Chapter 3: You've Got a Friend in Me

Today was a basic parade to spread the usual Disney spirit and pride. Milo had already gone since he had to get into his Prince Eric costume. I had arrived moments before the parade started to help any stragglers get hooked to their float.

Walking to the float set up, guests were lined up in crowds all throughout the park, awaiting anxiously for the parade to begin. They were also the reason why I was partially late.

I saw Milo rushing out to his float. I followed after. He lifted his shirt, revealing his harness. I then hooked the safety chain to him. "Try to stay on the float this time."

"Hey, it wasn't my fault the float made an abrupt stop!"

"Yeah, well whoever hooked you up didn't do it properly. At least you'll be stable this time." I jumped off the float and signaled that the parade was good to go.

I stood by watching as the floats exited the grounds. But in doing so, I heard someone calling to me. "Moira! Over here!" I turned to see Dusk. I hurried over to him, making sure no one saw me leaving my post. "I think I've got our first mission."

"That's great, but I'm kind of busy at the moment."

"Come on! These parades last about an hour and a half! This shouldn't take long!"

"But what about Milo? You wanna do this without him?"

"We have no choice. It's just over in Tomorrowland."

I looked behind me and watched as the last float exited the gates, and took a deep breath. "Fine. Let's hurry."

Arriving in Tomorrowland, Dusk led me to Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters. "What's wrong with this ride?"

"Blasters don't work, and the animatronics are unresponsive. My opinion? Zurg is on a power surge. Lucky for us, everyone is at the parade. But for safety reasons, put up the chain."

Entering the building, I did as suggested and hooked the entrance chain. But you know, who listens to a chain?

The lights were still on, but it was quiet. Usually the Buzz animatronic would be greeting the guests. But there was nothing. Not even the extra Space Command sound effects.

Walking through the line, we passed the greeting Buzz animatronic. It was off. It looked dead and disturbing to look at. Especially since his face was basically a hologram. "We're almost there," his voice echoed.

We got to the Cart Entrance, and the inside of the main ride was pitch black dark. "If this is a space ride, where will we end up?"

"Zurg's ship, more or less. Again, realms are bigger than their respectful ride. Most of them will be nothing you would expect."

I took a deep breath, and entered. It was pretty dark for about a minute, but then the light grew brighter and brighter. Till finally I saw where we were. It was a silver corridor, with lights lining the walls. No windows. "How far do you think it goes?" I asked.

"Don't know. It's a pretty massive ship."

"It's kind of suspicious how we haven't encountered anyone yet. No henchmen, or security weapons."

"He's probably expecting us."

"But I don't-" I then saw a corridor going to the left, probably leading to a room. "There! That's got to go somewhere!" We went down the short corridor, coming up to a door. I hovered my hand over when it automatically opened. Movement censored, probably. We walked into a big room. The door closed behind us. "This seems like an arena of some sort."

"That can't be good."

"Why do you say that?"

"Seriously? Any arena on Zurg's ship can't be good!" I looked around. The floor was like a spider web Pentagon. There were pillars lining the outer edge of the floor. There were also doors lining the walls. All seemed calm. Quiet. Too quiet. Then a bright light shown through the center of the room. "We've got company." At platform was rising. Most likely Zurg himself. He was expecting us. "Get ready. This isn't gonna be easy."

"Don't worry. I was the only girl in a defense class in High School." The platform finally reached the top, but we weren't expecting to see who was on on it. Instead of Zurg, it was Buzz. He looked drained. Weak. Most likely being controlled. "Dusk, what do we do? We can't hurt him!"

"No. But we can purify him. Look at his chest. He's got the Charm. It must've been installed by Zurg, which means it's still got its evil qualities." The Charm on his chest was a Rocket Ship Charm that had a star in the center.

Dusk and I took a few steps back, not knowing what he'd do. He's just been idle for a few minutes.

Then he opened his eyes. They were cold and lifeless. It was like he was a living zombie.

He raised his arm at us, and before I could process it, he had fire his laser at us. But thank God Dusk saw it coming before I did, because once Buzz fired, he pushed us out of the way.

Buzz the fired at us again, but we made sure to dodge them all. Dusk then led me behind one of the pillars. "Quick, put your hand over the Gold Charm."

"Why?"

"Just do it!" I did as told. Another laser shot at the pillar. Good thing that Buzz was too dazed to pursue us. "Now flick your arm out. And do it fast!"

"But wh-"

"Don't ask questions! Just do it!" More lasers shot the pillar. It wasn't gonna hold for much longer.

So I closed my eyes, and flicked my arm out. I suddenly felt something in my hand. I looked down. "A wand?"

"Yes! I can't believe I forgot to show you this! Now, with some Charms, not all, the ability is connected to the wand. I don't exactly remember what this particular Charm does, but for this matters sake, just point and hope it shoots!" I was practically hyperventilating by now. This was all happening way too fast. With the lasers coming at us so fast, I wasn't sure if I could aim so quickly. So without thinking, I bolted out from behind the pillar, pointing the wand at Buzz. As another laser came at me, a golden bolt shot from the wand, hitting against his own laser, disabling it immediately. My wand felt warm and Buzz's laser pointer was smoking.

I went to touch the Charm on his chest, but he swung at me. At ducked just in time. His laser may be broken, but that didn't mean he had the strength to kill me with.

As he kept swinging at me, I swiftly dodged. He was coming so fast at me that I couldn't lift my wand.

I glanced behind me at Dusk, mentally pleading for him do something. I could tell he was thinking about something he could do. But even in the moment, I didn't know if he too had some sort of abilities or powers. His explanations have been sporaticated, random, and vague up to this point.

I turned my attention back to Buzz, and in such a swift and fast motion, he got me right in the face, sending me to the floor in a daze.

My wand went flying somewhere. I heard footsteps rushing past me. Most likely Dusks. I mostly heard a loud sharp ringing sound. Boy, would I have a killer migraine later.

I began coming to, feeling around to gain my senses. I was still pretty dazed. "Moira! Hurry, your wand!" For a minute, I couldn't process who was talking. All I could mutter to myself was, "Where is the wand?"

Then I snapped back to reality. I saw Dusk and Buzz practically wrestling with each other. Dusk looked over to me. "Quick! Purify him while he's immobilized!" I scanned the floor for the wand and spotted it a few feet away.

I dove for it, running up to Buzz who was fighting Dusks grip. He was holding him back by his arms behind his back.

Now, for some reason, I knew what to do. It was as if something in the back of my head was telling me to do this. I hovered the wand over the Charm that was embedded in Buzz's chest, and felt a strong pressure surround me. Dark energy.

Buzz began getting weaker. His fight against Dusk lessened. He fell to his knees, catching his breath.

Then Charm fell to the floor. I bent to pick it up, but when I opened my hand, it wasn't a Rocket Ship anymore. It was the shape of Saturn. "What does it do?"

"Gives you the ability of persuasion. You can probably gain allies if really wanted to. Not like you can't already."

He winked at me with a stupid grin. I rolled my eyes. My attention went to Buzz who was still out of it. He was probably still gaining his sanity back. "He'll be okay, right?"

"Just fine, thanks to you. Once we leave, his world will go back to normal." I looked at him one last time, and let Dusk lead me out through a door at the very other end of the room, opposite where we came.

Entering back into Tomorrowland, I had to process what the hell just took place. Also the fact that I was in a Disney Realm! I honestly didn't think anything could prove this was real, until Dusk said, "Nice black eye."

Black eye? I touched the side Dusk was looking at and pain shot through. Oh, yeah. I was socked by a Disney Character. "Is it too noticeable?"

"Uh . . . No?"

"How can I explain this? 'Hey, don't mind this, I was just in a fight with a fictional Space Ranger?'"

"Or a simple cover up would do. You're overthinking too much! Let's just find Milo-"

"The parade ended! How long were we in there?"

"Maybe over an hour. Could've been longer."

"Then come on! I could get busted for leaving my post!"

We sprinted to the float set up arena, and everyone was pretty much filing out to change out of their costumes. I spotted Milo jumping from his float and ran up to him.

He saw me and ran up to me in alarm. "What the hell happened to your eye?"

"Kind of got into a situation. I got a Charm though!"

"That's great, but did you bother to look in a mirror?"

"It's not that bad. Will you focus at the matter at hand here? I just found out a bunch of stuff that maybe you should be aware of."

"And I'm all ears. But my next shift starts in 30 minutes, and I still have to change. We can talk about it tonight."

He then walked off, leaving me and Dusk behind, who put a hand to my shoulder. "I'm sure your schedule is probably free as of now. So . . . Wanna go for a walk?"

Dusk and I really didn't walk to any place in particular. We actually just talked to get to know each other. I mostly focused on my school years. "So, you went to UTI, a highly ranked mechanics school, and dropped out to work here?"

"I'm an engineer for attractions, animatronics, and shitty lighting fixtures. I don't think going to school mostly know to NASCAR is going to help me."

"Well, you're lucky to actually go to school. I guess you could call me a drop out, too. I was in the prime before I got chosen."

"By the way, you mentioned that Guardians and Saviours can't leave the park. What happens if we do?"

"Don't know. No one's tried to leave. But I honestly don't want to possibly risk my life to figure that out. I guess that'll put a dent in your friendship with Milo. The only way he's able to be somewhat involved is because he's with you. As long as you and I are with him, he'll have no problem entering Realms. How long have you known each other?"

"For practically our whole lives. He's kind of like a brother to me. I had a hard childhood. My parents were the worst. Abusive at times. When I hit High School, they abandoned me, and Milo was there with open arms. His family was more than accepting. I guess now it won't be so bad. He's pretty understanding."

"The least I wanna do is take anyone away from you. But setting things aside, you did great today. I know things just started, but this is the farthest any Saviours gotten."

"Seriously?"

"I guess they just didn't believe as much as you. But that also means the Villains will be even more of a threat. I don't want to scare you, but I'm just setting out a warning. Keep your eyes peeled. You never know who you can or can't trust. Now you should heed Milo's suggestion and get some rest. I'll see you tomorrow."

Watching Dusk retreat let me realize where we had walked. We had gone all the way past New Orleans Square, past Haunted Mansion. I was now next to Mark Twain's Riverboat.

I was about to make my way back to the hotel, when someone spoke behind me. "The longest surviving Saviour? Now that's unheard of." I turned around and was face to face with Dr. Facilier. "You may be tough, but an ego will only get you killed."

"What do you want?"

"Well, I'd usually say that I want those slabs of metal around your neck . . . But I'm not. I'm only here to warn you."

"About?"

"This has been going on since the very beginning. Their power is much greater than you can imagine. You may have gotten a Charm, but there are dozens more out there. The farther you go, the tougher it'll get. Here, take this."

He gently tossed something in my direction. When I caught it, I saw it was a Frog Charm. "Why are you just giving this to me?"

"Listen, kid. I've got all the power I need with my friends. Everything else is just dead weight. This one here will come in handy."

"What does it do?"

"Helps you tell if someone or something is under a spell or not. Trust me, you'll need it."

I looked down at it, examining it. "But still. Why would-" I looked up and he was gone. Weird.

I attached the Charm to the necklace chain, and went back to the hotel.

By the time I got back to the hotel, it was close to closing. On my way over, Gordon spotted me and had me repair about 20 lighting fixtures and 2 switch boards. I swear, this park was getting weaker by the hour.

I unlocked the door to my room, and saw Milo was already there, gazing out the window. Funny. He'd usually be on his phone or computer whenever he beat me home. Then again, he did just move in with me.

I entered. "I had the weirdest conversation with Dr. Facilier. He just gave me a Charm out of nowhere. It was the most randomest-" Before I knew it, Milo held me in a tight hug. "You okay?"

He pressed his forehead against mine. "Now that you're here."

"O . . . Kay." I gently slithered my way from his grasp and went to the nightstand next to my bed. "Anyway, I think I gained an ally. He wasn't threatening or-" Milo came up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "Dude, why are you so clingy?"

"I just missed you."

"You saw me like 5 hours ago! What is with you?" I pushed him off me, and rushed to the other side of the room. He stayed put.

"I just want to be close to you is all. No harm done."

"This isn't like you! You're never this affection-" I them remembered what kind of Charm Facilier gave me.

I cautiously walked up to Milo, gazing deep into eyes. They were glazed over. A grey tint added to his green eyes. He definitely was under a spell. A love spell.

I took a couple of steps back. "What's wrong, Moira? Not like what you see?" He took my hand in his. So tightly I couldn't pull it away.

"It's just . . . Milo . . . You gotta snap back to reality. This isn't you!"

"It is, Moira." He pulled me up against his body. "I've never seen reality more clear." His gaze fell to my black eye. He gently caressed the edge of it. "So reckless. And so . . ."

He planted a kiss on my forehead. Then on my cheek. Once he reached my neck, I realized what was happening. "Milo, don't . . ." I tried pushing him away, but his grasp around me was too tight. He began to stumble backwards a bit, with me still trying to get him away from me. He then laid me on the bed closest to the door. With him on top of me, I thought it'd be easier to push him off, but I underestimated weight distribution. Was I really that weak? Apparently.

I really didn't know what to do. He had me immobilized. I went into panic mode when his hands hit bare skin on my waist. I was seriously resulting to kicking him, but the thought of hurting him didn't sit well.

But being the philosopher, a thought formed. If a Villain put a spell on him, would that give him Villain qualities? Only one way to find out.

I was really going to regret this. Kicking him seemed better than what I was about to do. I squirmed as much as I could to free an arm, reached for my necklace, and touched it to his neck. Just as I thought, he groaned in pain, as he got off me gripping the burn.

I rushed to the other end of the room, touching the Mickey Charm to gain my wand, and pointed it at Milo. I don't know what I could do to him, and I didn't want to find out. But if he attacked me, I don't know what he'd be capable of.

He stood up, still hunched over with a hand over the burn. My grip on the wand tightened when he began turning towards me. "Jesus, Moira, warn me before you do that!"

"Milo?"

"Who else would I be?" I lowered the wand, rushing to him, inspecting his eyes. "Dude, what's gotten into you?"

"You seriously don't remember what happened?"

"Should I?"

"You had me pinned to the bed! You were on top of me!"

"What? I wasn't gonna . . ." I didn't say anything. But he got the picture. "Oh, my god. Moira, I'm so-" He took a step towards me, but out of force of habit, I backed away. "Moira, it's me! The real me!" His gaze fell to my hand. "Is that a wand?" That was enough to know the spell was broken. I released a breath of relief, and slid to the floor, putting my head between my knees. My wand disintegrated in my hand. Milo sat next to me. "You know I would-"

"I know. I'm sorry. It was all I could think of. I really didn't mean to hurt you."

"If you didn't do what you did, then I would've hurt you. And I couldn't live with myself if I hurt you. I honestly don't know what happened. It's all a blur."

"Good. You don't want to remember. Let's just . . . Forget anything happened. Sleep it off."

He nodded as he stood up. He held a hand out for me and helped me up. He then held me a tight embrace that was different than before. This embrace felt safe and warm. The one he gave me when I walked in the door was one of lust. It was hard. Hostile.

I guess I now realize the sincerness in Dusk when he said he didn't want to take Milo away from me. Being immortal, I guess, would mean watching him die. He wasn't taking him away from me. He was taking me away from him. The only thing to do now is cherish every moment I have with him. Because they'll be the last I have with him.