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As Thick as Thieves

Watching as “Lord Arawn” made his way through the crowds, Merida watched with vengeful eyes while Mary Poppins stood nearby to make sure she did not do anything too rash.

“How is he still around?” Merida asked loud enough for only Mary Poppins to hear. When asked she explained “Mary Poppins….the OTHER Mary Poppins, said the Master of Worlds, or ‘Lord Arawn’ wasn’t real. I don’t know what she meant but I thought, if anything, it meant he wouldn’t exists in this world. But how in all of everything holy did he end up a hero?”

Knowing the question was directed towards her Mary Poppins planned to answer, but not before looking back to Lord Arawn as he came up and bowed before Queen Minnie. Given the way she looked at him, and the slightly uncomfortable look on Eilonwey’s face, it was clear the nanny had always had some unsettling feeling about him. Because of this, and what Merida had said, she began to question if this man actually was a hero.

Mary Poppins then explained “From what I can recall, Lord Arawn was a mage in-training in the land of Prydain. Until one day when the tyrant known as the Horned King had attacked his school in the hopes of finding information about a relic called the Black Cauldron. Instead of sitting around after that Arawn went to take back what the King had stolen from him, even sneaking into his palace and rescuing Eilonwey when she was only a princess. He defeated the Horned King and destroyed the power of the Black Cauldron, and the people from nearly all the lands proclaimed him a hero.” Merida fists tightened as she listened to the story, her face growing a little red and her eyes blaring at him. Mary Poppins then said “I take it that’s not what happened in your history?”

The princess almost gritted her teeth as she said “He’s lying. He must be. The Horned King was stopped by Eilonwey and a boy named Taran. They’re the heroes. Not him. Something doesn’t make sense about any of this?”

Looking back to see Lord Aarwn mingle with some of the lords Mary Poppins said “I agree. Even more so after what you claim about him being this ‘Master of Worlds’ person. I’ve had my suspicions about him for some time, but obviously haven’t been able to prove anything then. And you have nothing now.”

“I have all the proof I need.” Merida growled, looking ready to charge at Aarwn.

“You have nothing but your word and memories, which amount to nothing here.” Mary Poppins sharply said before standing in front of Merida to make her look her in the eyes. “You need to control yourself, princess Merida. You that mind, which is currently your most precious tool. He may have been a villain in your world, but here Lord Arawn or the Master or whatever is name and title may be is a hero. And a well-respected one. If start throwing wild accusations around you could cause a great deal of trouble.”

As Mary Poppins spoke, keeping the princess’ view blocked, Merida began to take deep breaths and calm herself. The more she spoke the more she found herself agreeing with Mary Poppins about not flying off the handle. However as Mary Poppins was saying more Merida looked past her and realized that Lord Arawn was now greeting her parents and the other highland Lords.

“Perhaps we should try a different approach.” Mary Poppins suggested as she looked back to Lord Aarwn for a moment. “If we are considering to expose him, perhaps we should…” She turned and realized Merida was gone. Looking around for a moment Mary Poppins the princess already making her way towards where Arawn was, making her shake her head and sigh while saying “Foolish girl.”

As she and the others were greeted by Lord Arawn, Queen Elinor said “It’s an honor to see you again, Lord Arawn.”

“And you as well, Queen Elinor.” He responded. “And every year you grow more and more beautiful with age.” While the queen giggled at this the Lord looked over and said “You are one lucky man, Fergus. Never forget that.”

King Fergus chuckled at this before saying “I could say the same about you and your bride, my lord.” He then looked and bowed to Eilonwey, Elinor doing the same, while saying “It’s lovely to see you again, Lady Eilonwey. You look grand as always.”

She gave a small “Thank you.” Before curtsying to them.

Just as soon as she finished Lord Arawn went back to speaking, looking to the young princess and saying “Ah! There’s the three little trouble makers.” He patted one on the head as they stood there, acting reluctantly behaved, making him comment “Not as rambunctious as some of the rumors have said.”

While Fergus chuckled at this Elinor explained “That’s all thanks to our newest nanny. Lovely women, she is. She did more with them in only a week what it took over a year for me to do.”

“Two if you count when they were very wee babes.” Fergus added.

After hearing this Arawn thought for a moment before asking “This nanny wouldn’t happen to be Mary Poppins would it?” After both the king and queen confirmed this and asked how he knew Lord Awarn chuckled a little before answering “I’ve heard plenty of tales of a nanny who has a magic over even the most rebellious of children. I trust she didn’t have much trouble with your daughter, correct?”

Elinor answered “None at all. But they do spend time together. Bit surprising of Merida.” After that Aarwn asked where she was, the queen looking around and saying “She was over at our table when we…” Suddenly someone nearby cleared their throat, making everyone look before she said “Ah, Merida, there you are. We were just mentioning you, dear.”

When Merida approached it was to everyone’s left. She had a calm but cold look on her face and her hands folded behind her back as she looked between her family and Lord Aarwn. For only those who knew how she really felt about all of this, they would say how she must’ve been holding back so much emotional instability, it would be like a damn try to hold back a raging river.

“I don’t you two actually met.” King Fergus pointed out before saying “Merida, this is…”

“Lord Arawn.” She finished for him while looking to the Lord of Prydain. “I’ve heard a lot about you, sir. You’re story’s pretty famous, isn’t it?”

Lord Arawn chuckled at this while saying “Well I do not wish to boast, but I am glad to know so many are aware of my heroic deed.”

“And the world owes you a lot for that.” Elinor said. “After all, if not for you we’d probably have been serving that dreaded Horned King by now.”

“Oh aye.” Merida began. “The Horned King. From what I’ve heard it sounds like you destroyed him single-handedly.”

Smiling Lord Arawn “Well it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. You see…”

Before he finished however Merida cut him off and asked “But there’s a few things left out that no one seems to have answers for. I was hoping maybe you could fill in the blanks, so to speak.”

Both her parents began to scold for acting rude her before Lord Aarwn raised his hand and said “No, it’s quite alright. I’m used to the children in Prydain asking me to tell the story hundreds of times over. Surely the one hundredth will not hurt.” He then gestured to Merida and smiled “Go on, my dear. Ask away.”

Merida, with a coy smile on her face, gave a little nod before asking “They say you snuck into the King’s castle. How exactly?”

“The most harrowing way possible: needing to climb through one of the windows.” He answered. “And when a castle sits on a cliff the windows tend to be higher than you’d think.”

Some people nearby who were listening laughed at this before Merida asked “And is that where you found Lady Eilonwey? In the room you climbed into?”

“No, no.” he waved it off before explaining “While avoiding the Horned King’s men, I made my way down into the dungeons. That’s where I found my poor wife, chained up like an animal.”

Seeing how Eilonwey reacted a little uncomfortable while he told his story, Merida only commented “Bet she was grateful for that.” While Lord Arawn agreed she then asked “What about the Black Cauldron? Apparently you stopped its power, but I heard you could only do that by throwing someone into it.”

“True. Thankfully the Horned King was the nearest someone and, while he was trying to raise his army of the dead, I’d managed to push him in just in time to stop him.” He had a proud air when he said “And not a day goes by where I do not thank all the powers that be that he was destroyed once and for all that day. No longer a plague on this good earth.”

Some people clapped at this, Arawn taking it in, before Merida asked “All sounds so impressive, Lord Arawn. But then what about the other boy who was supposed to be there? I think his name was…..Taran?”

The moment she said that Lord Arawn seemed to freeze with fear. His eyes went wide as he looked at the princess, her face looking more serious now. Even Eilonwey had perked up and looked shocked after hearing the name mentioned.

“Well?” Merida asked. “Isn’t he apart of the story too?”

Suddenly Eilonwey spoke up and asked “Where did you hear that name?”

Arawn gave a quick “Quiet!” to her before saying to Merida “I...have no idea who you’re talking about. I never met anyone named…”

“You’re right.” Merida cut him off. “Maybe you didn’t. Or maybe you’re just trying to hide the fact of who the real hero was. Aren’t you?”

They volume Merida spoke had garnered some more attention from the other party guests. Even Mary Poppins could see this now and only shook her head as she rubbed her temple. Eventually Queen Minnie, Commander Mickey and the others began to see the people looking towards the young princess as she spoke more.

“I have no idea what you’re referring to, princess.” Lord Arawn retorted, sounded offended. “But I do take offense to someone who calls me a liar.”

“I think that’s all you really are: a lie!” Merida shouted, pointing at him. “A fake and a cheat! You didn’t earn your place, you probably just stole it from the person who deserved it: Taran! And what about Master Yen Sid? Did you do something with him too and tell everyone he was dead?”

As Merida’s parents tried to quiet her, Arawn suddenly said “I don’t know who told you these things, but they’re wrong.”

“The thing that’s wrong is you!” she said, starting to unleash all of her pent up emotions then-and-there in front of everyone. “All of this is wrong! This entire world is just a big lie and you’re all blind to it!” She turned and pointed before saying “That so-called sultan of Agrabah is nothing but a vile and greedy usurper!” She then spoke to directly to Jafar and said “What did you do? Use your magic tricks to take the throne and get rid of the real Sultan?”

Jafar gave a little twinge before saying “Petulant child! I will not stand for this! Guards! I order you to her away!”

A commotion suddenly began among the lords, especially Elinor and Fergus who defended their daughter from being dragged off by the guards who came towards her. Merida, realizing what she’d done, backed down. Mary Poppins only watched while looking between the people and Merida, wishing she knew how to save her from this incident but not having any reasonable ideas.

Eventually Queen Minnie stood from her throne and called “My lords and ladies, please! Come to order!”

When that didn’t work Daisy suddenly yelled out “SHUT UP!” which everyone went silent after hearing.

Minnie quickly thanked her before saying “Now then, let us not try and lose ourselves over one girl’s absurd accusations.”

“But your majesty,” Jafar began “this child calls myself and a celebrated hero to this world liars and frauds, to say the least!”

“This girl happens to be a princess. And our daughter!” Elinor said in defense.

Lord Arawn only sneered as he declared “I don’t care who she is, I still call for punishment. Throw her into the dungeon if need be, but have her properly put in her place before saying such things again.”

“How dare you say that about my girl!” Fergus retorted, starting to rile the guests again.

Minnie then called “Enough!” before saying “Any proper punishments should be handled by the princess’ parents. Any accusations are only words, which we do not hold against anyone at this time.”

Arawn, still not content, turned towards Minnie and said “Your majesty, while I respect your positon as high queen I cannot abide by letting that girl simply walk away with nothing but a slap on the wrist. My title and position have been insulted and I want justice! Either she spends at least twenty-four hours in the dungeons, or any peace between us is hereby terminated!”

There was a collective surprise among everyone before Jafar said “I agree with Lord Arawn! Twenty-four hours imprisoned so she can learn the proper respect towards her betters.”

Some of the others actually began to agree with this as everyone started to get riled again. Minnie looked to Scrooge who began whispering to her on what to do. He told her how they could not afford to lose such prominent allies, especially since other would likely follow. Meanwhile Merida, Mickey, Mary Poppins and even Nani, who was standing to the side of the room away from all the crowds, looked all over and tried to listen to what people were saying. All practically held their breaths as they waited until Minnie finally brought the people back to order.

She held her head down for a moment as she said “With great regret, my king and queen of DunBroch, I must ahead to Lord Arawn’s demand. Twenty-four hours imprisonment for princess Merida. After that she may be released back into your custody. I…am sorry. But the Queen has spoken.”

Immediately Fergus and Elinor began to protest while Merida was stunned by hearing this decree given against her. She watched as the guards pushed past and eventually took her by the arms. The three little brothers backed up in fear of what was happening before Mary Poppins found them and tried to comfort them while watching Merida being dragged away.

“No. No!” she pleaded as she was taken away. “You have to listen to me! All of you! It’s a lie, don’t you see? All of this is a lie! Everything’s changed!” She then looked and said “Mickey, please! Try to remember! You’re supposed to be the king! You and Minnie love each other! You’re supposed to be together! Remember!”

Mickey looked confused above anything else as he heard this, even as Merida was taken out of the room and on her way to the dungeons. He looked back to Minnie who glanced at him before looking more hurt than ever. Elinor was distressed while Fergus tried to comfort her, giving a poisonous look to Jafar. Mary Poppins only watched with a worried look as Merida was gone, knowing that great repercussions would come from her acts now.

However, in all the confusion, no one realized that Lord Arawn had slipped away.

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

Lord Arawn, the former Master of Worlds, found himself out in one of the hallways of the castle alone and far away from where anyone could hear or see him.

He looked worried beyond anything else. He constantly glanced around to make sure no one was looking as he kept walking further and further away from the main hall where everyone was. When he’d finally stopped it was by one of the windows so he had enough provided light from the moon.

After taking one more look around Arawn reached into his robes before pulling out a special magical item: the magic hand mirror that, in the previous histories, had belong to Adam the Beast. He held it to his face and waited until its magical properties began to activate, the image changing from his reflection into that of the person he was trying to contact through it.

“Master?” he asked, trying to see the image clearly.

As it cleared, Arawn seeing his master’s face, they said “What is it now Arawn that you had to disrupt me from my sleep?”

Nervously he answered “There’s….been a recent development, of sorts. One that…could be a problem.”

“What ‘problem’?” they asked, sounding a bit annoyed.

Reluctantly he gulped a little before saying “There’s a girl. The princess. Merida from the DunBroch lands.”

“What of her?”

“She….she remembers, master.” He stammered. “She remembers.”

“What?!?” his master exclaimed.

“It’s true!” Arawn tried to explain. “She knows about me. And about the original history of the worlds. Before the spell. She almost exposed me in front of everyone!”

The Master was silent for a moment, obviously thinking on the matter, before asking “Where is she?”

“In the dungeons, Master.” Arawn explained. “I plan to silence her later in the night before…”

“No!” they suddenly said. “I want her brought to me alive. Understood? I want to know how she remembers.”

“But….but, Master, she’ll be guarded for at least twenty-four hours. How am I supposed to…?” His Master only gave him a burning glare, making him back down and say “Yes, Master. It will be done. As you wish.”

“See to it then.” they said. “Otherwise having the truth about you revealed will be the least of your worries.”

With that the Master disappeared from the mirror’s view, now showing Arawn his own sweating, frightened face. With a sharp sigh be put the mirror away while trying to slip back to the main hall, thinking on an excuse to give for his absence when he finally returned.

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

As Merida was brought into the dungeon she stopped struggling but still tried to convince the guards to listen to her.

She fruitlessly tried to plead with them, saying how this was all a mistake and they had to believe her when she said that Lord Arawn wasn’t what they thought. Eventually she felt like she was speaking to a wall as they did not react or say anything to her at all, only intent with putting her in a cell.

The dungeon itself was what could be expected in a castle. It was dark with only the lite torches for light, dank with a feint scent of rotting food, and both sides of the small corridor Merida was taken through had cell doors with some occupied and other empty.

After one of the guards opened an unoccupied cell and pushed Merida in the other locked it and said “Sometime down here among the scum of the kingdom will teach you to spur the name of Lord Arawn again.”

As both walked off Merida called out in aggravation “Maybe next time I’ll save the trouble and just spit in his eye!”

After hearing the doors close Merida began to pace back and forth while throwing her arms around and banging her hands against the small cell, which could barely hold a small bed for her. She kicked and pulled at her hair in frustration over this entire predicament before finally slumping against the wall. She slid down to sit on the floor, leaning against the wall, before holding her head in her hands and on the verge of crying.

“Look at that, Abu.” Someone from the cell across from her said. “Just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, now they start throwing little girls into the prisons.” She then heard a monkey speaking in screeches before the man said “No, I still think having your hand cut off worse.”

Merida perked up and looked to see who’s spoken. It took her a moment to see through the bad lighting before recognizing him. While his face was recognizable his wardrobe wasn’t. He had a red fez on his head as she remembered and his pants, while different in design, were still baggy, but his vest was different. It looked a little richer and was buttoned so only most of his torso was exposed while he wore sandals on his feet. And hanging in a smaller cage in his cell she could see the monkey, dressed almost exactly like his human owner.

Merida stood and took a closer look before saying “….Aladdin?”

He smirked before saying “The one and only.” He gave a little bow to her before calling to the cell next to him “See? I told you people would know me as much as you.”

Merida heard another familiar voice say “Oh please. Only reason she would know you is BECAUSE you hang around with me.”

After looking to Aladdin’s right inside the cell Merida could see it was who she thought, saying “Eugene!” he still looking more-or-less the same as she’d last seen him.

Aladdin looked confused at this before asking “Who’s Eugene? That a brother of yours, Flynn?”
‘Flynn’ answered with an awkward “Uh…never heard that name before.”

“But that’s who you are.” Merida tried to say. “You’re Eugene from Corona.”

Flynn looked oddly at her and asked “How do you know that? Have we met before?”

Before she could answer Aladdin began to laugh and said “You’re name’s Eugene, Rider?”

“No!” he said, sounding desperate “It’s…it’s just a middle name. Honest!”

Abu screeched something before Aladdin said “Yeah. Abu’s right, Rider. Even if it is a middle name, it’s still silly.”

Eugene, or Flynn as he was apparently known to people in this world, growled before saying “Tell that stupid monkey if I get out of here I’ll turn him into a stuffed trophy! And then…”

Suddenly a stern, commanding female voice from another cell called out “Enough! Both of you!” making the two go silent. “Your both adults now act like it, otherwise I’ll knock your heads together.”

While both of them apologized Merida looked to who had said that, in the cell next to Aladdin but now on the opposite side. She could see the woman leaning against the wall of her cell and was of Asian origin. Her short dark hair long dark hair was tied into a bun. She was dressed as a Chinese seafarer, with green and grey clothing and wearing a matching bandana around her head.

It took a moment for Merida to realize before saying “Wait. I know you. I’ve seen your picture before. You…..you’re Mulan.”

Mulan gave a cold response “Congratulations for being so observant.”

After hearing that Merida looked a bit offended before Flynn said “Hey, don’t take it personal. She’s like that with everyone. She’s actually nicer once you get to know her.” Mulan only gave a loud huff before he added “But then it takes a while before you actually KNOW her.”

Merida had to step back at the revelation of who they all were before saying “This….this isn’t right. You’re not criminals, you’re heroes.”

“Heroes?” Aladdin said before the others chuckled a bit. “I think the correct term you’re looking for is pirates.”

Merida shook her head, still having trouble believe it, before asking “How did you all get here?”

Flynn answered “That would ne thanks to our illustrious captain’s plan to try and steal the crown jewels off the Queen’s personal ship….while five other ships were protecting it.”

Suddenly Merida heard someone from the cell next to her say “In my defense, I’d only counted three other ships at the time.”

Merida tried to see who it was, realizing it was Pete as she suspected. She could barely make out the sight of the man’s boots as he was lying on the ground of his cell against the bars. The most she could tell was that he was a pirate, obviously, but was dressed as one even more than the others.

“So you’re the captain?” Merida asked. “And who might you be, Mister…?”

“Oye!” he said, holding his hand out to hold a finger up to her through the bars. “I prefer ‘captain’, if you would be so kind. Captain. Jack Sparrow.” He then turned to try and see her while smirking and asking “Savvy?”