Dark Storm Dawn

By Lord Akiyama

The follow-up to "Fantasia Crisis"

Chapter Eleven

He stopped off the ship and took a deep sniff of the air. He exhaled with a smile on his face. He was home. He turned his head to watch as he flipped a coin over to the flight servant before walking down the ramp. His foot stepped upon the soil surface on Montressor and began to chuckle. It had been quite a number of years since he had last been here, his time spent studying at the Interstellar Academy. Today was the start of a two month break.

"And you couldn't have asked for it arrive any sooner I presume, Mr. Hawkins?" He turned to see the familiar grinning face of one Captain Amelia standing proudly before him.

"Ma'am," he said with a smile. "I'm just happy to be home."

"Ah, the end of the first many years are always the roughest," Amelia said. "I remember my first three being quite a challenge physically, mentally and emotionally. But that's exactly the point. You are pushed to your limits to see if you can handle the pressure and go a little further."

"Is that what it was?" he chuckled. "For the past year, I thought it was an excuse to break their rules even more."

"And that, too," Amelia laughed. "Coincidentally, I have also returned home from a little bit of business that required my attention. I wish to speak with you about something, but I take it you want to see your mother."

"I'd have some explaining to do if I didn't," he chuckled once again. "She wrote to me every week, making sure I was okay and that my grades were in check. You'd think an honest grade would reassure her how happy I am there."

"One thing you should remember, Mr. Hawkins," Amelia grinned. "Mothers will always be worried regardless of how old you are and what you do for a living. There's no escaping it. Something my children will learn in time. But first, before we embark on our return to the Benbow Inn, allow me to introduce you to a couple companions helping me resolve the state of business I find myself in."

Amelia stepped back to present two oddly clothed figures behind her. "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you a dear friend of mine, James Pleiades Hawkins," she said. "Sterling, tough, dependable, honest, brave and true."

"Captain..." Jim smiled with a raised brow.

"Oh, shut up Jim, you know I don't mean a word of it," Amelia grinned in return. "May I present to you this young man by the name of Aladdin."

"Nice to meet you, kid," Aladdin said, shaking Jim's hand.

"Quite the company you have here, Captain," Jim grinned with a raised brow.

"You have no idea," Aladdin said.

"Which brings me, reluctantly, to my other... companion," Amelia said, glaring at the other figure. "This... ludicrous parcel of driveling galoot... goes by the name of Jack Sparrow."

Jack staggered up after giving a glancing glare back at Amelia. He then began to slowly circle Jim, examining every inch of him. After the third time around, Jack came to a stop in front of Jim and began to sniff him. Jim was extremely unsure of what to think as he raised a brow in confusion and leaned his upper body back. Jack then looked up, his eyes staring straight at the other. "Yer not a eunuch, are you?" he asked.

"A what?" Jim asked in a dumbfounded state.

"Don't be surprised by his mannerisms, Jim," Amelia said as she placed a clutching hand upon Jack's shoulder. "After all... he is a pirate."

"Pirate, eh?" Jim asked, his brow still raised in confusion.

"I'll explain later," Amelia said, giving another glare at Jack. "Right now, I believe your mother is waiting as patiently as she can be. Let's not keep her waiting any longer."

Quasimodo and Madellaine walked alongside the river, their evening together flowing just as smoothly. They had spent the past few hours exploring all that they could within the city. Watching the street performances of the gypsies, tasting the edible delights from the bakers, listening to the rhythmic harmonies of wandering musicians. Quasimodo felt better knowing that his appearance was disguised quite well, and yet the way things went it made him forget about his troubles. Madellaine was having the time of her life, experiencing new wonders unlike any she had ever imagined. It was truly becoming a night they would never forget.

He spotted up ahead and with a smile jogged over. She took her time walking as she watched him come to a stop and remove something from the steps. She took one look at it and raised a curious brow. "I... think those are weeds," she lightly giggled as he showed her what he hand in his hand.

"Oh, no," he pointed out with a smile. "Smell." He took his free hand and gently covered her eyes. Without hesitation, she trusted him and took a good sniff before he removed his hand.

"Oh..." she exhaled softly with awe. "They smell so... flowery." She giggled as she placed a hand upon his that was holding the plant. "They're wonderful."

"It's rosemary," he said.

"Rosemary..." she repeated softly, looking at the plant with a gentle smile on her face. She then watched as he transferred the plant from his hand into hers. They lightly laughed as their eyes began to meet.

"Come on," he whispered, using his free hand to take hers and leading her on up the stairs toward a tower. Their laughter continued as they began to ascend the stairs leading to the top. "This is one of my favorite spots in all of Paris." Their running began to slow as they came within a few steps of the top. "Isn't it beautiful?"

"But I... I can't see anything..." she tried to lightly giggle.

"Close your eyes," he whispered. She looked at him for a moment, seeing the smile on his face as he gently released her hand. "Listen... to Paris."

She took a deep breath and then closed her eyes, once again trusting him without hesitation that he is presenting something special to her. At first, all she could hear was the hallowing whistles of the wind echoing through the tower. And then, she slowly began to hear the voices of children. They were laughing and playing along carefree and full of life. She then began to hear music being played from the streets below. The huffs of horses clicking against the ground as they walked. Ordinary citizens speaking and laughing, enjoying all that there is to offer. The children were beginning to sing. Their voices innocent and beautiful.

And then came the click of a door unlocking and the creaking of wood as the door began to open. Slowly, she began to feel light touch upon her face. She then opened her eyes. And saw beauty. The sight of Paris upon the top of Notre Dame at sunset was one thing. Seeing the city and the cathedral at night from this point of view after hearing the voices of life throughout quite possibly made this sight better. She gasped in awe and delight as she stepped forward through the doorway, letting herself feel city upon her. To say that it was magnificent was an understatement.

"Oh..." she exhaled softly. "Quasi... it's wonderful..." She came upon the concrete railing and supported herself upon it as her eyes took in everything there was to see of Paris from where she stood. Her ears taking in every sound that echoed through the air. She herself had never felt more alive.

Quasimodo smiled as he looked out on the city. This spot was special for him amongst the few times he took a risk and left the domain of the bell tower to explore all there was of Paris, keeping himself away from the streets so that he would no be spotted. The majestic beauty of this view made it all worth while for him. He then turned his gaze upon Madellaine. Sharing this view with her became even more rewarding to him as his smile widened.

"Oh, come on," she said with laughter after a moment of silence taking in all of Paris from his spot. "Show me more!" She turned her eyes with excitement, looking upon him to answer with as much glee.

Quasimodo took a moment before hopping up on the railing and grabbing hold of the rope the hung near him. He outstretched a hand for her to take. No hesitation, yet so much trust. She grabbed hold of his hand. She gasped and laughed as he quite quickly pulled her in for him to carry before he swung off toward the rooftops.

"Helga!" the old man called from the fireplace with a bit of laughter. With cain he hand, he began to walk toward her. "Quite a surprise seeing you here. And with friends. I've been meaning to ask. How went the pregnancy?"

"It went well," Helga replied guardedly. If he was knowingly involved with a group trying to bring about her destruction, he was hiding it well. "I would have sent you a birth announcement a few days ago, but we've been unavoidably detained. This is Mr. Hercules and Miss Alice," she added with a small gesture. "And this, is Mr. Preston Whitmore."

"Hercules?" Preston said with a raised brow and excited tone as he shook the other's hand. "As in the Greek God? Boy, you weren't kidding about that adventure you took the last time we talked, Helga." He then turned to the young girl. "Alice as in Alice in Wonderland, I presume?" he added as he shook the girl's hand.

"Something like that," Alice replied.

"You know me, I don't kid very often," Helga shook her head, not wanting to believe the worst, but the serious expression still dominated her features. "Torment and taunt mercilessly, yes, but not kid." She paused a second as she chose her next words. "I'm sorry we didn't call first, but under the circumstances, I thought it was better this way. We need some answers to some sensitive questions."

"Fire away," Preston said, seating himself in the nearest chair. "Make yourselves comfortable and don't worry, I already completed my yoga for today." Alice and Hercules looked at one another, shrugged, and decided to examine their surroundings.

"Good to know," Helga nodded appreciatively as she seated herself across from him, crossing one long leg over the other. "I understand you've recently made some new friends," she began with the same expressionless tone, "some people calling themselves The Guild."

"The Guild..." Preston repeated as he entered his mind. "Lot of guilds I've had membership in. Hmmm... I'm gonna need more information, Helga. You know any names connected to this 'Guild' that I could work off of?"

"This one's rather unique," Helga replied, still carefully studying the other's reaction. "They deal in weapons of the dead and seem to have a hostile vendetta against those involved with the merging a while back. Unfortunately, the only name I have is Yzma, but I was told by an unreliable source you might know something."

"Yzma..." Preston muttered. Then he began to groan. "Ooooh... THAT Guild. And people say I'm a wacky old man. I'm surprised these weirdos aren't running for public office the way they go screaming on and on about human preservation." He then thought about what Helga said earlier. "Sounds to me I left the club early enough to rid myself of dealings with them. They have weapons of the dead?"

"So we've been told and given what they've been able to do so far, I'm inclined to believe the rumors," Helga muttered grimly. "They're hunting us down one by one, Preston," she added quietly. "We've already lost five out of the original twelve of us, plus the wizard that is supposed to be the strongest being in existence. Anything you can tell us about them would be useful."

Preston looked at Helga straight in the eye. He'd never seen her like this. He took a deep breath and stood up. "Few know they exist, but they do have an actual name," he said as he began walking toward the nearest bookshelf. "The guild is known as GHOST, or Guild for Human Organization and Safety Tribunal."

"Yeah right, safety," Alice muttered to herself as she examined the small scale model of a submarine. "Tell that to my parents, human beings whom those bastards killed to drive me insane."

"So why are they coming after us?" Helga shot back defensively.

"The goal of GHOST was supposed to be the preservation of humanity's control over their own lives and destiny," Preston said, scanning the books for a particular selection. "My curiosity led to my joining them, but I soon found myself wondering who exactly these oddities were. The longer I stayed, the more I heard about them wanting to rid the planet of magic and all other fantasy incarnations. I didn't stay long enough to know why you're all targets, but my best guess is that you either represent a threat to their ideals or were chosen to be made examples out of to show just how serious they were about achieving their goals."

"Ok, that could explain the wizard and a few others," Helga said as she glanced at Hercules, "but last time I checked, I'm about as un-magic as they come and that didn't seem to stop them." She stood up with a slightly frustrated sigh as she began to pace in front of the fire. "So did you stay long enough to find out who was in charge?"

"There are three main operators of GHOST," Whitmore said, satisfied as he found the book he was looking for. He flipped through until he found a specific page. "I recorded as much information as I could in this book. But you have to remember that its not up to date so there may have been changes I'm not aware of. The first operator is Yzma." He laid the book out to show Helga the picture of an old woman in desperate need of a face lift. "Don't let her looks fool you. She's as brilliant of a scientist as they come."

"It's a wonder she didn't come up with something to help those wrinkles," Helga wrinkled her nose as she came to stand behind him. "She looks...well..." she added, tilting her head as she tried to come up with the right words.

"Scary beyond all reason, I know," Preston said. "But the same can be said, in terms of his abilities and personality, about the second operator." He flipped the pages until he stopped at the photo of a cowboy in black. "His name is Rico. This bounty hunter is one of the absolute best marksmen I have ever seen, Helga. And I've seen many. Rico can pull the trigger faster than you can even glance to your right."

"Nice, but I'm not exactly a novice myself, there," Helga smirked. "That's why you hired me, remember?"

"I hire the best," Preston said with a grin. "Now the third operator is probably the biggest wacko of them all." He turned the pages and came upon the picture of a face Helga was familiar with. "His name is Judge Claude Frollo."

Helga stared in stunned silence for a moment before clenching her fist so hard, if she hadn't been wearing gloves, she might have drawn blood. "Now him, I am well acquainted with," she hissed.

"Then you know full well just how crazy he is," Preston said. "But it is that very same lunatic attitude that has allowed him to amass great wealth and power. If either of these three were to be considered the head of the group, it would be him."

"Crazy doesn't begin to cover it," Helga voice rumbled deep in her chest. "He tried tried to burn me at the stake."

"People still believe in those practices?" Alice curiously muttered, still examining the small scale model. Moments later, she saw the familiar grin of the Cheshire Cat appear on her shoulder.

"Must take a lot of imagination to find public interest in watching someone tied to a stake and then burned alive," he whispered. His purring against her ear caused her to close her eyes and smile, as if she felt warmth from his voice. "Stay on guard, my dear Alice. Some things don't often appear what they are made out to be." She opened her eyes just as he was disappearing. Her smile faded immediately and began to scan the room. His warnings tended to be accurate and she didn't want to chance not believing what would've normally been a figment of her imagination.

"Ouch," Preston muttered. "I can only imagine it wasn't pretty. You might as well take the book. Like I said, they may have made changes since I left, but I'm confident it'll be helpful for you."

"At least now we'll know who we're dealing with," Helga nodded appreciatively as she took the tome in her hands. "I don't know if Frollo is still where we left him, but it's some place to start. Unfortunately, we don't have that luxury with the Yzma woman, but as for Rico, I have a nasty suspicion we won't have to look, he'll find us."

"Just not today," a voice spoke. Everyone looked up just as the lights began to turn out. All that they could see was the blue light that emerged from Whitmore's fish tank. It was then they noticed that there was something that was blending with the tank.

"What the hell...?" Alice muttered as she squinted and watched as the blending object began to move.

"Consider it luck I'm being paid not to kill you this time," the voice spoke once more. To Helga and Whitmore, it was becoming more much familiar. It was then that the object began to slowly materialize. "Otherwise, this would have been very personal." The face was unmistakable.

"Rourke?" Preston gasped.

"No..." Helga's voice caught in her throat for just a split second before a burning sense of hatred took control. "You were dead! I saw you fall off that train!"

"Lemme let you in on something I learned a long time ago, Helga," Rourke said, his arms materializing into long blades. "When you kill someone... make sure they're dead."

"Mr. Whitmore, get down," Helga shouted quickly as she fired off a couple shots. She didn't expect them to do much damage, but it was at least a small distraction as she tossed the book over to Alice. It wasn't her he was after and if anything happened to the rest of them, it was imperative that Simba and the others find out what they had learned.

"Thanks for the advice," she replied sweetly to Rourke, though not masking the sarcasm in her voice, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind this time."

Rourke barely reacted as the bullets dug into his body. Quite quickly, the wounds crystallized and healed. "This would otherwise have been quite a wonderful dance, Lieutenant," he chuckled. Within seconds, he had leaped, tackled her to the ground and jammed one of his blades into her left shoulder. Helga let out a sharp cry as the blade pierced her flesh. "But I have since ignored such patience."

"Too bad you always had two left feet," she hissed through clenched teeth as she leveraged her foot under his stomach and pushed him back.

As Rourke staggered back in reaction, Hercules immediately grabbed him from behind. "We need to get outta here!" Hercules cried, struggling to retain his strength and hold. "This room is too small for us!"

"The elevator's too slow," Preston said as he and Alice checked on Helga. "You still remember the secret passage outta here?"

"Of course, part of the job description," Helga replied slowly through the pain as she clutched her shoulder. Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself off the ground and ran for the bookshelf. She yanked down on the stone gargoyle seated precariously on the edge and suddenly the fire in the fireplace died down. With a delayed lurch, the wall in the back slid open to reveal the passage. "Let's move people," she shouted to the others.

Preston walked over to the side opposite the bookshelf, barely noticing that he missed being knocked to the ground when Rourke easily flung Hercules over his shoulder. "You guys go ahead," he said, stopping in front of the scale model of the Ulysses. "I'll hold him off for you." With a simple push of a button, guns descended from the ceiling and began to fire at Rourke.

Helga started to object. After all, protecting Whitmore had been her job for a long time. But she also had an obligation to her teammates. "Thank you," was all she could think to say in the end. "You heard the man, sometime today would be nice Mr. Hercules."

Hercules quickly got back to his feet and quickly followed Helga and Alice into the secret passage. The doors began to close just as Whitmore pressed another button that caused the glass wall covering his water tank to explode. "Lemme be in front in case you need me to move something quickly," Hercules suggested.

"Let it never be said you don't serve a useful purpose," Helga muttered as she let him pass into the lead, still clutching her throbbing shoulder. Really, it could be worse, it could be her right arm and then she'd really be in trouble. Actually, it wasn't even bleeding all that badly. Still, she'd make Rourke pay for this one.

They continued to make their way down the passage way until they found themselves outside of Whitmore's property. And it was raining hard. "Alright," Hercules began to say, surveying the area before turning to Helga. "What do we do..."

Gunfire. Hercules barely screamed before he went flying to the right and landing hard against the muddy ground. Alice quickly reacted and threw a playing card in the direction of the gunfire, just missing the cowboy's hat. He ducked and began to dash off before reloading.

"You know, just once, I'd like to be wrong about these things," Helga muttered under her breath as she let go of her shoulder and in a moment too quick to count, had her gun out to return fire. The cowboy rolled successfully behind a tree as Helga and Alice continued their attack. But they paid no attention as a second gunman quickly grabbed the unconscious Hercules and made his escape over the cliff.

"Hercules, are you all right?" Helga called over her shoulder. "Hercules?" she repeated again after getting no answer and spun around to see the empty ground where he had fallen. "Damnit, I can't believe I fell for that trick," she cursed herself as she tried to see where they might have gone.

"We're gonna fall for another one if we don't either retreat or take this other hunter down," Alice said, pulling out her ice staff. "And in this case, its me that's gonna be protecting you."

"I don't need anyone to protect me," Helga growled indignantly, though down one arm, she knew it wasn't like she could refuse the help, either. She crouched down to look at the mud, but being it was still raining, the trail was being washed away fast. "This way," she shouted. If they're carrying someone Hercules' size, they can't be moving too fast.

"Whoa, wait a minute!" Alice cried. Seconds later, she raised her ice staff and fired a beam that quickly froze a projectile that would've hit Helga head on. "We still got a gunman about!"

"And if we don't stop them from taking Hercules, they're going to have an even half-dozen," Helga shouted back, but the girl was right, they were going to be forced to take the gunman down first. Still, if they did it right, they might get a few questions answered in the process. "Think you can draw his fire for me?" Helga whispered.

"Eyes set upon you," a familiar voice spoke, followed seconds later by the appearance of the familiar grin of the Cheshire Cat. "My dear Alice is of little concern to them. They will sneak their way around her view to take you down."

"Baldy has a point," Helga admitted with a grimace. "Alright then, what do you suggest?"

"I suggest I take the three of you and get out of here, pronto!" They turned to see Merlin appear before them. "I'm not taking any bloody arguments, Ms. Sinclair! Any second longer I stay here, the greater chance they're gonna start turning their attentions to me! We're leaving! Now!" Seconds later, with a wave of his wand, their surroundings turned into darkness. Moments later, they were in the mystic plane.

to be continued...

Thanks to GoblinQueeen, who provided the dialogue and some action for Helga.