Chapter 3
Beyond These Palace Walls
The morning after Applejack lamented about her family's situation, things were picking up at the palace. The Sultan of Agrabah was about to check on the latest suitor, only to find said suitor, the prince from the day before, storming out with a hole in his trousers and looking mighty peeved.
"I have never been so insulted!"
"P-Prince Achmed! Y-y-you're not leaving so soon, are you?" The Sultan asked, the stress getting to him, again.
"Good luck marrying her off!" Prince Achmed scowled as he left to retrieve his belongings.
The Sultan sighed in frustration as he looked toward the doors.
"Jasmine."
This may have been the twentieth time this year that his daughter, Princess Jasmine rejected a suitor, each one of them leaving disappointed or humiliated. Though there were a couple of times the suitors left relieved. As if they didn't want to be there. Still, this was getting too much for the Sultan as he entered the palace gardens.
"Jasmine? Jasmine. Jasmi-!" The Sultan called, only to be cut off at the sight of a large tiger with a familiar piece of fabric in his maw, growling at him.
The surprise of the tiger startled the Sultan, making him even more frustrated.
"Confound it, Rajah!"
In retaliation, the Sultan grabbed the fabric and pulled, only for it to be torn in half as Rajah casually walked over to the princess.
Princess Jasmine was going on sixteen in a little while and was a sight to behold. Her long black hair was tied back into sections with a sapphire headband on her head. She wore a sea green outfit that composed of a cropped top with sewn-in sleeves, matching pants and shoes. She wore a gold necklace and large golden earrings. Her brown eyes looked from the large lotus fountain and toward the scene before her.
Nearby, Fluttershy nervously stepped out of the shadows to take the fabric away from Rajah. The same fabric the Sultan had in his hand. He narrowed his eyes at his daughter.
"So. This is why Prince Achmed stormed out!"
Fluttershy flinched upon hearing the Sultan's raised voice. Seeing this, Jasmine placed a calming hand on the shy girl as she stroked Rajah.
"Oh, Father. Rajah was just playing with him. Weren't you, Rajah? You were just playing with that overdressed self-absorbed Prince Achmed, weren't you?"
The princess and the tiger laughed as Fluttershy left to retrieve Rajah's brush. She proceed to brush the tiger as the Sultan spoke to Jasmine.
"Dearest. You've got to stop rejecting every suitor who comes to call! The law says-"
Jasmine the spoke simultaneously to her father as she approached a large birdcage, rolling her eyes as she walked.
"-You must be married to a prince-"
"By your next birthday." The Sultan concluded.
Jasmine sighed as she gripped the cage's door.
"The law is wrong."
She retrieved a bird as the Sultan struggled to make her realize the importance of the situation.
"You've only got three more days!"
Jasmine frowned at her father, showing clear dissatisfaction.
"Father. I hate being forced into this."
She placed her cheek gently on the little bird.
"If I do marry, I want it to be for love."
Fluttershy cast a gentle smile as she is joined by Rarity, who was embroidering a piece of fabric for her latest project, and Twilight, who was reading another book. Both ladies-in-waiting showed similar smiles, though Twilight's was more torn. Mainly because she always followed the rules while Rarity was a romantic.
The Sultan sighed again. Although this time, it was semi-calm as he took the bird and placed it back into the cage, leaving Jasmine to return to her seat on the fountain.
"Jasmine. It…not only this law. I…I'm not going to be around forever and…Well, I… I just want to make sure you're taken care of. Provided for."
"Please! Try to understand. I've never done a thing on my own. I've never had any real friends."
Rajah growled as he, Rarity, and Twilight gave indignant looks while Fluttershy bit her lip in fear. Seeing this, Jasmine corrected her mistake.
"Except you guys and Spike."
Rajah smiled in contempt as the three women breathed sighs of relief. With her friends worries and indignities pacified, Jasmine returned to the conversation with her father.
"I've never even been outside the palace walls."
"But, Jasmine. You're a princess." Once again, the Sultan tried to reason with her.
This, however, caused her to splash some fountain water in frustration.
"Then maybe I don't want to be a princess, anymore!"
The Sultan let out a cry of frustration as he stormed back into the palace. But not before saying to Rajah, "Allah forbid you should have any daughters!"
Rajah let out a confused growl as Jasmine released another sigh of frustration. The three women looked at each other as Fluttershy took a seat next to the princess.
"Please don't be upset with him, princess. He's just worried, that's all."
Jasmine looked to Fluttershy, ready to retort. But she caught herself as she saw who she was speaking to, now. Fluttershy was always the sensitive one and she had to take great care not to hurt her.
"I know, Fluttershy. It's just…this whole suitor business is ridiculous. I don't even know why the law was even made in the first place."
"Well, I actually did some reading on that. When it was made, it was done so to secure the royal lineage as well as strengthen or forge alliances with other nations." Twilight spoke, trying to bring reason into this conversation.
"But what is wrong with marrying for love? Or marrying someone who respects my friends as much as me? I could not stand it anymore when Prince Achmed began insulting you three. Especially right in front of Fluttershy, whom he openly insulted." Jasmine asked, hoping to get an answer from Twilight.
Thankfully for Twilight, Rarity spoke, though not in the way she wanted. Still, they couldn't help but frown at what Jasmine had said about Prince Achmed's opinions on the princess' ladies-in-waiting.
"Well, in my opinion, there is absolutely nothing wrong with marrying for love. Although that law is a problem. Not to mention if you want to find The One, you need to look beyond the palace. And for once, I'm glad Rajah chased that rude man off."
Hearing Rarity, Jasmine happily hugged the seamstress. Rajah let out a happy growl at the seamstress' praise.
"I'd knew you would understand, Rarity. But it's not just that."
The three ladies-in-waiting looked at the princess confusingly.
"What do you mean?" Fluttershy asked as she brushed Rajah.
Looking to her, Jasmine spilled her lamentations.
"I feel like a prisoner in my own home. Sometimes I feel like I'm a mere doll just doing what everyone tells me to do. 'A princess must say this. A princess must marry a total stranger!' It's absurd!"
Jasmine: Suitors talk of love, but it's an act
Merely meant to throw me
How can someone love me when in fact,
They don't know me
They want my royal treasure,
When all is said and done.
It's time for a desperate measure
So I wonder
Why shouldn't I fly so far from here?
I know the girl I might become here?
Sad and confined
And always locked behind these palace walls~
The three ladies-in-waiting looked at each other with mixed feelings. Though fearful, Fluttershy bravely voiced her concerns.
"I don't know, princess. For someone like you, the outside world might kinda be…well…overwhelming."
Jasmin looked excitingly at Fluttershy, who was taken aback.
"Is that a promise?"
As Twilight listened on, she decided to speak. This time, she knew the princess had a point.
"Well, maybe it would do her some good."
Jasmine looked at Twilight surprisingly.
"You do?"
Twilight nodded as Rarity placed her embroidery down and joined in.
"Darling, I've never seen somebody who needed to get out more!"
Fluttershy stopped brushing Rajah and performed a playful curtsy with Jasmine.
Fluttershy: Told to show devotion every day
Twilight set her book down and folded her arms.
Twilight: And not second-guess it
Jasmin mockingly batted her eyes as she sang a question.
Jasmine: If a new emotion comes my way?
The three ladies-in-waiting answered sorrowfully.
Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity: You suppress it.
Jasmine places one hand on her hip while pointing to the trio with the other.
Jasmine: What would be your suggestion?
Rarity stood proudly.
Rarity: Stand on your own two feet.
Followed by Twilight and Fluttershy, though weakly for the latter.
Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity: And ask why a certain question keeps repeating?
Jasmine gazes up to the sky as the girls vocalized.
Jasmine: Why shouldn't I fly so far from here?
I know the girl I might become here
Follow your heart or you might end up cold and callous
The trio placed comforting hands on Jasmine's shoulders.
All: Love comes to those who go and find it
If you must dream, then stand behind it
Jasmine breaks away from the group as she looks up at the garden wall.
Jasmine: Maybe there's more beyond these palace walls.
It was then Jasmine got an idea. What if she ran away when the girls go into town tomorrow? If she could convince them, maybe they could live outside the palace together? Agrabah needed her father, but she needed the three women who had become like sisters to her.
Jasmine: What if I dared?
What if I tried?
Am I prepared for what's outside?
Why shouldn't I fly so far from here?
Something awaits
Be~yond these… pa~lace walls~~~~~~~~~
On the last line, Jasmine opens the cage and allows the birds to fly for freedom. Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity gathered in for a group hug with the princess as they, too, gazed at the free birds.
All: Something waits beyond these palace walls~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The four girls giggled as they continued to embrace. Jasmine smiled at her friends and returned the hug.
"What would I do without you three?"
Meanwhile, the Sultan retreated to a chamber that was filled with toys and contraptions that caught his interest. With a sigh, he walked over to a model version of Agrabah and started flicking the moon piece in thought.
"I don't know where she gets it from. Her mother wasn't nearly this picky."
A sudden shadow startled the Sultan, only for him to calm down as he recognized the shadow's owner. The man who was at the Cave of Wonders nights ago.
"Ah. Jafar. My most trusted advisor. I am in desperate need of your wisdom."
Jafar bowed in respect for the Sultan.
"My life is but to serve you, my lord."
It was then that the Sultan proceeded to speak to Jafar about his problem.
"It's this suitor business. Jasmine refuses to choose a husband! I'm at my wits end!"
"Brawk! Wits end!" the parrot on Jafar's shoulder squawked.
Hearing the parrot, the Sultan pulled a cracker from one of his pockets and stuffed it in the unwilling parrot's mouth.
"Oh! Have a cracker, pretty polly."
Jafar laughed, both honestly and falsely, at the situation.
"Your Majesty has a way with dumb animals."
The parrot gave an indigent look at Jafar as his cheeks were filled with the disgusting cracker he was force-fed. Clearing his throat, Jafar spoke again to the Sultan.
"Perhaps I can divine a solution to this problem."
"If anyone can help, it's you." The Sultan told him.
Jafar then gestured to the diamond ring on the Sultan's finger.
"But it…would require the use of a mystic blue diamond."
Hearing this, the Sultan became reluctant as he clutched the ring.
"Oh, eh…my ring? But it's been in the family for years."
However, Jafar had an ace up his sleeve. Or rather, in his cobra-shaped staff.
"But it is necessary to find the princess a suitor. Don't worry."
He pointed the face of the staff to the Sultan. As he did, the eyes of the staff began to swirl with a mystical light as Jafar spoke.
"Everything will be fine."
Under the magic of the staff, the Sultan spoke in a hypnotic trance, seemingly unaware of what was happening.
"Everything will be…fine…"
"The diamond?" Jafar asked in a serpent-like voice.
Like a puppet obeying the puppet master, the Sultan removed his ring and held it out to Jafar.
"Yes…Jafar. Whatever you need will…be…fine…"
Swiftly, Jafar took the ring as he ceased the spell. Though the Sultan was still in a trance-like state. A state that would be in effect for a few minutes. He gently pushed the Sultan towards the Agrabah model as he prepared to leave.
"You are most gracious, my liege. Now, run along and play with your little toys. Hmm?"
Still in a trance, the Sultan obeyed.
"That…that would be….very good…"
As Jafar left with his parrot, Iago, who would spit out the cracker and rant as they made their way to Jafar's secret laboratory, a new figure entered the Sultan's toy chamber. It was a boy no older than ten. He had green-and-purple hair, green eyes, and was dressed in clothing of the same coloring. The clothing consisted of a light green shirt, a purple vest and pants, and brown shoes.
This was Nasir, the adoptive son of the Sultan and younger brother of Princess Jasmine. He also goes by "Spike" because of his natural spike hair. Unlike Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rarity, Spike did not know where he came from because he was a baby when he arrived in Agrabah. Even then, no one knew where he came from.
It was the Sultan's late wife, the Sultana, who was in the marketplace that day, that found him and brought him to the palace. The arrival of this youngster made the Sultan even more concerned with the slaver problem. So much that he called a meeting with the leaders of neighboring kingdoms in order to crack the slave trade.
As for the baby, there was no sign of his parents and after seeing a young Jasmine handle him as her own, the Sultan and the Sultana decided to bring the boy into the family as well. Though unlike the girls, who could go home should their parents find them upon recognizing their families, the boy did not have the option. So instead, the Sultan, much to the Sultana's and Jasmine's delight, adopted the boy as his son.
Many questioned if the new prince would take the throne, only to be dissuaded because the law dictated that only those of royal blood should rule. And while Spike may have been adopted, he held no claim to the throne. Which was fine with Spike, who spent his days between lessons, spending time with his family, and helping the ladies-in-waiting. Especially Twilight, whom he assisted mostly, and Rarity, whom he had a crush on.
The boy carefully came into the chamber as he precariously carried multiple packages, all of them with writing that translated to "Handle with Care."
"E-excuse me, Father. But where do you want these?"
Still dazed, the Sultan answered the boy as he picked up a villager figurine.
"Whatever you need…will be…fine…"
The boy raised an eyebrow as he set the packages down on a nearby table. He looked to the Sultan and noticed the dazed look.
"Uh…Father? Can you hear me? It's me. Nasir."
At that moment, Jafar's spell wore off, allowing the Sultan to regain his senses. Seeing the boy, the Sultan spoke.
"Oh! Nasir. When did you get here?"
Spike, confused, answered the Sultan.
"Uh…just a minute ago."
He scratched his head as he asked the Sultan another question.
"Father? Are you feeling alright?"
The statement confused the stout ruler.
"Of course, son. Eh…why do you ask?"
Concerned, Spike answered as he folded his arms.
"Lately whenever I look for you or come across your path, you seemed to be in a trance or something. Is it about Jasmine again?"
The Sultan was about to respond with an answer. However, it never came. Did he forget already? Whatever the reason, he needed to reassure the boy.
"It's no worry, Nasir. Jafar is looking for a way to help."
Shivers ran up Spike's spine. Like his sister's ladies-in-waiting, he didn't trust the Royal Vizier. Whether it was the sneaky way he looked or how he seemed shadier than ever, there was something up with the man. Especially how it seems every time Spike came across the Sultan in one of his dazed states, Jafar seemed not too far behind. This worried Spike greatly. Jafar was up to something and so far, he left nothing incriminating to prove his treachery.
"I better tell Twilight and the others about this when I get the chance."
His mind returned as the Sultan placed a hand on his shoulder and spoke to comfort the boy, thinking the prince was worried about the suitor situation.
"Things will get better, son. You'll see."
He then pulled away and started to unravel one of the packages.
"In the meantime, why don't you help me sort all of these out? Judging from the amount Prince Achmed left, we may need to bring in more tables."
Spike sighed as he gave a warm smile to his father. While he may have been on in his years, the Sultan was still young at heart.
"I'll find us some tables, Father. And I'll get the modeling paint."
Later that night…
After night fell upon Agrabah, a lone figure dressed in a cloak carefully made its way across the palace garden. Turning towards a tree that was closest to the top of the wall, the moonlight revealed the figure to be Princess Jasmine. As she was about to climb the tree, she felt a tug at her cloak. Turning her head, she found that it was Rajah, her cloak in his mouth with eyes begging her not to go. Sadly, she knelt before the tiger.
"Oh, I'm sorry, Rajah. But I can't stay here and live my life for me."
She gently hugged the tiger, saddened that she could not take him with her.
"I'll miss you."
Releasing Rajah, Jasmine began to climb the tree again. Rajah aided his long-time friend by giving her a lift and sorrowfully watched as Jasmine was about to climb over the wall. She gave him one last look.
"Goodbye."
Rajah growled sadly as he kept his gaze on the spot 'till morning. He didn't even notice Fluttershy, who had stopped searching for Jasmine in the palace to tend to the menagerie, approach him. Seeing the saddened tiger, Fluttershy spoke gently.
"Rajah? What's the matter?"
Rajah looked at Fluttershy before looking at the wall again. Seeing Rajah act like this greatly concerned Fluttershy. He never acted like this unless something terrible had happened. Especially if that something involved Princess Jasmine. Thinking this, a tight knot developed in Fluttershy's stomach.
"Rajah? Did…did the princess…?"
Rajah nodded at Fluttershy sadly. Which was enough for her. Panicked, Fluttershy ran from the gardens and searched for her friends. She found them questioning the prince from the door to his room.
"Have you seen the princess, Spike?" Twilight asked, not worried about calling Spike by his nickname.
Spike shook his head drowsily.
"No. I just woke up. Wasn't she in her room?"
Rarity shook her head, worried.
"I am afraid not, Spike. Twilight, Fluttershy, and I have been searching for her all morning."
Seeing Fluttershy wave, Spike motioned to his friends to her.
"Fluttershy? What's the matter? Did you find Jasmine?"
Fluttershy gulped as she looked left and right for anyone listening. As soon as she saw the coast was clear, she motioned her friends and the prince into the prince's room. Once the door was closed, Fluttershy released her panic.
"Oh! Everyone! I just have the most terrible news!"
Not liking this, Twilight spoke up.
"Is it about Princess Jasmine?"
Fluttershy gulped and nodded. Not liking the look of panic she was giving, Rarity place a hand on the shy maiden's shoulder.
"Fluttershy? Where's Jasmine?"
Knowing this needed to be said, Fluttershy told them, her voice as soft as ever.
"I think Jasmine has run away!"
Hearing this, the three friends gasped and had their own reactions afterward. Twilight began to panic like a chicken with its head cut off, Rarity fainted, and Spike's jaw dropped. Jasmine? Run away? Impossible! It couldn't be! Could it?
"What…what do you mean 'run away?!' Where could she have gone?!"
After waking Rarity up and stopping Twilight from going into crazy-mode, Fluttershy explained Rajah's mood and how he was staring at the wall. Hearing this, Twilight began to form a plan.
"She can't have gone far. She must be in the city somewhere."
"So what do we do?" Rarity asked, worried.
Folding her arms, Twilight answered with a determined face.
"Rarity; you, me, and Fluttershy will go out into the city, find the princess, and bring her back."
The two ladies-in-waiting gaped while the prince had a look of protest.
"What?! Why you? It's not safe out there! Let me find my sister!"
Twilight shook her head at Spike and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"The others and I have been in the city before and we know to be careful. Not to mention you are the prince. If the wrong people find out you're the prince, they would kidnap you and hold you for ransom. Or worse! Not to mention you know little of how the outside works. The three of us are the most qualified to go without causing a scene."
Spike began to pout. Like Jasmine, he wanted to see the outside world. So he was mad at her for leaving him behind. Now, his friends were going out to find the princess and he was being left out. Again. It was then Rarity spoke up, knowing how to make Spike feel better.
"We do need your help here in the palace, though."
Spike looked at Rarity with surprise.
"You do? How?"
Understanding what she's doing, Twilight and Fluttershy let Rarity continue.
"The Sultan would be upset if he hears about this. If you can keep him and everyone else from seeing Jasmine, distract them. Spend some time with your father. Make models elephants or something to get his mind off the suitor business. Please, Spike. You're the only one who can do this."
Spike thought for a moment. While he really wanted to go out and find his sister, the girls were right. His father would have a fit or worse if he found out that Jasmine had run away. No doubt he would send the guards after her and Jasmine would get into trouble. Spike loved his sister and wanted her to be happy. But he also didn't want her to get into trouble. With a sigh of defeat, he nodded.
"Alright. But hurry back. I don't know how long I can keep Father distracted."
The girls smiled and hugged him one by one. Spike blushed with each hug, though he was redder when Rarity hugged him. She smiled as she released him.
"Thank you, my prince."
She placed a kiss on his forehead, which caused him to stiffen and pass out. Sadly, he didn't know his crush on Rarity was one-sided and that she thought of him as a little brother.