Cassim burst into the throne room, startling Mozenrath.
"A lion?!"
"Hello, Mozenrath."
That deep, rich, handsome voice made Mozenrath give a start.
"Cassim?"
"Yep."
"What happened to you?"
"Long story. Lets just say Mirage has given me a test."
"What does that have to do with you bursting in here?"
"She wants me to fight you in this form."
"This will be fun."
Suddenly Aladdin and the others came in on Carpet.
"Mozenrath, what have you done with my father?!"
The look from Cassim told Mozenrath not reveal the truth.
"I didn't do anything to him."
"What in the world is a lion doing in your throne room?"
"He was sent by Mirage to fight me. You might as well watch. Perhaps I know something about your father."
Carpet flew down and let his passangers off.
"Bring it on, lion."
Cassim extended his from claws, the back of his mane bristled, he glared at Mozenrath, bared his teeth, and growled. He lunged without warning and caught Mozenrath by surprise. The sorcerer blasted him off.
Cassim regained his balance and lunged again. Then he began to run around Mozenrath. He darted in and out of range. He was toying with the young wizard. Then Mozenrath hit him with a blast of magic.
Cassim flew backwards and hit the wall with a THUD! He got up and shook his head. He glared at Mozenrath and growled again. Then Mozenrath fired at the gang!
Cassim leaped in-between his friends and the blast! The blast hit him and knocked him to the floor. He got to his feet and shook his dazed head to clear his mind.
"Who are you?"
Cassim automatically looked at Aladdin. He turned and ran out of the Land of the Black Sand.
"What do you know about my father?"
"I just fought your father."
"You fought a lion."
"That lion *is* your father."
"What did you do to him?!"
"It was Mirage, not me."
The gang got on Carpet and flew after Cassim, who had met up with Suki.
"Dad!"
Cassim stopped walking.
"Dad, wait!"
"Oh no."
Carpet stopped and Aladdin got off. He walked as close to Cassim as he dared because of Suki, who had backed away.
"Dad?"
Cassim flinched.
"Dad, I know it's you. Mozenrath told us."
Cassim sighed and turned to his son.
"What did Mirage do to you?"
"She turned me into a lion. If I don't accomplish what she has told me in three more days, I'll..."
Cassim paused and gulped.
"...die."
Suki and the gang gasped.
"We'll help you."
"No. I cannot have help from you guys."
Suki came a little closer.
"What is going on, Cassim?"
"Aladdin, this is my new friend, Suki. Suki this is Aladdin, my..."
"Your what?"
Cassim gulped again.
"My son."
"Your what?!" Suki cried.
"I told you it was a long story."
Cassim explained everything.
"So that's why you told me about the man."
"Yeah."
Roar of the Lion by Cassim fan