The Hunchback was all on his own, and it would seem that he may have been up to no good at first glance. Gently hushing his dear pony to a calm trot, he came to a very lush forest of oak. After such a ride for only a couple of hours, Quasi mounted off of her and tightened his belt which held a number of important things; A firm handled knife that he never used to carve with. This was one meant for combat. It sat in a thick holster made out of leather. There was some climbing rope, that also worked well as a whip (a weapon he multi-tasked with super well).
"I know, dear girl. It has been far too long since we have returned… Our sunlit Lady has risen this morning~" he quietly whispered to his horse as she took a drink from the creek. Softly, he stroked along her mane before something began to feel off.
This bold man knew it when the air of fell quiet, cold and still. A rather eery emotionless glare fell from his aquamarine eyes when he glanced to a tree upon hearing the groan of a raven. He touched and held his necklace before he rose back up. That was no ordinary raven…
When Fidele gave an uneasy grunt and wanted to fly, he did not even need to look to see who was standing in the darkest part of the wood behind him. Her sharply, green icy eyes just focused on him before she calmly pressed her way out, with staff in hand.
"… my lady." the deformed fighter greeted her, amazingly with some kind of respect.
They had been enemies for years, upon meeting the Day Guardian. With that came to some sort of mutual understanding when she would appear. She would only appear when she felt a threat.
"A fine day, isn't it, my dearest Quasimodo? It has been quite long since you've gotten such a notice from the Magic Kingdom." she began, speaking quite softly as if she was talking to a friend.
"I assume you'd be up to date." Quasimodo tried to keep his voice steady. "… considering you broke something we all worked hard to get."
"No petty document would settle things, especially when there is only one Guardian in these Realms." Maleficent began to casually walk with grace towards his frightened pony, who reared up as she approached. Quasimodo sadly couldn't calm her and when Maleficent stroked the tip of Fidele's nose, she miraculously calmed. It seemed strange at first but when he spotted a green glint in his steed's eye, he prepared for the worst. "And here enters the valiant bell ringer of Notre Dame of Paris, who showed such courage and strength against my force. To assist his beloved pet once again. And he would be quite happy to hear that his taming numbers are growing, after all this time."
That was spoken with sugar-sweetened malice and even she smiled at that. "No silly treaty would ever keep things settled, my boy. You would truly believe that…?"
"… we always knew that about you." was the risky reply from the fighting Woodsman. "Of course, you would stoop to that low towards Kingdoms and people who have done no harm against you."
"Ah, my dear Quasimodo. My goal was never for the Kingdoms or their people. Hang the Kingdoms," she sweetly insulted. "My goal is simply stating the truth. Now she has all of you gathering before her, working towards the same goal. A goal you and your lot have worked for your entire lives. Keeping those Guardians against me, strong enough outmatch me."
"…Mistress, this wouldn't be this way had you hadn't started a war in the first place. Cassandra at first wanted to bring you sunlight and a chance but then you chose to kill her. If that hadn't happened you would have gained one powerful ally. You once wanted to protect the Moors with all you had."
"This isn't about the Moors anymore. Every single ruler seek out for my destruction. Because of all of you."
Quasimodo opened his arms wide, invitingly, but it was a sarcastic motion.
"Then do what you normally do. Take me away or send me to kill Cassandra, Meaghan, and Sarah… Why did you consider showing yourself to me if you detest us all this much?"
"Oh, I do detest all of you and every single ingrate that comes along your path. You know what she had done. She left me open, my world… open for all the vultures to swoop down and take whatever was left."
Quasimodo heard the strangest tone of pain in her voice. Oddly, he felt for her.
"Maleficent, she wanted to help you. We never wanted this war. We never wanted to destroy you, we never have."
"She once attacked Paris. Your home. Killing off your livestock like the animal she is…"
"She was young and she wasn't used to that power… Now she has those around her who help her check her worst impulses. That's the difference between you two…"
"Dear Quasimodo, I do not need my worst impulses checked."
Quasimodo tried his hardest to keep his eyes averted from the glow of her staff, expecting an assault of some kind. But once she lunged it at him, a great headache struck him and he shut his eyes quickly, but it was too late!
Rather than full control, the Hunchback was then launched into a vision… being in a place made out of some kind of medal with entryways taking up the sides of this grand hall. It looked like a station. There were so many characters, in different shapes and sizes all frantically running towards a hall that was sparking electrically for one second as this one character, resembling a young boy in some kind of blue uniform, came bolting towards that hall. His eyes were filled with terror as great darkness took over the station. Before he could even get near enough, another sort, big and strong in a red checkered shirt and brown overalls, burst out, grabbing this boy as best he could. Both of them were in tears… The young one was screaming to be let go, crying out a beloved name… his face twisted in a grimace.
The vision morphed away to reveal Cassandra, well and alive, kneeling down to that same poor lad, comfortingly holding his hand, providing a gentle word.
"Yet she goes around being supportive of insignificant folk who she considers … worthy.
Folk who have no idea of how this new world will serve them after they had their reality torn away, just as mine was.
You assist this buzzard and her ragtag mutt with no second thought."
Maleficent smacked the bottom of her staff hard to the ground, lifting the vision away from the man. He grasped his head in pain for a moment, blinking his eyes, trying to adjust to the dark wood. He had to kneel down for a moment, feeling sick. He rose his head up to see her looming over him, with power and rage. A familiar presence he was always felt with Cassandra…. It was a frightening coincidence.
"You believe living in harmony is still a possibility. The fools, the lot of you. With this in the air, I will let you on your way. Toward your precious goal."
Before he could shake it off, the brutal Fairy was then gone from him. This was a daily fear that he had, of her turning up on a whim, especially when the world was in such a panic. Grasping his enchanted necklace, he was so relieved to have it still on his person. She had full power over him, but he knew her more than he would have wanted, unfortunately. So many years at each other's throats, he knew as much that she felt deeply threatened. Fidele finally gave her mane a shake, feeling very confused until he had to come and stroke her calm.
"Easy, little girl, easy…" he whispered. "She has gone…" he then looked to the place she had stood. There was only the leftover morning mist just lingering. "… I have a feeling we're in something deep, dear girl… Did she hurt you?" he whispered, looking her in the eyes while holding her rein still. "… I can never be more sorry." he sorrowfully spoke as he made sure his sack was all together. "Come. Once we step through, there will no more of that."
The place where he was destined to go to was this old, thick tree. One that had been living there for many a generation. Deep underneath its great roots was a small opening that led into an empty space, littered with leaves, dirt, and dust. That was just at first glance but behind some of the brush was one single mirror frame. It looked timeless as if it had made home here for many years. Making sure he was alone with his horse while inside this place, Quasimodo took the necklace from around his neck and held the centerpiece well and firm in his hand. This piece looked to be no bigger than a single marble. As white and as colorful as a moon-white opal, it glimmered in the leaking sunbeams. There was a small keyhole in its desired shape on the bottom of the frame. Once he kneeled down and inserted it, the heart of the wall behind it suddenly began to light up in a swirl of blue and white, like ocean waves. Not even a moment had passed when the solid image opened up to reveal a shaded, stone corridor. The inner halls of the King's Keep.
Upon entering, Fidele had herself another spook when someone dearly small had run across her path. It looked to be no other than a doe-eyed little girl, with black hair all adorned with candy of different colors. "WHoaaa—Agh!" she yelped having to duck as he had to calm her again.
"Child! Gracious me, are you all right!?" he worriedly questioned the colorful lass.
"After being stepped on before, I'm pretty cool, thanks! Uh, sorry, excuse me!" she spoke in an odd, scratchy voice and continued to run down the hospital hall in excitement.
For starters, he had never seen this child before, so she had to be one of the many refugees rounded through this month, as far as he knew.
"When it's not one thing, it's another…" Quasimodo muttered, still in his shock. Nonetheless, he and his steed had finally arrived after such a long portion of the morning.
"Sire Quasimodo! Oh, joyous day, you're here in one peace!" rejoiced the Queen Minnie Mouse with the King in tow.
"Your Highnesses!" Quasimodo was close to bowing, but he was just hugged instead. "I came as soon as I could…."
"The entire realm has been shaken. With the best of our abilities, the Wizards are spreading word far and wide." Mickey went straight to the point.
"I have heard that Cassandra is well…"
"Very much. She and the Great Prince did well on their quest, despite the bumps."
"How I worried for her since I was not given word for weeks… Her refugees are all accounted for?"
"Each and every one of them, sir. They rest now… for the day."
"All the better. Away from that cold grasp. Her heart was always for the People. That one cloud we're cursed to keep above our heads… I had the pleasure of seeing how she is doing…"
"She didn't attack you, did she?" Mickey furrowed.
"Of the sort. Yet it was more like a 'civil' confrontation, of all things. She is angered and fairly afraid as of late. It's best that I must see to my wife…."
"She is stretching her wings after her plight, accompanied by the Valiant Robin Hood. They await you in the gardens~ and you've come fairly earlier than we expected. She will be so happy!"
It was well into the morning, so much so that noon was close at hand. By that time, I got the full extent of a relaxing flight and my head was set back onto an even mindset. From overjoy to pure contentment, I felt life back in me again. As discussion rose during our session, it would seem that tonight was not as nerve-wracking for me as it will be for our new members. Over the land, if I was seen or not, I soared silently to the ledge on the end of the castle grounds. I carefully reached both feet toward it, not used to these appendages. I basically had a set of hands and it was a bit uncanny when I tried to grip just right without tripping over myself.
Robin wasn't alone, but he just kept his thoughts to himself. When I managed to keep somewhat of a decent footing after he hopped off, I saw him smirk.
"Pretty spot on, I'll say!" he spryly piped up.
"Yeah, for an ostrich…" I grudgingly told myself, making the valiant laugh.
Little did I know was that someone else had joined us in the gardens. That being one well known Parisian friend to the Kingdom alone, more so the one I've been in pain to be in contact with for so long. It made my heart ache even more for the one young sport, Felix, who took on more than he could handle for the first time.
Meanwhile, Quasimodo simply looked through the garden before being absolutely stunned at the sight of this magnificent eagle taken in the noon sky as soon as he released his steed to safely graze. There she was, strong as could be, as bright as any star… Tears of relief stung his eyes as he approached them, just trying to keep himself together. Once again, he was smitten when that regal head rose up from her comrade who was only as small as a pebble compared to her. For the first time in a month, he made direct eye contact with her. His heart fluttered, on the verge of bursting, when he had to run down the grassy hill toward them.
When I finished that train of thought, one thing caught my keen eye and looked up. Thereupon the highest hill I saw someone walk through the garden and my gizzard just froze up. He was here? He was already here!? Just the look on his face spoke volumes~ As if on a whim, I took wing! Not even thinking about I soared over him and my eye was telling me the truth, the moment I saw that flash of red hair. Having him under my shadow as I flapped powerfully over him, crying out in joy!
He had simply no fear, no matter how massive and loud I was while I proceeded to land by him.
"Casey! By God! Thank the Heaven's, you're safe!" I heard his voice crack as he took hold of my beak into his hands.
"Quasi! Please forgive me…. I - I wanted to tell you where I was, but~"
"I've always trusted you, my sweet… Whatever you did kept you sound. I cannot be more proud of you…"
Without even thinking about it much, my beastly facade just shimmered and shrunk all the way down to the point that I was just one earthly girl again, latching my man tightly around his neck, fighting back the intense sobs.
"Quasimodo~ I've missed you so much…" I choked.
"You, dearest~ don't you start crying or else I'll cry…" he strained, softly kissing the top of my head. Soon enough, my lips found his own in due time.
"There's been a lot of that going on lately…" I sniffled while a secretive fox watched on, peacefully.
"However so, in another world, you managed for so many days…"
"The last evacuation got weird, I regret to say. It may have been all my fault."
"Cassandra~"
"No, I mean it… I got too comfortable among the people there. I wasn't thinking and she stepped in, just before we got under the Master's protection. I was forgiven but I can't help but feel so torn up. I can't stand others having to go through what we went through."
"But look, you kept them all together and now 'we're' together. If I know anything this far, she is beyond terrified at this point. The nations know, everyone knows by now… You are not alone, sunshine."
That very emotion I have been yearning for all month was rising up so harshly that I simply couldn't contain it, and I only had two Tamers with me at present.
"None of us can predict what that witch is doing. Not even the most powerful wizard can. You cannot allow her to weigh you down… The fact that you brought a whole world away from catastrophe, all on your own… My, Maleficent doesn't stand a chance."
I was smiling, wiping my tear stained cheeks, feeling complete after all this time. "God, where were you guys?" I sobbed out. "I meant for you all to stay safe but… I sure learned my lesson."
"That's my girl, deep breaths." Quasi whispered to me as he had me in a tight embrace, although I could feel him shake from his very core too. Right then, I could tell that he was abused as well.
"Meags is coming. She's been found…" I changed the subject. I was sick of having that fae on my mind.
"What!? Where…?"
"I don't know where, but I can feel her. I-I know, I thought that something happened too, but she's okay~ Most important is that she's okay…"
"Oh, Casey, that is wonderful news!" Quasimodo stifled a sob. "I've come just in time, for tonight…"
"Yes. Just enough to get our bearings~ It looks like we're going to have some new additions. Temporarily at least…"
Quasimodo glanced up at the great towers looming above us like a giant. He had an idea after that vision, however. "New additions? I was wondering…"
"… you have an idea of what I am about to say, huh?" I nervously swept some hair behind my ear as the wind picked up.
"Let me just say that Maleficent showed me a couple of things… Things I am not inclined to say aloud."
"I… I may have made a vow. Last night actually…"
"A vow…?"
"What's life here, of all places, when you are basically the only one here with a lost loved one?"
Quasimodo's eyes remained glossy as a mournful smile began to grow. "I see. I see…" he replied, having to go through such, more than what he would like to admit, in truth.
"I told him that I was going to find her. So now, he personally wishes to accompany me. Us… and so does his bestie. Especially after that fiasco…"
"No wonder our enemy is so mad."
I looked into his eyes while giving a heavy sigh. "Did I make a mistake, guys…?"
"No. You're their Guardian. Just them believing in you is just enough."
"It is an honor to welcome new troops, as always." Robin took a bow to greet his good friend. "They would be getting the warmest welcome~"
