Patron Part 3
Previously: Chroias, Mozenrath's girlfriend, accompanies Moze and Nefret to
Agrabah where they fight with Aladdin. The battle strengthens Nefret's and
Chroias's friendship. Seeing that the girls had become friends and that his
master now has both the girls, Xerxes became jealous. He stole the gauntlet
and framed Nefret. Nef was banished, But Chroias uncovered the treachery of
Xerxes and she and Mozenrath headed to the Elision fields (where Chroias
hide Nefret) and asked her to come home. Now they go back to the Citadel to
confront an unsuspecting Xerxes..
Disclaimer: Mozenrath, Xerxes, Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Abu and Carpet are
property of Disney. Chroias belongs to Kalynnn Osburn. Nefret and Anubis
are mine. Rated Pg for suggestive content.
Chapter 21 (by Kalynn)
Chroias cast a dark look at the eel that was evenly mimicked by Nefret. Mozenrath himself had to admit the two looked scary. Nefret nodded to Chroias and they snatched the eel before he could make it any further. "All right you little no winged viper, you thought you were going to get away with it didn't you?" Chroias hissed in his face. Nefret snatched up the eel. "You know Xerxes I never thought you could betray Mozenrath like that? I mean sure I don't always agree with his plans for world domination and subjecting the world to his tyranny, but I'd never pull something like that!" The little eel gazed up at his master. "Master can no believe. Nefret betray you. Chroias betray you. Both lie..." The gray creature screeched as Mozenrath slapped him to the floor. "Xerxes how could you do this to me?" he said in a voice that betrayed his emotionless face. "I can't believe you would back stab me so hard." Chroias snatched up the slimy thing. "Well as we say in Tarturus the punishment should fit the crime." She slapped a cage around the eel. "And since Nefret was punished she should fit your crime." The plum haired girl turned to Mozenrath for confirmation. He nodded to say he had already agreed to this arrangement. "All right Xerxes. You and I have never liked each other. In fact when I first got here you called me a tramp." "He called you what?" Chroias said fangs barred. Nefret waved her off. "But after this I think even your master agrees that you have to be punished. " she bowed her head slightly "So the punishment is...." Chapter 22 (by me, Laura)
Nefret raised her head and looked over the bridge of her nose. The eel's eyes were as wide as saucers. He had a good idea of what was coming next, and it involved a chopping block, an axe, and his head. But her next words strayed from his imagination. ".Banishment from the Land of the Black Sand." Xerxes breath caught in his throat, technically the sentence was less than death, but for him it might as well have been the highest punishment. Out of the corner of her eye Nef caught the flash of her master's throat has he gulped. A pang of guilt stung her mind. Even though Mozenrath was furious at his familiar now, she knew they had been a team for a while. He had been here when she had come to serve Mozenrath, and who knows how long before then. The punishment she had just handed down would affect her master as well as that slimy basterd. With another breath she continued. "You will spend the night in the dungeon and at dawn you will be exiled for the next 18 years!" She had picked that number because by that time she would have served her 20 years and she would never have to see him again. Everyone looked over a bit taken back. "Are you sure you don't want him eternally." The demon began to speak. "I have made my decision!" Nefret snapped a bit to harshly. Xerxes looked to his master for help. "Master, I no betray YOU!" He hollered pleading for mercy but admitting to his guilt at the same time. "You can't let girl make your choice!" Mozenrath face was as dark and hard as stone. "Nefret belongs to me, she is mine. You betray her, and your betraying ME! You just better be grateful she was merciful. I'm my opinion she was to lenient." He looked at Nefret, but she was already on her way down the hall, Chroias closely following. With a wave of his hand the cage containing the eel was chartered off by a mumluck, and the sorcerer headed to his room to retrieve a few things. Nef had changed from her elaborate golden robes to her normal outfit and Chroias was helping her remove the jewelry she was given while in heaven. They promptly disappeared in a poof of smoke, heading to wherever they came from. A small knock came at the door and Mozenrath walked in. Nefret looked up with a small grin. "I hadn't expected my room to be here. I figured you would have destroyed all my things in a fit of rage." She and Roias laughed. "That was scheduled for this evening." He mused. He looked back up to see an is-there-something-you-wanted face on both the girls. He held up the anklet in silent reply. A heavy click rang out and Nef scowled a bit as her anklet was snapped around her ankle once more. "Welcome back!" Mozenrath chuckled knowing what she was thinking. Nef's tongue was about to make an appearance out of her mouth, but she stopped herself as her lord produced her ring from his cloak. It slipped back to it's home on her pinky and she smiled, happy to have it back. Chroias and Mozenrath looked at each other and smiled a bit. "Sometimes minions are more trouble than there're worth." He sighed. This time Nefret didn't hold back and stuck out her tongue, but, fortunately for her, Mozenrath had already turned his back and was walking out the door. Xerxes Hissed to himself in his cell. He couldn't believe his master had let Nefret banish him. She was his underling, and he was allowing her to hand out sentences like she owned the place!!!! Well it seemed his master had gone a bit soft, and had been ever since his girlfriend had arrived. The sour thoughts left a bad taste in his mouth. But he wasn't without defenses. He would retaliate; he would do exactly what he was accused of if that's what it took. After all, he knew Mozenrath more than anyone else, all his strengths and weaknesses, everything! Chapter 23 (by Kalynn)
Xerxes rattled the bars of his cage. Oh what he was goona do when he got outa here! Those little brat's were gonna get it. 'But who I tell' he mused to himself. "Tell hero." he said aloud and twitched around to see who was watching. "Tell hero all master's weakness. Hero come and crush master, crush Nefret, crush Chroias. Xerxes laugh." He sat at the bottom of the cage after this unusually complicated speech, a content smile on his lard- lipped face. Chroias hugged her friend once they were out of Mozenrath's site." Oh God's and hell fire do you know how much I missed you?" she said in a single breath of air. The plum haired girl returned her friends hug. "You could have kept the jewelry you know." she said softly. Nefret laughed. "I would have rather kept the servants." she winked as Chroias busted out laughing. "Hay looks like your not such a goodie two shoes after all." Chroias placed a comradely hand on her shoulder. "I guess that answers the virgin question." Nefret let out a half indignant half embarrassed scream and began chasing Chroias down the halls of the Citadel. Unfortunately they took a wrong turn and collided straight with Mozenrath. The sorcerer toppled over in a flurried of robes and 'oufed' gently when Nef and Chroias tumbled on top of him. The two girls laughed loudly and Chroias planted a gentle kiss on Mozenrath's lips. "Hi love." she said softly as Nefret picked her self up from the tangle. "Hello." he said in a slightly distant voice. "Didn't I mention something about you two not running around the hall." "Hello do we look thirteen?" Nefret said in her typical sarcastic voice. " I mean yes daddy." she said in a girlish voice as Mozenrath shot her a withering look. Chroias kissed Mozenrath again before his mouth had a chance to retort. He growled gently as she finished and stalked off. Nefret walked up to her friend and gave her a quizzical look. "God's I didn't know Xerxes meant that much to him." she said softly. "They were together almost before I was here." Chroias said. "I almost hate to do this to them. Besides me, he's the only one who knows what Destain's real tortures were." Nefret gave her another questioning look. Chroias glanced behind her to see if Mozenrath was away. "Here." she handed Nefret a black hardcover book with gold bindings. "Admittance" Nefret said out loud. "It technically hasn't even been written yet." Chroias said cautiously. "So I shouldn't really show it to you." She gave the book a pitying glance. "But it's the only way you can ever truly understand." Nefret nodded and took it. "I'll read it tonight." She began to walk away. Chroias stopped her. "Nefret, you can never ever tell Mozenrath about this book. Never." She pressed her nail gently to her friend. "He doesn't even know he's going to live this long. Or that he has it in him to forgive the things in this book. If he isn't allowed to discover it for himself, he might end up nothing more than a hopeless old man, with nothing but sad memories." The demon touched the book closely. "This," she said with finality. "This book will be his last chance at Elisyium." Nefret nodded, realizing the intensity of the situation. "I swear he'll never realize it was here." she hugged her friend and the two retreated for the night. Chapter 24 (by me)
It was well past midnight, and the citadel was quite, even Xerxes had fallen into a restless sleep in his cell. Everyone was safely away in slumber, everyone that is but Nefret. She was past the point of getting any rest this night. It had been a few hours ago she had started the book. The first of is was things she already knew, Mirage was his mother, he became Destain's apprentice and was mistreated. But after that, oh sweet Hathor! A few times she had flung the book away was if it were a rearing cobra, but she had forced herself to the end. But only because Chroias seemed to feel she needed to know. Now she stood bracing herself at her dressing table, her heart was racing and her shoulders trembled. In the mirror she could see the black kohl had melted under her burning hot tears and now ran in sooty streaks down her face. Her shaking hands brought a wet cloth over her face. 'I never.never knew. He had mentioned... that one mumluk he is Destian, he is the man from the book. I saw him everyday and never...It happened right here, in this Citadel, in these very halls, in these rooms." She reared her head up shaking it violently, half because she realized she couldn't breath though the cloth, and half trying to shake her jumbled thoughts away. She looked desperately to her chamber door. 'I shouldn't... But I cant be alone right now..I just CAN'T!" Chroias was having a very good dream, and it has to be said that Nef's servants made an appearance, when her eyes cracked open. Had she heard something? She listened intently and it came again, a small timid knock. Behind the door Roias found Nef. She was quaking slightly and her head was downcast, but the demon could tell she had been crying. "Chroias?" But her voice failed her. With an understanding smile Roias pulled her in the room and set her down on the ottoman. "I didn't know it would upset you so much." She wiped away some stubborn kohl that had refused to come clean when Nef washed her face. "You think I'm heartless?" She was a bit angry but then dropped her head away. "You must think I hate Mozenrath cause of the way I treat him. I'm always cutting him short and spouting off sarcastic comments. But had I know... this!" She gestured with her arms as if all of Mozenrath's past were in front of her, which was how she felt. "I know. I know you don't hate him. But you can't treat him differently now, he might get suspicious." "Ha, don't worry. I don't think I even know how to treat him any other way." She was silent for a moment. "Roias, will he really live that long? Will he really...?" "He will live for longer than you can think ahead, and will see things you can't begin to imagine. And yes he will watch Aladdin die, and you for that matter. Agrabah will fall and other nations will rise in its place, leaders will come and go, wars will start and finish, but he shall endure." Nef looked at her friend with narrowing eyes. "Yes, because of the sharks tooth." "Do you think I did him more of a disservice and a favor? He has so much pain, should he really have to carry it that long?" Nefret was suddenly worried. "In the end he will forgive, and that makes a thousand lifetimes of pain worth it." By the time she fished the sentence, Nef had fallen asleep slumped on the ottoman. An extra blanket was thrown over he before Chroias returned to bed. The sun was mounting in the sky burning off the pre-morning mists as the three figures stood near the border of Mozenrath's domain. The cage was tossed heavily onto the desert floor while the eel hissed angrily. A pit weighed heavily in Nefret's stomach, this scene was all to familiar, but at least she wasn't on the receiving end this time. Second thought's had been nipping at her all morning. 'An eye for an eye' she repeated to herself, but she still hated to break up he lord and his pet, especially after the information she had been privileged to last night. The situation played out just as it had a few days before, no words were exchanged as the cage was open and Xerxes slowly swam away. "Mozenrath, if you want to stop him, go now. I'll understand." Nefret looked to her lord, but he didn't take his eyes away from the horizon. He slowly shook his head. "Then. if he learns his lesson he can come back. I give it 6 months." Her voice turned brisk and Mozenrath struggled to hide the slight grin that was tugging at his lips. "Yeah your welcome." She grumbled. If it hadn't been for the damn sympathy she now felt for Mozenrath that eel would be in BIG trouble! Xerxes swam slower and slower until he had come to a dead stop, slowly doubling back to look behind. Mozenrath, Chroias, and Nefret had disappeared. His hideous face was graced by an equally hideous expression. Mozenrath was a power hungry man, and nearly all of his power had once belonged to someone else. And it was a given that none of the former owners were very pleased with their loss. He had made many enemies in his years, and even his own mother wasn't very fond of him, but the question now was which one to go to! Mirage? Kartom? The Sprites? Hadim? Aladdin? All of the above? Aladdin seemed the most logical choice, he had taken in Jafar's parrot after all. But would he be willing to ruthlessly crush Mozenrath? And if he were, would he be willing to take out Nefret and Chroias as well? Perhaps so if Xerxes told the right story. And if this fell through the eel could list at least 5 other people he could go to, and that was just off the top of his head! With a slight snicker the sand eel picked his first course of action, heading to the sparkling city of Agrabah. Chapter 25 (by kalynn)
Nefret watched Mozenrath sulk across the throne room. She turned to Chroias and the demoness nodded. She had no love for the eel either, but he had been a big part of her lovers life. "I do feel kinda bad about this." Nefret said in a low voice. Chroias rolled her eyes. Nefret was a dear friend and a great gal, but she had absolutely no stomach for the more ruthless aspects of revenge. "I know." she said in an attempt to be sympathetic. " Moze isn't happy about it either. I think it's time for me to pay him a little night time visit." she cooed and smiled seductively. Nefret punched her lightly in the arm. "God is that all you ever think about?" she said loudly. "Hay you try going celibate for a centuries and see how chipper you are when you get out!" Chroias nicked the marble of the wall with a claw. "I have Mozenrath and every opportunity. I'm gonna use it." Nefret shook her head. At least talking to her friend would take her mind off Xerxes. _________________ The little eels mind, unfortunately was far from being off Nefret and Chroias. He grinned as he saw the towers of Agrabah palace above the sand dunes. Grinning, he shot off for the palace. _________________ Mozenrath sank down into his tub. He hadn't had the opportunity for a hot bath since bringing Nefret back. And the underworld left an unpleasant chill behind that sunk right through to his bones. He submerged his head momentarily and let his hair soak. He pulled back up and began to search absently for the washrag nearby. The water in his eyes prevented him from seeing it. Suddenly his hand touched cloth and he whipped the wetness from his eyes. Of course the sight that meet him as he opened his eyes was,.... stunning to say the least. His moth hung open for a split second before he found the words. "Chr...Chroias." His eyes moved up and down her long body. "I umm! I wasn't expecting you.." The demoness placed a long claw delicately on his lips. "Shhhhh." she whispered. "Just relax." Mozenrath decided he couldn't be possibly more...tense. _____________________ Xerxes flew past the guards gripping hands and up to the hero's arm. Immediately a sword meet his air. "I don't know what Mozenrath's plot is this time. But your not going to be around to set it off." Aladdin sliced the air above the eel. Xerxes screeched and dodged. "No no plan, no trap. Xerxes here to help." the eel confessed. "Mozenrath betray Xerxes, kick Xerxes out. No have home." He thought before adding the next part. "Xerxes no have friend." he said in the most pathetic voice possible. Aladdin paused his attack and waved off Jasmine who had been preparing to strike behind the eel. "What do you mean Mozenrath betray?" If he hadn't been playing a part Xerxes would have smiled. The hero couldn't have been more cooperative. __________________ Mozenrath looked at the sleeping figure beside him in the bed. She had fallen asleep at least a hour ago, but his thought's kept him awake. And his thought's weren't on his lost familiar either. They were more on loyalty, and commitment. Life time commitments to be more specific. He pushed a stray green hair from out of Chroias's pale face. She moaned slightly and pulled Mozenrath closer to her. He sighed as the warmth from her body sank into his. 'I do love her don't I?' he questioned himself. 'I mean you don't spend seven years with a person you don't at least have extremes affection for.' Mozenrath, for the first time in a long time, very unsure of himself. ______________________ Nefret sighed and looked at the book again. The gold words Admittance stared out at her in a moonlight shining. She had promised never to tell anyone about the contents of that book. 'But there are people who could help him.' she sighed . Her faithful dog Anubis sensed his mistress's frustration and rubbed his wet nose against her hand. Nefret hugged him gently. 'Would anyone be able to survive under such conditions?' She mused. 'If Mozenrath had grown up different would things really be any better?' She had heard in the temple that the God's had their own purpose and everything happened for a reason. 'What could possibly be the reason for this?' Chapter 26 (by me)
Aladdin listened intently to Xerxes. It would be impossible to retell his tale word for word, verbatim, just as it was hard to fully understand. Xerxes never did have a gift for conversation. But it went something like this. Mozenrath's girlfriend had moved in and she and Nefret had united. United in a plot to combine their separate forces in order to help Mozenrath. However the eel had misgivings about the plan, and expressed as much. Seeing his power to pursued his master the two girls turned against and framed him. Now Xerxes could see his master's ruthless nature for what it truly was, evil. And having nowhere to turn he came to Agrabah. "Help hero make right." The eel added as sincerely as he could. It took all his self-control to keep his lips from turning up into a smile. He could tell by the look on Aladdin's face his that he had fallen for the tale hook line and sinker! The eel was feeling quite proud of himself, it had taken all of his smarts (such as they were) to come up with that story, and the hero was always a sucker for a sad tale. "I know Citadel, know avoiding traps, magic sensing lights. Know MOZENRATH!" He hissed. With a rather thoughtful nod Aladdin looked to Jasmine for confirmation. She still wasn't completely convinced, but enough so to give it a chance. ~~~ Mozenrath pulled himself out of bed, careful not to wake Chroias as he untangled himself from her arms. He was still feeling a bit depressed about the loss of his pet, but Chroias had managed to relieve some of that sadness. Soft footsteps echoed off the walls as Mozenrath made his way down the hall to the study. He stopped in the doorway when he saw the room was occupied. Nefret sat singing quietly to herself as she flipped through the Citadel accounts. His minion looked up abruptly as the sound of Mozenrath footsteps reached her ears. "Good morning my lord. Were is Roias?" she added stretching her neck to the side to look over his shoulder. "She's still asleep." He entered to room continuing as he walked. "Your up early. What are you up to?" "What you enlisted me to do." She returned her eyes back to her work. "Thing have been rather... busy lately and I've fallen behind. I've made sure breakfast is ready." Mozenrath seemed a bit surprised, she was actually being...rather nice. He decided not to say anything, after all who knows how long this mood might last! "I'll have breakfast sent up to Roias, she must be very tired after her exertions." Nefret added. Mozenrath rolled his eyes, he knew it wouldn't last long! Anubis trotted up to Mozenrath, his tongue lulling out the side of his jaw. The dog was large, and even beside Mozenrath he came to about mid hip. Moze absentmindedly ran his hand over the dog's head. "Well, after you finish come and eat. Get away from me dog." He added as he turned away, but not before giving Anubis a firm pat on the neck. ~~~ Aladdin and the usual gang stood hesitantly at the border of Mozenrath's kingdom. Impatiently Xerxes swam head, doubling back to give them a hurried glace. With a deep breath Al planted a foot heavily into the black sand, and the other fell in behind him. So, they were heading into another confrontation with the hero's most deadly enemy, but this time they had help. A former insider who knew all the tricks, traps, and most importantly knew the mind of the sorcerer himself. Chapter 27 (by kalynn)
Aladdin glanced up at their gray compadrea. He still didn't trust the little creature, in fact he didn't really want to come to the Citadel at all. He had never faced a pure blooded demon before and had absolutely no idea how to react if she were to get rowdy. Being street born, Aladdin had a natural mistrust of things he didn't know. "How much fur..." "Shuuh!" Xerxes said in a loud whisper. "In Mozenrath's throne room. Most traps here. Step only on black panels. "He said and motioned to the floor. The black panels were sunken in slightly from the display area. Aladdin nodded and motioned to Jasmine. His foot tapped one of the black tiles. The princess nodded to show she got the message. _____________________ Nefret sat munching on a falafel while to demoness and Mozenrath seemed to be intently talking about something. She had already leaned in as close as possible in an attempt to hear the conversation, but a harsh look from her master said she wasn't allowed to get any closer. Of course this only infuriated her. She hated not knowing what was going on and hated even more when she knew that at least one of the two things they were talking about was something she didn't really want to know. And when Mozenrath placed a hand on his girlfriend's waist, she got a pretty good idea as to what they were speaking of. For a split second Nefret found herself thinking about Aladdin. Then she dismissed the idea quickly. True she was a little lonely for male companionship, but not enough to let those thoughts and emotions dominate her. Anubis sat gently beside his lady. Suddenly his ears shot straight up and his body tensed. "What is it Anubis?" Nefret asked quietly. A low deadly growl emerged from his throat, catching both Chroias and Mozenrath's attention. "What's the matter with him?" Chroias asked and gave the dog a friendly pat on the head. Anubis jumped up and made a swift pointing motion to the door.
"Someone's coming." Mozenrath let his gauntlet flare up. The doors flung open to reveal both Aladdin Jasmine, and a triumphant looking Xerxes. "There there." the eel shrieked as he pointed to the sorcerer. Aladdin nodded as Jasmine withdrew an odd looking implement from her clothing. Nefret heard a gasp from behind her. Fear was evident on both Mozenrath and Chroias's faces. "What is it?" Nefret questioned. All she could see was a glowing. Chroias was the first to find her wits. "It.. It's a Cryptic!!" She screamed. Chapter 28 (by me)
"A Crywhatic?" Nefret's face twisted into fear as she turned around. Chroias was unable to answer. The faint glow of the Cryiptic had enveloped her master and chrioas and they seemed ravaged in pain. Aladdin's genie had taken refuge behind a wall with the label "Anti anti-magic barrier" smacked on it. A sudden ach made Nefret look down. Her own hand was glowing and throbbing in burning pain. She ripped the ring from her finger and flung it away, but unfortunately Mozenrath and Roias could not dispose of their magical power as easily. A small thread of mist was flowing slowly out of both Mozenrath and his demoness, and she know exactly what that was, their essence. The smoky fingers reaching out desperately to the power hungry Cryipitic. "No." she whispered to herself suddenly realizing what this... thing was going to do. Steal their souls! "Anubis attack!!" she ordered and the hound obeyed. Jasmine screamed and tossed the Cryiptic to Aladdin. The dog doubled back on itself and leapt at the hero, a blur of jaws and raw power. But he was able to fend Anubis off with a well-timed swing. A heart- wrenching yelp rang out as he crashed onto the table, sending the breakfast meal flying in all directions. Infuriated Nefret charged Aladdin hitting him head on before he had a chance to act. Nefret landed on top of him several feet away where she desperately wrestled him for the strange artifact that was killing her friends. But each time Aladdin was able to elude her grasping hands. Xerxes watched from behind a column as the misty treads snaked their way to the two people fighting on the floor. Aladdin forced a bent leg under Nefret and placed his foot on her stomach. Swiftly he extended it, throwing her backwards, but not before she grasped for the item in his hand with one last desperate reach. Nefret hit the wall with a sickening crack and a gasp as the air was forced out of her body. She soon realized that cracking sound had been one of her ribs breaking as the dull throbbing made itself known. Aladdin sat up and looked down at his hands, his empty hands. With a slight smile Nefret lifted her arm and opened her fist to proudly display what she now had. "Nefret.don't. Please don't Nef." He pleaded. This was his greatest opportunity to rid himself and the world of the sorcerer. Nefret suddenly turned dark. "Forgive me Aladdin, but this is one thing I can't let you do. Not to Mozenrath, and not to Roias. And especially not all because of Xerxes" "No." he whispered slightly edging toward her. "You don't have to do this. They aren't your friends! Just come to me and everything will be fine." He breathed reassuringly, as if he was speaking to a scared child. She shook her head seriously and raised her arm, the muscles tightening like an over coiled spring. The she released, her arm shooting down. There was a cracking, akin to the sound of a breaking egg, as the Cryiptic smashed into the ground under the heavy pressure of Nefret's forcing hand. All were silence of a moment, and the only sound was that of the artifact slowly cracking. A thin spider's web of fractures marred the surface, growing at an ever increasing rate, until it was too much and the Cryiptic burst and laid open like a flower in bloom just as Mozenrath's and Chroias's smoky essence reached it. The treads reared back as if surprised that the voice that had been so sweetly calling for them to join it was gone. Then they coiled around in a long column before shooting back to their owners. Both Mozenrath and Chroias drew an audible breath as their souls returned to them. Mozenrath looked around a bit dazed. Everything around him seemed far away, like watching it from another room. Aladdin was kneeling on the ground, Jasmine standing beside him. The genie was still behind some kind of shelter, and Xerxes was huddled behind a column. Nefret was slumped against a wall holding her side with a dejected looking Anubis resting his head in her lap. Chroias was beside him, seemingly in the same state he was. All in all everyone looked a bit worse than they had the last time he saw them. Chroias was also regaining her senses and it was becoming quite apparent to her what had transpired while she was out. Both raised themselves off the ground and glared at the heroes. "We're in trouble." Aladdin informed his group as his face paled a bit. Chapter 29 (By Kalynn)
A low, unearthly growl emerged from the demoness's gullet. Her eyes began to glow a dark bloody red as her hair fanned out from behind her. Her tail gave a sadistic twitch back and forward. "Just who do you think you are hero?" Her voice had a whispery wind like quality to it. As though she was just barely controlling her temper. "Do you have any idea exactly what that would have done to us?" Her lips pulled back in a fearsome snarl. Her clawed fist shot out and snatched the hero's wrist. "This is what it would have done!" she screamed as her magic made the hero's body turn green. Aladdin felt the pain before he actually was able to get it. White-hot burning power ripped through his body, he screamed. Jasmine didn't hesitate; she slammed full strength into the demon. Aladdin felt the presence let him go and slumped to the floor. "I don't know who you think you are, but that happens to be my husband." she snapped her whip out. Chroias rolled out from under the royal pain. "Oh another girl with a thing for leather." she mocked. A twist of her wrist and a long bullwhip made a long overdue appearance. "Shall we dance." she growled. Mozenrath barely managed to lift himself from the floor when he saw Nefret. Her head was slumped painfully against the cold marble, and a small caught on her part showed she was bleeding internally. With a quick look to see how his girlfriend was doing against the hero, Mozenrath pulled Nefret over to him. "Nef. Nef." he whispered. Her expressive eyes opened. Her faithful dog Anubis whimpered as she tried to speak. "I... Moze the crystal." "It's ok you destroyed it." The sorcerer looked up at the dog. "Guard her." he said in a low unnecessary threatening voice. Anubis would have been prepared to guard her regardless of Mozenrath ordering him so. Mozenrath walked calmly over to Aladdin. The hero was just managing to pull himself to his feet as a large black boot planted it's self in to his side. "Well hello Al. How have you been." He noticed a familiar shape flying about. "You!!!." he called as Xerxes giggled nervously. "And to think I even felt sorry about banishing you!" He screamed. Suddenly Jasmine stopped fighting. "Huh?" Unfortunately her astonishment stopped her from avoiding the right hook from Chroias. The hell bread punch landed directly on the princess's jowl. The princess went sprawling and landed on the cold floor. "DAMN!!" Chroias said licking the small lash that Jasmine's whip had given her." Haven't had a fight like that in at least a decade." She glanced over at what Mozenrath was looking at. "HIM!" she called out. A bolt of pure green hell fire shot out at the eel. "I can't believe you have the gall to show up here after what you did!!!" She hurled another blaze at the eel. "I'll roast you straight down into the pit of blaze!!" Nefret coughed again and Chroias finally seemed to notice how her friend was. "Oh by the Olympians!" she forgot about the eel for a split second. "Nefret?" she asked to see if her friend was ok. She gently lifted the plum haired head and stroked a lush curl from the face. "Nef you ok?" Anubis whined again beside her. "Nef?" The beautiful eyes were closed. "No! DAMN IT NO!" she said, "It can't be possible!" Mozenrath looked paler than usual. "She ..Tell me she isn't?" "No not by a long shot." Chroias opened one of the eyes. "She in a magicoma." Aladdin finally rose from the floor. "A what?" "A magicoma. That Cryiptic had so much force in it when it exploded it shoved her into a semi conscious state. I can make a mind connection with her, but we have to find the cure." she rubbed the tanned head. 'Nef' she pushed into the girls mind. 'Nef can you feel me' Chapter 30 (by me)
The battle paused for a moment as everyone looked with bated breath to the demon and the young girl lying so perfectly still beside her. Chroias closed her blood hued eyes, and through them she could now see into her friends minds. It was an endless world of a rather dark shade of purple. Memories wafted around in small bouts of fog. Memories of her father, a strong and intelligent looking man. Memories of the temple and even some of the Citadel flowed through Nefret and Chroias in turn, all racing at the speed of light, and yet somehow entirely lucid. "Nef?" the demoness called intently. 'Roias is that you?' Came the answer much to Chroias's relief. 'Roias, what's going on? I was hurt and Mozenrath was by me, then.. then I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again I was alone, here." He voice had changed drastically from her customary sarcastically sharp tongue to a slightly more childlike one. "Nefret listen to me, the force contained in the crystal knocked you out when it was released." She explained cautiously. She could feel a slight confusion and something close to panic buzz in the Egyptian girls mind. "Shhh, you just rest, Moze and I will find a way to bring you back." Chroias cooed softly, reassuringly. That seemed to lull the buzz into a low hum; she trusted them to take care of her, she trusted them with her life. Then another emotion swept through Nefret's mind like a wild fire, and without expressing it Chroias knew. The fight was still in progress and they were both absolutely unaware of what was going on outside this safe little space Nef had retreated to in her own psyche. Mozenrath forced his eyes away from his girlfriend and minion just long enough to cast a look upon Aladdin and Jasmine who was coming to a few feet away. The hero and his entourage's concern had overpowered their better fighting instincts. The sorcerer couldn't believe he had almost missed this opportunity, and with a quick snap of his fingers this undead servants rose from the ground to take hold of the courageous group. By the time the thought of resistance had sunk in the act was futile. "Take them to the dungeon... All of them!" He added after the quickly retreating eel. Xerxes let out a screech as a mumluk rose from the ground in front of him, it was to late to turn back and he found himself in the thing's grasp. "This isn't' over!" Aladdin yelled angrily as he was pull away. "You are so right." Mozenrath grinned to himself. "Moze." Chroias soft voice brought him back to reality. He crossed the room in a few quick strides and knelt by the two women he shared his life with. One his lover, and the other his servant and friend. Chroias slowly smoothed Nef's furrowed hair. "She's alright for now, but we have to find the cure soon or she will slip farther and farther away until she's... gone." Roias hated to say the last word, but it was the truth. Mozenrath's head dipped down for a moment. In thought, anguish, prayer? Chroias couldn't tell. It rose again quickly, but gave no indication of what his prier emotions were, for now it was hard and business like. "Well than lets not waste time we don't have." That said he motioned for her help, and together they carried Nefret off to bed. With a short whine Anubis gathered his master's ring in his mouth and trotted along after them. Chapter 31 (by kalynn)
Chroias looked casually behind her. "Moze." she whispered. "We can't just leave Nef here by herself." She hated to make a suggestion but care for her friend overcame that. "Moze, you have to let them go. A look of pure rage came over the sorcerers face. "Never. I finally have them, no possible way you can tempt me into letting them go!!" He growled in her face. The combination of Nefret's illness and the fact that he had almost lost his soul was getting on his nerves. "Moze somebody has to watch over her. We cant bring her It would be far to dangerous." Chroias tried to reason with him. "Please I have a link with her mind but I don't know how long the distance will keep for. I need to know she will be safe." She didn't wait for him to answer before she pulled him down for a long kiss. "Mozenrath please." Her eyes turned a dark bloody red. Mozenrath sighed. "I'm doing this because Nefret needs someone right now and I can't be here." He growled in a dark voice as he began to unlock the chains to the hero's manacles. "You will stay here and guard her." he motioned. Chroias reached out. "Just a minuet." she grabbed Jasmines arm and hauled the princess to her feet. "I may want Nefret to be helped but I'm not fool enough to think you'll just stay here instead of trying to find a way to get her out." She looked at Mozenrath as if he had no choice in her next decision. "Princess goes with us." A small voice nagged her in the back of her head. Nefret was strongly disapproving of her friend's idea. 'I don't have much of a choice Nef' she mind called back. 'They'll try to take you away.' she murmured. 'And very soon here something is going to arrive that I will desperately need you for. And Moze will need you for it to.' With that final call of Nefret's questions in her head the demones disappeared with Mozenrath and Jasmine in a green puff of smoke. Chapter 32 (by me)
Aladdin stood for a moment looking at where Mozenrath, and more importantly his wife, had been. He didn't seem to have much say in this situation. But then again, were Mozenrath was concerned there were never many options. Genie was locked in some magic resistant box, and Jasmine was... Jasmine was Allah knows where, and he was here. Aladdin was stuck between a rock and a hard place, on one hand his instances told him to grab Nefret, and the imprisoned Genie and get the hell away from here, but he knew in his heart that if Mozenrath came home to an empty house he would.. well lets not think about that. With a sigh he snapped himself out of his thoughts and approached Nefret's bedside. Her chest rose slowly and steadily, just about the only sign she yet lived. Bandages around her ribs gave the impression of halfway-prepared mummy. "Well I guess it's just you and me." He exhaled deeply and reached for a basin on the dressing table to mop her fevered brow. "You know, your masters a real ass!" The comment was directed to the plum haired girl, but he was really only talking to himself. "Really I don't see why you put up with him. And that demon of his.. Well she's just scary! You sure do find strange crowds to run with." If she had been awake Nefret would have laughed, but she was hushed and unresponsive to him and his attentions. 'Roias where are you going anyways? What's coming? Is Jasmine all right? Chroias are you listening to me?' The words grew in volume in the red-eyed demons mind until she could ignore them no more. 'If you would just give me a chance to answer!' Nefret's mind grew quite and Chroias continued. 'The first two answers will come in time, when you need to know, and not before. As for Jasmine.' she looked back to the woman who was dragging her feet defiantly behind them. 'She's sulking. Very Princess like.' She added with a giggle. 'How are you doing?' 'Oh, all right I guess. Are you sure leaving me with Aladdin was a good idea. He was the one who broke my ribs if you recall." Nefret voiced indignantly. 'If YOU recall, you were sitting on him trying to scratch his eyes out!' Chroias pointed out. No words where given, but Roias knew Nefret was put out. "Are you speaking to Nefret?" Mozenrath eyed the smug grin on his lovers face. "Tell her she can be a real pain sometimes." He said gruffly, but just a bit on the playful side. 'Mozy says hi.' She informed he friend through their mind link. Nefret grumbled something in response, but her voice was fading, and fast. 'Nefret?' silence met her resounding question and the demoness could no longer feel her friend. "Dam it all to Hades!" She whispered harshly. Mozenrath looked over inquisitively. "I've lost her." She explained. "See, didn't I tell you that." "EXUSE ME!" They darted around to the direction of the voice. Jasmine had halted her step and was balling her fist crossly. "I refuse." "Your in no position to refuse anything little princess. You just worry about your pretty painted toenails and your hair, and come along like a good little hostage." He taunted. Jasmine was unable to answer however as her chains were given a sharp tug and she was hauled along behind the sorcerer and the demoness. "How much longer?" he returned his attention to Chroias. "Almost there." She breathed. It was funny, you have a mind link with anyone for any length of time, and there's a strange feeling of loneliness when your left alone in your own mind. She already missed that damn plum haired minion she had once wanted to kill. *** 'Roias? Roias??!!!!!!!!" Nefret was practically screaming at the top of her lungs in her mind. But she was alone. She wondered what was going on, had Aladdin stayed? Were Moze and Roias close to getting a cure? Was jasmine well? And just what the hell was supposed to be coming that she should stick around for??? With a huff she put the thoughts out of her mind, she would get no answers till Chroias got back, maybe not even then. Chapter 33 (by kalynn)
Chroias silently cursed herself for breaking contact. She glanced behind at the angry princess. She had to admit she could tell why Aladdin would be attracted to the girl. She supposed in human terms Jasmine was rather pretty. Medium build, black hair, and brown eyes. Decent body, and the outfit she wore almost showed as much as Nefret's. She concentrated, again trying to find her friend. 'Nef Back in the citadel Nefret heard the small blip of her friends presence. The words came out garbled and harsh. 'Nef...we...in...have to ..be home....soon. Aladdin treating...you well?' Nef made sure it was Chroias. 'Yes I'm being treated well. Where are you.' she Chroias heard treated well and where. She frowned unhappy with the connection. 'In Gartacuna' A frown crossed Nefret's face. 'Where' she questioned again 'Gartacuna old haunt of mine' she winced as the connection with Nefret was broken. "Damn it." she cursed loudly breaking Mozenrath and Jasmine from their heat induced trances. "Problem?" Mozenrath looked up at his girlfriend. "What happened." "The blasted connection broke again." Chroias felt her eyes turn red. "Were completely on our own now." she mused and glanced at Jasmine. "Come on princess. You are what we really don't need at the moment." The royal pain looked up. "I don't know who you think you are, but how can you possibly love a man like Mozenrath is beyond me. Chroias gave her a hard slap and then administered a quick one to Mozenrath when he laughed. "That was for being a jerk." she said to his surprised face. "And as for you little princess, that was for the commentary. I don't care what you think I am but insult my boyfriend again and my claws come out." She gave the princess a cold look "And I'm sure several things are beyond you." Mozenrath rubbed his jaw gently. "So what exactly are we after here?" Chroias smiled. "It's called a Phoenix tear. The bird of the sun has such extreme magical properties that it's impossible for a sorcerer to get near it." She smiled. "Just three tears are enough to cure any illness. That's where Jazzie here comes in." Mozenrath stared at the princess. "How." "Well like the mythical unicorn only a princess can get close to the phoenix's feathers without being charred." she grinned at her boyfriend. "We're just lucky she doesn't have to be a virgin to." Jasmine's cheeks blushed brightly. Chroias sighed. "The Phoenix isn't very heavily guarded, certainly nothing you and I can't handle, but from the nest on it's up to Jasmine to get the tears." She looked at the Princess. "Listen up throne girl. You don't have to hurt the bird to get it to cry, all you have to do is pet it directly behind it'd crested head. Directly were the blue and yellow fire meets. It's loves to be scratched there and will immediately cry small gold tears." The demoness produced a small vile. "Get at least nine tears in here." "Nine? But I though you said only three were needed." Jasmine looked suspiciously at The green haired girl. Chroias's head lowered slightly to her stomach. "I'll be needing the other's for something." Chapter 34 (by me)
Sweat trickled down the princess's forehead and he skin glittered a bright red, the fire reflected off her skin. As predicted the guardians of the Phoenix were pushovers, well for the demoness they were. Smoke rose in spirally wisps from the nostrils of the firebird, it was aggravated. Having witnessed its protectors fall and an unknown figure edging toward it the bird had promptly dug its claws into the floor and waited for a clash. But it seemed to sense the blood Jasmine carried, blue blood, royal blood. Jas relaxed a tad as the bird withdrew its deadly grip on the floor below and rested its head on its taloned feet. The demon had been right, while it was hot it was not unbearably so, for her at least. Mozenrath and Chroias stood a ways away, just watching. Princess Jasmine's outline had been reduced to nothing more than a vapory mirage against the tremendous heat of the Phoenix. Roias was carefully following their hostage's every move; Mozenrath on the other hand watched the demon out of the corner of his eye. Something was up, she knew something and wasn't telling. It was no use asking, he decided. She was stubborn and independent, always had been, and he knew nothing would be revealed until she was good and ready. The wavering hand of the Princess of Agrabah stretched out. Closer and closer, drawing back a bit and then proceeding again. Finally she tapped her slender fingertips to the feathers and drew the hand back to inspect it. No burns, not even hot! With a sigh her hand shot back up and gave a slightly playful scratch just behind the crest. A rumble sounded deep within the Phoenix's throat, strangely cat-like. Glittering droplets clung to the edge of the firebird's eye, and then slowly they fell, one by one. In a swift motion Jasmine unstopped the vile and held it to the bird's cheek. '1.2..3.4 5..' She counted silently in her head. "9!" She shouted triumphantly. Though she didn't know why she felt so proud, helping Mozenrath wasn't exactly a great achievement. The two watched as the princess half trotted and half drudged her way back to them and deposited the vile in the green haired woman's hand. "Well I guess royal pains have a use after all." Chroias breathed holding the vile to the light and smiling. Aladdin was trying to get Nefret to drink. He held the cup to her lips and tipped it up, but unfortunately he only succeeded in drenching her face and hair. With a sigh and a concerned face he gave up and hoped the others would be back soon. Now that was a change, he actually wanted Mozenrath around. Well, maybe not so much Moze, but the woman he had taken with him. It was then he saw a burst of green smoke, and the three appeared in the room, just as they had left it, if not a bit sweatier looking. The sorcerer scowled at the hero, but he could not accuse him of neglecting his responsibilities. Nef did appear to be comfortable. 'Nef, I'm back!' Chroias mind linked to her friend. 'I'm here' she reiterated when no response came to her. 'Nef?' She was only meet with a slight whisper of incoherent words. In the time since they had last linked Nefret had retreated deeper into the magicoma, almost beyond reach. She could feel her friend blinking in and out of her mind. "Oh gods, we were almost to late!" She looked at Moze who gave her a confused face. "Give me the vile!" Chapter 35 (by Kalynn)
Chroias pulled the vile desperately from Mozenrath's hands. "One for the body." she said as she placed a drop on Nefret's lips. "One for the mind." she placed a drop on Nefret's head. "One for the soul." she whispered as a drop was placed in Nefret's mouth. She hid the vile away in the folds of her short skirt. Nefret made no response. "Damn it Nef." she leaned in close to her friend. "Come on Nef your stronger than this." Still no response. "Nefret. You're my friend. There's something coming, something I need you for. It's never happened to me before and I don't know how Moze is going to take this. I don't know how I'll do it." she begged in so low a voice even Mozenrath couldn't hear what she was saying. The green haired woman brushed Nefret's cheek. "Please Nef. You damn minion." she said in an exasperated voice. "I though we were beyond the whole minion thing?" Chroias forgot herself entirely. "You little....." Nefret's face almost looked in pain as Chroias hugged her. "Oh dear gods. I thought you were..."
"Did I hear what I think I heard." Nefret looked pointedly at Chroias's slim taunt belly. She conceded her movements. "Are you..." Chroias placed a clawed finger to her lips and nodded to Mozenrath. "Later." Mozenrath had almost forgotten himself and barely contained his movements with Aladdin standing right behind him. "Sometimes I think your far more trouble than your worth. First with Hadim, then with my mother, then with this again." He shook his head. "You have the most incredible lucky streak since that street rat." Nefret was too weak to find if her lord was joking or not. "Oh I wanna sleep for a month." Mozenrath looked pointedly at Aladdin. "You should be leaving hero." he grinned sadistically at Aladdin. A blue-black glow surrounded them as they disappeared. Nefret wasn't so weak that she couldn't scold. "Moze!! Come on he took really good care of me." She heard Chroias whisper something like 'I'll bet he did.' and berated the demoness with a course look. "I didn't hurt them Nef." He grinned. "Simply put them in a place where they won't be in the way for a small amount of time." "Oh and where would that be?" Nef growled at him. "Nowhere." he said and shrugged. "Not that it is any of your business." he said a flicker of his old angry self returning. "Now I would suggest you go to your room, and get some sleep." "Oh she'll be in my room for the night." Chroias said suddenly. "Don't worry about a thing." she said as a slightly worried look hit Mozenrath's face. "Were only going to be gossiping about how cute you are when your nose gets all wrinkled up, and your lip pouts out..." Mozenrath didn't wait for her to finish before he made a horrible gagging sound and retreated. Nefret giggled, happy to see something was getting back to normal. "Now you said later." she whispered quietly as Chroias opened the door to her room. "Come on am I right?" Chroias took a deep breath. In a split second a thousand thoughts streamed through her mind. Every one of them far to jumbled for her to fix out. Only one irrespirable fact stood out. 'What is father going to do to Moze.' But as she looked as Nefret's face she blurted out in one breath. "I'm pregnant."
Chroias cast a dark look at the eel that was evenly mimicked by Nefret. Mozenrath himself had to admit the two looked scary. Nefret nodded to Chroias and they snatched the eel before he could make it any further. "All right you little no winged viper, you thought you were going to get away with it didn't you?" Chroias hissed in his face. Nefret snatched up the eel. "You know Xerxes I never thought you could betray Mozenrath like that? I mean sure I don't always agree with his plans for world domination and subjecting the world to his tyranny, but I'd never pull something like that!" The little eel gazed up at his master. "Master can no believe. Nefret betray you. Chroias betray you. Both lie..." The gray creature screeched as Mozenrath slapped him to the floor. "Xerxes how could you do this to me?" he said in a voice that betrayed his emotionless face. "I can't believe you would back stab me so hard." Chroias snatched up the slimy thing. "Well as we say in Tarturus the punishment should fit the crime." She slapped a cage around the eel. "And since Nefret was punished she should fit your crime." The plum haired girl turned to Mozenrath for confirmation. He nodded to say he had already agreed to this arrangement. "All right Xerxes. You and I have never liked each other. In fact when I first got here you called me a tramp." "He called you what?" Chroias said fangs barred. Nefret waved her off. "But after this I think even your master agrees that you have to be punished. " she bowed her head slightly "So the punishment is...." Chapter 22 (by me, Laura)
Nefret raised her head and looked over the bridge of her nose. The eel's eyes were as wide as saucers. He had a good idea of what was coming next, and it involved a chopping block, an axe, and his head. But her next words strayed from his imagination. ".Banishment from the Land of the Black Sand." Xerxes breath caught in his throat, technically the sentence was less than death, but for him it might as well have been the highest punishment. Out of the corner of her eye Nef caught the flash of her master's throat has he gulped. A pang of guilt stung her mind. Even though Mozenrath was furious at his familiar now, she knew they had been a team for a while. He had been here when she had come to serve Mozenrath, and who knows how long before then. The punishment she had just handed down would affect her master as well as that slimy basterd. With another breath she continued. "You will spend the night in the dungeon and at dawn you will be exiled for the next 18 years!" She had picked that number because by that time she would have served her 20 years and she would never have to see him again. Everyone looked over a bit taken back. "Are you sure you don't want him eternally." The demon began to speak. "I have made my decision!" Nefret snapped a bit to harshly. Xerxes looked to his master for help. "Master, I no betray YOU!" He hollered pleading for mercy but admitting to his guilt at the same time. "You can't let girl make your choice!" Mozenrath face was as dark and hard as stone. "Nefret belongs to me, she is mine. You betray her, and your betraying ME! You just better be grateful she was merciful. I'm my opinion she was to lenient." He looked at Nefret, but she was already on her way down the hall, Chroias closely following. With a wave of his hand the cage containing the eel was chartered off by a mumluck, and the sorcerer headed to his room to retrieve a few things. Nef had changed from her elaborate golden robes to her normal outfit and Chroias was helping her remove the jewelry she was given while in heaven. They promptly disappeared in a poof of smoke, heading to wherever they came from. A small knock came at the door and Mozenrath walked in. Nefret looked up with a small grin. "I hadn't expected my room to be here. I figured you would have destroyed all my things in a fit of rage." She and Roias laughed. "That was scheduled for this evening." He mused. He looked back up to see an is-there-something-you-wanted face on both the girls. He held up the anklet in silent reply. A heavy click rang out and Nef scowled a bit as her anklet was snapped around her ankle once more. "Welcome back!" Mozenrath chuckled knowing what she was thinking. Nef's tongue was about to make an appearance out of her mouth, but she stopped herself as her lord produced her ring from his cloak. It slipped back to it's home on her pinky and she smiled, happy to have it back. Chroias and Mozenrath looked at each other and smiled a bit. "Sometimes minions are more trouble than there're worth." He sighed. This time Nefret didn't hold back and stuck out her tongue, but, fortunately for her, Mozenrath had already turned his back and was walking out the door. Xerxes Hissed to himself in his cell. He couldn't believe his master had let Nefret banish him. She was his underling, and he was allowing her to hand out sentences like she owned the place!!!! Well it seemed his master had gone a bit soft, and had been ever since his girlfriend had arrived. The sour thoughts left a bad taste in his mouth. But he wasn't without defenses. He would retaliate; he would do exactly what he was accused of if that's what it took. After all, he knew Mozenrath more than anyone else, all his strengths and weaknesses, everything! Chapter 23 (by Kalynn)
Xerxes rattled the bars of his cage. Oh what he was goona do when he got outa here! Those little brat's were gonna get it. 'But who I tell' he mused to himself. "Tell hero." he said aloud and twitched around to see who was watching. "Tell hero all master's weakness. Hero come and crush master, crush Nefret, crush Chroias. Xerxes laugh." He sat at the bottom of the cage after this unusually complicated speech, a content smile on his lard- lipped face. Chroias hugged her friend once they were out of Mozenrath's site." Oh God's and hell fire do you know how much I missed you?" she said in a single breath of air. The plum haired girl returned her friends hug. "You could have kept the jewelry you know." she said softly. Nefret laughed. "I would have rather kept the servants." she winked as Chroias busted out laughing. "Hay looks like your not such a goodie two shoes after all." Chroias placed a comradely hand on her shoulder. "I guess that answers the virgin question." Nefret let out a half indignant half embarrassed scream and began chasing Chroias down the halls of the Citadel. Unfortunately they took a wrong turn and collided straight with Mozenrath. The sorcerer toppled over in a flurried of robes and 'oufed' gently when Nef and Chroias tumbled on top of him. The two girls laughed loudly and Chroias planted a gentle kiss on Mozenrath's lips. "Hi love." she said softly as Nefret picked her self up from the tangle. "Hello." he said in a slightly distant voice. "Didn't I mention something about you two not running around the hall." "Hello do we look thirteen?" Nefret said in her typical sarcastic voice. " I mean yes daddy." she said in a girlish voice as Mozenrath shot her a withering look. Chroias kissed Mozenrath again before his mouth had a chance to retort. He growled gently as she finished and stalked off. Nefret walked up to her friend and gave her a quizzical look. "God's I didn't know Xerxes meant that much to him." she said softly. "They were together almost before I was here." Chroias said. "I almost hate to do this to them. Besides me, he's the only one who knows what Destain's real tortures were." Nefret gave her another questioning look. Chroias glanced behind her to see if Mozenrath was away. "Here." she handed Nefret a black hardcover book with gold bindings. "Admittance" Nefret said out loud. "It technically hasn't even been written yet." Chroias said cautiously. "So I shouldn't really show it to you." She gave the book a pitying glance. "But it's the only way you can ever truly understand." Nefret nodded and took it. "I'll read it tonight." She began to walk away. Chroias stopped her. "Nefret, you can never ever tell Mozenrath about this book. Never." She pressed her nail gently to her friend. "He doesn't even know he's going to live this long. Or that he has it in him to forgive the things in this book. If he isn't allowed to discover it for himself, he might end up nothing more than a hopeless old man, with nothing but sad memories." The demon touched the book closely. "This," she said with finality. "This book will be his last chance at Elisyium." Nefret nodded, realizing the intensity of the situation. "I swear he'll never realize it was here." she hugged her friend and the two retreated for the night. Chapter 24 (by me)
It was well past midnight, and the citadel was quite, even Xerxes had fallen into a restless sleep in his cell. Everyone was safely away in slumber, everyone that is but Nefret. She was past the point of getting any rest this night. It had been a few hours ago she had started the book. The first of is was things she already knew, Mirage was his mother, he became Destain's apprentice and was mistreated. But after that, oh sweet Hathor! A few times she had flung the book away was if it were a rearing cobra, but she had forced herself to the end. But only because Chroias seemed to feel she needed to know. Now she stood bracing herself at her dressing table, her heart was racing and her shoulders trembled. In the mirror she could see the black kohl had melted under her burning hot tears and now ran in sooty streaks down her face. Her shaking hands brought a wet cloth over her face. 'I never.never knew. He had mentioned... that one mumluk he is Destian, he is the man from the book. I saw him everyday and never...It happened right here, in this Citadel, in these very halls, in these rooms." She reared her head up shaking it violently, half because she realized she couldn't breath though the cloth, and half trying to shake her jumbled thoughts away. She looked desperately to her chamber door. 'I shouldn't... But I cant be alone right now..I just CAN'T!" Chroias was having a very good dream, and it has to be said that Nef's servants made an appearance, when her eyes cracked open. Had she heard something? She listened intently and it came again, a small timid knock. Behind the door Roias found Nef. She was quaking slightly and her head was downcast, but the demon could tell she had been crying. "Chroias?" But her voice failed her. With an understanding smile Roias pulled her in the room and set her down on the ottoman. "I didn't know it would upset you so much." She wiped away some stubborn kohl that had refused to come clean when Nef washed her face. "You think I'm heartless?" She was a bit angry but then dropped her head away. "You must think I hate Mozenrath cause of the way I treat him. I'm always cutting him short and spouting off sarcastic comments. But had I know... this!" She gestured with her arms as if all of Mozenrath's past were in front of her, which was how she felt. "I know. I know you don't hate him. But you can't treat him differently now, he might get suspicious." "Ha, don't worry. I don't think I even know how to treat him any other way." She was silent for a moment. "Roias, will he really live that long? Will he really...?" "He will live for longer than you can think ahead, and will see things you can't begin to imagine. And yes he will watch Aladdin die, and you for that matter. Agrabah will fall and other nations will rise in its place, leaders will come and go, wars will start and finish, but he shall endure." Nef looked at her friend with narrowing eyes. "Yes, because of the sharks tooth." "Do you think I did him more of a disservice and a favor? He has so much pain, should he really have to carry it that long?" Nefret was suddenly worried. "In the end he will forgive, and that makes a thousand lifetimes of pain worth it." By the time she fished the sentence, Nef had fallen asleep slumped on the ottoman. An extra blanket was thrown over he before Chroias returned to bed. The sun was mounting in the sky burning off the pre-morning mists as the three figures stood near the border of Mozenrath's domain. The cage was tossed heavily onto the desert floor while the eel hissed angrily. A pit weighed heavily in Nefret's stomach, this scene was all to familiar, but at least she wasn't on the receiving end this time. Second thought's had been nipping at her all morning. 'An eye for an eye' she repeated to herself, but she still hated to break up he lord and his pet, especially after the information she had been privileged to last night. The situation played out just as it had a few days before, no words were exchanged as the cage was open and Xerxes slowly swam away. "Mozenrath, if you want to stop him, go now. I'll understand." Nefret looked to her lord, but he didn't take his eyes away from the horizon. He slowly shook his head. "Then. if he learns his lesson he can come back. I give it 6 months." Her voice turned brisk and Mozenrath struggled to hide the slight grin that was tugging at his lips. "Yeah your welcome." She grumbled. If it hadn't been for the damn sympathy she now felt for Mozenrath that eel would be in BIG trouble! Xerxes swam slower and slower until he had come to a dead stop, slowly doubling back to look behind. Mozenrath, Chroias, and Nefret had disappeared. His hideous face was graced by an equally hideous expression. Mozenrath was a power hungry man, and nearly all of his power had once belonged to someone else. And it was a given that none of the former owners were very pleased with their loss. He had made many enemies in his years, and even his own mother wasn't very fond of him, but the question now was which one to go to! Mirage? Kartom? The Sprites? Hadim? Aladdin? All of the above? Aladdin seemed the most logical choice, he had taken in Jafar's parrot after all. But would he be willing to ruthlessly crush Mozenrath? And if he were, would he be willing to take out Nefret and Chroias as well? Perhaps so if Xerxes told the right story. And if this fell through the eel could list at least 5 other people he could go to, and that was just off the top of his head! With a slight snicker the sand eel picked his first course of action, heading to the sparkling city of Agrabah. Chapter 25 (by kalynn)
Nefret watched Mozenrath sulk across the throne room. She turned to Chroias and the demoness nodded. She had no love for the eel either, but he had been a big part of her lovers life. "I do feel kinda bad about this." Nefret said in a low voice. Chroias rolled her eyes. Nefret was a dear friend and a great gal, but she had absolutely no stomach for the more ruthless aspects of revenge. "I know." she said in an attempt to be sympathetic. " Moze isn't happy about it either. I think it's time for me to pay him a little night time visit." she cooed and smiled seductively. Nefret punched her lightly in the arm. "God is that all you ever think about?" she said loudly. "Hay you try going celibate for a centuries and see how chipper you are when you get out!" Chroias nicked the marble of the wall with a claw. "I have Mozenrath and every opportunity. I'm gonna use it." Nefret shook her head. At least talking to her friend would take her mind off Xerxes. _________________ The little eels mind, unfortunately was far from being off Nefret and Chroias. He grinned as he saw the towers of Agrabah palace above the sand dunes. Grinning, he shot off for the palace. _________________ Mozenrath sank down into his tub. He hadn't had the opportunity for a hot bath since bringing Nefret back. And the underworld left an unpleasant chill behind that sunk right through to his bones. He submerged his head momentarily and let his hair soak. He pulled back up and began to search absently for the washrag nearby. The water in his eyes prevented him from seeing it. Suddenly his hand touched cloth and he whipped the wetness from his eyes. Of course the sight that meet him as he opened his eyes was,.... stunning to say the least. His moth hung open for a split second before he found the words. "Chr...Chroias." His eyes moved up and down her long body. "I umm! I wasn't expecting you.." The demoness placed a long claw delicately on his lips. "Shhhhh." she whispered. "Just relax." Mozenrath decided he couldn't be possibly more...tense. _____________________ Xerxes flew past the guards gripping hands and up to the hero's arm. Immediately a sword meet his air. "I don't know what Mozenrath's plot is this time. But your not going to be around to set it off." Aladdin sliced the air above the eel. Xerxes screeched and dodged. "No no plan, no trap. Xerxes here to help." the eel confessed. "Mozenrath betray Xerxes, kick Xerxes out. No have home." He thought before adding the next part. "Xerxes no have friend." he said in the most pathetic voice possible. Aladdin paused his attack and waved off Jasmine who had been preparing to strike behind the eel. "What do you mean Mozenrath betray?" If he hadn't been playing a part Xerxes would have smiled. The hero couldn't have been more cooperative. __________________ Mozenrath looked at the sleeping figure beside him in the bed. She had fallen asleep at least a hour ago, but his thought's kept him awake. And his thought's weren't on his lost familiar either. They were more on loyalty, and commitment. Life time commitments to be more specific. He pushed a stray green hair from out of Chroias's pale face. She moaned slightly and pulled Mozenrath closer to her. He sighed as the warmth from her body sank into his. 'I do love her don't I?' he questioned himself. 'I mean you don't spend seven years with a person you don't at least have extremes affection for.' Mozenrath, for the first time in a long time, very unsure of himself. ______________________ Nefret sighed and looked at the book again. The gold words Admittance stared out at her in a moonlight shining. She had promised never to tell anyone about the contents of that book. 'But there are people who could help him.' she sighed . Her faithful dog Anubis sensed his mistress's frustration and rubbed his wet nose against her hand. Nefret hugged him gently. 'Would anyone be able to survive under such conditions?' She mused. 'If Mozenrath had grown up different would things really be any better?' She had heard in the temple that the God's had their own purpose and everything happened for a reason. 'What could possibly be the reason for this?' Chapter 26 (by me)
Aladdin listened intently to Xerxes. It would be impossible to retell his tale word for word, verbatim, just as it was hard to fully understand. Xerxes never did have a gift for conversation. But it went something like this. Mozenrath's girlfriend had moved in and she and Nefret had united. United in a plot to combine their separate forces in order to help Mozenrath. However the eel had misgivings about the plan, and expressed as much. Seeing his power to pursued his master the two girls turned against and framed him. Now Xerxes could see his master's ruthless nature for what it truly was, evil. And having nowhere to turn he came to Agrabah. "Help hero make right." The eel added as sincerely as he could. It took all his self-control to keep his lips from turning up into a smile. He could tell by the look on Aladdin's face his that he had fallen for the tale hook line and sinker! The eel was feeling quite proud of himself, it had taken all of his smarts (such as they were) to come up with that story, and the hero was always a sucker for a sad tale. "I know Citadel, know avoiding traps, magic sensing lights. Know MOZENRATH!" He hissed. With a rather thoughtful nod Aladdin looked to Jasmine for confirmation. She still wasn't completely convinced, but enough so to give it a chance. ~~~ Mozenrath pulled himself out of bed, careful not to wake Chroias as he untangled himself from her arms. He was still feeling a bit depressed about the loss of his pet, but Chroias had managed to relieve some of that sadness. Soft footsteps echoed off the walls as Mozenrath made his way down the hall to the study. He stopped in the doorway when he saw the room was occupied. Nefret sat singing quietly to herself as she flipped through the Citadel accounts. His minion looked up abruptly as the sound of Mozenrath footsteps reached her ears. "Good morning my lord. Were is Roias?" she added stretching her neck to the side to look over his shoulder. "She's still asleep." He entered to room continuing as he walked. "Your up early. What are you up to?" "What you enlisted me to do." She returned her eyes back to her work. "Thing have been rather... busy lately and I've fallen behind. I've made sure breakfast is ready." Mozenrath seemed a bit surprised, she was actually being...rather nice. He decided not to say anything, after all who knows how long this mood might last! "I'll have breakfast sent up to Roias, she must be very tired after her exertions." Nefret added. Mozenrath rolled his eyes, he knew it wouldn't last long! Anubis trotted up to Mozenrath, his tongue lulling out the side of his jaw. The dog was large, and even beside Mozenrath he came to about mid hip. Moze absentmindedly ran his hand over the dog's head. "Well, after you finish come and eat. Get away from me dog." He added as he turned away, but not before giving Anubis a firm pat on the neck. ~~~ Aladdin and the usual gang stood hesitantly at the border of Mozenrath's kingdom. Impatiently Xerxes swam head, doubling back to give them a hurried glace. With a deep breath Al planted a foot heavily into the black sand, and the other fell in behind him. So, they were heading into another confrontation with the hero's most deadly enemy, but this time they had help. A former insider who knew all the tricks, traps, and most importantly knew the mind of the sorcerer himself. Chapter 27 (by kalynn)
Aladdin glanced up at their gray compadrea. He still didn't trust the little creature, in fact he didn't really want to come to the Citadel at all. He had never faced a pure blooded demon before and had absolutely no idea how to react if she were to get rowdy. Being street born, Aladdin had a natural mistrust of things he didn't know. "How much fur..." "Shuuh!" Xerxes said in a loud whisper. "In Mozenrath's throne room. Most traps here. Step only on black panels. "He said and motioned to the floor. The black panels were sunken in slightly from the display area. Aladdin nodded and motioned to Jasmine. His foot tapped one of the black tiles. The princess nodded to show she got the message. _____________________ Nefret sat munching on a falafel while to demoness and Mozenrath seemed to be intently talking about something. She had already leaned in as close as possible in an attempt to hear the conversation, but a harsh look from her master said she wasn't allowed to get any closer. Of course this only infuriated her. She hated not knowing what was going on and hated even more when she knew that at least one of the two things they were talking about was something she didn't really want to know. And when Mozenrath placed a hand on his girlfriend's waist, she got a pretty good idea as to what they were speaking of. For a split second Nefret found herself thinking about Aladdin. Then she dismissed the idea quickly. True she was a little lonely for male companionship, but not enough to let those thoughts and emotions dominate her. Anubis sat gently beside his lady. Suddenly his ears shot straight up and his body tensed. "What is it Anubis?" Nefret asked quietly. A low deadly growl emerged from his throat, catching both Chroias and Mozenrath's attention. "What's the matter with him?" Chroias asked and gave the dog a friendly pat on the head. Anubis jumped up and made a swift pointing motion to the door.
"Someone's coming." Mozenrath let his gauntlet flare up. The doors flung open to reveal both Aladdin Jasmine, and a triumphant looking Xerxes. "There there." the eel shrieked as he pointed to the sorcerer. Aladdin nodded as Jasmine withdrew an odd looking implement from her clothing. Nefret heard a gasp from behind her. Fear was evident on both Mozenrath and Chroias's faces. "What is it?" Nefret questioned. All she could see was a glowing. Chroias was the first to find her wits. "It.. It's a Cryptic!!" She screamed. Chapter 28 (by me)
"A Crywhatic?" Nefret's face twisted into fear as she turned around. Chroias was unable to answer. The faint glow of the Cryiptic had enveloped her master and chrioas and they seemed ravaged in pain. Aladdin's genie had taken refuge behind a wall with the label "Anti anti-magic barrier" smacked on it. A sudden ach made Nefret look down. Her own hand was glowing and throbbing in burning pain. She ripped the ring from her finger and flung it away, but unfortunately Mozenrath and Roias could not dispose of their magical power as easily. A small thread of mist was flowing slowly out of both Mozenrath and his demoness, and she know exactly what that was, their essence. The smoky fingers reaching out desperately to the power hungry Cryipitic. "No." she whispered to herself suddenly realizing what this... thing was going to do. Steal their souls! "Anubis attack!!" she ordered and the hound obeyed. Jasmine screamed and tossed the Cryiptic to Aladdin. The dog doubled back on itself and leapt at the hero, a blur of jaws and raw power. But he was able to fend Anubis off with a well-timed swing. A heart- wrenching yelp rang out as he crashed onto the table, sending the breakfast meal flying in all directions. Infuriated Nefret charged Aladdin hitting him head on before he had a chance to act. Nefret landed on top of him several feet away where she desperately wrestled him for the strange artifact that was killing her friends. But each time Aladdin was able to elude her grasping hands. Xerxes watched from behind a column as the misty treads snaked their way to the two people fighting on the floor. Aladdin forced a bent leg under Nefret and placed his foot on her stomach. Swiftly he extended it, throwing her backwards, but not before she grasped for the item in his hand with one last desperate reach. Nefret hit the wall with a sickening crack and a gasp as the air was forced out of her body. She soon realized that cracking sound had been one of her ribs breaking as the dull throbbing made itself known. Aladdin sat up and looked down at his hands, his empty hands. With a slight smile Nefret lifted her arm and opened her fist to proudly display what she now had. "Nefret.don't. Please don't Nef." He pleaded. This was his greatest opportunity to rid himself and the world of the sorcerer. Nefret suddenly turned dark. "Forgive me Aladdin, but this is one thing I can't let you do. Not to Mozenrath, and not to Roias. And especially not all because of Xerxes" "No." he whispered slightly edging toward her. "You don't have to do this. They aren't your friends! Just come to me and everything will be fine." He breathed reassuringly, as if he was speaking to a scared child. She shook her head seriously and raised her arm, the muscles tightening like an over coiled spring. The she released, her arm shooting down. There was a cracking, akin to the sound of a breaking egg, as the Cryiptic smashed into the ground under the heavy pressure of Nefret's forcing hand. All were silence of a moment, and the only sound was that of the artifact slowly cracking. A thin spider's web of fractures marred the surface, growing at an ever increasing rate, until it was too much and the Cryiptic burst and laid open like a flower in bloom just as Mozenrath's and Chroias's smoky essence reached it. The treads reared back as if surprised that the voice that had been so sweetly calling for them to join it was gone. Then they coiled around in a long column before shooting back to their owners. Both Mozenrath and Chroias drew an audible breath as their souls returned to them. Mozenrath looked around a bit dazed. Everything around him seemed far away, like watching it from another room. Aladdin was kneeling on the ground, Jasmine standing beside him. The genie was still behind some kind of shelter, and Xerxes was huddled behind a column. Nefret was slumped against a wall holding her side with a dejected looking Anubis resting his head in her lap. Chroias was beside him, seemingly in the same state he was. All in all everyone looked a bit worse than they had the last time he saw them. Chroias was also regaining her senses and it was becoming quite apparent to her what had transpired while she was out. Both raised themselves off the ground and glared at the heroes. "We're in trouble." Aladdin informed his group as his face paled a bit. Chapter 29 (By Kalynn)
A low, unearthly growl emerged from the demoness's gullet. Her eyes began to glow a dark bloody red as her hair fanned out from behind her. Her tail gave a sadistic twitch back and forward. "Just who do you think you are hero?" Her voice had a whispery wind like quality to it. As though she was just barely controlling her temper. "Do you have any idea exactly what that would have done to us?" Her lips pulled back in a fearsome snarl. Her clawed fist shot out and snatched the hero's wrist. "This is what it would have done!" she screamed as her magic made the hero's body turn green. Aladdin felt the pain before he actually was able to get it. White-hot burning power ripped through his body, he screamed. Jasmine didn't hesitate; she slammed full strength into the demon. Aladdin felt the presence let him go and slumped to the floor. "I don't know who you think you are, but that happens to be my husband." she snapped her whip out. Chroias rolled out from under the royal pain. "Oh another girl with a thing for leather." she mocked. A twist of her wrist and a long bullwhip made a long overdue appearance. "Shall we dance." she growled. Mozenrath barely managed to lift himself from the floor when he saw Nefret. Her head was slumped painfully against the cold marble, and a small caught on her part showed she was bleeding internally. With a quick look to see how his girlfriend was doing against the hero, Mozenrath pulled Nefret over to him. "Nef. Nef." he whispered. Her expressive eyes opened. Her faithful dog Anubis whimpered as she tried to speak. "I... Moze the crystal." "It's ok you destroyed it." The sorcerer looked up at the dog. "Guard her." he said in a low unnecessary threatening voice. Anubis would have been prepared to guard her regardless of Mozenrath ordering him so. Mozenrath walked calmly over to Aladdin. The hero was just managing to pull himself to his feet as a large black boot planted it's self in to his side. "Well hello Al. How have you been." He noticed a familiar shape flying about. "You!!!." he called as Xerxes giggled nervously. "And to think I even felt sorry about banishing you!" He screamed. Suddenly Jasmine stopped fighting. "Huh?" Unfortunately her astonishment stopped her from avoiding the right hook from Chroias. The hell bread punch landed directly on the princess's jowl. The princess went sprawling and landed on the cold floor. "DAMN!!" Chroias said licking the small lash that Jasmine's whip had given her." Haven't had a fight like that in at least a decade." She glanced over at what Mozenrath was looking at. "HIM!" she called out. A bolt of pure green hell fire shot out at the eel. "I can't believe you have the gall to show up here after what you did!!!" She hurled another blaze at the eel. "I'll roast you straight down into the pit of blaze!!" Nefret coughed again and Chroias finally seemed to notice how her friend was. "Oh by the Olympians!" she forgot about the eel for a split second. "Nefret?" she asked to see if her friend was ok. She gently lifted the plum haired head and stroked a lush curl from the face. "Nef you ok?" Anubis whined again beside her. "Nef?" The beautiful eyes were closed. "No! DAMN IT NO!" she said, "It can't be possible!" Mozenrath looked paler than usual. "She ..Tell me she isn't?" "No not by a long shot." Chroias opened one of the eyes. "She in a magicoma." Aladdin finally rose from the floor. "A what?" "A magicoma. That Cryiptic had so much force in it when it exploded it shoved her into a semi conscious state. I can make a mind connection with her, but we have to find the cure." she rubbed the tanned head. 'Nef' she pushed into the girls mind. 'Nef can you feel me' Chapter 30 (by me)
The battle paused for a moment as everyone looked with bated breath to the demon and the young girl lying so perfectly still beside her. Chroias closed her blood hued eyes, and through them she could now see into her friends minds. It was an endless world of a rather dark shade of purple. Memories wafted around in small bouts of fog. Memories of her father, a strong and intelligent looking man. Memories of the temple and even some of the Citadel flowed through Nefret and Chroias in turn, all racing at the speed of light, and yet somehow entirely lucid. "Nef?" the demoness called intently. 'Roias is that you?' Came the answer much to Chroias's relief. 'Roias, what's going on? I was hurt and Mozenrath was by me, then.. then I closed my eyes, and when I opened them again I was alone, here." He voice had changed drastically from her customary sarcastically sharp tongue to a slightly more childlike one. "Nefret listen to me, the force contained in the crystal knocked you out when it was released." She explained cautiously. She could feel a slight confusion and something close to panic buzz in the Egyptian girls mind. "Shhh, you just rest, Moze and I will find a way to bring you back." Chroias cooed softly, reassuringly. That seemed to lull the buzz into a low hum; she trusted them to take care of her, she trusted them with her life. Then another emotion swept through Nefret's mind like a wild fire, and without expressing it Chroias knew. The fight was still in progress and they were both absolutely unaware of what was going on outside this safe little space Nef had retreated to in her own psyche. Mozenrath forced his eyes away from his girlfriend and minion just long enough to cast a look upon Aladdin and Jasmine who was coming to a few feet away. The hero and his entourage's concern had overpowered their better fighting instincts. The sorcerer couldn't believe he had almost missed this opportunity, and with a quick snap of his fingers this undead servants rose from the ground to take hold of the courageous group. By the time the thought of resistance had sunk in the act was futile. "Take them to the dungeon... All of them!" He added after the quickly retreating eel. Xerxes let out a screech as a mumluk rose from the ground in front of him, it was to late to turn back and he found himself in the thing's grasp. "This isn't' over!" Aladdin yelled angrily as he was pull away. "You are so right." Mozenrath grinned to himself. "Moze." Chroias soft voice brought him back to reality. He crossed the room in a few quick strides and knelt by the two women he shared his life with. One his lover, and the other his servant and friend. Chroias slowly smoothed Nef's furrowed hair. "She's alright for now, but we have to find the cure soon or she will slip farther and farther away until she's... gone." Roias hated to say the last word, but it was the truth. Mozenrath's head dipped down for a moment. In thought, anguish, prayer? Chroias couldn't tell. It rose again quickly, but gave no indication of what his prier emotions were, for now it was hard and business like. "Well than lets not waste time we don't have." That said he motioned for her help, and together they carried Nefret off to bed. With a short whine Anubis gathered his master's ring in his mouth and trotted along after them. Chapter 31 (by kalynn)
Chroias looked casually behind her. "Moze." she whispered. "We can't just leave Nef here by herself." She hated to make a suggestion but care for her friend overcame that. "Moze, you have to let them go. A look of pure rage came over the sorcerers face. "Never. I finally have them, no possible way you can tempt me into letting them go!!" He growled in her face. The combination of Nefret's illness and the fact that he had almost lost his soul was getting on his nerves. "Moze somebody has to watch over her. We cant bring her It would be far to dangerous." Chroias tried to reason with him. "Please I have a link with her mind but I don't know how long the distance will keep for. I need to know she will be safe." She didn't wait for him to answer before she pulled him down for a long kiss. "Mozenrath please." Her eyes turned a dark bloody red. Mozenrath sighed. "I'm doing this because Nefret needs someone right now and I can't be here." He growled in a dark voice as he began to unlock the chains to the hero's manacles. "You will stay here and guard her." he motioned. Chroias reached out. "Just a minuet." she grabbed Jasmines arm and hauled the princess to her feet. "I may want Nefret to be helped but I'm not fool enough to think you'll just stay here instead of trying to find a way to get her out." She looked at Mozenrath as if he had no choice in her next decision. "Princess goes with us." A small voice nagged her in the back of her head. Nefret was strongly disapproving of her friend's idea. 'I don't have much of a choice Nef' she mind called back. 'They'll try to take you away.' she murmured. 'And very soon here something is going to arrive that I will desperately need you for. And Moze will need you for it to.' With that final call of Nefret's questions in her head the demones disappeared with Mozenrath and Jasmine in a green puff of smoke. Chapter 32 (by me)
Aladdin stood for a moment looking at where Mozenrath, and more importantly his wife, had been. He didn't seem to have much say in this situation. But then again, were Mozenrath was concerned there were never many options. Genie was locked in some magic resistant box, and Jasmine was... Jasmine was Allah knows where, and he was here. Aladdin was stuck between a rock and a hard place, on one hand his instances told him to grab Nefret, and the imprisoned Genie and get the hell away from here, but he knew in his heart that if Mozenrath came home to an empty house he would.. well lets not think about that. With a sigh he snapped himself out of his thoughts and approached Nefret's bedside. Her chest rose slowly and steadily, just about the only sign she yet lived. Bandages around her ribs gave the impression of halfway-prepared mummy. "Well I guess it's just you and me." He exhaled deeply and reached for a basin on the dressing table to mop her fevered brow. "You know, your masters a real ass!" The comment was directed to the plum haired girl, but he was really only talking to himself. "Really I don't see why you put up with him. And that demon of his.. Well she's just scary! You sure do find strange crowds to run with." If she had been awake Nefret would have laughed, but she was hushed and unresponsive to him and his attentions. 'Roias where are you going anyways? What's coming? Is Jasmine all right? Chroias are you listening to me?' The words grew in volume in the red-eyed demons mind until she could ignore them no more. 'If you would just give me a chance to answer!' Nefret's mind grew quite and Chroias continued. 'The first two answers will come in time, when you need to know, and not before. As for Jasmine.' she looked back to the woman who was dragging her feet defiantly behind them. 'She's sulking. Very Princess like.' She added with a giggle. 'How are you doing?' 'Oh, all right I guess. Are you sure leaving me with Aladdin was a good idea. He was the one who broke my ribs if you recall." Nefret voiced indignantly. 'If YOU recall, you were sitting on him trying to scratch his eyes out!' Chroias pointed out. No words where given, but Roias knew Nefret was put out. "Are you speaking to Nefret?" Mozenrath eyed the smug grin on his lovers face. "Tell her she can be a real pain sometimes." He said gruffly, but just a bit on the playful side. 'Mozy says hi.' She informed he friend through their mind link. Nefret grumbled something in response, but her voice was fading, and fast. 'Nefret?' silence met her resounding question and the demoness could no longer feel her friend. "Dam it all to Hades!" She whispered harshly. Mozenrath looked over inquisitively. "I've lost her." She explained. "See, didn't I tell you that." "EXUSE ME!" They darted around to the direction of the voice. Jasmine had halted her step and was balling her fist crossly. "I refuse." "Your in no position to refuse anything little princess. You just worry about your pretty painted toenails and your hair, and come along like a good little hostage." He taunted. Jasmine was unable to answer however as her chains were given a sharp tug and she was hauled along behind the sorcerer and the demoness. "How much longer?" he returned his attention to Chroias. "Almost there." She breathed. It was funny, you have a mind link with anyone for any length of time, and there's a strange feeling of loneliness when your left alone in your own mind. She already missed that damn plum haired minion she had once wanted to kill. *** 'Roias? Roias??!!!!!!!!" Nefret was practically screaming at the top of her lungs in her mind. But she was alone. She wondered what was going on, had Aladdin stayed? Were Moze and Roias close to getting a cure? Was jasmine well? And just what the hell was supposed to be coming that she should stick around for??? With a huff she put the thoughts out of her mind, she would get no answers till Chroias got back, maybe not even then. Chapter 33 (by kalynn)
Chroias silently cursed herself for breaking contact. She glanced behind at the angry princess. She had to admit she could tell why Aladdin would be attracted to the girl. She supposed in human terms Jasmine was rather pretty. Medium build, black hair, and brown eyes. Decent body, and the outfit she wore almost showed as much as Nefret's. She concentrated, again trying to find her friend. 'Nef Back in the citadel Nefret heard the small blip of her friends presence. The words came out garbled and harsh. 'Nef...we...in...have to ..be home....soon. Aladdin treating...you well?' Nef made sure it was Chroias. 'Yes I'm being treated well. Where are you.' she Chroias heard treated well and where. She frowned unhappy with the connection. 'In Gartacuna' A frown crossed Nefret's face. 'Where' she questioned again 'Gartacuna old haunt of mine' she winced as the connection with Nefret was broken. "Damn it." she cursed loudly breaking Mozenrath and Jasmine from their heat induced trances. "Problem?" Mozenrath looked up at his girlfriend. "What happened." "The blasted connection broke again." Chroias felt her eyes turn red. "Were completely on our own now." she mused and glanced at Jasmine. "Come on princess. You are what we really don't need at the moment." The royal pain looked up. "I don't know who you think you are, but how can you possibly love a man like Mozenrath is beyond me. Chroias gave her a hard slap and then administered a quick one to Mozenrath when he laughed. "That was for being a jerk." she said to his surprised face. "And as for you little princess, that was for the commentary. I don't care what you think I am but insult my boyfriend again and my claws come out." She gave the princess a cold look "And I'm sure several things are beyond you." Mozenrath rubbed his jaw gently. "So what exactly are we after here?" Chroias smiled. "It's called a Phoenix tear. The bird of the sun has such extreme magical properties that it's impossible for a sorcerer to get near it." She smiled. "Just three tears are enough to cure any illness. That's where Jazzie here comes in." Mozenrath stared at the princess. "How." "Well like the mythical unicorn only a princess can get close to the phoenix's feathers without being charred." she grinned at her boyfriend. "We're just lucky she doesn't have to be a virgin to." Jasmine's cheeks blushed brightly. Chroias sighed. "The Phoenix isn't very heavily guarded, certainly nothing you and I can't handle, but from the nest on it's up to Jasmine to get the tears." She looked at the Princess. "Listen up throne girl. You don't have to hurt the bird to get it to cry, all you have to do is pet it directly behind it'd crested head. Directly were the blue and yellow fire meets. It's loves to be scratched there and will immediately cry small gold tears." The demoness produced a small vile. "Get at least nine tears in here." "Nine? But I though you said only three were needed." Jasmine looked suspiciously at The green haired girl. Chroias's head lowered slightly to her stomach. "I'll be needing the other's for something." Chapter 34 (by me)
Sweat trickled down the princess's forehead and he skin glittered a bright red, the fire reflected off her skin. As predicted the guardians of the Phoenix were pushovers, well for the demoness they were. Smoke rose in spirally wisps from the nostrils of the firebird, it was aggravated. Having witnessed its protectors fall and an unknown figure edging toward it the bird had promptly dug its claws into the floor and waited for a clash. But it seemed to sense the blood Jasmine carried, blue blood, royal blood. Jas relaxed a tad as the bird withdrew its deadly grip on the floor below and rested its head on its taloned feet. The demon had been right, while it was hot it was not unbearably so, for her at least. Mozenrath and Chroias stood a ways away, just watching. Princess Jasmine's outline had been reduced to nothing more than a vapory mirage against the tremendous heat of the Phoenix. Roias was carefully following their hostage's every move; Mozenrath on the other hand watched the demon out of the corner of his eye. Something was up, she knew something and wasn't telling. It was no use asking, he decided. She was stubborn and independent, always had been, and he knew nothing would be revealed until she was good and ready. The wavering hand of the Princess of Agrabah stretched out. Closer and closer, drawing back a bit and then proceeding again. Finally she tapped her slender fingertips to the feathers and drew the hand back to inspect it. No burns, not even hot! With a sigh her hand shot back up and gave a slightly playful scratch just behind the crest. A rumble sounded deep within the Phoenix's throat, strangely cat-like. Glittering droplets clung to the edge of the firebird's eye, and then slowly they fell, one by one. In a swift motion Jasmine unstopped the vile and held it to the bird's cheek. '1.2..3.4 5..' She counted silently in her head. "9!" She shouted triumphantly. Though she didn't know why she felt so proud, helping Mozenrath wasn't exactly a great achievement. The two watched as the princess half trotted and half drudged her way back to them and deposited the vile in the green haired woman's hand. "Well I guess royal pains have a use after all." Chroias breathed holding the vile to the light and smiling. Aladdin was trying to get Nefret to drink. He held the cup to her lips and tipped it up, but unfortunately he only succeeded in drenching her face and hair. With a sigh and a concerned face he gave up and hoped the others would be back soon. Now that was a change, he actually wanted Mozenrath around. Well, maybe not so much Moze, but the woman he had taken with him. It was then he saw a burst of green smoke, and the three appeared in the room, just as they had left it, if not a bit sweatier looking. The sorcerer scowled at the hero, but he could not accuse him of neglecting his responsibilities. Nef did appear to be comfortable. 'Nef, I'm back!' Chroias mind linked to her friend. 'I'm here' she reiterated when no response came to her. 'Nef?' She was only meet with a slight whisper of incoherent words. In the time since they had last linked Nefret had retreated deeper into the magicoma, almost beyond reach. She could feel her friend blinking in and out of her mind. "Oh gods, we were almost to late!" She looked at Moze who gave her a confused face. "Give me the vile!" Chapter 35 (by Kalynn)
Chroias pulled the vile desperately from Mozenrath's hands. "One for the body." she said as she placed a drop on Nefret's lips. "One for the mind." she placed a drop on Nefret's head. "One for the soul." she whispered as a drop was placed in Nefret's mouth. She hid the vile away in the folds of her short skirt. Nefret made no response. "Damn it Nef." she leaned in close to her friend. "Come on Nef your stronger than this." Still no response. "Nefret. You're my friend. There's something coming, something I need you for. It's never happened to me before and I don't know how Moze is going to take this. I don't know how I'll do it." she begged in so low a voice even Mozenrath couldn't hear what she was saying. The green haired woman brushed Nefret's cheek. "Please Nef. You damn minion." she said in an exasperated voice. "I though we were beyond the whole minion thing?" Chroias forgot herself entirely. "You little....." Nefret's face almost looked in pain as Chroias hugged her. "Oh dear gods. I thought you were..."
"Did I hear what I think I heard." Nefret looked pointedly at Chroias's slim taunt belly. She conceded her movements. "Are you..." Chroias placed a clawed finger to her lips and nodded to Mozenrath. "Later." Mozenrath had almost forgotten himself and barely contained his movements with Aladdin standing right behind him. "Sometimes I think your far more trouble than your worth. First with Hadim, then with my mother, then with this again." He shook his head. "You have the most incredible lucky streak since that street rat." Nefret was too weak to find if her lord was joking or not. "Oh I wanna sleep for a month." Mozenrath looked pointedly at Aladdin. "You should be leaving hero." he grinned sadistically at Aladdin. A blue-black glow surrounded them as they disappeared. Nefret wasn't so weak that she couldn't scold. "Moze!! Come on he took really good care of me." She heard Chroias whisper something like 'I'll bet he did.' and berated the demoness with a course look. "I didn't hurt them Nef." He grinned. "Simply put them in a place where they won't be in the way for a small amount of time." "Oh and where would that be?" Nef growled at him. "Nowhere." he said and shrugged. "Not that it is any of your business." he said a flicker of his old angry self returning. "Now I would suggest you go to your room, and get some sleep." "Oh she'll be in my room for the night." Chroias said suddenly. "Don't worry about a thing." she said as a slightly worried look hit Mozenrath's face. "Were only going to be gossiping about how cute you are when your nose gets all wrinkled up, and your lip pouts out..." Mozenrath didn't wait for her to finish before he made a horrible gagging sound and retreated. Nefret giggled, happy to see something was getting back to normal. "Now you said later." she whispered quietly as Chroias opened the door to her room. "Come on am I right?" Chroias took a deep breath. In a split second a thousand thoughts streamed through her mind. Every one of them far to jumbled for her to fix out. Only one irrespirable fact stood out. 'What is father going to do to Moze.' But as she looked as Nefret's face she blurted out in one breath. "I'm pregnant."