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Chapter Text

At the docks of a small traders town in Syria, a man stood behind a fair-sized stall in a bustling bazaar, smiling happily as he addressed the colorful crowds. The man was of Arabian descent, dressed in bright blue robes and a decorated turban that identified him as a well-traveled man. Many passed by his stall and glanced at his wares, but one in particular stopped. She was a Syrian woman who gazed at what he had to sell with an appraising eye. The merchant noticed her interest and greeted her warmly.

“Ah, I see you are looking for some exotic wares,” He noted. “You can’t wear 'em, but we got 'em.”

The woman chuckled, meeting the merchant's eyes.

“I have heard tales of you. They say you wander the world, spinning tales as great as Scheherazade’s while displaying wonders beyond belief.”

“And offering the finest merchandise this side of the river Jordan,” the merchant concurred.

The woman ran her hand over a set of silverware covered in a thick crust of salt.

“Such as these?”

“Ah, the famous Dead Sea Silverware. You know, it’s rare to find a complete set this well preserved.”

“Still, they are quite impractical,” the woman insisted. “Certainly you have something more… enticing to offer?”

“Ah, a woman of fine taste. I appreciate that. In that case, I am willing to offer the most prized possession in my collection.”

He then reached from under the stall and pulled out a small brass oil lamp. The woman looked at it, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s a lamp.”

“Ah, do not be deceived by its commonplace appearance. Like many things in life it is not what is on the outside, but what is inside that counts.”

The woman cocked an eyebrow.

“Oil?”

“Not in this lamp.” The merchant shook his head. “You see, this lamp once changed the course of an entire kingdom.”

“Is that so?” The woman asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

“Indeed. Perhaps you would like to hear the tale?”

The woman fished into the folds of her dress, pulling out a silken purse. She opened it, pulling out a silver dirham, and placing it on his counter.

“A dirham for your tale then,” she offered.

“Excellent!” the merchant declared with a flourish of his hand. “Now let me set the stage for you, in the town where it all began…”

He began drumming his fingers on the counter, closing his eyes as he drifted off to a new time. He then opened his mouth and began to sing.

“Oh imagine from a land, in a faraway place, where the caravan camels roam. Where you wonder among every culture and tongue...”

“Sounds chaotic,” the woman remarked.

“Hey, it’s home,” The merchant replied before continuing his song. “Where the winds from the east, and the sands from the west, and the sand in the glass is right. Come on down, stop on by, hop a carpet, and fly to another Arabian Night! Arabian Niiiiights! Like Arabian daaaaays! More often than not! Are hotter than hot! In a lot of good ways! Arabian Niiiiiights! Neath Arabian Mooooons! A fool off his guard, could fall and fall hard, out there on the dunes.”

He came out on his song, smiling as he leaned forward.

“Our story begins on a dark night, where a dark man waits, with a dark purpose….”

…

It was the dead of night in the midst of a vast desert. A lone man dressed in dark clothes waited on horseback with a parrot on his shoulder. As he waited a crusty-looking man dressed in rags road in on a decrepit donkey. He hopped off, facing the man on his horse.

“You are late,” the dark-cloaked man sneered.

“A thousand apologies, oh patient one,” the dirty man said with a mock bow.

“Did you get it?”

“Of course I did. For the amount of treasure you promised me, I’d sell my own mother, Allah rest her soul.”

The dirty man fished into an equally dirty satchel, pulling out half of a golden scarab.

“Now, where is my money?”

Just then, the parrot swooped down and grabbed the half of the scarab. It dropped its stolen trinket into the cloaked man’s hand just as he reached into his cloak and pulled out the second half.

“Now now, Hassim. First I get the lamp, and then you’ll get what’s coming to you.”

The parrot squawked loudly.

“Bwack! What’s coming to you!”

The man then joined the two halves of the scarab together, causing them to glow brightly in the night. The scarab then flew out of the man’s hands and out into the desert.

“Quickly! After it!” He yelled.

After climbing back onto his horse, Hassim and the cloaked man rode after the golden scarab, following its magical light across the dunes. After some time, the scarab broke in two again, circling around one dune before embedding themselves into either side of it. Once the two men reached the dune, watching as the sands began to rise up, taking the shape of a gaping tiger’s mouth. A light poured out of its eyes, and from inside its mouth, stairs leading down into an unknown depth.

“At last… after all these years…” the man marveled. “The Cave of Wonders.”

“Bwack! Cave of Wonders!” the parrot squawked.

“By Allah...” Hassim let out. “The legends are true...”

“Now remember our deal,” the man told him. “The rest of the treasure is yours, but bring me the lamp!”

“Of course,” Hassim nodded, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

“Bwack! The lamp!” the parrot squawked before turning to the man. “Yeesh, where’d you dig this bozo up?”

The man shushed the parrot as the two watched Hassim approach the cave. As he stepped into the light, a deep voice emanated from the cave.

“Who disturbs my slumber?” It demanded, a tiger’s roar accompanying the voice.

“Uh… it is I, Hassim. A humble thief.”

“Know this…” The cave warned. “Only one may enter here. One whose worth lies deep within. A diamond in the rough.”

The man and his parrot looked confused, but Hassim didn’t seem to register what was said. He just stared at the opening of the cave, imagining the treasures inside. He walked inside, already grinning ear to ear.

“That treasure is mine!” He shouted.

Suddenly, the tiger's jaw snapped closed, the sand collapsing once more into a featureless dune.

“Seek thee out… the diamond in the rough…” the cave demanded as it subsided away.

 The golden scarab fell as well, the two halves sliding down the sand and stopping at the man’s feet.

“Well that didn’t work!” the parrot declared as he flew down and gathered the scarab pieces. “Face it, Jafar, we are never gonna get a hold of that stupid lamp!”

“Patience, Iago,” Jafar insisted, grabbing the pieces from Iago. “We’re on the right track, we just need the way in. Hassim was obviously less than worthy.”

“No. really?” Iago let out, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “What a shocker! I mean, I never would have guessed that the dirtiest thief from the dirtiest corner of Agrabah was unworthy!”

Jafar then closed his beak, cutting him off.

“The point is now, we know only one may enter. If I am to obtain the lamp, I must find this one. This… diamond in the rough.”

…

“Stop! Thief!”

A young man looked up with a start, glancing to his side to see several royal guards staring at him. He then looked at his hands, seeing a loaf of bread he had just pilfered from a cart. He hid it behind his back, but the damage was done.

“You’re not getting away this time, Aladdin!” the head guard shouted.

“Come on, Razoul,” Aladdin insisted. “I’m sure you have better things to do than chase down bread thieves.”

Razoul and his men began charging and Aladdin sighed, bolting down an alley. As he ran down, he leaped up onto a nearby cart and grabbed a clothesline just above him. He then swung off it, landing on the other side of a wall. He let out a breath, sliding over to a gaggle of women who were laughing amongst themselves. Snagging one of the cloaks from the line, he threw it over himself and joined them.

“Morning, ladies.”

“Getting into trouble a little early today, Aladdin?” One of the women chuckled.

“Trouble? Me? Never. You’re only in trouble if you’re caught.”

Suddenly, he was grabbed by the scruff of his neck, pulled away from the women, and divested of his cloak. He suddenly found himself staring down Razoul, who grinned triumphantly at his capture.

“I told you, you’re not getting away this time.”

Before Razoul could make another move, something jumped on top of his helmet, banging on it like a drum and disorienting the unfortunate man. He yelped and swatted at the culprit, dropping Aladdin in the process.

“Perfect timing Abu.” Aladdin commended. “As usual.”

Abu, a small monkey in a vest and fez, gave Aladdin a cheerful screech before jumping off Razoul and onto Aladdin’s shoulder.

“Come on, let’s get out of here,” he told Abu before running into another guard. “Gotta keep, one jump ahead of the breadline. One swing ahead of the sword.”

As he sang, he easily dodged the guard's sword swings to the point of taunting him.

“ I steal only what I can’t afford. ” Aladdin swiped the guard’s belt. “ And that’s everything. ”

The guard got tangled up in his own robes, giving Aladdin a second to bolt.

“One jump ahead of the lawmen.” He leaped over another guard’s sword and onto a pile of barrels. “That’s all, and that’s no joke. These guys just don’t appreciate I’m broke.”

He then kicked one of the barrels toward the guards, which knocked them off their feet. They picked themselves up, shouting insults at Aladdin.

“ Riff-raff! ”

“ Street rat! ”

“ Scoundrel! ”

“ Take that! ” Razoul shouted, throwing a bola at him to try and trip up.

“Just a little snack guys,” Aladdin pleaded, dodging the bola.

“Archers!” Razoul screamed, several guards, firing on Aladdin and forcing him to take cover.

“ Rip him open! ”

“ Round the back, guys! ”

The guards split up to catch him and Aladdin shrugged.

“I can take a hint. Gotta face the facts.” He leaped down to a balcony and ducked in through a window. “You’re my only friend, Abu.”

As he rolled through the window, he found himself in the middle of a harem. The girls inside all looked up when they saw him, smirking and dancing toward him seductively.

“Who? Oh, it's sad, Aladdin's hit the bottom. He's become a one-man rise in crime. ”

Aladdin was caught off guard by the attention, but then the parlor manager, an angry-looking woman with a cane whip came in. She took one look at Aladdin and her eyes narrowed.

“ I’d blame parents except he hasn’t got ‘em. ” she began swinging at him with her cane.

“Hey, I gotta eat to live, gotta steal to eat,” Aladdin replied, dodging her swings. “Tell you all about it when I’ve got the time.”

He then went backward out a window and landed on an awning below before bouncing off and backflipping onto the street.

“One jump ahead of the slowpokes,” Aladdin continued, ducking into a crowd. “One skip ahead of my doom. Next time, gonna use a nom de blum.”

He slipped out into a busy street, hoping to disappear amongst the people.

“One jump ahead of the hitmen, One hit ahead of the flock.” he caught sight of the guards trying to box him in. “I think I'll take a stroll around the block”

He tried nonchalantly turning away from the guards, but they caught sight of him easily.

“ Stop thief! ” Razoul demanded. “ Vandal! ”

“Abu!” Aladdin let out, grabbing his monkey before he was hit with a bola.

“ Scandal! ” a vendor screeched as he was hit with the wild bola.

“Let’s not be too hasty.” Aladdin insisted, slowly backing away from the guards.

A door opened behind him, a larger woman putting herself between the guards and Aladdin.

“ Still I think he’s rather tasty! ” she stalled, letting him slip out the back window.

“Gotta eat to live, gotta steal to eat.” Aladdin continued, rolling out into the streets. “ Otherwise we’d get along. ”

“ Wrong! ” Razoul swore as his men came around the corner.

Seeing them coming, Aladdin quickly bolted down the street. Thinking fast, Abu leaped towards one of the guards and grabbed his sword.

“Look out! The monkeys got a sword!” a guard exclaimed.

“You idiots!” Razoul shouted, grabbing his own blade. “We’ve all got swords!”

The other guards quickly drew their swords and aimed them at Abu, forcing the monkey to abandon his blade and flee to catch up with Aladdin. The two ran as fast as they could, but the guards began to close in. Seeing that they had blocked off the streets, he found a ladder and began scrambling towards the roof.

“One jump ahead of the hoofbeat (vandal!). One hop ahead of the hump(street rat),” He let out as he reached the top. “One trick ahead of disaster (scoundrel). They’re quick but I’m much faster (take that.”

He grabbed a rug that was rolled up on the roof and a rope attached to a sturdy post.

“ Here goes: Better throw my hand in. Wish me happy landin'. All I gotta do is jump! ”

Gripping the rope, he jumped off the roof, dropping the rug down onto a wooden awning. It shattered the boards as Aladdin swung into a lower window. The guards chasing him saw the broken awning and rushed down to investigate, unaware of Aladdin’s clever escape. As the guards moved towards the awning, Aladdin slipped back through the window, climbing back onto the roof and heading in the opposite direction.

…

After a while, Aladdin came to a stop in a secluded alley, leaning against the wall to catch his breath. He chuckled a bit as he looked at the bread in his hands.

“All that for a loaf of bread,” he sighed. “Razoul really needs to get his priorities straight.”

Abu reached for the bread, clearly hungry. Aladdin smirked, then tore the bread in half.

“Come on, Abu, let’s feast.” Aladdin handed Abu the other half, which the monkey quickly began munching on. 

Aladdin went to take a bite of his, but that’s when he noticed a pair of kids huddled in a corner. They were filthy, and clearly starving. They looked up at Aladdin, but neither said a word. Looking down at his bread, he didn’t feel as hungry as he did before, so he got up and walked over to the kids.

“Here.” He offered the bread piece to them. “You need this more than I do.”

The kids gasped, taking the bread before bowing in appreciation. Abu looked at Aladdin like he was nuts, shaking his own bread half as if to ask why. Aladdin just gave Abu a look of resignation.

“Abu, c’mon. They’re not like us. They can’t do what we do.”

Abu looked down at his bread, sighed, then chucked it at the kids. The kids saw the bread land and went starry-eyed, picking it up and waving happily. Abu gave a small wave back, climbing onto Aladdin’s shoulder to sulk.

“Hey, we’ll survive,” Aladdin reassured. “We always do.”

Abu just flicked his tail slightly as they headed out of the alley. As they reached the main street, the two were surprised to see the crowds had parted for a small parade. Aladdin went towards the crowd to see what was happening.

“What’s the occasion?”

“Another suitor for the Princess,” a merchant informed him.

“I give him an hour before he’s leaving with his tail between his legs,” a second merchant chuckled.

As the precession continued, a little boy came running out, chasing a small ball. His mother cried out as he ran right into the path of the lead horse for the parade. The man riding it, a Prince Achmed, halted his horse and raised a whip above his head.

“Out of my way you filthy brat!” He snapped, giving the whip a flick.

Before the whip could hit them though, Aladdin came out and held his hand out, wrapping the whip around his hand.

“Hey! If I was as rich as you, I could afford some manners!”

He threw the whip back at Achmed, who snarled before kicking Aladdin into a puddle of mud.

“Stay in your place, boy, if you know what’s good for you,” he warned before flicking his reins and continuing on his way.

Aladdin sat up, wiping mud off his face before smirking.

“Well would you look at that, Abu? It’s not every day you see a horse with two rear ends!”

The crowd erupted into laughter upon hearing Aladdin’s joke, but Achmed turned to Aladdin. His face was red with rage as he snarled.

“What would you know?” he snapped. “You are a worthless street rat. You were born a street rat, and you’ll die a street rat with only your fleas to mourn you!”

This made Aladdin furious. He tried charging at Achmed, but the gates to the palace had already closed before he could. He slammed his fists against the gate before guards began giving him dirty looks.

“Beat it, Street Rat!” one snapped, holding up a spear threateningly.

Slowly, Aladdin started backing up before just turning around and walking away.

…

As Aladdin walked home, he couldn’t help but mull over Achmed’s words.

“Riffraff, Street Rat,” He listed off, climbing a ladder into his home. “I don’t buy that. If only they’d look closer. Would they see a poor boy? So sirree. They’d find out, there’s so much more, to me.”

As he and Abu entered their home, a rundown tower on the edge of Agrabah. It had long ago been abandoned, and now housed their meager possessions and a few worn necessities. Aladdin climbed up to a second story, reclining on a patchwork pillow and looking out at the city. He could see all of Agrabah from where he was, his eyes drifting to the palace as they always did.

“I keep telling myself that things will be different one day. I want them to be. I want to turn things around and make something of myself…”

He then turned to a lone mandolin standing against the wall.

“For you mom…” He lamented before turning back to the city. “Proud of your boy. I’ll make you proud of your boy. Believe me, bad as I’ve been Ma, you’re in for a pleasant surprise.”

He then turned back into the home and walked towards Abu.

“I’ve wasted time. I’ve wasted… me.” He picked up Abu and began carrying him. “So say I’m slow for my age, a late bloomer, ok, I agree. That I’ve been one rotten kid. Some son, some pride, and some joy. But I’ll get over these lousing up, messing up, screwing up times.”

He then placed Abu in a little bed and pulled a small blanket over him.

“You’ll see mom, now comes the better part. Someone’s gonna make good, cross his stupid heart.” Aladdin glanced through the ripped curtain that served as his roof at the starry sky. “Make good and finally make you… proud of your boy. 

Aladdin then sat on the floor and leaned back, still looking at the stars.

Tell me that I’ve been a louse and a loafer, you won’t get a fight here, no ma’am. Say I’m a goldbrick, a goof-off, no good, but that couldn’t be all that I am. Water flows under the bridge, let it pass, let it go. There’s no good reason that you should believe me, not yet. I know but,” He then sprung to his feet and ran towards the window, leaping onto the frame and looking out into the city. “Someday and soon, I’ll make you proud of your boy! Though I can’t make myself taller, or smarter, or handsome, or wise. I’ll do my best, what else can I do? Since I wasn’t born perfect, like dad or you.”

He then crouched down on the frame, still gazing at the sight before him. As he did, he felt Abu snuggle up next to him.

“Mom I will try to… try hard to make you… proud of your boy.”

Chapter Text

“Hang on,” the Syrian woman interrupted. “I thought you were telling the story of a lamp? How does Aladdin tie into this? And who was that man in the desert?”

“Well, very much like the lamp, Aladdin was someone who was far more than what he seemed on the outside,” the merchant explained.

“And the man in the desert?”

The merchant chuckled, then began singing once again.

“ Yes, our villain, right here, is a wicked Vizeer. The advisor to Sultan Hamed. And this part-time Magician, this amateur seer, wished his boss, the good sultan, dead. He was charming and slick, but unspeakably sick, this despicable parasite.”

“What a villain,” the woman grunted.

“Oh yes, further proof, dear, that this is another Arabian night.”

…

In the palace just as night began to fall, Jafar came before the royal throne. Sitting upon it was Sultan Hamed, who looked down upon his servant with a regal eye.

“Your Highness,” Jafar greeted, bowing down. “May I present to you, Prince Achmed of Jerusalem. He has come to speak with the Princess.”

“Prince Achmed, welcome,” Hamed greeted.

“Thank you, your highness. I have heard tales of Agrabah’s troubles, and have come to offer my aid, should your daughter accept me.”

“I’m sure Jasmine will be more than-” 

Hamed was interrupted by the large doors started opening up. Everyone turned to see a young woman with black hair in a regal blue robe entered the room. She had a jeweled headdress on her head with a silk veil cascading down her back. Bright, almond-colored eyes sparkled as she joined her father.

“Ah, Jasmine,” Hamed addressed. “You’re just in time to meet Prince Achmed.”

“So I see.” Jasmine gave a small nod in greeting. “A pleasure to meet you, Achmed.”

“Princess Jasmine,” Achmed greeted. “I must say, the rumors of your beauty were greatly underestimated.”

“I can say the same for the rumors about you.” Jasmine’s tone indicated this was not meant as a compliment.

“Well, I’ll leave you two alone to get acquainted,” Hamed said as he got up to leave.

He and Jafar took their leave, Achmed and Jasmine remaining behind. She looked down at him, her face neutral while hiding a look of disdain. Achmed was not as reserved, his eyes roaming over her as if appraising her.

“I must say, an alliance of our two kingdoms would be beneficial for both of them. My armies could help defend Agrabah borders, and my trade ships could bring in much-needed capital.”

“Surely such a generous offer does not come freely,” Jasmine voiced, her opinion of Achmed dropping by the second.

“There is one I thing I ask…” He took her hand in his. “For you to be my bride.”

Jasmine pulled her hand out of his, resisting the urge to wipe it on her dress.

“I’m afraid I must consult my confidant Rajah on the matter before I give you my answer.”

“Of course,” Achmed agreed. “I have faith any friend of yours is full of much wisdom.”

Jasmine smirked, then turned to her handmaiden, a beautiful woman named Dalia.

“Please go and fetch Rajah for me.”

“Of course, milady.” Dalia bowed, heading off to get Jasmine’s confidant.

Achmed waited patiently, then his eyes widened when Dalia returned with a large Bengal tiger beside her. He backed away in fear as the tiger came up next to Jasmine. The Princess gave the tiger an affectionate scratch behind the ear.

“Rajah, meet Prince Achmed. He’s proposed a marital alliance. What do you think I should do?”

The tiger turned towards Achmed and growled ferociously. Jasmine smirked, returning her gaze to Achmed.

“I’m sorry, but I must decline your proposal and ask that you leave the palace.”

“Princess, I… I must insist that you be reasonable,” Achmed pleaded, wary of Rajah. “Without a husband to rule by your side, there is nothing you can do for Agrabah.”

Jasmine’s gaze hardened, her fingers digging into Rajah’s fur.

“Rajah, dinner time.”

The tiger then lunged forward, causing Achmed to scream.

…

“I’ve never been so insulted in all my life!” Achmed declared, storming out with his robes torn and an irritated look on his face.

Sultan Hamed saw the prince’s state, gasping when he realized what had happened. Jafar merely observed the prince, his eyes narrowing.

“Uh, Prince Achmed!” The sultan called out, trying to stop the prince, “I-”

“Good luck marrying ‘her’ off!”

The prince left the castle and Hamed turned towards where Jasmine was. Shaking with anger and embarrassment, he made his way towards her.

…

“Well, I think that went well,” Dalia remarked. “You don’t think he was too upset, do you?”

“Honestly, I could care less about how upset he was,” Jasmine informed her, petting Rajah as he chewed on part of Achmed’s robes. “I can’t believe he had the gall to say that to my face. ‘Nothing I can do for Agrabah’. Honestly, if I was just given a chance, I could prove that I would be worthy of the throne. If only Father wasn’t so-”

Her words were cut off when she saw Hamed standing before her.

“Dalia, would you leave us please?” Hamed requested.

Dalia gave a silent bow, retreating quickly. Jasmine faced her father, fiddling with a golden bracelet on her arm nervously.

“Father.”

“So, this is why Prince Achmed left in such a state,” Hamed noted, seeing Rajah still messing with the robe piece.

“He’s lucky all he lost was his robe.” Jasmine snorted in disgust. “The way he looked at me, sizing me up like some lamb for the slaughter, and then there was his...” She let out a grunt of annoyance and anger, turning away and walking towards a window. “Agrabah does not need a sultan like him.”

“It does need a sultan, though,” Hamed reasoned. “And you can’t keep rejecting every suitor that comes to call. The law says you must-”

“-be married to a prince by my twenty-first year,” Jasmine recited. “I know the law, and like mother, I think it’s wrong.”

“I admit, your mother wasn’t a fan of the law either, but she made the best of it.” Hamed took his daughter’s hand. “It brought us you.”

“And it cost her everything.” Jasmine removed her hand from her father’s grip. “She was unhappy up until the day she was killed. Is that the fate you want for me? Locked in a loveless marriage just to obey some stupid law?”

“Of course not! It’s just… I’m not going to be around forever, and I want to make sure you’re taken care of.”

“And who says I cannot take care of myself? I’ve studied politics, trade, and every map in the royal archives. I know more about Agrabah than any of these would-be suitors. If you just gave me a chance-”

“Princesses are expected to be seen and not heard,” Jafar spoke, stepping in.

Both Hamed and Jasmine turned, the latter giving Jafar the filthiest look she could manage.

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Jafar,” she sneered.

“I am only speaking from what is expected from someone of your… standing in the kingdom.”

Jasmine was seething with rage, but luckily for the Royal Vizier, Hamed stepped in.

“Jafar, remember your place. You are not to address my daughter so flippantly, nor are you to appear before us without an invitation.”

Jafar took a step back, bowing in response.

“Of course, Sire. Forgive my… eagerness.”

“See that it does not happen again,” Hamed nodded. “Now, why are you here?”

“I merely wished to speak with you in private, should you be willing to allow it.”

“Very well,” Hamed nodded before turning to Jasmine. “We will continue this discussion later.”

Jasmine relented, walking out with Rajah not far behind. Once she was gone, Hamed let out a sigh.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do with her. Time is running short, and I’m at my wit’s end trying to find her a suitor.”

“Bwack! Wit’s end!” Iago squawked.

Hames chuckled, glancing up at Iago.

“I swear that bird gets smarter every time I see him.”

“It is surprising how intelligent certain dumb animals can come off,” Jafar joked, earning a brief glare from Iago. “If it pleases you sire, I might be able to come up with a solution to this suitor problem. Perhaps that would finally end this tension between you and the princess.”

“Perhaps. If you manage to find a suitor she will approve of, it will truly be a miracle. I welcome any solution you may have.”

“Though it… would require the use of a certain blue diamond,” Jafar went on.

Hamed glanced down at a blue diamond ring on his finger. He then clenched his fist.

“I’m afraid that’s out of the question. This ring is only to be worn by the Sultan. Not even you can hold it, Jafar.”

“I understand Sire, of course.” Jafar began fiddling with his snake staff. “But if it means finding a suitor for the princess…”

As he aimed the staff in Hamed’s direction, the eyes of the staff started to glow red, causing Hamed to become entranced.

“It would be worth parting with it for a short time.” Jafar’s voice began deepening and echoing in Hamed’s mind.

“If it means… finding a suitor… for the princess...” Hamed droned, robotically sliding the ring off his finger. “It would be worth… parting with it… for a short time...”

As he held it out, Jafar quickly snatched it and tucked it in his robe.

“Your graciousness astounds, great Sultan. Now I best be going. I’m sure you have more important work to attend to.”

“I… do,” Hamed agreed, slowly coming out of his trance as Jafar left.

Once they were out of the room and safely away from the Sultan, Iago let out a groan.

“Well, that was degrading. How can you let that… senile idiot talk to you like that?!”

“I’ve learned to mask my irritation,” Jafar explained with disdain dripping from his voice. “Despite every ‘know your place, Jafar. You serve me, Jafar. Don’t forget that, Jafar.’.”

“At least with that control spell, it’s easier to deal with,” Iago admitted. “Though I wish Plan A hadn’t fallen through.”

“Hardly my fault,” Jafar replied as they reached his chamber. “That poisoned tea was meant for the Sultan. How was I to know she would take it instead?”

Jafar then pulled on a lamp on the wall, causing it to slide open and reveal a secret stairway.

“I’m just glad the Sultan never suspected you of poisoning her,” Iago muttered.

“Once I have the lamp, it won’t matter.” Jafar pulled out the ring as he went up the stairs. “Soon I will be Sultan instead of that feeble-minded twit.”

“Then we can send daddy and little girl to join poor, poor mommy,” Iago mocked.

The two shared a twisted laugh as they approached a door at the end of the stairway and went through it.

…

Up in her room, Jasmine walked out onto the balcony looking out into what she could see of the city. Dalia came over and joined her, looking out at the city.

“I take it your father wasn’t happy.

“Not at all. Still wants me to find some prince to chain my life to.”

“I heard. As well as… Jafar’s comment.”

Jasmine sighed, leaning against the railing and taking a breath.

“If it’s not Jafar, it’s my tutors, the guards, or even my own father. My entire life, everyone’s always tried to keep me down.”

She looked up at the stars, gently removing her headdress as she began to sing.

“Here comes a wave meant to wash me away. A tide that is taking me under. Swallowing sand, left with nothing to say. My voice drowned out in the thunder.”

A tear threatened to roll down her cheek, but she wiped it away and straightened herself up, removing the headdress entirely.

“But I won't cry, and I won't start to crumble whenever they try to shut me or cut me down.”

She turned back to her room, removing her royal jewelry and her golden-encrusted gown.

“I won't be silenced. You can't keep me quiet. Won't tremble when you try it. All I know is I won't go speechless.”

Dalia gathered up the fallen robes as Jasmine ran her hands over the stacks of books and scrolls that littered a large table.

“'Cause I'll breathe when they try to suffocate me. Don't you underestimate me. 'Cause I know that I won't go speechless!”

She went to remove the last of her jewelry, the golden bracelet on her wrist. She stopped as she did, looking at it with a mournful gaze.

“Written in stone, every rule, every word. Centuries old and unbending.”

Her fist clenched as her gaze hardened.

“‘ Stay in your place, better seen and not heard’. Well, now that story's ending. ”

She turned towards a smaller closet in the room, one that held Dalia’s clothes. She threw the doors open, having come to a decision.

“'Cause I, I cannot start to crumble! So come on and try! Try to shut me and cut me down!”

She grabbed a simple dress made with light brown fabric and minimal designs, pulling it on.

“ I won't be silenced! You can't keep me quiet! Won't tremble when you try it! All I know is I won't go speechless! Speechless!”

She emerged from the closet, wrapping a light brown headdress around her hair.

“Let the storm in! I cannot be broken! No, I won't live unspoken! 'Cause I know that I won't go speechless!”

She looked at herself in the mirror, not seeing a trace of the princess. Instead, all she saw was an ordinary girl, exactly what she wanted.

“Try to lock me in this cage! I won't just lie me down and die! I will take these broken wings and watch me burn across the sky! Hear the echo saying I won’t be silenced!”

She turned to Dalia, who was watching her with surprise, but also brimming with pride and excitement. Jasmine took her hands, continuing her song.

“I won't be silenced! Though you wanna see me tremble when you try it! All I know is I won't go speechless Speechless! 'Cause I'll breathe when they try to suffocate me! Don't you underestimate me! 'Cause I know that I won't go speechless!” 

The two girls embraced tightly.

“All I know is I won't go speechless! Speechless!”

As they came out of the hug, Dalia looked Jasmine over, giving a small nod of approval.

“You look good. Though the bracelet is a bit of a standout.”

Jasmine pulled her sleeve over the bracelet.

“I’m doing this for her. She used to tell me there was more to Agrabah than my books and maps, and she was right. If I want to prove to my father, to everyone, that I deserve the throne, I need to go out there and learn about my kingdom.”

“Just try to return soon,” Dalia warned. “I fear what your father will do if he learns you snuck out.”

“I will return before he even knows I’m gone. Besides, I have my closest friend to help cover for me.”

Off in the corner, Rajah perked up and turned towards them in confusion.

“Closest except for you, Rajah,” Jasmine reassured.

The tiger lowered his head happily as Jasmine slipped over the edge of her balcony. Dalia caught her hand before she went, squeezing it.

“Good luck.”

Jasmine nodded, then slipped off into the night.

…

The next morning in the bazaar, Aladdin and Abu were situated on top of one of the stalls, hatching a plan.

“Alright Abu, go!”

Abu then dropped down into the stall, where the vendor was selling melons.

“Melons! Get your melons here!” He yelled.

Abu snatched up one of the melons, screeching as he did. The vendor heard him and quickly grabbed a stick.

“Shoo!” He snapped, using the stick to knock the melon out of Abu’s hand. “Get out of here!”

Unbeknownst to him, Aladdin snagged a melon while the vendor’s back was turned, which prompted Abu to make himself scarce. He joined Aladdin on the roof, chittering happily.

“Nice work, Abu,” Aladdin commended, splitting the melon in half and giving one half to Abu. “Breakfast is served.”

As the two began digging into their meal, Jasmine walked down the bazaar’s main street. She was amazed by the amount of people, and the diversity of goods being sold. The smell of spices filled the air as the shouts of several merchants echoed.

“Wares! Get your wares!”

“Sugar dates! Sugar dates and peas! Spices from all of Agrabah!”

“Fancy silk for a fancy lady?” one merchant offered, holding up a fancy pink length of silk.

“Oh, no thank you,” Jasmine replied, bumping into a nearby fire swallower.

The fire swallower ended up dropping his torch, nearly burning his foot. Thankfully, he got out of the way in time and the flame merely extinguished itself in the sand. Jasmine has jumped hard when she hit him, and even more so when the torch fell, the combined excitement loosening her headdress and causing it to fall. All the commotion caught Aladdin’s attention as he looked out and saw Jasmine in the crowd, putting her headdress back into place.

“Wow…” he let out in amazement.

Jasmine kept walking through the bazaar, eventually reaching a cart with bread on display. Two starving children looked at the bread, their stomachs growling audibly. Jasmine’s heart broke at the sight.

“Aww, are you two hungry?” she asked, earning two nods from the children. 

She picked two loaves of bread off the cart, handing them to the children. Aladdin saw this, as well as the owner of the cart.

“Uh oh,” He let out, quickly climbing down from his perch.

“Hey!” the cart owner called out, drawing Jasmine’s attention. “What are you doing?”

“Feeding starving children.”

“Then I hope you have money to pay for the bread.”

Jasmine blanched.

“No, I don’t.”

The cart owner immediately grabbed her arm.

“Then it looks like the guards will have another thief to lock away!” he gripped Jasmine’s arm tight enough that she couldn’t pull away.

“Wait!” Jasmine pleaded. “I- I-”

“There you are!” Aladdin suddenly called out, practically materializing by Jasmine’s side. “Do you know how worried I’ve been? I’ve been searching the entire bazaar for you.”

“What are you doing?” Jasmine whispered.

“Just play along,” Aladdin whispered back.

“This girl with you, Aladdin?” the cart owner asked.

“Indeed she is,” Aladdin confirmed. “She left her purse back home, but perhaps you’d be willing to accept a different form of payment.”

He then held up Jasmine’s bracelet, causing her to look down at her now empty wrist. She gasped and tried to reach for it, but the merchant had already taken it. He shoved Jasmine towards Aladdin, forcing him to catch her.

“See? No harm no fowl,” Aladdin replied, holding out a pristine apple. “And here’s an apple to show there’s no hard feelings.”

The merchant pocketed the bracelet, taking the apple.

“Go on and get out of here. I won’t be so forgiving next time.”

“Of course.” Aladdin took Jasmine by the arm. “Come on, let’s go.”

“But my bracelet!” She insisted.

“You mean, this bracelet?” Aladdin asked quietly, holding up the bracelet in question.

Jasmine blinked in surprise, taking back the jewelry.

“How did you-?”

“No time. We only have a few seconds before-”

“Hey!” The cart owner suddenly screamed. “Thieves!” 

“-that. Come on!”

The two hurried down the street as soldiers began chasing them. Aladdin led Jasmine up towards the rooftops, where they ran across for a way before reaching a massive gap between buildings. They stopped short, and then Aladdin noticed a long wooden pole leaning against some scaffolding. He grabbed it, getting himself ready.

“Quick, grab on.”

“What?!” Jasmine backed away in fear. “No! I-I can’t!”

“Do you trust me?” Aladdin asked.

“Huh?” Jasmine blinked.

“Do you trust me?” He repeated, holding out his hand.

Jasmine looked up at him, then back at the closing guards. Making her choice, she grabbed his hand and he pulled her close. They both gripped the pole, launching themselves across the gap to the other side. The landing was rough, but they made it. They got up, quickly running for safety as the guards were forced to just watch.

…

Inside Jafar’s secret lair, a massive machine was being operated by Iago running on a large gear, which turned another that generated power for a massive glass ball. Inside the ball was swirling energy in the form of a cloud.

“With all due respect Jafar,” Iago spoke, sounding very tired. “Couldn’t we just wait… for a real storm.”

“We’ve waited too long as it is.” Jafar took out the ring and placed it between two decorative snakes above an hourglass. “Now save your breath and keep going!”

“Yes, oh evil one!” Iago replied, continuing to run.

Jafar looked up and saw the energy continue to swirl inside the ball. He couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

“With this enchantment in place, I will finally find the Diamond in the Rough. Through him, I shall have complete and unmitigated power. And I must say… it’s about time.”

Jafar casually walked around the hourglass, musing about how he came to be where he was then.

“In my formative and hungry years. I was unappreciated by my peers. As their slings and arrows flew, I would ponder, wouldn’t you, why me? Why me?”

“Ya got me,” Iago remarked.

“For a man of my charisma and mystique,” he continued, walking around the hourglass. “It has taken far too long to reach my peak. Why was my status never quo? Why did no one want to know? Poor me. Why me? Why was I so unable to fulfill my true potential.”

“Potential,” Iago added.

“Kept down by those I knew were smaller fry,” he looked back at a picture of the Sultan and his family that had the queen’s face slashed through, glaring at it. “Inconsequential.”

“Inconse-”

Just then, a bolt of lightning hit the glass ball. The bolt then shot downwards towards the diamond, striking it and causing the sand in the hourglass to move. It morphed itself, forming a perfect image of the Cave of Wonders.

“But here’s the rub,” Jafar picked up. “Rubadubdub.”

He then gazed into the hourglass as the sands started shifting again, this time turning into the form of Aladdin.

“Ah, there he is. The Diamond in the Rough.”

“That’s it?!” Iago exclaimed, letting go of the handlebar he’d been using to keep himself on the gears. “That’s the clown we’ve been waiting fo-?!”

Without his grip on the handlebar, Iago lost his footing and ended up getting caught in the gears of the machine.

“And not a moment too soon,” Jafar let out. “I’ll have power, I'll have clout, personified. With the lamp, and sheer malice on my side.”

As he was singing, Iago flew past and collided with the wall.

“It’s a combination which works you up to fever pitch,” Iago wheezed out in pain. “Big G.”

“And me,” Jafar picked up, starting to descend from the machine. “When the master of the lamp says bow, they’ll bow!”

“He’ll be the man to whom they all caltow!” Iago joined in, having pulled himself off of the wall and rearranged his feathers.

“A man who knows just what to do, and whom to do it to!” Jafar exclaimed.

“Who’s he?” Iago asked.

“M.E,” Jafar replied before taking out a knife, stabbing it into Jasmine's picture, twisting Jasmine’s face, and tearing it off. “And princess dear, your time is up. Save your tears. Don’t bother praying.”

He then took out the knife once Jasmine’s face had been torn away and stabbed it into Hamed’s face.

“The time is up for Daddy too,” he promised before Iago joined back in. “You lose! But thanks for playing.”

“Your only prize?” Iago prompted.

“Everyone dies!” Jafar declared, causing Iago to fly up. “Soon, I’ll have that precious Diamond in the Rough!”

“Rough!” Iago let out.

“And that blessed day cannot come soon enough!”

“Enough!”

“And once the kingdom starts to pay, can’t we simply smile and say, tee-hee?” Jafar proposed.

“Mais Oui!” Iago agreed, landing on his staff.

“Who’ll be titan? Who’ll be champ? Who’ll be master of the lamp?” the two asked in unison.

“Who’s the one who takes up pages in who’s who?” Jafar finished.

Iago was about to respond but paused for a split second.

“Who?” He asked.

“Why, meeeeeeeee!” Jafar concluded. “Now then, I say we keep an eye on our new friend, shall we?”

…

Aladdin and Jasmine had successfully eluded the guards, heading for the rundown tower that served as Aladdin’s home.

“So this is where you live?” Jasmine asked.

“Yup,” Aladdin confirmed. “Just me and Abu. We come and go as we please.”

“Sounds fabulous.”

“Eh, it’s not much, but it gives us a roof over our heads. Such as it is.”

Jasmine looked around, running her hands along the wall. Despite the decrepitness of the building, she could feel a warmth that wasn’t derived from the desert sun.

“So this is what a home feels like. It’s wonderful.”

“Guess growing up in the palace feels a little different.”

Jasmine froze slightly, her mind stalling.

“What are you talking about? I don’t live in-”

“The bracelet you’re wearing,” Aladdin cut off. “It’s far too fancy for a merchant’s daughter, and the clothes your wearing, while simple, are made out of high-quality silk that always head straight for the palace. So that just begs one question: why would someone living it up in the palace come down here?”

Jasmine remained silent for a moment before responding.

“Because the palace isn’t as glamorous as everyone thinks. Everyone’s always telling you what to do, how to dress, when and when not to speak. Your entire life is planned for you...”

“Well, it’s gotta be better than out here.” Aladdin plopped down next to Jasmine. “Always scraping for food and ducking the guards.”

“You’re not free to make your own choices,” Jasmine continued.

“Sometimes you feel so…” Aladdin voiced.

“You’re just…” Jasmine let out.

“Trapped,” they both said at the same time.

They shared a look of surprise, then slowly smiled.

“So, what’s your story?” Jasmine questioned. “It seemed like you were quite well known down there.”

“I’ve spent my whole life out on the streets.” Aladdin grabbed an apple from a bowl and tossed it to Jasmine. “You tend to pick up a few things.”

Jasmine caught the apple, rolling it in her hands.

“And do your parents approve of your habits?” She asked playfully.

“I… don’t have any. My mother died when I was little.”

Jasmine’s face fell.

“Mine too...” she gripped her bracelet. “This bracelet is all I have left of her.”

Aladdin winced.

“No wonder you were so protective of it. Sorry, I used it.”

“At least you gave it back. Besides, you saved me from the guards, so I think that makes it even.”

Aladdin smiled in response as they looked out at the city. That’s when Jasmine noticed a small parade leaving the city. When she saw Prince Achmed at the head, she let out a breath.

“Good riddance.”

“Looks like the princess sent another suitor packing,” Aladdin remarked.

“And with good reason. He was a creep and deserved to get mauled by a tiger.”

Aladdin couldn’t help but chuckle in response.

“I’d pay to see that. If I had any money to pay with, of course.”

Jasmine chuckled in response. “It was certainly a sight to behold. He screamed like a child the entire time.”

“I’ll bet. Makes you wonder if the princess is gonna reject every prince in Arabia.”

“Only the ones she deems unworthy of Agrabah. They only see a chance to expand their own power, caring little for Agrabah as a whole. If only-...”

She cut herself off, looking back at the palace.

“If only what?” Aladdin asked.

“If only the Princess was given a chance...” she explained, careful with her wording. “But the Sultan has been unwilling to allow her any opportunity. He’s been afraid ever since the Sultana was killed and believes her only choice is to be shackled in some loveless marriage... Like her mother was...”

Jasmine rubbed the bracelet on her wrist, sighing.

“Wow that’s… that’s awful,” Aladdin responded before noting Abu moving towards Jasmine’s bracelet. “Abu!”

The monkey quickly scampered away, putting on an innocent face and chittering slightly. Jasmine looked at him, smiling slightly.

“What is he saying?”

“He’s saying… that’s not fair.”

“Oh really?” Jasmine began to smirk playfully. “And does ‘Abu’ have anything else to say?”

“He… wishes he could do something to help,” Aladdin said as the two got closer.

“Well, tell Abu that’s very… sweet.”

Before anything else could happen, a voice began echoing through Agrabah. They turned to see a muezzin standing on his tower, calling out to the people to tell them it was time to pray. Jasmine realized what time it was, going pale.

“Oh no… I need to get back to the palace.”

“Is it that late already?”

“Please, is there a quick way to the palace from here? One where we can avoid the guards?”

Aladdin pondered for a moment before smiling.

“I’m sure there’s one.”

…

Not that long after, Aladdin and Jasmine slipped through the gates of the palace with a caravan of goods. They broke off, carefully avoiding the guards before climbing up the vine-covered columns to Jasmine’s bedroom. While none of the guards saw this, a certain parrot did.

“Ooh, Jafar’s gonna love this,” Iago mused before flying off.

After climbing up the columns, Aladdin climbed over the balcony first and helped Jasmine over. She stumbled a bit, falling into Aladdin’s arms. He held her for a minute, then quickly helped her to her feet.

“Here you are, safe and sound.”

At that moment, Dalia just happened to walk out and see the two of them.

“Oh!” She let out. “Princess! You’re back! And… with… company…

“Yes… I am.” Jasmine let out a sigh. “Aladdin, this is Dalia. She’s my… friend.”

“Nice to meet you,” Aladdin greeted.

“Likewise,” Dalia replied. “I was just waiting for her to return so I could run her bath. I’d offer for you to stay but…”

“Yeah, I get the idea.” Aladdin chuckled a bit. “I’d better get going anyway. I’ve got enough crimes on my head, and I do not want to add spying on the Princess to them.”

Aladdin then started down the vines of the columns, with Jasmine watching his descent.

“Aladdin!” Jasmine called out.

Aladdin looked up as Jasmine smiled at him.

“Thank you… for everything.”

Aladdin gave her a smile.

“Anytime,” he promised.

With that, he leaped down to the ground and started making his way toward the gate. However, before he could, guards came pouring out of every entrance there was, surrounding Aladdin.

“We just keep running into each other, Street Rat,” Razoul commented.

Before Aladdin could make another move, two guards grabbed him from behind and restrained him.

“Hey!” He let out. “Let me go!”

His shouts drew Jasmine’s attention, who rushed out onto her balcony.

“Razoul!” she shouted. “What’s going on?!”

“Princess Jasmine!” Razoul let out surprise. “This boy was caught sneaking into the palace. He’s a notorious street rat who-!”

“He came here at my behest! Release him this instant!”

“I would Your Highness, but my orders on this come from Jafar. You’ll have to take it up with him.”

“Believe me, I will.” 

Jasmine watched as the guards dragged Aladdin off before angrily clenching her fists.

…

Later, Jasmine made her way to Jafar’s chambers, finding him just as he came sneaking out of his secret room.

“Jafar!” she shouted as she stormed inside.

“Ah, princess.” Jafar greeted, quickly closing the entrance to the secret room (right on top of Iago).

“Jafar, I’m stuck,” Iago whispered.

“How may I be of service?” Jafar asked, ignoring his trapped feathery companion.

“The guards just arrested Aladdin, a boy who was escorting me back to the palace. He is to be released immediately.”

“Escorting you?” Jafar played the part of a surprised man, going so far as to put a hand on his chest. “From what Razoul has told me, the boy was a well-known criminal.”

“He saved my life and made sure I got home safely. More than that, he put himself at risk for me before he knew I was the Princess. So let. Him. Go.”

“He did? When you weren’t found in your chambers, we assumed that you were kidnapped.”

Iago continued to try and get Jafar’s attention.

“Come on, can’t you just-?” Iago was then kicked back in the passage by Jafar. “OW! That hurt!”

“He didn’t kidnap me, I snuck out!” Jasmine exclaimed. “I just wanted a taste of the real Agrabah! Nobody kidnapped me!”

“Oh…” Jafar began rubbing his neck while walking forward. “Well… this is an awkward situation then.”

Jasmine’s eyes narrowed.

“What do you mean?”

“Well sad to say, given the severity of what was assumed to be his crime,” Jafar explained. “The boy’s sentence was to be carried out upon arrest.”

“What sentence?” Jasmine questioned, a sense of dread washing over her.

“Death. By beheading.”

Jasmine gasped, stumbling back as a hand covered her mouth. She caught herself on a pillar, tears filling her eyes. Jafar approached, doing his best to look at her with compassion.

“I do apologize for this. Had I known-”

She turned to him and slapped him across the face. He covered his cheek as she loomed over him, angry tears in her eyes.

“I will see you punished for this,” she swore. “You will suffer for what you’ve done.”

She then stormed out of the room in a huff. Iago meanwhile, managed to finally get himself free of the secret chamber, flying onto Jafar’s shoulder. He saw the red mark on the man’s face, wincing.

“I’m guessing that didn’t go as planned,” he mused.

“All in all though, I’d say she took it rather well,” Jafar mused.

…

After dismissing the guards and tending to his cheek, Jafar made his way down to the dungeons. He entered one of the cells where Aladdin sat chained to the wall. Abu was in a cage next to him, trying to pry the door free.

“So you’re the one this is all about,” Jafar remarked.

Aladdin looked up, still struggling in his chains.

“Look, I know this looks bad but I swear, I never meant the Princess any harm. I was escorting her home. Just ask her. She’ll vouch for me.”

“The princess?” Jafar began chuckling. “I sincerely doubt that.”

“I’m telling the truth! Yes, I’m a thief, but I only steal enough to get by and not starve. I’d never hurt anyone.”

“Oh, I know. It’s the princess I wouldn’t be too sure about.”

Aladdin looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“She was toying with you, boy,” Jafar lied. “She saw a local sap who could show her ‘the wonders of Agrabah’ for some laughs. Do you honestly believe she would take an interest in a worthless street rat like you?”

Aladdin looked down, as if embarrassed.

“Oh, don’t be like that,” Jafar told him. “Perhaps there is a way to turn your situation around.”

“Really?” Aladdin asked cynically, shaking his wrists in their chains. “I highly doubt that.”

Jafar then pulled out a key and unlocked Aladdin’s chains, much to his surprise.

“Believe it or not, there was once a time when I was a lot like you,” Jafar told him, unlocking Abu’s cage.

The monkey quickly climbed out of the cage, joining Aladdin on the ground as he rubbed his wrists.

“Like me?” Aladdin questioned.

“Someone taking what he could to survive. But I came to find something that you seem to be needing right now.”

“What?”

“Ambition. Steal an apple, that makes you a thief. Steal a country, and that makes you a statesman.”

“What’s that got to do with me?”

“It just so happens, I know of a cave not too far from here. A cave of wonders, filled with treasures that can make you rich beyond your wildest dreams. Rich enough to win the heart of a princess I wager.”

“So what? The law says that only a prince can-”

“You’ve heard of the golden rule, haven’t you? ‘Whoever has the gold makes the rules’. Besides, which would you rather do? Go back to stealing bread and worthless bobbles, or make a name for yourself, and do something that would make any mother proud.”

Jafar’s choice of words stirred something in Aladdin. He got to his feet, meeting Jafar’s eyes.

“I’m in.”

Chapter Text

“Now I know what you’re thinking,” the merchant said. “‘Who in their right mind would trust a guy like that’? But Aladdin… well he had other things on his mind.”

“So what happened?” the woman asked, to which the merchant began to sing once more.

“A contemptible skunk was this counterfeit unc, but Aladdin, he led alas. On a journey insane, through forbidden terrain, to a desolate mountain pass. And the trip that they had, was so bad, for our lad, that he gradually got uptight. And suspected- guess.”

“What?”

“This was possibly not, just another Arabian Night.”

…

Aladdin stood before the Cave of Wonders, Abu hiding in his vest as he approached the tiger’s maw.

“Who disturbs my slumber?” the cave demanded.

“Uh… it is I! Aladdin!”

“... proceed,” the cave allowed. “Take nothing but the lamp.”

Off to the side, Jafar allowed a small grin to grace his face. 

“Remember our deal. Bring me the lamp, and you shall have your reward.”

Aladdin took a deep breath, then slowly entered into the foreboding cave. The stairs led deep into a massive cavern, which was full of gold, jewels, and mountains of beautiful treasures.

“Wow…” Aladdin marveled. “Just a handful of these would make me wealthier than the Sultan.”

Abu scampered off Aladdin’s shoulder, heading for some of the treasure. He poked and marveled at it, causing Aladdin to call out to him.

“Abu!” The monkey stopped in his tracks. “Remember what the cave said, don’t touch anything.”

Abu remembered in that moment, retreating back onto Aladdin’s shoulder.

As they walked deeper into the cave, something moving off to the side caught their attention. They both turned, seeing a carpet fluttering in the wind. It took a handful of seconds for Aladdin to realize there was no wind down in the cave, and even if there was, the carpet was too thick.

“Is that a… a magic carpet?”

The carpet suddenly stopped fluttering, turning towards Aladdin. It then began waving its tassels frantically, pointing at a massive rock that seemed to have it pinned.

“Alright, hang on.” 

Aladdin rushed over to the rock, looking it over to figure out a plan. Gripping an opening with both hands, he lifted up as hard as he could, giving the carpet enough leverage to pull itself free. It soared around the room before flying back at Aladdin, wrapping around him as if hugging him.

“Alright, alright.” Aladdin gently pushed the carpet off of him, then got an idea. “Hey, we’re looking for some kind of lamp down here. Have you seen it?”

The carpet gave some semblance of a nod, flying deeper into the cavern. It stopped a ways away, waving a tassel as if to urge them to follow.

“I guess he has.” 

Aladdin and Abu quickly took off, following the carpet’s directions.

…

After moving deeper and deeper into the cavern, the strange trio emerged in a large open area. A lake filled the space, stones spread out and going up like a wide staircase. At the top of this staircase, framed by a beam of moonlight, was the lamp. Aladdin leaped from one stone to another before reaching the base of the staircase. As he walked up the steps, Abu just sat on the stones and waited, his eyes drifting across some treasure until he found a large ruby. It seemed to entrance him and he walked over to it. 

Finally, Aladdin reached the top of the stairs. Slowly, he walked towards the lamp that sat on top of a large stone. Reaching both hands out, he carefully grabbed the lamp and picked it up. He turned it over in his hand, seeing nothing but an old brass lamp.

“This is it? It’s just a piece of-”

His eyes then caught sight of Abu, who was closing in on the ruby.

“Abu! NO!”

But it was too late. Abu picked up the ruby and the cave immediately began to shake.

“You have taken the forbidden treasure!” It shouted. “Now you will never again see the light of day!!”

Just then, lava began to erupt from where the lamp had been, the lake beneath him becoming lava as well. Abu dropped the ruby in fear, the gem melting into lava as well. Aladdin raced back down the stairs, trying to escape. However, the rocks began to crumble beneath him, threatening to drop him into the lava. Finally, a step gave out, and Aladdin was sent hurtling toward the molten magma below. Before he hit it though, the carpet swooped down and caught him, flying towards Abu, who was slowly getting surrounded by lava. Aladdin scooped him up just in the nick of time, grabbing onto the carpet as Abu grabbed onto him.

“Carpet, get us out of here!” Aladdin shouted.

The carpet sped through the vast caverns of the cave, doing its best to stay ahead of the surging lava. They passed through the treasure chamber, where everything had melted into pools of deadly lava. They then flew upwards towards the rapidly collapsing opening. They could see Jafar standing in the entryway, as if waiting for them. As the carpet flew up, a falling rock hit it, causing Aladdin and Abu to launch upwards towards the opening. Aladdin managed to grab a ledge and try to pull himself up.

“It seems you’re in a bit of a bind,” Jafar noted.

“Help me up!” Aladdin called out. “Please!”

“First, give me the lamp.”

“Give me your hand!” Aladdin begged, feeling his grip slipping.

“You don’t have time! Give me the lamp!”

After thinking for a second, Aladdin relented and handed the lamp up to Jafar, who instantly snatched it up. He marveled at the lamp, a sadistic glee in his eyes.

“Now help me up!” Aladdin demanded. “I’m losing my grip!”

“Oh, that is a problem, isn’t it?” 

Jafar slid the lamp into a satchel on his shoulder before stepping onto Aladdin’s hand.

“What are you doing?!”

“Giving you your reward.” Jafar began stepping harder. “Your eternal reward.”

He twisted his heel and Aladdin fell, much to Abu’s displeasure. The monkey scrambled onto Jafar, grabbing at the satchel. In anger and annoyance, Jafar grabbed Abu and threw him into the pit, retreating before it slammed shut behind him. The two began falling towards the ground, but the carpet quickly swooped up and caught them before they hit the lava.

…

Up top, the cave dissipated into the sands, the golden scarab sinking into the sand as well before disappearing. Jafar watched this, laughing to himself at his victory.

“At last, it’s mine.” he reached into his satchel. “I- where is it?”

He searched around in his satchel but found no sign of the lamp inside.

“No… NO!”

…

Back down in the cave, the carpet gently deposited Aladdin and Abu onto the now-cooled stone. It even made sure to prop Aladdin’s head slightly as Abu gently shook him. Aladdin slowly came to, rubbing his head.

“Ugh… man, my head.” He sat up carefully, getting a good look at their situation. “Trapped. That two-faced son of a jackal!”

His shouting caused his head to hurt more, so he leaned back, still rubbing his head,

“Well, doesn’t matter now. He’s long gone, and with that lamp.”

Abu chittered happily for a bit, scampering off before returning seconds later with the lamp. The carpet looked at it excitedly and Aladdin just smirked.

“Why you little thief.” He took the lamp, taking a good look at it. “Seems like a lot of trouble for such a worthless piece of junk.”

The carpet began pointing frantically at the lamp, making movements as if to say ‘rub it’.

“What, you want me to rub this thing?” Aladdin guessed.

The carpet nodded enthusiastically, making the rubbing motion again.

“Uh… alright.” Aladdin began rubbing the lamp. “But I don’t see how that’s gonna-”

Upon rubbing the lamp, it started sparking and shaking in Aladdin’s hands. As it did, a large puff of blue smoke shot out of the lamp. The smoke lifted upwards into the air. Reaching the roof of the cave, the smoke solidified into what appeared to be a large blue man. The man had a long black topknot on his head, a thin black mustache-goatee combo, and a red belt around his waist, connecting his solid body with the strange blue smoke that made up his legs. He also had thick, ornate golden cuffs on his wrists that shimmered with power.

“Finally!” The figure bellowed. “After ten thousand years, I am free from my metal prison! And I say…. OY!” the figure grabbed his neck as he began to stretch. “Ten thousand years stuffed in a lamp will give you such a crick in the neck! Hold on a second.”

That’s when the figure literally pulled its head off, spinning it 360 degrees before returning it to its proper place.

“Whoa! He’s big! He’s blue! And he’s back!” the figure proclaimed, dropping down and summoning a microphone from midair. “Alright ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the show. Let’s meet our newest contestant. What’s your name, kid?”

“Uh… Aladdin?” Aladdin replied, not sure what was happening.

“Aladdin?” the figure repeated. “Hello Aladdin, nice to have you on the show. So where are you from?”

“Um… Agrabah?”

“Agrabah?!” the figure let out in delighted surprise. “Love that place! Granted, haven’t been there since Scheherazade was sultana, but back then, it-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, did you say Scheherazade?”

“Yeah, she was my last master. Nice girl. Ten story palace, horrible husband though. Wished for a way to avoid being executed, so I gave her 1001 stories to tell. Worked like a charm. But, I digress. That’s the past, and this is the present.”

He snapped his fingers and a wrapped gift appeared in his hand before handing it to Aladdin. Aladdin took it hesitantly just as the top blew open, a smaller version of the figure appearing inside.

“Congratulations on finding and rubbing my lamp!” this tiny figure announced, grabbing Aladdin’s hand and shaking it as the box disappeared. “You have no idea how good it feels to be outta there!”

“I… guess not?” Aladdin replied before muttering to himself. “I must’ve hit my head harder than I thought.”

“I gotta say, you are a lot smaller than a few of my last masters,” the figure said, becoming full-sized and measuring Aladdin with a measuring tape. “A bit shabbier too. Then again, who am I to be picky.”

“Wait, wait a minute! I’m… your master?”

“Yes! Why is that so hard to believe?”

“Well… no offense, but from the looks of it, I think I should be calling you master.”

The figure just started laughing, falling onto his back and punching the ground hard enough to knock Aladdin off his feet.

“You have no idea who I am, do you?”

“No… I guess not.” Aladdin answered.

“I am,” the figure became all muscular and gained a thick accent. “The ever impressive,” he then shrunk himself down and trapped himself in a box. “Though long contained,” He then dropped out of the box, appearing with a puppet version of himself. “Often imitated,” he continued before discarding the puppet. “But never duplicated,” Just then, several other versions of himself appeared behind him, all saying ‘duplicated’ in rapid succession. “Genie of the lamp!” The other genies began applauding louding as the original began bowing deeply. “Thank you. Thank you.”

Aladdin was still dumbstruck by what he was seeing.

“This has got to be a dream. I hit my head and I’m hallucinating. That’s the only explanation.”

“Well I’ve been called dreamy before, but never a hallucination,” Genie remarked, shrinking down and hovering next to him. “Speaking of which, how about making a few come true right now?”

Aladdin just stared.

“You know, dreams! Wishes! It’s… kinda the Genie job. Wish fulfillment and all that. Three wishes to be exact. None of this is making sense is it?”

Aladdin just silently shook his head.

“Well then, it seems you don’t quite realize what you got here. So why don’t you just ruminate, whilst I illuminate the possibilities.” 

He shot a stream of magic at Abu, who suddenly sported a pair of cymbals in his hands, a kazoo in his mouth, and a large drum on his back. Abu then started walking forward, banging the drums and smashing the cymbals as Genie started grooving along.

“Well Ali Baba had them forty thieves, Sherezade had a thousand tales. But master, you’re in luck. Cause up your sleeve, you got a genie that never fails!”

Abu blew on the kazoo as Aladdin looked confused.

“No offense… but that was...” he hesitated, trying to find a kind way of phrasing his criticism. “Well… for an all-powerful genie, I kinda expected more.”

“Ah… ok…” Genie replied, pondering for a moment before coming up with something. “Right idea. Wrong calibur!”

He then shot out more magic, transforming Abu’s one-man band into a full drum set, which Abu was playing like a pro. A full band began playing, Genie and Carpet grooving along to the beat. A trumpet then appeared in front of Abu, which he began playing as well. With all the musical elements in place, Genie landed in front of Aladdin.

“Well Ali Baba had them forty thieves, Scheherazade had a thousand tales.” Genie summoned forty thieves to surround Aladdin. Just as they closed in around him, Genie appeared behind him and formed massive fists for him.

“But master you’re in luck, cause up your sleeves, you got a brand of magic that never fails!” 

Genie began punching out each thief in succession just as Aladdin was transported to a boxing ring. Genie, dressed in a coach’s uniform, began rubbing in his shoulders and Abu used carpet to fan him.

“You got some power in your corner now,” Genie went on before turning his hands into massive cannons. “Some heavy ammunition in your camp.”

He fired the cannons, causing a massive cloud to appear. Once it cleared, Aladdin was holding the lamp once more, a smaller version of Genie flying around him.

“You got some punch, pizzas, yahoo, and how! See all you gotta do is rub that lamp. And then I’ll say,” 

The smaller version of Genie then poured out of the lamp and grew to massive size. 

“Mister Aladdin sir,” Genie materialized a table and chair for Aladdin before turning into a French butler. “What will your pleasure be? Let me take your order, jot it down, you ain’t never had a friend like me. Ho ho ho!”

He summoned a large covered dish, setting it in front of Aladdin.

“Life is your restaurant,” he uncovered the dish, revealing a turkey that sprouted Genie’s face. “And I’m your maitre d.”

Everything then vanished, leaving just Aladdin and Genie, the latter sprouting a massive ear.

“Come on, whisper what it is you want,” He formed four separate versions of himself. “You ain’t never had a friend like me!”

The four Genies then suddenly appeared in a barber shop setting, tending to Aladdin like he was their customer.

“Yes sir, we pride ourselves on service,” Genie promised before Aladdin suddenly appeared on a massive throne being fanned by Carpet and Abu. “You’re the boss. The king. The czar!”

Genie then made a massive amount of food appear before him.

“Say what you wish, it’s yours true dish. How bout a little more, baklava?

Suddenly, Aladdin was buried in a pile of Baklava before he suddenly appeared back on solid ground. A long line of clothes and costumes suddenly appeared on his left, which quickly drew his attention.

“Have some of column A, try all of column B.” Genie offered. “I’m in the mood, to help ya dude, you ain’t never had a friend like me.”

He then spun around, suddenly appearing in a white suit and top hat. As he danced around, giant versions of his hands appeared on either side of him. 

“(wha wha wha!) oh my. (wha wha wha!) no no!” Genie bopped before the hands dropped down and actually danced with him. “(wha wha wha!) my my my!”

The giant hands then clamped down on Genie as he skatted some more. Genie then reappeared in front of Aladdin, holding his head in his hand.

“Can your friends do this?” He asked as he juggled his head, along with several others. “Can your friends do that?”

He then passed the heads off to Aladdin, who juggled them in shock before tossing the heads back to Genie.

“Can your friends pull this,” Genie continued, taking a hat and pulling a rabbit version of himself out of it.

“Out their little haaaaaats!” the rabbit Genie sang before morphing into a dragon and spewing fire. “Can your friends go, phew!”

The fire circled around Aladdin before materializing into three very attractive exotic dancers.

“Well lookie here.” The dancers circled around Aladdin. “ Can your friends to ‘Abra Cadabra”, let er rip! And make a sucker disappear!”

The dancers disappeared one by one, leaving Aladdin alone with Genie.

“So don’t just sit there slack-jawed, buggy-eyed.” Genie resumed, actually mimicking those exact expressions. “I’m here to answer all your midday prayers!”

He then transformed into a massive contract, giving himself a massive ‘thumbs up’ stamp.

“You got me bonafide certified.” He wrapped Aladdin up in himself before unraveling a bit and letting him spin out. “You got a Genie for your charged affairs. ”

He then put a finger on Aladdin’s head, stopping his spinning before popping right next to him.

“I got a powerful urge to help you out, so what you wish, I really wanna know.” He pulled a massive piece of paper out of his ear. “You got a list that’s three miles long no doubt, well all you gotta do is rub like so, and oh!”

Genie used the list as a towel at first, then snapped it like a whip. Once the whip snapped, Aladdin found himself surrounded by three dancers from before.

“Mister Aladdin sir, have a wish or two or three,” Genie offered as one of the dancers leaned in to kiss Aladdin. “I’m on the job, you big nabob.”

The dancer was suddenly replaced with an oversized version of the genie, thankfully before the kiss connected.

“You ain’t, never had a friend, never had a friend,” Genie resumed, materializing some dancing elephants.  “You ain’t, never had a friend, never had a friend.”

He kept adding more and more dancing animals to his spectacle.

“You ain’t, never!” He let out, building for a big finish. “Had a! Friend! Like! Meeeeeeee!”

The was in a massive musical uproar. Dancing animals, Carpet jamming along, Aladdin getting holstered in the air by a group of elephants, and Abu trying to snatch up as much treasure as he could.

“You ain’t never had a friend like me!” Genie concluded, sucking up all the items he’d magically created until the cave was once more the barren area it had been originally.

Genie then appeared before Aladdin, Abu, and Carpet, with a massive applause sign over his head. Carpet obliged and applauded to Genie’s performance.

“So, think you got this whole Genie thing down, kid?”

“I… I think so.” Aladdin nodded. “You’re a genie.”

“Eyup.”

“And you grant wishes.” 

“You’re two for two. Keep it up.”

“And because I rubbed your lamp… I can have you grant any wish I want?”

“YES!... and no.”

“No?”

“Well, even phenomenal cosmic beings have their rules and regulations,” Genie told him.

“Like...” Aladdin prompted.

“Well first and foremost, you can’t wish for more wishes.” Genie suddenly turned into a sci-fi character in a red shirt with an Irish accent. “I don’t have that kind of power captain!”

“So I just have three, right? That’s how many you said.”

“Yup,” Genie confirmed, returning to normal. “Three. And no substitutions, extensions, or refunds.”

“Is that the only rule?”

“Nope!” Genie answered, floating up next to him. “I also can’t kill anyone.”

Genie then sliced off his own head with his finger, holding it in his hand.

“So don’t ask.” He told him.

“Don’t worry, I don’t want anyone dead.”

“You’re already doing better than most.” Genie put his head back on and continued. “Next, I can’t make anybody fall in love with anybody else.”

He then morphed into a baboon holding a lion cub.

“It’s a cyyyyycle of life!” He sung. “I cannot inverviiiiine!”

“Again, you don’t have anything to worry about. If I wished for someone to love me, it wouldn’t be real.”

“Wow, you sure you’ve never done this before?” Genie questioned as he morphed back into himself, lying on his back. “Whatever, last but not least!”

He began sitting up and turning into a zombie. 

“I can’t raise the dead. It’s not a pretty picture. I don’t like doing it!”

He then poofed off and reformed as his giant self.

“But other than that, the world is your oyster.”

He bowed as if waiting for Aladdin to give him an order. Instead, Aladdin just sighed.

“Look, I appreciate the offer for wishes, but I’m afraid you can’t help me.” He stood up, setting down the lamp. “I can only think of two wishes, and you’ve already said they’re impossible.”

“Whoa, whoa whoa, I know the whole three wishes thing is annoying, but don’t even think about wishing for more genies. There’s gonna be a whole lot of infighting, wanting first crack at wishes- “

“That’s not it,” Aladdin assured him, beginning to walk off. “Like I said, you just can’t help me. I’m sorry, but I’m just gonna try and find a way out of this cave and back to Agrabah. Feel free to do whatever you want.”

Suddenly, a giant foot stepped in front of Aladdin, much to his surprise.

“I’m sorry, who rubbed the lamp here?”

“Uh… I did?”

“Right. You woke me up. You let me out. And now because a guy can’t bring back the dead, you’re gonna walk out on me? I don’t think so, pal. You’re getting those wishes, whether you like it or not. You want out of the cave? You’ll get out. Genie style!”

Genie then used his foot to push Aladdin onto the Carpet. Abu hopped on as Genie materialized behind him. 

“In case of an emergency, the exits are here, here, here, here, here, here, here,” Genie sprouted an arm with every “here”, pointing to all over the carpet before retracting them, “you get it. Keep your hands and arms inside the carpet. We’re outta here!”

Genie then took hold of Carpet and rocketed everyone to the roof of the cave. They then sprung through to the outside, allowing the group to fly across the desert sky.

…

Back in Agrabah, Jafar was summoned into the throne room by Sultan Hamed. He was greeted by the sight of him, and a livid, heartbroken Jasmine.

“Is something the matter, your Majesty?”

“Jasmine informs me that you executed an innocent boy yesterday,” Hamed replied.

“Considering he had repeated accounts of theft in the marketplace, I would hardly call him innocent.”

“That’s still no reason for execution! You had no right to make such a decision, and now your actions have led to the death of an innocent young man!”

“I… do apologize for my brashness,” Jafar insisted.

“Mere words are no substitute for a life,” Jasmine snapped. “If I had my way, you would suffer the same fate Aladdin did.”

“Fortunately, I don’t believe in returning violence in such a manner,” Hamed assured Jafar. “Besides, you have served me loyally for years, Jafar. But from now on, you are to discuss all apprehension and sentencing of prisoners with me, before they are beheaded!”

“Of course, my liege.” Jafar bowed before him. “I assure you it won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t. Now leave us.”

“Yes, sire,” Jafar obliged, leaving the room.

“At least some good will come out of my being forced to marry,” Jasmine commented as Jafar left. “When I am Sultana, I will have the power to remove him.”

Jafar groaned in disgust at hearing that, waiting until he was out of earshot before speaking.

“If only I had gotten that lamp.”

“Well thanks to that brat, that’s never gonna happen!” Iago snapped. “Now we’re stuck kissing up to that buffoon for the rest of our lives!”

“No, only until the princess finds some buffoon of her own to marry, then we’re sure to be banished. Or worse, beheaded.”

“Right...” Iago groaned before an idea suddenly popped into his head. “Hang on a moment… what if you were that buffoon?”

“Elaborate,” Jafar threatened.

“I mean, what if you married the princess? Then you would become Sultan.”

“Wed the princess…” Jafar pondered, smiling maliciously. “Become Sultan. The idea has merit.”

“And once we’re done, we can drop Papa in-law, and the little woman, off a cliff somewhere!” Iago added, cackling at the idea.

“Oh, I love the way your foul little mind works!” Jafar commended, laughing along with Iago.

…

Out in the desert, Genie was bringing Carpet down into a slow descent.

“We know that when escaping the Cave of Wonders, you have many options,” Genie spoke, sounding like a flight attendant. “So thanks again for choosing Air Genie.”

Carpet stopped right above a small oasis, allowing Aladdin and Abu to disembark. Once they did, Genie turned to his natural form, grinning widely.

“Well, how about that Mr. Doubting Mustafa?”

“Alright, alright, I was wrong to brush you off the way I did. Thanks for getting us out of the cave.”

He then sighed, sitting down under the shade of a palm tree.

“I just wish I knew what to do for my three wishes.”

“I’m sorry, three you say?” Genie asked, popping up a scoreboard. “Last I checked, you are down by one.

The scoreboard then flashed a one under the word wish.

“What are you talking about?” Aladdin questioned. “I never wished to get out of the cave. That was all you..”

Genie was about to respond, but then pondered for a second.

“Hold up, let me check something,” Genie replied, pulling up a script. “Blah, blah, blah, ‘Like I said, you just can’t help me. I’m sorry, but I’m just gonna try and find a way out of this cave and back to Agrabah. Feel free to do whatever... you... want…’ Huh. No ‘I wish’... You’re good.”

He snapped the script out of existence. “Okay, so you have three wishes, but I’m warning you now, no more freebies.”

“Got it. But once again, I have no idea what to wish for. What would you wish for?”

“Me?” Genie let out, genuinely surprised. “No one’s ever asked me what I wanted before. Though in my case…. Nah never mind.”

“What?”

“Forget it.”

“Come on, tell me. I’m literally grasping at straws here.”

Genie looked down at his wristbands, letting out a sigh.

“Freedom.”

“You mean…” Aladdin realized, looking down at the lamp. “You’re a prisoner?”

“Indentured servant is a better comparison. Slave an even better one. Unfortunately, it kinda comes with the territory.”

He then grew to massive size, seeming manipulating the cosmos.

“Phenomenal cosmic powers!” he declared before shrinking back into the lamp. “Itty bitty living space.”

“Whoa.” Aladdin let out, looking down into the lamp. “That’s terrible.”

“Tell me about it,” Genie agreed, steaming out of the lamp. “I’ll go for centuries at a time with nothing but Bass! Brass! Brass! Is that a bit of copper? No, it’s brass! Then, when I finally do get a change of scenery, I’m going: poof! What do you need? Poof! What do you need? Poof! What do you need? But to be free. To be my own master. Such a thing would be worth more than all the magic in all the treasures in all the world!”

“Then why not make it happen?” Aladdin asked. “Why not use your powers to set yourself free?”

There was a moment of silence, then Genie just started laughing loudly.

“Hey, Carpet!” He bellowed. “Did you hear that?! He said why don’t I set myself free!!”

Carpet began moving as if he was laughing as well, then Genie grew serious once more.

“Kid, if I could just free myself, don’t you think I would’ve done it by now?”

“Oh… right.”

“The only way I get out, is if my master wishes me out, and you can guess how often that’s happened.”

“Right...” Aladdin repeated before an idea came to him. “What if I set you free?”

Genie snorted in disbelief.

“Sure. And next, you’ll be telling me man can fly without carpets.”

“No, I mean it. I’ll use my first two wishes for myself, then my third to set you free. Deal?”

Genie looked at Aladdin as he held out his hand.

“Eh, what have I got to lose?” 

Genie shook the offered hand, then became his happy self once more. 

“Now let’s make some magic!”

“And once again, we’re back to the problem of me not knowing what to wish for.” Aladdin sighed, plopping onto the sand. “I can only think of two things in this world that I want, and you said both were impossible.”

“That depends. What are these ‘two things’?”

“One is to bring my mom back, but from the imagery you were using when explaining that rule, I’m not going to test my luck.”

“Yeah it…. It gets messy and you would not want that image of your mother to haunt you. What about number two?”

“Well…” Aladdin began rubbing the back of his neck. “there’s this girl…”

“Aww, isn’t there always?”

“Not like her… she’s amazing. She’s smart, kind, funny-”

“Pretty?” Genie guessed.

“Beautiful!” Aladdin answers. “Eyes like citrines, hair like the purest onyxes, and her smile?”

Aladdin sighed as Genie took on a French accent.

“Ah, young love.” His voice returned to normal. “So what’s the problem? It seems like you and her got a good thing going.”

“Maybe, but she’s the princess. And the law says she has to marry a...”

Suddenly, an idea sprung to Aladdin’s mind.

“Hey, could you make me a prince?”

“Interesting you should phrase it that way, ‘cause there’s a lot of grey area in ‘make me a prince’. I mean I could just-” He snapped his fingers and a prince suddenly appeared on the opposite end of the oasis. “Make you a prince.”

“Oh! No.”

“Exactly. Cause then you’d be stuck with that guy for all eternity.”

“Hey, y’all seen my palace?!” the prince called out.

“You gotta be specific in your phrasing,” Genie instructed. “The deal is in the details. Got it?”

“Okay.” Aladdin nodded slowly. “Can you send him home?”

“Come on, I just wanna go home!” the prince pleaded.

“Oh, right,” Genie let out in embarrassment before snapping his fingers and sending the prince back. “Now just to be sure, this is an official wish, right? Say the magic words.”

“Genie, I wish for you to turn me into a prince!” Aladdin declared.

“Alright!” Genie declared. “And the kid is on the board!”

He then poofed up a changing screen and turned himself into a fashion designer.

“First, we’ve got to do something about your ensemble. That fez and vest combo is much too third-century. And these patches. Are you trying to say, ‘Hey I’m a beggar. Take pity on me’? Let’s work with me here.”

He then spun around Aladdin, snipping and sewing at random. Finally, he finished, leaving Aladdin in a multi-colored robe and a ridiculous turbin. Aladdin looked at himself in the reflection of the oasis pool and winced.

“I look like a colorblind peacock.”

“Yeah… I’m not feeling it either. We need something bold. Something that commands respect! Maybe gold tones. Or better yet, actual gold!”

He dashed around Aladdin again, this time leaving him in a solid gold tunic. Aladdin could barely stand up straight, struggling to support the weight of the tunic.

“Genie… this isn’t working.”

“Yeah, I agree. It screams ‘trying too hard’. We need something simple yet dignified… Wait! I got it!”

He spun around him once more, this time, leaving him in white robes, a cape, and a white turban with a blue feather.

“Aha!” Genie let out. “I love it! Muy macho!”

He started kissing the tips of his fingers proudly as Aladdin looked himself over.

“I like it. But what if someone recognizes me like this?”

“That’s the beauty of genie magic, it makes people see what they want to see. In this case, they’ll see Prince… Prince… Al….id… Ali! Prince Ali!”

“Prince Ali,” Aladdin repeated before thinking for a moment. “Prince Ali of What?”

“Of… aba...ababa… ababwa!”

“Ababwa? Where is that?”

“Does it matter?”

“Well, what if people ask? What do I tell them?”

“Tell them… it’s here! Right here in this Oasis!”

“I… think that could work. Though we’re gonna need more than fancy clothes and a fake country if I’m gonna pass as a prince.”

“Agreed. What you need is… a mode of transportation!”

“What about Carpet? He’s pretty impressive.”

Carpet gave a wave of a tassel as if embarrassed by the praise.

“Eh, flying carpet seems a bit much,” Genie commented.

“Well, I can’t ride into Agrabah on a monkey,” Aladdin replied. “No offense, Abu.”

Abu shrugged, then noticed how Genie was staring him down.

“Maybe,” Genie allowed, “But then again…”

Abu saw how Genie was looking at him and tried to bolt, only for Genie to hit him with a blast of magic.

“How about riding into Agrabah on your brand new Camel!” Genie announced, transforming Abu into one.

“Eh… I don’t know. All of the Princes I’ve seen come through Agrabah were usually on horses.”

Genie pondered, subconsciously transforming Abu into a horse.

“Eh, feel like it’s been done too much. We need something… unexpected.”

He then transformed Abu into an ostrich.

“Eh?”

Aladdin shook his head.

“I’d look less ridiculous riding an elephant.”

Genie then sprouted the biggest smile imaginable.

“That’s it!” He declared, aiming his hands at Abu. “Ishala mumbo shimi dumbo!”

He then shot the monkey full of magic, transforming him into an elephant.

“Talk about your trunk space, check this baby out!”

Elephant Abu looked at Genie with an expression of betrayal, but Genie gave him a small wave.

“Don’t worry, it’s temporary,” he promised. “I’ll turn you back after the show.”

“Show?” Aladdin asked.

“You got the look, you got the elephant, now all we need… is your entourage.”

He then turned towards the desert and snapped his fingers. Aladdin turned to where he was looking and saw a massive sandstorm rising up in the distance.

“Uh… Genie…?”

“Hang onto your turban, kid. We’re gonna make you a star!”

Chapter Text

“I trust by now, you’re starting to see where this story is going,” the Merchant assumed.

“I think so…” the woman replied, hoping she was catching on. “So what did Aladdin and the Genie do next?

The Merchant smiled before singing again.

“So the genie was out, dealing magic about, but Jafar, well he hadn’t a clue. He was hatching a plot, to gain the power he sought, and to make all his dreams come true. Oh the game that he plays, would put one through a haze, in his craze, and pure delight. Hold on tight, we’re not done, for you’ll soon see the fun, of another Arabian Night.”

…

Back in Agrabah, Jasmine and Dalia were heading towards the throne room, the former intent on speaking with her father again.

“You sure this is going to work?” Dalia asked.

“It has to. Jafar’s actions cannot go unpunished. He must be held accountable for what he’s done.”

As Jasmine entered the throne room, a second door was thrown open to allow Jafar entry.

“Sire!” Jafar spoke. “I believe I have- ah, princess. Excellent timing.”

“I would not agree, but as it happens, I have need of you.” Jasmine turned to Hamed. “Father, I must speak to you about your leniency towards Jafar.”

“Jasmine, I told you, I will not return violence in such a manner.”

“But Father-”

“I’m sorry Jasmine, but that’s my decision,” Hamed cut off before turning to his vizier. “Now Jafar, you wished to speak to me?”

“Yes. I believe I have found a solution to the princess’ suitor problem.”

“You what?” Jasmine let out.

“Really?” Hamed asked.

“Yes.” Jafar unrolled a large scroll he had brought with him. “According to Agrabanian law, if the princess has not chosen a husband by the annointed time, then the Sultan shall choose for her.”

“So it is not enough I am forced to marry, but you would even take the choice of who out of my hands?” Jasmine let out.

“Of course not, Jasmine. I wouldn’t do that. Jafar, there has to be another way.”

“Not to worry, my liege, there is more,” Jafar reassured. “In the event a suitable husband cannot be found, the highest ranking official… Well now, that’s interesting.”

“What is?” Jasmine questioned, feeling a sense of dread well up inside her.

“The highest ranking official in the kingdom will wed the princess and assume the duties of Sultan. And at last check, that would be… me.”

“Absolutely not!” Jasmine exclaimed. “I will never marry you, Jafar! I don’t care what the law says!”

“Jafar, I don’t think this is a wise idea,” Hamed commented.

“Desperate times call for desperate measures sire. Besides, the princess has rejected every other possible suitor in all Arabia. There isn’t anyone else left.”

Before Jasmine could protest, a loud trumpeting emanated from outside.

“What is that?” Dalia asked, running to the balcony to investigate.

As she looked out, she saw a lone man in blue robes and a top knot blowing a trumpet. She chuckled a bit before the man stopped and addressed anyone who would listen.

“Hail! Your attention I pray! Oh ye people of Agrabah, this is your lucky day. Hail! High and low, great and small! Lucky people of Agrabah, someone’s coming to call.”

At this time, Jasmine, Hamed and Jafar all came out to see what the fuss was about. The man continued his proclamations with an air of showmanship.

“Someone who tamed the Cyclops, then fought forty thieves single hand! He’s richer than Krisos, he goes where he pleases, and this time he’s chosen your land! So here he is now, with his band!”

At that moment, the man gestured down the street as a large parade seemed to materialize out of nowhere. The parade consisted of all kinds of animals and performers all marching down the streets proclaiming one name in particular.

“Make way, for Prince Ali!” They proclaimed as the crowd started to turn towards them. “Say Hey, it’s Prince Ali!”

“Hey, clear the way, in the old Bazaar!” the man sang, passing through the crowds. “Hey you, let us through. It’s a bright new star. Oh come, be the first on your block to meet his eye!”

As the parade got closer, the occupants of the palace looked out in intrigue, or disdain in the case of Jafar.

“Make way, here he comes.” He began banging some nearby pots. “Ring bells, bang the drums. Are you gonna love this guy!”

He then gestured to an elephant carrying four fan girls surrounding Aladdin, decked out as Prince Ali.

“Prince Ali, fabulous he, Ali Ababwa,” the man continued as Ali looked out at the crowds with smiles and adulation. “Genuflect, show some respect, down on one knee.”

He then pulled the rug out from some guards, forcing them to kneel down in front of Ali as he passed by. Up in the palace, Hamed and Dalia seemed to be enjoying the festivities. Even Iago was dancing along until Jafar glared at him.

“Now try your best to stay calm. Brush off your Friday salam, then come and meet his spectacular coterie!”

He then started pushing numerous people towards Ali, causing them to pile on top of each other. As the tower of people loomed over Ali, he started shaking their hands one by one.

“Prince Ali, mighty is he, Ali Ababwa!” the man praised as the people fell on top of him. “Strong as ten regular men, definitely.”

He then shot out a stream of magic towards Ali, seemingly allowing him to pick up all the men at once and raised them over his head. The man then transformed into an elderly man, appearing at the back of the crowd.

“He faced the galloping hordes.” He turned into a little kid. “A hundred bad guys with swords.” He became a fat man with a beard. “Who sent those goons to their lords?” He asked as everyone seemed to join in. “Why Prince Ali!”

Dalia turned to Jasmine with a genuine smile on her face, though Jasmine just rolled her eyes.

“He’s got seventy five golden camels!” Some of his servants boasted.

“Purple peacocks, he’s got fifty three!” A few female servants marveled.

“When it comes to exotic type mammals,” the man belted out before turning into various animals in front of some kids. “Has he got a zoo, I’m telling you,”

“It’s a world class manajorey!” the entire ensemble proclaimed.

“Prince Ali, handsome is he, Ali Ababwa.(there’s no question this Ali’s alluring. Never ordinary, never boring.)” the man enticed, now transformed into a harem girl alongside several others, who were singing their own praises. “That physique, how can I speak, weak at my knees? (everything about the man just plain impresses.)”

As Ali flexed his muscles, they became exaggerated and well toned, much to the girls' delight.

“Well get on out in that square, (he’s a winner, he’s a whiz, a wonder!) adjust your veil and prepare, (he’s about to put my heart asunder!) to gauck and grover and stare at Prince Ali! (and I absolutely love the way he dresses!)”

Ali then blew a kiss at the girls, causing them to swoon and Jasmine to just roll her eyes in annoyance.

“He’s got ninety five white persian monkeys!”

“He’s got the monkeys!” the guards proclaimed, singing along. “Come see the monkeys!”

“And to view them, he charges no fee!”

“He’s generous. So generous!” the crowds commended as Ali tossed coins into the streets for them to collect.

“He’s got ten thousand servents and flunkies!” the ensemble continued. “Proud to work for him! Bow to his whim! Love serving him! They’re just lousy with loyalty! To Ali!”

“Prince Ali!” the man sung, joining in with the crowd. “Prince Aaaaaaa…..  We’re waiting for you! We’re not going till you go!”

Hamed turned to Jafar, who was shaking his head furiously. He then turned to Jasmine who was hesitant at first, but finally nodded. Hamed smiled and raised his hand, signaling the guards to open the gate for the parade.

“There it is!” the man let out before the parade and song resumed. “Prince Ali, amorous he, Ali Ababwa! Heard your princess was a sight, lovely to see!”

Jasmine just scoffed in response as they all made their way outside.

“And that good people is why he got dolled up and dropped by!” the man explained.

“With sixty elephants, llamma’s along with his, bears and lions, a brass band along with his, forty fakers, his cooks, his bakers, his birds that warble on key! Make way!”

Ali stood up on the elephant and took a deep breath.

For Prince Aaaliiiiiiiiiii!” the crowd concluded as Ali leapt onto the elephant’s trunk and slid down and off it, leaping into the air and landing on the ground triumphantly in front of them.

The four were quite taken aback by the all out performance that had blown away any previous grand standings performed by any of the previous princes.

“Well… that was quite the show,” Hamed commended.

“Thank you, your majesty. I am-”

“Prince Ali Ababwa,” Jasmine cut off. “Yes, we picked up on that.”

“I don’t believe I’m familiar with Ababwa,” Hamed replied. “Where is it?”

“Oh, it’s… to the north. We’re a small but lush kingdom. It’s… no surprise you haven’t heard of us.”

“It seems new countries are popping up everyday. In any case, welcome Prince Ali. This is my daughter Jasmine, her handmaiden, Dalia, and my royal vizier, Jafar.”

“Delighted, I’m sure,” Ali replied.

“Ecstatic...” Jafar said plainly. “I’m afraid Prince… Abooboo?”

“Ababwa.”

“Whatever. You can’t just parade in here, uninvited, and expect to be welcomed with open arms!”

“Relax, Jafar,” Hamed told him. “The boy is our guest, and should be treated as such.”

“I don’t trust him, Sire.”

While the two argued, Ali leaned over to the man, who was actually the Genie in disguise.

“I told you the parade was a bit much,” he hissed.

Genie didn’t seem to be paying attention, his eyes locked on Dalia. He was seemingly mesmerized by her, a lovestruck smile slowly forming on his face. Ali noticed this and decided to clear his throat, regaining everyone’s attention.

“If it pleases you, your highness, I have brought gifts from my home as a sign of good will towards you and your kingdom.”

“Of course,” Hamed allowed.

Ali smiled in response as he signaled some of his servants to come forward, carrying various treasures and delicacies the Genie had conjured up.

“I offer gold, silver, fine silks, and fresh exotic fruits for your tables. As well as jewels and other treasures from countless lands.”

Hamed looked surprised and pleased, but Jasmie just looked bored. Dalia just seemed to be sharing glances with Genie as Jafar and Iago scoffed.

“This is… impressive,” Jasmine admitted in a bored tone. “One has to wonder what you want in return for such riches.”

“You,” Ali replied before realizing his words and immediately turning pale. “I mean, not you. I mean, a chance with you. To get to know you, I mean.”

Genie leaned in.

“Al, I live in a lamp, and that is more comfortable than this situation.”

“Zip it.”

Jasmine was beyond livid by Ali’s comment.

“If you think that I would even consider entertaining-!”

“Come now, Jasmine,” Hamed told her. “Give the man a chance. Besides, if you like this one, you won’t have to marry Jafar after all.”

Ali and Genie looked over at Jafar and lurched back in disgust.

“Fine,” Jasmine relented. “Just keep one thing in mind, ‘Prince Ali’, I am not some prize to be won.”

With that, she walked off, with Dalia not far behind.

“Well, that went well,” Ali remarked.

“Be patient with her,” Hamed insisted. “She just… selective when it comes to suitors. Give her time, she’ll come around.”

Off to the side, Jafar couldn’t help but scowl al Ali, nothing but simmering hatred in his eyes.

“I believe we may have to something about Prince Abooboo.”

…

Later that night, Aladdin and Genie were in their room, trying to figure out what to do next.

“Well that was a disaster. Jasmine will barely let me talk to her. I told you the parade was a bad idea.”

“Hey, I put a lot of hard work into that parade,” Genie defended, turning back into his blue self. “Do you know how hard it is to find words that rhyme with ‘Ali’?”

“And then I had to go and say that!” Aladdin went on, burying his face in his hands. “I sounded like such a… a...”

He just let out a strangled cry before face planting on a futon. Abu, who was a monkey once again, went over to try and cheer up his friend.

“What am I gonna do?”

“Not much outside the obvious,” Genie replied.

Aladdin looked up, honestly confused. 

“The obvious?”

“You know, the best policy? Will set you free? Shrink the wooden nose? Be a straight shooter? Do I have to spell it out for you?”

“Uh… yes?”

Genie then poofed a graduation cap on his head and a blackboard with words on it. He pointed at each word with a thin wooden rod.

“Tell. her. The.” He turned the board over, revealing one massive word in bright, glowing letters. “TRUTH!”

Aladdin quickly sat up.

“What?! I can’t! If Jasmine found out I was just some crummy street rat she’d have me thrown out of the palace, or maybe back down into the dungeons!”

“Well it looks like she already wants to do those things to you now, so what have you got to lose?”

Aladdin just glared at him in response.

“Heh, if looks could kill,” Genie said nervously before acting out falling over dead with a white lily in his hand.

Aladdin just sighed.

“Look Al,” Genie sprung back up, tossing the flower aside. “All joking aside, maybe being this high and mighty prince isn’t gonna convince her. Sure I made you a prince on the outside, but I didn’t change anything on the inside. Ali may have gotten you to the door, but Aladdin has to be the one to open it.”

“Hey, Aladdin is the last person I wanna be right now.” Aladdin got to his feet, beginning to pace around. “Okay, just focus. I need a plan.”

He grabbed his turban, looking it over. He then glanced over at the balcony to Jasmine’s room, an idea coming to him.

“I just need to talk to her alone. If only there was some way of distracting her handmaiden.”

“Yeah, she is distracting.” Genie replied.

Aladdin picked up on what he said and smiled. 

“Oh, so you like her handmaiden?”

“Al, let me tell you something. Do you have any idea how many chances I get to interact with beautiful women outside of the whole ‘Three Wishes’ game?”

“I’m guessing not many.”

Genie summoned a bell, ringing it three times as a golden trophy suddenly appeared in Aladdin’s hand.

“Ding, ding, ding, give that boy a trophy!” He declared before dispelling it all and becoming serious again. “Seriously, she is so gorgeous, I almost thought SHE was the Princess.”

“Then you wouldn’t be opposed to keeping her company while I talk to Jasmine then.”

Genie was in his human disguise in an instant, straightening his shirt and slicking back his topknot.

“Do we need the topknot?” Aladdin asked.

“Don’t diss the do, Al. Now, how do I approach this? What do I say?” He gasped. “What do I tell her if she asks about me? I can’t tell her I’m a genie.”

He poofed on a pair of googly eyes and started talking with his tongue sticking out.

“Hi, I’m Genie, a phenomenal cosmic entity bound to serve Prince Ali until he makes three wishes!” He got rid of the eyes and looked panicked. “What do I tell her?!”

“Relax. Just tell her you’re my servant. It’s technically not a lie, but also not the whole truth.”

“And what about if she asks my name? I mean come on.”

He transformed into a blonde woman in a pink dancers outfit, translucent silk circling under her chin.

“I’m pretty sure this wouldn’t fit her tastes,” She insisted before reverting to Genie’s human form.

“Ok, so we give you a human name. How about Azim?”

Genie stuck out his tongue, his face turning green.

“Okay, okay. Maybe… Jabari?”

“I don’t think that fits me.”

“Well, what about Babcack? He was a good friend of mine back in the day.”

“Nah, feels a bit second hand,” Genie replied, forming two hands on his wrist. “No offense.”

“It’s fine. How about… Nasir?’

“Nasir… I like it.”

“Perfect! So, you go woo the handmaiden, while I try and win the princess.”

“Ok,” Genie agreed before turning into a bee and flying up to his face. “But remember, beeeee yourself.”

He then shot off into the sky towards Jasmine’s room.

…

Inside Jasmine’s chamber, Jasmine and Dalia were talking about Prince Ali’s arrival. The princess was pacing across the rug, still fuming with rage.

“Unbelievable! The gaul of that prince. Addressing me like that and trying to buy me off with those gifts. Am I nothing more than another prize for him?”

“He didn’t seem that bad compared to the others,” Dalia commented. “Plus, his friend seemed quite charming.”

Jasmine looked over at Dalia in surprise.

“His manservant? I never thought you would take a fancy to anyone.”

“It’s not that surprising. I’ve never seen anyone quite like-”

A knock on the door cut her off. Jasmine rolled her eyes, assuming it was Ali again. Dalia gave the Princess a reassuring nod, walking over to the door and opening it. To the surprise of both of them, it was not Prince Ali, but rather his manservant standing in the doorway.

“Hello,” Dalia greeted civilly, her face neutral.

“Hello. My name is Nasir. I came in with Prince Ali.”

“Yes, I saw. You were leading that… surprisingly extravagant parade.”

“Yeah, in retrospect, it might’ve been a bit much.”

“Indeed. Now, if you are here for the Princess, please inform your master that she is not accepting visitors at this time.”

Jasmine shot her grateful look from out of view of the door.

“Uh, actually I came here to see you.”

That seemed to make Dalia pause and even Jasmine stopped for a moment. After a second, Dalia cleared her throat.

“Please give me a moment,” she requested.

She then closed the door, silently celebrating with a big grin as Jasmine urged her to keep going. She opened the door once more, her neutral expression and tone back.

“How can I help you?”

“A stroll. I mean, would you like to go with me? On one. A stroll that is.”

“You wish to go on a stroll with me? Why?”

“Because you seem like a lovely person that I would like to get to know.”

Dalia was silent, then began closing the door a second time.

“One moment please.”

Once the door was closed, she did a silent happy dance, Jasmine grinning widely and ushering her to go. Dalia grabbed her headdress, slipped it on, then opened the door once more.

“I will gladly accept your invitation for a stroll.”

“Great! Though I’ve...never actually went on one of these.”

“Neither have I. Though I hear the royal gardens are quite beautiful this time of night.”

“Then let’s go,” Nasir decided, holding his arm out.

She took the offered arm, the two walking off as Jasmine moved to close the door. She sighed, leaning against it.

“At least one of us is enjoying themselves,” she muttered.

“Hopefully, so will you,” A voice encouraged.

Jasmine whipped around to see Prince Ali standing on the balcony.

“How did you get up here?”

“Uh… magic carpet?”

Jasmine’s gaze hardened.

“Rajah, get rid of him.”

Ali heard a growl as Rajah came stalking out from behind some silk curtains. Ali stumbled back, trying to get some distance between him and the tiger. Rajah stalked closer, sniffing at Ali. He places a paw on Ali, pinning him down before licking him across the face once. Jasmine was honestly surprised by the tiger’s leniency towards him.

“Rajah never likes any of the princes that have come to this castle. Just who are you?”

“Uh, Prince Ali Ababwa. Who else could I be?”

Jasmine rolled her eyes.

“Right. Listen, I am not in the mood to deal with you, so leave now.”

“Wait, look, I’m sorry about earlier. The whole precession and everything, I just… wanted to make a good impression. But I can see now I was just trying too hard.”

“That’s one way to describe it.”

“Look, just give me another chance, please? I just want to get to know you.”

Jasmine looked at Ali, then over at Rajah. With a sigh, she relented.

“Very well.”

She pulled Rajah back, allowing Ali to stand up, smooth out his clothes and straighten out his turban. 

“Thank you. So…” He looked around trying to think of a topic of conversation, before noticing the large supply of books she owned. “You have a lot of books. I mean… you seem very well read.”

“Thank you…” Jasmine responded coyly. “Actually, I was going over my maps, trying to find Ababwa. Strangely enough, I can’t find it. Perhaps you would be so kind as to point it out to me.”

A wave of nervousness washed over Ali

“Oh ... of course.”

Ali walked over to Jasmine, muttering something under his breath.

“Genie, Ababwa.”

“What was that?” Jasmine asked.

“Nothing!” Ali quickly spoke. “Nothing, I assure you.”

He then went over to the map and began looking it over.

…

Out in the gardens, Nasir and Dalia were enjoying their nightly stroll and each others company.

“You were right about these gardens,” Nasir confirmed. “They are beautiful. You know, I don’t usually get to see something so lovely, much less with company as pleasant as you.

“Your service to Prince Ali must be very constricting.”

“Actually, compared to my previous masters, he’s pretty lenient.”

As Nasir said this, Ali’s voice rang in his ears.

“Genie, Ababwa.”

Nasir quickly fiddled his fingers and magic sparked out.

“Anyway, what about you?” Nasir inquired. “Serving a princess in a palace like this must be quite the chore.”

“The Princess is like a sister to me,” Dalia admitted. “Although, I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to see more of the world outside of Agrabah. It’s always been my dream to own a small boat and sail across the oceans. A loving husband by my side, and two children. Someone I can regale with stories of my adventures.”

“Sounds like a wonderful dream. Maybe it’ll come true someday.”

“I truly hope so.”

…

After a bit of waiting, a small drawing of the genie appeared on the map. It waved at Ali before snapping its fingers, summoning a scroll. On the scroll, it read “Tell her the truth!”. The genie drawing pointed at the scroll, grinning widely.

“Just put Ababwa there,” Ali whispered harshly.

Genie just rolled his eyes as he poofed up an illustration of a kingdom. Much to Ali’s annoyance, the label beneath it read “La-La-Land”.

“Genie...”

Genie shrugged before changing the label to “Ababwa”.

“Having trouble finding your country?” Jasmine inquired.

“No, in fact I just did.” Ali showed her the map. “It’s right there.”

She took a look, blinking as she took the map.

“How is that... ? I’ve studied these maps for years. How could I miss an entire kingdom?”

“It’s no fault on your part,” Ali reassured. “Ababwa is known for keeping to itself. I can’t remember the last time we had visitors.”

“I suppose…”

“So, you said you’ve been studying these maps for years?” Ali inquired, subconsciously wanting to change the subject.

“They’re my only connection to the outside world. My only link to life beyond the palace gates.”

“I thought a princess could go wherever she wanted.”

“Not this princess. Ever since my mother died, my father won’t let me out of his sight.”

“That’s… that’s terrible. You should be able to see these places. Go to these lands.”

Just then, a thought entered Ali’s mind.

“In fact… why don’t we? Tonight.”

“Tonight?” Jasmine repeated in surprise. “Are you sure? Where would we go?”

“Anywhere we wanted,” Ali replied, heading to the balcony. “Sometimes Princess, to follow your heart's desires, it takes a leap of faith.”

With that, he leapt over the side of the balcony, much to Jamine’s shock.

“No!”

“What? What?” Ali let out, popping his head back up.

Jasmine gasped in shock.

“How- how are you doing that?”

“Like I said, magic carpet,” Ali explained as the carpet flew up towards her. “What do you think?”

“It’s beautiful.” 

Jasmine ran her hand along Carpet’s edge, causing the sentient rug to bend into her hand. He then took her hand in his tassel as if bowing to her.

“So, what do you say?” Ali offered. “We can get out of the palace. See the world.”

“I don’t know...” Jasmine admitted nervously. “Is it safe?”

“Well sure, do you trust me?”

His choice of words caused Jasmine’s breath to hitch. She looked up at Ali, as if seeing him in a different light.

“What?”

“Do you trust me?” Ali repeated, holding out his hand to her.

Jasmine looked down at his hand before a smile graced her face.

“Yes,” she told him, taking his hand.

Ali pulled Jasmine up onto the carpet, making sure she was securely on it before taking off. They soared into the air, rising further and further over the city, much to Jasmine’s amazement. Ali saw her awe and couldn’t help but smile.

“I can show you the world. Shining, shimmering, splendid.”

The carpet swooped by a nearby rooftop and picked up a flower before giving it to Ali, who in turn gave it to Jasmine.

“Tell me princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?” Ali asked as Jasmine took the flower and smelled it. “I can open your eyes. Take you wonder by wonder. Over, sideways, and under, on a magic carpet ride.”

The carpet flew higher and higher, until they reached the cloud line and the city was all but out of sight.

“A whole new world! A new fantastic point of view. No one to tell us no, or where to go, or say we’re only dreaming.”

“A whole new world!” Jasmine joined in. “ A dazzling place I never knew. But when I’m way up here, it’s crystal clear. And now I’m in a whole new world with you. ”

Now I’m in a whole new world!” Aladdin added as the carpet spiraled around a cloud before taking off once again.

“Unbelievable sights!” Jasmine belted as they flew alongside a flock of birds. Indescribable feelings!”

The carpet then spiraled and flipped through the night sky, forcing them to hang on tight.

“Soaring, toppling, free wheeling, through an endless diamond sky! A whole new world!”

“Don’t you dare close your eyes!” Ali told her, taking hold of her hands.

“A hundred thousand things to see,” Jasmine went on as the carpet descended.

“Hold your breath, it gets better,” Ali promised as the carpet leveled out and glided across a river flowing through a canyon.

“I’m like a shooting star, I’ve come so far, and I can’t go back to where I used to be!”

“A whole new world!” Ali let out as they came out of the canyon as a pack of horses rode by.

“Every turn a surprise!” Jasmine marvelled.

“With new horizons to pursue!” Ali promised. 

“Every moment gets better,” Jasmine let out, a wide smile on her face as she brushed the mane of one of the horses.

“I’ll chase them anywhere! There’s time to spare!” they both sang in unison, looking at each other lovingly. “Let me share this whole new world with you.”

The two flew through an apple orchard, inspiring Ali to grab an apple and give to Jasmine in a similar fashion to how he did back in his old hideout.

“A whole new world,” Ali let out.

“A whole new world,” Jasmine repeated, giving Ali a coy look.

“That’s where we’ll be.”

“That’s where we’ll be.”

“A thrilling chase,” Ali promised

“A wondrous place,” Jasmine imagined.

“For you and me.” the two finished in unison, passing through the night.

…

Not too long after, the two were sitting on Carpet overlooking Agrabah. Down below, some of the people were dancing around a fire, much to Jasmine’s amazement.

“You know, we’ve seen a lot of wonderful things tonight,” Jasmine told him. “But this might be my favorite.”

“The view is pretty amazing.”

Jasmine got a sly grin on her face, then she pointed off into the distance.

“Hey, it’s Abu!”

“You sure? I figured he’d be staying back at-”

Upon realizing what he had said, he went wide eyed and turned to Jasmine.

“Uh, that is…” He tried to excuse before realizing it was no good. “Ugh… how long did you know?”

“I had my suspicions when Rajah accepted you. Your little ‘Do you trust me’ and the apple trick sealed the deal. Still… I can’t believe it’s actually you. I thought Jafar had you beheaded for kidnapping me.”

Ali began to panic, struggling to figure out what to say.

“He… was about to. But… when he found out who I was, he let me go. Guess he didn’t want to start a war or something.”

“Then why lie to my father and risk his own execution?”

“No doubt he wanted to… give the Sultan plausible deniability. He wouldn’t have known what happened, and thus free of guilt should… y’know...”

“Should you come back. But how did you know the city so well? And why say you lived on the streets your whole life?”

Ali was really beginning to panic, Carpet flicking him with its tassels as if to tell him to come clean. Still, Ali kept it up.

“I came to Agrabah early to try and learn about you. You learn a lot about someone if you see how they treat even a lowly street rat.”

The carpet just sagged in defeat.

“Then… the things you said about your mother and father?”

Ali became serious.

“That much was true. I could never lie about them.”

“So your father just left you to rule over your entire kingdom alone?”

“Yeah, and it can be overwhelming. That’s why I sometimes dress as a commoner. To escape the pressures of palace life. You can understand that, right?”

Jasmine sighed.

“All too well,” she answered, leaning on his shoulder.

…

Later, Carpet flew them back to the palace. After stopping above the balcony, Carpet formed a set of steps that allowed Jasmine to walk off of. She landed on her balcony, turning back to Ali with a smile.

“Thank you for this,” she told him. “I can’t remember the last time I felt so… alive.”

“Happy to provide. Will I see you again?”

“I don’t see why not.”

The two just stared at each other for what seemed like forever, until Carpet elevated Ali right up to Jasmine, kissing her. The two shared in the kiss for a few moments before Jasmine finally pulled away and went back inside, but not before giving Ali one last smile. Once she disappeared from sight, Ali let out a quiet cheer, falling back on Carpet as it carried him over to his own balcony. As he entered his room, Genie burst in with the biggest grin on his face.

“Al, I had the most wonderful night!” He proclaimed.

“Couldn’t have been half as amazing as mine,” Ali told him as Carpet deposited him onto the bed.

“I know how you feel,” Genie replied. “When you feel lighter than air.”

“Yeah,” Aladdin agreed.

“When the world's problems seem to melt away.”

“Yeah.”

“And when the pigs play croquet with the stars!”

“Ye- wait what?” Aladdin let out, sitting up slightly.

“Well, you can’t see them, they’re out in space. But you get my point.”

“Right,” Aladdin replied before collapsing onto his bed. “All I know is for the first time in my life, things are starting to go right.”

As he nodded off, a familiar parrot was perched across the garden, looking in on Ali’s room.

“Ooh, Jafar’s gonna love this,” Iago remarked, flying off.