Author's Notes; Genie AU. This fic takes some inspiration from Aladdin, but this first chapter mainly borrows from the into of Paper Mario The Thousand Year Door. X is a prince and Zero is a demon, sealed in a lamp (Aladdin). The merchant offering X the oil lamp for free if he's able to summon the creature (a merchant offering Peach a treasure chest and allowing her the contents for free if she can open it, Thousand Year Door). Please enjoy.
A young boy accompanied by a tall guard close behind him was having a walk through his hometown. The town was a desert town and the streets were lined with small houses and street vendors selling a variety of goods. Produce, jewelry, meat, knicknacks. They and their customers filled the place with speech of haggling and bartering. One vendor noticed the boy and the guard coming. "Ah, what an honor you should visit, young prince. What brings this visit?" The prince grinned a little. "I am just having a look around while on my walk. As per usual." The vendor smiled. "Feel free. I have come across some more antiques recently." The prince looked at the vendor's supply laid out on a carpet. He had old teapots, old swords, old daggers, and old oil lamps. A curious black oil lamp caught the prince's eye. The prince pointed to it. "This oil lamp is a rather curious color. Black instead of the common gold." The merchant picked up the black lamp. "My latest acquistion. I have been told that a creature lies dormant in this lamp. I know not what kind of creature. Also, I have been told it will only serve someone with a gentle heart." The prince's intrigue grew. The merchant looked up. "Young prince, if you are able to awaken the creature, I will give you the lamp with no fee." The prince was a little uncertain, not able to know what kind of creature was the lamp's resident. As the merchant held the lamp out, the prince reached his hand slowly to the lamp.
Before the prince could even touch the lamp, what looked like pure black smoke began to pour out. The prince backed off and the guard held up his spear. The rumored creature formed away from the merchant's carpet and the black smoke revealed his true colors. He had somewhat tan skin, a thick mane of blood red hair, black 'socks' on his arms, a bare chest, a long black loincloth, black thick rings around his eyes which were closed, large black wings with red pulses that showed his veins in his webbing, red pulsing lines on his arms and feet showing more veins, and a spiked collar with a name written in red. Because the creature faced away from them, none of the other three could see or read it. The prince could hear growls and grunts coming from the creature as he tried to figure out what was happening. What the creature did next endeared the prince. The creature seemed to have spotted a pair of orphaned children with no home closeby and slowly started to walk. The children backed away scared. The creature stopped his movement and lifted his arms a little. With a bright shine of red on his arms, the creature provided the poor children with lots of food and gold coins. The prince was touched to see such a seemingly threatening creature do something so kind. He'd never seen something so heartwarming. After a pause, he finally spoke. "Kind creature, please. Turn towards me."
The creature's head turned back towards the prince before turning his body. The prince came closer cautiously, looking at the creature. He was able to read the name on the creature's collar. "Zero?" The creature's head adjusted, so if he was able to see, he would see the prince's face. The creature let out a gentle growl, showing the prince a mouth of sharp teeth. A little intimidated, the prince tried again. "Is that your name?" The creature nodded, giving him another growl. He leaned his head in closer, smelling the prince. The guard had his spear ready. The prince shook his head. "No. He is only curious. He seems kind as well. If he is able to provide for the needy, then maybe he can help Father." The guard shook his head. "What will your father say if you brought this beast into the palace?" Zero snarled at the guard, coming closer to the prince. While the prince's attention was on the guard, Zero came from behind and wrapped his pulsing wings around him. The prince blushed, looking up at the creature. "Please forgive my guard, Zero. He means well, but bringing such a unique individual like you into the royal palace is unheard of. I wish to know if you are able to heal others. If you can, I want to bring you to my father." The guard relented after realizing he couldn't really stop the prince. He wanted to see if there was something Zero could do for the sultan too. The prince turned around and faced the creature. "Zero? Is this truly your name? I have so many questions for you." The creature gently touched the prince's head. The prince heard an ethereal voice in his head.
'I did not have a name. Zero was a derogatory name others used for me for lack of a respectful name. You have questions, you say? I have a few of my own, but seeing as you have become my master now, I implore you to go first.' The prince blushed a little, whispering. 'A pity. Its a mysterious and beautiful name, much like its bearer. As for my questions, what are you? Are you able to heal just as you were able to provide food and wealth for those children.' Zero nodded. 'I am a pure demon. And, yes, I can heal my own wounds and those of others.' The prince's hopes grew high. 'What about chronic illnesses? My father is very sick.' Zero nodded slowly. 'Yes, though those may take a little more time than wounds.' The prince smiled. 'We would be so grateful if you would help my father. Though, its strange to meet a demon. If you accompany us to the palace, can you refrain from any mischief?' The prince heard a slight chuckle from the demon. 'I see. You assume I will make trouble and not keep my promise to serve you. I am not this kind of demon. I will simply do as you bid of me. After that, my future will be dictated by you and your father. I am but a slave to the one who frees me from the oil lamp I was bound to.' The prince started to feel sorry for Zero. 'But...you have your own desires and wishes. Your own thoughts and feelings.' Zero's head shook. 'These are irrevelant.' The prince sighed. 'I am not inclined to believe that. Though, another question occurs to me. Are you truly blind? You almost move as though your eyes worked.' Zero purred slightly, gently unwrapping his wings from the prince. 'This I shall explain on the way to your dwelling.' The prince grinned, carefully taking the demon's hand in his and leading him towards the palace in the distance with the guard following close behind.