Chapter 22: Buried Stories

Jasmine sighed, hugging her knees to her chest. The door to their prison was made of crystal, with no visible lock to speak of. So picking the lock was not an option. Banging on the door or trying to dig under it didn't hold any promises for freedom either. If Abu were there, he probably could do the latter and fit just enough to get free. Unfortunately, none of them could make the trek outside.

Remi had been very quiet, sitting with much the same posture as Jasmine, his forehead rested on his knees. Jasmine couldn't blame him. He had more than enough weight of events to deal with.

Iago, on the other hand, wasn't much of a motivator. "We're doomed. Sitting left to rot and no chance of getting out until the kid gets back. If they get back at all. Why did we leave everything up to the monkey to handle?"

Jasmine groaned. "We've been over this, Iago. It wasn't Abu's choice. But if Aladdin, Genie and Carpet are with him, I'm sure they'll all be okay. In the meantime, we have to figure out what we need to do to fight against Aziz."

The bird's brow furrowed. "Uh, hello? How are we supposed to fight against a guy who gained supreme powers overnight? And that's on top of the powers he already had!"

Remi chose that moment to raise his head. "Aziz did say that he had a limited range to work from. I wonder what he does to 'refill the well' of magic he has."

"That's a good question. If it's something we can figure out while we're here, maybe we can interfere with Aziz's ability to manipulate the thief's game," Jasmine said. "But first, we have to decide how to get out of here."

At that same moment, they were all startled by a stone that slid out of the wall and fell out behind them. There were no visible grooves in the wall that made it obvious that it could be removed, but the ease with which it fell surprised all of them. The familiar face that greeted them did as well.

"Miza's glad to see everyone," she said in a loud whisper. "It took a long time to find you, but I crawled through enough passages looking for a way out."

"Miza, how did you get in here?" Jasmine said, unable to resist matching Miza's grin in her expression.

"Well," Miza paused, recalling the memory. "Prince Aladdin and Miza were in this cave before, back when Uncle Arzin was being controlled by the Deathseeker. There was a hiding place Miza used back then, before he found me. Figured there were other passages like it here. There was a secret crawling space inside our cell - where me, Mama, and a few others were. Had to leave Mama and the others behind, because they couldn't fit through the hiding places. Wanted to find all of you."

"That's incredibly brave of you," Remi said. "But if Aziz catches on, he might try to hurt you. You don't where the passages will end up."

"Miza's not leaving here alone, and definitely doesn't want the bad guy to find us," she said, shaking her head. "Just want to find a way to free everyone, so we can leave together."

"I wish we could go with you, but none of us can fit through that space to find out where they lead to. Although," Jasmine looked over her shoulder as she paused to Iago. "There is one of us that could fit through that passage."

Iago's eyes went wide. "Nope. Nuh-uh. Not me! I'm not waltzing into any kind of danger where I'm on the other end of magic."

Jasmine approached Iago, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Come on, Iago. You're not seriously suggesting that you're going to leave a girl to go on her own? And really, all you're being asked to do is to find a way to free us, not fight Aziz."

Iago folded his wings across his chest and shook his head. "Not interested."

Jasmine realized that she needed to try to convince him in another way. She had an idea, then quickly changed her tone, shrugging her shoulders. "Okay, if we're telling this story another time, I'll tell them of the cowardly bird who didn't compare to the bravery of a little girl who freed us all and saved the city of Gloloria. Because you know we'll be telling this to Father when we get back to Agrabah. And our adventure will be recorded in the royal library. Every. Last. Detail."

Iago's brows lifted. The bird turned sharply. "On second thought, I want bragging rights. Al's not the only one who can waltz into danger and get something done. Let me give you guys a story for the history books." He waddled on his spindly legs towards the secret entrance, walking past Miza without even a glance behind him. "Come on kid, we've gotta find a way to get everyone out. And I mean, everyone!"

Miza looked back to Jasmine, appearing confused. "Miza doesn't know what you said to birdy to change his mind, but thank you, Princess Jasmine."

As Jasmine watched Miza and Iago vanish out of sight through the dark passage, she heard Remi speak from beside her. "Are those two going to be okay, you think?"

Jasmine let out a long sigh. "I think Iago will look after her, but they shouldn't be the only ones working to free everyone. If she was able to find a way in here - then we can continue to find another way out."

Aladdin groaned as he lay on the ground of...wherever they had ended up. "That could have been an easier entrance, for sure." He sat up, brushing sand and dust from his hair.

Ezele wasn't too far away, holding the side of his head as he looked wearily at their surroundings. "I suppose we should be thankful we entered this place safely. Although it seems we're missing a companion."

"Oh no. Abu." Aladdin cursed their turn of luck, from bad to worse. He slowly stood, his eyes searching the darkness for any traces of his friend. "Great, we're both down a monkey and a magic map. Do you think he followed us in here?"

"I wouldn't doubt it, your highness. If memory serves us correctly, Abu was the one who opened the 'door' we were pulled into, alongside my reading of the spell."

"What about Genie and Carpet? Any chance they may have followed us in here?"

Ezele shook his head. "Doubt it. If Genie's reaction to the key Abu held was too much, this realm would likely drive his senses mad. We're surrounded by dark magic. Magic in itself isn't dark, but the essence in this place doesn't present good intentions. So much even I can feel it. Can you not?"

Aladdin hadn't been paying attention, but as soon as Ezele mentioned it, he felt the sensation of something crawling along his arms and neck. It was so sudden knocked him off balance, to where he fell against the wall behind him. But he didn't lose his footing entirely. It took him a moment to steady his breathing as he held the sides of his arms with his hands. The air felt cold around him.

Ezele frowned, his brow furrowed. "It can be a bit much once you notice. I suppose I'm used to the feeling, since I deal with different types of magic regularly. Though magic infused medicines are quite a different experience. Nothing nearly this strong."

Aladdin leaned against the wall behind him, his back stiffened. "Better that we find what we're looking for and get out of here." When Aladdin recovered his senses, he walked over and held out a hand to help Ezele up from the ground. "Hopefully Abu hasn't run into anything yet that'll get him in trouble."

The prince and the medic wandered around through the darkness for some time before they arrived in an area in which the area was more visible. Magical lanterns illuminated the path ahead of them, opening to a large collection of dark furniture, smoothly crafted in expensive stones. Aladdin looked in awe as he took in the sights around him. "Whoa. Much fancier than when Abu and I were in the Cave of Wonders, but somehow this reminds me of it."

Ezele looked alarmed, but not in the way of being fearful. It was more recognition. "I never knew any of this was so close to our home."

Aladdin looked over his shoulder to the medic, his eyes widened. "You recognize this place?"

"Not in the sense of being here before. I've read about its existence. If Remi were here, he would certainly have a great deal of joy based on the writings in the archive. Particularly Saztou's musings." Ezele ran a hand through his hair as he observed scrolls filled with some of the same symbols that they'd seen entering the lair. "Gloloria's ancient language is inscribed in several places here. I would reason this place is the reason that many sorcerers passed through our town - it's a magnet for magic. It's been here - a buried secret - for so many years, overlapping the time the Deathseeker tormented us."

"Can you read any of it?"

Ezele's frown deepened. "I could, but I fear what calamity it would trigger. Most of the musings don't make sense read aloud in anything other than the old tongue. Pieces of spells, if you will. The inscription we read pulling us in here made sense, at least. I understand the purpose now." Ezele turned to Aladdin then. The prince could see the weariness in the medic's expression. "This enclosure contains a treasure that was not meant to be unearthed. The door we came through is a seal. Probably one among a few."

Aladdin quickly understood. "What we're looking for isn't a treasure then, more a curse. The seal was meant to keep the danger. Keeps others from finding it."

"Precisely. We don't know what level of devastation it could unleash. If Aziz wishes to become the next Deathseeker with that power, he may very well be able to attain it."

Aladdin groaned. "And along with us, Abu's the scapegoat sent to find it."

A panicked screech a distance away from them cut off anything Ezele was going to say in response to Aladdin. Both of them turned in the direction of the sound.

"Come on. He's not too far ahead." Aladdin ran as fast as he could towards the direction where he'd heard Abu. He heard Ezele call after him, but he only heard faintly of the warning before the danger decided to show up in front of him. Aladdin barely had time to stop himself and jump back as the creature took a muddy swing at the prince.

"Al-Muddy? Here?!" Aladdin yelped as he dodged several blows from the one attacking him.

"You know that creature?" Ezele asked, surprised.

Aladdin took a few steps back, stealthily dodging every blow the Al-Muddy aimed at him. "A little different than the ones near Agrabah, but same thing. They're weak to light and fire. Not much of either down here."

"Get down." Ezele's command arrived less than a second before Aladdin intentionally dropped to the ground, throwing off the Al-Muddy's strike. At the same time, a fireball hit the Al-Muddy in the arm, causing it to shriek and flee quickly in the direction ahead of them, before disappearing into the ground, leaving no trace other than a pool of mud.

"You all right, your highness?" Ezele said as he approached Aladdin, holding out a hand to help Aladdin to his feet. The prince took it gratefully.

"Thanks to you. How did you do that?"

Ezele shrugged, but the medic couldn't hold back much of his grin. "Basic defensive spells. Magic has a cost each time it is used, but that wasn't one difficult to work with. We can't rely on that trick for more than one of the Al-Muddy if they choose to attack. Especially if they're keen to magic."

"I get it. But I think we can use that to help get Abu out of whatever trap he's in.."

It didn't take them long to find the monkey, who screeched with panic on top of a high column in the underground passage. Aladdin had to duck into a nearby corner behind a cluster of rocks, pulling Ezele behind him to safety as four Al-Muddy surrounded the column where Abu perched. Abu hadn't noticed them, but neither had the Al-Muddy.

"I know we can't attack all of them directly, but you think you can create a distraction?" Aladdin asked.

Ezele answered by firing a blast of magic at a distance away. It attracted the attention of two of the Al Muddy, but the other two remained fixated on Abu. One almost looked in the direction of where Aladdin and Ezele stood. The prince stealthily moved out of view, moving towards another cluster of rocks closer to where Abu was. Ezele followed him quickly.

Aladdin pointed to a weak part of the passage that would result in a collapse of part of the wall. It wouldn't cause a cave-in, but it would be enough to draw the attention of the other two Al-Muddy. Ezele nodded to show the prince he understood, then used his magic to fire another blast. The trick worked. Both Al-Muddy lost interest in Abu, rushing over to the commotion. Aladdin saw his chance to get his friend to safety.

But at the last possible moment, one of the Al-Muddy looked over its shoulder. As fast as Aladdin was, the Al-Muddy saw the prince, howled with fury, and threw its solid spear at him.

"Aladdin!" Ezele shouted. He didn't have enough time to fire off a blast of magic to stop the spear from flying.

But Aladdin was ready, diving down to miss the bulk of the danger. The sharp spear still ripped part of his tunic to expose the skin of his shoulder, but it otherwise passed harmlessly, sticking firmly in a nearby wall. Close call, Aladdin thought.

"Abu, down here!" The monkey wasted no time leaping down once, twice, then a third time down the column and debris to land in Aladdin's waiting arms. But there was little time for a reunion as the Al-Muddy started to recoup, realizing they had all been tricked.

"Now we have the attention of all four of them," Ezele said, his face paling. But Aladdin grabbed his arm and the three ran away from the Al-Muddy as fast as they could.

"Abu, are we running in the direction of the treasure still?" Aladdin said as Abu found his way to the shoulder sleeve that wasn't torn to bits.

"Uh-huh." The monkey pointed in the direction of the path that branched left among two others.

"Well then, we'll just have to make it impossible for them to follow us."

Ezele picked up on the meaning of Aladdin's words. "You want me to use my magic to cause a cave-in with one of these minor magic blasts? That could harm us as well if it goes wrong."

"You're just gonna have to aim when and where I tell you," Aladdin said, looking up for a moment in the narrow passage for an opportunity. He saw what he was looking for a short distance away. "It's coming up. Get ready, Ezele."

"Got it, your highness." The medic saw the same place, used his hands to conjure of a ball of magic. But the Al-Muddy were quickly catching up with them.

Abu screeched with alarm as he realized how close their pursuers were. But Aladdin wasn't fazed at all. "NOW!"

Ezele let the magic ball fly, striking the low rocky ceiling above them. The reaction was swift. The area around them shook violently, rocks falling into the path before, behind, and around them. The Al-Muddy were visibly panicked, fleeing the way they came from just as the area closed off, keeping them apart from where Abu, Aladdin, and Ezele were. But they were not out of harms away as heavy rocks fell around them.

Ezele was knocked off balance, likely from the shaky area around them and the energy he used to use the magic spells. Aladdin was quick to get to his side and help him. "I've got you. Come on."

They barely managed to get out of harm's way as the path behind them completely closed off. Even Aladdin fell on his back to the ground beneath him once they arrived safely in a quiet, open space in the passage. Abu lay beside Aladdin's head, staring up at the ceiling as he caught his breath. Ezele lay on Aladdin's other side, closing his eyes and breathing a sigh of relief. The chaos had been much for all three of them.

It was a while before any of them found words. Ezele was the first to speak. "That was quite a brilliant plan, Prince Aladdin. You continue to surprise me with your ability to think on your feet. Figuratively and literally."

"Would have been easier if Genie or Carpet were here," Aladdin admitted, his chest still heaving. "Less dangerous."

"Are either of you hurt?" Ezele said, his brow furrowed as he looked between the prince and the monkey.

"No, no," Abu said, just as Aladdin shook his head.

"Good, I'm glad. Nor am I, thankfully." Ezele sat up, taking survey of their surroundings. "But we've ended up in a place with no notable exit."

Aladdin's eyes snapped open as soon as he'd shut them. Ezele was right. "Abu, you said that the treasure was somewhere in this direction. Were you sure about that?"

"Yeah, yeah." The monkey insisted. He held up the key that he'd tucked at one point beneath his vest. Sure enough, it was glowing, pulsing with a steady rhythm and providing the only light they had in the area.

Aladdin slowly sat up, brushing sand out of his hair. "Maybe we're looking for another hidden entrance, something like the way we came in." He looked around the area, his eyes scanning the ground. "It's hard to focus with only that light, but I think there might be something beneath us to dig up."

Abu didn't waste a moment holding up the key, using it like a beacon to direct him to where the treasure could be. Aladdin watched the monkey as he suddenly paused, dug a little through the sands, and appeared to place the key in some kind of contraption. He opened his mouth to ask what Abu had found, but the ground suddenly shook beneath them. Abu screeched with panic, but his monkey paws couldn't move as he was paralyzed with fear. They all felt the ground beneath them rise as a hidden, obsidian platform elevated them above the sands.

Aladdin and Ezele were still sitting as the platform raised higher and higher through the darkness. It wasn't fast moving, but Aladdin knew they didn't want to fall off into whatever abyss lay beneath them so he used his hands and feet to shift backward, closer to Abu. Ezele followed the same motions as all three of them tried to see where the platform was taking them. As soon as it started, it abruptly stopped. Another passage opened ahead of them, a rocky wall slid upward to lead the way forward. The area beyond them was very well lit.

"Guess there's only one way to go," Aladdin managed as he slowly rose to his feet. "Like they're expecting us."

Ezele stood, brushing off his clothes. "I wouldn't take that as a sign to drop your guard, your highness. Abu may have the key, but there's a strong magic user ahead of us. The light illuminating this passage isn't one of elemental fire, but magic light."

"Do you think they're friend or foe?" Aladdin asked, looking over his shoulder at Ezele.

Before the medic could answer, a booming voice echoed from the path ahead of them.

Approach me, keybearer. You shall have the answers you seek, provided that you answer my questions truthfully. Refuse, and it will mean your end. Be prepared.

Aladdin saw Abu wince, his tiny limbs tensing up. Even Aladdin couldn't help but swallow against the lump that formed in his throat.

Ezele gently put a hand on Aladdin's back to steady the prince. "I think we should do as we're told."

Aladdin took a long shaky breath as he reached his arm downward, allowing Abu to scurry up to his shoulder, key gripped in his trembling paws. He didn't say anything as the three of them walked forward, following the light ahead. Aladdin had to shield his eyes a few times, not used to the brightness of the light after moving through mostly darkness a while. They walked into a crescent shaped room, lined with magic torches and a half moon shaped table. Shelves lined the wall, scrolls littered the floor in places. It felt a lot like Saztou's study in the lighthouse.

"Where did that voice...?" Aladdin began, but was cut off when he heard a grunt from behind him. Ezele gasped for breath. It wasn't long before Aladdin realized that Ezele couldn't move. "Ezele, what's wrong?"

Ezele started to speak, but no words came out. Aladdin turned but felt a hard shove against his back, throwing him to the ground. The impact knocked Abu from his shoulder.

Aladdin gasped as invisible binds wrapped around his limbs, pinning him to the ground. No doubt that any of it was magic related, but it was hard to tell the source. The voice they'd heard from before echoed through the room.

Here I thought the keybearer to be human, but he turns out to be a monkey.

Aladdin tried to speak but the words wouldn't come. He saw a figure, a pale green essence in the form of a man with a long white beard, come into view. It didn't look like he had any regard for either Aladdin or Ezele. Meaning Abu was on his own for the encounter.

Abu wasn't taking the confrontation well. By all accounts, the man might as well been a living ghost. The monkey's knees knocked together as he shook, still holding the key close to his body.

Tell me - do you seek that which has been buried here?

Abu hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded.

The man's features twisted with disgust. Aladdin could tell the answer was one the figure expected, but wasn't happy with. And do you seek to use it for yourself?

When the monkey shook his head, the figure paused - possibly not expecting the answer Abu gave. Then would it be for your companions? Perhaps they ask it of you?

Abu shook his head again. This time, the figure didn't appear to hide his confusion. Aladdin could feel the magic around him shift. The prince realized that the figure was distracted enough to loosen the hold over his voice, prompting him to speak. "Abu wouldn't do anything like that."

The figure's disgust returned quickly. I didn't ask you, mortal. He held up his hand in a similar manner to what he'd seen Aziz do before. When the figure balled his hand into a fist, Aladdin felt his throat close up. He couldn't breathe.

"Aladdin! Aladdin!" Abu screeched.

Ezele found his own voice then. "Please do not hurt them." He spoke a few words Aladdin didn't understand, likely the older language of Gloloria that Ezele had mentioned to them before. But from the shock that registered on the figure's face, one would have thought the few phrases, calm and measured in a way that was Ezele's usual, were a shout. The figure became much more interested in Ezele. After the two exchanged more words in the old tongue, the grip holding Aladdin relaxed. He and Ezele were both free at once.

I did not realize I was in the presence of a descendant of our village, a healer at that. Forgive me.

Aladdin slowly stood. After Ezele reached the prince's side and Aladdin assured he was okay, Ezele explained. "Healers are held in high regard in the history of our home. I told him I didn't know much of our old tongue, but that I did arrive from town. The magic he uses has some of the same techniques of sorcery described in our archive."

That explains the similarities to the magic techniques Aziz used on me, Aladdin thought. "So Aziz did pick up some of the magic spells he was using on us from you guys." Aladdin knew this, as his statement wasn't a question, but voicing it aloud made it more firm in his mind.

Ezele nodded. "I wouldn't doubt he learned spells from the scrolls he stole. But even then, he didn't learn everything. Aziz's skills are no match for the sorcerer before us. He is much like the last form you saw of Saztou. No longer a man or spirit, but an essence protecting something important. As you would expect, he's the guardian over what we're seeking."

The figure nodded towards Aladdin. I am Luz. It is as Ezele says. I've guarded this dangerous relic for ages, hoping to hold it for one powerful enough to destroy. But it is not easily done. Much easier to use and conjure up the darkness within it for selfish means. Hence why many travelers who have had various keys have found themselves here. Of course, no trespassers have ever made it out. Not by my watch.

Abu swallowed hard at Luz's last statement. But the monkey relaxed a little, realizing the glowing figure was no longer a threat to them.

"Wait, I don't understand," Aladdin said, turning his attention from Ezele to Luz. "You're saying there are multiple keys to this place?"

Different keys, different things to find. All relate to magic, Luz explained. Your keybearer just happened to hold the key to the most dangerous of all things contained here. One of the main reasons the seal has been maintained. Some of what we hold isn't ill intentioned magic, but secrets of the history of our home as it once was. Before Gloloria had parts of it destroyed. Our home was much more expansive in the past.

"If he's right on that, I can't even imagine," Aladdin said. "That would make it even bigger than Agrabah, stretching this far out into the desert."

"The discovery of this place is fascinating to say the least. There's still so much about the history of our town that we don't know. To think of how much more is actually hidden here," Ezele said. "Like I said, if Remi were here, he'd be able to pull so much more from it than I."

"Maybe there's a chance for you to return here after we rescue the others," Aladdin suggested. "Seems like coming here wasn't a bad idea after all, since it's a connection to your home's past."

Luz stroked his chin with one of his hands. Tell me, why are all of you seeking the treasure, if not for yourselves?

Aladdin explained their situation as best as he could. When he was done, Luz nodded slowly.

It would be far easier to tell you to destroy the treasure before your enemy can grasp it, but you have no means to do so yourselves. Nor would you be able to seek the help of your magic friends.

Abu frowned, his brow narrowed. "Huh?"

"My thoughts exactly," Ezele agreed. "What are we supposed to do to destroy it?"

Aladdin thought about what Luz suggested a moment before an idea occurred to him. "Wait a minute, Luz just told us that a powerful enough magic would have to destroy it. If Genie isn't able to, then..." Aladdin realized then what they needed to do. His expression became far more determined, a contrast to Abu's and Ezele's confused ones. "Now I get it. Makes sense. If Aziz wants to make this a game, then he's got one. But before that, we need to get the treasure."

Luz nodded. Once you obtain the treasure, my work will be done. I will be no more. You'll also find a path beyond here to exit the realm. There is one other thing I shall give you to grant you easier passage, Healer, should you wish to have it. You may return with a key that you shall keep on your person. It will only unlock if you or someone you will to use it decides to return here. It will also allow you to discover the location of other keys to items here.

"I humbly accept," Ezele said, as Luz used his magic to produce a bronze key similar in style to the one Abu clutched in his paws. It was on a chain, which Ezele used to loop around his neck.

Very well. I wish you the best of fortune. If your intentions are firm, then you shall find victory. Beware of what it may cost.

Before Aladdin could say anything more, Luz's form dissolved into a shimmering bright light, blinding them all for a time before disappearing into nothing. Where Luz once stood remained a small, locked box that looked like it would hold nothing more than the Princess's jewelry, maybe her tiara at most. Aladdin walked over to it, picking up the treasure box in his hands. Abu could carry it easily in his paws, judging from the size. The patterns on the box matched the key exactly, same twists and turns in the design. The keyhole appeared to be a perfect fit, at least if Aladdin was judging from his memory of it. Abu didn't appear willing to come anywhere near Aladdin as he held the box.

"It's smaller than I was expecting," Aladdin mused aloud. "Unnerving that it contains such a big, bad power, being like this." But even as it rested in his palms, Aladdin could feel a familiar sickness at the pit of his stomach, similar to the feeling he had when holding the key.

"Such things can be the most dangerous, your highness," Ezele said, approaching Aladdin to gaze upon the trinket himself. "Best not to let down your guard." He looked just past where Aladdin stood, as a path opened up leading to a platform similar to the one they'd entered. "Suppose that's our exit, as Luz promised. Pity that he couldn't see us off beyond his duty."

Aladdin caught Ezele's expression before it shifted, too late for the medic to hide what he was really thinking and feeling. "We shouldn't let his efforts be in vain, then. Better for us to get out of here and stop Aziz so you can get your family and friends back. I know you're worried about them. I'm worried about everyone too, but we can't let that overshadow what we have to do."

Ezele's brow furrowed. "You said something about besting Aziz at his own game. How do you intend to stop him from opening that box and getting his wish?"

Aladdin wondered if he should speak his plan, the words starting to form on his tongue, but he shook his head. "Not yet, I wanna get Genie's opinion. Better for us all to know it at once than have to explain and waste time. We don't know how long we've been down here."

Ezele nodded. "Understood. Then we should hurry."

Abu watched Aladdin and Ezele move forward, reluctantly following behind them as his eyes scanned the area one last time. Neither Aladdin nor Ezele realized that the monkey was oddly quiet after everything they'd learned. He wasn't looking forward to going the way out, if it was anything like the way they came in.

Even more than that, Abu had an unsettling feeling in his stomach that something else bad awaited them.