Chapter 6

Jasmine had just woken up and tried leaning back onto the bed and reached out for her fiancé that was supposed to be sleeping soundly next to her.

Only to find that he wasn't there like usual.

I swear he's been more elusive the past couple of days. I need to talk to him. Jasmine thought.

"Ah Jasmine dear! Make haste! We have more meetings to attend too." The Sultan said coming into her room.

"Yes father. I'm glad I finally am getting to attend these meetings. It's important for me to learn how to help run this kingdom!" Jasmine replied getting her notes ready.

"Well you are doing a fine job learning my dear! I only wish I could've given you the chance to learn sooner. You are very bright indeed!" The Sultan said as he and Jasmine started walking to the meeting room.

"Thank you father," Jasmine replied smiling. "By the way have you seen Aladdin today?"

"No daughter. I think he got up early and headed into the city. I know he's working more on fighting since we started these meetings and our friends went on their vacation."

Jasmine didn't even time to even think about it since they just entered the meeting room where their allies were waiting. She resolved to talk to him later once they get a chance. But she couldn't be upset that they were both busy with their tasks. He was doing his, she needed to do hers now.

Aladdin found himself back in that arena that he was in yesterday, but unlike yesterday he wouldn't be a spectator.

He would be in that cage as a fighter.

"Hey kid how ya feeling." Genki asked Aladdin as he finished taping his hands up.

"Nervous. Never had any kind official fight like this before." Aladdin replied.

"You'll be fine. Besides this is what you wanted."

"Don't remind me." Aladdin replied with a smirk.

"I'm guessing you didn't tell the princess."

Aladdin shook his head. Both to confirm he said no and to end this kind of conversation. They could talk about it later.

Before Genki could even say anything. Someone else had come into the room.

"It's your turn to fight. They've been waiting for the Street Rat Aladdin all night."

"Thanks." Genki replied and the man left

"Wait they know me?" Aladdin asked as they both got up and walked out there.

"Are you kidding? You've been known as a notorious thief. They already knew about you when they saw your name on the fight sheet." Genki said as they walked up the steps to the entrance ramp.

As they made their way to the ring, they could hear the jeers from the drunken crowd.

"Hey you worthless street rat!

Welcome to the underground!"

"You're way too pretty to be here!"

"You decrepit old man! You need a walker to get to the ring!"

Aladdin was looking around until he heard Genki next to him. "Stay focused kid. You only have 1 opponent."

Aladdin nodded and looked up the steps to the ring. He suddenly broke into a cold sweat. He was scared all of a sudden. But nonetheless, he climbed into the ring with Genki. And then he looked at his opponent.

The man was twice his size, built like a tank, he reminded him of the ship captain Bahtross. And he looked bloodthirsty. He was even more scared.

The referee called them to the middle of the ring and while the ref explained the rules, Aladdin was so close to him that he could smell his breath.

"Imma gonna mess you up" Let's see if you can last longer than 10 seconds with me pretty boy."

Before Aladdin could respond, they were both pulled to their respective corners.

"Listen kid, you have jitters, it's your first time fighting. It's only natural. Remember, you only use your fists here. No kicks or grapples.

"You couldn't pick anyone my size? The guy is as big as Genie for Allah's Sake!"

"You'll be fine kid. Go in there and punch him as hard as you can."

Aladdin was left in disbelief as Genki left the ring smiling. He was nervous. And scared. Yes he worked out but it wouldn't make a difference against an ugly giant like that!

Little did he know Genki was also worried, but not for him…

As the bell rang, Aladdin put up his guard and the giant laid in shots on him. He couldn't get a hit in.

He's too big. I can't get around him!

His thoughts were halted as a punch broke through his guard and hit him in the jaw and knocked him down.

"You don't belong here you worthless piece of garbage!" One member of the crowd screamed at him.

Aladdin was down and was slowly making his way up when he heard that. And now he could feel his teeth grit and clenched his fists together. He was PISSED.

Genki was now openly cackling. Now Aladdin would find out just how far ahead he was from all these bums.

"Can you continue?" The ref asked Aladdin.

Aladdin nodded and watched as the ugly mammoth made his way towards him. He waited till he was closer.

"Take this you worthless dog!" The mammoth said as he launched a punch.

Aladdin saw it coming, he ducked and got inside and landed a punch in his gut!

As he was doubling over, Aladdin landed another punch in his temple, he fell flat on his face.

"Whoa." Aladdin said as he watched him fall.

He didn't even notice Genki smiling big. Now he knew.

The ref began to count and that's when Genki finally said to Aladdin.

"Now do you get it! You're far beyond these street bums!"

Aladdin didn't even have enough time to respond before the ref finished the count and called the match.

The crowd booed since no one actually bet on him.

"No! You lost me 6 gold coins!" One man shouted.

"God damn it!" Another man shouted.

Aladdin looked around feeling somewhat pleased. Serves them right for not believing he could win.

The ref grabbed his arm and raised it high, and Aladdin felt like he was on top of the world.

"Boooooooooo!"

Well it would be nice if he people that could cheer him on next time.

"Ah" Aladdin started to feel a stabbing pain in his eye.

"Hold still." Genki said as he put some ice and compress on it.

"How come it was so easy Old man?" Aladdin said looking perplexed at his opponent who was still down and getting medical attention.

"You think I trained you to lose? You're far beyond this level. You just need experience here."

Aladdin nodded with a smile as he heard the crowd jeer him even more.

"You got lucky street rat! Come back here and you won't be so lucky next time."

Aladdin gave a wave, making them even angrier before leaving. Before they headed to the locker room to get their things and leave.

"Alright kid, be careful heading back."

Aladdin waved before walking back to his hovel. Along the way, he got some food with his winnings and was eating on the way back before a stray dog came up to him and barked at him.

"Hmmm?" Aladdin replied looking down at the dog.

The dog came up to him and nudged his bag which had a bit of food still left over from what he bought.

"RUFF RUFF RUFF!" The dog barked.

"You want some food?" Aladdin asked.

The dog sat down happily wagging his tail as if waiting for the food.

"Alright alright here you go." Aladdin said leaning down and placing some leftover fruit down for the dog before walking on.

"RUFF!"

Aladdin turned around and realized the dog was now following him as well.

"Hey I gave you all the food I had!" Aladdin exclaimed before the dog went up to him and started nudging him for pets.

After bending down and petting him, Aladdin kept walking until he realized that the dog wouldn't stop following no matter what he did. He tried to run after that but it kept up with him.

"So you're not gonna stop following me huh?"

"Ruff!"

"Fine let's head back. I'm sleepy."

Aladdin gave up and both of the new companions made their way back to the hovel. Aladdin placed a bowl of water for the dog before they went to sleep upstairs. Dreaming of a brighter future for tomorrow.