Fan Fiction Challenge #10: OT Lair
We've seen the inside of the dungeons under Pirates of the Caribbean, and caught a glimpse of the Tom Sawyer island fort, but what does an OT lair look like? Describe where the Overtakers might be now and how they've decorated their hangout.
Hidden in the Jungle Cruise
"It could lead to treasure, or it could lead to danger. So you'd better keep your eyes open…" The guide's voice boomed over his microphone as he steered his boat into a ruined temple, located on the Mekong River. The guests laughed good-naturedly—this was the Jungle Cruise; there was no danger. But one creature knew better. As the evening's last boat sailed past, the moonlight reflected off the scales of a snake. There were many animals in this attraction, but this one was different. Unlike the Audio-Animatronics, he was alive. And, he was wearing a hat.
The sound of corny jokes faded into the distance, replaced by an eerie silence. The Animatronics and vegetation, which seemed harmless during the day, cast mysterious shadows. The Jungle Cruise was one of Disney World's silliest rides, but after dark, it seemed much more sinister. Dangerous. Wild. Once the park officially closed, the snake reared up and flickered his tongue, tasting the air for intruders. After he felt sure that no one was watching him, he slinked into the ruins. The snake glided over the cool, damp rocks until he reached an Audio-Animatronic tiger. Like all the other Animatronics, the tiger was turned off, frozen in a menacing growl. Suddenly, it sprang to life with a roar. Baring its fangs, the tiger pounced on the snake, pinning him to the ground.
"You sssssstupid tiger! Don't you recognissssse me? It's Sssssir Hisssss!" the snake exclaimed indignantly. Obediently, the tiger stepped back and settled back into its frozen position. Sir Hiss huffed; he knew that the Overtakers had to increase security after the Keepers found their base on Tom Sawyer Island, but the tiger annoyed him. Especially since it kept trying to eat him. After straightening his hat, he continued past the tiger into the fake greenery behind it. Sir Hiss pushed aside leaves until he reached a rock wall. At the touch of his tail, a door appeared. It had been hidden by a magic spell—another recent addition. The Overtakers didn't plan on being found again.
Sir Hiss slithered into a cave-like passageway. Weaving between stalagmites, he travelled along the dark, rocky path until it opened into a large space. It was dark and gloomy—not the ideal decorating scheme for most, but perfect for Overtakers. The room was dimly lit by torches, which sent shadows flickering across the walls. On the ceiling, stalactites intermingled with intricate carvings of snakes, demons, and dragons. Rows of stone benches encircled the room. During council meetings, the benches were filled with Overtakers. The stone was damaged in places—chipped, burnt, bullet-holed, and scarred—a result of the confrontations that inevitably followed meetings. The Overtakers weren't peaceful, even amongst themselves. Only one thing was in perfect condition: the Magic Mirror, which hung on the wall in a place of honor. The Overtakers used it to spy on the rest of the parks. In more recent years, they used it to follow the progress of Tia Dalma, the Evil Queen, and Chernabog.
Beyond the Meeting Room was the Armory, which was lined with countless shelves of weapons. Swords, muskets, daggers, pistols, bows and arrows… but also more unique items: spell books, poisoned apples, potions, spindles, lockets that could hold a person's voice, and more. Anything the Overtakers might need to create curses. Sir Hiss slithered past it on his way to Prince John's room. Every Overtaker had a private room, decorated according to his or her personal taste. Logically, the lair should have been small, since it was located in the middle of a ride. But, it was infinitely larger than it seemed. The Evil Queen used her powers to create it after the Overtakers had to abandon Tom Sawyer's Island. That was the benefit of making a lair with magic, mused Sir Hiss. Back at Tom Sawyer's Island, the Overtakers were crammed into a confined space. Here, their lair was limitless. But it still wasn't enough. They still were hidden away—not like the so-called 'good' characters, who had the freedom to roam the parks. But someday it would be different. Someday, the Overtakers would gain control. Someday soon.
P.S.
I won this Fan Fiction Challenge with this entry! It was my first Fan Fiction win, although I had previously won three Chapter Challenges - two in Chapter 13, and one in Chapter 18 - which means that some of my writing is in "Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider"!