Kingdom Hearts

Ch. 69

Agrabah

Isis and the Cave of Wonders

The small house Jafar spent his whole life in had gone dark. The day was ending as light was succeeding from the sky revealing the night stars. Jafar sat next to his ill Mother smiling at her. 12 years had passed since Jafar left Zerzura. And in time he grew to be a fine young man with a curly beard and long face wearing blue and white attire. He grasped his Mothers hand as she whispered her last words. "Promise me, you'll be a great man one day. Promise." Jafar nodded speaking back softly. "I promise." His Mother smiled back as her grasp lightened. Her eyes closed off as the last bit of light disappeared from the sky with only the light of the stars to shine. Jafar held her hand tighter and kissed it. "I promise."

-6 Months Later-

Sitting in the 1st district was the cities only college of higher learning. A place where all promising men and woman come to study in academics. The school was smaller than one would think as not many choose to come here. As only the best and most promising can enter. The building was three stories tall with a beautiful purple banner with gold markings hanging from the top. The buildings steps lead to the college entrance paved in limestone.

The day had ended with the final class being dismissed and the students all began to leave. The school became nearly empty except Jafar who refused to leave. The young man now 22 years old stayed late practicing math and memorizing his notes. The library was empty except him sitting alone at the desk. The chronicler running the joint came up to the man and informed him. "Time for closing. We all have to head home now." The woman wore a black hijab around her body and big lips. Jafar looked up a bit annoyed. But he complied gathering his things in a bag before leaving the building. It was nearly nighttime when Jafar stepped on the staircase.

The city was lit with lanterns lighting the way down to the streets below. He walked towards the staircase holding his bag of books and notes in his left hand. Jafar however stopped when someone grabbed his shoulder. Jafar turned to see a couple of his fellow classmates were standing behind him. "Hey Jafar, were all heading out to the harem in the First District. Tonight, all the girls are putting on a special show. Wanna come?" Jafar rubbed his eye lid exhausted.

"Sorry I need to go home. Maybe another time." He walked off denying them their offer.

The one guy turned to his friends. "Well I gave it a shot. Should have known, Jafar never does anything but study," he said.

"Such a shame. He's already of marrying age. You know I've never seen him with a girl before. He even turned down that hot Sabirah girl. She was really torn up about it," another said.

"I would at least think he would want to go tonight because the Prince will be there," said the third one.

Jafar stopped in his tracks hearing them speak of the Prince. He began listening in on their conversation. "The Sultan is looking for a wife. That's why their putting on the show in the first place. They'll be singing and giving out drinks, but we have to hurry. Everyone will want to attend, and once they fill up then we won't be able to get in."

Jafar smiled at the thought. "I was training to be a scholar, so I could get close to the Sultan in order to introduce him to my theories about other worlds." He quickly turned around to the group shouting, "Wait! Perhaps I could spare a few hours with you all."

The group of young men all ran off towards the harem several blocks away. They made their way down the poorly lit streets filled with people. The men found themselves in a giant line leading to the harem house. "They're not opening till the day ends," one man proclaimed.

Jafar and the others waited patiently till they heard someone call out from behind. "Make way. The Prince of Agrabah is coming through. Move aside. Move aside. The Prince of Agrabah is passing by." A heavily armed guard marched down the street leading a horse driven carriage with guards around all sides. The white carriage passed ahead of the men stopping in front of the harem's entrance. The guard in front of them came ahead of the carriage door. He opened the door helping the Sultan out of his seat to the rug beneath him. Jafar finally caught a glimpse of the man that ruled over the entire world. One of Jafar's friends remarked, "He's a lot shorter then I'd thought he'd be. And a lot wider."

The man wore all white and had a short brown beard. He was half the size of the guard next to him. He wore a white turban fitted with a purple feather attached to a blue jewel. "I say Djeeb is this really necessary."

"I fear so my lord. Your Father commands you must find a bride soon or he will decide one for you," the guard Djeeb said to the Sultan.

The Sultan straightened his hat on his head. "Very well. If I'm going to get married any ways might as well be on my terms."

Two harem girls appeared in front of the door bowing before the Prince. "We humbly welcome you to our establishment your majesty. Please do enjoy yourself." They opened the door letting him inside. The Prince was brought in the establishment with four guards following him. The other three waited by the carriage. The door closed behind them as everything went silent for a few moments.

Before long an older woman with light skin and a wrinkled face stepped out and announced to the people waiting. "We can only let 30 people inside tonight; the Prince's advisor suggests it be best not to have too many people near him. Please forgive us but the Sultan's command is unbendable. Several of the people behind Jafar sighed in disappointment.

The old woman opened the door letting the lines of men in one by one. Counting each man to enter in. Jafar was number 29 entering the cavern behind his friends. "We made it guys." One of them proclaimed. They all were seated at a table near the right end of the stage. A beautiful woman set them down acting as their waitress. "Please forgive us but we will only be serving drinks tonight. The chefs are all preoccupied with the Princes food."

The men nodded understanding the women's claims. The woman went to fetch them some water leaving the men alone. Jafar looked up to see the Prince seated on a top-class chair that was probably hand made just for him tonight. It was placed on a recently constructed pedestal giving him the best view of the show. A beautiful harem girl in blue came out with her a special dish of fried sand lizard. Made just for him. She placed it in front of the Sultan allowing him to dig in.

The Prince took a fork and dug into the food given to him. The lights turned off except for the one on the stage. A harem girl dressed in a purple gown came out and announced to the audience.

"My dear Prince of Agrabah. The Harem of Girls of District One would like to thank you for visiting us tonight. We have a special show just for you. We know you'll enjoy it. As we proudly present, "The Tale of Isis and the Cave of Wonders."

"Oh, my sister loves this story," one of the guys describes to Jafar.

. The curtains opened as the same announcer girl in purple stood to the side.

Speaking out loud to the audience, "Once upon a time, several ages ago. The newly crowned Sultan of Agrabah slowly passed away from an incurable illness. With no brother or son to call his own the world wept as the throne remained empty. The throne remained vacant with no air in sight encouraging ambitious individuals to gain power. Three of the Sultans closest friends competed for who will take the throne. His top advisor Eisa. The Captain of the Guards Nabel. And the Sultan's Priest Dabir."

Out on the stage three actors appeared. All three characters were men, but they were all portrayed by woman. They were dressed in what appeared to be the characters clothing. But more scantly showing skin being a sign of their potential for marriage.

Eisa was played by Manar. A short but beautiful woman with small breasts. She was cuter then sexy as her face could swoon any living creature for being adorable. She wore a black and red top with pants. She had a red fez on her head matching her curled shoes. The sides of her legs were showing as well as the top of her chest.

Nabel was played by Leyla. She was tall and muscular as if her sleeves fell off do to her thick arms. She had curly shoes and baggy pants, but her belly button was showing. She had on a hat that resembled the guards. She carried a fake sword around her waist hidden by a scabbard.

And finally, Dabir was played by Jameelah. She was barefoot with long crimson pants and a shirt. She was covered the most compared to the others. She carried a snake like staff and wore a giant black pointy hat. She had an eye patch covering her left eye.

Jafar leaned towards his friends asking, "Why are they all played by woman?"

His friend responded, "It's a tradition that only woman partake in this play."

"Surly you could never pass as a Sultan," said Nabal to Eisa. "You are the top advisor people would assume that you killed him for power. It's always the top advisor."

Eisa responded loudly, "Don't lecture me on clichés. I knew the Sultan better than anyone. I was they're by the Sultans side for every decision he made. Over course I am the only one suited to be the next ruler."

"Well you are wrong about one thing," Dabir prescribed.

"And what that might be?" Eisa asked.

"You claim you knew the Sultan better than anyone. But there is one who was closer."

"Ah yes His little sister Isis. Poor thing was there with him till he died. If only she were a boy, then she'd be the next in line to the throne," Eisa concluded to them.

"Ah yes such a pity. But we must make haste. The tribes are without a unifying leader. And without a new ruler we could lose power. The tribes could any day cause an uprising. I say we call a union of all the tribes to discuss the matter," Eisa decided. The three exited the stage as the curtain closed.

Sobbing could be heard in the background as the curtains opened again. The set of a bed was placed on the stage. The announcer called out, "Oh Allah, show pity on poor Isis. For the brother she loved so much had passed. You have taken her Father, her Mother, and her Brother in your arms. Oh, great Allah give pity on the poor girl."

Little Isis was mourning her brother on the bed loudly. As she did not leave his side since he was placed there. "Oh, my dear brother please. I wish you a peaceful passing. May you live an eternal life in heaven with Mother and Father. The young girl finally removed her body from the bed revealing her face.

She wore blue and yellow garb with a top and bottom. She had see-through fabric around her legs. She was bare foot and fashioned her hair with ponytails. Her skin was light, and she had blonde hair and blue eyes. Isis was played by Moni. The most beautiful harem girl the tavern had to offer.

She twirled around with a little necklace in her hand. She showed the necklace to the audience. "In your last dying breath, you gave this to me. You spoke. My dear sister this necklace holds a secret. And upon reuniting it a great mystery will be unlocked leading to mountains of forgotten treasure. This treasure though was cursed and only those with pure intensions may enter the cave to take it as they please. But if one succumbs to greed. The cave will consume them as a meal. I tell you this for you are the only one who knows. Take it with you and you'll never be alone. And in your last gesture you handed it to me. Is this all I must remember you for? A broken sigil of a beetle. Does this legend you tell me exist. Oh, brother I'm so confused. Please leave me more."

The actress playing Isis began to sing a lovely melody. A melody one sings to their loved one kindly. The curtain then closed.

Jafar drank his water as the others gawked at the waitress's that walked by. After a bit the curtain opened revealing the next scene.

Several women in black and red garb came onto the stage dancing. They wore red fabric trailing them from their shoulders as they danced around a bronze throne shaped like a snake's head. Fire burst from the seat revealing a beautiful and tall woman in all black appear in front of the throne.

She wore a red see-through fabric over her face and golden earrings.Her hair was as black as night. It was long and shaped like a tube by three bands around her hair She had brown eyes and her feet were bare. Around her neck was a necklace with half of a golden beetle medallion.

The woman lashed out loud as smoke poured over the stage. "Praise be the Princess of the Bronze Cobra. Queen of the Sand Pirates. Ruler of the forgotten sands and abandoned. Princess Ishtar the most beautiful woman to press her bare soles on the sands of Agrabah."

The actress walked down to her subjects cackling loudly, "My dear subjects for years our people had to live on the scarps of dirt and vermin of the desert. While those in the great city of Agrabah live wonderful lives out of sight from the rays of sun. But with this necklace things can all change."

She held up half of a golden beetle to the audience announcing, "This sigil has a twin and with it. It'll lead us to a treasure more magnificent than any other. A land of treasure that one may take a handful to become richer then the Sultan. But now the throne lay empty. The golden rule states whoever has the gold makes the rules. If we are to track down this treasure, we will rule over the world and make myself Sultan. But the other half was taken by the Sultan after my poor Great Grand Mother lost the war with a past Sultan. He took it with him as a trophy. For what he knew we did not. But there may only be a way to swipe such a sigil from them. If only."

The actress walked back to her throne and began to sing a song of gold and victory to the audience. Then the curtains closed with the announcer declaring Act 1 over.

The Sultan seemed intrigued by the woman who portrayed Ishtar smiling the moment she came on to stage till she exited.

The announcer called out to the audience. "Three contenders to the throne Eisa, Nabal, and Dabir continued to argue as the future of Agrabah remained at risk."

The curtain opened with the three bickering causing Isis to run out on the stage to end the fighting. "Please stop. The kingdom needs no more division surly we can discuss this properly."

"My Princess the world is without a head and the land will surly fail," Eisa declared. 'We must find an air."

"That is why I decided I will take the throne in my brother's place," she said proudly.

The three men couldn't believe what they were hearing as they questioned the Princesses choice of words. She insisted this must be done for the sake of the kingdom. The three men passed her off because she was a girl. Isis getting angry declared, "Then what may I do to succeed the throne. I will prove of what I am worth with or without my title."

The three men laughed. Dabir came forward and challenged her. "Then let it be so. Go forth not as you are but as a peasant in disguise and bring back a treasure of only royalty may obtain. Proving to us and the world that you are more than just a girl."

Isis stood back and pondered at the thought. She knew she had to take the chance and agreed to it. "Now to make this challenge truly interesting. You have one year to bring back something that is worthy of the Sultan's vault and if you fail. You must never return. And you shall live the rest of your life as a peasant down there."

Isis agreed to these terms. She left dressing in rags hiding her face from the world bringing with her only the necklace her brother gave her.

The curtains closed.

The announcer called out, "For seven-months the Princess of Agrabah searched for treasure daily. Working hard just to obtain money for food. Until one night she came across someone that will change her life forever. She was riding from tribe to tribe looking for such a treasure across the great desert on a sand glider. Till one day she was ambushed by sand pirates and taken prisoner by the Princess of Bronze."

The curtain opened revealing Isis wrapped up in rope. Then the dancers came in again parading around her each dancing in unison. After a bit the dancers subsided revealing Ishtar to the audience. She came down confident and true. Looking down at the young Princess. She instantly recognized the Princess by the necklace she wore. "Well well, what do we have here. A little Princess lost her way home." Ishtar grabbed Isis's necklace ripping it from her neck. "Finally after all these years the second half of the sigil has returned to its twin." Ishtar brought out the second half of the golden beetle.

Isis then spoke to appease the fellow Princess. She remembered the story her brother told of the sigil. And how when put together the beetle will lead them to a place called the Cave of Wonders. A cursed realm that was said to be created by a Genie's wish. Legend says a peasant used a Genie to create the cave to get revenge on his enemies. The first thing he wished for was the construction of the cave. The second was to fill it to the brim with treasure. The third was to curse the gold. Having the Cave of Wonders devour all those who take from it.

Isis knew what she had to do. She pleaded with Ishtar. "Please don't. After all this time I've been looking for the other half. You see the seat of the Sultan shall be filled by one who brings the greatest treasure forward in the land," Isis spoke using truth to further a lie.

Ishtar was intrigued by this. She smiled looking down at Isis, "You don't stay." Ishtar called to her cohorts "Get the sand sleds ready and prepare to head out and bring her with us." Ishtar put the sigil back together causing it to glow.

The curtain closed. Act 2 has ended.

Jafar finished his drink looking up at the Sultan hoping to meet with him personally. He told his friends "I will be right back." Jafar moved out of his seat maneuvering closer to where the Prince sat. He waited cautiously by the wall a bit away from the Prince, so the guards don't catch him.

The curtain opens with the third act beginning. A set of a lion's head was on the stage gaping its mouth open so people could walk into it. Ishtar and several dancers came with Isis tied up. "Finally after all these years." Ishtar turned to her dancers. Everyone go inside and reveal to me the treasure. Bring as much out as you can carry."

The dancers did as they were told hopping into the mouth of the beast.

They all ran inside without a second thought disappearing leaving Ishtar and Isis alone together. "Tell me Ishtar. What do you plan to do to me with me?" Isis asked.

"I'll bide my time till I have no use for you. After that we'll see," Ishtar said confidently.

Calling from inside the cave a dancer spoke out, "We see something in the light." Ishtar answered back, "The light?"

The dancer then called out, "The light it is gold. Mountains of gold."

Ishtar felt overjoyed. She headed towards the cave to see for herself. After leaving Isis alone the Princess managed escape from her bounds by cutting the rope with a hidden knife. She got up and snuck behind Ishtar. The Princess of Bronze looked down in the belly of the beast. The dancers called out how they're grabbing the treasure and are preparing to bring it up. Ishtar shouted out, "Please show me. Let me see a small sample. One dancer brought out a shining emerald stone the size of her head. Ishtar rubbed her hands of lust for the gem. When the dancer handed Ishtar the green jewel a loud voice shouted out.

"INFIDELS!"

Ishtar suddenly became frightened by the voice screaming loudly.

"YOU HAVE TOUCHED THE FORBIDDEN TREASURE. AND YOU WILL NEVER AGAIN SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY!" The tiger head resembling the Cave of Wonders shook and poured out smoke from its mouth. The dancer who brought Ishtar the jewel fell over back into the Tigers throat. Ishtar continued to hold onto the jewel and tried to exit the Cave entrance. She turned around to see Isis in front of her. She snatched the jewel from the startled woman and pushed her down the tiger's throat. Ishtar screamed as she fell down to her death in the Cave of Wonders. Isis quickly bolted out of the way as the Tigers head slammed it's lips together.

The young Princess was now alone holding the emerald in her hand. She stood up and brushed the dust off her pants. She looked up possibly towards the audience and spoke, "I am more than just a girl." She padded off to the right of the stage as the curtains closed.

After a little bit. The curtains opened once again. Revealing the Throne room from the first scene of the play. The Eisa, Nabel, and Dabir were conversing with each other again. Dabir held the jewel Isis brought back with her in his hand. "Well I believe our friend can rest in peace knowing the throne has been properly taken over."

Nabel agreed, "Yes, we truly underestimated this girl. Not only did she fulfill her quest but rid the world of the Bronze Princess. And without a spear head of leadership. The sand pirates have all been divided. Making them easier to deal with."

Eisa then concluded, "Maybe having a woman as Sultan wouldn't be so bad. Maybe this kingdom needs a new kind of ruler to push us forward."

"And there is no woman like Isis," they all said together. The Princess then walked out onto stage in her Sultan garb. She thanked the three men as they seated her on the throne. She smiled as she declared to the audience. "No matter who we are or no matter what we do or where we are born. We are all human no matter who we choose to be, and any human can achieve greatness. As long as they are prepared for what lies ahead."

The curtain then closed for the final time signaling the end to the play.

The audience stood up clapping loudly as the cast all came out onto the stage to give a final bow. The Prince was also pleased. Jafar even clapped causally for their performances.

The head of the harem the old lady came out and announced, "Please do stay after the show as the cast will gladly spend time with you gratuitous audience members. Thank you for coming and have a good night." She bowed before leading the cast off the stage. The audience all began to converse when the lights turned on. Jafar tried to find an opportunity to speak with the Prince. But the girls in the play all came out walking towards the Prince. The guards led the Prince over to the stars letting them introduce himself.

Jafar waited steady behind the guards just waiting for them to give him an opening. The Prince marched towards the two stars who portrayed Isis and Ishtar. They have received the most attention from the crowd. When he got close everyone moved aside leaving him alone. He stepped forward to the two actresses smiling at him. Moni stepped forward expecting to speak with the Prince. But he was not interested in her. He walked passed the beautiful blonde girl appearing in front of the actress who played Ishtar. Both her and Moni were both struck with shock. He stood before the actress smiling. "I truly loved your performance. What is your name?" he asked her looking up. He was much shorter than her, yet his presence made her nervous. She brushed her hair and speaking softly, "My name is Kali."

The guard came behind them and proclaimed, "My Prince have you chosen a bride?"

Kali blushed upon hearing such a proclamation. Everyone stopped what they were doing and starred at the couple. The Prince stroked his brown beard making his final decision. He uttered a few words from his hairy lips, "Yes I choose her." The other harem girls nearly began to scream.

Moni was without words. Kali didn't know what to think. The men stayed silent. The Prince blushed a bit. "Well get on it. It's time to inform my Father." He looked to Kali, "I hope to see you again soon." The guards then escorted the Prince out of the building. Kali and Moni remained dumbfounded.

Jafar tried to get the Prince's attention. He maneuvered in front of the door hoping to catch the Prince as he passed by. The guards led the short man out the door. When the time was right Jafar made his move speaking to him. "Your majesty if you please, I'd like to have a word with you." He came closer but only got the guards attention.

One of the guards pushed Jafar to the ground. Jafar thumped his behind on the taverns floor. "Don't try it again. Or else you'll be kissing the ground of a dungeon," the guard declared very seriously. Jafar looked up in annoyance as the guards escorted the Prince out of the tavern. The men all looked at Jafar getting back on his feet. He gritted his teeth looking back at his friends. He aggressive walked out the door in frustration leaving his friends behind.

Kali was still standing in the same spot since the Prince uttered his final choice. All the other girls began to surround her screaming and laughing. They all congratulated the future Queen of Agrabah. She continued to look on thinking of what will become of her.