Still weak and caught off guard, Cassim tumbled to the ground.
He hit the ground with a cry of pain.
Malcho used his wings to try to blow them away.
Adreaneline surging through his body, Cassim grabbed Iago, pulled him to him, and covered him, shielding and protecting him from the rocks, sticks, and other things blown at them by the wind created by Malcho!
Malcho was amazed at how tough Cassim was now that he was shielding Iago!
Finally, realizing it was useless to try any longer, he left.
Cassim let go of Iago, who moved away.
Weak from the loss blood, Cassim collapsed!
With the help of Sabeek, Iago took Cassim to the palace in Agrabah.
Once at the palace Iago started to go in to get help.
"Iago, wait."
Iago felt his heart tear at the weakness in Cassim's voice.
"Yeah?"
"Don't leave me alone out here."
"Cassim, there's no way for me to..."
"Please, Iago."
Iago sighed.
"Okay."
Soon they were slowly making their way into the palace.
Cassim was amazed and impressed by Iago. Despite his tiny size, the little parrot was helping Cassim make his way towards the throne room!
They were about halfway there when Cassim nearly collapsed, using the wall to stop himself.
"Come on, Cassim. You've made it this far."
"I can't go much father."
"Come on. You can make it."
They continued on their way, Cassim growing weaker by the moment.
They were just outside of Aladdin and Jasmine's room when Cassim collapsed but managed to stop himelf by grabbing a large plant vase!
"Cassim, come on. We're almost there."
Then Iago noticed that Cassim was having a hard time breathing!
"I... can't... go... on."
"Cassim, hang in there!" Iago said louder than he meant to.
The door to Aladdin and Jasmine's room opened, and there stood Aladdin.
"Al!"
Cassim looked up to see Aladdin standing in the doorway staring at them with wide eyes of horror.
"Aladdin."
Then Cassim collapsed completely!
Aladdin darted forward and caught his father before he hit the ground.
The young prince lifted Cassim into his arms.
The fact that his father was taller and heavier than he was didn't matter now.
"Jasmine!"
Jasmine came out and gasped when she saw Cassim.
"Cassim! What happened?"
"Malcho." Iago answered.
Cassim's breathing became hoarse and labored. Now he was struggling just to breathe!
Iago, for the first time in his life, began to cry!