Author's Disclaimer: No, I do not own Lila or Genie. Lila is an OC that belongs to asinglepetal/rollingbell, and Genie (and his song) belongs to Disney. Nor do I own any character that Robin Williams has acted as in past movies. There's too many of those to name. Suffice it to say that Robin Williams left a good legacy, and he will be sadly missed. This chapter is dedicated to him. I hope you will enjoy it.

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A Day at the Prince's Zoo

Chapter 2: Good Friends

It was several days later that Lila found herself yearning to go back to Agrabah. She arrived home, exhausted after a long day in the desert. She had seen new animals, traveled back in time, and met new people.

There was one person in particular that she remembered most, though. Someone with a booming voice to draw in large crowds of people, and yet, he could still speak next to a lion and not scare it away. Someone with a sense of humor who had made her laugh and lose track of time as they wandered around the zoo together. Someone with a curious ability to disappear and still be heard everywhere. Someone that she wanted to know more of.

It did not take long to convince herself to go back. She was still practicing, so on her day off, she decided to travel back there. She remembered how much energy she needed to expend to get there, so it was not hard to get back.

What she did not expect was to arrive back at the same time that she left Agrabah. The sky was the same purplish blue hue, just like a particular set of clothes were still hanging on a line, flapping in the wind. She wanted to wait a couple days to see him again, but, oh well, she was still learning the finer points of timing, after all. She was outside the town, so she made her way to look for the zoo again.

By the time she approached the palace, Lila was shocked to see that the zoo was no longer in the same place. Guards took up their place around the palace, while all seemed quiet, as though Prince Ali and his entourage had never come. Could they have left already?

This thought propelled Lila forward as she went to look for a guard. However, just before she turned a corner, she heard yelling in the distance, signifying the change in the guard. The guard with his large sword walked in the opposite direction of her, leaving a gate momentarily unprotected.

Normally, Lila was not one to walk past guarded areas, assuming that there was a reason why the guards were there. But, when she heard a very familiar voice from earlier, she decided to go inside and find Genie. He had some explaining to do about that disappearing zoo.

Lila opened the gate to see a fountain, and further on, a large, green, courtyard. She walked in a little, admiring the lush greens and dew that appeared on the grass as the sun went down. She could have sworn that she saw something flying overhead past her when she felt a breeze, but she refused to believe that it could be a person, as fast as it flew. It had to be a breeze.

Listening to the comforting voice, Lila weaved her way through the courtyard, passing well-manicured bushes and flowers of all sorts. Part of her really wanted to take back some of the flowers with her so that she could plant them where she lived.

Finally, the voice was loud enough to know that she had finally reached him. He was talking to someone, though she could not hear the other person. When she peeked around a corner, the only things she saw were an elephant with a hat on his head (strangely enough, it had a lot of banana peels nearby), and a strange, blue being pacing anxiously. He looked human, with his head, chest, hands, and legs, but he was so….blue.

Still, Lila could not spot her friend. She heard his voice, but could not find him. It seemed he was pulling that stunt again from earlier. She stepped forward to investigate more, but had to turn back when the blue being turned in her direction. She was not sure what to do next.

Sure enough, Genie had spotted Lila. He had excellent hearing, and he heard the ground crinkle and squish as Lila's foot compressed it. He thought no one was allowed back there, that guards had been put there on purpose. That was, until he saw that it was Lila with her long, white hair. She seemed to have a knack for appearing when no one could. What brought her back he could not say, but he could hope.

Genie assumed the persona from earlier, broad-chested and loud. He then shooed Abu away, lest Lila decide she want to ride him, which Abu would not stand for. The poor monkey seemed angry enough about the bananas, so he had Abu move into the trees, where he could sleep and not be seen. Now to talk to Lila.

"Alright, you elephant, enough free time for today. Off with you! I have spoiled you enough already."

Lila heard his voice, and she decided to take a chance and peek again. Her risk was rewarded with a backside view of Genie, still looking at the elephant as it hurried off. It must have been well-trained if it went without him, unless there was someone else leading it.

Genie heard Lila move toward him, so after waiting a short time, he turned around and pretended to be surprised when he saw her.

"Lila! What a pleasant surprise! What brings you back here? Can't get enough of me, eh? Or just want to see the animals?"

By the time Genie finished speaking, he had managed to place himself directly in front of Lila. Her slightly open mouth told him all he needed to know. No blush, but he could fix that. Hopefully he could use her surprise to his advantage.

When she did not respond right away, he continued, "Can I help you with something, Lila?"

"Where are they?"

"Where are who, Lila?"

"The animals, of course! I just saw them a few days, er, not long ago. How could they all disappear in such a short time?"

Genie was unprepared for that question. After Lila disappeared into the distance, he made the animals disappear, assuming that she would not come for some time. He was glad to be wrong, but this did not allow him enough time to make them all appear in another part of the courtyard, as he had planned to do.

Then there was what Lila had said. How could it be a few days unless something else was going on? Was she some kind of magical being as well? How could it be a few days, unless she had some way of moving back and forth in time? It would explain why she was not worried about getting home, and why she was wearing clothes that were unsuitable for the climate, not to mention different from what she had been wearing just hours ago. But one question at a time.

"You just missed the elephant. All the rest have been walked back that way with other attendants. I was afraid of something happening to them with thieves and whatnot around."

"Oh. I had not considered that. How is the elephant?"

Genie laughed. "He is a little frustrated, but he will survive. Some days, he thinks he is a small monkey, as he loves bananas, but eating bananas while moving is not always easy. He's quite big, as you know."

Smiling, Lila answered, "Yes, I'm sure he does have it hard, trying to move and eat. I didn't realize that they liked bananas."

"He's a very special elephant."

"I'm surprised that I didn't see him earlier."

"He was being cleaned after that parade. All that dust, it just does nasty stuff for the pores."

Lila was a little confused by his word choice and smile, but whatever. The poor elephant got dirty, so now he was clean.

"And where's Prince Ali?"

"Well, aren't you full of questions tonight!"

Genie had no intention of answering that, if he could help it. Perhaps it was time to distract her.

"I'm just curious, Genie."

"But haven't you heard," Genie said, leaning in close. "Curiosity killed the cat."

"I have heard that, and I've never liked the phrase much. I'm quite fond of cats."

"I can't say that I'm surprised. You seem like a cat person."

Genie looped his arm through one of Lila's and started leading her toward the large fountain in the courtyard. Al was already with Jasmine, so the coast was clear, assuming he was not called. He did not think he would be, as Al was determined to win over Jasmine.

"I like dogs just as much. Do you even have dogs and cats here? I don't think I've seen any yet."

"Here? As in Agrabah?"

Her words continued to suggest that she was not from "here". Perhaps he might have found someone that he could talk to honestly. If he could only make her talk.

"Yes. I assume your kingdom does have them, then?"

"Oh yes, all kinds. What about where you are from? Are there many there?"

"Yes, and I love them all."

"And where are you from, exactly? Care to share with me, Lila?"

"I don't know if I can explain. I'm afraid you won't understand."

"Believe me, Lila," Genie coaxed, "I'll understand better than most. Lay it on me."

"I don't know. Can I trust you?"

Lila looked up at Genie with wide eyes, the question sincere. Genie looked her straight in the eye, ready with his answer.

"Of course you can! Consider me your friend, someone who cares."

"I can't say that I had many friends growing up. My family did not let me out to play with many kids my age."

Lila looked away for a moment, a little surprised she had just said that much to Genie. But, Genie was not about to lose his chance.

Coming in front of Lila, Genie took her hand and squeezed. "Trust me. Believe me, Lila, you've never had a friend like me."

Lila looked again at Genie, trying to read his face. In those eyes, she saw sincerity, so she decided to trust him with a little. If animals did, then so could she.

"I suppose Prince Ali depends upon you for exactly the same reason?"

"Yes indeed. He's never had a friend like me. I've been there for him since the beginning."

"That's wonderful. I bet he appreciates it."

"He does, but he still has a long way to go before he gets what he wants. But as for you-"

"I trust you, Genie."

Genie had been ready to say that he was on the job, ready to prove himself her friend, but no. This was much easier.

"That's good! You ain't never had a friend like me before, as I'm here to listen. So where are you from?"

"London."

"I can't say that I'm familiar with the name, but I bet it's the bomb. A great place to live if you can wear that kind of dress."

"Dress? What do you mean," she asked, looking down before seeing that she forgot to change out of her normal attire, "dress?"

"It looks like a dress," Genie added, before touching the skirt, "and it feels like a dress."

Genie gave her a grin and raised his eyebrows before removing his hand. Lila just smiled back.

"So it is."

"You must live quite close to be able to change that quickly and get back here."

"I'm a fast walker."

"With those long legs, I have no doubt," Genie added with a wink.

It was easy to talk to Genie like this. Despite him asking so many questions, she did not feel as though he was trying to use her for information, or anything like that. He just wanted to know about her.

The pair came to the fountain, and Genie motioned for Lila to sit. The two continued to chat, as Lila talked more about where she was from, and Genie did the same.

"I wish I could come and see where you and Prince Ali are from. I'd love to see it."

"And I'd be happy to grant that wish, and any other wishes you might have. Just not at this moment."

"Really? Even if I had two or three more wishes of a similar sort?"

"Yes. I can't right now, since we're still visiting the Sultan, but after that is another matter. As I tell my master, just rub me like so," he said, elbowing her in the side then taking her arm and forcing her arm to repeat the motion on him, "and I'm at your beck and call, even if your list of wishes is three miles long. I really want to know, so I can help you out."

"You are a good friend. Prince Ali is very lucky."

"You've got me now, too."

"Thank you. So what's your real name? They call you Genie, but you must have a real name."

"Some have called me Peter Banning, Alan Parrish, and Phillip Brainard, and others still have called me Armand Goldman. I answer to many names."

"But why?"

"Because I can do many things. I'm rather talented, you could say. I perform magic."

"So you can pull a rabbit out of a hat?"

Pulling a microphone from behind him, he yelled, "Faster than you can say 'Good Morning, Vietnam!'"

"How'd you do that?"

"Do what? This?"

Genie then proceeded to jump up, made a top hat and the top half of a tuxedo appear on him as he danced, tapping his happy feet and swinging his arms out as he sang his rendition of "My Way" to Lila.

Lila sat stiffly at first, trying to figure out how stuff had magically appeared on Genie like that, but she soon got comfortable watching, as he had a habit of poking her as he brought his arms toward her. At the end, he leaned in and shimmied a little, making the extra clothes disappear.

"So, what do you think, Lila? Can we do it my way?" he said, waggling his eyebrows.

Lila laughed with joy at the spectacle that he had just made of himself. Sometimes, he was a little ridiculous, but she liked that about him. Fun and irreverent, but with the best of intentions.

When Lila was able to compose herself, she asked, "I take back my previous question. What are you?"

Genie smiled wider. "That depends again on who you talk to. To some, I am just a merchant or assistant to Prince Ali. To others, I am a little old lady," he joked, hunching over and performing a guitar solo with a broom, "while to some I am a therapist," he added, a beard and glasses appearing on his face before he sat next to her, crossing his arms and looking at Lila patiently.

"I don't understand. That can't be it."

"Nope, that's not it. Still my favorite one is when others call me their captain, a faithful leader at your service to help."

A blue uniform and hat appeared on Genie before he got up and stood up straight, saluting her before bowing respectfully. All the while, a huge, cheesy grin was plastered to his face as he continued to amuse Lila.

The happy sailor leaned in and asked, "What do you think, Lila? Am I your captain?"

Lila nodded, then blushed. "O Captain, my Captain, yes you are."

"That's what I like to hear. Now you just need to say that you speak softly and carry a large stick, and I'll love you."

Lila rolled her eyes at his silliness before continuing.

"But what are you, really? You can perform magic, yes, and can seemingly change your form. What are you?"

"I'm a genie, Lila. An honest to goodness, bona fide genie. With a few words, I can fix problems and answer anyone's prayers. Do you believe me?"

Lila had been leaning toward Genie, but after that revelation, she decided it best to sit down properly to take it all in. She did not have a buggy-eyed look to her, other than the slack jaw that she closed upon noticing, which was encouraging to Genie. Maybe she did believe him.

"Do you often tell people this? People you barely know?"

"I can't say that I do, Lila, but seeing as you're rather different, just like me, I thought I'd share a little of myself in return. Besides, it's not as though I enjoy being stuck in a lamp and only being let out to grant wishes. Some people are better than others, like Prince Ali."

Realization hit Lila before she asked, "Is he really a Prince?"

"Confidentially, no," he whispered, "so this will be our little secret."

"Of course. As long as he treats you well."

Genie smiled at Lila as he nodded his head.

"He does."

"When will you be free?"

"The moment someone wishes it."

Lila's face fell at that revelation, but soon a smile was back.

"If I could, I would."

"I'd like that. If you stick around long enough, I'm sure I'll be done before long. Not that I'm asking or forcing you to, or anything like that. But I appreciate the thought."

"Everyone should be free."

They were quiet for a time, staring at the water as it flowed down, its splash the only sound.

"Lila, what is London like?"

"It's different. No desert, and has even more buildings than Agrabah. There's so many more people there compared to here, and much louder."

"How is it louder?"

"Considering that I live in a time several hundred years later, technology has ….. developed since then. More machines and whatnot. Just loud in general. I like that about here."

"I want to visit it sometime with you, if that is possible."

"When you are free, or I can get a hold of that lamp, we will. I think you'd like it."

"I already approve, based on the clothing alone. Did I mention that I love that shade of light blue on you? It matches your eyes."

"Thank you. No, you didn't mention that before, but now works," she said with a blush.

"Do you care to explain how you are able to travel back and forth in time, or is that another explanation for a different day?"

"Yes, another day, please. As it is, it's getting late. You must be tired by now."

"Believe me, being a genie has some perks, such as not needing sleep."

"Then you are very fortunate."

"In that way, yes. But I can keep talking if you'd like, at least until Prince Ali comes back. What could we do in London? I've always wanted to see the world."

The rest of their time was spent with Lila talking about what she saw in London on a regular basis. When Genie saw the magic carpet get back, Genie pulled Lila away from the fountain to the gate.

"I'm afraid they're back now, so I'm going to be needed. But, you should come back and visit again soon, Lila, if you get the chance. I've enjoyed talking to you."

"Me too. I hope everything works out for Prince Ali."

"Based on what I see, I'd say it will all be just fine."

"How will we find one another in the future, Genie? What if something happens to you in the meantime?"

"Look here for me first. If I'm not here, wait. I'll be back. I want to go on adventures with you."

"We'd have a lot of fun."

"We would, and that's a promise. Just make sure you come back soon."

"I will. Good-bye."

"For now."

With another kiss on the hand, Lila left the palace, far happier than she had any right to be. She would work on her timing a bit, and then she would come back, ready to get to know him more. He made her smile, and he seemed to understand her better than most, probably because he knew what it was like to have powers and have to hide in plain sight sometimes.

Both Genie and Aladdin had cause to be happy that night. While the happiness would not last long, they had something for now.

Lila went home, spending the rest of her day off daydreaming about what she would show Genie if he ever decided to come back with her. They would have so much fun together.

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Author's Notes: Another chapter, yay! It's been a while since I've written, so this felt good. This chapter was supposed to be part of a contest by asingelpetal/rollingbell, but I'm a couple days late on the deadline. I wanted to wait to post this until I had another chapter written, as the original plan was to post two, first of them becoming good friends, and then them interacting in a more romantic fashion, with Genie visiting London. But, I figured I might as well post this now. I was saddened to hear of Robin Williams' death, and he will be missed by all. This is dedicated to him, with the copious number of references to people he's played over time. I hope you enjoyed this!