Disclaimer: I don't own Aladdin
Here is the second chapter. I hope the direction of the story is a good one and thanks to everyone who reviewed.
"One night." Omabahd stated angrily as he paced the palace throne room floor. "One night we left one of Falsastan's most sacred relics in your care and now I wake to learn that its gone?"
The Sultan stared at the floor, his thumbs slowly circled each other, while the terrible weighted pain of guilt filled his weeping soul. It felt as if some dark shadow had reached into his chest and squeezed his heart with all it's strength.
"Omabahd...I can't tell you how sorry I am for this loss." the Sultan began, running his chosen words through his mind so as to smooth out any imperfection. "But, I can assure you that the people of Agrabah do not take our friendships lightly. It is our hope that despite this incident, our two nations can still be allies. I promise to send a generous compensation to your Sultan as a token of my most sincerest apologies for this theft."
Omabahd's facial expression changed from anger to that of sorrow, he too showed possession of a heavy heart.
"Alas great Sultan, the matter is no longer that simple." the aged ambassador began, his words just barley above a humble whisper. "When the people of Falsastan learn of the ruby's disappearance...they will demand war and if it is not given I'm afraid the people may rebel against my king."
Aladdin fidgeted beneath the curse of his virtuous spirit. He had promised himself that he would not do anything but listen and learn for he knew little in the ways of diplomacy or politics. He did ,however, know that these situations were quite delicate and the tiniest offense could mean war, but a burning need to say something, to say anything raged deep within his very core. Aladdin knew the thief was Mirage and he knew he could defeat her.
"Please Omabahd there must be some way we can peacefully resolve this." Sultan queried.
"I'm truly sorry great Sultan. I wish I could say that war was avoidable but the fact is...my King places the well being of Falsastan over yours."
"Wait!" Aladdin calls out even to his own surprise.
"Ah! You must be the hero...Aladdin." Omabahd recalled, hope returning to his eyes.
"Yes and don't worry Ambassador...I can get the ruby back for you." Aladdin clamed with confidence and his head held high, although truthfully unsure as to how he would keep his word.
Jasmine flashed him a quick smile to appear certain in the eyes of the Ambassador, even though her heart beat quickened as worry took hold. She knew questing after a stolen ruby meant facing Mirage in her own home which, even after Aladdin's victories over the enchantress, still caused the princess' heart to ache for she loved Aladdin.
"Omabahd...Aladdin is the finest hero Agrabah has to offer. If there's anyone who can bring back the stolen ruby...he can." The Sultan bragged as proudly as a father ever could to his esteemed, soon to be, son in law.
All tension seemed to melt away with the Sultan's words and smiles once again blessed the palace.
Jasmine approached her beloved fiancé as Omabahd accompanied her father to the royal garden's, no doubt to be bombarded with story after story of Aladdin's past exploits.
"So how do you plan on getting the ruby back for my father?" she asked, ready to hear Aladdin's clever plan.
Agrabah's greatest hero sighed and peered down at the floor, slowly shaking his head. "I...don't know."
That night Aladdin retreated to the solitude of his hovel with the hopes of formulating a decent plan.
Never before had he felt such a crushing weight on his shoulders. Failing to retrieve the ruby would send Agrabah spiraling into war while succeeding would tempt the wrath of Mirage. Aladdin knew this task had to be handled delicately and that doing so would require every ounce of his skill.
Aladdin tried to think but his thoughts continued to drift as he looked out into the city.
Suddenly a vision of the city in flames rammed his vision like a blow to the head, sending Aladdin reeling off of his own bed in shock.
The former thief rubbed his eyes and the vision was gone. With a sigh of relief, deciding the vision was only due to his exhaustion, he climbed back onto the bed and returned to his late night vigil. The young boy's peace was not to last however for again he felt the powerful force of a vision. This time though it was not of a burning city, but a clear picture of the full moon.
Like his previous vision, it lasted only a second before dissipating however its effect on Aladdin remained slightly longer. Fortunately the haunting feeling was brought to a premature end by the appearance of Genie one of Aladdin's closest and most loyal magical friends.
"It's no use...I've checked every manual, magical compendium, Mnemnar's Idiot guide to magical spells, and foreign instruction booklet I could find but...I couldn't find a thing." Genie responded, slouching in defeat.
"You had no luck at all Genie?" Aladdin questioned with a hopeless sigh.
"Well...I did find ONE thing that might help." the nearly cosmic being admitted, averting his eyes and rubbing the back of his neck.
The future Sultan's head perked up. "What is it?"
"It's called the door of Akera...highly recommended for really REALLY BIG JOBS." Genie described with a friendly grin. "But it only works once per location and only stays open for a short amount of time. So if you don't make it back in time..."
"I'll be trapped there." the boy finished the sentence in a morbid tone of voice, beginning to contemplate his potential demise. "We have no choice Genie...I have to try. For the sake of Agrabah."
"Alright Al." Genie responded in his rare serious voice after spotting his friend's determination. "But it won't be easy."
"It never is Genie." Aladdin pointed out with his usual cheeriness making a gradual come back. "But if you can get me there I think I know how to her that ruby back."
"All...right...Al!" Genie exploded with joy, turning into a tasteful sprinkle of confetti. "Now that's the unbeatable here we all know and love!" he shouts, reforming himself and trapping Aladdin in a warm bear hug.
"There has to be another way!" Princess Jasmine hoped; her worry in plain sight for all to see. Deep in her heart she yearned to go in Aladdin's place so the risk would fall to her and he remained safe, but princess knew she could not. Aladdin's experiences as a thief made him the best choice for the task, if peace was to ever be restored. After all, to Jasmines dismay, the goal was not Aladdin's safe return but the retrieval of the sacred Ruby of Falsastan.
The thought came to be yet another cold glimpse into her future as Queen for once that day dawned decisions such as these will be common place.
"I wish there were Jasmine, but unless Mirage takes us there herself this is the only way."
"Aladdin there's a chance..." the princess paused to collect her thoughts. "There's a chance you won't come back."
"Jasmine-"
"At least let me come along with you." Jasmine asked knowing that she could not, and knowing that Aladdin had to say no. "If anything were to happen to you-"
"Relax." Aladdin interjected with a slight smile, placing his hands atop her shoulders. "You're talking to the greatest former thief in all of Agrabah remember? I'll be back with the Ruby...I promise."
"You better." she smirked.
"I will." Aladdin reassured with a kiss. "Besides, carpet and Abu are coming with me."
Aladdin turned to leave.
"Where are you going?"
"I need some time alone." Aladdin admitted. "I've decided to go at sundown and its been a while since I've had to steal something where there's so much at stake."
"I love you Aladdin," Jasmine told him in her usual way after a short pause.
He just smiled back without saying a word before making his way from the palace.
Hours past like minutes and minutes seemed as if seconds Aladdin's morning conversation with Jasmine felt as if it occurred a moment ago, but the time of the setting sun had already arrived.
Aladdin looked up into the bright red sky and took a deep breath, closing his eyes as he exhaled. As the air passed across his lips, strange thoughts filled the hero's already troubled mind. Thoughts of peace brought by success, thoughts of the smiling faces of the Sultan, Omabahd, and Jasmine upon his return, but also thoughts of vision showing Agrabah in flames.
He couldn't help but wonder if the vision represented a glimpse into the future, depicting what might happen if he failed, or was it only a hallucination brought about by stress and exhaustion.
The hero shook his head, dismissing the idea. He couldn't afford a single doubt, not a single distraction, which was why he chose not to see Jasmine before departing. He knew success rested on complete focus on his part; any deterrence at all and he would surely fail.
The streets of Agrabah were nearly empty as always around this time of day. For this reason, Aladdin chose sunset to create the gateway into Morbia so that no hapless civilian would be trapped by it while he was gone.
"Ready Al?" Genie asked as he cracked his fingers.
Aladdin looked at carpet a floating next to him and then to his oldest friend, Abu the clever little monkey who had stealthily made his way onto Aladdin's shoulder.
"Ready Genie." the boy responded with a slight smirk of confidence which out the very least, soothed Genie's doubts some. Genie wiggled his finger and threw back his hands as he bit down on his tongue in concentration.
Soon there was a bright purple flash of light, Aladdin and Abu's eyes were forced shut due to its intensity.
When the brave young hero finally re-opened his eyes, he looked upon a large purple circle, large enough to move an entire army through.
"Uh, isn't it a little big Genie?" Aladdin critiqued with a raised brow.
"Oh...right." Genie responded, letting out an embarrassed chuckle. "Don't want the whole city waking up to a giant mystical portal leading to an evil lair."
He snapped his fingers and the portal shrank down so it was just big enough to allow Aladdin through.
"Good luck Al...we'll all be waiting." Genie reminded his former master, sending him off with a good luck half smile.
Aladdin took a deep breath and indulged in the calming sensation two lungs full of air often provided. Gradually the brave hero made his way toward the portal, his heart beating faster with each passing step, but just as Aladdin was about to pass through into Morbia, a familiar voice shattered the tense silence.
"Hey Aladdin! Where are you going? Can I come?" A young boy pleaded as he raced down the street, having spotted the large portal from afar.
"Waheed? What are you doing here...shouldn't you be in bed?" the young hero questioned.
"How can I sleep when there are bad guys to fight and treasures to find?" Waheed spiritedly responded while he challenged an imaginary opponent to a boxing match.
Just as Aladdin was about to give his usual lecture, intent on peacefully convincing Waheed to go home, Genie summoned his attention.
"Uh Al? The clock is ticking." the big blue genie commented through gritted teeth so as to appear subtle.
At that moment, something snapped inside Aladdin's mind as if the horrendous pressure now resting on his shoulders had finally eaten its way to his heart. He was tired of having to cater to the feelings of others. First the ambassador, then Mirage, and now Waheed. Weary of handling every distraction with care, Aladdin finally snapped under the pressure.
"Listen Waheed! It's far too dangerous alright? You're not a hero! You're just a kid! Go home!" he scolded with frustration booming in his voice.
"But..." was all the boy could mutter having been caught off guard by his here's sudden loss of temper.
Aladdin gave his shocked friend another cold look.
Waheed scowled and reluctantly decided to do as Aladdin commanded, feeling quite sour about the whole affair.
Finally freed of the obligation of protecting Waheed, Aladdin climbed up on carpet with Abu at his side. As the three passed through the gate another vision flashed before Aladdin's eyes; of little Waheed cowering in fear.
The shards of Morbis were restless. Mere fragments now in a cold dark place that had lieklt once been a joyful and happy land. Surrounded by stars and locked in the embrace of eternal night, this was the home of Mirage the deadly enchantress.
Normally the constant silence of the desolate world would be broken by her malicious laughter as it echoed into the vast emptiness surrounding her home. At any given moment her shattered temple rang with screams of suffering from every corner of the seven deserts, but not this day.
For today was not just any other day and it was this reason why Phasir the mysterious prophet had chosen pay her a visit.
He stood before the home of Mirage. The heat from the flames that lit her doorway gently caressed his face.
"Go away Phasir..." came a soft feminine voice from the darkness which filled the lone stone structure.
"I have not come to anger you Mirage. I've come only to help you." the old magician explained in his usual passive demeanor.
A few moments of silence passed as he awaited a response but when none greeted him, he continued.
"Your heart was kind once Mirage. You once cared for others, cared for my brother, and you even cared for me. And I also know that in whatever goodness remains within you still makes he feel responsible for the curse that plagued my brother." he paused yet again, awaiting a response but stil none came. "That is why you keep the Eye of Destruction instead of using its power to your own evil ends."
A fireball suddenly emerges from the shadows of Mirage's lair and flung itself toward the blind prophet.
"I said leave!" she shouted as the spherical flame exploded by Phasir's feet.
"Guilt is what stays your hand this day. Something one must have a heart to feel and that is why it pains you so." he continued without pause or heed to Mirage's warnings. "But no matter what evils you have committed, no one should have to bare this pain alone. Especially for a deed of which they are not to blame."
"Enough!" Mirage shouted. Phasir could see, from where he stood, her eyes flash a bright green from within the darkness.
Phasir held his ground for he knew that she would do him no harm.
"Please Mirage...listen to your heart. It will guide you away from your dark path." the aged magician pleaded, fighting for her redemption and even though the action was hopeless Phasir felt confident that somehow the love they once shared together would at last reunite them so long as his faith remained strong.
The two waited in the blanket of silence for a long time before Mirage broke it once again.
"I don't have a heart Phasir. You most of all should know that." she growled. "I...feel...nothing."
"Never underestimate the power of the heart Mirage." Phasir smiled, his will unshakable.
"Love is meaningless. It is nothing more than a word...a petty feeling. It's nothing more than an illusion created to hide the truth that only madness and cruelty exist in the minds of mortals. Love has no power. Love...conquers...nothing!" Mirage spat, her eyes glowing brighter as her fury became more intense.
"Time after time you attempted to destroy the love of Jasmine and Aladdin and despite all your power, all your cunning, and scheming, thier love has conqured your evil each time." Phasir again responded in a more stern tone, but he remained un-phased by enchantress' words.
"It is only a matter of time before Agrabah falls and what then will you do Phasir? What will you do without you paragon of love to fall upon?"
"I still have hope for you Mirage. I know that one day you will embrace the truth...and the love we once shared will guide you back to me."
"Love saves nothing you old fool." Mirage growled through gritted teeth. "Love could not save your brother, love could not save u-" she paused for a moment as if shocked at what she was about to say. "It could not save anyone."
Phasir inclined his head and exhaled slowly; wanting to say something more but could no longer find his tongue. His faith was strong but many centuries of watching Mirage fall further and further away from him taxed his heart heavily. He often wished for the right words, some phrase that he could say that would finally convince Mirage of the truth and return her to how she was many centuries ago before she had lost faith and when he could not think of those words he cursed himself for not succeeding.
He possessed near limitless power yet of all his knowledge, his wisdom, and abilities , he could not win back the only person that truly mattered. With all his strength he could not stop this terrible outcome; he could not halt all the pain and suffering that stemmed from a single event.
Phasir turned around, ready to depart from the land of Morbia before he heard something he didn't expect.
"Phasir." Mirage called, all anger absent from her voice.
The wizard turned his head, taken off guard by the lack of hostility present when she spoke his name.
"Thank you..."
Phasir smiled slightly and nodded his head before vanishing, leaving nothing but shadow and empty air where he had previously been standing.
Aladdin could not believe his luck so far. He could see the sacred ruby of Falsastan down the hall from where he, Abu, and carpet were and with no sign of Mirage to be seen. The boy's heart pounded with anticipation for if he could retrieve the ruby and return home before getting caught Agrabah would be saved from war, Mirage, and Mozenrath.
As carpet pushed forward, however, Aladdin could not help but recall the visions of a burning Agrabah and of a cowering Waheed. He began to question whether those visions were depictions of the future or were they only hallucinations brought about by the tremendous stress he was under. If they were from the future though, then could he not alter them if his mission succeeded or were they actually the result of his success.
Lastly what of the vision of the moon? What did the moon have to do with the destruction of Agrabah?
He thought long on the matter but concluded that the answer was not in his head. Aladdin chose to focus on the mission and dismiss the potential warning from the future. Keeping his home safe and out of war was all that mattered and he refused to let Jasmine or the Sultan down.
Finally salvation was within his grasp.
Aladdin looked down at the red ruby that sat comfortably on a stone pedestal shrouded in darkness. He carefully reached out to grab the gem but just before his fingers touched its cold smooth sides, he felt Abu's hand gently tap his shoulder.
The former street rat re-focused on Abu who was pointing at the ruby.
Aladdin peered back and took a second look.
The red jewel had collected a layer of dust as if it had been sitting there for quite some time.
"It must be a trick." Aladdin thought to himself. Although the ruby appeared to have been sitting there for a while, it was the exact color and shape of the sacred gem that threatened to break the peace. "This has to be it."
Aladdin took a deep breath and took hold of the jewel. Carpet noted the signal and raced toward the gate as fast as he could fly.
Mirage's eyes opened wide and she stood from her throne, mouth agape. A sharp piercing pain had shot through her body. Something had disturbed the Eye.
With a snap of her fingers she vanished and re-appeared in the hall where she had kept the Eye of Destruction only to find that it no longer rested atop its designated perch.
Unable to believe her eyes, Mirage waved her hands in a panic where the Eye was supposed to be in hoped of its perceived disappearance was due to some trick of the shadow.
No such hope was to be found.
Certain now that the gem had indeed been stolen, the enchantress looked down upon the empty pedestal as a single tear ran down her face. Frozen in a pit of sorrow, it took a few moments before she noticed the spiritual trial left by the thief. Mirage recognized the feeling at once for she had faced it many times before.
At once sorrow was replaced by blind agonizing rage. Her eyes flashed an ominous bright green as she sliced the pedestal to pieces.
"Aladdin!"
"You're not a hero! You're just a kid! Go home!" Aladdin scolded with frustration booming in his voice.
"But.." was all the young boy could mutter having been caught off guard by his hero's sudden loss of temper.
Aladdin gave his shocked friend another cold look.
Waheed scowled and reluctantly decided to do as Aladdin commanded feeling quite sour about the whole affair.
Off he went down the dirt road and back home where no great adventures awaited him, or monsters lurked to fight him, or any princesses need help from him. Waheed yearned so badly to be like his hero Aladdin. Fighting the likes of Mechanikles or Mozenrath. Just once he wished he could be given the chance to be the hero for once. He knew deep down that he could do it if someone could only give him the chance.
Unfortunately no one was going to put their trust in a little kid.
"Aladdin's right..." he sighed. "I'm no hero."
But just as the last word escaped his mouth, Waheed found himself trying to regain his balance. Something had blocked his path.
It was an odd winged blue cat.
"Who...who are you?" Waheed asked, trying not to let the fear he felt seep through to his speech.
"Who I am is not important...but who you could become is." the cat mentioned and a smile.
"What do you mean? I'm no one special." Waheed dropped his head in self pity, he felt as if he were worth nothing.
"I mean..wouldn't you like to be like your favorite hero...Aladdin?" the winged beast grinned and he flew closer to the boy.
"More than anything!" Waheed answered with enthusiasm. "But how can I do that."
"By going with him on this very dangerous mission of course." the blue creature floated up to look Waheed in the eye.
"But they won't let me go through the gate...I can't follow Aladdin."
"What if I could send you there? Wouldn't that be fun? Hmmm?" the winged feline pushed.
"That would be grea-." Waheed paused for a moment. "Wait...what's the catch?"
"No catch...I just don't like seeing kids like you getting...pushed around."
"No thanks...I know better than to get mixed up with magic." the boy waved his hand, dismissing the offer before starting to walk away.
"You're right..." the cat sighed. "I suppose not everyone can be as fearless...as Aladdin."
Waheed whirled around. "Hey I'm not afraid of anything alright?" he shouted.
"Then go...who knows...you may just end up saving his life." the cat grinned once again.
Waheed stood silent for a few minutes before nodding his head and clenching his fists. He was ready to show Aladdin what he could do and how helpful he could be on any adventure.
"I'll do it."
I hope you enjoyed the second chapter of the chaos games. Please go ahead and tell me what you think I like hearing from you all.