Chapter Text
And a half hour later, their food was served to them. Mozenrath had the ultimate seafood feast which was lobster tail with crab legs while Cassim and Iago had clam chowder. Xerxes was helping himself to some grapes. The clam chowder was as promising as Iago said it would be. But then suddenly, there was a loud sneeze. It sounded like a woman sneezing.
“Oof, it seems that someone used too much pepper.” Iago joked.
But then the sneeze happened again and a fish appeared out of thin air before landing on Iago. Xerxes happily helped himself to the fish. Out of curiosity, Mozenrath looked aside and froze as he saw Eden sitting at a table with a child. Mozenrath then attempted to lower himself to prevent himself from being seen. Cassim immediately noticed this and looked over to see a green female genie.
“Know her?”
“That’s Genie’s girlfriend…”
“Waiter!” Eden spoke up before their waiter came over.
“Yes, ma’am?”
“Just what exactly is in this fruit smoothie?” Eden sneezed.
“Guavas-”
“WHAT?!” Eden sneezed. When she did, the waiter was turned into a giant lobster. He screamed and hopped away.
“Are you allergic to guavas, Eden?” The little girl asked.
“Yes, it’s the only thing that’ll give genies colds.”
“You won’t die from it, will you?”
“No sweetie, but it’s dangerous to humans because we can’t control our magic.” Then Eden sneezed and the plate of lasagna exploded everywhere. Thankfully, Cassim and Mozenrath’s table were three tables far away but still close enough to hear the conversation.
“But you’ll be better in a week, right?” The little girl had lasagna all over her face but didn’t care.
“Dhandi, genie colds last longer than human colds.” Eden shook her head before she sneezed again.
Dhandi was turned into a bee. “Two weeks?”
“No.” Eden sneezed again.
“A month?” Dhandi was turned into a painting of Mona Lisa.
“No.” Eden sneezed again.
“A year?” Dhandi was turned back to normal.
“A century.” Eden explained.
“But that’s a long time!” Dhandi replied.
“I know. And the worst part is you’re not safe with me in this condition. I’m sorry but I don’t think we can be together.” Eden sighed sadly.
Dhandi then began to cry and pleaded with Eden to not leave her. Iago then noticed Cassim thoughtfully hummed.
“Oh no! I know that look! I’ve seen it a hundred times with Aladdin!” Iago argued.
“For once, I agree with the parrot. Let’s move to another table, far away from this.” Mozenrath suggested in a tone sounded like he’s trying to avoid Eden as much as possible.
“Come now, little turkey. After all the tales you told about how you saved Aladdin countless times?” Cassim pointed out.
“Oh please, if I recall correctly the parrot was the coward.” Mozenrath rolled his eyes.
“So it was the other way around. I thought I could spice things up.” Iago admitted.
“By twisting the truth to make yourself look better.” Mozenrath scoffed.
“Hey wiz kid, don’t forget that I helped Al beat your sorry ass!” Iago argued.
“That’s enough, you two.” Cassim stood up before walking over to Eden and Dhandi.
Mozenrath, Xerxes, and Iago looked at each other.
“Looks like we’re going have to take these to go.” Iago sighed.
Mozenrath got up and followed Cassim.
“Excuse me, but I think we can help you. I’m Cassim, Aladdin’s father. And this is my other son, Mozenrath.” Cassim introduced themselves.
Eden glared at Mozenrath. “You!”
“Hello, Eden.”
“Anyways, is there any cure?” Cassim asked.
“Yes, but it’s in the caves of Machana.” Eden said.
“Well, that’s too bad!” Iago attempts to leave.
But Mozenrath grabbed hold of Iago.
“Not so fast, little birdie. You seem to know the location. Start singing!” Mozenrath threatened.
“Alright, I’ll tell ya! I swear, you and Aladdin have a few things in common.” Iago replied.
Cassim smiled at Eden and Dhandi. “We’ll be back before you can say bless you.”
Cassim, Mozenrath, Xerxes, and Iago left the restaurant.
———————————
Iago guided them to the caves which fortunately were close by. They entered the cave, Mozenrath had his twin daggers out and ready to attack whatever will attack them first.
“Son, unless this Machana bites, you can ease up.” Cassim assured him.
“Oh sure, a warm hand pats you on the back.” Mozenrath rolled his eyes.
As they traveled further in the cave, a booming voice got their attention.
“WHO DARES DISTURB MACHANA?!”
Iago and Xerxes coward behind Cassim and Mozenrath. Then a towering croc-headed beast appeared before them. Immediately, Mozenrath recognized that it was nothing more than a mechanical automaton. Without a doubt, controlled by a person inside.
“Who are you?”
“Cassim the King of Thieves and Mozenrath the Sorcerer of the Black Sands.” Cassim replied.
“Quiver-”
“You’re literally just a person pretending to be a mythical being.” Mozenrath pointed out in a deadpan tone.
Then there was a brief silence before a small door on the giant automaton opened and a string of rope came out. Climbing down was a small, blue bug.
“Okay, first of all, you may be right but that’s just plain rude. Second, since you think you’re such a smart guy, how about you perform the physical task?” Machana snapped.
“Very well.” Mozenrath replied.
“You must stick out your tongue and touch your forehead.”
“…Are you serious, mere child’s play!”
“Fine! How about a riddle then? What simple thing would have saved you all this trouble?”
“That’s so damn easy, stay home! Everyone knows that!”
Finally, the bug snapped. “That’s it! I quit! Just take all of the orbs! Start an apothecary for all I care! Do you have any idea how many rude smart-asses I had to deal with?”
“I apologized on my son’s behalf. He’s…mentally challenged.” Cassim replied.
Mozenrath glared at him but Cassim ignored him.
“I’ll accept your apology since you seem more well-mannered than your son.” Machana said as he calmed down.
Mozenrath used his sand magic to teleport all to where Eden and Dhandi lived.
——————————————
The next day, Cassim and Mozenrath borrowed a boat. It was a fine day for sailing. The breeze was calm and gentle. But Mozenrath felt uneasy.
“Hey, lighten up! We’re probably moments-”
“We’re hopelessly lost.” Mozenrath glared at Iago.
“We are NOT lost! Check the map again!” Iago argued.
“I’ve checked it over a dozen thousand times!”
“Then why don’t we just pull over and ask directions?!” Iago suggested.
“We don’t need to ask directions, Iago! We. Have. A map!” Mozenrath was itching to kill him. Just as he was about to strangle Iago.
Suddenly, Xerxes noticed another boat. “Master, BOAT!!”
They noticed that the other boat was just floating about…without any sailors on it. Then Mozenrath realized something that made his blood run cold. Without a word, Mozenrath quickly gathered cotton and beeswax before handing them over to the others.
“Put these in your ears, quickly!” Mozenrath urged them.
Just as they did, there was a beautiful woman singing. Saleen quickly transformed into Morgiana. Both Cassim and Mozenrath looked on in shock as Morgiana smiled at them as she sat on a rock with waves crashing behind her.
Other Sirens:
Morgiana (2x)
Saleen as Morgiana:
Don’t you boys miss me?
Cassim smiled with love struck in his eyes.
Both Cassim and Mozenrath:
More than you know~
Saleen as Morgiana:
Then Cassim, my dear, jump in the water and kiss me~
Mozenrath held his arm in front of Cassim to prevent him from jumping in the water. Mozenrath pretended to be fearful of the water.
Then Mozenrath spoke:
Mother, don’t you remember?
You know that I can’t swim~
Morgiana smiled kindly.
Saleen as Morgiana:
I’ll make sure that you are safe and sound~
Come on now and jump in,
And let’s watch our love leave the ground!
Both Cassim and Mozenrath put on a dramatic act.
Both Cassim and Mozenrath:
Oh, we would~
But we’ll be suffering trying to float the whole time~
Morgiana got in the water and swam closer to them.
Saleen as Morgiana:
I would take the suffering from you!
Both Cassim and Mozenrath:
Oh, as good as it sounds, right here we’re just fine~
Saleen as Morgiana:
I would take the suffering from you!
Both Cassim and Mozenrath:
You know that we prefer our feet on the ground~
Saleen as Morgiana:
I will take the suffering from you!
Morgiana was about to reach out to grab them and pull them into the water. But Cassim and Mozenrath pull back away from her at the last moment.
Then Mozenrath reply:
Fine, but only if you answer a question or two~
Saleen as Morgiana:
“Of course, my dear son!
Mozenrath:
As you know, my father and I are both on the run together, right?
And let’s say that we’re trying to find the lost treasure chest of Sinbad~
Saleen as Morgiana:
Oh, how interesting~
Mozenrath:
How far deep must we dive?
Will we survive?
Is the treasure underwater caverns below?
Where are we supposed to go?
Mozenrath’s eyes read Morgiana’s lips and phrases, scanning for information.
Saleen as Morgiana:
It depends on the weather the tides are high or low~
So find the place where no adventurer dares to go~
You ask and now you know~
Now come in the water for a relaxing swim!
That’s when Mozenrath knew where the treasure was. Now, there’s only one problem left to deal with. Cassim chuckled when Morgiana splashed him.
Both Cassim and Mozenrath:
My dear, why?
You know that we’re too shy~
And terrified!
Cassim sat on the edge as Morgiana swam closer.
Saleen as Morgiana:
I will take the suffering from you!
Both Cassim and Mozenrath:
Oh, for you, we will die~
But can’t you just let us stay dry?
Saleen as Morgiana:
I will take the suffering from you!
Both Cassim and Mozenrath:
You should come onto the ship~
We’ll jump out at the same time~
Saleen as Morgiana:
I will take the suffering from you!
Both Cassim and Mozenrath:
Oh…the things we’ll do for you…
Little did Saleen know, Mozenrath ambushed her as he literally stabbed her in the back! Saleen screeched out in pain!
Mozenrath:
Let’s cut to the chase, you’re no mother of mine!
You’ve been trying to take our lives this whole time!
You think you hold the power, twisting our hearts with your lies
But I see through your facade, I see the truth in your eyes
Saleen hissed as she revealed her true form.
You think you're the master of manipulation
But I am the true puppeteer of world domination
You lure sailors to their doom
I cannot let your work resume
Cassim pulled Saleen onto the boat by her hair. Mozenrath grinned evilly as he sang.
You claim to be my mother, the merciful sorceress
But in my blood runs cold, lies darkness
I wield the power of shadows, a force you can't comprehend
Your feeble attempts at control will meet their bitter end
Saleen struggled against Cassim’s grip. Cassim had her hands tied behind her back.
You think you're the master of deception and lies
But I am the true orchestrator of this dark enterprise
Your beauty may allure, but I see through the guise
Mozenrath, the unforgiving, won't be swayed by your cries
Mozenrath sneered darkly as he kneeled to her level. He lifted her chin up with the tip of his dagger blade to force Saleen to look straight into his ice cold eyes.
You thought you could play me, twist me to your will
But I am the one who instills fear, the one who stands still
My mother may be too kind, too gentle and naïve
But Mozenrath, the twisted, will never be deceived
Then Mozenrath stood up and tower over Saleen. He saw how she shuddered in fear of him. Oh, how he missed this.
You thought you could manipulate, control and deceive
But I am the true puppet master, the one you can't relieve
Your charms may ensnare, but I see through the haze
Mozenrath, the merciless, will have the final say
Saleen:
I beg of you, show me mercy
I am but a humble creature of the sea
Spare me from your cruel and icy hand
Let my melody wash away this dark vend
Saleen batted her eyes in an attempt to look innocent.
Mozenrath:
Your words fall on deaf ears
I have no use for your insincere tears
You're a creature of deceit and lies
In the realm of darkness, no one defies
Your fate is sealed, there's no escape
Your presence I will not tolerate
With a flick of my hand, you'll disappear
Goodbye, Siren, your end is near
Mozenrath spat at her in disgust. How dare this wench taunt him and his father with his late mother’s memory. Mozenrath turned towards Cassim with murderous vengeance in his eyes.
“Cut off her tail and throw back in the water, let her drown.” Mozenrath said, ruthlessly.
“NO!!” Saleen cried out in fear.
But Cassim used his sword and cut her tail off before throwing her back into the water. Saleen continued to scream as she sunk deeper into the dark depths. The last thing she saw was the bottom of the boat.
“Set sails, I know where the treasure lies.”
—————————————
When they finally found the treasure chest, Iago was wanting to jump in and swim in the gold.
“Can’t you wait until we get back to the hotel?!” Mozenrath asked, annoyed.
“Who crawled into your crib and died for you wanting to suck the fun out of treasure hunting?” Iago replied in a deadpan tone.
Xerxes snickered but he noticed his master glaring at him and stopped snickering.
“Now, now. I think there’s enough to go around. Like Eden and Dhandi.” Cassim said.
“Oh no! Don’t you dare go Aladdin on me! We had to kill a siren for this!” Iago pleaded.
“We agreed to split our reward evenly.” Cassim said.
“Didn’t we help them enough?” Mozenrath rolled his eyes.
“Young man, what would your mother think?” Cassim sternly raised an eyebrow at his older son.
Mozenrath glared back at his father. “I hate it when you guilt trip me. Fine! I’ll stop by their residence!”
Cassim nodded in approval. After dropping off the small amount to Eden and Dhandi, they headed to their hotel to rent a room. But when they got there, the owner noticed Mozenrath sliding a small coin bag with a note attached to it. After reading the note, the owner nods before escorting them.
“Here’s the young man’s room and yours is just across the hall.” The owner said.
“We’re not sharing?” Cassim asked, surprised.
“No. And here’s an extra tip for two separate room services. Make mine an ultimate seafood and theirs…whatever they want.” Mozenrath handed the owner another coin bag.
Cassim couldn’t help but chuckle while Iago looked at the young sorcerer in dismay.
“Oh, and Cassim. One more thing, would you mind if Xerxes bunk with you?” Mozenrath leaned against the door comfortably.
“Don’t mind at all.”
Mozenrath watched as Cassim, Iago, and Xerxes went into their room before Mozenrath went into his. Once he was in his room, Mozenrath sighed happily as nothing but peace and quiet. Turns out that money can buy you happiness. Even if it’s only temporary. Mozenrath decided to write a letter for Iago to deliver.
The End