"So, how exactly are you going to drum up clients?" Genie asked, catching up with Aladdin.
"I think we'll need Carpet, and we can probably go window-to-window, door-to-door. See if there's anyone around who might need our help." Aladdin whistled, and Carpet appeared in the blink of an eye, rounding a corner, and circling Aladdin playfully.
"Looks like someone's in a good mood." He said while laughing.
"No kidding. What'd you do, find a lady rug?" Genie asked. At first Carpet moved in a bashful way, but then shook his knobs for hands frantically.
"Uh huh." Abu said, teasing Carpet playfully.
"Okay you guys." Aladdin said. "Let's get to work."
They started on the southern end of Agrabah, near the entrance to the desert and worked their way up through the city to just before the palace walls. Most of the people there didn't have any work for them to do. Either they said there wasn't anyone who bothered them enough to pay for services, or they didn't have enough money to shell out. A few gave Aladdin donations because they knew how nice he was (and counted the times he'd saved the city before), but there really wasn't anything to do. By the end of the day, when the first spattering of stars filled the sky, there wasn't enough profit to fill the small, handheld sack Aladdin held in his hands.
"Maybe we're asking the wrong people." Genie suggested.
"Or maybe there isn't anyone bothering anybody in Agrabah right now." Aladdin suggested. "Most of this was just from people we've helped before, and that was generous enough of them and all they could give us."
"That's a first. Today's kinda been dry, but there's usually something going on every single week!" came a voice behind them. Aladdin whirled around and saw Iago flying toward them. "Don't tell me you guys are actually looking for trouble."
"It's not like that. We're looking for people who need our help." Aladdin said. "I'd prefer to stay in-city, but if we have to go out, then maybe we should think about doing that."
"Nah, that'd be a stretch, kid. It's one thing if we're collecting donations in Agrabah, but think about it - it doesn't help a soon to be Prince collecting donations from other kingdoms without all the authority figures." Genie said, transforming into a like-imitation of the Sultan.
Aladdin groaned, placing a hand just under his brow. "This is going to be harder than I thought."
"It's just the first day, kid. Don't worry. Bright and early tomorrow, we can start again."
"Unless you guys plan on pulling the night shift." Iago said, but then swiftly covered his mouth with his wings.
"Actually, Iago, that's not a bad idea. Usually most things odd against Agrabah have been happening at night lately." Aladdin said, taking to his feet from where he'd sat against one of the buildings in the city. "You guys up for another round of asking around?"
Genie, Abu, and Carpet nodded enthusiastically, while Iago shook his head. "No way! I'm not crazy. Not doing it, not happening."
"Considering you're the one who came up with the idea of asking around at night, don't you think it might be a good thing, Iago?" Aladdin said with a sly grin. "Especially if it involves some form of credit?"
"Credit?" Iago's eyes turned to money signs as he flew quickly to Aladdin's shoulder. "Well, when you put it that way...I don't see why not."
Aladdin rolled his eyes and sighed. "Figures you wouldn't do something for nothing. All right, guys, let's try this again."