Chapter 16: Sunrise, Sunset

I was getting tired, the moonlight shining into the room told me that it was well past my usual time for bed, but I couldn't sleep knowing my brother was walking into a trap. I wanted to get to him, warn him somehow.

The door opened again and there stood...Jasmine? confused, I looked over at where she was supposed to be and saw her staring in shock at the door as well. Scowling I turned back. It was Jafar.

Making Jasmine grin like a maniac, which creeped me out, he turned back into himself. It wasn't any less creepy.

"You should have seen the look on Aladdin's face when Princess Jasmine sentenced him to death."

"What?!" I yelped as Jasmine gasped in horror. Now his disguise made sense.

"Oh, yes!" Abis Mal exclaimed excitedly and I rolled my eyes. "And then I get my wish!"

"Yes." Jafar drawled with a hiss. "And then you get your wish."

"Iago!" Jasmine shouted at the parrot and I turned to see him shifting nervously on the table, attempting to hide behind some of the lab supplies there. "I swear one day you will pay for this!" Jasmine yelled at the parrot.

"I really think you're making too big a deal out of this." He said after an uncomfortable laugh. I didn't speak up on his behalf just yet. Although I was more convinced of his innocence, I knew that my speaking up would only make things worse for Iago. We had to continue the charade of him being the betrayer because Jafar could end up killing him as well as Al. Iago was our only chance to get out of this or at least some of us.

"Such spirit." Jafar attempted to touch her and Jasmine tried to bite his hand. I snickered at the look on Jafar's face and he glared at me before turning back to the princess. "Perhaps after a few days in chains you'll be more kindly disposed towards me. Especially, if you want your father to remain healthy." He snarled at her and she bit her lip.

"Ah, Iago." Jafar started turning to the parrot. Iago flinched. "You betrayed me and allied yourself with my enemies. And you turned on them as soon as it was in your best interests! That's what I love about you, you're so perfectly predictable. A villain through and through." Iago nodded as he was stroked by Jafar, but I could tell wasn't enjoying it.

"Thank you. Thank you." He said, breathing out in relief as the genie wandered away from him. I didn't blame him, I wouldn't want him touching me either.

"And you little street rat."

I looked at Jafar and couldn't hide the fear I felt at the look on his face. Like he knew something I didn't, which obviously he did.

"I met this interesting fellow a few hours ago. It seems he's missing an act from his show."

The room spun and I sucked in air, though I didn't feel like I got any air.

"What?" I whispered and he cackled madly.

"Oh, yes, I believe he said his name was...Manito."

Numbness went through my limbs and I hung lifelessly by my manacles. It couldn't be. He was lying. He had to be. I found myself shaking my head.

"He's willing to pay a hefty price for you. Of course, he said he'd need to see you first." I glanced at the door, clenching my fists as it opened. In he stepped. The man from my nightmares. Manito looked the same, almost as if no time had passed from my imprisonment to now. Same dramatic dark top hat and blood red cape, dark brown hair, and a thinly trimmed goatee and mustache that was slightly curled on both ends. In his hand...was the silver handled cane, I shuddered at the object.

"I'll leave you to it." Jafar smirked and disappeared. Abis Mal trailing after him like a lost puppy.

His dark eyes landed on my immediately and he smiled.

"Well, well. My little Jinx. Is there where you've been hiding?"

I couldn't speak, I was in too much shock. Jasmine and Genie had been looking at the man in confusion at first, but were now frowning after hearing his words to me. Iago and the Sultan both looked as horrified as I felt.

"Can't speak?" He laughed. "I find that hard to believe. You were quite the noisy creature."

"Get away from me." I scowled as he moved closer held in a whimper as he raised his cane. Using the silver handle, he lifted my chin up, peering at my face.

"Someone's been feeding you. Living off these people's hospitality?" He mocked. "How stupid of them."

"Who are you?" Jasmine demanded. "And how do you know Alaric?"

"Manito the Magnificent, my beautiful lady." He said sleazily, bowing to her. "And this," He gestured me with the cane and I winced as it hit my ribs as well as being called "this". "-is my attraction that ran away. Naughty little Jinx. But not to worry," He turned to me. "You won't be able to escape this time."

"He doesn't belong to you." Jasmine snapped.

"Oh, but he does, my dear. He's been missing for two years now and my profits have gone down. It's time for you to come home." He then scowled at me. "It seems I'll have to retrain you," I couldn't help but watch the cane as he twirled it and I flinched as he made to hit me. "But perhaps it won't take as long."

Manito turned from me and strode to the door. "I'll be seeing you tomorrow, my little Jinx. Jafar has ensured me that after some street rat's beheading you belong to me."

I couldn't do anything but stare down at the floor as he laughed and went out the door. I could feel eyes on me from everyone else, but I couldn't look up at them just then. I didn't have the courage too. Jafar chuckled at us from the doorway and I couldn't even manage to look at him either.

"Pleasant dreams!" He mocked and tugged on the door, Abis Mal barely squeezing out through the door in time as it slammed shut.

Iago flew down to the table.

"Kid?" He said softly. "You okay?"

"How dare you show your face!?" Jasmine exploded and I looked over to see her glaring angrily at Iago. "Aladdin trusted you! Alaric trusted you!"

"It's not his fault, Jasmine. Jafar coerced him." I spoke up, startling them.

"Oh, Alaric." Her face softened. "Who-Who was that horrible man?"

"He's from my past. And one of the many reasons I've been avoiding telling anyone about everything before I met Al. You saw him...so I might as well explain." Numbly, I told my story again, not positive how to feel about it. Guess Genie and Jasmine found out after all. My voice was monotone and low, I was still in shock from seeing Manito. I had been so sure I would never see him again. this time Al wasn't here to comfort me, but when I stumbled the Sultan and Iago were telling them. I felt a bit better knowing that I had support.

Jasmine had tears in her eyes, and I made myself look at her, knowing that this could be the last time I ever saw her.

"Oh, Alaric." She said gently, finding her voice. "I never really knew why you called yourself that."

I smiled bitterly at her. "That feeling's never really gone away, you know. I still feel it all the time." I turned my eyes to Genie. "So, now you know." He, to my surprise, looked angry.

"If I could get out of here..." He threatened before sighing and looking at me. "No wonder it's hard for you to trust people, shorty, even after you really get a good look at them."

"I've had a lot of experience." I shrugged, before looking at the silent parrot on the table. "Iago...you're the only chance they have of getting out of here." He jumped at being addressed.

"Me?"

"Yes. You and I both know that this ruse with Jafar is just about over. You've made it this far pretending but what about after Al is gone? What will you do?" He shook his head.

"I...I don't know."

I nodded. "Well, it's all down to you. I don't want to put pressure on you, but after I'm gone and Jafar's gone to see about Al..." I took a steadying breath. "You have to free everyone else. There's no one else."

"But isn't he the reason we're in this mess?" Jasmine asked, frowning. "Jafar just said-"

"Think about it. Iago left because he no longer has ties to the evil genie. He was free. He didn't want to help him again, but Jafar could have him killed or hurt. If you spent your life afraid of someone and they suddenly came back wouldn't you do anything to avoid death? Because we both know how ruthless Jafar can be and so does Iago. It would never stop. But you have a chance if Iago can free Genie and you guys."

"How?" Iago asked. "I'm just me."

"Yes, you are." I smiled. "You're a clever and brave parrot once you set your mind to something. Even strong people can be coerced into doing things they don't want too. You were being manipulated, Iago, and I knew in my gut that I could trust you. And they will too."

Jasmine nodded.

"What about you, my boy?" The Sultan asked quietly like he was dreading the question and well so had I.

"Me?" I took a deep breath and sighed. "I'm going to get that lamp even if it's the last thing I ever do."

"How?" Iago asked.

"I don't know yet. But I have a feeling that Jafar won't want me to miss Al's big sendoff. And Abis Mal is stupid. Manito is power-hungry and has no idea that Jafar's a genie. I got away from him once before...I can do it again I think."

Jasmine frowned. "Alaric, are you sure?"

"I have to try. If I can get his lamp from Abis Mal, which shouldn't be too hard, then I can control him. I can use my wishes up so that he has to go back into the lamp and then we can get rid of it." My eyes landed on Iago again. "But we've got to work together. You have to get everyone out, preferably before...you know."

The parrot nodded. "I'll try, kid."

I smiled. "I know you will." I looked at each one of them. "And I...I just want to say it was really nice meeting all of you."

Abu and Carpet hung down sadly and Jasmine started crying. I hadn't meant to make her cry, but I had needed to say it.

"Don't cry, Jas. It'll be okay."

She smiled at me. "I hope your right."

Yawning in exhaustion, I shut my eyes. Listening to everyone whispering lowly and eventually fell into a fitful sleep.


*Cock-a-doodle-doo.*

After the third crow, I opened my eyes to see a stream of the morning sun coming in from the high tower window. Beside me the Sultan and Jasmine were already awake. Genie was starting to wake up too and he gave me a look I didn't understand.

In truth I was nervous. I was really worried about Al. I had a thought that if Iago got Genie free in time...But that was if the parrot had figured out a way to get him out. I couldn't help him, I had to focus on my own task.

The door to the room burst open and Jafar strode into the room grinning psychotically. He drew in a big gulp of air and exhaled happily.

"I hope you were all comfortable last night." He cackled and we all glared at him, save Abis Mal who was rubbing his back with a pained expression.

"Well actually now that you mention it…" Jafar glared at the fat guy and he stopped talking. He then went up to Jasmine.

"And you my dear?" He purred and she made a face as he neared her. "I trust you slept well?" She spit in his face and my mouth fell open. Jafar wiped his face off and raised a hand to hit her.

"Leave her alone you ugly old git!" I shouted using the last of my bravado. Jafar turned slowly to face me his eyes glittering dangerously. I showed no fear as he approached me. I couldn't afford too and I was soon to be shipped off to Manito anyhow.

"What did you say to me?" He snarled and I smirked.

"I said, Leave-her-alone-you-ugly-old-git." I said pronouncing each word slowly. Jafar snarled and grabbed my throat, slamming my head against the wall.

"You little brat I ought to-" He squeezed my throat hard choking me.

"Stop it!" Jasmine shouted and he let go. I coughed painfully and he sneered at me before flying down towards the stairs. He turned into Jasmine as he reached the door.

"Hmm. I'll tell your boyfriend goodbye for you Princess." He said mockingly in her voice.

"When I get hold of you Jafar…" The Sultan said angrily rattling against his shackles. Abu chattered angrily at him as well.

"I'm SO worried." Jafar said in his normal tone and then he glanced at Abis a wicked smirk on his face. "Come Abis Mal let us go and make ourselves at home. Oh, and bring the boy. He can await his master in the throne room." I swallowed.

"No, please!" Jasmine cried out.

Abis practically skipped up the steps towards me.

"You're gonna get it!" He sang at me and I swung my foot out at his face. He wasn't taking me without a fight! "Hey, cut it out!" He sputtered as I continued to kick at him as he tried to get near me.

"Don't touch me, fatso!"

"Jafar!" He whined.

Jafar growled irritably and he zapped me off the wall. I hit the ground at Jafar's feet and he jerked me up and shoved me at Abis Mal. The fat man tied my wrists together, rather tightly I might add, and then leered at me as he held the other end of the rope. He gave it an experimental tug and I had to move forward to avoid hitting the floor. I scowled at him as he gave a triumphant laugh.

"No, Alaric!" Jasmine called out as I was tugged towards the door.

"Jafar you-you snake!" The Sultan hollered out but he ignored their protests and gave me a wide leer. Genie glared at Jafar and I saw that Iago was watching with wide eyes. I just nodded at him and he looked pained.

"Say goodbye to your friends, little street rat!" Jafar hissed and Abis jerked me out the door with him. I gave them all one last look before Jafar slammed the door shut.


3rd POV:

Iago waited until Jafar shut the door before turning to look at Genie. The jinni was glaring at the door his eyes full of anxiousness.

He pecked at the glass and Genie's eyes landed back on him. The only thing that did was bent his beak a bit. Growling in frustration, he flew over to a board that was in the floor and lifted it, taking it over and trying to smack the glass with it. It broke and a piece smacked him in the head.

"So...any other ideas how to get you out of there?" He asked.

Jasmine tilted her head. "Trying lifting it." She suggested.

Iago did just that, he lifted the crystal and dropped into onto the ground. All it did was bounce. The parrot was becoming tired. That thing was heavy!

"You have to lift it higher!" Jasmine encouraged.

"Sure! No problem!" Iago said through gulps of air. Finally, he got it high enough and dropped it. It whistled through the air and hit the ground bursting open. Genie had flown out and was through the window as soon as it had busted. Seconds later they heard his voice echo about the room:

"Bibbity, bobbity, boo!" They disappeared and then reappeared on the palace rooftop. Genie flew down to them with Aladdin in his arms.

As soon he on the ground, Jasmine ran to him.

"Thanks, Genie." Al said with relief

As soon he on the ground, Jasmine ran to him.

"Aladdin!" She tossed her arms around his neck and he spun her around. He laughed as Abu jumped onto his shoulder and hugged his neck.

"It's good to see you too, Abu." Then he looked around. "Where's Alaric?" They all looked away and Aladdin frowned. "Where is he? Jasmine?"

"Jafar has him." Jasmine said tears in her eyes. "At least we think so. Oh, Aladdin it was horrible."

"What? What happened?"

"That Freak Show man showed up." The Sultan said gravely.

"Oh, no." Al groaned. "How was he? Alaric, I mean."

"He seemed okay. He has a plan to get away and try to get Jafar's lamp. But that's so dangerous." Jasmine murmured.

"Well, get him back, Al." Genie said putting a hand on Aladdin's shoulder. "Somehow."

Jasmine cleared her throat, spotting Iago trying to inch away.

"There's someone else who wants to talk to you." Aladdin looked down to see Iago poking his head out from behind Jasmine's leg.

"Hello." He said weakly.

"You set me up!" Aladdin snarled, pointing at Iago. "Any my brother trusted you. How could you betray him like that?"

Jasmine took his arm. "Aladdin..."

Iago swallowed. "It wasn't that simple...The kid understood."

"Yeah, he understood that the one time he let his guard down and befriended someone, they betrayed him." Aladdin snapped. "You're nothing but a-"

Iago flinched and hid again.

"Aladdin." Jasmine interrupted again. "Iago rescued us."

"Rescued? Him?"

"He didn't have to but he did. Alaric believed in him and he was right." Jasmine gave the parrot a warm smile that made Iago shuffle. "I'm so sorry I yelled at you, Iago."

"Please note: did not have to but did." Iago said quietly and then he flew into their faces. "Now we should be fleeing for our lives if you don't mind!"

"No! We have to stop Jafar!" Aladdin said determinedly.

"But how can we stop him? He's so powerful." Jasmine asked.

"His lamp." Genie said and they all looked at him. "You destroy Jafar's lamp, you destroy Jafar."

"Then that's what we'll do." Aladdin said and Iago frowned and flew up to him tapping him on the shouder.

"Reality check; Jafar is large and in charge!" Iago shouted at Aladdin. He couldn't understand what was with that kid. Aladdin only grinned at him. "Coincidently what about the kid?"

Aladdin sighed. "As much as I want to go save him, we have to wait. Jafar has to be taken down first. I don't like waiting, because who know what he'll do to Rick in the meantime, but we don't have a choice."

"Oh my yes." The Sultan stated. "There's no telling what Jafar will do to Agrabah. We have a responsibility." They all nodded and got onto Carpet.

"Well maybe You do but I don't! I'm only responsible for me, myself and nobody! I don't owe you a thing!" Iago squawked indignantly.

"I understand Iago and so does Rick." Aladdin said with a smile. "You've done enough." They started to fly off. "And thanks!" He hollered out. Iago watched them leave for a moment before turning away from the group.

"Hey, I did my good deed! I don't owe you or that kid a thing! Do you hear me?! Not a thing." He said again when they were gone. That kid would be okay. Wouldn't he? Iago shoved the thought away. That kid was better off without him. They all were.

With that thought Iago took off into the sky and headed away from Agrabah. He gave the palace one last look before flying off into the sun.


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