Unlike the Magic Kingdom, Epcot was deserted and dark. Flying in, the Leave a Legacy monoliths looked like tombstones in a pavement graveyard. The enormous dome of Spaceship Earth was behind the Cast Members now, snatching up and reflecting back light from the park's lampposts. Mouse Gear and The Art of Disney stores were within sprinting distance, but their darkened interiors clearly said there would be no more souvenirs bought today. No Characters had come out to greet them, but the crew wasn't surprised; after all, Epcot was more thought of as being educational, rather than for meet-and-greets or movie tie-ins, despite having both. Or maybe no one knew they were on their way.

No ambience music was playing. Instead, the only sound was the World Fellowship Fountain bubbling nearby. Now it was calm, but throughout the park day, it would periodically change colors and gush, sending its waters to soar over ten feet into the air. It "danced" to music and leapt as if trying to play with the fireworks every night. Within its pool, the waters from twenty-three countries around the world flowed. It was a celebration of unity, a symbol of world peace, every time the waters danced.

Frankie flicked a penny into the fountain. It sank to join its copper and silver brethren at the bottom.

"The Scroll was hidden in The Hall of Presidents, which is super fitting for Libby. So, my Crown would be hidden in a similar way, right?"

Liberty unrolled the Scroll of the Scholar again, hoping to find some more clues. "Stands to reason. If it's hidden for you, where would it be?"

Frankie hugged herself tightly and rubbed her arms. "Gosh, you know, to be honest, I'm not sure."

Isaac was consulting a park map. "What's your favorite ride?"

She shrugged. "It was Journey into Imagination, the original, with Dream Finder. Remember when they used to have a guy out who played him and had a Figment puppet? One of my earliest memories of the park is sitting on a bench, talking to him, and giving Figment a kiss."

Liberty looked up from the Scroll and grinned. "D'aww, that's so cute!"

Isaac curled his lip. "You know how many people must have touched that puppet before you put your lips on him? All those people grabbing queue poles, arm rests, not washing their hands…" He shuddered.

Jake snatched the map away from him. "You never played in a sandbox as a kid, did you, Isaac?"

He tried to grab the map, but Jake easily kept it out of his reach. "Not after I found out what the neighborhood stray cats did in it at night. Sorry to burst your inner child's bubble with the gross facts." With a grunt and a well timed jump, he took the guide back. "Wouldn't it make more sense to hide the Crown, a Princess item, in, say, Fantasyland? Putting it here, where science dominates, is just kind of weird. That'd be like sticking The Great Movie Ride in Animal Kingdom."

"That might be the point." Liberty rolled up the Scroll once more and stuck it in Isaac's backpack. He waited patiently, albeit with an annoyed look on his face, as she jostled him around to insure a safe spot for their tool. "You wouldn't come looking here, so why should the forces of evil do the same?"

Jake's smile dipped downward. "Oh, yeah, almost forgot. The Legion of Doom. What are we even supposed to do, go all Power Rangers once we get this stuff together?" He jerked his arms up and down in pseudo-karate moves. "Do we get a giant, morphing robot? 'Cause that would be stupendous! I call the head."

"But you can't be the head," Liberty teased, her hands on her hips. "Red is always the leader." She pointed to her hair. "Plus, I'm the Scholar, which makes me the brainy one; and no offense, but you need brains to pilot the head. You get to be the butt."

The sounds of stomping boots put them on alert once more. They silenced and turned, prepared to either welcome or run.

Into the light of the lamp posts stepped an animated man, a short-legged, barrel-chested soldier. His green shirt was adorned with rows of medals and three stars were embroidered on each shoulder. Atop his head he wore a dark beret and black sunglasses hid his eyes. His arms were huge, the muscles as big around as hams. His comically big, bright red mustache with upturned ends bristled in annoyance at the sight of the four Cast Members. In his right hand was a horsewhip. He cracked it against the pavement.

"General Knowledge!" Liberty gasped, instantly recognizing the officer from the now defunct attraction, Cranium Command.

"Well, it seems at least one of you has some working gray matter!" the general snapped. "What are you lily-livered, lollygaggers doing wasting your time, standing around, flapping your gums like a bunch of pigs at dinner? I've known chickens that were smarter than you!"

Jake made the mistake of snickering.

General Knowledge was instantly nose to nose with the Skipper. "Do you find something funny, you joke cracking jalopy jockey? Drop and give me twenty!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" He saluted and hit the ground palms first.

Frankie cleared her throat. He whirled around to face her. "Sir, with all due respect, what're you doing here?"

"What, my mere presence doesn't fill you with utmost glee? You oughta be grinnin' from ear to ear to be seein' me now!"

"No—I mean, your show's been closed for a while—"

"Do I look like the sort of man who gives up easy, who goes away just because some guy in a suit says I do?"

She shut her mouth and shook her head.

"I think not! Wherever knowledge is needed, I will be there." He put his hands behind his back and began pacing back and forth. "Wherever a cranium needs command, I will be there. I think you bunch of sloths get the message!"

Jake collapsed into a panting, sweating heap.

"Up on your feet, cadet!"

"Sir, yes, sir!"

"Well, okay." Liberty reached down to help Jake. "Then why are you here, General?"

"To tell you youngsters to put those brains of yours to use! Use what you know and think. You've now got enough clues. That tiara will be yours in no time if you use your brains. Although to be honest, I'm losing hope on that front."

Liberty scowled, but ignored the insult. She wasn't going to push away some possible help. "What do we do after we get it, though? After we get all of the items? What does this all have to do with saving The Carousel of Progress?"

General Knowledge lowered his glasses and looked her in the eyes. "Keep your wits about you, Scholar. You'll figure it out. Never underestimate yourself." He pushed the lenses back up. "That goes for all of you. Now get movin' on the double, cadets! Do you want to be replaced with a bunch of squids?"

At once, they chorused, "Sir, no, sir!"

"Then prove that you're smarter than squids! What are you waiting for, hugs from your mommas? Go, go, go!"

"Yes, sir! Thank you, sir!"

Perhaps the pep talk hadn't been the most positive one, but it did set them in motion. They were heading to Future World East now, the section that housed Wonders of Life, Test Track, Universe of Energy, and Mission: SPACE. From there, it was a short walk to the back end of World Showcase.

"I don't think it'd be in the East side, and I can't see it in Spaceship Earth," said Liberty. "But maybe if we head into World Showcase, we'd have better luck. They have that Princess dinner thing in Norway."

"Akershus," Frankie corrected.

"Gesundheit," the others said.

She rolled her eyes. "I've worked meet and greets there. Still doesn't fit, though. He said we had clues. It's like my English teacher always says, 'Symbolism, look for the symbolism.' " She looked back over her shoulder at Future World.

"Yeah," said Isaac. "The clues are that you're the Princess, you play a princess, and that's the Disney Princess restaurant in Epcot. Princess—A pretty girl in a sparkly dress. That's the symbolism! What else is there?"

Liberty didn't exactly sound open to suggestions when she added, "Well, if you get a better idea, let us know. But I think we've got a straight shot here. I was right about the first time, wasn't I? It'll be a cinch."

Frankie frowned, feeling as if she'd been brushed aside. "Always think you know everything, don't you?" she mumbled.

Liberty turned her head. "What's that?"

She coughed, practically choking on her guilt. "I said, Norway's just past here."

Ahead was the first of the World Showcase pavilions, Mexico. Nearly the entirety of the pavilion was packed into a beautiful, clay colored Aztec pyramid. Within it were a restaurant, shops, galleries, and a boat ride, The Gran Fiesta Tour starring the Three Caballeros. Now, it was harder to make out the other details of the area, like the snake-like, stone Quetzalcoatl heads that decorated the sides of the building. Other features just seemed wrong in the dark, like the two, short, moving figures on the pyramid's porch…

"Huh." Liberty stopped and squinted. Then she smiled and waved. "It's Jose Carioca and Panchito. Hey guys!"

The green parrot and red rooster had been busy looking through a shared pair of cartoonishly big binoculars at the sky. They turned, lenses still to their eyes, and jumped in alarm at the humans standing right in front of them.

Jose lowered the binoculars, giggling nervously to himself. "Oh, sorry, you just looked so much bigger for a moment there." He picked up his little black umbrella off of a nearby table and sauntered over to the group.

Panchito was there first, though, eager to shake everyone's hand. "Hola! Panchito Romero Miguel Junipero Francisco Quintero Gonzalez welcoming you to Mexico." He flourished his huge sombrero and let out a loud "Ah-ha!"

Chuckling, Jose gave Panchito a friendly squeeze around his shoulders. "And add my welcome to my hyperactive friend's. So," he leaned back on his umbrella. "What brings you people back to our little corner of the World Showcase, eh? It's not usual to see humans about now."

Panchito added, "At least, not live-action ones."

"We're looking for something special," said Liberty. "A magic crown."

Nudging his friend in the ribs, Jose exclaimed, "Oh, what a coincidence! We are looking for something, too."

Panchito nodded. "Maybe we can help each other out."

"Okay," she decided to play along. "What are you missing?"

"Donald Duck."

Liberty laughed. "You mean like in the ride? Don't worry, guys, he always shows up in time for the concert. He's probably chasing girls or trying to wrangle a llama."

The parrot's face was solemn, an eerie touch on his usually grinning beak. "No."

Panchito shook his head. "He disappeared a long time ago. Him, Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Daisy, and Pluto. No one's seen them in months."

"The others think they've been over at Disneyland or doing whatever it is the big shots like them do, but it's not like all of them to be out, especially for so long."

Holding his hands up to form a 'T,' Isaac had to interrupt. "Wait, wait, wait, wait! Back up a sec. Mickey Mouse, the icon of this glorious empire, the head cheese himself, has gone missing? No one thought this was an important tidbit of information to tell us? Is it just me, or are we getting yanked around here? What else did the Reps leave out? They didn't mention the homicidal alien, that's for sure!"

Frankie shrugged. "Honestly, I think they know about as much as we do. I remember, back when we were taken to the castle, John saying something about if Mickey didn't like his joke, he could come back himself and say so. I'm guessing they've been bitter about this for a while, and decided to just take care of things themselves."

"Si." Panchito raised a finger high in the air. "But we haven't given up! We shall never give up on finding our amigo, and once more becoming the Three Caballeros!" He fired off his pistols into the sky. "Ay-yi-yi-yi-yi!"

Turned to Jose, Isaac leaned down to whisper, "I think your friend needs Ritalin."

"Well," Liberty ushered her friends forward, "I hate to leave you guys, what with this missing Mickey mess going on, but we really have to move it. We'll be sure to keep an eye out for Mickey and his pals, though."

Frankie stepped up to Liberty's side, a determined scowl on her face. "Okay, I know you're trying to do the right thing and all, but you can't just push aside—" She stopped when she saw the older girl's face pale and her eyes widen. After moving to follow Liberty's gaze, she did the same.

Isaac jumped behind the stone-still Jake. Peeking out from behind the other guy's torso, he pointed a shaking hand. "Huh—Hu-Huh-"

With the shushing sound of sliding metal, the half dozen or so men standing in front of them pulled out their blades. More men jumped down from inside tree boughs or off the tops of buildings. It took no more than a few seconds before the group was completely surrounded by Hun soldiers.

Isaac groaned. "So close to China, we should have seen this coming. We're gonna die, guys! Thanks for putting up with me. It was nice."

Frankie put the crook of her arm through his. "Don't worry," she whispered. "If Shan-Yu's here, then—"

A raspy chuckle cut through the crowd, and it parted to make room for the Hun general. He grinned, showing off his fanglike canines. "Nice to see you know my name." He stood in front of Frankie and tilted up her chin, their faces so close she could smell his foul breath. "I can't wait to hear you scream it."

Isaac was trembling, but his voice was strong. "BACK OFF!" Arms out, no real coordination involved, he sprang forward and shoved Shan-Yu. The surprised general staggered back only a couple of inches before retaliating with a punch to the teen's stomach. The boy toppled, but his friends were there to catch him.

"You heard the man." Jake swung out a fist and clocked a nearby soldier in the face. "Back off!" He snatched the soldier's sword while he was cupping his bloody nose. Kicking one man back, and slashing through the shirt of another charging him, he pushed ahead for an opening.

Behind them, a loud cry rose over the melee. "Aye carumba! AHHHH-HAA!" Riding on their flying carpet, the magical serape, Panchito and Jose dove into the fray, pistols firing and umbrella swinging.

Frankie grabbed Isaac's hand and pushed him towards the birds. "Hey! He's been hurt!"

He protested but they pulled him up and onto the serape. "I just got hit. No biggie, really." He tried to sit up and then curled back up in pain, holding his backpack to his stomach. "Yeah. That stings. Hurts to breathe." He looked down. "Hey, you guys see that little Stave Church there, in Norway? Drop me off there, would you?"

Frankie knew what they needed to turn around this fight. She ducked a soldier, kicked someone in the knees, and then was out and running. Being so petite had its advantages.

Not so lucky, Liberty and Jake were encircled by soldiers. They stood back to back, exhausted from lashing out. They had a few more swipes and kicks left in them, but soon a soldier had hold of her wrists and forced her arms behind her back. She thrashed and flailed her legs to no effect.

"Lib!" Jake raised his sword high, but before he could bring it down, Shan-Yu pushed his own crooked blade into his side.

It took a few seconds for the pain to register. Shocked dulled his senses. His eyes seemed to move so, so slowly down to see the blood soaked sword pulled out of his body. All he could hear was his heartbeat. Liberty was screaming and kicking with all her strength, but it was as if she was muted and in slow-motion. As he fell, time sped up again so he could smack into the pavement. Then the world spun into oblivion.

Ignoring any discomfort, Isaac leapt down from the serape and onto the porch of the Norwegian Stave Church. It was a little, wooden building, shaped almost like a triangle or an A. The walkway leading to either of its two, heavy doors could be uncomfortably tight for larger visitors. In fact, because the stavkirke was so small and unassuming, with its closed doors and location beside the main shops and attraction of the Norway pavilion, most people assumed it was an empty building, a prop for looks. Within it, though, was an oft overlooked gallery, detailing the history of Vikings.

He pushed open the door and stepped inside. It was a little roomier than one might imagine. After all, it had to be to house its wax figures and weapon collection. He ran from glass case to glass case, tapping and shouting, trying to wake up the Viking warriors and kings within. Stopping in front of Erik the Red, he watched as the king blinked his glass eyes and stretched his bearded jaw. The others around him, King Olaf and Rognvald the Raider, woke up as well.

"Help!" Isaac pointed towards the door and waved his arms. "We need help!" He didn't know if they could speak English or not. Spotting a replica of a wooden shield, he hefted it up and shook it, then gestured again to the door. Then he grabbed a sword and repeated the signal.

Around him, the glass cases were shattered by booted feet and clenched fists.

Frankie ran under the Gate of the Golden Sun as she entered the China pavilion. Then she cut a hard left, running over the bridge over the lake koi pond. At the end of the path was her destination, the Imperial Palace. The red building, with its sweeping golden roof, was a beautiful mix of Chinese architecture and symbolism. She remembered reading that the color red signified the Chinese Dragon, and the golden yellow was in reverence for the Phoenix.

Out of breath, heart pounding, she knocked on the doors of the palace. "Please be in there…"

It opened, revealing none other than the savior of China herself, Fa Mulan.

Holding a cup of warm tea in her hands, and wearing a comfortable silk shirt and pants set, she looked as if she'd just been relaxing after a long day of chores and training. "Uh, hello." Mulan tilted her head, confused, but clearly not feeling threatened. "Are you new here?"

"Not exactly." Frankie chanced a quick look over her shoulder, hoping no one had followed. "We've got trouble. The Huns are attacking my friends."

Mulan dropped the cup. "What?"

"Yeah, back in Mexico. We've got to hurry!"

In moments, Mulan was in her armor, riding out on a saddled Khan. Yao, Chien-Po, Ling, and Shang were close behind on their own horses. In the furor, Frankie had been forgotten. "Whoa!" She waved her arms. "Can I get a lift?" Shang doubled back, grabbed her, pulled her up onto his horse, and then was galloping back out, all in one swift move.

Tentatively, she wrapped her arms around his waist. She told herself it was so she wouldn't be thrown off the horse. She didn't have an excuse for resting her cheek against his back, though. "Oh, Shang." She grinned, ecstatic to actually meet her childhood crush. "I heart you!"

He looked over his shoulder. "What was that?"

She jerked up and coughed. "I said, they're right up here!"

The sight was a greater confusing mess than before. Vikings had now entered the battle. She caught sight of Isaac at the sidelines, and when Shang slowed, she slid off the horse, stumbled a bit, and ran to her friend. "What's going on? Where are Libby and Jake?"

He grinned and thumbed his chest. "I brought the Vikings. Uh…" He blinked and tried to peer through the fighters. "No clue." He grimaced. "They didn't follow you?"

But then a blob of red poked through the mass. Head down, Liberty staggered through, hauling Jake with her. When she looked up, tears were raining down her cheeks. Covered in cuts and bruises, she ignored her own pain, and mouthed, "Help!"

Frankie gasped. "No!" She and Isaac dashed over to the couple and helped Liberty carry him to a safe place. They laid him down on a bench, ignoring the shouts and clanging of swords behind them. Then Liberty lifted up his shirt to look at the wound.

It was slender, but deep. Liberty kept her jaw gritted shut. She wasn't about to let him hear her freak out. If he thought she'd lost hope, then he'd… Liberty unzipped the backpack and took out a bottle of water, then poured it on the gash, washing away the dried blood. She took off her jacket and gently pressed it to his skin, hoping to at least slow the blood flow. "Just...Just stay with me, okay?"

Slowly, he reached up and put his hand on hers. He opened his eyes part way and smiled. "Where else would I go?"

She smiled back down at him, but couldn't stop her tears. "I can't lose you, you know."

His voice was weaker now. "Why's that?"

"You make me laugh."

"Shan-Yu," Shang's voice bellowed. Frankie and Isaac turned to see what was going on. The fighting had ceased, and the Chinese and Viking warriors held the Huns at bay. "You've attacked China and civilians in our land…"

Liberty groaned. She gave Jake's limp hand a reassuring squeeze, and then went over to the young captain. "Shang, I know you've got politics to settle, but my friend is dying. He needs help right now!" She gestured to the barely breathing body on the bench. "Please, I'm begging you," her voice softened. "Isn't there something we can do?"

For a moment, he almost looked offended at being interrupted, but then Mulan placed her hand on his arm. He touched his fingers to hers. His eyes darted from her to Liberty. "Sometimes," he swallowed, "casualities—"

"Don't give me that!" She pointed at him with one hand and had the other on her hip. "This place is full of magic. Isn't there a Fairy Godmother nearby or something?"

Erik the Red stepped up next to Liberty. Tapping the bottom of his spear against the ground, the Viking leader called for attention. When he spoke, it was in a thick Norwegian accent. "Perhaps, it is her fiery spirit. Or," he chuckled, "it is her fiery hair that makes me sympathize…" He tugged on his bright red beard. "I do know of a way to ward off the Valkyries of Valhalla. There is one who has the magic to heal, and that is the Troll King. You will have to face the Maelstrom to reach him, and even then, he may refuse to help. The trolls hate humans, and they hate strangers in their woods even more."

She glanced at Jake. He looked so still and pale... She wiped away tears and turned back to the king. "I'll do anything to save him."

Erik pointed with his spear to the entrance of Maelstrom. "Then hurry now. Go before it's too late!"