Disclaimer – I don't own any of the characters/locations in this story. Don't sue me Disney. Give me a job lol seriously tho…
Disney World: The Age of Tears
Commencement
An uncountable number of years ago, in a place that exists not far from our own, a God awoke and gained consciousness. Time did not exist as we know it and the God floated through the great expanse of nothing around him, alone and inquisitive. Within him swelled the greatest power of all, the power of creation. His heart contained all of the creative energies that ever existed. He didn't know why or from where it came, nor did he question it, but he knew that he had to use it. Still, questions of where he came from and why troubled his mind and there was nowhere he could turn to get answers. With many questions and no way to gain answers the God began to create.
First he created Light.
He tested the light, experimenting with it a bit before eventually he found that it was good. For a time, the Almighty found great joy in the light but he knew that more must be created.
Then he created a world.
This was something alien to him in itself but the idea was heavy on his mind and the urge to create burned deep within him. So he closed his eyes and concentrated, commanding his abilities to the task of forming a world. Great masses of celestial energies sprouted forth casting rainbow like colors across the cosmos. He stretched out his hands and grabbed them all pushing them together with all his might. Molten reds, frosty blues, piercing yellows and sparkling whites coalesced into a brilliant explosion of magical colors. As the dazzling light died down the God held within his hands the second of his many creations.
A world.
He used his mighty hands to mold towering piles of earth that he called mountains. He dug his fingers into the earth and making deep trenches here and there along with holes both large and small. These would become the rivers, lakes and oceans of the lands. Next clouds were spread through the sky and rain began to fall across the world filling the rivers, lakes and oceans. He created islands and seasons, grass, trees, flowers and plant life of every kind. Dry, sandy deserts and cold, frozen landmasses. He named his world Disney.
He traveled Disney, seeing the sights and experiencing the different feelings, finding that it was all good. Again, for a time, the Almighty found great joy in his creation but as before, in time knew more must be created.
Next he created the animals of Disney.
He started small at first, lining the world with insects and the like, giving them various small tasks like carrying pollen or eating dead plant life to keep the circle of life going. Then he moved onto bigger animals of all kinds that he spread across the world to every corner imaginable. Land, sea and air were filled with the greatest creation of all, life.
The God spent much time enjoying his animals, naming them and learning of their ways but most of them were basic and lived only to eat and procreate. And so there again came a time where the God knew he must yet again create more.
This time he created consciousness and free will.
The God looked out on his world in search of an animal worthy to be the first to receive this gift and in time he chose a small, black mouse. He named the mouse Mickey. Mickey had many questions and the God had many answers and the two spent great time wandering the world, the God teaching and Mickey learning. But Mickey became lonely and needed a companion like himself and so the God took another black mouse and named her Minnie.
Together, the God, Mickey and Minnie would go on to give consciousness to many creatures until much of Disney was populated in some form or another. In that time, Mickey and Minnie began to affectionately call the God by the name Walt.
Walt would later create man in his own image and gave him woman similar to what he did for his favored creations, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and of course, Pluto. Man was taught the ways of Disney and in time they too began the affectionate worship of Walt. Man spread across the lands of Disney, sharing it in harmony with all they encountered.
A time of peace unheard of by any civilization lasted for untold years.
But as Walt created and basked in the Light he had created and all the good that had come from it something else brewed out of his sight.
When he created Light but did not notice that the Light cast great shadows that swelled with mighty darkness. As Walt created beautiful things to live in the Light the darkness grew and grew until it too took form. Within the shadowy abyss lurked a creature of pure blackness and terror, the polar opposite of everything Walt had set out to create.
At first the creature watched and observed, unsure of its place and powers. It saw Walt creating Disney and sculpting the lands to sheer perfection and it nearly burst with jealousy and hatred for everything in the Light was an atrocity to it. This creature came to learn that it also possessed the unbridled power of creation and so it began to create as well.
Walt made clouds and the creature made hurricanes and tornadoes. Snakes and killer birds, sharks and piranha, all manner of evil was thrown into the world of Disney. For every Prince and Princess, King and Queen, city and town that Walt brought up from nothing, the creature did the same but instilled with darkness and jealousy, rage and hatred.
The creature's evil workings went unbeknownst to Walt for many years until the first of the true villains rose and attacked one of his creations. It was then that Walt looked out upon Disney and saw the stretching marks of darkness spread all across it and knew that something was wrong. But it was too late. The creature's power had grown to match that of his own and Walt could not easily displace the foe or his creations.
And so it was that his creations were plagued by attempts of evil to thwart and destroy their love and happiness. Walt, Mickey and the others worried that nothing could protect them from the dark one's powers but over time it came to be that true love conquered all. Seeing this, the dark one gathered his most trusted minions and together formed a plan to bring a true war that would end Walt and bring darkness to Disney forever.
His followers, mad with lust for power and control, nearly foamed at the mouth with thoughts of finally defeating their foes and so joined the dark one without question. They began to worship the creature as their own god, similar to how the others did Walt. In time they would come to call their new god Chernabog.
The conflict that Chernabog started would become known as the Age of Tears. It spanned the entire world of Disney claiming countless lives, destroying kingdoms and ruining lands. Chernabog's forces were powerful and formidable but they were kept at bay by their Gods greatest weakness, he could not come into the daylight. So at night the dark god and his forces did battle with Walt and his armies while during the day the gods rested and their creations continued the fight.
For hundreds of years these battles tore across Disney leaving the land and its people in a saddened and downtrodden state. As Chernabog's forces gained ground the battles became fiercer until one day the unthinkable happened, Walt was injured by Chernabog and forced to retreat before his greatest foe could claim his ultimate prize. Walt knew that if Chernabog was ever able to get his heart he would have supreme power over all creation. The Age of Tears would give way to something far worse.
Knowing what he must do and the terrible price he'd have to pay, Walt formed a plan to ensure his beloved world of Disney would survive.
With the time almost upon him, Walt gathered his most trusted Generals to him…
The room was dark and muggy, lit only by a candle and the light being cast from the fireplace. The room was modest in décor being designed by Walt himself before the Age of Tears started.
"So long ago…" Walt whispered into the empty room while staring absently at the fire.
He could feel the rumble in his chest with every breath and knew that he would have to sleep soon if he was going to be able to heal from such a grievous wound. But before that happened he had to make sure that his beloved and loyal creations would be able to survive while he was away. And above all else had had to ensure his heart was protected from Chernabog and his minions.
So Walt ignored the pain as he sat up in his bed, pushing the covers away from his chest and grunting a bit from the effort. This body he resided in ached but inside he was still a being overflowing with creation and life. He closed his eyes and focused for all his power on the task at hand. Before him a feather pen appeared and began to draw out what he was imagining.
Walt moved his hand through the air as if painting on a great tapestry, swiftly drawing lines and circles and connecting them in a perfect manner. When he opened his eyes he had beads of sweat upon his brow but smiled nonetheless for he had done it. Before him floated three weapons unlike any Disney had ever seen.
He called each to himself one and one, blessing the item with more power and infusing each with control over one of the elements. Air, water and earth. There would be no weapon or force on Disney that could break or stand against these blades when united.
Next he focused again and this time began drawing what seemed to be a box. It took him less time to create but when he was finished a large box that glistened with the brightness of all daylight was on the floor. Three intricate locks were on the box, large locks that were perfect fits for each of the weapons he'd created.
Finally he began to create the final gift he would leave. A few short flicks of his wrist and in his hands was a large, floppy hat that had a pointed tip with stars and a moon design etched into it. Walt looked at the hat and chuckled a bit, he'd done it. He sat the hat on the stand beside his bed and then cleared his throat.
"Mickey, Donald, Goofy…" he croaked in a weakened voice, fatigue from so much power being used slowly setting in. "…it's time…"
It only took a few brief moments but the door to his room opened slowly and Walt watched as Mickey peeked his head in. Walt was taken back to the moment he first found Mickey and all that had transpired since then. Mickey, Donald, Goofy and the others were like children to him and seeing him at that moment made Walt choke up a bit with the realization that he was about to leave them. Gone was the fun colored clothing they had worn before, replaced by armor and cloaks, swords and battle scars both visible and mental.
"Come in…quickly…there isn't much time…" Walt waved his hand.
Mickey silently entered followed closely by Donald who hung his head a bit and Goofy. Oh, Goofy! How Walt loved his loyal Goofy. Before all this death and destruction started his name had made so much sense to them all. Goofy had been so clumsy and prone to accidents that it was often a wonder how he managed to survive. But that had been before the Age of Tears had begun and everything had changed.
Many of Walt's peaceful creations had been ground under the heels of war but these three had arose as the most stout of protectors for the Light and all things good. Goofy was a responsible for many of Walt's victories alongside Mickey, Donald, Minnie and Daisy. They had led forces from the front lines, carried out missions and held necessary castles and locations over the centuries of battle and bloodshed that had ensued with Chernabog's rise.
The three before him were far from the childlike beings he'd frolicked with during the Great Peace. They were battle scarred warriors hardened by wars and the loss that came with it. Their faces were hard and grim despite the obvious sadness on all three as they looked at their beloved God lying near helpless in bed.
"How goes things?" Walt asked.
"Good as can be expecte,." Goofy reported, his voice strained as he struggled to control his emotion. "Chernabog's forces have made ground in the Pridelands but Mufasa and the others are fighting back."
"Mufasa will never surrender the Pridelands to darkness," Donald announced strongly, though he too was feeling the emotions beginning to get the best of him.
"Last word from Neverland was of Peter Pan's victory over Captain Hook as well," Mickey added with a failed attempt to smile.
Walt, however, did smile. "Pan will forever be the bane of Hook." He managed a weak laugh before a fit of coughing racked his body.
Mickey rushed to the bedside, "Walt!" he nearly shouted. "Are you alright? Do you need anything?"
Walt smiled and waved Mickey off. "I'll be fine, Mickey, I promise. I just need some rest."
"Good," Donald said, relieved. "Night will be here soon and Chernabog with it. We'll need you."
Walt's eyes grew misty as he struggled to hold back his tears. He had to tell them. "I won't be fighting with you all tonight, Donald."
"What?!" All three exclaimed as one.
"But- but! We can't do this without you!" Mickey protested.
"You can and you will," Walt told them. "The three of you have been the backbone of our armies since the beginning. I may be the one they worship as their god but you all are the ones they cheer for when they see you ride onto the battlefield." He looked at each of them one by one then stopped at Mickey, "And it is you that they rally behind whenever they hear the call. No, you all can do it. Of that I have no doubt."
Now the three of them were crying silently, not understanding what was happening. "But…you can't die…" Donald whispered.
"I'm not dying, Donald. Not yet." The three immediately perked up but Walt held a hand out. "The wound I sustained is too great to heal normally so I must sleep. For how long I don't know but I won't be leaving you alone against a threat like Chernabog." He motioned and the mystical weapons he'd created floated to Mickey, Donald and Goofy.
"Walt…" Mickey whispered in amazement as he took his blade in his hand looking it over. It looked like a giant key but with sharp edges and weight to it. Big enough to wield with two hands but light enough that a skilled swordsman could do so with one. "…what are these?"
"I call them the keyblades. They are the only three in existence and they are for you. I've imbued them with great power to aid you all in the battles to come," Walt explained.
"But what are they keys to?" Donald asked.
"Observant as ever, Donald," Walt complimented. "They open that…" he pointed to the chest he'd just created.
"What's in the chest?" Goofy questioned.
"Nothing yet but after we are done here it will contain my heart."
"Your heart!?" All three exclaimed.
"Yes, my heart. My heart is the key to all of my power. If Chernabog gets ahold of it nothing will be able to stop him and I won't' be able to return. This body will wither but as long as my heart remains safe I can return when I am fully healed." Walt began to cough again just as he finished speaking.
"But…but…" Mickey stared into Walt's eyes, praying this was some sort of sick joke. Realization sunk in and tears began to blur his vision.
"It's alright, Mickey…" Walt reached over and wiped away the tears. "I have one final gift for you." He waved and the hat floated over to him. "This is the Sorcerer's Hat, Mickey. I leave it to you."
"What-" Mickey sniffled and wiped his nose on his dirty shirt sleeve. "What does it do?"
"It will contain a large portion of my power that will be bestowed on whoever wears it and is pure of heart." Walt told him. The coughing came again and this time Walt nearly passed out from the pain. "It's time now…" he said weakly. "Stand back…"
Mickey, Donald and Goofy slowly stepped back as wind began to swirl around the room. Their clothing and hair was tossed to and fro and the candles and fire went out in the room. Through the darkness several bright blue spirals of energy sprouted from Walt's body and danced around the room. His eyes went white and then a blue light came from them and connected with the others. The light was so bright that Donald and Goofy were forced to look away but Mickey struggled to keep looking.
Mickey held his hand over his eyes a bit and watched as the lights coalesced into one and then began to flow into the Sorcerer's Hat causing it to glow with the same bright light. This continued for a few minutes and then stopped. As the light died down Mickey began to notice that Walt's body was fading.
"Walt!" he cried out and tried to push toward him through the still high winds.
"Never forget, Mickey!" Walt managed to say. "I love you all!"
And with that the bright lights exploded outward knocking Donald, Goofy and Mickey to their backs and blinding them momentarily. When they sat up Minnie, Daisy and Pluto came charging through the door with their weapons drawn. Minnie gripped a sword while Daisy held a rifle that had been sent by John Smith and Pocahontas who were battling Governor Radcliffe in their own lands.
"What happened?!" Minnie demanded.
Mickey and the others sat up and their mouths fell open. Where Walt had just been lying was now empty except for a large and beautiful heart. It glowed with a golden light and pulsed with a radiant and warming energy. Mickey silently stood up and took it in his hands.
"Mickey, Donald! Someone explain what the hell just happened! Where's Walt?!" Daisy shouted angrily.
Donald and Goofy both lifted the lid to the chest and Mickey carefully placed Walt's heart inside before closing it. They all placed their keyblades into the locks and turned them as one. A magical swirl flowed up from the chest and then it began to glow with the same light as Walt's heart.
"Walt's gone…" Mickey finally whispered and wiped away the last of his tears as Pluto began to howl at the bed.
"Gone?!" Minnie looked at Donald and Goofy for truth. "But the night is coming…Chernabog knows he was injured…he'll come…"
"Mickey…what are we going to do?" Daisy asked, fear apparent in her voice.
Mickey looked over his shoulder at his friends, no - his best friends and his wife. He looked at them and he saw the fear in their eyes that was swelling up inside him and threatening to zap every ounce of strength and resolve he had. He felt panic coming and his hand began to shake but then he remembered Walt's words.
"…it's you they rally behind…"
Mickey clenched his fist and gripped his keyblade tighter, feeling a sudden burst of renewed energy pulsing through him. "We protect Disney until Walt comes back!"
Years Later
Sherwood Forest, Nottingham
Plumes of choking black smoke rose from above the treetops, blocking out the bright yellow light from the sun here and there. The sounds of voices could be heard from all over. Shouting, screaming in agony, pleading for help or mercy. Coupled with the ringing of steel on steel, horse hooves falling, sorted gunshots and fire burning.
Fierce battle raged at seemingly every corner of the forest and had been for some time now. Chernabog's forces had staged a brilliant attack, catching Robin Hood and his Merry Men close to their secret holdout in the Sherwood Forest. It had been by the grace of Walt that they'd been alerted with enough time to arm themselves before the armies of darkness had swooped down on them.
Robin Hood had rallied his men swiftly and they had been able to hold out well. He and Little John had spent much time teaching their archers to move through the trees as they did and many of Chernabog's squadrons were cut down before they even knew what was happening.
Then the Sheriff of Nottingham had given the order to set the forest on fire.
That had been about an hour ago and the acrid, dark smoke had been growing in ferocity every second that passed. The heat was causing everyone to sweat and become dehydrated but the Sheriff had deemed it necessary to finally put an end to the menace of Robin Hood. For too long the scourge had been a bane in the side of King John and Chernabog's dominance of this portion of Disney. If the Sheriff could pull this off he was sure he'd find himself elevated in the ranks.
'Perhaps a General…' he'd been musing with a hand on his plump belly. The dark fur on his face blew to and fro in the winds as he watched the fire spreading before him.
A dozen of the Rhino Guards were lighting torches and passing them out to other Guardsmen and Wolf Archers who were rushing into the forest to reinforce the Sheriff's troops.
His armor only covered his chest and a bit of his belly and was painted an orange like coloring and red with a star down near the bottom left of it. Matching greaves and gauntlets protected his legs and arms while a studded chain tunic fell between his legs. His sword was sheathed and hadn't been used at all during the entire battle. The Sheriff of Nottingham was not one to lead from the front lines but more from a protected location where he could safely survey and give orders as the battle flowed.
Captain Crocodile stood not far off from him shouting orders in his deep and raspy voice. The large green croc was decked out in heavy green armor and a long red cloak that matched the small red hat on his head. As loyal a second the Sheriff could have ever asked for and a stout warrior as well. The Sheriff often kept him close, relinquishing the field leadership to Nutsy and Trigger more often than not.
Before this their information on Robin Hood had been slack and slim causing them to only have small encounters here and there that often ended in favor of the Merry Men and their thieving leader. After years of this the Sheriff hatred had continually grown for that damned fox. Today was the day he would have Robin Hood and Little John's heads on a platter.
Chernabog had grown tired of Robin and Mickey's increasing insolence and had sent him reinforcements. The Sheriff rubbed his hands together, grinning at his prize almost being upon him. He could almost taste the victory he was so lost in his own thoughts.
"I believe this is why Chernabog sent us…"
The Sheriff felt a chill come over him as he was pulled from his revelry by the sardonic voice of Scar. He turned and watched the massive black maned lion walk slow and lazily through the burning fire. Beside him came the second leader Chernabog had sent.
Jafar stroked his thin beard as he said, "Agreed, Scar. The Sheriff stands here as if victory is assured…" he leaned in a little and poked at the Sheriff's sword. "…and look, he's yet to even bloody his steel."
The Sheriff swallowed and spoke up, "I prefer to lead from a strategic position."
"And how has that served you so far?" Jafar mocked.
Jafar was tall and slender, armored in black and red plate that fully covered his body. At his side was a broad blade curved scimitar and on his shoulders as always was Iago who mocked, "No wonder he hasn't been able to stop Robin Hood before."
Behind Jafar his soldiers began to charge forward and rushed passed them. They were dressed in that attire of Agrabah and all wielding shields and scimitars similar to Jafar's. Their battle cries rang out as they dashed forward through the flames.
A larger guard came beside Jafar with his arms folded. He grinned showing that he was missing a tooth. "The troops are eager for blood." The guard sneered.
"Of course they have…" Jafar glared at the Sheriff of Nottingham. "…since I took over Agrabah there hasn't been much for them to do." Jafar looked back to his guard captain, "Make sure everything goes according to plan, Razoul." Jafar instructed.
"Of course." Razoul drew his sword and followed his troops into the still burning forest.
Scar came up beside the Sheriff, coming well passed his waist and the Sheriff could see his maw was dripping with blood. Scar circled and then let out a loud roar that echoed throughout the entire forest. There was silence and then the sounds of paws hitting the ground mingled with maniacal laughter. Moments later hyenas began coming through the fire darting off throughout the forest.
"Don't worry, Sheriff…" Scar teased and sprang down to join his troops. "…they aren't here for you."
Jafar smiled at the Sheriff's terrified expression. "Come now, Sheriff. It's time we ended this."
"That way!" someone shouted and arrows flew through the smoke landing into a tree.
"No! Over there!" another shouted and again arrows flew but hit nothing.
"Damn it! Find them! Now!" An armored vulture came creeping through the smoking gripping a crossbow. He was wearing a blue hooded cloak over plain grey armor with a metal cap atop his head. "The Sheriff'll have our heads if they get away again!"
"The smoke makes it hard to see, Trigger," said a second vulture who was identically dressed but holding a large poleaxe in place of a crossbow.
"I know Nutsy. Sheriff wouldn't listen though. Thought this was a good idea. Now the damned Merry Men have more cover then ever and we're all blind out here." Trigger pointed his crossbow in all directions, scanning the area for any signs of their quarry.
The area around them wasn't burning as badly as back near the Sheriff but the smoke from the blaze was seeping slowly everywhere causing men to become separated and lost. Since the cowardly Sheriff had kept Captain Crocodile near him the task of leading the search had fallen to Nutsy and Trigger.
About a dozen Wolf Archers were with them and all were looking everywhere they could but still couldn't see a thing. Suddenly one of the Wolf Archers took an arrow through his neck and collapsed to the ground. A second and then a third arrow dropped two more and the Wolf Archers whimpered a bit.
"Steady men…" their leader whispered. "Bows at the ready…"
Large paws came from the smoke and grabbed the wolf by the head twisting its neck with a loud snap. When that happened panic ensued and the Wolf Archers began firing off arrows in all directions, several of which flew passed Nutsy and Trigger's heads.
"Hold yer' damned fire!" Trigger called out while ducking. "The Merry Men are mucking with us!"
It took a bit of yelling before the Wolves calmed down a bit and stopped firing and then more arrows flew from nowhere and killed another three of them.
"We've gotta retreat, Trigger! We're being slaughtered!" Nutsy ducked behind the body of one of the wolves.
Trigger grimaced and looked around, reluctant to give up the ground but knowing they'd die if they didn't. "Fall back!" he finally called and then began leading the rush back toward the larger portions of the Sheriff's forces. There was a bit of silence for a moment and then a loud laugh came from nowhere.
"Well that was easy," Little John came from behind a tree, rubbing his hands together as if to clean them off. His burly bear form covered in light chain armor with a green tunic and matching hat on his head. At his side was strapped a large sword with a shield across his back.
"I'm afraid this isn't over yet, John." Robin lowered himself from one of the trees that wasn't on fire. "The Sheriff's men are swarming all over the place." Robin was lightly dressed in leather armor covered by a tunic and hat that matched Little John's. Several daggers were strapped along his chest with a short sword on his hip. His quiver of arrows shook a little when he landed and he held his bow firmly in his paw.
"We can hold them," Little John said without a hint of doubt in his voice. "Even on fire we know this forest better than that chump the Sheriff."
"Marian, Friar Tuck, and Lady Kluck can only do so much with what little preparation he had." Robin reminded him. "No we'd best get moving before-"
"I've found them! Over here! I've found Robin Hood and Little John!" Several arrows began to fly.
"Before that happens…" Robin finished.
Both he and Little John took off into the blackened, smokey forest and John picked up a tune as they ran passed another set of Rhino Guards, "Robin Hood and Little John walkin' through the forest-"
"Is this really the best time for this, John?"
"Laughing' back and forth at what the other'n has to say!"
"We aren't even walking!" Robin ducked between a Rhino's legs while John struck the guard in the face with his shield.
"Reminiscin', this-'n'-thattin' havin' such a good time! Oo-de-lally, oo-de-lally, golly what a day…" John smiled as they dodged another group of troops and Robin was forced to do so as well. No matter how dire the situation Little John always seemed to keep a positive outlook.
"Robin! Robin!"
A sweet voice called out to him. It was his beloved Maid Marian. "Marian! I'm here!" Robin and Little John stopped and started scouring the area. He aimed his bow and Marian came from the smoke at the last second.
"Robin!"
"Marian!"
They embraced and nuzzled one another. Robin had hated the idea of her on the battlefield at first but as the war dragged on she had insisted she be taught how to fight. From there it had been no stopping her. Lady Kluck had not helped at all either. Now here she was, sword drenched in her enemy'sblood, gripping Robin with her free hand. Her attire matched Robin's to the letter except she had no daggers nor bow.
"I was so worried I'd lost you." Marian nuzzled him more.
"And I you," Robin replied before pulling her away, this was not the time for sentiment, the sounds of battle still rang out around them. "Where are the others?"
It was then that Friar Tuck, Lady Kluck and a dozen men all looking battle weary but ready jogged towards them. "We're here," Friar Tuck announced as they appeared, his tunic and sword both bloodied.
"How goes the battle?" Robin asked them.
Lady Kluck embraced Little John. "Not well, I'm afraid," she reported. "Our lines are failing. The last report spoke of reinforcements arriving for the Sheriff."
"Reinforcements?" Little John exclaimed.
Robin's face looked grim, "We can't hold without the same."
"What of Mickey and the others?" Friar Tuck looked hopeful.
"Word was sent but we can't count on them right now. We don't know where they are." Robin's voice was grim.
"What will we do?" Marian asked.
"We gather what troops we can and try to rally a surprise attack," Robin said firmly. "The smoke is our friend at this-"
A loud cacophony of mischievous laughter interrupted Robin.
"What the he-"
Little John was interrupted by another round of laughter that came from seemingly everywhere.
"Form up!" Robin notched an arrow and all around him drew weapons and made a circle as they readied themselves for whatever was coming.
"What is that?" Robin heard someone ask but no answer came.
A powerful gust of wind whipped up and began to push against them for a moment then all the smoke in the area was gone and everyone could see that they were surrounded. "Shit…" Little John whispered.
Hyenas were everywhere the eye could see, eying them hungrily with many a maw dripping saliva and many licking their chops. Mingled with the hyenas were the soldiers of Agrabah, blades glinting in the light that could now be seen.
"Steady…" Robin mumbled with his bow aimed straight.
"Throw down your weapons and surrender…" a voice called out, somehow louder than the sounds of burning and fighting all around them. The hyenas and soldiers made way as the source of the voice appeared.
"Jafar…" Lady Kluck cursed and spat. "You snake of a man!"
Jafar ignored her, looking directly at Robin saying, "Surrender and you'll all be spared. The battle is over, Robin. Your troops have been routed and our men are cleaning up the small pockets of resistance that remain."
"Our?" Robin raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Robin. Our." The hyenas and Agrabah soldiers broke ranks again allowing Scar, Captain Crocodile and the Sheriff of Nottingham entrance.
"Should have known you wouldn't be far behind your hyenas, Scar." Robin called out.
"You cannot hope to walk out of this alive unless you do as we say. Nottingham belongs to Chernabog now." Scar stalked around them a little with hunger in his eyes.
"Not as long as there is breathe in my chest you treacherous cur!" Robin shouted at Scar.
Scar chuckled then sat next to Jafar and smiled a little while he licked his bloody paw, "Or you could try and fight."
"Odds aren't good, Robin," Little John whispered.
"There's nowhere for us to run," someone else whispered after.
"What do we do?" came another.
Robin's eyes darted around frantically, his mind working overtime trying to think of a way to save the lives of those with him. Yet nothing came to him and he felt the strength in his arm give way a little. Perhaps if they surrendered Scar and Jafar would indeed show mercy. He'd heard that Prince Aladdin and Princess Jasmine had been given the same courtesy through rumor.
Robin felt himself about to utter the words surrender when the sound of flapping overhead drew everyone's eyes skyward. The magic Jafar was using kept the smoke from around them but it was covering the sky above blocking everyone's vision. The flapping grew louder and closer and fear could be seen on many faces as they tried to grip their weapons tighter.
"LOOK OUT!"
But the warning came too late. From the smoke came the biggest elephant in the world: Dumbo.
The flying behemoth of an elephant sent out a call that caused many soldiers to cover their ears. Its massive ears flapped with such force that many of the nearby hyenas and soldiers were thrown backward and dirt was tossed into the air. Everyone covered their eyes from the dirt and smoke Dumbo was kicking up.
Robin heard the sound of Dumbo landing on the ground and managed to see five figures jump down to the ground. One of the blurry, humanoid shapes raised its hand and a bright blue pulse spread outward, surrounding every one of the Merry Men, Dumbo and themselves. The wind suddenly stopped and the dirt cleared allowing everyone to see again.
"Robin!"
He heard the voice first, immediately recognizing it as Mickey's. The Merry Men broke ranks and rushed hastily towards Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Daisy and Pluto.
Robin took Mickey's hand, "I never imagined you'd make it in time." He breathed.
Mickey looked out at Jafar and the others who had begun to attack the shield he'd placed up. "Right on time it seems." Mickey smiled. "The shield won't hold for long."
"What are we going to do?" Little John asked.
Mickey looked around at the battlefield and then to Donald and Goofy. They both nodded sternly and then Mickey looked back at Robin. Mickey took a step back as he drew his keyblade, Goofy and Donald both did the same. Their weapons seemed to cast off powerful vibrations that stilled the air around them.
"We fight!" Mickey shouted.