Carpet flew on through the sky, into the setting sun. The clouds quietly went by, reflecting the pink and amber colors from the yellow sun. It was still warm out, but a breeze of cold air would pass by every now and then. The sky was theirs that day.

"It's going to be nice to get home and just relax."

"Yeah, I know what you mean."

"What do you think the guys have been up to?"

"I'm not sure." Jasmine paused. "But I hope they haven't been giving Father any problems." They both smiled and laughed.

"Well, we should be home in couple of hours." Aladdin said estimating the distance.

"Yeah." Jasmine said, staring off. Her eyes caught a glimpse of a city beneath them. Tall and wondrous. She had never before in her life seen such a city, or heard of one. She quickly tapped on Aladdin, not taking her eyes off the scene in front of her.

"What is it?" He asked, moving over to get a view.

"Look."She pointed down and he followed her gaze. "Have you ever seen such a city?"

"No. How come it's not on any maps? It's not that far from Agrabah."

"I don't know," she said. They went into and came out of another cloud. Now, they had a full view of the entire city. They gazed at everything and then Jasmine's eyes caught hold on something amazing. "Oh my ... look at that!"

She pointed down to a huge ring. An arena. Hugely amplified and wondrous in size. They could see down to the bottom of it, and there rested nothing but sand. All around the circle lay seats for the people to watch. A large pavilion was sitting near the inside of the ring, covered in fine satin and silk robes. Aladdin and Jasmine stared down at it as they passed. They watched the city until their eyes could see no further onto it.

"Wow," Aladdin said after a moment. "Did you see that? It was amazing!"

"I know! I wonder what that's for."

Aladdin thought a moment and then lit up. "Well, a long time ago I heard a man talking about something like that were Kings hold games of entertainment for their people, in a large ring. An arena."

"I bet it would be a lot of fun to watch."Jasmine said happily.

Aladdin shook his head. "I don't think so. He spoke of death quite a lot. Something about a lion and a man, head on head. I don't think there have been too many losses on the lion's side." He chuckled.

"Oh," she sighed. "I still wonder why we've never seen or heard of that city. I mean with something like that, you would think that the city would be famous."

"Yeah," he agreed.

In their excitement of the city, Aladdin and Jasmine had failed to notice the oncoming storm. The thunder clouds moved in around them, making the sky darker than normal. The smell of rain gusted in, causing Carpet to become uneven in flying.

"Oh great, just what we need," Aladdin said as he saw the threat of the storm. "This isn't just gonna be a light shower. We better head down."

The rain started to pour in an instant. Aladdin told Carpet to land. Lighting zigzagged down by them. Jasmine held on to Aladdin tightly as Carpet shot down through the clouds. Thunder boomed everywhere, causing a deafening tone of fear in her heart. As the land became more in view, Carpet slowed down.

"Where are we going to go!?" Jasmine shouted over the rain and thunder.

"Maybe we could make it to the city."

"But we lost sight of it!"

"Well, we'll have to try. Anything is better than being out here!"

Carpet stayed close to the ground as he flew back to the East. Before too long, the magnificent city was back in view. The city was blocked by a large wall surrounding it, and a guard post at the front.

They walked up to the two large guards standing in front of the massive doors. They only moved their heads as Jasmine and Aladdin approached, Aladdin holding onto Carpet, who was rolled up.

"Who are you?" asked one of the guards in a booming deep voice.

"I am the Princess of Agrabah," Jasmine said confidently. "And we need to speak with your leader about finding a place to stay for the night. As you can tell, this storm is not the right condition for traveling," she said strongly.

The guards looked at each other and were hesitant. They looked Aladdin over for a moment or two and finally nodded.

"OPEN!" Yelled one of the guards, cupping a hand to the side of his face to make his voice louder.

A scrawny small guard on top, pulled a lever and the doors began to open, slow but sure. Jasmine and Aladdin looked at each other and then walked into the city together.

The door was shut immediately behind them with a thud. The rain began subsided and the moon came out, illustrating how much time had taken them to reach the city. The moon was round and silver, casting a shadow over the city. As they reached the top of a hill, the palace sat before them, and to their left, connected to the palace was the arena.

Aladdin and Jasmine walked to the palace, getting many strange, happy glances from the people that were roaming the streets. As they approached the palace doors, another set of guards stood.

"I am Princess Jasmine from Agrabah and I demand to speak with your ruler."

The guards eyed the two of them and then let them enter the palace. A young woman stood next to the doors, as if she was awaiting someone to enter. She quickly greeted Aladdin and Jasmine. Her hair was golden and down to her back. Her eyes were amber and reflected the shimmering torch sitting on a wall nearby. She was short and thin, perhaps only a few years behind Jasmine.

"Greetings!" she said cheerfully. "I welcome you to Penumbra."

"Thank you," Jasmine said, a bit unsure about the young girl. "We request an audience with your ruler," she said as her as Aladdin tried to wring out all the water sopped into their clothes, enjoying the warmth of the room.

"I see. Well, then, follow me."

They followed the young woman through many passages and hallways, all glowing with the light of torches and candles. The moon shown through the windows, making a ghostly glow down the hall. Every room they passed, had every door open, as if Penumbra had nothing to hide from anyone.

"Here we are. Our King is on his throne behind these doors, I do not think he will be upset with a disruption. Good night." And she scurried off.

"Well, here goes." Aladdin said, pushing on the door.

It opened with a small, lasting squeak that bounced off the white marble walls and ceiling. A voice was heard in the room, deep and yet, dark.

"Come in."

Aladdin and Jasmine walked forward and stood before the King on his throne.

"Who are you?"

"I am Princess Jasmine from Agrabah. This is my fiancee Aladdin. We were traveling and --"

"Wait wait," he said slowly, yet demanding. "You are engaged to him?"

"Yes, But I fail to see the importance in that right--"

"You are a prince are you not?" the King asked.

"No," he said, yet not ashamed.

"No? How is a Princess allowed to marry a commoner?" He turned his attention back to Jasmine. "You cannot be a true Princess then! Liars!"

~What a great way to start out.~ Aladdin thought grimly. ~We might've well brought Iago with.~

"No! The laws have changed in many parts now." Jasmine explained. "I chose who I wanted to marry, not by money or power, but by love." Jasmine said and looked at Aladdin, smiling.

He scoffed. "Love. Love is nothing, it's weak and causes a terrible erosion on our modern society."

"He and Mirage should meet, they'd make a nice couple." Aladdin whispered to Jasmine. She did her best to cover a giggle and cleared her throat.

He statement went back to serious as she continued. "I'm sorry you feel that way. But, we can here to discuss a place to stay, not about our marital issues."

"Right, right, you're absolutely correct. I do apologize." He said to Jasmine, and yet not to Aladdin. "Anyway, my name is King Zaroff. I rule this city and all it's splendor."

"It is a wonderful city. The arena defiantly stands out." Aladdin said. The King eyed him with distaste at first and then lightened his glare.

"The Arena. Oh yes, I'm sure you two will find that amusing. Would you care to watch tomorrow. We are going to have our first event in months tomorrow morning at dawn. It's very exciting."

"I don't think we have the time to --"

"That's a shame," he said cutting her off. "How about this then. I give you a room, and you do me the honor of watching the first game in the morning. I promise it wont take long," he said in a sweet and superficial tone.

"Well..." Jasmine looked at Aladdin who shrugged. "I suppose."

"Wonderful. Tayan!" he called. The same young woman who escorted them to the throne room came out again and over to the king.

"Yes, your majesty?"

"Show Princess Jasmine and Aladdin to their rooms."

"Yes, sire."

She bowed and walked out of the room. Aladdin and Jasmine followed shortly behind, leaving the King. They walked through a few more corridors and finally she stopped in front of a room.

"You can stay here ma'am," she said, motioning to Jasmine. She nodded and walked in. She turned around to Aladdin.

"Come back after she shows you your room."

"Okay." He nodded. Tayan took Aladdin to the room next to Jasmine's. He pushed open the door and glanced inside. He turned back to the girl and gave her his thanks. She nodded and walked away.

Aladdin walked inside and unrolled Carpet. He shook out the water that was still on him and he curled up on the edge of the bed, exhausted from flying all day, and went to sleep. The room was large in scale and had a balcony that overlooked the hills behind the palace.

He smiled to himself and walked over to Jasmine's room, and knocked on the door. She immediately answered and the two of them went inside.

"What do you think of this place?" Jasmine asked as the sat on the divan near the end of the bed.

"I don't know, it's creepy. King Zaroff seems to like gloom, all those paintings in the hallways look so ... dark. It doesn't match anything. He doesn't seem to like me either."

"Why do you think he care so much about me and you? It felt so odd." She paused. "I mean I understand, there's always *that* question, but then he went on about it. Didn't that seem .... out of place to you?"

"Defiantly. I wasn't sure what to say, but I knew he's certainly not someone to be taking very lightly." He said waving his hands, ridding of the subject.

"Yeah." She paused. "Well, at least we're dry and warm now and that's all that matters." She said sitting closer to him.

"Yeah." He put his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. They sat there for a while, talking and being with each other.

Jasmine yawned. "Maybe we should get some rest," Aladdin said, noticing Jasmine was practically falling asleep.

"Yeah, good idea, it looks like we're getting up at dawn." She yawned again.

"Yeah." Aladdin got up and helped her out of the divan. "Good night." And he gave her a sweet kiss. When they broke, they smiled at each other and Aladdin headed out the door. They both got ready for bed, as slept soundly through the night.

Jasmine awoke before dawn, she strangely never had before in her life. She always rose up with the sun. Unable to return to sleep, Jasmine put on a robe and opened the curtains. A quite breeze flowed into the room as she saw the last remaining stars hanging in the sky.

She sighed, and decided to get dressed and prepare herself for the spectacle she was going to watch shortly. As she tied the last loop into her hair, she heard a quiet knock on her door. As she opened it, she saw Aladdin standing at the door, a flower in his hand.

"Good morning," he said cheerfully, then handed the flower to her. "For you."

"Oh Aladdin, it's beautiful." She took the flower and after a moment of gazing at it, she placed it into her hair, next to her sea green crown. She leaned forward and gave Aladdin a kiss on the cheek. "You're so sweet." She turned and walked back into her room, still smiling. Aladdin followed her in and shut the door.

"So, how did you sleep?" She asked, leading him to the balcony.

"Perfect. The bed was so comfortable. In fact, Carpet hasn't gotten up yet, he's still sleeping," he added with a chuckle. Jasmine smiled, but it quickly faded. She turned towards the hills, hoping he didn't notice, but, like always, he did.

"Jasmine? What's wrong?" he asked with concern, placing a hand on her shoulder. She turned around and shrugged.

"Actually, I don't know. It's really strange. I have this horrible feeling that something... Oh, just forget it." She waved her hand, dismissing the matter.

"No, tell me." He said gently.

"I don't know, I have a terrible feeling about this place that I can't put my finger on."

"Oh. well, we're leaving here today, in a few hours actually, so I wouldn't be too worried about it."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right."

"Well, come on, let's go find Zaroff and get this thing done with."

"Yeah." She smiled at him.

Aladdin hugged her and gave her a long, tender kiss on the lips. As they broke, he smiled and took her hand into his and left the room together and searched for the King as dawn arrived.

It didn't take them long to find him, he was in his throne room and was having his royal tailors attach his robe to his collar and put the finishing touches on him.

"Let's go, let's go!" he ordered, clapping his hands in rhythm with the words. "We're already way behind schedule! Tayan, where's my son?" The young servant girl approached the King again.

"I'm sure he's fitting into his robes for the game."

"He better be. As the heir to my kingdom, he needs to learn to wake and be prepared for the day, not sleep in every moment he has. That boy is going to be the death of me." He muttered. "Oh, will you hurry it up already!?" he yelled at the tailor clipping the final part onto him. "Finally, that's better! Another moment longer and I would've put *you* down there!" He admired himself in the mirror. As he looked at himself, he noticed in the reflection Aladdin and Jasmine standing in the doorway. He turned and smiled superficially.

"Oh, Good morning you two," he said, completely over sweetened. "Sleep well, I trust?" he asked, they both nodded, still amazed at his sudden turn of emotions. "Well, as you can see the sun is up, so the first game is about to begin. Come, come, I'll show you to your seats."

The King led them into another hallway that connected to the side of the arena. It was a long corridor that had heavy red satin robes hanging from the walls. From inside, they could hear the faint yells and cheers from outside. Two guards pulled the curtains away as the approached and saw the sight in front of them.

People were everywhere. They walked out onto the pavilion that was decorated with the colors of the city. Aladdin and Jasmine stayed back as the King walked to the front and raised his arms into the air. The people cheered even louder for a moment and then were quiet.

"Today," He shouted. "We will begin one of many games here in the Circulo de Vida y Muerte, I welcome you all, far and wide to enjoy this year's entertainment. Enjoy!"

The fans erupted with applause and fond cheers. The King turned his attention back to Aladdin and Jasmine, still standing in the doorway, admiring the view. Zaroff sat down and pointed to the two seats next to him. Aladdin and Jasmine sat down, she was in the middle of the two.

The arena, or Circulo de Vida y Muerte as Zaroff had called it, extended high up, for at least another twenty or thirty stories. They were perhaps only five off the ground floor and positioned across from two doors that were completely alike. Same size, shape, color, even down to the same amount of paint rubbed away on the latches.

Suddenly a guard came from behind Zaroff and whispered something into his ear. "Excuse me a moment," he said and got up and left, leaving Aladdin and Jasmine alone.

"Wow." Was all that came out of Jasmine's mouth.

"I know, it's amazing, there's so many people. This must be some event."

"Yeah," Jasmine agreed, slightly preoccupied.

Zaroff came back as fast as he had left. "I'm sorry about that, I needed to speak with my son for a moment. He had to take care of something and then he'll make his appearance."

Aladdin and Jasmine nodded, still transfixed on the arena. A few minutes later, the curtains rose again and out stepped a young man. His hair was golden and even though the sun wasn't on it, it shined beautifully. He wore a blue vest and a white shirt under it, with his royal ring on his hand, and a small crown on his head. He was a good two or three years behind Aladdin.

"Princess Jasmine, Aladdin, meet my son... Prince Javire." The prince bowed to Jasmine and Aladdin and then smiled.

"It's a pleasure to meet the both of you. I was so glad to hear of your arrival. I hope that you will enjoy my father's Kingdom and the games." He shook Aladdin's hand and kissed Jasmine's politely.

"It's very nice meeting you," Jasmine said.

"Yeah," Aladdin said, a bit annoyed about the kiss.

Prince Javire stood where his Father did moments before and silenced the crowd again. "Let the game of chance begin!" He yelled and got the loudest response yet.

A pair of doors opened below where they were seated and out stepped a young man. As the youth advanced into the arena, he turned, as custom was, to bow to the king. He turned around once more and headed towards the two doors. He paused halfway to them and stopped.

The crowed watched him and yelled out their various picks, 'Door One!' some of them would shout, as others called 'Door Two you imbecile!' But none of these cries seemed to distract the young man. He advanced forward and stepped to the door on the left. With a swift movement, he pulled the latch and stepped back, the crowd gasped.

Out of the door came a young, beautiful maiden. The crowd cheered and moaned at the same time as the two walked off back to the doors under the King, hand in hand. The man bowed once more, a happy grin on his face, then left with his prize.

"Wow, that was great. It's been ever so boring here without it lately. The thrill, it can't ever be duplicated. How did you like the first game of ours?" The King asked Jasmine as the both clapped.

"It was all right I guess, but I don't understand. What was behind the other door?"

"A lion."

"A what?" she asked, flabbergasted.

"A lion," he repeated casually with a small smirk. "That boy was a criminal. He was under trial and had a choice, to pick either door, thus choosing his own fate."

Jasmine was speechless. Had the boy chosen the other door, he would've been ripped to shreds, but instead, he was awarded a young girl that he would be soon married to, by law.

"What just happened here?" Aladdin asked leaning over to her.

"I'm not sure you want to know," she said. Aladdin shrugged and turned his attention back to the mass of people crowded into the stands.

"Well, that was only the first one. There are going to be two more today and hopefully another tomorrow at dawn, we don't have any prisoners though for that one," the King said to no one in particular.

"Oh don't worry Father, I'm sure something will come along," the Prince said giving his father a knowing smile, and left the pavilion.

"Well, Jasmine and Aladdin, what did you think?" the King asked rubbing his hands together.

"That was... uh-" Aladdin said, searching for a word.

"Interesting," Jasmine finished, a bit uneasy.

"Would you like to stay and watch the others today?" the King asked raising from his chair.

"Actually, I think it would be best if we left now." Jasmine said as she stood, Aladdin behind her nodding.

"Why? It's only beginning," the King smiled.

"Well, we need to return to Agrabah and I'm sure that they're waiting for us. We were supposed to return yesterday"

"Yes, but I'm sure they've heard of the storm and realize that you were delayed."

"The even better reason we need to leave. We need to let them know we are all right." Jasmine said, glancing to Aladdin who agreed.

"Oh, that is a shame. Well, then, I'll call on Tayan and she'll help you with your things."

"That'd be--"

"Father!" the Prince yelled running back in. He rushed up to his Father and whispered something in his ear, breathing heavily.

"What? This is an outrage! Guards!" Two tall men approached the King. "Search every room, the Kingdom's Gem has be stolen! Find it now!" the King ordered angrily and the men hurried off, alerting the other guards as the rushed around the palace.

"What's happened?" Jasmine asked.

"Our City's Gem has be stolen. It sits in the center of the palace and now it's missing, it's worth a fortune," the Prince informed her, regaining his breath back.

"This is strange. How would anyone be able to reach it without the key?" he sighed. "The only one who carries a key is me. That person must be an excellent thief," the King said as he rubbed his small golden beard.

"Father, shall I commence a lockdown?"

"What's that?" Aladdin asked.

"We block off the entire city. No one enters or leaves," the King responded.
"I think we should do that, it's the only way we can get it back." He turned to Aladdin and Jasmine. "That gem brings hope to the fearful and strength to the weak. It's very important to our people and means a great deal to them. They'll be heartbroken once they learn of it's disappearance."

"We're so sorry," Jasmine said sympathetically, "We'll do what we can to help you find it."

The King nodded his gratitude. He walked over to a corner of the pavilion and took a tassel that was hanging into his hand, and unconsciously started twisting it as he looked out at his people. "I'm just afraid of what they'll do once they learn of what's happened, they'll be just as outraged as I."

Suddenly a guard rushed in and motioned for the King to follow him. He stepped outside the box and returned in less than a moment. The guards around him watched as if they were waiting for him to tell them something, and then pointed his finger at Aladdin and spoke.

"Guards, arrest him."

"What?" Aladdin asked astounded as two guards rushed over and grabbed him by the arms, he instinctively began to struggle.

"What is the meaning of this?" Jasmine demanded walking up to the King.

"My guards found this," he showed them a beautiful red gem, nearly as big as his hand, "In his room."

"What? But I didn't-"

"You will be punished for this!" the King yelled at him.

"I didn't do that!" Aladdin struggled again with the guards, but to no avail.

"Search him," ordered the Prince. The guards patted Aladdin down and pulled something out of his vest.

"Ah-ha!" yelled the King. "Lockpicks!" A guard handed them to the King who looked them over.

"Oh no." Aladdin mumbled, as he shut his eyes and shook his head.

"No, King Zaroff, you don't understand!" Jasmine cried out. "He wouldn't do that!"

"Then why was it his room? Why does he have these? His *is* nothing but a thief, a commoner, a street rat, they normally do these things, or have you not learned that Princess?"

"I didn't do it!" Aladdin yelled out again. "I don't steal!"

"Put him in the dungeon. I'll sentence him shortly." the King threw the lockpicks to the floor.

"Jasmine!" Aladdin yelled as the pulled him towards the hallway. "I didn't do it! You know I didn't! You know me! I'd never do that!" And he was gone. The Prince left with the guards and Aladdin, nodding solemnly to his Father, a twisted smile on his lips. They could hear him struggle through the hallway and slowly fade away. Jasmine was unsure of everything. It all had happened so fast. She and the King were alone.

"I am disappointed. I welcomed you and him into my city, and what happens? I almost lost the most precious jewel for my city."

"I know he didn't do it," Jasmine said softly.

"Really? You don't seem too sure of yourself."

"He didn't do it," she stated again.

"Well, the evidence clearly points to him. I think I shall sentence him to the game."

"What? That's not fair!" Jasmine screamed.

"No! What's not fair is welcoming guests only to have them betray you. *That* is unfair!"

"You can't do this!" she said, using all she had left, she nearly broke down in front of him. If the King decided to go through with that, Aladdin would be gone forever. Either by death or marriage to another woman. This was so crazy to Jasmine. It didn't seem real.

"I can, and I will. I am the King and I sentence him to the game, tomorrow at dawn." The King left the room, leaving Jasmine alone, who started to tremble as she looked down fearfully at the arena of mer sand and ... fate.

They threw Aladdin into a small cell in the corner of the dungeon and left him alone. Opposite of the door was a small, barred window from which he could still hear the clatter and cheers from the arena. Aladdin sighed and sat down on the small bench on the side of the cell.

"This is insane, I didn't do that." Aladdin said to himself. "Jasmine didn't seem to believe me though when I left. How did that thing get there? And then stupid me, I just *had* to keep those picks, didn't I?" Aladdin slapped himself on the forehead and massaged his temples, resting his elbows on his knees. "What am I going to do?" he muttered to himself.

"I don't think you can do anything," spoke a small, feminine voice. Aladdin turned and saw a thin, tall gorgeous woman. She held a tray that seemed to have a glass and a plate of food. She was wearing a simple dress, that matched her perfectly.

"Hi," Aladdin said getting up. "Who are you?"

"My name is Sarika. I work around here. It's not much money, but it works and it's pretty easy too."

"Oh, nice to meet you. I'm Aladdin."

"Nice to meet you too. What are you in for?" she asked placing the drink and food through a slot in the side of the cell. Aladdin took it and put in on the bench beside him.

"They accused me of trying to steal the city's gem."

"Oh dear. That *is* bad." She pressed her hand to her cheek and shook her head.

"Yeah, you're telling me. I didn't even do it!" He took a sip from the glass. It was nice, cold water.

"Well, I guess it's up to Allah now to decide your fate. It looks like you're headed for the game."

"What?" Terror struck in his heart after seeing the game earlier that day.

"Yeah, that's the rumor. Tomorrow at dawn, but the King or Prince will come down here and sentence it personally in front of you pretty soon. There's word that the Prince is very offended by you and would rather just have you executed, rather than have a chance."

Aladdin sighed ran his fingers through his hair and shut his eyes tightly. "I'm way in over my head here."

"Yeah, and if you don't pick the right door, you'll lose it," she said with a smirk.

"What's so funny?" he asked, noticing the smile.

"You're cute, you know that?"

"I've been told that a couple times," he said faintly and turned away. ~Is she flirting with me?~ he thought.

"We'll it's true." She leaned against the bars and blushed at him.

"Thanks." He gave a weak and yet fake smile. "But what did you mean when you said I might lose my head?" he asked changing the subject subtly.

"Oh, you don't know the rules, huh? Well--" She stopped when she heard faint footsteps approaching. She gave Aladdin a quick wave and ran off in the opposite direction of the coming noise.

Aladdin watched as the Prince stepped in front of the cell, looking down distastefully at him. "My Father has sentenced you," he spoke harshly. Aladdin didn't respond. He just looked up at the Prince from the bench.

"You are sentenced to the game, tomorrow at dawn."

"But I didn't do anything! I didn't steal it!" Aladdin yelled angrily as he ran up to the bars. The Prince backed away, and looked down at him.

He grinned. "So what if you didn't? It was found in your room, and that's all that matters," he said with a smile forming on his lips.

"You! You did it!" he screamed. He ran up to the door and his hands gripped the bars tightly.

"Maybe, but who's going to believe you? Who'd believe a street rat over a Prince? Besides, *you* had the lockpicks, even I couldn't have planned that, it was too perfect!"

"Wha ... but why?"

"I'm 16, the life of mine is terribly boring. Besides, once my Father told me about you and that beautiful Princess, I couldn't help it. An evil ploy formed in my mind, and I took to it. My my, that Jasmine, she is amazing, isn't she?" He asked with a dreamy grin.

"Stay away from her or I swear I'll--"

"You'll what? You can't do anything, you're behind bars, where trash like you belongs!"

"You won't get away with this!"

"Watch me," he said as he turned and started to leave.

"Jasmine will stop you," Aladdin declared.

He didn't answer, he just started to laugh hysterically and left the dungeon, his throaty laugh echoed into the walls and rang in Aladdin's mind. He slammed his fists against the bars and screamed in frustration.

Jasmine ran up to her room as soon as her legs would carry her. She closed the door behind her and sat on the divan at the end of the bed. A look of astonishment and confusion clouded her face.

"What just happened?" she asked herself, still unwilling to believe he would do that. She had faith in him, that she knew, could he had possible committed that crime? Was she inclined to believe Aladdin had stolen and tried to escape with a very valuable gem? "NO!" she shouted out to herself. The look of uncertainty began to fade away from her face and was soon replaced by determination. She believed him, no matter where the evidence pointed.

"I have to get him out of here." She stood up and left the room, rushing to Aladdin's room where Carpet was still in. The cracked the door open, only to find him curled up on the bed. ~How long do carpets possibly sleep?~ she wondered to herself.

"Carpet," she said quietly. He awoke at the sound of her voice and flew drowsily over to her. She quickly explained everything that had happened to him and then lead him down the hallway to the entrance to the dungeon. They stopped, crouching behind a pillar, keeping out of sight from the guard.

"Carpet," she whispered as she noticed the heavy guard standing at the door. "We need those keys." She pointed to the ring of keys attached to his belt. Carpet nodded and flew into another room down the hallway. Jasmine watched, confused and then realized what he was up to. She got tighter in her position, further out of sight.

Suddenly there was a loud crash. A vase smashed onto the marble floor in a study room. Jasmine flinched at the sound, and then again as the dungeon guard ran past her. He ran into the room and over to the shattered vase. He looked around the room in puzzlement and then was suddenly catapulted into the air from the carpet he unconsciously walked onto.

The guard fell to the floor, catching the side of his head on the desk on the way down, knocking him out cold. Carpet wasted no more time, grabbed the keys and flew out of the room and over to Jasmine, dropping the keys in her hand. She rushed over to the dungeon door and searched for the right key.

As soon as she found it, a forced cough vocalized behind her. She then noticed that carpet had gone flat on the floor and could be disguised as a normal throw rug. She swallowed hard and turned around.

"Hello Princess, may I ask as to what you are doing?"

Jasmine turned around and faced the prince. He was looking down at her with a confused grin.

"I was just going to check on Aladdin," she said calmly, careful not to give him the wrong impression.

He sighed in disgust. "Him? Why would you want to see him? He's nothing but a thief ... trash, riffraff, the list goes on Princess. He's down there, locked away where he belongs."

"No. He didn't do that, I know he didn't!" She spoke with more bravado than she had anticipated and backed away from him, closer to the door.

"If you want to see him that badly, I suppose I could let you. But, I need to take those from you." He pointed to the ring of keys she grasped in her hand.

"Of course." She faked a smile and sighed as he opened the door and allowed her to walk in.

"Just knock three times when you're ready, he's all the way down and to your right. My guard will ... where's Hasver? He was supposed to be at his post. I don't know why I put up with these obstinate servants, they just..." He rambled off as he went looking for his guard. Jasmine couldn't help but smirk. ~Serves him right.~ She thought and waved Carpet to follow her.

She walked down the long flight of broken stairs, carefully watching her footing. She took a torch off the wall as she entered a dark corridor. It lead down for a long while. In the distance she could hear desperate screams, filled with sorrow and pain. She winced away as another scream filled the empty passage. With the torch illuminating her way, she followed the path and before she turned the corner on her right, she heard faint whispering. She stopped and leaned to see who it was.

"....Really now? You beat all those monsters without so much of a scratch! That's amazing." A young girl sighed loudly. Jasmine's frowned.

"Yeah," Aladdin answered a little uneasy.

"Wow, it seems like a wonderful place to live, this Agrabah you talk about. Besides all the monsters and sorcerers trying to invade that is."

"Yeah, it really is," he agreed smiling.

"So..uh.." She reached through the bars and touched his hand lightly. He pulled away and stood up. "What?" she asked, acting sheepish.

"Stop. I have a girlfriend." Despite what was happening, Jasmine smiled.

"Yeah, I know. But do you ever think you'll be able to see her again? After the game you'll either be dead or at the alter being promised to another girl. I'm here, she's not."

"So what! I'll find a way out of this, I always do," he said, a bit overconfident.

"Uh-huh. Sure, and I'm the Queen."

"Pleasure to meet you, your majesty," e joked, bowing to her. They both shared a good laugh and Jasmine felt a twinge of jealousy in her heart as she watched in the darkness. She knew she couldn't be much help to him now, not without the keys. She decided to head upstairs and think of a plan, ~Anything to get away from *that* girl~, she thought as she and Carpet headed back to the entrance.

"So, what's going to happen to me? I mean, in the game. I'm still confused about it."

"Well, I suppose you'll want to know, you'll find out soon enough." She sighed and collected her thoughts and then began. "The King, he has what you might like to call, a semi-barbaric way of dealing with criminals. His way of administering justice. It is in fact, in my opinion, in perfect fairness. The person on trial has no way of knowing which door holds each fate.

They may go up and chose either door as they please, thus accepting their own punishment or fresh new life. But, not knowing whether he'll be devoured in the next instant, or promised to another. Behind each door, lies either a woman or a lion, the doors are the same in every perfect way, symbolizing life and death. They chose, by Allah's guidance."

"Oh, this is just great. And I have to do this at dawn tomorrow!?"

"It's just the King's way of making the crooked straight and the wrong crushed down in uneven places to be cleared out. I agree with it completely."

"Really? Even if you were innocent and still had to do it? Would you still agree to it then? *Especially* if you were already engaged to someone you truly loved and cared about!? That's just saying I get the girl, and not the lion. With that, who cares, I'll be dead anyway!" He was nearly shouting. He turned away from her in anger, not noticing the tears forming in her eyes.

"I should go now." She stiffened. He turned and saw her wipe the tears away and leave.

"Wait, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you!" he called out after her, but she was gone, leaving Aladdin alone once again to think about his impending trial of fate.

Jasmine entered her room again, rubbed her temples as she leaned against the door. "If only we had Genie with us..." She sighed, and Carpet nodded. "Ok, I have to figure this out, somehow, I'll have to prove Aladdin didn't do it," she said to herself. A sudden knock jarred her from her thoughts.

"Princess Jasmine?" a young voice came from outside.

"Yes?" she called.

"The King would like to know if you will be attending dinner this evening."

"I'm afraid not, I'm rather tired and will be retiring to bed early this evening. Give him my deepest..." She paused. "apology," she forced. That word left a horrible taste in her mouth.

"I understand, good night Princess."

"Thank you." Jasmine laid down on the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Carpet paced around the room, with a tassel to his 'chin', concentrating deeply. Before Jasmine knew it, she drifted off to sleep, unaware that she really was so tired.

The next morning approached quickly. Jasmine got dressed in a hurry and ran to the pavilion. She prayed to Allah she wasn't too late. As soon as she entered, she saw the Prince and the King sitting on their thrones, waving to the people, smiling at the love of their citizens. Jasmine sat down, still trying to form a plan before it was too late.

"Let the thief enter!" Bellowed the Prince. The doors swung open and Aladdin walked out. The people booed him profusely and offered no advice on which to pick. Some even called out, "Just let the lion have him!" or "Let's just take him to the guillotine!" Jasmine on the other hand, heard to her right the King and Prince quietly chatting. They were talking about which doors held which. Jasmine listened in and smiled as she heard.

She knew in which of the two rooms that lay behind those doors stood the cage of the lion, with its open front, and in which awaited the maiden. Through those thick doors, heavily curtained inside with its skins on the inside, it was impossible that any noise or whisper should be heard from within.

And not only did she understand which door held the woman, all blushing and eager to see her intended, she also knew which held the deadly lion. What could she do? Then, an idea flashed in her mind.

Aladdin turned and bowed, even though he hated to do it, as expected and quickly met his eyes with hers, hoping she knew which held which. As soon as their eyes met, he knew that she understood. With a quick glance to her right, he knew the door to pick, by simply watching her eyes. She had decided his fate.

Did she pick the one with the lion? Hoping that Aladdin could fight it off as another monster, but this time, alone. Or did she just promise him away to a young woman, making both her and him live alone and saddened for the rest of their lives?

He walked over without a second thought to the door on the right. With a swift motion he raised the latch. The crowd grew quiet and everyone heard the 'click' of the metal scraping, the door opened.

Jasmine awoke, sweat poured down her face. There was still a few more hours before dawn. "It was just a dream," she breathed thankfully. She wiped the sweat off her brow and washed off her face. It was a new day, filled with new hopes for many, and fear for others.

That dreadful appointed day had arrived. From far and wide people gathered, and thronged the great galleries of the arena; and crowds, unable to gain admittance, massed themselves against its outside walls, hoping to catch just a glimpse of the grand spectacle. The sun began to rise.

"Ohhh, I don't have much time! Think Jasmine, THINK!" She held her fists tightly to her head, trying to come up with anything. Carpet started to get worried and made Jasmine notice the approaching sun. "I know Carpet, but what can we possibly do?"

Jasmine left her room and walked down the hallway, caught in a deep thought. This was bad, how could she get him out of this? As she walked by the Prince's room, she heard him talking to his father.

Being careful not to make a noise, she opened the door a tiny sliver and listened. The Prince was being dressed in his robes as his father paced back and forth in front of him, nervously.

"Are you sure you can pull it off?" Zaroff asked his son.

"I'm sure Father. Once the street rat is dead, I'll be there to ... comfort her."

Jasmine watched on with hateful eyes. How dare they do that! ~He expects me to marry him!~ Jasmine thought.

"Is everything ready?"

"Yes." He sighed exasperatedly." For the last time Father, I made sure myself that both rooms held a lion. He's as good as dead and the she's as good as mine."

Jasmine did her best to suppress a gasp, but it was quite difficult. They weren't giving him a chance, they were murdering him!

Javire began to laugh and King Zaroff looked at the boy questionably.

"What is it now!?" he asked impatiently.

"That Aladdin, he could've planned this himself!" Javire said between laughs.

"What, oh, you mean about the lockpicks?" he began to laugh as well. "That idiot practically sentenced himself!"

Jasmine pulled away from the door. "They did it," she whispered. "They framed Aladdin. Oh! I hope I'm not too late!" As she began to run down the hall she could hear Zaroff faintly say where they had put Aladdin's lockpicks. Good, she'd need them.

As Jasmine headed to the room where they put his picks, she felt a terrible weight being pressed onto her. She was almost ready to believe he had done it. What kind of fiancee was she!? Aladdin never doubted her, not one moment. What happens when he needs her support, she immediately runs to the most logical explanation, even if it points to Aladdin.

Holding back tears of guilt, Jasmine rushed into the room and over to the table where Zaroff had put them. She picked them up and put them in her pocket. They were going to pay for what they had done. She was sure of it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Aladdin was shoved, quite roughly, into another cell closer to the arena. The cheers from the people outside was beginning to become louder and started to drone out Aladdin's thoughts. He had to think of a way to get through this, there had to be something he was missing. Some loophole. Anything that could help him.

"When the door opens, go out, bow to the King and pick your fate, boy," the guard said. He reminded him of Rasoul, both called him 'boy' the same way. Why did people take such a quick dislike for him?

Aladdin could dreadfully tell that as the crowd grew larger, the sooner his impending fate would take way. ~Great,~ he thought grimly.

"Get ready boy, it's almost time." The guard said. Aladdin swallowed and sighed.

"Come on Jas, if there's any hope for me, it's in your hands."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Jasmine flew down the hall and finally found the room she was searching for, but to her dismay, it was blocked by two, very large, guards.

"Ahem," she said very sweetly. "I can't seem to find myself a drink of water." She said innocently, twisting a piece of hair as she talked. "Would either of you be able to help me?" She smiled and looked at them devilishly. "I would repay you greatly if you'd help me."

They looked at each other and smiled. Both nodded frantically and shot off down the hall, pushing and shoving each other, trying to be ahead. When they were far enough down, Jasmine dropped the act.

She sighed. "Men." Jasmine rushed into the room and smiled. "Ohh, I really hope this works."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The gate swung open and slammed against the opposing wall with a loud crash. Aladdin winced at the sound and did as he was told, he stepped forward. He had to squint against the blazing sun that was shining through the arena. The sand was horribly hot and the doors on the other side seemed so far and close at the same time.

He walked out slowly, but before he knew what had happened, he was bowing to the King and Prince. He didn't feel like himself, he felt like a toy, only there for the twisted amusement of the Royal Family. They had turned the whole city into blood thirsty savages.

Aladdin sighed and faced the doors. The crowed became silent. They had all heard of what he was accused of doing, and offered no help to him, he was on his own. This was it. There was no magic Genie to poof out of the brass lamp and zap him to safety. There wasn't some dim witted sorcerer he could talk his way out of. There wasn't anyone to help him on this. Worst of all, Jasmine wasn't even in the pavilion.

Had she abandoned him? Realizing that perhaps he still was a thief and took off for home? No, that wasn't Jasmine. She wouldn't do that, would she? It didn't matter. His life was completely over now anyway. He would either face the lion and be ripped to pieces, or be married to some ditzy girl. ~Great, just great,~ he thought skeptically. ~If I ever do get out of this, I'm burning those lockpicks,~ he thought angrily.

It was so quiet, no one made a sound. Aladdin might've well have been alone. His footsteps were echoing through the arena, the hot sand was burning his feet, making him walk quicker than he would've liked.

He approached the doors, stopped only a few feet from them. He decided to go with the right, it seemed to feel right. Little did he know that there were lions behind each. His hand touched the hot black latch and he began to lift it up.

"STOP!" a young girl screamed behind him. Aladdin stopped and turned around. It was the same girl who he had talked to in his cell before. The crowd became angry and upset about the interrupted suspense. They mumbled and shouted things to the girl, but the King silenced them.

"Why do you stop this girl?" the King asked angrily. His rage bounced through the arena.

"I went to see the crystal, so that I could find hope today, since I really care about him." She pointed at Aladdin who couldn't help but roll his eyes. "I went to see it and .... It's gone!" the girl shouted and broke down crying in the middle of the arena. Seeing the opportunity, Aladdin began to walk back over to the gate, but two guards rushed out and grabbed him, awaiting orders from the King.

"What!? It must be found! Guards!" He turned to the ones in the pavilion, "Search everywhere, every single room!" they ran out of the room and searched all the rooms in the palace. "My people," he began to address the crowd. "I assure you, the thief will be caught and put in the arena. That is a promise!"

The crowd erupted with cheers, glad that justice would be served. The King was about to make the game continue when the guard rushed into the pavilion and whispered to the King.

Aladdin continued to struggle the guards in the arena, trying to break free, but stopped as the girl crying in the middle stopped for a moment and winked at him, only to him. He looked at her confused, but then smiled as he saw Jasmine in the pavilion smirking confidently to him.

The crowd hushed and became deathly quiet. The King stood up, repulsed and shouted. "What!? How could you!" He pointed at his son. "You did it!?" Javire shook his arms and head, pleading innocence. "If you're not guilty, why did they find it in your room, boy!?" Javire couldn't answer.

The people groaned and The girl stood up and took the opportunity to tell the crowds. "You see! The Prince did! I also heard him saying that he framed Aladdin as well!"

The crowd got angry, some shouted, "If he framed him, what have they been doing to us!?" and "Give those Royals respect, and look what you get!" One ragged man shouted, "You promised the thief would have to face the doors! Live up to your word King, or die by it!"

The people in the arena all cheered their agreement with the man and began to chant, "THE PRINCE MUST CHOOSE, THE PRINCE MUST CHOOSE!" Aladdin smiled proudly, Jasmine saved him. The guards let Aladdin go, and he and the servant girl left the arena. Jasmine met him in the hall and they hugged tightly. Not staying to say good-byes to the King and Prince, they thanked the girl and hopped on Carpet.

"Jasmine, you saved me." Aladdin said thankfully and kissed her long and passionately on the lips, not wanting to end the kiss. She reluctantly pulled away and looked down, ashamed.

"Aladdin, I'm sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

"I almost believed ... that you ... and the ...." She couldn't finish. He throat became thick and her voice wouldn't come out.

"Jasmine I understand. It's not your fault. Look at my past, it's not easily erased."

"But you told me you didn't, I should've trusted you."

"But you saved me. You didn't turn and run away. Jasmine, you did the right thing." He smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

"I'll never doubt you again," Jasmine said and kissed him long and passionately, the weight was lifted. As they broke, they soared over Penumbra, Aladdin and Jasmine looked down at the arena and saw a figure walking to the doors, wearing Royal robes and a small crown. Justice, finally served.