Aladdin And The Lord Of The Black Sands
When the wind's from the east and the sun's from the west and the sand in the glass is right...
Chapter 9: Unity Between Brothers
Rasoul was patrolling the night streets of Agrabah alone. Suddenly a voice called quietly, "Psst, guard, come here. There is something I must tell you!"
Rasoul growled and drew his scimitar saying, "Oh really? This had better be worth it. I hope for your sake this isn't some trap."
"Not at all," the figure replied stepping from the shadows.
"Jafar!" Rasoul exclaimed.
"No fool! My name is Khartoum, and before I tell you my news I want to know. What is the price on Mozenrath of the Black Sands head?" Khartoum replied.
Rasoul answered longingly, "No relative of Jafar's is welcome here Khartoum, if you are related. As for Mozenrath, if anyone could bring him to his knees they would be hailed a hero. His execution would be heard about all through the seven deserts. I might even get promoted! But, alas, it's impossible. He's harder to get rid of than Jafar was. According to the princess he overthrew his master Destane. Even Jafar feared Destane. He is powerful and very clever, rarely and not easily tricked."
Khartoum was thrown off by the news that a mere boy, or young man, had overthrown Destane, he hadn't heard that part. Or if he had he didn't remember, but he recovered quickly. "What if I told you he was on his way here as we speak, and that I can render him powerless then deliver him to you, or if you'd like, I can leave him for you to find," Khartoum said.
"I wouldn't believe you," Rasoul said, but it was obvious that he was interested.
"No matter. I'll do this favor for you anyway at no charge. You see, I have a bone to pick with him and a certain brother of his," Khartoum said.
"He has a brother!" Rasoul demanded.
"Why, yes. I believe you're well acquainted with him," Khartoum said.
Rasoul's eyes widened. "Y-you don't mean…?"
"I do mean," Khartoum said. "Aladdin."
Suddenly the resemblance became painfully obvious to Rasoul. "I can't believe it…" Rasoul said.
"Aladdin himself only just learned. He doesn't believe it either, nor does Mozenrath, but it's true. However, I'd refrain from mentioning the details to the sultan quite yet. Goodbye sir," Khartoum said as he left Rasoul shocked.
"What a family tree. I knew he was good for nothing," Khartoum heard Rasoul say.
Khartoum looked back when he was out of sight around a corner. Rasoul was still pondering what he'd heard. "Stage one, complete. Now, let's turn some attention to Aladdin. Mozenrath will track me right down if I use my powers. Who better to kill time with than Aladdin? Either way they'll both die eventually.
It was the next day. Jasmine had convinced Aladdin to go with her and the others, minus Sadira, to the place Iago had once lured Aladdin and Sultan to. They brought a picnic along with them. Aladdin and Jasmine were walking hand in hand by the river. Genie, Abu, and Iago were stuffing themselves while Carpet rested against the tree. "Ah, this is the life," Iago said.
"And this time no trap, hey bird boy," Genie said as he nudged Iago. Iago frowned at him but let it slide, face filled with food.
"Isn't it beautiful today?" Jasmine asked Aladdin.
"Yeah, this was a good idea. I needed to get away," Aladdin said with a smile.
"No worries no cares," she said.
"No traps to beware of, just you and me," Aladdin said leaning in to kiss her.
Just then they heard Abu chattering angrily at Iago. "Ya snooze ya lose!" Iago defended, flying above out of reach with a drumstick.
"Well, almost," Aladdin sighed. He and Jasmine chuckled.
Just then they heard a stick tapping on the ground and turned in time to see an old man weakly stumbling along. Jasmine gasped. "Oh no, Aladdin, he needs help!"
"Jasmine, wait!" Aladdin said.
"Aladdin, look at him!" she said.
"Well I'm a little suspicious of random old men walking around," Aladdin said recalling the first Jafar incident.
"Aladdin, really, what are the chances?" Jasmine demanded.
"Not high, but I'm not banking on anything, especially since Mozenrath is still out there," Aladdin replied.
Jasmine looked uncertainly at the old man. Right then, though, he stumbled and cried out in pain. Aladdin cringed feeling guilty. Throwing all caution to the wind, Jasmine rushed to him. Aladdin followed giving into his nature. "Sir, are you all right?" Jasmine asked.
"Oh don't worry about me my dear," he replied in a shaky voice.
"Genie, save some food!" Aladdin called. The others looked over at the old man in surprise.
"Ooh, a guest!" Genie exclaimed poofing next to him. In cowboy garb he said, "Well howdy stranger, come on over!" He led the old man to the spread.
"Thank you young ones. You shouldn't trouble yourselves over an old man," the old man said.
"Nonsense! We trouble ourselves with everybody!" Genie declared.
"Even guys like Mozenrath apparently," Iago sulked, still sore about that.
"Mozenrath? You mean the ruler of the black sands?" the old man asked.
"Well, yeah, how'd you know?" Aladdin questioned.
The old man chuckled, but slowly he turned younger and his form began to change. "Let's just say I have something to settle with him, and you," the man answered.
"Holy…" genie began, but right then the man sent him flying away with a deadly blast! He struck something hard making the person cry out in pain. It was then that Genie realized how far away he was, somewhere in the desert. He shook his head and found himself staring up into Mozenrath's scowling face. "Mozenrath!" Genie exclaimed. Mozenrath's expression turned into a cold grin and he laughed.
"Ah, Khartoum!" Iago cried in terror. The man then seized his throat. "Buddy," Iago grinned hopefully. It didn't work, for when Abu leapt on Carpet and the two went to their friends rescue, Khartoum violently threw Iago into them then blasted the trio with his magic! Carpet lay stiff. Abu and Iago were limp.
"Abu!" Aladdin cried.
"Iago!" Jasmine exclaimed. The two ran at Khartoum, Jasmine saying, "Khartoum you'll pay for this!" With that she jumped at him sending him sprawling.
"Why you insolent little fool!" he shouted as he blasted her back into Aladdin!
"Are you okay!" Aladdin worriedly asked.
"Aladdin, move!" she shouted as she threw both him and her out of the way of another blast.
"He's back! Did Mozenrath wake you!" Aladdin demanded.
"Actually, it was your old friend Abis-Mal and the remaining seven of the forty thieves," Khartoum replied. "Mozenrath I want dead," he declared.
"No… Abis-Mal and the forty thieves?" Aladdin said in disbelief.
"Then why are you after us if you want Mozenrath!" Jasmine demanded.
"Why, to make it easier for him to find me and walk into my clutches," Khartoum answered.
Iago, who was struggling up being the first to regain consciousness between him and Abu, coughed saying, "I wonder if Jafar and Nasira had a brother? Namely him! Ah!" He dodged another blast. "Where's the Genie!" Iago demanded.
"Far from here," Khartoum replied as he suddenly made the Earth crumble beneath them!
"Jasmine, look out!" Aladdin cried as he threw her to the side where it was solid. He himself fell!
"Yah!" Iago cried, quickly grasping Abu's tail and Carpet's stiff tassel then struggling to lift them to safety. Aladdin kept falling, finally landing hard on a rock below and crying out in pain. Khartoum floated down softly.
"You know, it's not you I have the problem with, but this is just too fun," Khartoum taunted.
"He's not my brother!" Aladdin retorted, "And by the time I'm done, Mozenrath won't have anything to walk into except me!" With that Aladdin tackled him!
Khartoum leapt up from the ground and tried to blast Aladdin, but Aladdin easily dodged. "You're quick, I'll give you that," Khartoum growled annoyed.
"Quick enough to avoid you," Aladdin boasted. He then dodged another barrage.
"Hold still so I can get this over with!" Khartoum yelled furiously as Aladdin stepped near an edge and taunted him. With that he let out his biggest most powerful blast yet, as he floated into the air! Aladdin instantly saw his mistake. He gasped as he realized he had nowhere to go! Desperately he leapt to the side trying to avoid the brunt of the attack, but even the weaker edges were strong enough to send him toppling over the edge! Desperately he clung to it.
"Aladdin!" Jasmine cried.
"Now boy, this ends!" Khartoum said as he floated towards Aladdin ready to knock him into the lava below!
He raised his hands preparing a blast. Jasmine and the others watched in horror as Aladdin stared up at Khartoum in terror. Suddenly, though, when all hope seemed lost, a voice called out, "Not if I strike first!"
Jasmine, Iago, Abu, and a now normalized Carpet looked up in shock at the new figure. "Mozenrath!" Jasmine exclaimed as the sorcerer soared over the edge and delivered a violent kick and magic blast combo to Khartoum sending him flying back. Mozenrath neatly rolled then stood up laughing.
"Whoa, wonder boy's got a good roll," Genie suddenly said.
"Neat roll, neat roll," Xerxes proudly nodded.
"Genie, Xerxes!" Jasmine asked.
"Yeah, the strangest thing happened. When Khartoum there hit me I flew right into Jafar Junior there," Genie said. "I hitched a ride back with him. I'm amazed I'm not a captive, but he was focused on his uncle there."
"Uncle!" Iago exclaimed.
"Nah, I was just messing with ya," Genie said rubbing the birds head.
Aladdin was trying to climb back up and looked at Mozenrath in shock. "You!" he asked.
Mozenrath rolled his eyes then turned in a bored way. He bent down taking Aladdin's hand and helping him up. "Don't thank me yet. I'll worry about destroying you after I destroy him," Mozenrath simply declared.
"Why? Why would you help…?" Aladdin began.
Cutting him off Mozenrath replied, "Because I want Khartoum either dead or back in his book!" Mozenrath replied.
"You spoiled little brat!" Khartoum growled to Mozenrath. "How many times must I put you in your place boy!"
Aladdin had a flashback to himself and Jafar. "Whoa, déjà vu," he said.
"What?" Mozenrath asked. Just then Khartoum shot a blast. Mozenrath gasped then ducked under the ball as did Aladdin.
"Something Jafar said to me once," Aladdin replied as Mozenrath shot a blast at Khartoum right back.
"Will you Focus!" Mozenrath shot.
From above Iago said, "Jafar Junior's pretty quick."
Furiously Khartoum cried out then levitated himself. He used his powers to lift up rocks, ready to throw at the pair from all around. They stood back to back. Mozenrath lit his gauntlet and Aladdin found himself holding a scimitar. "Here, make use of that," Mozenrath demanded.
"Swords on rock!" Aladdin asked.
"No, magic swords on rock you imbecile!" Mozenrath corrected. Aladdin had no time to argue, for the rocks were now hurling towards them! Mozenrath began blasting them to pieces whilst Aladdin struck them with the scimitar.
"Shouldn't we help them!" Jasmine demanded.
"Help? They look fine on their own!" Iago replied fearfully as he ducked and covered under flying debris.
Mozenrath turned to strike another rock. It was that moment that Khartoum seized to blast at the gauntlet in order to put it out of commission! Aladdin, though, saw and cried, "Mozenrath, look out!" Without thinking he moved the blade in front of the gauntlet like a shield. The magic dissolved into it as Mozenrath looked on in shock.
"How dare you!" Mozenrath yelled at Khartoum as he and Aladdin split apart dodging his blows. They matched each other move for move in perfect harmony.
"Hmm, this wasn't expected," Khartoum said aloud as he tried to focus on both brothers. Finally, though, he gave up and focused on Mozenrath. He let a maverick blast out. It tore around wildly, throwing off both brothers until it disappeared into the ground.
"Really? Khartoum you disappoint me. What was that all about! Oh I'm shaking. A wild shot," Mozenrath taunted as he laughed. It was cut short, though, when the magic ball shot out from the ground! Aladdin's warning cry came too late. Mozenrath cried out in pain as his gauntlet was struck! He tried to use his power, but nothing happened.
He was so distracted by this that he never saw the next blast coming, and it was nothing like the usual ones were. It viciously struck him knocking him over the edge! "Mozenrath!" Aladdin cried as he ran then slid to a stop at the edge just in time to grab his enemy's hand. Mozenrath's eyes fluttered open only to see the lava below! He gasped looking at the lava in terror. He then looked desperately at Aladdin. "Hang on," Aladdin grunted.
"Perfect, two birds with one stone," Khartoum said as he began to laugh, aiming at them!
Aladdin gasped and as the blast was released he cried, "No!" Carpet, though, had dove for him. Genie poofed down between the attacker and victims dressed in a tennis outfit. "Fifteen love!" he exclaimed as he batted the blast back at Khartoum. Khartoum cried out in pain as his own shot struck him! Mozenrath was losing consciousness again. Carpet swooped down below Mozenrath lifting both he and Aladdin up and out of the hole. Genie followed then blasted it shut as Khartoum cried out.
"Aladdin!" Jasmine exclaimed running into his arms.
"I'm fine," Aladdin assured. He looked nervously back at Mozenrath.
"Is he gone?" Abu asked about Khartoum.
"Mozenrath's eyes had fluttered open again in time to hear this, as well as Genie's reply of, "Of course he's gone. No one could survive that."
"Oh please, he's not gone," Mozenrath said arrogantly, startling the others.
"What mean?" Xerxes asked.
"If he were gone I'd have my powers back," Mozenrath complained pompously. "Alas, as you can plainly see, I don't." His eyes were slowly closing again though he fought against it.
"He's drifting in and out of consciousness. He needs help," Aladdin said.
"So bring him to the palace," Iago said.
"Bad move. Evil sorcerer who's tried more than once to rule all Agrabah and enslave its people. They want his head, not his health," Genie replied.
"If father or the guards found him…" Jasmine began. She hesitated then continued, "They'd execute him. At least the guards would."
Aladdin was silent a moment. Soon he replied, "That leaves out my hovel."
"Sadira?" Abu asked.
"Oh yeah, cause they hit it off so well last time!" Iago yelled.
"She's our only hope," Aladdin replied.
"You sure you want to help this guy Al?" Genie asked.
"He saved my life Genie. I owe him," Aladdin replied.
"And you saved his, you're square," Iago argued.
"I haven't saved his life until he's back to normal," Aladdin replied. "If we leave him here he could die."
"Good riddance!" Iago said.
"He's… he's my brother Iago," Aladdin said. Iago opened his beak to reply, but nothing came out.
"So much for denial," Iago finally grumbled as he flapped away.
"By the way, good save Iago, you know, Carpet and Abu!" Jasmine called.
Iago paused saying, "Who me?" He flew back perching on her then continuing in false modesty, "It was nothing. A reward should cover it."