Chapter 09: Revealing the Soul
Jasmine gripped the edge of Carpet as she, Genie, Iago, and Abu all flew towards Mozenrath's kingdom. Iago looked like the only one of any of them that was still struggling to wake up. Carpet had managed to trigger the trap that woke them all, Sultan included. It had taken a little bit for Genie to understand what had happened when he discovered the sleeping guard and Carpet being the only one who could have triggered anything. But as soon as he realized what happened, he relayed it to the others and they all plotted a quick course for the Black Sand kingdom.
"Told you guys that Al was being manipulated by Mozenrath," Iago said with a yawn. "And I didn't have to be a fortune teller to predict that would happen."
"We don't know anything, Iago. Mozenrath's involved, but he's not the only one we need to worry about for threats," Jasmine said, not bothering to hide the irritation in her voice. "What we do know for sure is that Aladdin is in trouble."
"Kinda hard to help the kid when he keeps landin' in situations where he keeps gettin' hurt," Iago said, wincing. "I'm just speaking the facts."
"Fact is, I'm more worried about the kid now than I was before, because I didn't sense any kind of magic in or around Aladdin when I talked to him. Whatever's got a hold of him knew well enough to keep its presence hidden from me," Genie said. "Even being semi-phenomenal, I should have picked up on that. Judging from that sleeping guard, we're lucky that was the only thing that was done. The traces of that magic are old; not as old as I am, but close. Which makes me think Al really did pick up something from the place he nearly died in."
"Oh no. Aladdin," Abu said sadly. Genie made it a point to pat the monkey on the back and offer the monkey another handkerchief. Abu refused the latter this time around, though.
"I'm glad Carpet was able to tell us what he could," Jasmine said. "But it's going to take more than just recognizing cursed magic's at work to help Aladdin. I'm not sure what's going on, but if Mozenrath's involved, it's nothing good."
"I get the same feeling Jas." Genie said. "Thinking Mozenrath's probably taking advantage of a really bad situation. Hopefully Al's hanging on long enough for us to get to him."
"You're assuming a lot," Iago said with another yawn. "If Mozenrath has the opportunity to hurt Wonderkid, I think he's already half past takin' it."
When they arrived at Mozenrath's Palace, Genie suggested that they enter through one of the windows and try a different approach.
Arriving inside, they saw several defeated mamlucks strewn out across the Palace floors.
"Eww, someone went to town on these guys," Iago said, cringing at the display of disjointed hands, arms and legs. Some of them were still twitching, which made the sight even more grotesque. Even Abu turned slightly green seeing it.
"Who did all of this?" Jasmine asked.
Genie transformed into the form of a detective, sporting an expensive overcoat and massive magnifying glass. "I think by process of elimination, this wasn't Mozenrath's work. He wouldn't attack his own men. But I don't think Al could've done this either. Not with how bad his injury was. Though, if what Carpet said was true, him suddenly having magical powers could've done this. It just seems unlike him."
Carpet made a questioning shrug with his knobs, indicating he had no idea who he thought it could be.
"It may be someone or something else entirely," Jasmine said, folding her arms across her chest. "We might want to avoid crossing paths with either Mozenrath or the one responsible for this. Our focus should be on finding Aladdin and making sure he's safe."
As Genie started to speak, he stopped as soon as he heard a very familiar voice.
"Find Aladdin. Kill Aladdin!"
Abu frowned, his tone equally unhappy. "Xerxes."
"Yeah, you said it, Monkey Boy. Not a great sign. Looks like it came from all the way back there. Xerxes probably isn't going to be happy coming up this way to find this mess," Genie said.
"I think we should go in the opposite direction of the flying demonic fish," Iago said. "Just my very strong opinion."
They wandered through the eastern wing of Mozenrath's castle, trying to look and listen for any signs that Aladdin had been there. It was Abu who found the first clue, as a very obvious sign presented itself. There were no mamluks in this part of the castle (so far). But the forgotten turban in the middle of one part of the hall was a clear sign.
Genie picked it up. "Yeah, Al was definitely around here at some point. Don't think he meant to leave this behind." He winced as he examined the turban. "And judging from this, his head probably isn't doing the best."
The bandage that had been wrapped around Aladdin's head where his wound had been had fallen off with the turban, Jasmine saw. Which meant that Aladdin was probably in worse shape than what they realized. The princess was about to say something when a voice a close distance away caught her attention.
"I know you're around here, Aladdin. And I know that my sister's spirit resides in you. I will not allow you to interfere with reclaiming her form."
That shocked Jasmine, Iago, Abu, Genie, and Carpet into silence.
"So...does this mean Al really had someone else inside him this entire time? Somebody that does magic?" Iago asked, breaking the silence between them.
"It would definitely explain why he was able to use magic. Don't think the kid knew it at all," Genie said, lost in thought. "But even Al's body can't handle a spirit like that being inside him for long. Wait a minute, that makes so much more sense." Genie seemed to make a connection that was lost to most of them in the moment. "Now I get why Mozenrath was even part of this - must've been some kind of deal."
"I think it's better we get the details later and figure out where Aladdin is now. Before the person looking for him finds him." But even as Jasmine said the words, she knew that was already too late as soon as she heard the other voice from a nearby room.
"I'm not doing anything else that you or Mozenrath want, Komal. If you can't provide assurances that both Aladdin and I will make it out of the extraction, then I want no part of it."
It was Aladdin's voice, sure. But Jasmine could tell it was someone else speaking.
Komal continued. "You are making a mistake, Lati. His body will only be able to keep up that shield for so long. Do not make me fight you. I don't want to hurt you while you're in his body."
"The fact that you're considering attacking us means you're not the brother I know," the one called Lati said, though the stranger had Aladdin's voice. "You lost your humanity somewhere in that valley, before we met Mozenrath. The only reason I wanted to move into Aladdin's body was to save him. I said this from the very beginning, and that remains true even now!"
Jasmine, Abu, Iago, Carpet, and Genie approached the room from which they heard the voices, remaining careful to stay out of sight. Sure enough, there were two figures in the room. Aladdin stood behind a green wall of magic, a barrier placed between himself and the other figure in the room. A thick haired, bearded tall man in lush green robes stood on the side of the wall, near the doorway where the group watched. Aladdin noticed Jasmine almost immediately. A flicker of sheer panic (maybe guilt...or both) crossed his expression, but he shook it off quickly, turning his attention back to Komal.
"I refuse to believe that Mozenrath is the only one capable of helping us. If I have to do this without you, then so be it." Aladdin's voice was cold towards Komal. Jasmine would almost believe that both Aladdin and Lati both were making the same statement, but it was hard to know how much Aladdin knew about the current exchange from the state of things. If he was even there at all.
Komal laughed, but it was without humor. "Please. And with what spell do you think you'll use to find any other sorcerer or magic user to remove the curse you're under? Not even Aladdin's Genie could lift your curse."
"Hey, I resent this gross understatement of my power. At least give me a little credit to try something!" Genie complained. But then he realized his intrusion caught the attention of both Lati and Komal, which made him instantly regret the words.
"Genie?" Jasmine was stunned that he would blow their cover so easily.
"Welp, that was shortlived. Now we're in trouble too," Iago grumbled. Abu seemed equally annoyed. Carpet slumped in obvious exasperation.
But Lati - in Aladdin's body - seemed ready for the distraction. Conjuring another ball of magic in one hand and touching the wall, Lati opened a portal to step through, shocking Komal.
"Wait...how are you able to do that spell? You're a healer!" Komal stammered.
Lati shrugged. "You're not the only one who can observe things and repeat them." Jasmine saw Lati - Aladdin - meet her gaze, mouthing the words "I'm sorry" before quickly disappearing through the portal.
Genie was quick as he saw the portal start to close and the barrier that had been held up fall apart. Not only was Komal turning his fury towards them, but reinforcements had arrived in the form of mamlocks. "Jas, take Carpet and the others and go after Al. I'll hold Komal and these guys here."
Jasmine didn't have to be told twice, nor did Carpet, who was ready as she and Abu jumped onto the magic rug.
"Whoa, hey, I didn't sign up for THIS!" Iago said as Jasmine grabbed him by the tailfeathers. Jasmine, Iago, Abu and Carpet just barely made it through the open portal before it disappeared.