Kingdom Hearts
Ch. 57
Agrabah
Jameelah's Tavern
Sora burst through the entrance of the city breathing the lived-in air. He smiled looking to the sky seeing not a single cloud which was new to him. "I wonder if it rains here often. Like back home," he thought. He moved his head down stretching his gaze through the busy street. People here dressed differently than the people of Destiny Islands, or the people of Olympus. Citizens wore plenty of covering over their skin blocking the rays of the sun. The people wore long tunics made of cotton. The clothing's color varied from person to person. The men wore turbines on their head while woman had cloth over their head covering their hair.
"Guess there are no beaches around. Well that's disappointing," he said as the sun shined on his dark skin. The citizens around took a quick glance at Sora noticing his strange outfit.
"Sora, wait up," shouted Goofy. The guardian made his way up to Sora wiping sweat off his forehead.
"Hey, where's everybody else?" he asked tilting his head toward Goofy.
"They'll catch up soon so we can head out now," Goofy said.
They both nodded wandering out into the city. They passed by many beautiful buildings with people hanging their clothes out to dry. Sora sniffed the air smelling something delicious. Being reminded that he hasn't eaten anything since he got here. His stomach began to growl again. He turned over to see a couple of men cooking some type of native dish for lunch outside their house. The smell reminded him of some meat dishes his Mom would make. The men were older rustic types both wearing green cloaks and white turbans. One had a short beard while the other had a long beard.
The men looked over to see Sora eyeing their food before walking over to them and asked politely, "That looks really good. Do you know where we can get some good food like that around here?"
The two men turned to each other and laughed. "If you want food go to the market place and buy the food. Some roasted sand snake is popular this time of year," the one with the short beard said.
"Buy, pay for food?" said Sora a bit confused.
"You must be an outsider. If you want to get something good to eat head over to Jameelah's Tavern. They have the best food in this part of the city. But make sure you have a deep pockets," the short-bearded man suggested.
Sora put his hand into his pockets. "Don't worry I have plenty of pockets," he said smiling.
The men laughed at Sora's quip. "Your funny kid. I like you," said the man with the long beard.
"Where is this Tavern?" Sora asked.
One of the men pointed down the road. "Go and make a left then make another quick right. You'll eventually come across the Tavern it kind sticks out. It's probably the nicest building in the whole area. You can't miss it."
Sora and Goofy thanked them and headed off. "Ahuck what nice people. I think when everyone gets back we should tour this whole place. I want to learn one or two things about the cuisines they produce here," said Goofy cheerfully.
"That makes two of us," said Jiminy jumping out of Sora's hood on his shoulders.
"What you like to learn how to cook too?" said Sora a bit surprised.
"No, I'm more of a cultural enthusiast. I am intrigued by other worlds cultures and customs. You can tell a lot about a worlds culture by examining what people eat. See this." Jiminy reached into his hat pulling a different journal out. "This is different from my chronicling journal. In this log book, I keep writing down characteristics of the worlds we visit. How people live or what type of art they make. I have books already written about Wonderland, Olympus, and Deep Jungle. You noticed that those men were cooking snake. Being this is a desert, farming for food must be more difficult so people choose to create dishes based on desert creatures rather than fish or chicken. The people here eat whatever food they can find. I bet several people in this city make a living by going out into the desert and hunt those snakes."
"Why are you putting so much time and effort into this? Seems like a lot of work," asked Sora.
"Well it's kind of a hobby of mine. But the main reason I do it is to preserve history. Cultures and civilizations come and go. One day they're here the next they're gone. As a scholar, my duty is to document these points in history so they aren't forgotten in the future."
"Does this have something to do with your world disappearing?" asked Sora with a quant tone. They all stopped walking turning silent. Jiminy scratched his head answering back. "That's what got me to this conclusion."
"You guys," said Goofy a bit bothered.
"It's alright. We need to keep moving forward. As long as I have the keyblade I swear I'll never let another world fall into darkness. Not this one or any other," Sora declared out loud.
They all continued their trek down the street witnessing childern play with bowls of water. Several showman performed in the streets for entrainment. One man swallowed a sword while a another ate fire in awe of the people. Many people handed the men money for compensation. Sora wanted to stay and watch but his ever expanding appetite kept him on his path.
Sora and the others finally found their way to "Jameelah's Tavern." It was a large place of business with men of many different variety and stature entering and exiting. There was a giant sign painted in bright colors above the door reading the name of the tavern. Potted plants were surrounding the door as water poured down from a valve near the tavern. A young girl was carrying a large vase of water over her head. She ran behind the tavern passing a gate that said employee's only.
Sora and Goofy entered the tavern to find it much cooler and calm then outside. Dim candles lit the restaurant up as many different men and a few women were seated at their tables. Beautiful woman were dressed in harem clothes with a different color for each girl. The waitresses had long pants and wore a top around their shoulders. They wore curled shoes and had see through cloths covering their face and hair. They seemed to be passing out drinks and food to the men at the tables.
Sora was focused on the woman noticing their hour glass body shape. Their hips and breasts swayed with every step. The woman moved like they were performing a subtle dance.
"Um excuse me," said a young woman. Sora and Goofy looked over to see a short young woman in yellow garb approach them. "May I help you gentlemen," she asked a bit nervously.
"Ah yes table for two," motioned Goofy.
"Yes, come this way," she said leading them to their table. They sat down in front of a small square table with smooth and comfy seats. "My name is Nura. I'll be your waiter today. I'll get your drinks for you. Please decide what you'll order. And please refrain from touching the girls. Thank you," she said to the two customers. She walked off quickly towards the kitchen in a hurry. Jiminy jumped off of Sora's shoulder onto the table. They waited patiently while Sora glanced at the tavern around him.
The waitress returned with two cups for the two travelers. She set down the cups with water in them. "What will it be gentleman and dog and bug?" she said recognizing the people before her.
"I'll take some hummus please," said Goofy looking at the menu. Sora's tummy rumbled reminding him of how hungry he was. He quickly skimmed the menu and came around to the "Sultan's Buffet," noticing all the food it comes with. He pointed to the picture much to the surprise of the waiter.
"Sir are you sure?" she asked as she almost dropped her notebook.
Sora laughed patting his belly, "You bet, I haven't eaten in forever. I'm starving."
"Yes sir," the nervous woman ran off to the kitchen. She spoke to the others causing a bit of a stir.
In a few moments an older woman in pink clothes walked over with Nura. "Excuse me gentlemen. My name is Jameelah. I'm the owner of this establishment. Please come with me to another table," she said smiling. The older woman wore a dark pink outfit which covered most of her body except for her hands and face. She had white hair and wore an eye patch over her left eye. She had a raspy old voice showing her age. She carried a long cane with a metal handle shaped like a goat. They led the group over to a bigger table by a theater of some kind. "Please be seated. Your food will be with you momentarily. Nura get these fine young gentlemen our special drinks."
The young nervous girl nodded running off. "Pardon her she's new. But please enjoy the show while you wait." The older woman left as music could be heard near the theater. Several women were playing a rhythmic tune as the curtains began to be lifted. The crowd began to get a little wild up whistling and hooting towards the stage. "Man, people seemed pretty pumped up. I hope it's good. Because I can't stand being hungry anymore." Sora laid his head down on the table suffering. Nura came back setting their drinks on the table.
The curtain began to open as a bright light shined on a woman taking center stage. The woman wore no head scarf. Her long black hair stretched down her back like a beautiful stream. She had dark skin and amble breasts. She wore a big pink top around her chest and wore a bottom with a long pink cloth running down both her front and back side. She was bare foot but wrapped ornaments around her ankle and wrists. She was facing away from the crowd as the music started playing. Her hips began to move swiftly but remained firm. She twirled around revealing her face. She wore earrings and a necklace and had bright blue eyes contrasting what she wore.
She began to dance as the audience cheered. Her breasts and hips swayed with every motion making all the customers put down their food to watch. This even caught Sora's attention as the beautiful woman continued to dance in front of him. He watched her like a critic observing every part of her body. Goofy even took note regarding, "If there is one thing men enjoy more than food its woman." The woman then jumped off the stage much to the cheers of the crowd. She slowly walked towards Sora getting near the young boy.
She got up close and personal to him. His eyes swirled as he forgot about the need for food he was craving for. She climbed on the table to sit on it. She pushed her back towards Goofy forcing Jiminy off the table. She stretched her legs out raising her foot in front of Sora's face. She waived her toes at him causing Sora to drool. His face turned red mesmerized by this woman. She then got up and placed her knees on the table. She got closer leaning towards Sora. He tried to keep his eyes on hers but to no avail. She smiled at him extending her body closer to his face. She was so close Sora could feel her breath on his skin. She then kissed him on the cheek making the whole tavern go, "OOOOO."
She backed away from him climbing off the table as she continued dancing around the bar. "You lucky dog," said Goofy patting Sora on the back.
The dancer came by another table and a man with a rat like face remarked after getting a good look at her back side. "Say lady how about giving me a little kiss." He had a long nose and bushy mustache. The rat faced man then raised his hand patting the dancers butt. The gesture caused the whole tavern to turn quiet. The music stopped playing and all the employees stared at the man.
The dancer quickly turned around with eyes burning like fire. Her veins under her arms turned green. She grabbed the man by the hand he touched her with throwing him over her shoulders shouting, "DON'T TOUCH THE GIRLS!" The man screamed as the soft skinny woman threw the man towards the door of the tavern. As another waitress opened it letting the man fly out of the tavern into the streets.
"Wow!" said Sora.
The dancer bowed calling out, "This is the end of our show. Thank you for coming to Jameelah's Tavern." Everyone in the building began clapping. The dancer hopped on stage disappearing behind the curtains. Sora was still caught up with that woman watching closely till she left his view point.
"Your food is here. Please sit." Nura came over handing Goofy a bowl of hummus.
A spoon stuck out of the bowl for Goofy to eat with it. He took a quick sip tasting it for the first time. "Um um give my regards to the chef," he said eating more.
"I'll make sure to tell her. Several more girls came out carrying a large plate with a mountain of food on it. Sora immediately caught the scent feasting his eyes on the dish they promised to make. "The Sultan's Buffet my good sir," said Nura helping the girls place the food on the table. Sora finally turned back to his old self as he turned from ogling woman to food. He took off his gloves preparing to eat. The plate contained multiple items of food including fruit, beef, goat, roasted sand snake, and rice to round out the meal.
In the back two waitresses began speaking to the other. "There's no way that kid could eat all that. The buffet is meant to be eaten by a group," one said quietly to the other.
"Yeah I don't think he knew what he was order," the waitresses then were stopped mid-sentence as the boy without using any utensils began stuffing his face with food.
Everyone looked with their mouths wide open watching him eat everything so fast. He spits out the bones and other not edible parts almost effortlessly. "Please don't eat so fast. You'll choke or worse," asked Nura shaking. Even Goofy continued to eat his hummus unphased by Sora's actions. Jiminy hopped back on the table digging into Sora's meal eating his full.
"I'm sorry. Please eat to your fullest content. As long as you can pay your fee," said Nura still bothered by Sora's eating habit.
"Pay what do you mean?" said Sora after swallowing a chunk of meat.
"Um pay with munny of course," Nura nervously explained rubbing her hands together.
Sora picked up a giant slice of meat on a bone answering, "M-mmuhgg, I don-t hhuggh m-mmuhgg," he tried to say with a mouth full of food.
"Pardon I didn't quite get that," she said with a small quaking voice.
Sora swallowed his food before answering, "I said I don't have any munny. I don't even know what you're talking about."
Everyone in the tavern instantly opened their eyes even wider. Several customers quickly exited the tavern in fear. Nura's eyes gaped open even more as she dropped her checklist on the floor. She moved like lighting.
In an instant, the calm girl who shivered at the presence of a single man now held a knife around Sora's neck. "No munny you said," she spoke with a dark glaring voice.
"Cheese it," someone in the tavern spoke out. All the customers ran out of the tavern like a mob running from danger. The tavern became empty as all the girls of the tavern were now on top of Sora and Goofy holding swords, knifes, and magic staffs. Sora took another bite out of the food while Nura closed in around Sora's neck. The scary woman only stared at him with serious contempt.
"No, no we have munny right here." Goofy reached in his pockets only finding them all empty.
"Uh oh," he remembered that he left the munny back on the gummi ship. Jiminy reached into his endless abyss of a hat unable to find munny. He smiled sweating and shaking pulling on his shirt collar gulping. Knifes have now closed in on Goofy's neck. Jiminy made his way off the table tip toeing away. Looking back, he didn't realize a sharp thin sword struck into the ground right into in front of him. Jiminy was startled falling to his feet looking up to see Jameelah from before. Her cane was fastened as a sword underneath the wooden covering.
"What's this I hear about no munny?" she said as her one eye glowed like a shining light starring at the three friends. Sora did not say anything. But took another bite out of the meat to the disbelief of the workers. They all screamed at him in annoyance. "Stop eating our food cheapskates."
Bags were shoved over their heads while Jiminy was thrown into a tiny sack. Everything went dark as they were brought a ways away from the tavern.
When the bags were removed Sora and Goofy found themselves sitting in a dark room of some kind with a lantern over their heads. Jameelah walked into the light with a deep scowl on her face. "So, what do you have to say for yourselves gentlemen."
"I'm sorry. I left my munny back home. Please forgive us. It was an accident." Goofy begged falling to his knees.
"Ha like haven't heard that story before. You know who you're dealing with here?" Jameelah said thumping her cane on the floor. Several of the girl waitresses and cooks moved in around her. Someone opened a window letting the light in revealing they were in the kitchen the whole time. "We run a proud all female establishment made to cater to people of all classes. Every single one us work hard to make sure our customers get the best care possible. We do this so we gain the munny we need to survive in this world. Without munny we suffer. And you three just tried to rip us off. I don't know what you were thinking when you told us out there blatantly that you weren't going to pay. Either your dumb as hell or your damn well unaware of what we here are capable of. I guess it's probably both."
"No, I'm sorry. It's just where I come from, we don't pay for food," said Sora waving his hands.
"Wha-What? I don't know what kind of backwards tribe gives away food for free? But here in Agrabah you pay your dues." Jameelah looked at them seriously, "And now you're going to give back to us what you owe. Penni come here."
Several girls moved aside as giant footsteps came closer to them. An incredible 7-foot-tall woman wearing a bikiniesque outfit walked in. She had a floral pattern on the towel that was wrapped around her bottom. She wore a red top around her breasts. She was barefoot and had more floral patterns tattooed on her right hand. She had red curly hair and freckles over her face. She carried a long thin club in her hand which she dragged on the floor.
She walked behind them grabbing both Sora and Goofy by the shirt picking them up with her own hands. Jameelah stared up at the boys, "Do you understand now?" They both nodded together. Penni dropped them back in their seats.
Sora got up out of his chair and fell to his arms and knees. "Madame, please forgive us. We were unaware of your customs here. We will do what ever it takes to pay you both back."
Jameelah stared down on the boy. "Okay then, you will work off your bill until it's finished," she said directly.
"But Ma'am. We don't hire men here," said one of the girl's closer to Jameelah.
"Guess he'll just have to become one of the girls. Besides you ladies need to spend more time with the opposite sex anyways. Think of it as practice when you all meet your future husbands," she spoke out to everyone. Jameelah looked down at the boy asking him, "Do you know how to cook?"
"No. I've never cooked a day in my life," he said deathly still starring at the ground.
"What about you?" she asked Goofy.
This caught Goofy off guard. "Yes, I am a pretty well-respected cook where I'm from," he said confidently.
"Wonderful Dalia take this one under your wing," she said to the head chef. Dalia stepped forward in a more modest dress wearing a short-sleeved shirt and long pants and wore a purple scarf over her head. "Don't expect me to be easy on you just cause you're new," she said to Goofy.
Jameelah looked back down at Sora still bowing to her. "To pay back your bill. It should take about four weeks between all three of you. I'll be taking this little guy as an assistant. He's small but mobile. He'll be a great deal of help in the office." She lifted the tiny bag with Jiminy in it. The bag dangled around as Jiminy struggled to move inside. "As for you," she said turning back to Sora who looked up to her. "I'd normally give you the job of dish washer, but that roll has already been filled. So, you'll have to be a waitress," she said with a faint smile.
"Ma'am no, he's a boy, we only let girls do that," said Nura coming out from the crowd.
"Like I said. He'll have to be one of the girls from now on. Including wearing the uniform."
Sora's face turned blue as he peeped out, "Huh."
The other girls started to laugh. "We'll lets open back up. Business is going to be booming tomorrow. Dalia take I'm sorry what's your names again?" Jameelah asked.
"Oh, my name is Goofy. This is Sora and you have Jiminy Cricket right there in your hands," he pointed towards the small sack Jameelah had.
"Sora huh, nice name for a boy. Nura, Nada help him in his outfit and teach him everything you know."
"But Ma'am I think I'm too new to start teaching anyone," said the nervous waitress.
"Nonsense Nada will also supervise you," Jameelah responded.
Nada came behind Nura slapping her hand on the girls shoulders, "Don't worry about it sis you'll be just fine. He's the one that needs to worry." Nada looked like Nura but with a green outfit. She was taller and had a larger build. Sora's head twitched as he realized the mess he had made.
After a while Nada dragged Sora into the dressing room handing him the clothes. They handed him a red harem outfit just his size. They let him have some privacy to put it on. He became embarrassed walking out pretty ashamed in the harem outfit. Nada laughed while Nura just blushed. "That looks great on you. You'll pass perfectly as one of us. Just remember no one is to know you're a boy," said Nada a bit amused.
"Oh boy," Sora thought. "I just hope Donald or the others can help."
They led him back to the kitchen. Goofy was busy cooking with Dalia. He was cutting mushrooms and tossing salad for an appetizer. Sora did not get his attention walking behind him. He looked over and saw a completely veiled woman washing the dishes. She kept to herself with no one assisting the women. Her whole body besides her eyes and hands were covered by a brown cloak. Nura and Nada let him out into the Tavern as people began to return. "Now listen closely," Nada said enjoying herself.
-Two Hours Later-
"You understand now," proclaimed Nada. Sora nodded in humiliation. "Okay it seems that your causing quite the first impression. Somebody already recommended you to be their waitress. Now this is your first time doing this alone can you handle it."
Sora nodded again. "Well good luck kid," she said pointing to the table. He came up to the table with a note pad and pen asking, "Hello welcome to Jameelah's Tavern. My name is Sora. I am your waitress today. What would you like to order?"
One of the men stuck his face in the menu. The man wore a stylish suit and glasses and also had blue skin. He sat it down talking back in a deep British accent. "Yes, I'd like to order the Noggy Sandwich." The man reveled himself to be Genie grabbing Sora's neck giving him a noggy on the head. Everyone else was gathered around the table laughing. Donald, Tarzan, Aladdin, Abu, the Carpet, and the Genie all relished this moment.
"You guys," he said shocked. "Wow Sora. I knew when we'd find you. You'd be in a bizarre situation. But this is completely off the table," remarked Donald laughing his feathers off.
"How did you guys find me so fast?" he proclaimed.
We heard people talking about somebody making a scene by stuffing his face at a restaurant. And that people were so disgusted other customers got up and left. We figured it was you biting off more than you can chew. But we never expected you to start working here," said an amused Donald.
"We'll we didn't have enough money to pay for the food and now we have to work here for 4 whole weeks," he said regretfully.
"A whole month! Where are Goofy and Jiminy," said Donald, a bit concerned.
"In the back cooking. Jiminy's working with the boss," he answered.
"Aw that's pretty funny. But we can't afford to stay here too long." Donald took off his hat reaching in pulling out 3 gold coins.
"Wait is that gold. From," said Aladdin before being interrupted.
"The Cave of Wonders," Donald finished. "After all hell was breaking loose, I snagged a handful of coins in the heat of the moment. We'll use this to pay off your dept."
Sora gave a sigh of relief. "Thank you."
He went back into the office and told Jameelah everything. He led the old lady out to Donald and the others. Genie and the Carpet remained incognito wearing top hats, sun glasses, and fake mustaches so that the presence of these magic beings doesn't cause a stir.
"What is this about gold coins?" she said looking at Donald. He handed her the three gold coins placing them in her hands.
"I'm sorry about my friends. They're really dumb. I hope this will cover it," Donald said confidently.
Jameelah observed the gold coins as the other waitresses watched on. "Unfortunately, this doesn't completely cover the cost of their bill."
"WHAT!" they all shouted.
"But it covers most of it. I'll lower their workload to four days," she bargained.
"One day," shouted Donald.
"Two Days," she answered back.
"Three days and we all get a free meal here," bargained Donald.
"Done just keep it light and cheap. Will throw in a free show and drinks as a bonus," she said with a deep poker face.
"Deal," said Donald shaking Jameelah's hand.
"Pleasure doing business with you," she turned to Sora slapping his butt. "What are you waiting for? Take their order." She walked off into the back room.
"Donald what the heck?" Sora complained. They all laughed. "What we thought you liked to wear dresses. We wouldn't want to take that away from you," giggled the Genie.
"C'mon. That's not funny," he moaned.
"Sora, you better be taking their orders," shouted Jameelah.
"Yes Ma'am," said Sora preparing to write down their orders.
After writing down everything Sora was about to head off until Genie stopped him. "But seriously we're going to look around the city and try to figure something out for Jasmine. We'll inform you if we find anything," said Genie in a trench coat.
Sora just got angry and pushed the Genie away from him. "Thanks a lot guys."
They got their food and ate without condolences. Donald and the others got up and thanked the establishment for the meal. "It's getting late we're going to find somewhere to stay. We'll talk tomorrow. Tell Goofy and Jiminy "Hi" for us," said Donald to Sora.
"If you're looking for a motel, check downtown near the spring fountain," mentioned one of the waitresses. The others thanked her graciously. Donald, Tarzan, Aladdin, Genie, Carpet, and Abu all exited the tavern leaving Sora alone with the girls again.
"C'mon newbie. We still have 3 more hours till your shift is over," Nada said. Sora's feet ached as he dreaded being pointed to the next table.