Chapter Text
If you had told Mozenrath that Aladdin was his long-lost brother on his biological father’s side whom he’ll be traveling with while on the run, Mozenrath would probably laughed in your face before he angrily demanded you leave from his side before he turns you into a mamluk. But Mozenrath couldn’t believe it. Although, it did take a few weeks for him to adjust to his new life while he’s in the company of another human being. Before he defeated Destane and became the new ruler, he turned everyone else into mamluks. Leaving him as the only living being in a dead land and surrounded by reanimated corpses. Mozenrath thought he was content with living that way of life. Even when the gauntlet ate his arm. But now, he was traveling with Cassim and was living as a thief. But it wasn’t all that bad. Mozenrath still felt awkward about referring to him as ‘Father’, so he settled on calling him ‘Old Man’. What was nice is that Cassim wasn’t the type to demand respect like Destane. Although Cassim would try to put him in his place that way, Mozenrath isn’t as disrespectful towards others. He explained that if he was kinder to others, then they’ll respect him. On the first night together, Mozenrath didn’t like the idea of sleeping on the ground, especially on the sand dunes. Not to mention the fact that they’re out in the open and vulnerable to any passing mugger. But what did he expect? They were outlaws. Plus, Agrabah wasn’t the only place that Mozenrath attacked. Cassim came up with a system that worked…after it took getting used to. One person would stand guard while the others sleep for an hour or two. Then the next person would take the next shift and so on. At least the training managed to tired him out enough for him to sleep until it was time for his shift before he woke Xerxes up to take over the next shift and resume his sleep throughout the night. But he had his daggers next to him just in case. The next morning, Mozenrath was rudely awakened by the sunrise.
“Morning, son.” Cassim greeted him in an almost chipper manner which annoyed Mozenrath so much that he wanted to blast at him. Mozenrath had no choice but to grumble under his breath.
“Sorry your beauty sleep was interrupted.” Iago said.
Mozenrath sat up and began to stretch before he got up to walk over to his horse. “So, what’s the plan, Old Man?”
“We ride on.”
“And?”
“Get supplies from a town we’ll hopefully come across.”
“That’s it?! Oh yes, what a genius plan!” Mozenrath sarcastically replied as he rolled his eyes.
“We shouldn’t be too far.”
“We’re in the middle of nowhere!”
“Unless you rather stop by Alynthi?” Cassim suggested.
Mozenrath silently debated on his options. They were outlaws, so if they needed supplies from one place, it'd be from there. But he didn’t really feel comfortable with the residents. They always referred to him as Morgiana’s son and were too welcoming. Finally, he made a decision. “If we temporarily set up camp a mile from Alynthi, you can run into town and get supplies.”
Cassim knew that he was trying to avoid going into Alynthi but he wasn’t going to push him into going if he didn’t want to. Cassim signed. “Alright, sounds like a plan.”
They rode off to the direction of Alynthi. After Mozenrath set up camp, Cassim went into Alynthi and got supplies. Later that day, Cassim was training Mozenrath to make sure that he wasn’t getting rusty. Mozenrath wasn’t crazy about hand to hand combat but at least he was allowed to use magic this time. They stopped to eat lunch. During this, they began to chat.
“You know, if I had known that you existed, I’d steal you away from Destane.” Cassim smirked.
“That’s if he didn’t kill you first. But I’m sorry. I simply can’t picture myself living among the Forty Thieves. Let alone being raised by you. Besides, I’m certain that children aren’t allowed. Even if you tried to bend the rules a little, you’d just straight up break them and then end up being betrayed by Sa’Luk a lot sooner.” Mozenrath smirked.
“I suppose you’re right. The Forty Thieves was no place for children.” Cassim sighed.
“Don’t fret, Old Man. You’ll be surprised what I can live through. It was either putting up with Destane or living on the streets. And I’m certain that Destane would hunt me down. As far as I was concerned, fathers existed to hurt their children.” Mozenrath shrugged.
“Only bad fathers do that.” Cassim grimaced.
Mozenrath took a bite of some bread. He thought carefully about his next words as he chewed. After he swallowed, he spoke. “Destane did teach me a few lessons about life. One, don’t make promises you can’t keep. Two, don’t apologize for your actions. And finally, don’t trust anyone. Despite all his faults, he was the only father figure I had. But I suppose anyone replacing Destane would be somewhat of an improvement.”
“So, you’re saying that I’m an improvement?”
“You’re…decent.”
Cassim smirked before he turned to Iago sitting on his shoulder. “Did you hear that? My son thinks that I’m a decent improvement compared to Destane!”
Mozenrath couldn’t help but smile as he rolled his eyes. “Get over yourself, Old Man!”
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For the next two weeks, they stayed at a hotel in Ganastan where Prince Achmed ruled. Mozenrath had been given magical items by Cassim from Alynthi to replace some of his previous ones that were lost in the volcanic eruption. As long as they were light enough for travel. Mozenrath loved collecting almost as much as Cassim did. And stealing from the ungrateful rich does have its perks. Like pulling this one scam that Cassim learned as a child. Where Mozenrath would use his sand magic to halt a wealthy trader’s caravan that was pulled by several camels and made himself look like he was hit by accident and Cassim would impersonate a Royal Guard to intimidate the trader into giving up all of his money to him. But of course, Cassim would make both Mozenrath and Iago share the fortune with those who couldn’t afford any luxuries. This habit, while annoying, paid off as Mozenrath gave a small bag of money to a couple of children who were both very hungry for a loaf of bread. Cassim congratulated him for his improved morality and even rewarded him with a golden dangling earring. He explained that it was considered a family tradition as a coming of age. Although the piercing process was painful, it was tolerable. Then Cassim lured Mozenrath towards the servant entrance of the palace.
“Where are we going?”
“To work as usual.”
“What if we get caught?”
“Just pretend that you work here. If you believe it, they will too.” Cassim explained before he picked up a mop and a bucket. “Look, we’re cleaners.”
Mozenrath wasn’t sure but decided to go along with this as it was an obvious cover for them to rob the spoiled Prince Achmed blind. And they did. They managed to steal as many valuables as possible for the next few days. When they were raiding Prince Achmed’s room, there was a huge portrait of the Prince himself. Mozenrath looked at a bottle of ink before looking back at the portrait with a sinister mischievous grin on his face. He magically summoned a quill and began writing “Tiger Fucker” on the portrait. Cassim noticed and tried desperately not to laugh but failed.
“HAHA!! Your sense of humor is most amusing!” Cassim chuckled.
Just then, they were caught by none other than Prince Achmed!
“GUARDS!! These two are thieves!”
Both Cassim and Mozenrath knew that they had to bail. But as they ran down the hallway, the two along with Iago and Xerxes began chanting “Tiger Fucker”! Which prompted Prince Achmed as he shoved a scoop of chocolate ice cream into his mouth. One of the guards comforted him as he patted him on his back.
“I DID NOT FUCK A TIGER!!”
By using his black sand magic to teleport them back to their hotel room. Mozenrath and Cassim knew that despite getting ahead of the guards, they only had minutes to pack everything and then get out before the guards showed up. But as they pack, Cassim attempts to lift a big, heavy bag of riches -
“OW! My back!”
Followed by a sickening crack. Mozenrath winced as he couldn’t believe their luck! Mozenrath’s eyes darted around the room and spotted herbs along with items close by. He immediately got to work on a healing potion.
“Uh kid, now’s not the time to experiment.” Iago pointed out nervously.
“Iago, if you’re so worried, make yourself useful and stand guard!” Mozenrath snapped as he began mixing things together.
“Yeah, yeah,” Then Iago began mimicking his voice. “Go stand and watch, you stupid parrot, while I blow our cover with my stupid nerdy feminine boy habits.”
Mozenrath wanted to fry this damn bird but there’ll be time for that later. Mozenrath finished the potion and gave it to Cassim who accepted it. After swallowing the liquid, his back almost immediately felt better. But before he could attempt to lift the heavy bag again, Mozenrath firmly placed his hand on Cassim’s hand.
“Leave it, Old Man. It’ll slow us down.”
“Alright, let’s go!”
“B-But-”
“No buts, turkey! We have to move!” Cassim said firmly.
Soon, they finally made it out safely in the desert. But Iago was still moping about leaving the bag of treasure behind.
“At least the owner could use it as payment for our room.” Cassim suggested.
“Oh sure, I’m certain he’ll be pleased.” Iago rolled his eyes. “We could have been rich!”
“We still have enough to spare.”
“To spare? For who? Us? Or the bill?” Iago complained.
“I’m glad that I didn’t see our room bill. But if I were to guess, who ordered the buffet style room service?” Mozenrath glared at Iago.
“I was feeling hungry!”
“And the most expensive bottle of wine?”
“Xerxes thirsty.”
“And the harem?”
“…I was feeling a bit lonely, son. You could have joined in.” Cassim suggested.
“And have you become a grandfather? I rather keep it in my pants, which was something that you should have done, thank you very much, Old Man!”
“Just saying you could use a hobby, you’re a renowned workaholic.” Iago pointed out.
Mozenrath was debating on planning to cook the parrot and having him for dinner. ‘I wonder if he tastes like chicken?’ His thoughts were interrupted when he felt something landed on his shoulder and he didn’t have to guess as Iago began talking to him.
“FATHER!”
Cassim grinned. “Yes, son?”
“Tell this vulture to get off my shoulder!” Mozenrath demanded as he glared at Iago.
“Geez, kid, I knew you weren’t a morning person but I didn’t know that you’re also more cranky than me!” Iago said.
Mozenrath tolerated this annoying parrot since Cassim doesn’t mind being around him. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to listen to the stupid bird. Mozenrath managed to let the words go in one ear and out of the other. Of course, imagining a muzzle on Iago’s beak helped relax him too. A malicious grin slowly made its way on his face which creeped Iago out.
“Uhhh, are you thinking of something funny? You know what? I don’t want to know! Who knows what’s inside your head!” Iago said before flying to Cassim’s shoulder where he stayed.
——————————————————
Later that night, they set up camp where Cassim was telling Mozenrath how he met his mother.
“So wait, you had to bring treasure which turned out to be a poem?!” Mozenrath chuckled in disbelief.
“Not gonna lie, it took me a couple of tries before her familiars gave me a hint.” Cassim shrugged.
“My mother romanticized you a lot.” Mozenrath rolled his eyes.
“I’m even surprised that she talked about me at all.” Cassim replied.
“She deems you as a heroic figure. I suppose she still had feelings for you.” Mozenrath said with a shrug.
Cassim looked surprised. “Even if she did…we just prefer to remain friends. Besides, she fell out of love and I just accepted it. Because she was the first person to open my eyes and I thanked her every day. Come to think of it, had she told me…I would have stayed but I didn’t want her to feel like she was forced to marry me despite the scheme.”
“So your idea of doing the decent thing was running away. How noble.” Mozenrath deadpan remarked.
“It’s like gambling, heads you win, tails I lose.”
Then Iago spoke up. “Speaking of gambling-”
“Please, not another one of your get rich as quickly as possible schemes.” Mozenrath groaned.
“Hear me out. This one is pretty simple and straightforward. We will go to Getzistan. I have this system.” Iago explained but both Cassim and Mozenrath looked at him unimpressed. “Okay, so there’s a lot of cheating involved.”
“…Cassim, are you sure you don’t want to try roasted parrot?”
Cassim chuckled. “We’ll set out for Getzistan in the morning.”
Iago was thrilled but Mozenrath wasn’t.
“Joy…” He replied. It grew late, everyone, except Mozenrath who was standing guard, was asleep. Ironically, it was supposed to be Iago’s turn but he wasn’t good at staying awake at night even for one hour. As the night progressed, Mozenrath struggled to stay awake when he sensed vibrations through the sand his feet were standing on. It was enough to wake him up. Something or someone was coming in their direction. Mozenrath quietly shook Cassim and the others awake. Cassim and Mozenrath readied their weapons. Suddenly, they came face to face with the last seven of the Forty Thieves.
“Ah, it’s nice to see old friends again.” Cassim said as his back was pressed against Mozenrath’s.
“Too bad you don’t have friends who don’t want to kill you!” Mozenrath said with annoyance in his tone.
Then a fight broke out. Mozenrath used everything that Cassim taught him. He killed all seven without any mercy nor hesitation. First, he sank below the sand which confused them at first until one by one, the triplet thieves were pulled into the sand by their feet. It made the other four nervous. Then a sand pillar appeared behind Omid who threw his daggers at what he thought was Mozenrath until it was revealed that it was the triplets. But it was already too late as Omid’s daggers killed the triplets. While in shock, Mozenrath took the opportunity to attack Omid from behind by slitting his throat with his own daggers. Then he was surrounded by Behrang, Faizullah, and Mujahideen.
“Any last words, wizard?”
“Yes…tell Destane that I said hello.”
Then Mozenrath spun around like a breakdancer while firing blasts of blue flames and killing the last three dead. After it was over, Cassim was greatly impressed while Iago was disturbed.
“Well, I’m gonna have a hard time going back to sleep.”
“We can’t sleep now. We must travel and distance ourselves from this gruesome evidence before someone else comes along.” Cassim advised.
They gathered their things and set off for Getzistan.