Patron part 5

Previously: Chroias, Nefret and Mozenrath have had many adventures: a fight with Aladdin, Nefret and Xerxes were banished, but brought back one way or another, and Nefret had been knocked into a coma for a while. but now the gang faces the most challenging situation yet! Chroias and Mozenrath just had TWINS!!!! And just in time from Mozenrath's birthday!

Disclaimer: Mozenrath, Xerxes, Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Abu and Carpet are property of Disney. Chroias belongs to Kalynnn Osburn. Nefret and Anubis are mine. Rated Pg for suggestive content.

Chapter 54 (by Kalynn)

Chroias's eyes gleamed bright red as she remembered the first trick she had played on Mozenrath for his birthday. She and Nef had spent almost all night up on this subject.

"We could always put those candles on his cake. Ya know the kind that won't blow out." Nefret mused as Chroias poured her a glass of something she called root beer? Nefret took a sip. She didn't really know what the stuff was, but she liked the way it tickled against her mouth.

Chroias shock her head. "Nah! Come on Nef were much more professional then that." she winked at Zak and picked him up as he toyed with her hair. His green eyes sparkled full of wild mischief. "That's it!"

Nefret sat up, little Tris sitting up with her. "What's it?" she asked as Tris telepathically made one of the plum hairs stand on end. "What makes you think I won't like it?" Nefret demanded indignantly

"Oh gods Nef your not gonna like it. It's vicious malicious cruel and completely unfair" Chroias pointed out.

"So what makes you think I won't like it?" Nefret asked again smiling till Chroias pointed out that her hair was standing on end. Nefret smoothed it out and looked at Tris, for the first time she saw a sly smile on the baby child that was far to much like her fathers. Chroias leaned in close and whispered something into the plum haired girls ear. Nefret gave an almost evil grin. "Oh man Chroias, it's times like this I remember why your a demon."

Mozenrath felt Chroias snuggle up to him in the early hours of the morning. "Happy birthday." she muttered out of the corner of her mouth.

"I'd hoped you'd forgotten." He growled out.

"Nope. But don't worry, I don't have anything planned. 'Not any more' she said silently. She smiled as Mozenrath pulled her close.

"So how bout we get to work on my birthday present?" Mozenrath said with an arched eyebrow.

Chroias giggled. "If we don't watch it the whole citadel will be swarming with kids."

Mozenrath pressed a kiss to her lips. "Just so long as I'm the one making them." Chroias fell into a laughing fit as Mozenrath continued to kiss her.

The two, surprisingly, woke up early the next morning. To Mozenrath's surprise Chroias dressed in something a bit more casual. She slipped on black jeans and a dark blue halter-top. Making it so that they matched in color. He raised an eyebrow, but ignored it. No use being paranoid.

They began to walk down stairs as Chroias noticed a familiar red dress peeking out of the corner. "Um Moze," she halted him. "I do have one more surprise for you."

"Better then last night?" he winked in an almost rougish way. "What did you call that again? Asin..."

"MOZE!" Chroias said nervously. But it was to late, a callous almost cat like giggle rose from around the halls.

Mozenrath blinked, then glared. "You didn't!" he growled.

Chroias smiled in an almost sneaky style. "Moze I didn't it it... it was all Nef idea."

The plum haired girl appeared from behind a portal. "Hay.. nice ta know you stick by me and all."

"Nice try. But Nef can't open a dimensional gateway." He gave Chroias an accusing look.

"All right all right, but Mirage hasn't seen the kids yet and I do want them to know their grand mom." She winced. "To a degree."

Mozenrath sighed. "All right. But if she gives me another smile faced lunch box, you’re the one I'm coming after."

Chapter 55 (by me, Laura)

          Nefret beamed happily at Mozenrath. God she loved teasing him, it was small vengeance for all the things he had done to her. “Happy birthday my lord!!!!!” She cried as Mirage came out of hiding. Mozenrath couldn’t have been more solemn. “Oh come now! Roias and I just thought you might want to have a nice family get together!”

          “Your not part of my family fog horn!” Mirage pushed passed her towards Mozenrath. This earned a rather obscene gesture from Nefret, but luckily it passed by unnoticed and she walked into the next room.  Mozenrath back stepped unconsciously as his mother approached him. “Dear, dear son! Oh don’t run from mother. It’s always the same, boy discover girls and they have no time for their mothers.” Mirage wined and fended hurt, but halted her advance. Mozenrath face twisted sourly. A cry rose from the room Nefret had retreated to. “Ah yes, I almost forgot!” the cat woman whirled around as if she had lost all thought of her son. All followed her into the room. Zak lay on the couch and Tris sat in the lap of Nefret pulling on the ribbon of the box she held. A catty grin spread across Mirages face as she suddenly scooped Zakurum into her arms to study him. Everyone felt a pang of protective fear, but suppressed it. The look on Mirage’s face wasn’t exactly one of a grandmother meeting her grandchild for the first time, more like a trainer sizing up a new horse. Nefret and Chroias didn’t like it, not one bit. Tris wiggled in Nefret’s lap, taking on obvious interest in Mirages head ornament. And what Tris wanted, she got, one way or the other. The small gold crown lifted off the evil incarnates head and into the babies hands, and promptly into her mouth. Horrified Nefret snatched it away and held it back to its owner. “Hum, interesting.” Mirage noted as she fixed it back in place.

         “Yes, she is talented. And getting better all the time!” Chroias voice was brisk as she pulled Zak from the arms of his grandmother. “Well let’s get this shin dig started! Nefret?”

          “Uh, what? Oh yeah!” She placed Tris on the floor to be watched by Abubis and pulled a small flute from her skirt. The girls, not including mirage of course stood together and a short toot from the flute hariled the song the demon had taught her last night. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you,” the girls sang in unison. “Happy birthday dear Mozenrath. Happy birthday to you!!!!” They ended in a little hand waving and smiles. The words ‘you look like a monkey and you smell like one to’ could be heard in-between the right lines. But since both girls were singing it must have been Mirage. Mozenrath gave a brave smile and let his eyes wonder to the gift boxes on the floor.

          “Oh all right, we’ll get to the good part.” Chroias sighed and handed him a box. He tore into it like a kid on Christmas Eve.

          “A sweater?” he lifted the dark blur shirt from the box. Moze caught the demons glare. “Oh, a sweater! It’s nice.” He gave another brave smile.

          “I thought your wardrobe could use more….. variety!” the green haired woman explained.

           Another box was tossed to him from Nefret’s direction. He opened it, a bit more slowly than the last. “101 ways to take over the world, by pinky and the brain.” He read the title of the book, Nefret laughed. “Um, useful.” He set the book aside with a slight scratch of his head. “Mother, dare I ask?” She responded by pulling her gift from behind her back. He sighed and opened it as if it held some deadly snake. A thermos was pulled out with some strange purled and green dinosaur on the side. Needless to say it didn’t stay out of the box long.

          “You like?” mirage asked clasping her hands together.

          “It will go so nicely with my smiley face lunch box.” He hissed through clenched teeth. Nefret eyed him warily. Boy he wasn’t happy! Maybe they shouldn’t push him to far, not just yet anyways! She stood and clapped her hands, immediacy the doors opened and several mumluks sulked in pushing carts of food. One cart was placed in front to Mozenrath and one in front of Chroias. Nefret picked up the twins and lead Mirage out the door. While she got acquainted with the new arrivals, Moze could actually enjoy his birthday breakfast. He should have a bit of fun after all, the big dinner was still coming up.

Chapter 56 (by kalynn)

Chroias rocked Zak as Anubis tumbled around with Tris. She still had her determined little brown eyes on Mirage's hat. She gave an indignant squeal as Mirage moved further away from the group and ultimately crawled over to Zak. Her twin looked over at the adults. They were sitting and managing a tense conversation. Zak gave a quick coo as his twin poked him on the shoulder and pointed to the hat on Mirage's head. One impish grin from Zak later, and the twins were setting up for trouble. Zak crawled over to his grand mom and immediately began to pull on her leg. Mirage looked down at him as the child gave her a famous smile. His green eyes glowed brightly.

"Well so this one is the sorcerer of the family." She mused as she picked him up. Mozenrath stiffened a moment but relaxed as he heard a wild giggle from his son. Zak, the little charmer, he already managed to engage Mirage in a game of odd peek-a-boo. He would give a wild, almost insane giggle every time Mirage's face appeared from her hands and grab for the shiny necklace she wore. Nefret was keeping a close eye on Zak, but as she was doing this, she failed to notice Tris sneaking up from behind. Suddenly the whole table froze as the grand mom was lifted from her position. Zak began to fall only to be immediately caught be his sister and lowered gently into Auntie Nef's arms. A spitting yowl from Mirage could barely be heard over the torrent of giggles coming from both Tris and Zak. Tris smiled in an almost devious way as she turned her grandmother upside-down and the hat fell off. "Mine." she punctuated in a quite clear voice.  Now even Mirage stopped meowing.

"Did she just speak?" Nefret said.

"She just spoke!" Chroias said scooping up her little girl and her hat in the same process. The little demon chewed mindfully on the hats brim and didn't even flinch when the sound of a dropped cat hit the floor. Mirage scoffed away in a huff, angry that the attention was never on her.  Only Mozenrath wasn't busy in trying to temp Tris into talking again. Chroias noticed her lovers sitting far from contently on his throne. "What's wrong my lover." she asked and sat on his lap making it plain that she wasn't going to leave till she was told.

"Noting." he said softly. "Just..I was hoping..." he shook his head and placed a piece of birthday cake and ice cream in his mouth.

"What?" Chroias prodded.

He looked longingly over at Tris and her twin giggling over on the floor, completely absorbed in how much of the hat they could soak. "I'd hoped her first word would be...." he hesitated, making sure Nefret was completely absorbed with the two. "Daddy." he turned red immediately after saying it and looked in surprise as Chroias walked away.

She picked up Tris who yelled at being taken away from the hat. Then sat her firmly in Mozenrath's arms. "Why don't you hold her a moment?" she said. “Nefret and I still have a few party favors to get out and a few hidden gifts now that you mother's gone. My mom sent you one in fact, as well as one's for the twins." she placed Zak in his father’s arms as well. "We'll be back soon." she said snatching a surprised Nefret off the floor. Immediately after they left Tris went for the turban and Zak went for the glove. Without hesitation Mozenrath removed his headdress and placed it between them, hoping to let it absolve their attentions. It did. They squealed in laughter and Enjoyment playing tug of war with it.

Suddenly Tris squealed. Not one of her I- want-attention-now squeals, but a frightened scream. A mamluck had wandered into the room and Tris now clung fearfully to her father’s shirt trying to get as far away from the thing as possible. Her wide eyes looked up at Mozenrath expectantly. Zak simply tried to get a closer look at the creature before his father pulled them back. "Back off." he muttered it as an order to the mamluck. The creature bowed and left. Tris waited till it was gone before trying to pull at her father’s curls. "Allllakkk." she gurgled and pointed to the place where the mamluck had been. It had no meaning, but it was obvious she wanted to know what that thing had been.

"Mamluck." Mozenrath said. "Mmmmaaaammmm luck." he sounded it out for her.

"Mmmmma." she tried gently.

"Mam." Zak said trying to compete with her. "Mamluk"

"Mamluck." she said adding a syllable for him and grinning cause she knew she'd done it right. Zak snorted and grabbed the turban away from her.

"Mine." he said with the same possessiveness as she had with Mirage's hat.

"Mine!" Tris grabbed it back.

"Mine!" Mozenrath said putting the turban on his head.

Chapter 57 (by me)

            Nefret followed Chroias down the hallway. Well more like stocked behind. Just when things were getting interesting she was shooed off. That’s the way it always went. Chroias dug under her bed producing several packages that she handed up to Nefret. The plum haired woman turned to the door, eager to get back to the action. But Roias caught her shoulder.

            “Not just yet.” She tipped her head to the side and smiled.

            Nefret plopped down on the bed setting the gifts beside her. “I swear!” she plunked her head in her hands stubbornly. Chroias laughed and bopped her over the head with a box. Instead of fighting back as was expected Nef only fell into the bed, arms outcast, as if the blow had killed her.

            Mozenrath sat in one of the sitting rooms with Zak on his lap. Tris meanwhile was sitting on the floor happily waving around a noisemaker, provided of course by her mother. A slight noise echoed in the hall, no doubt Nefret was trying to catch in him an embarrassing situation that she could use against him later. But sadly, for her at least, she dropped a box and cursed at the sound. Mozenrath grinned to himself ‘she’s done it to herself this time!’ He quickly pulled his turban off his son’s head and placed it on his own just as the door swung open. Nefret wobbled in with an armload of gifts and Chroias followed with a bottle of campaign and glasses. Anubis trotted in and made his way to intently to Tris. With a sigh Mozenrath’ s minion dropped her burned at her lord’s feet. The bubbly was poured and all sat back.

            “Well dear?” Roias motioned to the packages. He picked one up obligingly. It was addressed to him from Persephone. Inside the box was a rather nice looking carved jade bird. It didn’t exactly mesh with the rest of the décor or the Citadel, but it would look nice somewhere. The next was also from Persephone, but it was for the children. He handed it to Chroias and waited for her to open it. In that box there was two stuffed animals, each identical in everyway. Mozenrath’s next gift was from both Chroias and Nefret jointly. It was a decorative knife, the handle made up of a figure of a woman with outreached arms and a ruby encrusted in her forehead. It was slightly Egyptian looking.

            “It’s a knife that belonged to the ancient sorcerer Dedi” Chroias exclaimed rather proudly. The name held some recognition for Mozenrath, but he couldn’t quite place it. Nefret seeing this decided to explain.

            “Dedi lived in Dedsneferu. He was 110 years old and ate 500 loaves of bread, a side of beef and a hundred droughts of beer daily. He was a powerful sorcerer and if and if the head of a man or animal was smitten off she could bring it back to like. He tamed wild beasts and knew the designs of the house of Horus!” Nef repeated the tale. Mozenrath grinned crookedly, now he remembered. It would be rather nice to own something that had been in the hands of such a person as Dedi. He placed it aside with a muttered thank you.

            While the grown ups were babbling away the twins were busy with a new plan. They had cornered the unsuspecting Abubis and crawled onto his back urging his to raise himself. A Yelp rang out and everyone’s head shot around to look as Anubis jumped up under the sharp pressure of Zakurum’s kicking feet. With an audible ‘eep’ both woman scrambled to their feet and grabbed a twin before they could fall off.  Relived of his burden Abuis patted out of the room indignantly.

            “No!” Tris wined.

            “Dog.” Zag pointed to the door Anubis had left through. Everyone looked at each other in turn and then slumped into a chair. It had become quite apparent that these kids would make sure no one was bored!

Chapter 58 (by kalynn)

Nefret sank down to the children. Tris was tugging gently on Anubis’s ears as the dog nipped playfully back at her. She giggled exactly every time the dog made a casually bite at her and retaliated with a small nip from her mini fangs. Zak was trying to make a sneak attack on Nefret from behind.

Just in time she noticed him. "Oh no you don't!" she said scooping him up in her arms. Zak made a burbling noise as if trying to sound innocent. "Sorry kid but you got to much of your father in ya for me to believe that." Nefret giggled as she began to tickle his chin. Zak laughed in a wild fashion as he tried to touch the anklet on Nefret's ankle. "No Zak." she motioned him away. "I don't think your father would be too pleased with that."

Zak punched out his lower lip in angry defiance and crossed his arms. Chroias laughed and removed the child from Nefret's arms. "Oh tell me he doesn't look just like his father." Mozenrath turned a light pink color and used his turban to hide it. Just then a knock emitted around the citadel.

"Now who on earth?" Nefret clamored up and went for the door.

"If it's Mirage tell her to go caught up a hair ball." Mozenrath called from the door. To Nefret's extreme surprise and soon to be everyone else’s, it wasn't Mirage. It was Aladdin and Jasmine. Both bearing gifts.

Chapter 59 (by me)

            Nefret’s heavily lined eyes were wide as she desperately tired to find something to say. Finally with the sound of Mozenrath and Chroias approaching behind Nef snapped back to reality. “Princess, effendi.” She grasped the gifts from the hero’s and turned around to face the other two. Mozenrath was trying to hide his surprise with a sour glare. Chroias gave Nefret a shrug and let the plum haired woman pass back into the room to set down her burden.

            “I don’t recall inviting street rats and royal pains over for dinner!” Mozenrath glowered “Well I guess that’s ‘cause I DIDN’T! Solicitors aren’t welcome here, so kindly LEAVE!” Mozenrath turned his back to them but didn’t walk away.

            “It’s just that, with are kingdoms being so close to each other, when we heard that you had heirs…” Jasmine was trying to be as diplomatic as possible. This was supposed to be for the good of her kingdom, but deep down she was rather curious of the children of her enemy. “It seemed only proper that Agrahaba extend its congratulations.” Jasmines head stretched to look over the sorcerer’s shoulder at the sound of a childlike laugh.  Mozenrath ginned slightly. ‘So that was it was it? The hero’s wanted to know about the children, my children! They want to know what they’re up against. Well, than let them see.” He waved them on without turning around. Chroias followed, slightly concerned.

            Jasmine and Aladdin eyes gazed upon the children. One of them sat resting against a sleeping dog. Upon seeing the new comers the girl raised her arms and laughed, baring a shiny set of fangs. Jasmine’s and Aladdin’s eyes rolled to the other child in unison. He was sitting at Nefret’s feet wrapping her ankles with a ribbon that had been pulled off a gift box. Nefret did little to evade him, her eyes were glued to the Agrabainons. Chroias saved her the embarrassment of tripping over herself by scooping up her son and bringing him slightly forward for inspection. The horns on his head held no doubt of whom his mother was. Jasmine instinctively reached to touch his face but Mozenrath stepped between the two.

            “What are their names? And how old are they?” the princess asked, trying her best to hide the indignant tone in her voice.

            “This is Zakurum. And that is Tristram.” Chroias indicated the baby that now resided in Nefret’s arms. “They are only a few days old. They grow faster with the genes of their mother.” The demon answered Jasmine’s questioning look.

            “And a last name?” The princess tried to hide the fact she was inquiring the parent’s marital status. Silence met her, but that was all the answer she needed. Nefret decided to break the uncomfortable hush.

            “It was nice of you to bring gifts. We never did have a proper baby shower. They came so close to Mozenrath’s birthday today..” she was cut off my a warning growl from Mozenrath. “Ahem Maybe we should open them now. You will be able to stay for that?” Nefret’s question was directed more to Mozenrath. With a huff he swiped up a gift and handed it to Chroias, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible.

            The gifts were the usual, cloths, and various jewels and thing that would most likely end up collecting dust in the Citadel treasury. Zak busied himself with the ribbons that had been discarded, and again was tying to wrap them around his Godmother’s ankle. But she wasn’t going to let him this time and, much to his disappointment, neither was his mother.

            “There is another reason we came.” Jasmine began as soon as the last present was unwrapped. “Our kingdoms have never been….. on good grounds. But I was hoping that, with these children, we could agree to live peacefully. That your children, and our future offspring could rule in accordance with one another.” She looked expectantly at Mozenrath, and everyone else just looked vexed.

Chapter 60 (by kalynn)

Chroias blanched. 'This princess has more guts then I thought' she mused. She couldn't help but respect the woman for being able to put personal safety ahead of personal feelings. She meet eye's with the princess momentarily and gave her a half smile of respect. Jasmine returned it.

Mozenrath arched an eyebrow and almost smiled as Zak copied the move. He didn't really think Jasmine would have said it if things between them hadn't been so tense. After all when could be more perfect to ask then when he had his children to watch out for and couldn't risk a fight. Mozenrath opened his mouth and again had to hold back a smile when Zak copied the gesture. "I think an alliance between us could prove to be a ..." he caught Chroias giving his a warning glare. "Wise move. What with future generations to look out for." he glanced at Jasmine's stomach. Just then Chroias and Nef seemed to notice that the princess had picked up a few pounds since the last meeting. Probably as to why she had done this. With a child coming on her end, Mozenrath as an enemy with two offspring would not be a good idea.

Aladdin kept his eye on the sorcerer. He had been on edge ever since Jasmine had suggested the idea. But with only nine month's to go, he knew this was a calculated risk. "Glad to here you approve of the idea Moze."

Nefret gave him a desperate glace as to the shorting of Mozenrath's name, but Mozenrath seemed not to notice. At least not until he had an assured sharp retort. "Oh hello Al." he gave the hero a sly grin. "Do forgive me I seem to have completely forgotten you were there." He removed Zak from his lap. "Perhaps you'd like to give me child a hero's blessing?"

Aladdin didn't really have any choice. This was a diplomatic mission and customs of another ruler's children and the respect due to them had to be observed. He accepted the squirming baby and supported his head. "I give you the official blessing's of Agrabah gates and her people. Passage and safe transport is at you disposal as well as asylum should harm befallen you. May Allah bless you and keep you safe." Chroias sighed, he'd gotten that part down pat. She gently handed him Tris. The little girl smiled with her fangs gleaming at the hero. Aladdin winced but repeated the ritual. Again Chroias breathed a sigh of relief. Agrabah was one more problem swept out of the way. Now at least her children could go somewhere outside the citadel with little interference. Thing's might have gone well from then on if only Tris hadn't damn well set her mind on the fact that this man didn't seem to like daddy and daddy didn't seem to like this man. She gave her brother a look, but he shook his head. Zak wasn't going to agree with her on this one. Tris crossed her arms and pouted. Zak wasn't being any fun. If she couldn't get this guy daddy didn't like, she would at least make him jealous. Tris turned around and stretched her arms out to Mozenrath. "Daddy." she said in her clear voice.

Chapter 61 (by me)

            Mozenrath let out a deep breath. He had worried that those words would never grace his Childs lips. He did have the piece of mind enough to keep a cool countenance. The girls however had no problem letting emotion wash over their face. Aladdin cleared his throat uncomfortably and handed the baby back to her father, who accepted her tenderly.

            Zakurm watched in annoyance. Everyone’s eyes were on his other half. A grin graced Zak’s face, making him look all too much like his father. He crawled to Chroias’s feet and blurted, “Mama!” Now everyone’s eyes rolled to the male child. Tris let out an indignant cry. Well she would just fight fire with fire!

            “Auntie!” She pointed to a rather surprised Nefret. The twins eyes meet, Tris giving a smile that said ‘Bet that!’ Zak just pouted. 

            “Well……..” Chroias was rather flabbergasted. “It seems everyone has been identified!” Everyone that had been ID’ed by the twins seemed to forget those who hadn’t been.

            “Ahem!” the group’s collective glance turned back to Aladdin. “We have this treaty…” Mozenrath took it and Chroias and Nefret sprang up behind him to read over his shoulder. The text just basically mirrored the prior blessing of the hero, that the recourses of Agrabah were available, and at their disposal and also the promise of sanctuary. With the addition of mutual militia forces against common enemies. Which struck Nefret as rather ironic since it seemed their only common enemy was each other. The parchment was already signed by both Aladdin and Jasmine. Mozenrath admitted an indecipherable mumble, and understandably so. In all her years in the Citadel Nefret had resigned herself to the fact that she would be witness to many a thing, but her lord signing a contract of peace? With ALADDIN???? If someone had told her of this event last night she would have called him a lire and possible hit him upside the head. But Mozenrath took the pen provide to him and scrawled his name across the bottom, then thrust it at Chroias.

            “Witnesses.” He explained bluntly. The demon nodded and signed he own name. Nefret was next, and she expertly marked her name in Hieratic. While those three were occupied Chroias pulled her lover aside.

            “Are you sure? And remember, you said you were noting if not a man of you word.” Her eyes were narrow in concern that he wasn’t planning to keep his end of the agreement.

            “I am! In contracts I like.” He smiled wickedly. “If they wish to provide me easy access to Agrabah let them.!” Mozenrath failed to mention any of his new responsibilities.

“Did you see what I saw?” Chroais asked as she and the other girl leaned over the crib. It was latter that night and all the ‘guests’ had left.

            “Aie.” Was Nefret’s sharp affirmative answer. Chroias stopped stroking her child’s cheek and looked at her friend with a cocked eyebrow. Nefret met her gaze. “I swear its babies left and right! Don’t you people have anything better to do?!” The words were meant to be scolding, but she couldn’t hide the amused tone in her voice.

Chapter 62 (by Kalynn)

Chroias gave Nefret a quick smack for the comment. Nefret squealed as she began to pelt the demoness with a pillow. Tris and Zak watched the two momentarily and gave each other knowing looks. Something was about to happen to them. Tris focused her ability on Nefret. "Auntie!" she squealed as she hoisted Nefret up and into the air.

Nefret looked down at the child. She gave as small gasp as she noticed the twins were glowing. A greenish gold color began to swirl about their features. "Ummm Roias." Nefret said landing on a cushion.

Chroias turned around and gasped. "Get Mozenrath NOW." She called after her friend.

Mozenrath came tearing down the halls Nefret close on his heels. "What what!!!" he stopped shouting as he noticed the glow covering the children. He lifted his gauntlet prepared for a problem.

"NO!" Chroias yelled in to his ear. "You don't understand. Their ageing." She gave her husband a meaning full look. Nefret moved in closer as the twins began to grow. The baby fat around them began to disappeared as their bodies grew slightly taller. Zak giggled with delight as he was now able to stand up to his mother’s knee. He immediately wandered over to Auntie Nef and began playing with the hem of her dress. "Horse ride." he said as soon as the dark glow had finished. Nefret picked him up and hushed him.

"Why is Tris taking so much longer?" Mozenrath questioned?" the girl was still covered in the phosphorescent glow.

"Probably because of her abilities. Telikinetisisum has to developed with the body." Chroias picked up Zak who was gazing jealously at his twin. "You know after this is over Zak should be old enough for you to start training in Magic." she mentioned despite the fearful look on Nefret's face.

Mozenrath smiled as he thought of it. "Yes." he held his now apparently 5 year old son.

The glow around Tris died. And Nefret again gasped. "Guys she's older then he is!" Chroias and Mozenrath turned around. It was true Tris was about two years older then her brother now. A gangly seven year old stood before them. Calm cool eye peered out and saw her brother being held. She gave a malicious grin and floated his from his father.

Nefret and Mozenrath looked at Chroias for and explanation. "Ummm Girls mature faster."

Chapter 63 (by me)

            Nefret stood in the doorway with Chroias at her side. They had gone unnoticed, and Mozenrath was continuing his magic lessons with his son. The sorcerer had wasted no time, the very next morning after his children’s transformation he had swept Zak away to the library to read him some of the most basic magic manuscripts. Nef was glum, and Chroias rather proud of her son. A tug on her dress caught Chroias’s attention. Tris stood there with a rather angry look on her face.

            “Why does he get all the attention.” She asked loud enough for Mozenrath to hear. The man finally noticed the woman in the doorway and quickly closed the door in their faces.

            “Because dear he is your fathers heir. You don’t need to be taught, you have quite an amazing natural talent.” She tapped her finger lovingly on daughters nose. Tris looked away but Nefret could tell she wasn’t satisfied with the answer.

            “Tris? I could teach you a thing or two!” Nefret exclaimed. The child looked up at her quizitivly, thought for a moment, then nodded. And so the rest of the afternoon was spent in informal classes. Mozenrath locked away with his son and Nefret and Chroias sat in the study teaching Trisram the basics of both Arabic and hieratic, with the promise of hieroglyphs yet to come. Now it was known that these were extraordinary children, but it simply amazed Nefret how quickly Tris absorbed anything she taught. By dinner young Tris was reading and writing simple sentences in Arabic and could recognize some hieratic words.

            “Well, she sure is a quick learner.” Nefret whispered softly to as she and Chroias watched the girl mull over the few sentences Nefret had jotted down on a scrap piece of papyrus.

            “Hum.” The demoness hummed in accord. “Makes you wonder what Zak has been able to pick up.” He words brought a dreading look to Nefret’s face.

            It wouldn’t take long to find out the answer to that question. Everyone had meet in the dinning hall for dinner, Mozenrath beaming proudly as she lead Zak into the room were Nef, Chroias, and Tris already sat. Conversation was light as the meal was brought out.

            “And, she wrote the word cat and also…” Chroias’s proud rendition of Tris’s accomplishments where cut short as Nefret pulled the silver dome off her plate and promptly screamed. Everyone gasped as the plate flew across the room spattering against the wall, spiced meat and pastries slowly rolling to the floor. Mozenrath look angrily at his minion.

            “Bu….. but there was a…… I swear it was a snake!!!!” She pointed franticly to the food sliding down the dinning room wall. Everyone just looked at her with a cocked eyebrow.  “Don’t look at me like that! I’m not insane!!!” Nefret’s face faulted as the bubbly laughter of Zak grew in volume. Now everyone looked to the young boy, who was trying to hide his smile under his hand.

            “Zakurm!” Chroias scowled as Nefret dropped back into her chair with a bitter expression. Mozenrath was desperately trying to keep a straight face as he ordered for another dinner plate.

            “Forgive me Auntie. But mama was telling what Tris learned, I thought it only fair I show what I can do.” His voice was so smooth and rational that it was hard to contradict him. “See it was the power of illusion!”

            “Yes he picked that up quite well.” Mozenrath fingered his chin. “Perhaps if he learns a bit more we should test his powers.” Moze mused to himself. The girls exchanged glances. Then Chroias noticed something.

            “Tris..” Chroias warned. The child looked over at her. “Put Anubis down!” She pointed to the dog as he writhed around in the air just above Zaks head.

Chapter 64 (by kalynn)

After Nefret managed to give Zak a good hard spanking for that stunt and sent the boy away red faced and pouting, she settled down with Tris. The girl was uncommonly quiet and could keep herself absorbed for hours at a time simply sitting and reading. The moment Nefret and Chroias had taught her any kind of literature she had set out as soon as dinner had finished and began to read the library. Of course all the books were way beyond her level, but that didn't matter a with to her.

Nefret looked at the girls limply puffed hair. It had grown along with her and now hung about her face down past her shoulders. Nefret picked at a strand of green. "What?" Tris said questioningly as her Auntie/Godmother moved around.

"Nothing. Just...how would you like that trimmed?" she asked. "In Egypt most people don't even have hair, or at least they keep it very very short."

Tris fingered her limp hair. "Yeah! I do want it trimmed." she said happy to have her auntie’s attention as she settled down and surrendered herself to Nefret's scissors.

Zak was toying with his newfound illusionist powers, and trying to open his sisters voice activated diary. She walked in. Jumping slightly he hid the spiral book behind him." Hay sis...just wondering where you......." he stopped dead in speaking when she walked in.

Tris had an all to please smile on her face as she fingered the short strands of her hair. The black hair formed around her face giving her a sweet almost wafeish look. But her green locks hung in braids falling about her cheeks. "Get your hands off my diary." she pointed to the book Zak has dropped.

The young sorcerer didn't move, he just looked slack jawed at the hair. "Dad is NOT going to be happy." he said in a clear warning voice.

Tris frowned. "I don't care if he is happy about it." a small pricking began to hit the back of her eyes. "He only pays attention to you anyhow." She turned around and walked out. The nursery didn't suite her anymore and she was considering asking her auntie to ask her mother to ask her father if he could give them separate rooms. Nefret however was waiting behind the door as Tris wandered off to find her father. She had heard the little girls comment about Mozenrath only paying attention to her brother and now had a red face. Tris wouldn't say anything, but as godmother Nefret felt it to be her duty to tell Mozenrath to stop being a jerk and start being a sensitive little shit. Unfortunate Tris found Mozenrath before she could. He had been sitting in a room with Chroias, basically they were making out, and now both parents sat bug-eyed staring at the short hair.

Chapter 65 (by me)

            “What happened to you!” Mozenrath spouted as soon as he found his tongue. Chroias stood up and ran a gentle hand over her daughter’s head, investigating the new style.        

“Auntie Nef did it for me!” she smoothed her short locks back into place.

            “Auntie Nef?” Mozenrath repeated as if he didn’t recognize the name, realization quickly donned however. “NEFRET!!!!” He roared. Nefret appeared in the room even before Mozenrath finished yelling her name.

            “Tris dear, why don’t you go find your brother and play?” Chroias whispered. The child looked pleadingly to her father, but obeyed.

            “Nef, did it ever occur to you that it might be a good idea to ASK before you butcher my daughters hair?” Mozenrath asked in a deadly calm voice as soon as she was gone.

            “Butcher!? I’ll have you know she looks very pretty!!! And if you would pull your head out of you ass to actually look at her for once you might see that! Would it kill you to drop your self-centered spoiled princeling act for a moment to notice your daughter?” Nefret fumed. Chroias’s lips were pulled into a taunt frown, while what the other girl was saying was true, it might not be a wise idea to point it out. Nefret relaxed and resumed her usual sarcastic attitude.

“Well, love, she is getting to be a big girl now, you can’t make all of her choices for her.” Chroias patted Mozenrath’s arm lovingly.

            “Big girl? She was just born a few weeks ago!” He looked to Chroias, but her face was blank and rather unreadable. “I see.” Were his only words as he walked calmly out of the room. Both girls new where he was headed. Nefret looked back to Roias ready to be chewed out by the demon. But the demon only put an arm around her friend and lead her out the door.

            A gentle knock came from the nursery door. Tris looked up and quickly wiped the tears from her eyes as she caught sight of her father. Mozenrath entered and sat on the small bed. He ran a hand over her head as lovingly as he could.

            “You look nice.” He mustered. The girl looked up at him her sad eyes taking on a slight sparkle at the complement. Mozenrath nodded to confirm his statement. She looked away and gave a placid smile. “You growing up to be a lovely young lady, a little to fast if you ask me! But I suppose I’ll have to treasure you while you’re still my little girl.”

            Tristram gave a tiny giggle and glommed onto Mozenrath’s arm. “I’m always going to be your little girl silly!” She thought for a moment. “And you’re not mad? You yelled at Auntie, is she in trouble?” Tris looked up at her father.

            “Of course she is! But that’s nothing new. She’s fine though. Ask her yourself, she’s right behind the door.” Mozenrath pointed to the closed door where a soft indignant cry sounded. “And as punishment she will ready two rooms for you and your brother. This simply won’t do for much longer.” He let his eyes roll around the nursery. Nefret could be heard stamping off down the hall

            Chroias watched as Nefret stormed away and into an unused room. With a slight laugh she entered the room and took her daughter in her arms praising her new hairstyle. It was then that Zak entered the room looking with confusion at the scene, but he quickly shrugged it off.

            “Um, father.” He looked rather sheepishly at Mozenrath. “There’s a little problem in the next room.” He broke out into a nervous laugher. “Auntie said she was fixing me my own room so I decided to entertain her with a new spell …….. well to make a long story short there’s an animated throw pillow running amuck in the halls.” Everyone looked at each other and sighed.

Chapter 66 (by kalynn)

Chroias managed to tackle the throw pillow before it got too lose and Mozenrath used a counter spell to deactivate it. After Nefret gave Zak another damn good spanking and Mozenrath came down on him with a chastising and Chroias gave him a deadly glare for attacking her friend, all the while Tris simply stood in the corner and tried to control her laughter. Zak rubbed a tear from his eye, more because of how hard Nefret's hand had come down then anything else. He apologized shamefaced to Nefret and Mozenrath sentenced him to his room for the reminder of a night with the promise of a hard magical lesson the next day.

Mozenrath walked into the room where Chroias was already trying to dose off. "I feel horrible." he mumbled out.

Chroias turned over. "You mean about Tris?"

Mozenrath covered his face and nodded. "I mean I was all prepared for a boy and only a boy and suddenly you pop up with twin and I get a girl in the bargain! I mean I can handle a boy..."

"Nobody can handle Zak!" she put her head to one side. "Except Nefret."

"But a girl...I mean I just wasn't ready for a girl." he gave Chroias a pleading look

"In my experience your very good with girls." Chroias offered the opportunity to help.

"When their my own age and..." he gave his lover a half embarrassed glance. "manageable." he hinted gently at the blatantly obvious.

Chroias smiled. "Mozenrath you have to be gentle with her. As a half demon she'll be grown up so fast your barely going to have time to know her. Her body's going to mature directly in front of your eyes and she'll still be a child." Chroias turned her lover's face to hers. "I never had the opportunity of an overly loving father but I always had my mother to turn to. Tris has you and me."

Mozenrath snorted. "And what does that amount to?"

"An over protective father and an overly ironic mother." Chroias thought for a moment. "And a loving but sarcastic aunt." she smiled when Mozenrath frowned.

"Are you sure we should have given her such authority over the children?" Mozenrath noted. "I mean she's great with Tris but by the time he's grown Zak's not going to be able to sit."

Chroias popped Mozenrath lightly on the shoulder. "You are going to have to teach that boy to keep a reign on his powers! I don't want him tormenting Nefret." Chroias sighed as the rain outside began to pour. Suddenly a flash of light followed by a boom of thunder echoed through the Citadel. A small childlike scream echoed from down the halls.

Five seconds later a small frightened shadow appeared at the foot of Mozenrath and Chroias's bed. "Mommy, daddy." she whimpered. Mozenrath sighed and moved over and Tris crawled in bed beside her parents.

Another shadow appeared at the doorway. "Don't tell me your scared of a little lightning." Zak said mockingly.

"Your Just As Scared as I am!!!!" Tris said accusingly.

Zak smiled. "Am not."

A thunderbolt streaked across the sky and another childlike body crawled in between his parents. Mozenrath sighed. Really he had been hoping to have the night alone with Chroias, but it was evident neither of them were going to have fun with two squirming children. A final shadow showed it's self at the door.

Mozenrath reared his head. "NEFRET DON'T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!!!"

Nefret only grinned and looked at the children. She took a big gulp of air and, "AWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!" she turned and ran. Mozenrath, Tris snuggled in the crook of his arm, couldn't even fire a bolt.

Chapter 67 (by me)

            The god Set was in fine form that evening. The storm ravaged the Black Sands desert basin all that night. It was beautiful in a way, but as a thunder cap shattered the night and the room was illuminated in one wicked flash, Mozenrath could understand why his children were so frightened. Thready lights rippled across the sky above the Citadel, but for once all was peaceful inside. Everyone tucked in bed, even if it wasn’t the bed they were supposed to be in.

            As promised the next day’s magic lesson was a hard one, one that began right after breakfast and wouldn’t break even in the heat of the midday. Chroias sat watching her son proudly as he poured over his studies with a determined face that was far beyond his years. They looked up at the sound of a knock. Nefret entered carrying a large tray, Anubis and Tris hot on her heals.

            “I figured you were to busy to come to the dinning hall, so lunch came to you!” Nef explained as she set the tray on a nearby table. “I’ve got stuffed pastries Zak.” She handed one to the boy, who grabbed it eagerly. Half because it was recognized as a peace offering, and half because (like any small child) he had a sweet tooth. Mozenrath sighed, but he supposed the break was inevitable. Nefret offered her lord a plate, and he reached out with a gauntleted hand. But as soon as the full weight of the plate was in his hand he hissed and dropped it on the table.

            “Is it acting up again?” Chroias questioned worriedly as Moze recoiled his arm back to his side and rubbed his wrist. Mozenrath only nodded as the constant dull pain turned sharp and shot up his arm. The children looked wide-eyed at their father, and Chroias winced as she realized they had no idea what was happening, or why. Cautiously Chroias shooed the children out of the room as Nefret went for a basin. When they were gone Mozenrath removed his Gauntlet.

            “You know if you didn’t wear that thing all the time it might not hurt so much.” Nefret muttered as she tended to him. While she had served him she had looked for ways of soothing his pain, besides massive doses of alcohol, she had found wrapping his arms in bandages soaking in warm water laced with lanoline helped the most. Mozenrath winced as the cloth touched his bony arm. But everyone’s face faulted as a soft cry sounded from the door and the pitter-patter of feet ran down the hall.

            “Damn it all to hell!” Mozenrath cursed as he slipped on the gauntlet and headed out the door. Chroias and Nefret followed. The twins weren’t that difficult to find, they were huddled behind Zak’s bed whispering fearfully to one another. They ‘eeped’ as Mozenrath entered. He stood there grimacing at the anxious looks his children shot his gauntleted arm. Chroias walked to the bed and picked a twin up in each arm.

            “Lets go back to lunch huh? Daddy needs to talk to you.” She cooed. But the children really didn’t have a choice as their mother carried them out the door. Once they were back in the study Chroias sat down placing the twins beside her. Mozenrath lowered into the chair across from them and Nefret hung worriedly around the table.

“What wrong with daddies hand?” Tris and Zak inquired almost simultaneously. The green-haired demon let out a breath, the question put her on edge. Mozenrath’s pain had faded back to the normal level, but he was still grim as he realized everyone’s eyes were on him. He knew what they wanted.

            “Tris.” He suddenly got an idea how to put it as nicely as he could. “You were born with your telekinetic powers weren’t you? But you realize that not all of us are as lucky as you. Look at your brother, he will have to study hard and practice for many years to reach his full potential. And some will go farther, sacrificing more than just time to perfect his abilities.” Both children’s eyes were locked intently on their father. “I am such a man. I gave up a lot to get were I am today. It is time you know what I gave up.” Once again he removed the gauntlet for everyone to see. Mozenrath took in the faces of the observers, the children’s jaws hung agape, Chroias looked somber, and Nefret was grimacing.

            Tirstam was the first to find her tongue. “But daddy, wont that hurt you?”

            Mozenrath softened. “Yes Tris, it has hurt me, deeply. But its worth it, you’ll understand one day.” She looked skeptical, and worried at the same time. “But its done hurting me.” His hand brushed across his chest, were the sharks tooth lay under his clothing. A gesture only Nefret and Chroias understood.  Nefret thought they should tell them that he was going to live for another 1000 years while they were at it. But it was best not to lay all Mozenrath’s secrets on the children in one day. Both children nodded in understanding, if not still a little shook up. Mozenrath slipped the old brown leather back into place. 

            “I believe you said you had pasties!” Chroias pointed out brightly. Nef smiled slightly and handed the treats around. The children’s attention was soon drawn away by the sweet bread. Mozenrath looked to Chroias, posing yet another unspoken question ‘are they going to be ok with this?’ Roias smiled tenderly. Moze then looked to Nefret, who only shrugged.  

Chapter 68 (by kalynn)

Tris kept her gaze locked intently on her fathers hand. Zak shoved a pastry into his mouth and suddenly felt his twins quiet sadness. It was a connection between the two. He looked over at her and then at his father’s hand. Tris gave him a sad look and suddenly Zak felt the anger riseing in her.

"It shouldn't of had to happen." she said softly so that only Zak could hear. "Daddy shouldn't have had to lose it." she murmured again. Zak gave his sister a warm pat on the shoulder and noticed the somber mood in the room. If there was one thing the young sorcerer hated...it was people being too serious. Immediately a mischievous smile took his face and he passed the emotion over to Tris. The girl caught on quickly to he twins desire to make everyone feel better. Zak snuck up behind Nefret, then suddenly changed his mind. Nefret had had enough, (besides her hand was hard). Time to move on to a temporary victim. He nodded a to Chroias and Tris took the clue. Chroias let out a wild scream as a wyvern came shooting out from under her. Giggling came from the two children as they shot from the room and down the halls of the citadel, Chroias hot on their heel.

Mozenrath watched the children run laughing from their mother. Unwittingly he flexed his hand. He uncovered it briefly, and gazed at the bone. A small eep sounded from the corner. He blushed brightly and began to cover it as Tris papered from around the corner. She walked bravely forward and looked from the hand to her fathers embarrassed face. Gingerly she reached out and jerked her hand back.

Mozenrath sighed and again removed his gantlet. "It's ok." he said and held it out. Again Tris reached bravely forward. Her soft hands meet the bone and for a brief moment Mozenrath felt the pain ebb. Tris kept her hand on his and put it softly on her cheek. "I'm not afraid of you daddy." she whispered, clearly she was terrified, but to stubborn and brave to admit it.

"Me neither." Zak popped up from behind the same corner. Like his twin the both had know what they were going to do before the wyvern popped up. "If she isn't afraid then neither am I." He sat his jaw in a stubborn look that mimicked Mozenrath's stubborn looks perfectly. Mozenrath smiled and allowed them to touch his hand. They were to intently curious to be afraid of anything for too long and refused to let his deformity them from being attentive. A shadow appeared behind the same corner as Nefret and Chroias watched the twins explore their father’s hand. They gave each other a knowing smile and faded back, content to let Mozenrath share this moment with his children.

Chapter 69 (by me)

            Things seemed rather peaceful after that. The air  had been cleared. Everyone sat in one of the parlors. Mozenrath and Zak reading a spell book, Tris playing with Anubis, Chroias resting on the couch and Nefret trying her best to fix a pair of pants that Zak had ripped in a very comical way earlier that day. The needle slipped away from her and imbedded itself into her finger, staining the cloths. Nefret growled angrily and threw the article of clothing on the floor. Chroias looked curiously at her then at the pants.

            “It’s no use fixing them. He’ll just rip them open again.” The demon pointed to the snug fitting clothes of her son. He looked up and tried to raise and arm, but only succeeded in ripping a gap in the seams of the arm. Tris laughed and Nefret winced at the sound of tearing cloth. Roias pushed herself off the couch and thrust her hand out at her lover. He looked at it, than at his children and sighed.

            “The only trouble with half demon children is their ghastly wear on cloths!” He grumbled and placed a coin purse in the demons hand.

            The marketplace was busy that day, and the twins, the two girls and one unhappy sorcerer looked around trying to decide where to start. Chroias had insisted that Mozenrath come along (pointing out the treaty between the two lands) but it was probably the pleading eyes of this children that convinced him.
            “Hey Tris!!!” Nefret called out, holding up a ruffily pink dress. Mozenrath growled and snatched it away from her. Nef winked at Chroias and the two proceeded to pick out more……… sensible clothing.

            “Oh no! It’s that man!” Zak hissed to his mother.

            “Who?” she looked with Nefret to catch site of Aladdin walking towards them. Nefret wondered how in the world Zak could remember him, but than again he was a wonder child.

            Jasmine ruffled Tris’s hair, much to her disliking, as she pushed ahead of her husband. “What are you guys doing here?” Aladdin was trying to sound brisk and friendly, but there was hidden animosity in the statement.

            “Just doing a bit of shopping.” Chroias said trying to drowned out Mozenrath's comment.

            “I see.” Jasmine laughed. “You weren’t kidding when you said they’d grow fast!” she and Aladdin eyed the children who had taken refuge behind the skirts of Nefret and their mother. Zak caught Al’s eye on him and stuck out his tongue, a habit he picked up from his aunt no doubt. Aladdin ignored him and cleared his throat.

            “There is no need for you shop in the Marketplace. You’ll pay out the nose here!” The hero looked to his wife, who nodded approvingly. “Why don’t you let the royal tailor whip up something?” He offered as politely as he could, just as Jasmine begged him to be. The residents of the Land of the Black Sand looked at one another with raised eyebrows.  

Chapter 70 (by kalynn)

Mozenrath frowned but Nefret quickly stepped in. "Sure. I'm positive the children would like some properly fit clothing. Anyways since there status is as high as yours I'm sure Mozenrath wouldn't see them in anything less." she gave Moze a look to say she had just turned this into a matter of pride.

Jasmine smiled at the little girl. "I'm sure Genie would just love to meet the children." she commented and Chroias looked at Nefret. It was going to be a long day. Fortunately if the children hated Al and Jas they loved the genie. Naturally curious about anything magical, Genie was a veritable carnival for the two.

"Why are you blue?" Tris asked

"Why don't you have maniacals like other genies do?" Zak said

"Where's all your hair?" Tris countered.

"Do you live in a lamp or a ring?" Zak shot out.

Nefret and Chroias plopped on the couch, glad that the palace serpents were taking care of everything the children needed. They had been hesitant at first, but as Agrabah had it's share of strange sites, they quickly adjusted. And for once Tris was the center of attention. They nurse maids who had attended Jasmine as a child now found the pretty child to be absolutely everything they needed. Tris, only to happy to have everyone listing to her, simply gave a warm smile and let the ladies braid and unbraid her hair. Which as they put it was 'The cutest thing style they had ever seen and who came up with something so inventive’ Tris had absolutely puffed with pride and pointed out her Auntie Nef beside her mother.

Zak on the other hand, was much less preferred by the palace staff. In the hour they had before the tailor arrived he had already managed five pranks and to everyone's surprise Genie seemed to be his accomplice. To Aladdin's extreme surprise he saw Mozenrath holding back a desperate laugh as the child looked up at his father trying to explain how he had managed to get a live baby dragon into a soufflé. Genie was of course looking almost as shame faced as the kid, but couldn't manage to hide his glee at having found a new partner in crime. Aladdin gave him a don't push it look as Chroias walked into the room. Nefret leaned on the doorframe. "Hi Al." she murmured and smiled presently at the quickly plumping Jasmine.

Chroias looked at the princess. "Girl you know what you need? A caramel sticky bun." Mozenrath turned a bright red as Chroias sent him a wink of remembrance and Aladdin caught the wink. He gave the sorcerer a smile that said so-your-not-such-a-solo-guy-after-all. Mozenrath looked back at Chroias and let a half smile slip out.

Jasmine hadn't noticed. “A what?"

"A caramel stick bun. You know those caramel squares you buy in bags at the market place? Melt about twenty down and then warm some crosonts. Fill the middle with the caramel and heat them the rest of the way. The spread icing on the top." They're great." she gave a nod to Nefret meaning she wanted for them to have a conversation with the Princess while Mozenrath and Aladdin made an attempt with at a civil conversation. Aladdin and Mozenrath stayed silent a moment. Mozenrath didn't seem inclined to break the tension himself. Finally Aladdin opened his mouth.

Chapter 71 (by me)

            “So…..” Aladdin looked around the room for something to say. “They seem to get along well.” He pointed to Chroias and Nefret. Mozenrath eyed to pair and gave a short indifferent snort. Aladdin searched for something else to talk about. Genie and Zak were huddled in a corner whispering to each other, no doubt planning something. “Well it seems someone else has found a friend. Zakurum.” Al pondered the boy for a moment. “He’s a good looking kid. I’m sure he’ll grow to be a fine young man.” so maybe that line was cheesy, but what else could he really say?

            A grin came upon Mozenrath’s face. “He’ll grow to be a fine young sorcerer.” He corrected the hero, who gave him a concerned glance. “He’s already quite talented. But how could he be anything but……… with his parentage.” Moze gloated.

            Aladdin cleared his throat apprehensively. “And the girl, Tris? She’s quite the beauty. She’s going to give you trouble with the boys!” Aladdin patted Mozenrath back absentmindedly. If it hadn’t been for his son in the room Mozenrath would have incinerated him to dust and blown the ashes to the four corners of the earth. But that wasn’t exactly a picture he wanted to paint for his son.

            “And your wife seems to be quite……… plump.” They both looked to Jasmine who had surrendered to the two women. Nefret was babbling on about the seven Hathors and Chroias was moving a hand around her belly feeling for movement. “I’m sure her child will be a fine one.” Mozenrath gave a false smile, so false in fact that it wasn’t even meant to look genuine. He had distinctively left out the phrase ‘your child’ in his statement. Aladdin rolled his eyes and was about to offer a sharp jibe when Tris bounded into the room holding a piece of cloth that was obviously to be used in one of her new garments.

            “Mama, Auntie.” She held the swatch up for inspection. “I picked it out.” She said in a sugary voice. A voice that made the nurse maids go ‘awww’, which was the reason she was using it no doubt.   Both girls nodded in approval. Tris then made her way to her father’s side. “Is it alright?” Tris’s asked looked at Aladdin. She was more inquiring about the situation than her choice in fashion.

            “As well as can be expected.” He took the cloth from his daughter small pale hand and inspected it. If Aladdin had caught on to the hidden conversation he didn’t’ let on. Instead he tried to get on the child’s good side by praising her choice of, quote, ‘the most beautiful cloth in the seven deserts for the most beautiful flower in all the world.’ Tris beamed, she was starting to like it here!

            In the corner both genie and Zak gave a short nod and broke their huddle, creeping slowly to the three unsuspecting woman. Genie floated to the ceiling and prepared to drop a bucked labeled; ‘orange hair dye # 9’ over them and Zak was planning to drop a live lizard down the back of Nefret’s skirt. They both nodded and Zak reached to his Aunt as Genie slowly tipped the bucket.

            “HEY GUYS!” A voice echoed through the room and the actions of the pranksters was brought to a sudden halt. “It’s you friendly neighborhood genie of the bottle!” Eden exclaimed happily. Everyone looked to the green genie standing in the door. It was then Nefret took notice of Zak standing behind her holding a squirming reptile by the tale.

            “NOT AGAING!” she cried and grabbed him by the ear. The lizard struggled to free himself, and released his tale, dropping to the floor and leaving Zak holding the still wiggling appendage in his palm. Everyone stared at if for a moment, before Zak made a gagging sound and tossed the disembodied tail in a random direction. Just then a young woman walked in, but froze mid-step as something long and green fell into her shirt. Domdi’s eyes went wide and she began to flail about trying to get it out.

            “What a warm Agrabah welcome!” Mozenrath quipped trying to suppress laughter.    

Chapter 72 (by kalynn)
        Zak looked up at the female genie. And then he noticed the girl. She was older then he was. Probably at about fifteen or sixteen. And she was gorgeous. Not in the typical sense of Arab beauty. She was probably at he top height and with long dark brown hair going down her back combed till it shone. She had large laughing eyes that to Zak seemed to twinkle in the light. Her dress was dipped a bit low in the front as she walked like a lady.

Zak went slack jawed. He gulped a large breath of air as something inside him stirred. Of course she would have been prettier if she hadn't been attempting to get a LIZARD TAIL FROM HER BLOUSE!!

Tris caught her brother. "Some impression." she growled out to him as Zak found himself barely able to give her a grimaced.

Soon after wards Mozenrath found an excuse for them to wander off and find a room for the night. The moment the nursemaids were out of sight...Tris was all over Zak. "Zak has a girlfriend. Zak has a girlfriend!!" she taunted as Her mother and Nefret turned to see the commotion.

"What do you mean by that?" Nefret asked as she saw a blush rise on the young boys face.

"Oh she don't mean nothing." Zak threw his sister a mental glance.

"Doesn't mean anything." Chroias corrected. "And what is she talking about?" Chroias gave her son a foreboding look. "I doubt your old enough for a girlfriend."

"I think he will be soon enough." Nefret pointed to the glow that was beginning to surround the child.

Chroias looked at them in shock. "Even I didn't grow up this fast." She gave Nefret a worried look. "I hope their ok."

Nefret nodded and silently mused a prayer.

Back to the library