Chapter 3 - Responsibility and a Plan


During dinner, the Sultan had appointed Aladdin as his new Royal vizier. However, while everyone was discussing Jafar and Iago, Rajah suddenly burst into the dining room, his mouth full, crashing the table.

"Rajah!" Jasmine scolded. "You know better than to tear around the palace like that."

Iago was in the tiger's mouth, begging for help. As Jasmine saw Iago trying to get out, she silently gasped.

"Quick," she whispered to Aladdin. "Hide him."

Aladdin covered Rajah's mouth, as best as he could to hide Iago.

"So, Aladdin," the Sultan began, "why did you bring up that deceitful parrot?"

"Sultan," Aladdin replied, "there's something you need to know about Iago."

The parrot in question plucked one of his feathers to make Rajah sneeze. He stumbled onto the table and nervously grinned at the Sultan. Jasmine facepalmed. Aladdin gulped.

"He's…here."

"Iago!" the Sultan shouted. "Guards! Get that bird!"

The guards Razul and Hakim entered upon the order.

"Uh-oh," Jasmine said in worry.

"Yes, Your Highness," Razul replied, raising his sword. "It would be my pleasure."

"Razul!" Jasmine intervened. "Stand down!"

The guard put his sword away under Jasmine's command. The Sultan froze in confusion.

"What's going on?" he suddenly said. "Explain, daughter."

"Father," Jasmine replied, "I was in the marketplace today. I saw Aladdin chase Iago, but they ran into Abis Mal and his band of thieves. They had the upper hand on Aladdin, but Iago intervened and saved Aladdin."

"It's true, Sultan," Aladdin agreed. "Iago saved my life. Can you give him a chance?"

"Hmmm," the Sultan wondered. He then conceded, "I suppose so. But still, I don't trust that parrot, not after what he did. After all, he did serve my greatest enemy."

"What do you suppose we do, Your Highness?" Razul asked.

"Well, with your permission, father," Jasmine requested, "as vizier, Aladdin would take full responsibility for Iago, in case he gets into any trouble."

"I would?" Aladdin repeated.

"He would?" Iago repeated.

"It seems like a questionable priority, dearest," the Sultan began, "but so be it." He then ordered his new vizier, "Aladdin, you will watch Iago every moment."

With that, the Sultan walked away.

Razul then warned Aladdin, "If the bird makes one wrong move, you shall be the one I pluck, boy."

With that, he and Hakim followed the Sultan.

"You didn't have to make that priority, Jasmine," Aladdin began, "but thanks."

"You're welcome," Jasmine replied, worriedly.

"But now my new status as vizier may be in jeopardy."

"Don't worry, Aladdin," Jasmine assured. "Somehow, we'll find a way to patch things up so you can keep your position."

With that, she hugged him.

Iago stood on a ledge.

"She saved my life," he said to himself. "Nobody's ever looked out for me before."


Meanwhile, in the gardens, Mozenrath appeared through a puff of black smoke. He then rubbed the black lamp.

"We're in, Jafar," he whispered.

Smoke spewed from the lamp, and Jafar appeared.

"It's about time, boy," he said. "It was getting hot." He then noticed Iago in the dining room. "How very like Iago."

He then saw Aladdin and Jasmine crooning the parrot, while Abu, Rajah and the Genie watched them.

"He's lost no time endearing himself to those in power," he continued, planning something heinous, "which fits in perfectly with my plan."

Xerxes, who hid under Mozenrath's cloak, still had a worried look on his face.

"I don't like this, Master," Xerxes addressed.

"Hush, Xerxes," Mozenrath replied. "You do want to help Jafar and I, right?"


Later that night, Iago relaxed in the luxury room.

"Oh, yeah," he said to himself. "Being one of the good guys has its advantages. Ah. Advisor to Aladdin, the new grand vizier. And when Aladdin becomes sultan, that will make me the grand vizier." He then ate some grapes from a fruit bowl. "Only, I'm not going to blow it like that idiot Jafar. I'll never have to stand in his shadow again."

Suddenly, the lights went out. Iago looked behind himself after a spotlight shone on him, and spat out a few uneaten grapes in fright.

"Jafar!"

The dark genie appeared before him.

"Buddy?"

Jafar shot lights from his eyes, which lit a few candles. Iago then noticed Mozenrath carrying the lamp. He then nervously backed away.

"A funny thing happened," he began. "You see this guy took the lamp. You probably thought it was me because it sounded a lot like me. But a lot of people sound like me. Anyway, he took the lamp and…"

"Calm yourself, Iago," Jafar replied. "I haven't come for revenge against you."

Iago was then relieved. "So, that's good to hear."

"This here is my new friend Mozenrath," Jafar introduced. "I couldn't help noticing that you've made some new friends, too. Like Aladdin."

"Friend?" Iago repeated. "'Friend' is such a strong word. He's more like an acquaintance."

"I'm arranging a little…surprise for Aladdin," Jafar replied, "and your job is to lead him to the party."

Iago cowered under a pillow.

"You know," the parrot said nervously, "I don't think I'm the guy for this job."

"Oh, but you are, Iago," Jafar replied. "You are."

Jafar pointed at the parrot, who was left unsure of what to do.