003 || [Action] Closed to Goliath

[merelyaladdin]

[The note had been pinned to his window. I wish to speak to you about Jasmine. Meet me on the roof after sunset. His first thought was of Mozenrath, of course, but the sorcerer wouldn't bothered with a note if he'd wanted to speak to Aladdin. As ominous as the message was, it wasn't from him. And, ominous or not, Aladdin had to respond

Comments

[ny_nightguard]

[Someone is already waiting there - someone tall, dark, and winged, surrounded by shards of broken stone.

The creature, looking as ominous as his note, speaks in a commanding voice.]

You are the one called Aladdin?

[merelyaladdin]

Yes.

[He's cautious, but he isn't scared. (Which is more than can be said for the monkey hiding beneath his jacket.) His best friend was big and blue and magical, so he couldn't judge Goliath for being ... whatever he was.]

Who are you?

[ny_nightguard]

I am called Goliath.

[Once again, Goliath is meeting a fearless human in this place - Aladdin's courage earns him points immediately. After all, Jasmine had said he wasn't the problem, and Goliath had a feeling she hadn't been lying, but still -]

What is the nature of your relationship with Jasmine?

[merelyaladdin]

I should be asking you that question.

[Goliath was the one who had been pinning ominous notes to his window in the middle of the night, after all. In the end, Aladdin only answered honestly because the truth was far from a secret.]

She's my girlfriend. We're getting married.

[ny_nightguard]

I am this Academy's night guard. I encountered her wandering late.

[So they were courting. It didn't mean Aladdin was not the one she was afraid of, but so far the boy didn't seem malicious.

He considers his choice of words before continuing.]

I have reason to believe someone has threatened her. I wish to know if it is you.

[merelyaladdin]

[He might have chosen his words carefully, but he hadn't chosen them carefully enough. For the first time, Aladdin looked genuinely angry.]

I would never hurt Jasmine!

[As soon as Carpet soared closer to the roof, Aladdin jumped off in order to face Goliath probably. He wasn't sure how to prove himself, but that seemed like a good start.]

[ny_nightguard]

[Here's an idea.]

Then if you care that someone has, help me discover their identity. This must not go on.

[merelyaladdin]

I think I already know who it is.

[Mozenrath wasn't waiting to make his move. He'd already made it.]

[ny_nightguard]

I would have you tell me their name, that I may help you defeat them.

[merelyaladdin]

His name is Mozenrath.

[And Aladdin was horrified to realise that he still needed defeating.]

[ny_nightguard]

How do you know him?

[merelyaladdin]

How do I know I can trust you?

[ny_nightguard]

[He gives this serious thought.]

I can give you my word as a gargoyle, and a member of this academy's security team, that I intend to do everything I can to remove Jasmine from harm's way. And to help you do the same.

[merelyaladdin]

[And his answer was equally serious. Aladdin made up his mind.]

He's the Lord of the Black Sand, one of the kingdoms of the seven deserts.

[ny_nightguard]

Go on.

[merelyaladdin]

He's a powerful sorcerer.