The Abnormal is Normal

L.A. I know, I know. I haven't updated in ages. I've had two major summer projects I needed to get done and I've finally finished them. Yay! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Anna's eyes felt as if they had sand paper rubbed against them. The lack of sleep and arid climate were not a good combination for someone who had just woken up.

They had been requested to eat breakfast with the Sultan. Although all the exotic food looked amazing, Anna wanted nothing more than to fall asleep.

"Are you alright Anna?" The sultan asked with concern. "You seem really tired."

"Rough night," Anna said as she resisted the urge to yawn. "It's amazing how being kidnapped can do that to you."

Jasmine smiled in understanding. "It's alright. After awhile it won't seem as scary to you." As Jasmine went back to her grapefruit, Anna wondered how many times Jasmine had been kidnapped. From her nonchalant behavior, Anna got the feeling that it happened all the time.

Aladdin came in moments later with Abu and Carpet. He had a slightly annoyed expression on his face.

"What's wrong?" Lizzie asked.

"Someone's been through my clothes," Aladdin said as he plopped into a nearby chair. "And I think they stole some. I don't know why though. They weren't made of royal fabric or anything."

Anna almost choked on a piece of bread she was eating. Glancing at Carpet, she could see him brushing a tassel sheepishly across the floor. From the way that he was acting, she could tell that he wasn't going to tell the truth anytime soon.

I just wish I knew why, Anna thought.

The day went by relatively smooth. Most of it was spent lounging around the palace and learning from Aladdin and the others about Agrabah.

By bedtime, Anna was more than happy to curl up in her bed and sleep. A couple hours later, she was woken up by something bouncing on her bed. She almost groaned when she saw who it was.

Carpet was in his human form and luckily clothed. He was poking her shoulder as he eyed her curiously.

"Go away," Anna whispered. "I need to sleep."

Carpet frowned as he poked her more urgently.

Anna sat up and glared at him. "What?" She hissed.

Carpet shrunk back as he sheepishly pointed to the outside.

She really didn't want to get out of bed but the expression on his face forced her to concede.

They went to the spot from the previous night and made sure no one was around before they relaxed.

"Okay," Anna said, "what's wrong now?"

"Nothing," Carpet signed, "I just wanted to thank you for not telling Aladdin and the others about my predicament."

He couldn't have told me this tomorrow? Anna thought. She forced herself to smile. "No problem, though I don't understand why you don't want to tell them. They would probably help figure out a way to change you back."

Carpet had a strange expression on his face but he didn't say anything. They sat in silence for a few minutes enjoying the night air.

"So," Anna said. "I was trying to figure out why the spell is making you transform at night. Were you ever a human before?"

Carpet shook his head. "I don't think so."

"Well there goes one option," Anna mumbled.

He snapped his fingers to get her attention. "I was wondering though if you could do me a favor?"

"Yeah, sure," Anna said. "What is it?"

He fidgeted in place. "Do you think you can teach me to talk?"

Anna frowned. She'd never actually taught anyone to talk but it couldn't be that hard, right? If babies could learn then why not magic carpets turned human. "Sure, I can try."

Carpet grinned as he ran over and swept her up in a hug.

"Okay, okay," Anna laughed. Her feet were dangling slightly off the ground due to Carpet's excitement. "You can put me down."

Carpet nodded as he quickly set her on her feet again.

"But," she held up her finger, "we don't start lesson till tomorrow night. It may be normal to you guys but for me, being kidnapped can really tire you out."

Carpet shrugged as he signed. "You'll get used to it."

Anna shook her head. "You guys are weird."

"Uh-oh," Xerxes said with a snicker. "Looks like the spell backfired."

Mozenrath's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene in his crystal ball. "Unfortunately the only way to reverse the spell is if I can get that carpet back." He sighed as he stroked his chin. "But the side effects are interesting." He grinned evilly. "Yes, very interesting."

"I know that look," Xerxes hissed. "You've got a plan."

"Indeed I do," Mozenrath said. "They won't know what hit them."

L.A.: I know this one is short but the next one should be longer. Anyway, it seems that Mozenrath has a plan, uh-oh. Well, you know what to do. READ and REVIEW!