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Never Lose Sight

When reality was restored it had taken time for all of the heroes to come together again at Castle Disney; both those who aided in the fight against the Master of Worlds and those who were still within their own worlds at the time.

While for everyone else it seemed like another important meeting, For Merida it was the greatest sight of relief she could ever ask for. All of the heroes were alive, well, and were as she knew them to be in reality. No distorted history or grand change in appearance or personality. Even those like Hercules who’d been long dead in the history of the One World were such joyous sights it often caused her to suddenly run up and embrace them or simply say how happy she was to see them. Of course the heroes themselves were confused about it, which is where Merida went into her story.

While everyone sat at the round table within the meeting room of Castle Disney, where they would always sit and talk, and while needing to seat the extra heroes like Mary Poppins and everyone from Arendelle, Merida told of her adventure in the One World. From the moment the spell had been cast to finding Mary Poppins. To freeing a tricked Elsa to finding Princess Anna as a young girl on Neverland. To the revelation of Alice, controlled by the Horned King, being the puppet master behind everything to the final battle that ended it all. Everything she recounted in great detail.

A little over an hour went by before she’d finally finished, everyone silent and reeling in this incredible information. Some heroes looked around at their friends, surprised to hear how they changed, while others only let everything sink in about themselves and how they changed.

Aladdin was the first to comment “So….I could’ve been a pirate?”

“Me too apparently.” Eugene both added and joked a little. “Bit of an upgrade from thief I think.” In response Rapunzel elbowed him in the arm, making him say “What? I meant if I still was a thief. Not now!”

“I was dead?” Hercules asked both himself and everyone else. “Me?”

“Me too.” Goofy pointed out.

“And me!” Taran added.

“And Stitch, here, was the one who did it apparently.” Kristoff pointed out. “Didn’t think the little guy had it in him.”

Stitch tried to wave it off by shaking his head and saying “Stitch never do that. Everyone Stitch’s friend.”

“Not in that world you weren’t.” Kristoff commented again.

“I could still turn into a beast?” Adam asked aloud.

“I COULD turn into a beast!” Belle added, more surprise than ever.

“And who the heck is Jack Sparrow?” Donald asked.

With that everyone was in a bit of a muddled conversation over the different things they learned. They were so caught up in it that no one saw as Mary Poppins motioned for Master Scrooge to come over to her. She whispered something before he nodded and ran off, the nanny herself then turning back to everyone else and clearing her throat loud enough for them to hear.

With everyone’s attention on her she said “I think this conversation should be less about what was and more about what is. Agreed?”

“She’s right.” Mickey said, everyone agreeing in the end. “Whatever might’ve happened in the One World is over now. Everything’s fixed and everyone’s back to normal. And I think we all know who to thank for it.”

Eric, speaking for both himself and Ariel, said “Here, here. Guess we wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for Merida. She’s the one who deserves the congrats.”

From there other heroes agreed before joining in applauding the young princess. Merida gave a bewildered look before Elsa, who was sitting next to her, nudged her to stand and take the credit. She did and gave an awkward laugh and wave before everyone settled.

“Thanks, I think. But not like I could just sit around and not do anything. Especially since I was the only one who remembered.” Seeing Madame Leota, who was sitting in front of Mary Poppins still within her crystal ball, she added “Well the only one who could still do anything about it.”

“Which does beg the question why you were the one who was picked.” Simba brought up.

“Yeah.” Prince Naveen added before looking over and asking “Care to explain why, Mary Poppins?”

With a clam demeanor she answered “One thing you should know about me, your majesty, is something very simple and clear: I never explain myself to anyone.”

Naveen was dumbstruck by that answer. In fact some of the other heroes were as well. Others simply chose not to try and further it, or else risk the wrath of the supernatural nanny before them.

Princess Anna, thankfully, cleared the air by saying “Look, regardless of why it doesn’t matter. Like Mickey said, everything’s back to normal.”

“Eh, not quite as normal as you think.” Scrooge said after finally returning to the room.
“Oh no.” Prince Charming groaned. “Now what? Another big cataclysmic change?”

Scrooge shrugged and answered “Well I wouldn’t call it that, lad.”

“Allow me to explain.” Mary Poppins rose her hand to speak.

Before she began Peter Pan whispered “I thought she never explains herself.” Only for her to shoot a poisonous glance at him that quickly silenced the boy.

“As I was saying,” she began “given the information Merida told about how the worlds were made spate again I thought of one possible outcome. And if Master Scrooge has confirmed my theory…?” she gestured to him to answer.

“Aye. It’s true.” He nodded. “Some of the worlds are missing.”

A collective shock from everyone came as they all asked “MISSING?!?”

Mary Poppins tried to calm them by saying “That may not be the right term to use. Better to say they’re….folded in.”

Everyone gave her either blank or confused stares before Olaf leaned to Sven, with the Soring Sprite sitting on his head, and saying “I honestly can’t tell if I should be okay with that or not.”

Mary Poppins sighed a little, rubbing her temple, before continuing with “Let me try and explain. From what Merida said, I, that is the Mary Poppins from the One World, allowed Chernabog to use his method of separating the worlds as well as the conventional means of trying. That being removing the Horned King’s essence from Alice and destroying it. It seems as though both attempts had worked.”

“So is that a bad thing?” Anna asked. “Because I can’t tell if worlds being ‘folded’ is any better than missing.”

“It’s simple.” Mary Poppins began, yet again. “Chernabog’s means of separating the worlds was a matter of force. Tearing them apart without fully breaking the spell that was held over them to create the One World. If his plan was the only to succeed then not all the worlds would’ve been brought back, and even some of the inhabitants would’ve either died or wound up on different worlds not their own.”

“But doing it the other way would’ve meant everything would be, right?” Rapunzel asked. “And that’s what happened, isn’t it?”

“Yes and no.” Mary Poppins answered.

Hearing that Eilonwey rolled her eyes and commented “And I thought this was supposed to be simple.”

Ignoring this Mary Poppins explained “Because both plans had succeeded the spell of the One World was broken. The worlds have been restored and everyone had been returned to where they were before the spell was activated. However because of Chernabog’s method working as well, some worlds have become fused into each other. Yet it seems to have had little effect on the histories themselves.” Still seeing the confusion on everyone’s faces Mary Poppins looked and asked “Princess Snow White? Before ever meeting, had you ever heard of Princess Aurora or Prince Philip? Or even their parents, the kings Stefan and Hubert?”

It took a moment for her to think on it before Snow White answered “Actually….I do remember hearing about them before. My prince told me he visited once, when he was very young.” Looking to Aurora she pointed out “I believe it was when you were born, and your father the king invited all the nobles.”

Scratching her head Cinderella suddenly said “Actually I’m starting to remember that too.”

“Yeah.” Prince Charming added. “I remember hearing something about the kingdom being out to sleep and then something about the two of you being married. I think I had an invitation.”

“Wait a minute.” Prince Philip spoke up. “This all sounds really odd. How could we have known each other before knowing each other?”

Instead of answering Mary Poppins looked over and asked “And what about you, Queen Elsa? Does the kingdom of Corona ring any bells within royal head?”

“Of course.” She said bluntly. “It’s where Eugene and Rapunzel are from.” However she went quite as a suddenly look of realization went over her face. “And….it’s one of the places we sent an invitation during my coronation.”

Eugene spoke up, also realization something, with “Which we were there for…”

“Whoa.” Olaf said. “This is really, really, really, really weird. And that’s just really weird.”

“Yeah.” Kristoff agreed. “It’s sort of like….knowing where your socks are. But you never wore any socks.” Sven huffed next to him before Kristoff said “Hey! It’s an analogy.”

As everyone started to realize, Mary Poppins smiling at the sight, Goofy said “Now hold on a second. This don’t make a whole lot of sense. How could everyone be within the same world and yet not known about each other and still be part of the first time we came together when the Horned King showed up?”

“Yeah.” Max added. “Wouldn’t that mean history’s still changed?”

“In a sense.” Mary Poppins said. “But not in any way we could easily comprehend. It’s all part of the balance of the worlds. Where there is error it will find a way to correct itself. And it seems it’s managed in a way that’s not been completely destructive or totally alerting.”

Adam just rubbed his head and said “Uggh. I couldn’t only follow about half of that. And the other half just made my head hurt.”

“It’s all very complicated.” The Blue Fairy finally spoke up. “It’s just as hard for us to explain as for you to understand.” She sighed before adding “If Master Yen Sid were here, he’d might have a better chance of telling you.”

“Which begs the question of where he is.” Minnie said. Looking to Merida she continued with “You said how you saw Master Yen Sid….the OTHER Master Yen Sid, in your dreams. Last time you spoke you said you’d never see each other again.”

“Aye.” She answered. “But I thought he meant in the One World. And then everything would be fine and he’d be here. I guess not.”

“Then where is he?” Mickey asked.

“The only place he could go to ensure both everyone’s safety and the Horned King’s defeat.” Madame Leota answered. With everyone looking to her the ghostly sorceress said “In order to remove all traces of the Horned King from Alice’s mind, I’m afraid Master Yen Sid had to give what remained of his own. I am…sorry.”

Many of the heroes looked shocked and saddened by this before Peter Pan said “But wait a second. If everything was changed back to the way it was, wouldn’t that mean he didn’t sacrifice himself or something?”

“I’m afraid it’s not that simple.” Madame Leota continued. “What remained of the Horned King was a very powerful remnant. Yen Sid knew this as much as I did when I’d seen through his lies. In order to destroy his essence Yen Sid gave up his own. Both had managed to cheat death, but neither could escape it forever.”

“So…?” Merida began to ask, a little too heartbroken to finish. “He’s…?”

Madame Leota nodded and finished “Gone. Forever. As is the Horned King.”

Everyone grew every quiet after Master Yen Sid’s death was confirmed. Many held each other close while others looked heartbroken or sorrowed. Minnie looked to Mickey who seemed hurt most of all, sighing and holding his head up with one arm. She reached over to his free one to hold his hand, trying to reassuring him that despite this everything was okay.

It seemed to work as he cleared his throat and said “What Master Yen Sid did will never be forgotten. We can honor him in death as much as we did in life.”

“Agreed.” Scrooge said.

Alice, finally speaking up herself, said “It’s odd….but I remember him saying something to me. Though I honestly can’t remember when.” She scratched her head a little before saying “But I do know…he wanted me to tell you how proud he was of you.” She was looking to Mickey before then looking to everyone else and adding “All of you.”

Smiles could be seen on many faces, even to Donald who said “He always did know how to get the last word in.”

“And, at the very least, it means you’re okay. Right, Alice?” Tiana asked.

“Oh yes.” She answered. “I honestly don’t know what I may have been like when the Horned King controlled me, but I can most assuredly say I’m fine now.”

“Well at least that settles that then.” Princess Jasmine commented. “Question is, what now?”

A collective agreement went out among the heroes, everyone questioning what to do now, before Mary Poppins suggested “Before anything else, perhaps we should deal with our ‘guests’ we brought back from the Haunted Mansion.” Looking to Mickey she asked “If it pleases, your majesty?”

Knowing what she meant Mickey nodded before looking to Donald, Goofy and Max and saying “Bring them up.”

The three saluted before walking out of the room, everyone only needing to wait for a short time before they returned. When they did everyone was silent as they brought in the four prisoners that made up the Pete Family. All were in chains with cuffs on their wrists and ankles, Pete and Pistol fighting with theirs while P.J. and Peg only waited to hear what the king would say. Along with the three who were sent to bring them they were escorted by four armed guards.

Mickey, standing from his seat, walked over to them before Pete asked “So what’s this about, runt? You going to rub in our noses how you and your pals won again? Wanted to get one more gloat in before you locked us up for the rest of our lives?”

Mickey only stood tall, or as tall as he could, while saying “Pete, you and your family have caused a lot of problems. Both recently and in the past. Theft. Attempted overthrowing of me and the queen. Kidnapping. Not to mention if it wasn’t for you trying to steal the Black Cauldron in the first place, there’s a good chance the Horned King would’ve never been resurrected and none of this would’ve ever started in the first place.”

Pete only kept a smug look before asking “So what’s it going to be, huh? Chop our heads off? Burn us at a stake? Or maybe just toss us off a cliff and see how far we go down?”

Peg nudged him hard before saying “Pete! Quit giving him ideas.”

The mouse king finally answered with “Actually, I was thinking of letting you go.”

All the Pete’s gave a collective “WHAT?!?” before all the heroes, except the Blue Fairy, Mary Poppins and Merida, followed with a “WHAT?!?”

“In light of recent…‘testimonials’, I’ve decided it best to give all of you your freedom. For now at least.” Mickey glanced back to Merida, the two winking at each other in knowing what he meant before he turned back and ordered the guards “Let them go.”

After all of their cuffs were taken off Peg, speaking for the other Petes, asked “What’s the catch? There’s got to be something else about all this.”

Mickey gave a little nod and shrug before answering “About a six hour head start. Plenty of time I think.”

Pete was about to ask something before Peg stopped him, saying “Never mind, Petey. Let’s go before they change their minds.” She started pulling him along before saying “C’mon, kids!”

As they ran off Pistol asked “Can we still steal a pony while we’re here, mommy?”

P.J. was the only one to stop for a moment and look back towards Max. Both of the old friends smiled and gave a thumbs up to each other before P.J. finally ran out, joining his family as they hurried out of the castle and eventually tried to get as far away as possible.

While running even Pete had to stop and look back to Castle Disney, wondering why King Mickey let him go. Was it a trick? Was he going crazy? There had to be something that Pete was missing. Part of him wondered of Mickey was doing this as some sort of favor, a sentiment for the old times when they were as close to being friends as they could be before Pete eventually turned to crime. With that in mind Pete huffed a little smile, part of him not thinking it true while the other part thought it if was then maybe Mickey wasn’t as bad as he thought. After that he joined his family and ran off, hopefully to turn their lives around for the better.

Once the matter with the Petes was done Goofy asked “What’d you do that for, Mick? What if they come back and start trouble again?”

Mickey shrugged and said “I guess that’s just something we’ll have to wait and see. Still, I get the feel things will be a lot different now.”

“Indeed.” Mary Poppins said. “In fact I have another matter to address. That being our young Alice.” Everyone turned to her, the little blonde girl perking up with curiosity, before Mary Poppins explained “Your powers, my dear, are as helpful as they are dangerous. Recent events have shown as such.” Alice gave a little apology before the nanny said “There’s no need for that, I assure you. Your actions were not your own. However it’s clear your powers are something that needs to be kept in check. You are, after all, one of the more powerful Alpha Beings in all of the worlds.”

Alice sighed before commenting “Not exactly something I’d asked for.”

“Regardless, I think it best if you’re properly taught how to better hone your abilities.” Mary Poppins proposed. “And I know just the place where it can be done.” Alice perked up, asking if it was true, to which she answered “Only if you agree to take the opportunity.”

It only took half a moment of consideration before Alice answered “Yes. Of course. Anything that will help.”

Most everyone in the room gave little signs of acceptance or congratulations for her choice. Little claps or a thumbs up here and there. Some like Merida and the Blue Fairy nodded to her.

The Genie zipped over and said “Oh we’ll have to have a big gala when you get back. I’m thinking balloons. Music. Streamers. A band. Maybe celebrity guests stars. And-”

“I’m afraid not.” Mary Poppins suddenly said, silencing him. “We won’t be returning here to Castle Disney. None of us will.”

Confused everyone muttered among themselves before Hercules asked “Why not?”

The Blue Fairy and Madame Leota exchanged disappointed glances to each other before looking to Mary Poppins, who in turn said “The three of us have decided that as of today, all connections and means of passage between the worlds must be severed.” Everyone was shocked and aghast by this, some shouting before Mary Poppins held her hand up and silenced them. “This decision has been made final, I’m sorry to say.”

“But why?” Merida asked. “Everything’s finally back to normal, and now you’re saying we can’t see each other anymore?”

“Please understand that we’ve made this decisions for the best of reasons.” The Blue Fairy now explained. “These past events have proven how endangered we and everyone else within our worlds could be if another threat like the Horned King appears. We cannot risk another One World, or something worse from happening.”

“So what?” Peter Pan asked before boasting “We beat the Horned King, and if anyone else comes around we’ll beat them too.”

A lot of agreement came from the other heroes before Madame Leota asked “And what if the next one to come is too great even for us? What if our worlds are invaded by some destructive force that’s already conquered its world before trying to control the others? Some powerful witch or monster that may be too powerful, even for Alpha Beings?”

Some of the heroes still muttered before Aladdin said “We’ll find a way. We always find a way to win.”

Many of the heroes agreed to this before Mary Poppins retorted “Yes, but at what cost? Look how far the Horned King had come to succeeding. Think of who we lost because of it.” Everyone went silent after being reminded of the loss of their friend before Mary Poppins added “And despite what you may think, I’m sure Master Yen Sid would agree. It has to be done.”

“But it’s not fair.” Anna spoke up. “Some of us only just got here.” Indicating herself and those from Arendelle, Corona and even Merida.

“And that’s what makes this hurt all the more.” The Blue Fairy responded. “But Mary Poppins is right. For our safety, and for the safety of others, the connections with all worlds must be closed.”

“Which means no more portal spells.” Madame Leota added. “No teleportation. And the Doorway into the other worlds must be destroyed once all of you have been returned.”

“But what if something still goes wrong?” Naveen asked. “What if we’re in danger or attacked again?”

“If threats from other worlds pour in again, we will alter everyone.” Mary Poppins answered. “Some of us still have the means of traveling between worlds of our own accord. But any and all other dangers from your own worlds will be yours to deal with.”

Some heroes tried to make more arguments, nothing really coming out, even to Minnie looking to Mickey, asking for his advice. The mouse king, looking both as worried and saddened by this as everyone else, looking around at the faces of the heroes. All his friends he’d come to know and love and care for all looking to him for some sort of answer or counterargument to use against Mary Poppins, the Blue Fairy and Madame Leota.

He finally let out a sigh before saying “They’re right. This is for the best.” His heart grew all the heavier at the looks the heroes gave, some of annoyance, sadness, defeat. He looked over and said “Donald. You and Scrooge go up to the Master Sorcerer’s study. Find any and all spells and the like that can be used to travel to other worlds. I want them locked up safe and sound where no one will find them.”

Donald gave a small “Okay, Mickey.” Before he and Scrooge walked off, his uncle trying to comfort him as they walked out of the room.

Mickey then looked over and said “Goofy. Send out word about Master Yen Sid, and about what’s happening. I think everyone in the kingdom should know.”

He gave a salute before grumbling his way out of the room. Max watched and sighed, seeing how upset his dad was. But even more so at the heroes who all sat around and were still upset by the final decision. To know some of them would never see each other after this only made things hurt all the more.

Standing himself Mickey finally said “I suppose we should all say what we have to say to each other. Final goodbyes and all that.” He stepped down from his seat and walked off before finishing with “When you’re done just meet in the Doorway Chamber.”

Everyone was quiet as he walked out of the room. When he did they all began to chatter among themselves again, some talking about what to do while others tried to figure the best way to say goodbye to all their friends. Minnie, however, stood and walked out to follow Mickey.

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

Minnie eventually found Mickey standing in the library in the farthest back, looking at both the Book of Heroes and the picture of all the heroes gathered at the Feast of the Stars over a year ago.

She quietly made her way over to him while Mickey just continued to look at both the Book and picture. It came to a point where he should’ve known she was present, given how her shoes tapped against the floor. But he made no reaction or the like. He only continued to keep his gaze forward.

Finally reaching him the queen put her hand on his shoulder and asked “Mickey? Are you alright?”

“You know one of the worst thing about having friends is?” he asked her, Minnie not giving an answer. “Losing them.” He looked down and sighed again. “First Master Yen Sid, and now everyone else.”

“You could’ve said ‘no’ to Mary Poppins and the others.” Minnie suggested.

“No. They’re right. If the Horned King somehow comes back, or someone worse comes along, who’s to say we’ll beat them again? Besides I think she was right. Master Yen Sid would’ve agreed if he were still here. It’s just…. I wish there was a way.”

Minnie sighed and said “I do too, Mickey. It’s hard to say goodbye.” She then reached down and took his hand, making him look to her as she added “But we’ll still be able to see them. The Viewing Basin, remember? Even though we won’t be able to visit, we can still watch them continue from here. Even the new worlds that show up.”

Mickey nodded to himself before asking “And you’ll watch with me?”

Smiling Minnie said “Of course. They’re my friends too, you know.” The two shared a laugh before she said “Just remember, Mickey, even if all our friends are gone, you’ll still have Donald and Goofy. Daisy. Max. Scrooge. Clarabelle. Chip and Dale. Pluto. And me.”

With that little bout of confidence Mickey smiled more and leaned in, kissing Minnie, before saying “I love you, Minnie.”

“And I love you.” She said, bringing him in for a hug.

For a moment the two stood there, still embracing each other, before they heard someone clear their throat behind them. They stopped and looked before realizing all the heroes were standing a few feet away from them in a group and watching them; even Donald, Scrooge and Goofy were there as well. All had smiles or pleasant looks on their faces.

“How long have you been standing there?” Minnie asked.

“About when you talked about still seeing us through the magic basin thing.” Taran answered.

“And why?” Mickey asked. “Shouldn’t you all be saying goodbye to each other?”

Ariel answered “Well we couldn’t do that without saying it to you too, you know. After all I it weren’t for you, I don’t think any of us would’ve ever met to begin with.”

A little surprised Mickey asked “Me? Really?”

“Sure.” Goofy said. “After all, you’re the one who helped save everyone back when the Horned King tried to attack, remember?”

“And you tried to save me from the Horseman.” Merida pointed out.

“And you’re the one who’s lead us through thick and thin ever since we all met.” Adam added.

Mickey gave a bashful laugh before saying “Shucks, guys. I appreciate that. But really I didn’t do it alone. I had help. From my friends. From all of you. We all helped out in the end.”

With everyone very happy and emotional over this Genie blurted out “Oh someone get a camera. I feel a Kodak moment. Group hug!”

That was enough to convince everyone into one grand embrace with each other. All the heroes huddled together, holding each other as best they could in their arms or paws of hooves and the like as they all stood around. The only ones who didn’t were Mary Poppins, the Blue Fairy and Madame Leota; who was being held by the fairy.

Among all this Olaf said “See? This is why I think everyone should like warm hugs.”

After that Merida, looking up at the picture of the heroes from over a year before, said “You know, it’s a shame we can’t get a new one like that. I’d like to see myself in a nice picture.”

“Me too.” Lilo added.

Aladdin chuckled a bit before saying “Who says we can’t just improve on this one?” He then turned and asked “Genie?”

Cracking his big blue fingers the Genie proclaimed “One Photoshop effect. Coming right up!”

A little jolt of magic shot from his fingers and struck the picture. Everyone watched as it changed, not only in appearance but size. The two ends of the frame stretched out to show more room on the canvas of the picture. It was soon filled by the figures of the newest heroes to become part of the group. Merida and Lilo, standing next to her friend Stitch. Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven with the Spring Sprite on the reindeer’s head. Eugene with Samson standing behind him and Rapunzel with Pascal on her shoulder. The Blue Fairy with Madame Leota in her hands. And finally Mary Poppins, standing at the further most right of the group, as to be both in and yet stand out on her own.

Once it was done everyone enjoyed the comforting sight of seeing all their friends together both in picture and in real life. However Lilo pointed out another figure who’d managed his way into the picture. The light shape of Master Yen Sid could be seen behind the entire group, like a ghost caught on camera. He was smiling as he looked down at all the heroes, but most of all at Mickey.

As if knowing this was the work of some phantom force of an old friend, Mickey didn’t question it. H just smiled, knowing that this was the best way to have his old friend and mentor be remembered.

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

It wasn’t too long after that all the heroes were assembled in the Doorway Chamber and giving their final goodbyes.

For some it was only small farewells until they would eventually meet again in their now shared worlds. As said before the three worlds of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and Aurora and Prince Philp had now become one grand world they’d agreed would now be called the Enchanted Kingdoms. For those from Corona and Arendelle they two knew that they would meet again once they were home. The only other worlds that were found to be connected into one were those of Hercules and Aladdin, and Ariel and Eric’s along with Belle’s and Adam’s.

For the rest it was a series of heavy goodbyes and promises that they’d still remember one another. Gurgi and Stitch called each other ‘cousin’ for the final time. The Fairy Godmother, the three Fairy Aunts of Princess Aurora and Tinkerbell all gave their goodbyes before being joined by the Blue Fairy herself; who they all considered the strongest out of all of them. Timon, Pumba and Simba all said farewell while reminding those they could of their motto of ‘hakuna matata’ and how it meant not to worry. Kristoff and Eugene, along with Aladdin who showed his appreciation for a ‘fellow former thief’, all had one final hardy joke towards each other before saying goodbye. Olaf joined Anna in saying goodbye to most of the heroes, even if they didn’t really know most of them. Even Merida and Lilo shared a final pinky swear between them, saying how they’d still never forget each other despite never seeing one another again.

Alice had to step in and say to Merida “I may not remember any of it, but if you’re story is true, then thank you. Thank you so much for saving me.”

She suddenly hugged the red-haired princess, Merida giving a shrug and hugging back before saying “It was no trouble. Sort of fun to play the hero once in a while.” After a moment she realized Alice was still hugging to which she said “Okay. You can let go now.” To which she finally did, Lilo giggling at the scene.

The only one who didn’t join in was Mary Poppins. She merely stood to the side as everyone was so busy talking and giving farewells to everyone. She seemed content though to just watch and see how happy everyone else was.

As she stood with the end of her umbrella in front of her, the end with a parrot head on it, it spoke and said “Well how do you like that? All of them busying themselves with saying goodbye, and yet no one’s bothering to talk to you.”

“Better that way I suppose.” Mary Poppins replied.

“And why’s that?” the parrot head asked.

“I’m only a nanny after all. Not royalty. Not an enchanted animal. And certainly not a hero.”

“You don’t consider yourself a hero? But you’re the one who helped saved the worlds too you know.”

“No. I only pushed the right people in the right direction.” She commented while looking to Merida. “Nannies don’t need to take the credit for such silly things anyway.”

The parrot head scoffed and said “Don’t try to fool yourself, Mary Poppins. I see what you’re doing. And if you think I’ll keep my beak shut this time, you’ve-”

She stopped him by putting her hand over his wooden beak and saying “That will be quite enough out of you, thank you.” Before tapping him on the head.

Suddenly Merida had walked over to her, cleared her throat and asked “Mary Poppins?”

A little surprised she asked “Merida? What do you need, my dear? Why aren’t you saying goodbye to everyone else?”

“Well I felt the need to ask something.” She answered, gaining enough of Mary Poppins’ attention. “You chose me to take that medicine. The one that made me remember. But you never told me why. Not even the ‘you’ from the One World knew for sure. So I was hoping, before you left, that I’d know why you did pick me and not anyone else.”

Nodding at the question Mary Poppins fixed herself a little before leaning towards her and answering with “Would you believe I went purely on a guess?”

“A guess?” Merida both asked and said in surprise. “Just a guess?”

“Not only a guess.” She began to explain before scoffing a bit. After that she reached into her carpet bag and, after a moment of rummaging, found her measuring tape. Holding it up to Merida she asked “Do you remember what this tape said about you, princess?”

It took Merida a minute before saying “Something about being brave yet stubborn, I think.”

“Correct. Which, in my opinion, is exactly the sort of person we’d have needed to keep her head in the right spot in a world gone mad.”

Still a little confused Merida asked “So that was it? Just being brave and stubborn made me the right pick? Why not Mickey? Or Donald? Or any of the princes? Or even you? Why me exactly?”

Mary Poppins answered with a more full-hearted tone “Because in truth, Merida, I had faith in you. You weren’t the only one with those results from the tape either, if you’ll recall.” She then pointed over to Lilo, who was speaking with Taran and Eilonwey and Gurgi, before Merida remembered she had the same result as her from the measuring tape when they were examined. “But I knew sending a girl as young as her into a dangerous world like that would not do. So I settled for someone else. You. So now you understand, Merida? Anyone can claim to be a hero, but what truly makes one is the faith that others have in you to be one.”

Merida was both surprised and yet warmed by that answer. To be told that Mary Poppins, who was practically one of the strongest people she’d ever know in her life, had so much faith in her to save the world was prideful. Yet also humbling. Merida didn’t know what to say in response to that, instead taking Mary Poppins by surprise when she reached over and hugged her.

Mary Poppins stood awkwardly as the tough, warrior princess she knew Merida to be hugged her so. She smiled a bit before simply patting the back of her head, instead of fully hugging her. Either it was because she felt offended by it in some way, or perhaps the better reason was so it wouldn’t hurt her as much to have to say goodbye to her as it did the others.

Finally after Merida finished Mary Poppins called out “Alright, everyone. I believe it’s time Ms. Alice and I were off.” She gestured for Alice to come to her before saying “We’ve a busy day ahead of us, my dear. Best not to keep everyone waiting.”

Alice joined Mary Poppins near the Doorway before the nanny simply waved her hand over the doorknob. As if knowing where she wanted to go without saying, or eve needing the key, she opened it to reveal an open field area. Mary Poppins stood and looked back to everyone, giving one final bow and wink, to Merida only, before walking through.

Alice hesitated before looking back to her friends, knowing this would be the last she’d see of them. A little tear in her eyes formed before she smiled and waved goodbye, most of the heroes returning the gesture. After that she finally went through the Doorway and the door closed behind her.

After that the Blue Fairy said “I’d best be off as well. I’ll need to make sure any and all changes to the worlds are as seamless as they appear.” She then handed Madame Leota to Donald before looking over and saying “Oh. And your majesties, Tiana and Naveen, I’ll be sure to give your love to Ray once I see him.”

Both smiled at this with Tiana saying “Thanks.”

After that the Blue Fairy gave a final bow to all of the heroes present before waving her wand in front of her. She slowly evaporated into blue, shimmering light and then began to fade away more and more. She was entirely gone almost within an instant.

Looking to her Mickey asked “Are you staying, Madame Leota?”

“For a time, I suppose.” She answered, still sitting within Donald’s arms. “Just long enough to make sure everything goes as needed. After that, who knows? It would be a nice change from staying in an old mansion for the rest of eternity.”

“We’d welcome the company.” Minnie commented in a friendly tone.

“Yeah. And you can help out with the spells me and Uncle Scrooge are working on.” Donald added.

“Excellent idea.” Scrooge proclaimed.

After that Mickey reached into his pocket, pulling out the key to the Doorway, and said “And now comes the hardest question to ask.” Looking to all the heroes he asked with a heavy heart “Who’s first?”

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

Within the hour most of the heroes had returned to their worlds, both those individually and those with shared worlds now.

The first to go through were Ariel, Eric, Belle and Adam; all wishing their friends luck before entering through into their unison world together. The came Simba, Timon and Pumba. Then Aladdin and Jasmine and Genie along with Hercules, Meg, Phil and Pegasus. The three pairs that considered of Aurora and Philip, Cinderella and Prince Charming, and Snow White with all of her seven dwarves left together next. Tiana and Naveen followed after. Peter Pan and his Lost Boys were next along with Tinkerbell. Then went Taran, Eilonwey and Gurgi, the latter giving a final wave goodbye to Stitch. Finally the Spring Sprite agreed to go back to her world, giving a final fly around and goodbye to all; especially Sven who she hugged around the nose before flying off through the Doorway.
Next came Lilo and Stitch, both looking more cumbersome than ever at how they had to leave. Scrooge made the Doorway open to Hawaii where a sandy beach awaited them.

Stitch looked back and said to the remaining heroes “Ohana means family.”

“Family means no one gets left behind.” Mickey added, knowing what it meant from last time Stitch said it.

“Or forgotten.” Lilo added as well, giving a smile and final wave goodbye to her friends.
Final the two went through the Doorway before it shut behind them. Before it did Merida and Lilo glanced at each other, both holding their pinkies up, a sign they’d keep the promise of never forgetting each other.

After that Scrooge, holding up the key, asked “Alright, who’s next?”

“Maybe we should go next.” Elsa suggested. “We really need to get back to Arendelle.”

“Not to mention my parents and everyone in Corona is probably wondering where we are.” Rapunzel added.

“No.” Merida said, getting everyone’s attention. “I’ll go next. I…I want to. Staying here, and seeing more friends go, it’s…starting to get to me. You know?”

The way she looked showed she was fighting some deeper pain in her heart and mind. It was clear to everyone seeing so many go was starting to become too much for her, Mickey nodding to Scrooge who prepared the Doorway to open to the Dunbroch Lands.

Going down the line of people Merida started with Rapunzel and everyone from Corona. Hugs and a small kiss to the cheek from Pascal and a lick to the face from Samson were given to the young princess. Then came Goofy, Max, Donald and Daisy. They all gave the same, which was a nice warm hug goodbye to her before wishing her luck. Then there was Anna, Kristoff, Sven, Olaf and Elsa. All gave hugs, or a lick to the face in Sven’s case.

During this time, however, Elsa had said “Hey. Sorry about what I might have done in that whole One World thing. I mean I didn’t…”

Merida waved it off and said “Ah. Never mind all that. Just let it go.”

Elsa couldn’t help but smirk at this. Either Merida knew what that meant to her or not. Either way it was funny. And it was enough for both Elsa and Merida before the latter moved on to the last people to say goodbye to.

Now at Queen Minnie Merida knelt down and hugged her, the mouse queen saying “You may not like it, but one day soon you’ll make a fine ruler yourself.”

Merida gave a little laugh before saying “Hopefully not too soon. They still expect me to marry after all.”

Finally she came to King Mickey, the two taking a moment before finally hugging as well. For Merida the most Mickey was one of her closer friends during this whole endeavor. Their hug was tight and long before finally ending, the two only nodding to each other. There were no proper words for their departure from each other today. Nothing that could do proper justice.

Merida looked as the Doorway was open to her home, the highlands of Dunbroch, and slowly walked towards it. She stopped just at the opening and gave one final look back to everyone. She tried to say something but couldn’t bring herself to do it. Knowing that her friends, the heroes of other worlds who she fought beside and grew to know and love would never be seen again was something she couldn’t bear any more than she had to.

She turned and, reluctantly, began walking through the Doorway. When she emerged on the other side she found herself back in her homelands, standing near the large cliffs that dropped out to the surrounding ocean. She knew this spot well. Not only for having ridden through it so many times, but because it was near the forest where her adventure had first begun.

Merida turned, hoping to still see the Doorway open and her friends looking at her through the other side, but found nothing. No sign of any magic door or the fantastic people behind it. Just empty air.

Merida was holding back tears as she turned and started walking back towards her castle, wondering if her family was alright after the events of the One World; even if they likely didn’t remember any of it. She rubbed her eyes and walked until she heard the sound of something galloping towards her and a very familiar whiney.

“Angus!” she declared with surprise, seeing her large black and white horse ride towards her. When he reached her she hugged him around the nose and scratched his mane, asking “How’ve you been, boy? Did you miss me?”

Her horse grunted and whined happily at her return. Merida continued to pet and scratch him before giving a final look back towards where the Doorway had been. Beyond that was the horizon where she could see the sun starting to reach the point of setting over the ocean.

Hoping onto Angus Merida, with a little more uplifting smile on her face, said “C’mon, boy. Let’s go home. I’ve got one amazing story to tell you when we get back.”

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

Earlier

Alice and Mary Poppins had found themselves outside in a large open field with a lush green forest nearby after walking through the Doorway out of Castle Disney.
Looking around Alice obviously asked “Where are we?”

“Where we need to be. This is the world of the Spring Sprite.” Mary Poppins said before pulling out a watch from her pocket and checking the time. “This is where we’ll meet with the others.”

“Others?” Alice asked, looking back to the nanny.

“Why yes.” She answered again, closing the watch and turning back to her. “You see, Alice, you’re not only another Alpha Being. You’re something far more special than that. You’re…a rare breed, as it were. You’re gifts are far greater than most.”

Suddenly both heard the sound of something materializing through magic. They turned and saw specks of light begin to for from nothing and slowly build until they were the shape of a woman. A bright flash of blue occurred before it settled, revealing the Blue Fairy standing there.

As if knowing what was said the Blue Fairy began with “We’d hoped to bring you here sooner, when your powers were realized, but Master Yen Sid wanted to wait and see how far your powers could grow.”

Hearing that, even though a little more confused, Alice said “I suppose it was a good thing this business with the Horned King was settled then.”

“Indeed.” Mary Poppins responded before hearing the sound of a door opening.

Everyone looked to see as a doorway, the Doorway in fact, manifest itself in mid-air nearby. It opened before, suddenly, the Spring Sprite herself flew through; having just returned from Castle Disney herself. Seeing everyone made the sprite giving a little gleeful boost in her as she gestured her happiness towards them.

“Good to see you as well, Spring.” The Blue Fairy responded. She said more, in her own silent language, to which the Fairy said “Yes. I do believe she is ready. And no, Madame Leota agreed to stay behind for now. But I’ll happily speak for her until then.”

“About what?” Alice asked. “And what am I ready for exactly? My training?”

“Yes, your training.” Mary Poppins answered. “But not with us. Something we’ve forgotten to mention, Alice, is that there is indeed a ‘Master of Worlds’. So to speak. And when Lord Arawn and the Horned King claimed to be him, we all knew it wasn’t true. For there’s only one true Master of Worlds. The very same who will be your teacher throughout your training.”

Curious about who this real Master of Worlds was, Alice of course asked “Who is it then?”

As if on cue everyone looked as they heard something approaching from out of the nearby forest. Peering through the thick and dark shaded area Alice could see as something was walking towards them. It was clearly an animal, given its shape, yet it was hard to tell until it came closer.

When it was in clear view for everyone else Mary Poppins, the Blue Fairy and the Spring Sprite all knelt as the creature approached. It was only then, when it stepped out of the forest into the light, that Alice could see it was a lion. At first she thought it was Simba, but this lion seemed both older and more regal in appearance.

Once the lion stopped, looking at everyone present, Mary Poppins greeted him with “Lord Aslan.”

“Greetings, Mary Poppins.” He said in a low, noble voice. “And you, Blue Fairy. Sprite of Spring.” Turning to her he then said “And you must be Alice. I welcome you, my dear.”

Alice couldn’t tell what it was. His appearance, his voice, or the sheer might of his presence, but she felt both awed and frightened to look as Aslan. Mary Poppins signaled for her to kneel down like the others.

“Th-Thank you, sir lion. Uh, I mean Aslan. Sir.” She stammered.

He chuckled before saying “It’s quite alright, dear Alice. You may stand.” When she and the others finally did Aslan continued with “Master Yen Sid told me a lot about you.” He then had a more remorseful look when he added “I’m sorry to hear of his passing.”

“You…you know about that?” she asked him.

“I know a great many things, Alice.” Aslan answered. “Even the events of the One Worlds, and your unfortunate possession by the Horned King. I’m glad to see, however, that that has been dealt with. Thanks in no small part to your friends of course.” Alice nodded, grateful in her own mind to them, before he finally asked “Are you ready to begin, child?”

She was a little reluctant to answer at first. Alice fiddled her fingers a bit before looking around to Mary Poppins and the others. They all gave a confident smile or nod before she finally looked back to the waiting Aslan.

“I am, sir.” She answered. After a moment to let it all sink in Alice then added “I feel like there’s so much changing in my life. So exciting.”

“In all my time I’ve learned that change is a constant thing, my dear.” Aslan stated with a smile. “Both for the great and the small. And in that time, one can start as one but in the end become another. And that’s what I can see for you, Alice. A great change indeed.”

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

In Tortuga the pirates that frequented the little island paradise for their kind were enjoying their usual merriment.

Some fought. Some drank. Some sang shanties. Others fired their guns at faulty targets, like empty bottles on top of men’s heads. Others found pleasurable company with the ladies of the evening. And then there were those who managed to find a little bit of everything in-between.

In one of the taverns within Tortuga a group of pirates sat at a table near the bar where one of them was telling a story. Drinks were either in their hands on sitting on the table, and at least one of the group had a lady guest half standing and half leaning on his lap; listening to the story as well.

The crewmen telling set story finished with “And then beast spat him back out, where he landed on the deck of the ship covered in gunk and drool. When the captain and crew asked if he was alright, the bloke said ‘Aye. But I think he didn’t like the gruel either.’”

Hearing the punchline everyone roared with laughter at it. One of them banging their hands on the table while another held his side.

The crewman raised his mug of ale to his lips and asked “Ah. You ever hear anything like that in your life, lads?”

After only taking a sip they all heard someone at the bar say “I’ve heard half as worse as that, mate. And some a lot more fantastical. If you catch my meaning.”

“Oh yeah?” another of the men asked. “How so?”

Turning to face them with a mug of rum in his hand, Captain Jack Sparrow smirked and asked “What if a told you I know a story, involving a demonically possessed little girl, a queen who could make things out of cold and ice, a fight to the death involving a dragon and a flying ship, and a talking mouse? Especially the talking mouse.”

Some of them scoffed at this before the first crewman said “I’d be willing to hear something crazy like that. You really got one that has all that in it?”

“Aye. That I do.” Jack said as he sat down next to them.

As he reached over to a glass of rum to fill his mug he reached down into his pocket and thumbed with what was inside. Pulling it out to see for himself he revealed a small vile of Forget-Me-Not medicine he’d pinched from Mary Poppins’ carpetbag when he was fiddling with it back in the One World. He poured a few drops in, saying to the others it was something that added flavor, before putting it away and drinking down some of the rum.

“Then sit back and listen, lads.” He said to prepare them for his story. “Because I will warn you now, the way I tell this story, you could almost swear I’ve lived it. Savvy?”

I would rather entertain and hope that people learned something than educate people and hope they were entertained.

We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

I only hope that we don't lose sight of one thing - that it was all started by a mouse.

- Walt Disney

The End