.

Sharif tried to avoid thinking too hard as he stormed forward through the jungle. In his mind, thinking too hard about something was enough to make people doubt their instincts, something he really hated doing. He hadn't intentionally separated from Nadira and Ishaq, it sort of just happened. One moment he'd been walking carefully with them, the next he felt so fuelled he just went ahead without thinking. Maybe his inner drive was spurred by his competitiveness, something he'd gotten in trouble for in the past. He wasn't the type to admit things to anyone else, let alone himself. However, one thing he knew without a pang of doubt, was that he wanted find Tali and almost than that, prove his worth to Aladdin.

The constantly changes of the island definitely psyched him out. Navigating his way without so much as an idea of where Tali could be definitely had its difficulties. Did he feel responsible for that unfortunate fact that she was here, and in danger? He did, more than ever.

Suddenly his ears were filled with the sweet sounds of a woman's song. He spun around, instinctively trying to locate the source of the sound. The mist swirled around in his legs, masking the ground. The music continued, her voice growing gentler and more beckoning with each note. Then, in the corner of his eye, he spied a body lying in the distance.

Squinting, he tried to make out the figure lying there, but the mist was too thick. He ran forward, trying not to be distracted by the beautiful singing. When he reached the person on the ground, he noticed something more. A girl, lying on a rock, was source of the alluring music. Sharif couldn't help but stare at her, ignoring the figure on the jungle floor.

She was unusually stunning. Her skin was as smooth and white as a dove's feather, long hair that would dim even the brightest of gold, cascaded down her body. Her eyes locked on to Sharif, sparkling with challenging light. Azure scales dovered her petite body, glimmering in her aura. She continued singing, like it were the very essence of her soul. If he came any closer, he would be in grave danger.

Sharif had the urge to approach her, but when his gaze fell to the face of the fallen person, all thoughts of her mesmerizing song vanished. "Aladdin?" he muttered, noticing Tali's brother lying on the ground, in a deep sleep. Then it hit him, she was a siren. He hadn't any idea of what had happened to Aladdin before he arrived, but he knew they would both be in danger, should they stay there any longer.

The siren's call was strong, and was starting to make Sharif feel lightheaded. Covering one ear with a hand, he used the other to wrench his arm under Aladdin's and lift him. Aladdin's arm flopped over Sharif's shoulder, his head rolling from side to side. Sharif did his best to pull him along, but it was hard to avoid the siren's seductive song. For some strange reason, he felt something stronger enter him, like a tougher will to continue. He gritted his teeth and pulled Aladdin's sleeping body until her song couldn't be heard.

Sharif wasn't sure how long it had been since Aladdin had lain there, still asleep. The lightheadedness he'd felt, had since worn off, but Aladdin still seemed to be under the effects of the siren's song. Spying a large rock under a tree, Sharif went over and sat there, waiting as patiently as possible for Aladdin to stir from his sleep. He'd tried to wake him, but it was useless. It was as though his very being had been sucked out of him, and all that was left was a soulless body. Sharif prayed that wasn't what had happened.

It struck him, that Jasmine wasn't with him, causing him to suspect that something really bad had gone down to have separated them. Lost in all these thoughts, he hardly noticed when Aladdin's eyes opened slightly. His eyes scanned the jungle absentmindedly, having to look twice when Aladdin stood up.

"Sharif? What the— where's Jasmine?!" Aladdin blurted, sadness glazing his features. Then his tone changed entirely "What are you doing here, I'm pretty sure we all separated for a reason, one of your brilliant ideas"

Sharif held his tongue, unwilling to let certain words be released. "I don't know where Jasmine is," he started "But yes, we'll find her, she has to be around nearby, and yes, we did separate," pausing to swallow "but…screw it, I just saved your ass, man! You know the singing you heard earlier?"

Aladdin nodded, maintaining the fierceness in his gaze. "Well, she was a siren!" burst Sharif "I saved you from that singing seductress, and yeah, she tried her thing on me too, but it didn't work, that's how I managed to pull you out of there,"

Aladdin was silent for a moment. He did not particularly like Sharif, but he couldn't deny a good thing when it happened. "Thank you," he said quietly "but, tell me how did you get out of there unaffected?"

"I didn't, I still felt a bit lightheaded after we left, but if you mean, why didn't I end up like you, lying in a deep sleep that might have cost your life? Well, I don't know, something inside just gave me that extra pull,"

Aladdin nodded his thank again, and while the tension between the two remained as they started walking, it was not as difficult to be in other's presence as before. Aladdin described what had happened to Jasmine, and Sharif listened intently, assuring him that they would find her.

"Is that her there?" Sharif said, squinting as he saw the movement of dark hair in the distance.

Aladdin came forward, peering through the abundance of leaves "Yes, that's her! Let's go!" His heart started racing, praying that his eyes weren't playing tricks on him.

"Jasmine!" he called, his voice strong and full of hope. A girl, with long damp hair looked up, her dark eyes widening with joy upon seeing him. Tears slid down her cheeks as she ran spiritedly into his arms.

"Aladdin," she whispered his name, out of the mere comfort that he was now there, with her. She buried her face in his shoulder, not wanting to think about what had happened at all. For a few moments, they were still, simply lost in each other's hold without a thought otherwise.

"I hate to break this up…" Sharif began. Aladdin gave him a look, causing Sharif to put his hands up and back away, in faux fear.

Jasmine pulled away gently "He's right, Aladdin, there is so much more at stake here,"

Aladdin nodded, agreeing with his wife's words. All three began working, in the direction they could best make out as being the end of the jungle, where they were to meet Nadira and Ishaq. Jasmine told them about her encounter with Saleen, and what she'd promised her in exchange for leaving those dreaded waters safely.

"Don't worry," said Aladdin "We'll get that elixir, I mean, we have to pick the lesser of two evils, right?" Jasmine nodded. As long as Saleen was banished, being immortal was useless to her, so it didn't matter to any of them that the potion was in her possession, by then, they would be long gone from this living island. The trio continued through the seemingly peaceful jungle in silence, hoping and praying that they next thing they found, was what they were looking for.

Najila stared hard into the vision pool. The location of the elixir hadn't yet revealed itself, as it had once promised her in a dream, that it would. Najila trusted dreams; she trusted omens and her visions most of all. Jafar stood near her, his pensive expression fixated on the vision pool, in which he could see nothing. Only Najila, with the powers of prophecy and visions, could see the pool's rare images.

In her head, Najila tried to work out the rest of their plan. Tali was with Nasheeta, in one of the other chambers. Should she have been concerned about leaving Tali with Nasheeta? Well, Nasheeta hardly knew what was happening, what Jafar and Najila were planning, and what Najila alone, was planning. Even if she knew the full extent, she would be too scared to betray me; the foolish girl…makes me wonder where Nadira gets her boldness from! She thought.

"Jafar," she spoke, her voice echoing in the dark chamber, the only light coming from the vision pool in the pedestal "There are some things you must know about the elixir to gain its powers,"

"Continue," he ordered.

"Firstly, Forever coiling and circling around the elixir, is a small serpent, that serpent is highly important, you must remove the serpent from the elixir, and induce the serpent to gift you with its venom, in order to obtain immortality when drinking the potion, full immortality cannot be gained without this serpent," she explained "Secondly, after the snake's venom is running through your veins, the potion must be drunk immediately, or else…certain effects take place…not permanent, but seemingly so,"

Jafar thought nothing of her vague response, his mind filled with the longing for the taste of immortality. Najila smiled to herself "And of course—"

Just then a silvery light swirled across her eyes. She saw nothing for a moment, just that light. Then a blurry outline began to form within, and the light changed in various places, pale amethyst, aquamarine, a fiery red and the deepest of greens. From above the light, more outlines formed. Only one face was clear, that of her granddaughter's, Nadira. There were more girls, three more to be exact, although the details of their faces were hidden in the dancing light. They stood together, each luminous shade of colour for each individual girl. It was difficult for Najila to comprehend right in that moment, as what she saw seemed to to go beyond her powers of interpretation.

"Najila," Jafar interrupted angrily. Najila snapped back to reality, her vision behind her. "What was that? Did you see something? Will it help us?" Jafar asked, his eyes brimming with excitement.

"Hmm? Oh, nothing. I didn't see anything, I was just thinking," she replied nonchalantly, her gaze returning to the vision pool, waiting for a sign. If Jafar suspected that she was lying, he said nothing. After all, one must keep their friends close and their enemies closer.

All Ishaq and I could do was run. The jungle that had surrounded us disappeared, and we were now running around on a rock cliff side, with various levels of comfort ground, before there was finally nothing but a few thousand feet below. I hadn't the time to think of what lay below, the creature, which turned out to be a massive serpent was chasing us without abandon. We ran together, until finally we let go of each other's hands unavoidably. The creature let out its horrible cries each time it was near. Once we separated, it was after Ishaq.

I stood against a small cliff face, my head spinning as I watched fearfully. Ishaq was trying to fight the venomous serpent, with a giant log, shoving towards the creature wherever possible. But I knew it was only a matter of time before the creature got its way.

"Ishaq!" I screamed. The creature froze, fixating its black hole eyes on me. It pushed past Ishaq, forcing him to the ground, as started heading towards me. I should have moved, after all it was going to back me into a dead end. Fortunately, that thought hit me in time, sending an unexpected amount of energy into my legs. I ran away from the small cliff face, and started running upwards and downwards, of giant rock formations, trying my hardest to avoid falling.

I wanted to see if my instinct was right, and so far it certainly seemed to be. Every time I jumped from a higher rock to one far below, the creature wouldn't follow me, it would cry out and then search for alternate route to fall me, instead of jumping from one distance to the other as I'd done. I kept going, this time working my way back up the rocks, to the top of the cliff where Ishaq waited, while the creature tried to find another way to reach me.

I reached Ishaq, out of breath. "We," I said, breathing hard "We need to jump off the cliff, it's the only way,"

He looked at me as though I was crazy, and I suppose I can't blame him for that. "I mean," I answered, to his skeptical look, aware that the creature was working its way back up the small cliff face, towards us.

"I really do mean it, we need to jump, if we jump, it won't follow us. If we don't…" I hardly had time to elucidate; I could the serpent's enormous head heading our direction. "Trust me on this," I begged.

Ishaq took one look at the serpent, which seemed to be getting faster and more vengeful, and then back at the girl who was asking him to jump off a cliff with her.

He nodded, in somewhat disbelief, hardly able to understand why he'd agreed to this proposition. I grabbed his head and started running up the slope, towards the tip of the highest cliff, while the serpent followed us only a bit further behind, unleashing its painful cries as it did.

We reached the tip, staring down at the water before us, aware that it could change at any time. I started having second thoughts.

"Are you ready?" he asked, almost confidently. "No," I blurted out. He squeezed my hand "Me neither! Will you ever be ready?"

"No," I answered again, hurrying my words when I saw the giant snake coming up right behind us "but that doesn't matter! Jump!"

And without a second thought, and Ishaq's hand in mine,

We both jumped.

Well, whatcha think? I felt out-of-sync, writing this chapter, believe me, it took ages! Some of you, may have picked certain hints, throughout...let's jsut there's more than meets the eye...or visions! Please review! Ta !xxoo