Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a rare night for the streets to be completely empty. Agrabah usually has some people awake and running some around as traveling store keepers. Jafar noticed that not many lights were on as he walked the streets.

He wasn't sure if it was luck or a miracle for something like this to happen the one night he decided to go out. And for a particular reason too. It was probably fate. But it may not last long.

From the information he gathered, the building that contained what he needed was around one of the west blocks of the city, near the palace. He had to climb a long number of stairs and cross some section between two roofs. It was very tiring, but he was able to finally reach the place that his prize would be in. And that prize was there. A small boy, possibly no less than ten years old. His hair and skin were a bit sandy, so he definitely didn't get cleaned up.

The boy only wore a purple vest and baggy pants as an attire. No shoes at all. Another thing was how small he was trying to be by wrapping himself by his arms while he sat there, sobbing for some reason. It was almost a pitiful sight to behold.

"Child, why are you crying?"

The young boy looked up to see who said that. When noticing Jafar, he wiped his eyes off the tears as if trying to hide away evidence. "I'm not crying."

Of course, Jafar knew that wasn't the truth. He had to learn about lies and truth, and how to both twist and identify them. "I know when someone lies to me, now tell me why you were crying?"

The boy lowered his head when the question was finished. More tears started to flow more as he tried to speak. "My, my momma...I still miss her*hic*. But she's never coming back. Just like papa did years ago."

That was something Jafar never thought would happen. He was anticipating some pay he would make in regards with his parens.

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Losing a parental figure at a young age does hurt. I too, lost someone important to me around your age." Jafar said. It was not really a lie. He could remember that feeling, but he had to move on anyway. But then a thought came into his mind. "If I remember, if you don't have a parent to take care of you, the authorities send you away." It was not really true, he had seen children roaming around without recorded guardians, but he could tell that the boy would believe it at that age.

And it sure worked well, for the boy looked a bit scared and also angry. "They can try all they want. I'm not letting them."

"I'm afraid that they have the chance and strength to do so." Jafar said. This was getting easier than he anticipated. "However, there is another alternative to your future. I came all this way just for you after all."

Jafar extended his hand to the boy, who looked at it very curiously. Jafar instantly realized that there was another thing he needed to ask. "Almost forgot, I didn't quite catch your name."

The boy eyed Jafar as if trying to at least make some sense of this predicament. Jafar was starting to get a little impatient about this, since he is on a timed schedule.

"It's Aladdin."

Chapter Text

The bustling market was just as it was...bustling...with people with the need of shopping for some things. Even people of the lower class was there as well.

One particular person was not on the ground, but rather up on the roofs.

A male, possibly in his early adulthood, was watching the markets up on the rooftop of a building. With only a simple purple vest and white pants, he had the capability to blend in with the crowd, and yet he preferred to simply be up in the roofs for many reasons. His name was Aladdin.

One of them being that it is better to see what was going on. He could see various people of different physiques and style. The high and middle class that did their tasks, with a few royal guards added into the mix. That was his target. They were talking about something involving what was going on in the palace. They were talking loud, mostly in a tone of complaining about something. Aladdin made sure that he remembered what they were saying, having a powerful memory was something he was created with and needed for this.

As he looked up at the sky to see its changing from light to dark colors, he got up and dusted some sand off of his pants. It was time to go. He treaded through getting down from the roof like it was easy, using the awning to slide off without sustaining an injury while carefully using windows when he needed to climb down. The guards did notice him as he walked by, but Aladdin was better than them. He was built to be tricky.

When they turned away to notice something else, he simply grabbed a roll of bread. Walking really fast was a hassle, but it did the job as he made sure to get to where he needed to go on time and without no one watching. At a small curb, he carefully treaded through a series of paths and hallways he had to memorize all the time. The door was made of stone and a bit hard to move by the way.

He could see who was sitting on one of the most used pillows writing something down and simply let that person know of his presence by kneeling for his master, Jafar. Even though his master prefers for Aladdin not to use his name, the boy still knows it anyway from people having conversations with his master even though Aladdin was forced to hide his presence, but he still learned about hearing. And to keep his mouth shut.

"Good to see you returned safe and sound." He said instantly. The tone of his voice was stern with no surprise or happiness, but Aladdin was used to it anyhow. "What goes in the market today?"

At those words, Aladdin stood up and only took a couple of steps forward. His master didn't enjoy being interrupted outside of himself, including towards his own creations.

"There's a new stall that has something called fish. Some of the palace guards are also getting items for some selected dinners. From what I heard by their chatting to each other, it's for guests from other kingdoms."

Aladdin's master stopped writing whatever what was on it. "I was wondering about that. Looks like another trading treaty." Jafar said. He put down the quill put down his quill and brought out his snake staff he always carried around wherever he went, standing up and walking to another part of the room. This was usually the part Aladdin didn't know if it would be safe to say.

"Um, Master, there is something I thought would..."

At that moment, Jafar slammed the end of his staff hard enough for it be heard very loud. This got Aladdin to flinch, since he was familiar with what Jafar would start to say whenever his staff made that kind of sound on the ground.

"Are you trying to make a dangerous suggestion out of the blue?"

Aladdin could feel his bones tense inside his body. He raised his arms up a bit in a showing of physical defense, but it would only do so little.

"No! Nothing like that. I was just thinking about..."

"Something that may backfire and put us in danger. They could either take you away from me and tear you apart or simply get us killed in an instant without trial. What would you do without me supporting you, when I have been taking care of you after creating you those years ago."

At that statement, Aladdin lowered his head. Of course, he owed the man his life for making him. But he didn't need to say that every time Aladdin tried to do something.

"I'm sorry, Master."

Jafar looked at him as he raised his hand. Aladdin almost wanted to flinch, but the ruffling of his hair made him lower his guard and look up.

"I forgive you. Just remember not to be that careless in the future." Jafar said. "Dinner would be made in a few minutes."

Aladdin slightly smiled and watched as Jafar went off, having Aladdin the whole room to himself. But he simply went to his nightly resting place. It was a nice area where the moonlight reached close to one of the corners of the room. At least he had some company during the lonely nights.

Chapter Text

Aladdin's eyes wanted to water due to how bright the sun was. This was not what he wanted to wake up to in the morning. Not after having that weird dream about some golden bug taking him to an oasis.

The dream wasn't important right now, as Aladdin had a job from his master. Just steal one jewelry piece from a person before dinner time. And of course to not get caught doing it. A small review of his tricks in thievery. Aladdin never really considered why his master would make him steal trinkets that would be thrown away later other than for crafting skills of thievery. If anything, it made Aladdin feel bad that he was stealing of value other than food because at least food would be used to survive. Still, it was what Jafar wanted, so there was no choice.

Aladdin looked from his usual building top. That way, he would be able to find the most suitable target to choose. And it was a toughie, because there were a lot of people with multiple jewelry to take from, not to mention that they way they act, it would be easy to have them not care if one goes missing. And the job wasn't that very specific.

Still, Aladdin decided on one eventually, a simple pick just because there was not much time to choose anyway. He hopped from his spot back to the ground and walked like nothing was going to happen up to a group of colorful clothed ladies. He carefully pulled off a blanket from a hanger while no one was watching and wrapped it around him, making him look even more like a lady. He didn't come over to the stall with them, just to act like he had no interest in them. Just as they were leaving, Aladdin walked past them, letting him bump into one of them. At first, the target was confounded by what happened, but as she saw only Aladdin's eyes since he blocked the rest of his face, she was unfazed. In fact, she was more insulted that someone ran into her. What she didn't know was that Aladdin had just picked up one of her loose deluxe bracelets and hid it when they left. It was one of the many tricks Aladdin picked up from both his Master and on the streets. He wasn't proud of it, but he couldn't say that out loud.

As he walked through the market, he could see his favorite stall full of fruit and bread. His master only ordered him what to take and not get caught, but he never told Aladdin what to only steal. As much as his master would dissuade Aladdin from going outside the position of his secret servant, the market place was a nice place for Aladdin to think for himself. Aladdin hid the bracelet before he dropped the cloak, letting a bit of wind make it fly around and hit near the stall. The stall owner noticed this and left his area in irritation as he went to fix the situation. All the time needed for Aladdin to swipe a small loaf of bread and leaving without being seen.

It was a simple peak at an alleyway that made him stop in his tracks. In the alleyway were two kids, possibly half his own age, were looking through obviously empty baskets. He didn't need to ask what they were looking for. For some reason, he could relate to the suffering they were enduring. Without any doubt, Aladdin walked over and extended out the hand that held the bread.

"Here, you need this more than me," Aladdin whispered. The two kids smiled at his and accepted the bread. Aladdin let them go farther before he left the alleyway himself. He was very proud of that action, since they needed that bread more than him.

"Excuse me. You in the purple vest."

Aladdin turned around at the notice of the voice. That was when he noticed someone there. While covered in a cloak that blended with the ground and sand, the face revealed a woman. She looked around his age, but he wasn't sure himself.

"Hello. I'm sorry to bother you, but I noticed what you secretly did back there."

Aladdin tried to feel like he didn't shake or get goosebumps, but his heart felt like dropping. Did she meant that she saw him commit theft? Would that mean he would get caught after all this time?

"You...saw me?"

The lady nodded. "I just wanted to say that you did the right thing for helping those kids. From what I've seen, most of these people turn a blind eye on those two. That is something I noticed a lot in this area. It's hard to earn a lot in this area."

The way she was whispering, it was like she was paranoid even when not near a crowd. But Aladdin felt himself calm since now nothing bad was going to happen. Aladdin didn't get a chance to say any more before she sprinted off. As much as he was confused on why she would talk to him, he was a bit more confused on how she was acting like she was on borrowed time. Then again, Aladdin didn't realize that a bit of time had passed, so he decided to head back.

Taking the usual secret entrance, staying out of sight, Aladdin clutched the bracelet in his hands, his mind still back to that lady's conversation. He felt connected with that girl, he wasn't sure why, but something got his heart beating this much. He didn't realize that his head was in the clouds when he reached the already open door, and he had no idea that it was already open at all.

"About time you came back," a screech called out. Aladdin dropped his thoughts the moment he heard that annoying parrot's voice. Iago flew over, but he never landed anywhere. Aladdin never like that Iago might land on his head in annoyance.

"Please leave me alone. I have to report to Master now."

"Oh sure, go on your day doing dog work. He wants to see you right now anyway. He's in a way better mood than last week," Iago said before he flew back to where he came from. Why the parrot said gave Aladdin a feeling of unease, because it was rare for Master to be in such a mood, especially with the job that he doesn't tell Aladdin about.

Jafar was at his table, talking to himself. He seemed to have been looking at a few things and was muttering words that Aladdin couldn't hear. Aladdin was getting a little nervous, but he went and kneeled since he had to.

"Is that you, boy?" Jafar asked.

"It..It is I, Aladdin, Master," Aladdin said. Jafar always had him that when he had to reveal himself, which he wasn't sure why.

"My dear boy," Jafar said. He sounded very happy. That is somewhat unusual, or at least that is what Iago had explained. Even as he noticed what was in Aladdin's hands that the boy brought. Jafar used his staff to lift Aladdin's chin so that there would be eye contact between the two.

"It's time."

Chapter Text

Aladdin had never been outside of Agrabah before, especially this late at night. and he certainly had never set foot on a lot of sand before. It was rough, course, and was getting much on his feet. Jafar, on the other hand, had a horse to ride on.

It wasn't until another person on a horse came over. When the person got off the horse, Aladdin could see that his height was to the horses' legs and was mostly in rags.

"You are late, Gazeem," Jafar said. His tone was full of impatient anger. Aladdin rarely saw that look much.

"A thousand apologies, oh patient one," the stranger, Gazeem, said.

"You have it, then?" Jafar asked.

"I had to slit a few throats, but I got it," Gazeem replied back as he pulled out something from his coat. Aladdin felt sick to his stomach of what the newcomer said, but the feeling was washed away by what he was holding. It looked like half of a scarab, a golden scarab at that. Aladdin felt...entranced by the scarab, as if even half of it was calling out to him without saying much of a word.

Just as Jafar was about to grab for it, Gazeem pulled it away with a smile. "Uh-uh-uh, the treasure," Gazeem said. However, Iago swooped over and snatched the piece from him.

"Trust me, my pungent friend. You'll get what's coming to you," Jafar said. The entrancing feeling became even more stronger when he noticed that Jafar brought out another one that looked like it would fit with the other.

As soon as Jafar connected them, the scarab glowed in bright gold and was fluttering it wings, not to mention it gave Aladdin a skipped heartbeat. The scarab left Jafar's hands and flew around Aladdin just once before it flew off in one direction.

"Quickly! Follow the trail!" Jafar ordered. Both men on their horses and Aladdin dashed to where the scarab was heading. To be honest, Aladdin was trying his best to catch up with two horses and a fast flying scarab. It finally reached a pile of sand, splitting into two as if acting as eyes. That was when the pile of sand rose from the ground, scaring the horses into running away. The three men watched the sand pile become more of a giant tiger like head with teeth and light in its open mouth.

"After all my years of searching...The Cave of Wonders!" Jafar said in joy. Gazeem was more into shock, Aladdin, however, was entranced. He was still able to snap out of it, as when Jafar called him over.

"Remember everything I taught you, now this is where the real job happens," His master said without even looking at him. Aladdin nodded and treaded further to the Cave. He was able to see that the sand had made the tongue part become stairs, which disturbed him a bit, but he couldn't think of that. The moment he touched a foot on the inside, the whole cave moved on its own.

"Who dares disturb my slumber?!" The Cave asked. It's voice boomed loud like it was calling throughout the whole desert. Aladdin had to keep himself calm not to be scared by it.

"It is I, Aladdin!" Aladdin said. The Cave's eyes looked at him as if checking who he is.

"Proceed. Touch nothing but the lamp!" And with that, it opened it mouths in acceptance.

"Remember what it said, my boy!" Jafar called from afar. Aladdin nodded once more and advanced further down into the cave. Much of that entrancing feeling he got seemed to have been fading away. Once Aladdin entered the next room, he had to make sure not to drop his mouth. The next room was full of gold and treasure that could make any street rat rich and go into retirement. Aladdin didn't feel any liking for such riches, but even he was surprised how much was in this room. Still, he had his orders so he'll leave all this alone.

As Aladdin tread further, he felt like there was something was trailing or even observing him, which was weird since he was alone here. As he looked back to see if his hunch was right. There was no one there. And it kept happening. Finally, Aladdin stopped in his tracks, hoping to let the stalker let its guard down before turning his back. That was when it turned out that the something that was following him actually was a living something that flew to a nearby pile to hide itself.

"You're...a magic carpet!" Aladdin said. The carpet itself tilted itself as if replicating tilting a head in curiosity.

"It's ok, I won't hurt you," Aladdin assured it. The carpet came over, floating off the ground with ease, using its front tassels like hands.

"You..want to be friends?" Aladdin asked. He wasn't sure how or why, but he could understand the emotions that the carpet was displaying and make it into words. And the carpet acted like it was nodding to that. Aladdin could see how longing for a friend it was, being lonely with no one considering there to talk with you.

"Of course we can be friends," Aladdin said. The carpet jumped in joy and used one of its front tassels as a hand to shake Aladdin's. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Carpet. I'm Aladdin. I'm just looking for a lamp."

At the mention of the lamp, Carpet floated in response and went ahead towards the path.

"Oh, you want me to follow you, well ok," Aladdin said, following his new friend.