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The Wrath of the Sea

Morning had come and the entire forces of the hero’s army was assembled and ready at the docks to launch their travel towards Bald Mountain.

Finally farewells and goodbyes were made all around. From Merida and her father saying goodbye to Queen Elinor and the three princes, Eugene giving a little kiss on the hand to the still young Rapunzel before telling her he’d be back, and even to Pete and Peg telling P.J. and Pistol it was better for them to stay behind while their parents “showed these people how to really fight”. Even Mickey and Minnie needed a last little kiss goodbye between them before they all eventually boarded the ships. And even as they pulled out others looked back and waved, like Elsa did while seeing Anna and the new Olaf waving goodbye while the little princess gave a silent prayer that all would be alright.

Even among the heroes themselves they all gave small little nods or handshakes for good luck. Elsa and Merida had to exchange a quick hug while Mickey told Jack Sparrow and the other pirates he was glad to have been with them. Everyone had given signs of appreciation in knowing they’d not see each other during the journey, and possibly during the final battle. How many would still be around afterwards was another matter entirely.

During all the commotion, however, Nani had been looking through the crowd while calling out “Lilo?” An indication her sister was missing.

While most of the other heroes and assembled forces were kept within the naval ships, which consisted of all manner of ships from the assembled forces, the key team had been boarded onto the still flying Black Pearl. The team consisting of Merida, Mary Poppins, Mulan, Aladdin and Abu, and finally Belle; who everyone expect Mary Poppins still questioned what she would do exactly. While some looked down over the side as the sight of the large assembled fleet others looked out towards the horizon as the ship continued on through the clouds. All the while Jack licked his finger while checking the wind speed and Mulan, sporting her old uniform from her time in the Chinese army, still called out orders to the crew.

“Winds on our side it seems.” The pirate captain commented. “Some bit of good news at least.”

“Hopefully with it we’ll reach the mountain by nightfall.” Eugene said before adding “But sheesh is that place going to look even creepier when we get there.”

“Well at least we can use that to our advantage.” Merida pointed out. “They won’t see us while it’s dark.”

Suddenly Merida gave a little yawn which Mary Poppins noticed, making her saying “Merida, didn’t you sleep at all?”

“A little.” She answered. “I was just…talking things out with…myself.” She finished, skirting around her little talk with the Blue Fairy last night.

“That’s no excuse.” The nanny said. “You need to be as awake as ever.” Merida tried to protest before she insisted “Go to your cabin and take another nap. Believe me, princess, you might be surprised how clearer your head will be afterwards.”

Knowing there was no point to argue Merida groaned before eventually making her way down into the hull of the ship to the cabins. As she made her way down she did pass a few of the crewmen who nodded or even bowed to her. Clearly an indication of something she missed. Usually they would only nod or say nothing at all but apparently Merida had gained a lot more respect than she realized.

Meanwhile on the deck as Mary Poppins stood next to him Jack Sparrow commented “How do you do it?”

“Do what exactly, Mr. Sparrow?”

“Let go of the kids when you’re done with them.” She was surprised by his question while he gave a casual smile and asked “You obviously spend your time with them and all, so how does it feel when you have to say goodbye?”

Instead of given an answer right away she instead asked “Why pray tell do you ask?”

A little shrug before he added “Only a little prelude in my mind to what I cannot help but contemplate. How’s it going to be for you when this is all over, and you’ll be leaving the little ladyship behind?”

For a moment she was silent, the look on her face unclear if she was thinking or just refusing to answer, but finally she’d turned to him with a coy smile on her face and said “I assume you’ve never had a nanny. Have you, Mr. Sparrow?”

With a little shrug he retorted with “I don’t suppose a fine, buxom wench would count, aye?”

Taking that as a ‘no’ Mary Poppins continued with “The thing about nannies is that we are not here to stay. Only to tech and nurture. After that we move on to the next child in need.”

With that she walked away to another part of the ship, Jack huffing a little before commenting to himself “There may be more than children in need after this.”

********************

Merida had fallen asleep in her cabin and had fallen into the same odd dream-like state as she had before where she often met with some force that claimed to be the old sorcerer Yen Sid.

For a moment she found herself in a black void with so sense of direction, sound, gravity. Anything. Finally things began to form around her. But unlike the other times where she was in the room where she’d fallen asleep Merida now found herself in a more familiar setting.

She was in the study of Master Yen Sid in Castle Disney. While only ever having been inside of it once Merida recognized it immediately. Only when she knew it the study had belonged to Donald since he’d become the head sorcerer of Mickey’s court. And all of this was back when the worlds were still spate and not the amalgamation that had been formed by Alice’s dark spell.

She looked around, not seeing anyone, before noting the chair behind the desk. Its back was to her, making Merida think that someone was sitting in it. Upon investigating however, she found there was no one. Her attention was draw to the Viewing Basin that was also in the room, the object used by Master Yen Sid to see into other worlds. When Merida looked there was nothing. The water was plain and still with no sign of the magical properties that it had before.

“You could say it’s just an ordinary basin now.” A familiar voice said, startling Merida for a moment.

She turned to see that, in fact, Master Yen Sid was now sitting at the chair behind the desk she’d checked earlier. But unlike the other time she saw and spoke to him he was clearer in both appearance and voice. Before he was always masked by a bright light while his voice seemed to echo in her mind, but now he was there in plain view and speaking clear enough to her.

After Merida calmed a little Yen Sid added “With all the worlds brought together, there’s no real need for a magical basin that can look into others.” After that he had a more pleasant smile on his face before saying “Hello, Merida. It’s nice to see you again.”

“You too, Master Yen Sid.” She said before clearing her throat. “I…didn’t see you in my dreams last night. I thought we’d have talked then.”

“Apologies.” He began. “But as Mary Poppins said, you need as much rest as possible to keep your mind clear.” Merida seemed ready to ask how he knew but backed down, knowing either that answer wouldn’t be clear or he wouldn’t bother with one. “Please, have a seat.”

He gestured in front of the desk where another chair had suddenly appeared. It was as if it was there the whole time but Merida hadn’t noticed, yet she knew there wasn’t one before. While it surprised her but a little she nodded and sat down across from him.

For a moment the two were silent before Merida had finally asked “Master…why didn’t you tell me?” He perked at her question before she added “Why didn’t you tell me about Alice? You knew it was her but you didn’t say anything, why?”

Yen Sid started with a deep sigh before explaining “Could you….would you have believed me? If I’d told you that one of our friends, a hero in her own right, had become a twisted and maniacal villain behind everything, would you have been able to accept it?” Seeing her reaction, indicating it was true, he continued with “I had to let you see for yourself. You had to see what the Master of Worlds really was, and what horrible fate had befallen poor Alice.”

The princess, troubled by this, leaned forward and asked “Is there any way to help her? I’ve been trying to think of some way to save her or at least try and talk her out of this, but everything I can think of always leads….”

“To the more fatal option?” Master Yen Sid both suggested and finished for her.

She sighed, since he was right, before saying “I don’t want to have to. But everyone else is so desperate to have things back to the way they were. I’m worried.”

“As you should be.” He began. “But can you truly blame the others for wanting things to go back to the way they are? They all know the truth now, of how their stories were supposed to be. Ask yourself, if your story had changed, for better or worse, would you risk anything to have it changed back to the way it was?”

Thinking on it for a moment she answered “I...I don’t know. But, Master, are you….are you saying I should…?”

“I’m only saying, Merida, that things happen for a reason. But those events are made by choices. No matter what anyone else may say, all events both great and small are all decided by choice. But knowing when that moment will come, and what choice is made, all depends on you.”

Given how dire it sounded Merida leaned back in her seat and sighed “It’s never easy is it?”

He chuckled and responded “If things were ever easy there’d not be much point to an adventure now would there?” She gave a small smile and huffed before he asked “Have you ever wondered why Mary Poppins chose you to be the one to remember?”

Perking up Merida, seeing the still curious look in his eyes, shrugged a little and answered “Sometimes. But I haven’t thought about it recently.”

Smiling he said “Be sure to ask her that after all of this is over. Though I think by then you’ll already know yourself.” While she was confused by this Yen Sid stood and said “I believe our time is done.”

He stood and began walking to the door leading out of the study before Merida, hopping from her seat, ran next to him, stopping him, and asked “W-Wait! That’s it? That’s all? Can’t you help anymore?”

Looking to her he said “I’ve helped all that I can, princess. I am sorry though. I wish there was more I can do.”

“But why not?” she asked, almost sounding desperate. “You’re so powerful, you could be a big help against Alice.”

He chuckled before turning fully to face her before saying “You forget, dear Merida, that I’m dead.” She lowered her head, saddened by the reminder, before he placed his hands on her shoulders and said “But know this. I may not be in body, but I will always be with you. And the others.” Pointing his finger right at her heart he finished with “Right here.”

Looking up to see him eyes Merida couldn’t help but smile now. She felt herself building tears yet it was hard to imagine crying for real inside a dream. She had a horrible premonition she would not see Yen Sid again, nor those old and wizened eyes that could be both unnerving and yet so comforting as well. As if knowing what she was thinking, yet again, He pulled her in close and hugged her, Merida returning the gesture.

“For one so young, never have I see such strength in any other hero in all the worlds.” He said while still holding her. “I will miss you, Merida.”

Still holding him tight she said “I’ll miss you too, Master Yen Sid.”

Finally the two had let go and Yen Sid reached for the door, only to stop and say “Before I go, you should be aware. While I may not be able to help you, there is someone you can help.”

Puzzled by this Merida gave him an odd look, indication to Master Yen Sid to show her what he meant. He pointed back to the Viewing Basin where she’d looked before, telling her to see for herself. Unsure of what she would see Merida slowly walked over, peeking towards the water. As she came closer an image became clearer to her. Once she was looked down over it she could see it fully.

The image was dark and hard to make out but Merida could see someone running in the darkness. A child chasing after what seemed like a small animal. The child seemed so scared, alone and desperate. At first Merida didn’t know who this child was, but as she began to look closer she could see an odd familiarity to them.

Peering a little closer she asked “Is that…?”

MERIDA! A voice crashed and echoed throughout the room.

********************

Merida gasped as she awoke, realizing she’d been awakened by Mulan who was kneeling next to her.

Seeing the princess was awake she said “We’ve got trouble.”

********************

Once Merida and Mulan returned to the deck of the Black Pearl they joined the others and looked over the port side to see what was wrong with the fleet down below.

From above they could see something in the water. Something large and black. Down below the heroes, all of which were gathered on the Jolly Roger being captained by Pete, had come out to see what it was. Something was bumping against ships as it swam between them. Everyone was nervous as they watched, some of the captains of the other ships calling for men to brace themselves or ready for battle.

As Jack saw this he had a very uneasy look on his face, almost one of terror, before saying “Oh bugger. That wouldn’t happen to be something oh so terrifying, massive and with tentacles, would it?”

“No.” Mary Poppins answered for him, leering down at the thing in the water. “It’s something worse.”

Merida, hearing this, looked more worried as she saw the thing heading for the ships with the lords of the Highlands, her father’s ship among them. Thankfully whatever it was had passed him but was coming in at full charge towards Lord Macintosh’s ship. A large bulk was creating waves as it sped towards them, the men bracing themselves for impact. But then, suddenly, whatever it was dove down before hitting them.

Only a moment passed, everyone thinking they were safe, before the sea beast had erupted from underneath with its jaws opened wide enough to swallow the whole ship with one mighty crunch. It was, to everyone’s surprise, a whale. The beast was larger than any had ever seen, and as black as night. It looked like a giant, living torpedo as it came up, showing it’s full massive size, before flopping back into the sea. This had created waves strong enough to buckle the nearby ships.

Mickey, from the deck of the Jolly Roger, exclaimed “Monstro!”

Everyone aboard the ship began to panic, Pete trying to get them in order while saying to get the cannons ready. Other ships had done the same, those prepped for battle taking the lead while the transport ships carrying the main bulk of troops behind were kept at a safe distance.

Above as everyone on the Black Pearl looked down, Merida shocked at the fact Lord Macintosh had been eaten by the whale, Aladdin gave a worried “What do we do?”

“What else do you expect we do?” Mary Poppins asked rhetorically.

“We’re going to fight that?” Belle asked, pointing down. “That’s like fighting a mountain.”

Abu had said something before Aladdin translated “Yeah. That swims!”

Merida, stepping up, said “We can’t just fly around like a birdy and do nothing.”

Everyone found themselves looking to Mary Poppins who, in turn, turned herself and asked “Captain Sparrow?”

All attention turned to Jack who was still looking nervous over the side as Monstro now turned back towards the fleet to take down another ship. Given his past experience with giant sea monsters it was understandable he wasn’t exactly willing to straight on into a fight with another; even if the Black Pearl was capable of flight. It now depended on him as to what action they would take.

Meanwhile the heroes on the Jolly Roger watched as Monstro had now come charging towards one of the pirate ships as full speed. Pete, looking the most shocked, watched as the ship was soon rammed on the side to hard it at first was pushed before the whale had managed to break a hole into it. There was no chance for the men onboard except to try and swim for one of the others.

“Why’s he attack us?” Elsa asked as they watched Monstro sink back under the sea.

Within a moment Mickey had realized “Alice. She sent him here to stop us.”

“How the heck did she get control of a whole bloody whale?” Scrooge asked to the point of almost shouting.

“Forget that.” Peg said. “How do we deal with him?”

While they all talked Mickey had been thinking before saying “I have an idea.” He turned and said “Pete, get the guns ready. Let’s try and get his attention.” Many of them had shocked reactions, some asking if the mouse was crazy, but Mickey only insisted “Just do it.”

Everyone turned to Pete who groaned before calling for the crew to get the guns ready while wanting the sails dropped and signaling for the other ships to fall back. Meanwhile Mickey had gathered Elsa, Donald, Scrooge and Peg before explaining the plan.

As soon as the Jolly Roger was ahead everyone looked around before the crew member up on the crow’s nest had called and pointed towards the stern. Sure enough there’s was Monstro, looking ready to ram at another of the shops behind. Pete ordered for a full turn of the Jolly Roger in order to get the beast in sight of the cannons. Once in the right position they fired, not hitting him but managing to strike at the water in front to spook him and keep him from hitting the ship.

Seeing as his attention turned to the Jolly Roger Max, calling to Mickey, asked “Well it worked. He’s coming! Now what?”

Mickey, looking to where Monstro was coming, said “Hold where we are.” There was another collective look of shock, more people saying it was a stupid idea, but Mickey only insisted again “Hold.” He then looked to the others he spoke with and said “Be ready when I give the signal.”

The magic users, at least only Donald, Scrooge and Peg, stood ready while Elsa was on the opposite side of the ship. She was using her ice magic for something no one else was paying attention to. They were too busy watching as the black leviathan was coming at them at almost fully speed with the intent to sink them in one smash. The whole time Mickey told everyone to hold, awaiting his signal.

Finally, as Monstor seemed almost too close, Mickey shouted “Now!”

With that the three sorcerers cast powerful spells of wind, aiming them at the ship’s sails. With a powerful collective gust as they’d cast it was enough to push the Jolly Roger out of the way from Monstor’s path. But awaiting him was a small iceberg, created by Elsa, which he slammed into so hard it shattered it to pieces. Pieces of ice scattered about while Monstor thrashed about in pain from taking such a blunt strike against the snout. Everyone cheered as the whale finally sank beneath the water for a moment.

The time for celebration and congratulations was cut short, however, when Monstro burst from the sea again. He came up high enough that he roared for a moment, the sound ringing in everyone’s ears, before he flopped back into the water; the waves rocking the Jolly Roger for a moment.

“I think we just made him mad.” Peter Pan commented with a tone of fear in his voice.

Indeed the monstrous whale had turned back to the ship, a fiery look in his green eyes, before he came towards them faster than ever. Pete ordered for any and all cannons to fire, given that he was coming at them from the starboard side. They fired out, none making an effective enough shot as they either missed or only grazed Monstro. Many of the heroes either huddled together for comfort or only felt fear at knowing they couldn’t stop the beast, he on the verge of crippling them in the water.

“FIRE!” came a cry from above.

Something had shot out and struck Monstro in the back, making him veer off from the Jolly Roger and roar in pain. The heroes aboard the ship realized it was a spear with rope attached. Further realization came when they looked up to see it had been fired by the Black Pearl, flying overhead as they kept their grip on the whale.

From the deck Jack Sparrow ordered “Now hold that beastie where we can see him smile!”

The crew of the Pearl had all agreed, even all the heroes with the exception of Mary Poppins, before they used a crack or their bare hands to try and pull the rope back. They were forced to fly along with Monstro as he pulled them but those on the Jolly Roger cheered for being saved by the brave souls.

As she and the others continued to keep their hold on the rope Mulan called “Great idea, captain!”

Looking to her he smiled “Well what good is a ship if you can’t go fishing once in a while, aye?”

Those that weren’t helping with the rope held on to whatever they could as the ship was pulled with Monstro’s swimming. He continued to circle about, flopping and splashing with his tail and forcing water up onto the deck of Pearl. Some were soaked while others like Mary Poppins had something to keep themselves dry; she using her umbrella.

Suddenly Monstro began to dive, the rope from the makeshift harpoon slipping out of some of the crew’s grip, before Merida exclaimed “He’s trying to pull us under!” What do we do?”

“We have to cut the rope!” Eugene said.

“No!” Mulan retorted while she struggled with her grip. “If we let him go he’ll attack the fleet again.”

Abu screeched something before Aladdin said “Abu’s right. We have to do something before we wind up waterlogged!”

Jack, thinking fast, ran up to the wheel of the ship, pushing the crewmen out of the way, before turning it hard to port while saying “Hold fast, mates! We’re not let this oversized minnow pull us down to meet Davy Jones tonight!”

The Pearl lurched up and portside while Monstro continued to dive down. The slack from the rope was gone as the Pearl was now half turned before being snagged. The crew held on and pulled with all their might while Monstro fought against them and tried to either pull them down or break free. For the longest moment both struggled, the Pearl getting closer to the water inch by painful inch.

Finally there was a snap and the Black Pearl bounced higher into the air, spinning for a moment from the sudden slack as the rope snapped. Everyone fumbled about trying to regain their footing while Jack busied with the wheel to try and get the Pearl still.

Once everything was returned to normal some of the crew stumbled from dizziness while Bella stated “For the record, we’re not doing that again. Agreed?”

From everyone else came a unison “Agreed.”

Feeling sick Aladdin and Abu hurried over to the nearest side of the Pearl, which was the port, and hurled up their breakfast over the side. They groaned before looking to each other, Aladdin stating woozily that he agreed to never sail again when this was over. Abu nodded before looking out to sea shrieking something and pulling Aladdin’s head up to see.

“Uh….guys?” he called, making everyone look to see Monstro was coming again.

Given the rage in his eyes and his speed it was clear he was more intent than ever to sink the flying ship. The Pearl was close enough to the water for the giant beast to jump up and knock them out of the sky, which they figured was his intent. Jack called for everyone to try and move as fast as possible but many feared they wouldn’t have time as Monstro was coming at an alarming rate.

Out of instinct Merida drew her bow, ready to fire an arrow even if it was fruitless. She aimed square at Monstro’s snout as he finally came to the point of jumping. His jaws were open wide and all could see his massive teeth as he was ready to chomp down on Merida and all those around her. She fired blindly at the beast as he was mere feet away from the Black Pearl, ready to take her and her crew down to the depths.

Suddenly, just as the arrow had reached him, a sudden explosion of water came from underneath that pushed the Black Pearl back a little. To everyone’s surprise Monstro had not hit them. In fact, as they saw, he had been flung back by whatever force had caused the explosion hard enough to fall on his back. However they were more surprised to see whatever it was had actually slain the beast as his body floated for a moment before slowly sinking down.

Everyone looked to Merida, since she’d fired the arrow, before she showed she was just as shocked as them and said “Don’t look at me.”

Mustering their courage the heroes and crew all looked over the side only to see something else that was strange. The water began to churn and bubble before forming into a small swirling motion. A whirlpool began to form before growing larger and larger. It was a good thing the Black Pearl was still flying otherwise it’d have been caught in the growing maelstrom below. Then, from the center of it, something rose up on what seemed like a spire of water.

A woman stood at the top of the spire as it rose to the height of the Black Pearl, everyone on deck able to see her. Her long flowing red hair hung down and around her shoulders while she was clad in what seemed like armor designed from the sea. A dark purple breastplate covered her chest with attached shoulder pads and wristbands on her arms. Her legs almost seemed to be a fish’s tail, only instead she wore tight pant-like clothing that looked like actual fish scales. On her head was a golden crown while in her hand an imposing matching trident. Merida knew who this was, but the look of her was so fierce she almost didn’t.

“Ariel…” she said in a hushed whisper.

Next to her Mulan, in the same tone, had said “The Empress of the Seas…”

Soon she fell to her one knee, many of the others following. Even Jack Sparrow couldn’t help but kneel and remove his hat at her presence. Merida hadn’t realized until the others had before dropping down herself.

Mary Poppins had finally stood and said “We are grateful for your intervention, oh mighty Empress.”

Ariel nodded and said “As am I. For too long I allowed that monster to wreak havoc on the surface, but no longer. Not when he’s become a pawn to the dark one you all seek to overthrow.” Looking to Merida now, as she’d peeked her sight up to see her, the Empress smirked and said “And I bring word from a mutual friend, who wished to send her admiration for your efforts.”

While no one else really knew what this meant Merida did. She believed that her little talk with the Blue Fairy may have had more of an impact than she realized, and that she had convinced the ruler of Atlantica and the One World’s oceans to aid her.

Standing Merida only said “Thanks.”

After giving a small bow of her head Ariel, looking to the others, said “Tell your friends that the path to Bald Mountain will be cleared of all threats. I will see to it that the winds and tides are on your side and you arrive safely. It is all I can offer.”

“And it more than enough.” Mary Poppins said, bowing again before finishing with “Thank you, your majesty.”

“My thanks to you as well, Mary Poppins.” She said before finishing with “Now go. And may the strength of the Sea aid you in your fight. Farewell.”

With that Ariel lifted her trident which made the waters begin to calm and the spire she stood on sink back into the ocean. Everyone looked down as she sank further and further, looking up and giving one final smile before disappearing beneath the surface.

Looking to Mary Poppins Merida couldn’t help but ask “Alright, how do you know her? What, did you play nanny for her wee baby or something?”

The nanny scoffed a giggle before saying “Of course not. I served her father when she was a ‘wee baby’. And all of her sisters.” Merida, aghast, stumbled over her words to ask how before she answered “I never refuse a request to help with a child. Even one as curious as her. Though I will say dealing with it all underwater was…harrowing at first.”

After that the Black Pearl rejoined the Jolly Roger, everyone telling what had happened with Monstro and Ariel. With that good news both ships rejoined the fleet, everyone cheering at the success. The Black Pearl went back up high into the sky while the ships continued sailing on.

Merida, however, stood at the port of the ship and sighed before Mulan asked if she was alright, to which she responded “We lost Lord Macintosh and two whole crews. The first casualties…”

“Try not to think about it.” Mulan said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “It doesn’t help. Just try thinking of how many we saved. And that, hopefully, there’s no more surprises waiting for us.”

Merida nodded before finding a nearby seat on a barrel. However she slipped and fell off of it before the barrel itself toppled over. The cover came off and, to everyone’s surprise, the hidden stowaway inside of it had fallen out as well among the fruits that had been stored in it.

“Lilo!” Merida declared. As the little girl dusted herself off and gave an awkward “Aloha”, the princess crossed her arms and gave an annoyed “What in mike’s name do you think you’re doing here?”

Acting defiant Lilo explained “I wasn’t going to just stay with my sister while you guys fight. I’m a hero too, you know? I should be helping. Plus I’m a Lost Girl. Which means I know how to fight.”

“You know how to fight with other kids, and pirates and Indians.” Mulan began. “This is a lot more dangerous than any games you played with Peter and your friends.”

“It’s still not fair.” She said stubbornly and stomping her foot down. “I want to fix everything too. And why should you have all the adventures but I have to stay behind?” Merida tried to say more but Lilo still insisted “Just because you’re older than me doesn’t me you’re the boss. We made a promise, remember? And now I’m making one. I promised to help put everything back together, and I’m going to do it. You don’t like it, then you’ll just have to throw me off the ship.”

She crossed her arms and turned up her nose, indicating how serious she was. The heroes all looked among each other, Jack Sparrow giving a look that basically said “well we could always throw her off”. He was elbowed by Belle soon after for that. It was clear they couldn’t get rid of her, and trying to take her back to Castle Disney would only delay their journey.

Merida sighed and said “Fine.” Lilo looked to her and smiled before the princess aid “But you’re going to do whatever me, or Mary Poppins, or anyone else tells you. Got it? Otherwise you can spend the whole trip in a cabin.”

Lilo nodded before hurrying off to enjoy the sights of the ship. Merida sighed before everyone else got back to work.

However she did look to Mulan and say “What was that about surprises again?”

Mulan only rolled her eyes before getting back to her duties. Merida then looked ahead, seeing as the sun was starting to set and a small spot of land was becoming more and more viewable. Despite the little incident with Monstro they were still going to reach Bald Mountain, and the coming battle with Alice, by nightfall.

********************

From her room in the fortress of Bald Mountain Alice watched as the sun began to set.

Looking out towards the horizon, where the heroes were surly on their way, she peered onward and almost felt as though Merida was looking towards her. The idea that even far away she could see right into her eyes had seemed both invigorating and yet challenging. Alice couldn’t help but smirk at the idea.

Soon enough the door to the room opened and Lord Arawn stepped through, bowing and asking “You summoned for me, Master?”

“You wouldn’t be here otherwise.” She stated, turning around. “You are aware Merida and her friends will be here soon.”

He scoffed a little and said “But Master, what about Monstro? Surely he’s dealt with-”

He was cut off when she said “If I thought an oversized whale could defeat them I wouldn’t have bothered building my forces together.” Arawn nodded before she continued with “When they do arrive, and they will in full force, it’ll be up to you to delay them as long as possible. In the meantime I believe I’ll need a little rest.”

Alice began to walk over to a bed far on the left side of the room, Arawn giving a confused reaction of “R-Rest, master?”

“Why yes. After all I need to be at my best once Merida’s little army arrives. I need to have a clear mind after all. And I do tend to sleep very heavily.” As she finally reached the bed, sitting on the edge, Alice looked back to him before saying “And while I sleep I expect you to keep me as safe and secure as possible. There must be no interruptions of any kind. Is that clear?” Once Arawn nodded and agreed to her orders she said “Very well. Go then. And be sure to give our guests a proper greeting.”

With that Lord Arawn bowed before making his way out of the room. Alice, finally getting comfortable in bed, had pulled the dark, lacy curtains around it to darken her vision. As she began to doze she could see as the sky went dark as well. The army would arrive soon and the final battle would begin, but she would be asleep for most of it. Once she awoke, however, the battle would already be won.