The Emperor and the Courtesan

Shahpal bin Shahrukh, The Jinn Emperor, was standing atop Mount Qaf.

He was looking down at the mortal realm. For miles he saw only the desert land. Till eventually: his gaze fell upon a village. Humans have always piqued his curiosity. So, one day, he decided to pay them a visit.

" Was it just because he was curious, or was there another reason? " asked Jenny Greeneyes, daughter of Shahpal.

" At first: it started with curiosity, " said Sa'd, the floating green head, and former advisor to the Jinn Emperor; " it then ended with love. "

Sa'd was telling the story: how Shahpal met Jenny's mother.

Shahpal landed. He hid within an alleyway. He examined the people roaming the streets. He noticed their mundane clothes and human-features. Shahpal looked at his own Jinn-form, and then decided that it was best to blend in; which he did so by changing his form into that more of a mundane human. Instead of horns: Shahpal gained hair. Instead of marble skin with green tattoos: he gained more of a brown-tan. But he kept his famous and infamous Old Green Eyes. Shahpal covered his body in clothes - which he had conjured from thin air. He thought about wearing a dishdasha, or even a hooded Djellaba, but Shahpal ultimately decided on loose pants, a loose shirt, and a loose hooded jacket. Both the shirt and pants were white, but the jacket was gray. He then made his four wings small enough to hide underneath the jacket. There was an open water-barrel which caught Shahpal's eye. He walked towards it and beheld his own reflection. He saw: the jet-black hair. The hazel hue. Human lips. A marble nose. Fine-lined eyebrows. And as always, his gleaming emerald eyes were clearly visible on the surface.

" Success! "

He entered the busy street, not knowing where to begin. Everything was so new to him. The smells, the stands, the speeches.

Two running kids ran past Shahpal. He smiled, not really knowing why he smiled. An establishment then caught his eye. He walked towards it, and then entered said establishment. What Shahpal was unaware of… was the fact that this establishment was actually a brothel. Shahpal walked into a whole new world. There were different scents. Different talks. And very different people. Shahpal sat down at the bar, wishing to try some human beverages. A large man bumped into him.

" Watch yourself. " said the clearly drunk oaf.

From underneath the hood; half of Shahpal's face was transformed into his Jinn-self. He was the Jinn Emperor, and how dare a mere mortal insult him thus!

" Leave him be. "

Shahpal turned around towards that sweet melody of a voice. He could not believe his own eyes, for he had never believed that such a flower existed in the mortal realm.

" What you say? " said the oaf, as he turned towards the woman.

" Leave him be. " said the woman, calmly.

As the oaf approached the woman, Shahpal could feel his blood boiling; and more of his body transforming into his Jinn-self.

" How dare he address her like that!! " uttered Shahpal through his gritted teeth.

The oaf now felt a strong hand on his shoulder… It was the bouncer.

The oaf was thrown out, and Shahpal was now able to get his anger under control; which enabled him to look more human again.

" Sorry, " said she - who was truly a Flower-In-The-Night; " we get types like him from time-to-time. "

Shahpal did not know what to say… he was too mesmerized!

She had a brown-tan hue. Her curly hair was of a black and brown. She had rosy-red lips, and light brown eyes. She wore a fine white silkened dress, which truly highlighted her Egyptian features. She truly resembled: May Calamawy. Oh! And Shahpal met Jenny's mother in Egypt.

" Hey! " said a less drunk man, as he bumped into the woman; " how much? "

The woman sighed.

" How much? " thought Shahpal, confused.

" 50 dirhams for half an hour. "

" A bit too much, eh? "

" What are they talking about? " Shahpal was so confused.

The drunkard also took note of the woman's exquisite beauty.

" How about 200? And I get to enjoy some 'creampie'. "

The woman thought about it. She could really use that kind of money. She got up, ready to accept. That was when Shahpal had kinda put it together.

" I have already bought time with her. "

The woman and drunkard both looked at Shahpal.

" Really? " said the drunkard, turning to the woman.

The woman just looked at Shahpal, unsure what to say.

" How much did you pay? " asked the drunkard, sounding a bit… "tense".

Shahpal calmly took a gold coin out from his pocket, and then slammed it on the counter.

The woman and drunkard were both dumbfounded. Neither of them had ever seen a glittering golden coin before.

" I will take my leave, then… " said the drunkard, as he left with what little dignity he had left.

The woman still had her eyes on the coin.

" For you. " said Shahpal, as he slid the gold coin towards the woman.

The woman, with shaky hands, took hold of the golden coin. She then looked at Shahpal.

" What do you wish of me? " she asked, referring to her "profession".

" I wish only to talk. " said Shahpal, innocently.

" Talk? "

" Talk. "

The woman couldn't help but laugh a little.

" Let us talk then. "

They talked about various topics. For Shahpal was quite curious, and the woman was quite knowledgeable.

It was night, and the brothel was closing.

" Bye. " said Shahpal, nonchalantly, as he left.

" Bye. " said the woman, unsure what to make of the situation.

" Wait… " said Jenny; " is she…? "

Sa'd smiled.

" We are getting there. "

It was now the next day. Shahpal hurriedly entered the brothel, eager to pick up his conversation with the woman. But she was nowhere to be seen.

" Excuse me, " said Shahpal, rather surprised at his own politeness; " but where is the woman whom I spoke with yesterday? "

" She left. " said the bouncer.

Shahpal's blood froze.

" Left… " he uttered in utter horror; " what do you mean… left? "

" She left. " said the bouncer, calmly; " she was able to buy her own freedom, and then left. "

Shahpal couldn't believe what he was hearing.

" She's gone… "

Shahpal exited the brothel, a strange pain in his chest. He looked around, unsure what to do. That was when he caught sight of her - the Flower-In-the-Night! She was saddling a horse, while wearing traveling attire. Shahpal's heart leaped in joy! As he pretty much flew towards her.

" Woah! " exclaimed the woman, surprised, as Shahpal stood before her; his emerald eyes glittering.

" Hi. " said Shahpal, barely able to contain his excitement.

" Hello… " said the woman, unsure what to make of the situation; which happens a lot when she is dealing with Shahpal.

" Are you leaving? " asked Shahpal.

" Yep. " replied the woman, as she dusted herself off.

" Where to? "

" Alexandria. "

Shahpal did not like her short answers.

" Have I offended you? "

The woman looked at him. She was about to give him a rude answer - for she had been betrayed by those she had trusted the most… but she then remembered that Shahpal had only been kind to her.

" Forgive me… " she said, while lightly scratching her hair, which made her look even more lovely!; " I have a lot on my mind. "

" I understand. " said Shahpal with a bow of his head, which really surprised the woman.

" Are you a sultan? " she asked.

Shahpal just looked at her.

" Emir? "

Shahpal was still quiet.

" Caliph?! "

" I am none of those. " said Shahpal, which was technically true.

The woman knew that Shahpal was more than he seemed. She just couldn't put her finger on it.

Shahpal helped her mount her horse.

" Safe travels. " said Shahpal, as he waved.

The woman waved back with a smile - which could easily make any saint melt.

" My son. "

Shahpal's entire body froze, as his father: Bariq ibn Faqi', Father of the Jinn, walked out from the shadows.

Bariq wore a black turban with strains of green. Loose black garments covered with a gray cloak. He has a stern face with warm wrinkles. Black pupils with a hint of brown. A well-kept beard covered his handsome face. He very much resembled Ghassan Massoud holding a cane.

" Why are you among mortals? "

Shahpal nervously swallowed, as he did not have a good answer.

" I am… stretching my wings… "

Bariq gave him a hard look - a look which alone could kill any Djinn King. He then noticed the woman in the distance. Bariq smiled as he looked back at his son.

" I see. "

Shahpal had a very confused look on his face.

" See what? "

" Don't worry my son, " said Bariq, as he placed a hand on Shahpal's shoulder; " I understand. I was once young. "(Yeah, thousands of years ago.)

Bariq was about to leave, but he hesitated for a moment.

" Just be careful… "

Shahpal looked at his father, confused. Bariq then disappeared.

" Careful of what? " asked Jenny.

Sa'd sighed.

" There is a reason why your mother isn't around today. "

Jenny just looked at Sa'd, horrified at his meaning.

Shahpal was sitting on his throne within Shakhrisabz - the inner city of Mount Qaf.

" Sa'd. "

" Sire? " said Sa'd in the past, as he appeared before Shahpal.

Sa'd looked on as the Jinn Emperor got all shy.

" There is this woman… "

" Woman, sire? "

" Yeah… " said Shahpal, as he leaned back on his throne, remembering every fine detail of the flower.

" Sire? " said Sa'd with a smile.

Shahpal snapped back to reality.

" I wish to know more about her. "

" Who, sire? "

It then dawned on Shahpal… he did not know her name… he had never asked for it.

With incredible speed. Shahpal flew towards Alexandria. He was hovering over the grand city. Looking everywhere for the woman. He finally noticed her. She was entering a hospital.

" A hospital…? " utter Shahpal with cold dread.

Shahpal entered the hospital, invisible to human eyes - for all Jinn had that kind of ability.

Shahpal looked on, as the woman took a seat before a female doctor.

" What ails you, dear one? " said the doctor with a kind tone and welcoming smile.

Shahpal saw how the woman became all embarrassed and shy.

" I am with child. "

" I have a sibling?! " exclaimed Jenny, excitedly.

With a saddened expression, Sa'd said:

" She had a miscarrige. "

An equally saddened expression befell Jenny.

" But we are not quite there yet. "

Back in the past, the doctor said:

" Congratulations, dear one. Is your husband coming? "

A faint, embarrassed smile appeared on the woman's lips. Shahpal noticed her cheek turn a crimson red.

" I worked at a brothel… "

The doctor looked at her.

" I couldn't possibly know who the fa- "

The doctor took her hand.

" I understand. "

The woman smiled at her with damp eyes. Shahpal had equally damp eyes. Not out of jealousy, but respect for her bravery.

The woman paid for her medicine. She then exited the hospital. She opened her pouch, and noticed how few coins she had left.

" Damn… " said the woman, as she did not wish to return to prostitution.

The woman paid for a hotel room for one night - it was all she could afford. She sat tiredly on her bed, as Shahpal, still invisible, stood by the door frame.

Her pouch was pretty much empty. The woman let out a long sigh. She put a hand on her stomach.

" I will give you a good life… " the woman paused; " but for that to happen… I need money. "

The woman then did something she had not done in years… she prayed.

" Please… " said the woman, as she held her hands towards the ceiling; " please help me… "

Shahpal, his heart moved by her plea, walked over and dropped a gold coin in her pouch.

The woman heard the drop of the coin. She opened her pouch and beheld the glittering golden coin.

" Thank you… " said the woman, her damp eyes towards the ceiling; " thank you… "

Shahpal smiled, as he exited her room.

He was back atop Mount Qaf. Sitting on a pile of riches. He was letting several gold coins fall from his open hand.

" Sire? " said Sa'd; " what is the matter? "

" Just thinking… "

" About her? "

Shahpal replied in the affirmative with his silence.

" Who is she? "

" Someone incredible… " said Shahpal with a genuine smile.

" I see… May I know her name? "

Shahpal paused.

" Her name? "

" Her name, sire? "

Shahpal knew he had forgotten something. He was back at Alexandria, looking for the woman. He saw her, as she was getting up: after having finished a meal at a restaurant.

" Hi. " said Shahpal, as he stood before the woman.

" Hello?! " said the woman, startled, and a little surprised to see Shahpal.

" This may come off a bit strong… '' said Shahpal, a bit shyly; " but I was hopeful that you would allow me the honor of knowing your name? "

" My name? " said the woman, a bit surprised by Shahpal's manner of speech.

" I would be honored. " said Shahpal with a princely bow.

The woman just looked at him, unsure what to make of the situation. She smiled, as she raised her hand.

" Sumayyah. "

" Sumayyah… "

" Is that your name as well? "

Shahpal giggled.

" Why, yes! "

Sumayyah giggled

" Shahpal. "

" Shahpal... "

" Is that your last name? "

Sumayyah paused, as she looked at him.

Shahpal looked back at her, confused. It then dawned on him.

" No! Wait! I did not mean it like- "

Sumayyah couldn't help but smile, while Shahpal literally looked like a tomato.

" Could we try again… "

" No. " said Sumayyah, nonchalantly.

Shahpal looked at her, unsure what to make of the situation.

Sumayyah smiled a girlishly smile. She then said:

" Come on. "

Shahpal followed her, and the two of them spent a lovely day, roaming the beaches of Alexandria, getting to know one another.

Jenny looked at Sa'd.

" So my mother was a- "

" Courtesan, yes. "

" Courtesan? "

" There is no need to be rude about it. " said Sa'd with a smile.

Jenny was quiet.

" Does it displease you to know that your mother was a- "

" No! No. I am sure she had her reasons… - Jenny tilted her head - surviving being among them… I just didn't imagine it, you know… the Jinn EMPEROR, with a courtesan. "

Sa'd smiled.

" You are thinking of the titles… All he saw was a woman. "

An awed look struck Jenny's face. She had never imagined her father capable of such love.

Shahpal was there when Sumayyah had her miscarriage. They became closer during the days of grief. Sumayyah swore that she would never have another child. Shahpal did not object, he only wished to spend more time with her. They traveled. They danced. They laughed, and they cried. Till eventually… Sumayyah broke her vow - for their love was that strong. She was pregnant once more, with Shahpal's child.

" With you. " said Sa'd in the future.

Shahpal was beyond nervous. He had not wished such a burden on Sumayyah… for she had grown weak as of late.

" Don't worry, " said Sumayyah, lovingly; " I will be fine. "

Shahpal did not listen, he only noticed that she grew paler by the day. It was the 9th month, and Sumayyah was in the midst of giving birth. Her cries of pain echoed throughout the halls of the hospital. Sumayyah had already lost one child, she would be damned if she was gonna lose another. Shahpal looked helplessly on. He had all the powers of being the Jinn Emperor, but right now… he felt very powerless. Sumayyah cried out once more, which made Shahpal start. The doctor and nurses did their best to ease her pains, which wasn't easy considering the limited technology - giving birth was still very much fatal for women during those days. A child crying replaced Sumayyah's cries.

" It is a girl. " said one of the nurses, holding the baby to Shahpal.

" No. " said Shahpal, as he held his hands up; " the mother deserves that honor. "

The nurse smiled, as Shahpal caught a glimpse of the child's eyes.

" Emerald eyes… " he said faintly with a smile.

Sumayyah, using the last of her strength, lifted herself up to get a better look of her daughter.

" She's beautiful - she looked towards Shahpal - she has her father's eyes. "

Shahpal smiled as he teared up. He then tensed up as Sumayyah fell back in bed… deadly pale.

When she passed, that was when Shahpal never again enjoyed the crescent moon in the night sky. He became deaf to the sweet melody of birds. And all the fruit became like dust in his mouth. But he still had Jenny, his one reason to keep on living.

Shahpal gave Sumayyah a burial fit for an empress, for rumor had it: that they had secretly married. He held infant Jenny in his Jinn-arms.

" Get rid of it. " said Bariq, coldly.

" She is your grandchild. "

" All the more reason to get rid of her. "

Shahpal looked back at his father, fury burning in his eyes. Jenny was the last he had of Sumayyah, and he would not give her up that easily.

" I step down as Jinn Emperor. "

Bariq couldn't help but laugh.

" You think it's that easy? "

" I don't care, " said Shahpal, as he held Jenny even more gently; " I plan on giving her my undivided attention. "

Bariq played with his cane a bit.

" I can't protect you out there. "

" Us. "

" You. "

Bariq rubbed his forehead.

" If she stays… then she becomes your weakness. "

Bariq was speaking from a good place. Shahpal was the Jinn Emperor for a good reason. Only his father could challenge him in terms of might and power. But Jenny could easily become his Achilles' Heel.

" I don't care… " said Shahpal with damp eyes; " I will happily step down as Jinn Emperor… for her. "

" Naive, boy! " said Bariq with more emotion than he intended; " all the ambitious djinn, from peasant to monarch, would hunt the two of you down like hungry vultures. " Bariq paused; " is that the kind of life you want for her? A life on the run? "

" I don't care! " cried Shahpal, as his tears hit the cloth Jenny was wrapped in; " I will protect her with my last breath. "

" And I will protect you, by protecting her. "

Shahpal looked back at his father.

" Give her to me, and I will hide her where none can find her. Where no-one will think twice about her heritage. "

" No… "

" You must! "

Shahpal fell to his knees.

" My child… " said Bariq, as he placed a hand on his son's shoulder; " give her to me. "

" You ask of my heart and soul… "

" Which I will ensure is secure. "

Jenny grew up in an orphanage - everyone there was oblivious as to her parentage. Bariq managed to ensure that only the Seven Djinn Kings knew of Jenny's existence. Shahpal sat on his lonely throne, having tasted sweet love and bitter lost. The Jinn Emperor grew cold and distant in those days.

Jenny, in the future/present, looked into the campfire before her.

" Did he know that I was cast-aside and treated like a monster? "

" Thankfully: no. "

" Thankfully? "

" Could you imagine the death and destruction he would have brought down on all those who had shunned you? "

Jenny wanted to reply… but she was pretty sure that her reply would only saddened Sa'd.

Shaytan rubbed against Jenny's thigh. She wasn't as alone as she thought. Even her Ring of Ma'ruf glowed - a sign from Abu'l Sa'adat that he too was there for her. Jenny Greeneyes couldn't help but smile, as the fire reflected of her green eyes.

" Will you ever visit him again? " asked Sa'd.

Jenny wasn't sure, the loss of Usagoo was still fresh in her mind.

" I am… - she paused - we will see. "

Jenny got up. Sa'd noticed that she had inherited a lot from her mother. Jenny truly looked like a Flower-in-the-Night. Her flowing jet-black hair was making waves in the wind. Her hazel hue was being highlighted by the campfire - she resembled Iman Vellani in many ways. She had rose-colored-lips. Fine-curved eyebrows. And her eyes… well. Jenny had always hated her emerald eyes. For they seemed to scare people away. She looked down at a puddle before her, noticing her glowing green eyes.

" Those are the eyes your mother fell in love with. "

Jenny simply did not know: how to respond to that.

She swallowed, as she regained her composure.

" I would like to pay him a visit. "

The Jinn Emperor rarely got up from his throne. He saw no need to. That was when his ears picked up footsteps.

" Odd… " thought Shahpal; " I should be the only one up here..? "

He got up from his throne, as he stretched forth his wings. He walked towards the edge of his palace.

" Hmm..." said Shahpal, as the figure before him was not his daughter. But the figure was also not foreign.

" False One. " said Shahpal with a sneer, for Djinn Dajjal was not welcome atop Mount Qaf.

Dajjal, a figure of fair stature. When he removed his hood, his medium-length locks fell alongside his cheeks. His eyebrows were finely knitted. His nose: finely structured. A stubble beard visible on his fair face. There was also one feature of note, which truly distinguished Dajjal. Like Shahpal, he too had emerald eyes.

(To help the reader even more. Djinn Dajjal looks like Mahesh Jadu with a stubble beard.)

" Jinn Emperor, " said Dajjal with a deceitful bow; " I am honored to be in your present- "

A green fireball flew past Dajjal's face.

" Silence, False One. Do not desecrate my kingdom with your venom! " Shahpal truly leaned into his status of being Jinn Emperor, as an incredible aura hit Dajjal like a storm.

" I meant no decei- "

" Silence! And be gone!! "

A wind created from Shahpal's wings, sendt Dajjal to the edge of the mountain.

Shahpal turned to walk towards his throne.

" Your wife. "

Shahpal stopped dead in his tracks.

" Sumayyah. "

" You dare say her name… "

Dajjal noticed Shahpal's green tattoos all glow with a bright light. He readied himself for the coming attack.

" I poisoned her. "

Whether or not this was true. Dajjal had made a BIG mistake proclaiming such a thing.

The words were spoken, and it took Shahpal a second to register them. The very ground underneath Shahpal's feet seemed to crack. Dajjal noticed the clouds gather, as if a raging storm was incoming. Dajjal smiled nervously. He had prepared himself for this moment, but he was not ready for the indescribable glare that met his sight.

Truly: if eyes could kill.

The Jinn Emperor rushed at Dajjal with an indescribable fury. The pillars shook from his attacks. The mountain shuddered from his hate. And the very ground itself cracked several places at once. Heat was coming off Shahpal's body: strong enough to melt everything near him. Dajjal was quick on his feet. He had to be, for this Zabaniyah out of hell was relentless.

" Why… " uttered Shahpal; " why would you do such a thing…? "

With a devilish grin, Dajjal answered:

" There was finally a way of hurting you. "

Before Shahpal could sort out his emotions, Dajjal continued:

" And I aim to kill your daughter next. "

At this point… Dajjal was just asking for it.

Jenny, from the foot of the mountain, could see a brilliant green light coming from within the clouds surrounding the peak.

The Jinn Emperor saw no reason to hold back.

Before Dajjal even had time to blink. He shuddered as Shahpal was right in front of him. The Emperor of the Jann took Dajjal by the face. He then slammed the False One straight into the ground: creating cracks in the mountain; which were long enough to be seen by Jenny.

Shahpal was about to burn Dajjal to ashes… till he started feeling a queer pain from his left abdoment. Dajjal had struck him with a dagger… not just any dagger. This was the very same dagger said to belong to the idol: Dushara. Hence why it is known as: Dushara's Dagger.

Shahpal reeled back, as Dajjal got up.

The Falso one leaned close to the Jinn Emperor's face.

" You finally let your guard down. "

Shahpal grabbed hold of his face.

" So did you. " he smiled and then said:

" Maut(death). "

Jenny saw how the brilliant green light intensified.

She noticed the worried look on Sa'd.

" Something is wrong… "

Shahpal was weakly walking towards his throne, now that Djinn Dajjal was no longer a threat to any. The False One now had to try out his deceiving skills against God's Pride - Lucifer. Let us just say: that Lucifer was not fooled.

Blood dripped on the floor, as Shahpal had a hand on the wound. Another form of liquid now hit the floor… Shahpal was crying. He was not lamenting his death… he feared that he would not be reunited with Sumayyah.

" Am I denied the joy of seeing her again…? " he sniffled; " the joy of holding her again... " he paused; " the joy of kissing her again... "

With a loud THUMP, Shahpal was now sitting on his throne. His blood slowly dripping on the floor.

" Baba… " uttered Shahpal, weakly, as Bariq stood before him; " where will I go when I die…? "

Bariq just looked at him.

" Am I denied Jannah? - Shahpal cried even more - am I destined for Jahannam?... never able to see her again… Allah's Houri among djinn and mortals… "

Shahpal's eyes went wide. At the edge of his palace… stood Jenny. Their emerald eyes met.

" Jenny… " There may have been some distance between them, but Jenny could clearly hear her father's words; " please… just do one thing for me… live. "

The Jinn Emperor breathed his last, as a single tear rolled down his daughter's cheek.

" Go to her. " said Bariq, as he closed Shahpal's eyelids; " be with her… "

The Jinn Jihad has officially begun.