SUPER DISNEY BROS.
Chapter 36: The Scout
New faces had emerged with the arrival of King Mickey. Not only had he brought a team of fighters, he had used a mysterious weapon, called the Keyblade, to free the hostages from the petrifying curse at long last. Those who were revived had a friend to recap what had happened since their capture. Merida had already given Jack Skellington the relevant details. They both understood that their mission to find and close the Door to Darkness remained the same as it had begun. They figured it would be heavily guarded and hidden at a remote location. Since their spooky encounter at the graveyard, several more heroes had crossed paths, creating teams that eventually converged at the same location. Merida could not help but smirk at whatever clever plans fate had in store for everyone.
Having witnessed their unique weapons and abilities, Merida wholeheartedly believed they all wielded a fighting chance against the Heartless and their heinous leaders. Still, she considered proper training for the whole team before storming into any stronghold that veiled the Door to Darkness. Merida was especially eager to fight alongside Mulan again.
Even after the intense blizzard had passed, the cold air lingered. The present heroes and rescued hostages stood patiently and quietly. Merida could see how the folks from her team were reluctant to chat with anyone else. Mulan and Mushu whispered to each other, much like Aladdin and Jasmine. Donald and Goofy maintained their distance from the larger folks like Baymax and the Beast.
Merida was alone in her fiery desire to trek forward and slay the next Heartless. Meanwhile, King Mickey had excused himself to discreetly discuss what she could only imagine to be vital information with the woman in blue, the green cyclops, the blue rabbit-like creature, teenage boy with the rattail hair, and the pirate. She trusted that King Mickey needed to figure out a plan before spilling the whole terrifying truth at once.
Merida was too impatient to tolerate shyness from such ferocious warriors. She took it upon herself to commence introductions. She groaned when she realized it was what her mother would do when uniting the clans of Dunbroch.
"O'right ya nervous ninnies! Let's have ar'selves a jolly mingle," said Merida, from the top of the ship's bridge. She succeeded in drawing everyone's attention, even that of King Mickey. He resumed his private chat with Jim Hawkins, regarding a mysterious island. Everyone else appeared alarmed by Merida's sudden outcry.
"What's this about?" asked Hiro.
"We have ar'selves some fightin' friends yet wer' all too scared to even cross the aisle and say 'how ar' ya?' If we be workin' together, let's at least get to knowin' ea' chother. I'll go first. Where did the lot of you travel from?" asked Merida. She made sure to look at each person in their eyes to make them feel included.
"China," answered Mulan, diligently. "On the other side of the Eastern mountains."
"We're kind of a big deal from there," added Mushu with a smug nod.
"Neverland!" Peter Pan eagerly raised his hand. "It's the second star on the right, straight on til morning. It's got pirates, mermaids, and Indians, and all kinds of cool stuff!"
"Jasmine and I are from Agrabah. It's an oasis of sorts." Aladdin admired the enormous palace, at which he used to gaze from his old raggedy home. What he loved even more was the breathtaking beauty that could only be found by looking into Jasmine's eyes, which he would claim to sparkle like stars on a black desert night.
"I hail from Halloween Town. You'll never find a more horrifying hive of ghoulish spirits, vampires, werewolves, and all kinds of undead company," said Skellington, as if reciting the lines of a tour guide.
"Pride Rock is my kingdom," said Simba. "We're recovering from a previous reign so it's not in the best condition. But once everything's better, you're all welcome to visit."
"And do all the animals talk like you?" asked Hiro. Simba frowned and glared. Hiro wondered if he had said something offensive.
"Suuure? As far as I can tell, we're all animals. Someone of you just have really strange fur...and shells." Simba shook his head in the way of Baymax. Hiro understood he was referring to Baymax's armor.
"Well, biologically...you're not wrong," replied Hiro with a friendly chuckle.
"Why don't you tell us about your kingdom?" asked Simba.
"I'm actually from a city. It's called San Fransokyo. We're technologically advanced, we're multicultural...we run on clean, renewable energy...uhm." Hiro listed numerous achievements from his home city in his head. Before he could utter another word about praising the people, he remembered his friends: Go-go, Honey Lemon, Wasabi, Fred, and Aunt Cass. He wanted to share a memory about a place that served hot, delicious ramen that they all enjoyed. However, all he could imagine was how they must have been struggling against the Heartless and waiting for his return.
"I can share San Fransokyo's…history…geography..and related material...if further information is needed," reported Baymax.
Hiro snapped out of his grim introspection. He was fine. He was ready to listen to other people before developing a new plan for locating the Door to Darkness.
"What about you? Are you from a village or kingdom?" asked Mulan to Merida.
"Aye. Dunbroch is me home. Lots of green grass, noisy bagpipes, and tart'n kilts."
"Not too bad. It's good to meet you and the rest of your team," said Mulan kindly. "It's incredible how we've all come from different places."
"Some of us nigh have a home to return to...for now," said Merida, bleakly.
"I'm so sorry," said Mulan. "The Heartless haven't reached our home but we left to join King Mickey. We knew he would have an idea to stopping them."
"I hope yer right 'bout that. Seems yer leader has been up and chatty wi'the other folks," replied Merida.
"What I don't understand is how did y'all figure out to come here to this frosty corner of the world?" asked Mushu with sass.
"Magic mirror. You?" asked Merida, parting her long red hair from a breeze.
"Magic necklace...I think." Mulan turned to Aladdin. "How does that thing work again?"
"How does 'what' work?" asked Aladdin, who had been asking Peter Pan about pirate treasure in Neverland.
"The Shaka-khan thingy!" hollered Mushu.
"Oh, the Chakrai?" Aladdin pulled out the ancient artifact from his pocket.
"Is that what you were looking for, Aladdin?" asked Jasmine.
"Uh huh. We've been using this to track down the bad guys. We found Jafar and we got it to take us here, where we found you," said Aladdin sweetly.
"You've been very brave. But Jafar is still out there. And so are the Heartless," stated Jasmine.
"How do ya work that trinket?" asked Merida, approaching Aladdin.
"It can detect any disaster. This points in its direction and this-I think-shows you how much time you have until the disaster happens." Aladdin pointed to each hand of the clock-like Chakrai.
"Like a witchy compass, is it? I reckon the Door to Darkness suits well enough for a disaster," reasoned Merida.
"But according to legend, only a king can use its magic," explained Aladdin.
"So, we're having to wait for his Majesty before we know where to go next?" asked Merida.
"That's the way it looks. I don't make the rules," said Aladdin. He offered the Chakrai to Merida who studied its central gem, gleaming like a ruby eye.
"I guess it doesn't fancy princesses. Me bet says a man enchanted this item," scoffed Merida.
"What about that magic mirror? Do you still have it?" asked Mulan.
"Our friend's got it. Lemme ask." Merida marched through the snow where the Beast had secluded himself with Belle. He groaned upon her arrival yet Belle emerged with a bright smile.
"You must be Merida!" exclaimed Belle with unbridled joy in her eyes.
"A...aye?" Merida was unsure how to respond to such a perky human being, especially one who stood comfortably next to the Beast.
"He's told me about you. And your friends. I can't thank you all enough for helping me." Belle leaned in and hugged Merida.
"Oh, did he?" muffled Merida. She returned the hug politely before breaking away. Belle shivered and returned to the Beast. Merida could tell that Belle used the Beast's thick fur for warmth, explaining why she did not stray too far.
"It's been a journey for you all. I know he can be...a handful," said Belle. The Beast curved away, feeling a little embarrassed. He had had multiple outbursts after Belle had been kidnapped. He was ready to head home, even without saying his farewells; but he knew the Heartless and the phantom would eventually return for her if they remained unchallenged.
"Yer kind. I came here to have a look at that mirror," said Merida. Belle turned around and whispered to the Beast. Without any issue, the Beast handed her the magic mirror. She then passed it onto Merida, who had to contain her excitement.
"May I ask what's going on here?" asked Belle. Merida was unsure how much the Beast had told Belle. He was very quiet and reclusive; she did not expect him to pay attention to details, much like Peter Pan. She took a deep breath and attempted a brief answer.
"We need t'find the Door to Darkness. That's what's letting the Heartless come into ar'world. Once we know where it is, we'll need everyone who can fight to help us get there. I'll be sure to have ya somewhere safe."
"I see. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. I want to help too," said Belle.
"I'll be sure to ask. Lemme fix up the plans of attack wi'the others." Merida had felt the need to be extra gentle when speaking to Belle. Unlike Mulan or the other heroes, Belle had no means of defending herself against monsters like the Heartless. Merida made it a point to consider anyone else who would join Belle and possibly protect her far from any future battles.
By the time Merida re-grouped with Mulan, King Mickey stepped forward from the deck of the pirate ship.
"Thank you everyone. My apologies for making anyone wait too long. I wanted to share some big news," announced King Mickey. Merida was ready to show off her partner's magic mirror and Aladdin's Chakrai. When used together, both items would provide invaluable information about the Heartless, the villains, and the location of the Door to Darkness.
"I believe I know where we can find the Door to Darkness," said King Mickey. His incredible claim caused an excited stir of murmurs and gasps. Merida stood agape. So much for her diplomatic sleuthing, she thought.
"Where, Your Majesty?" asked Donald.
"Our new friends have discovered an island with a strong flow of dark energy. While it's a sure sign that the Door to Darkness should be there, we also know that it's protected by a barrier," explained King Mickey.
"Do we have a layout of the island?" asked Hiro. King Mickey was unsure how to respond since he had never seen the reported island firsthand. Jim Hawkins stepped forward to answer the question.
"The barrier is hazy. We can't see through it unless we can destroy it. It's also causing some intense electro-magnetic disturbance. Our gear can't get a proper reading."
"Did you save any data on it?" continued Hiro. "Baymax and I have been processing the irregular frequencies of the electro-magnetic anomalies and analyzing the gravity-warping vortexes ever since the Heartless invaded our home."
"Wait. I'm confused again." Peter Pan raised his hand, like a student in a classroom.
"He speaks the tongue of science," noted Merida. "Hiro, what did ya haven'mind?"
"I have a theory about how this...darkness operates. It involves dark matter, cosmic fractures in the fourth dimensions, quantum-"
Merida did not have to say a word. She crossed her arms and gestured the clueless crowd. Peter Pan had given up any attempt to understand and just daydreamed while floating. Hiro understood that he needed to simplify his speech.
"Baymax and I...can kinda read what...darkness and doorways...do...and how dangerous they get," began Hiro, slowly. "If I can take a look at what they have...and compare it to what we've seen...then I should be able to verify if the Door to Darkness would be there."
"Or we can just use this mirror to give us a clear answer," proposed Merida.
"Well. I don't see why not, if that can save us from another guessing game," said King Mickey. Merida walked up the bridge and handed the magic mirror to him. Jim Hawkins joined them for a closer inspection. With the mirror in King Mickey's hand, Stitch saw a chance to watch without being too short.
"How does this gadget work?" asked Jim.
"Ye ask it to show ya somethin' and it shows it to ya," replied Merida.
"No, I mean how does remotely transmit a precise image in real time?"
"I canna tell ya. Everything's all gammy magic to me." Merida shrugged. With the exception of wearing her bear charm for protection, she would normally avoid anything supernatural. However, upon the advent of the Heartless, she had discovered benign magic, such as Peter Pan's flight or King Mickey's ability to restore people to their original form. Jim Hawkins on the other hand was convinced it had to be estranged alien technology. Rather than start a useless quarrel over science versus magic, Jim remained silent but studious.
"Okay then. Show me the Door to Darkness," requested King Mickey.
The mirror lost any reflective gleam. Harsh whispers creeped from the glass, blanketed by darkness.
"That's not right. The mirror has never made a peep before," cautioned Merida. King Mickey tried to make sense of the image. Maybe the mirror revealed a deep, disturbing view of the realm of darkness. Suddenly, the mirror trembled. Black mist seeped through the silver rim. The whispers escalated in pitch. King Mickey winced. His ears were in fact very sensitive to certain sounds. Jim speculated that it was a dark dimension where sound existed but in some hostile environment, like a gas planet of endless storms. The pitch grew louder and sharper.
"Let's change it!" Merida used her clumps of red hair to muffle the noise. King Mickey had a quick glimpse of everyone else's discomfort. Stitch rolled around, folded his ears, and growled. Even Baymax was affected. Hiro noticed his eyes twitch as if he was experiencing a glitch.
"Alright. Show us the island that's protecting the Door to Darkness," said King Mickey. His question yielded a tamer answer. The mirror turned silent and still. The ghastly fumes vanished. Instead, the mirror presented murky blur of black and purple. Upon squinting, both King Mickey and Jim found an ominous glow behind the dark colors.
"Yup, that's it," said Jim.
"The island? Looks like...a nasty witch's brew," commented Merida.
"I passed by it from my solar surfer. It looks just like the storm that surrounds the barrier. When I was there, the lighting was only slightly better. I know what I saw," explained Jim.
"Do you know if the barrier covers the entire island? Maybe there's a point of entry?" asked King Mickey.
"Possibly but I didn't stick around long enough to check. I had to get out before the storm would take me down. Even there was...I dunno...an underwater passageway, I doubt if anyone here has to ability to reach it." Jim had pushed his imagination to think of a clever way to infiltrate the island. They would need a strong flying vessel to withstand the storm, a weapon to destroy the barrier, and a tactical plan to reach the Door to Darkness if they could pull off a successful landing.
"But ya do know where you found the island, right?" asked Merida.
"Oh yeah. I made sure to save the coordinates. I could lead you all there, if you wanted," said Jim.
"But that would put everyone in harm's way," said King Mickey. "It's too risky."
"What if we sent a scout?" suggested Hiro. He ascended the ship's bridge and joined discussion on his own.
"A scout?" repeated King Mickey.
"I already did that and I was lucky to make it out alive," said Jim.
"Baymax and I can fly at a safe distance and scan the island for data. We'll be back with information about circumventing the storm, weak spots on the barrier, and get a layout on the island's facilities," explained Hiro.
"And you have the tech to get all that data?" asked Jim.
"Trust me. I'm confident in Baymax. I've upgraded him with the most sophisticated super sensor. He can scan an entire city with a twenty-five mile radius and pinpoint a biological signature out of a population of over eight-hundred thousand people," boasted Hiro. He was precise in his claim, using the statistics from his home city.
Jim whistled in amazement.
"Well, more data never hurt. Let me show you what we have." Jim beckoned Hiro onto the ship, who then mimicked the gesture over to Baymax who rocketed off the snow.
"Ya sure yer up for a lone wolf task?" asked Merida.
"What? Well, I'm never alone. Not when I have this guy with me." Hiro padded Baymax's chest. Jim activated a holographic map from his own communicative device. He expanded the map by stretching his fingers and pointed to their current position at the snowy mountain. He then scrolled across the land, to the coast, the sea, and then the island. Baymax reached across to tap Jim's device. He nodded and confirmed an automatic download of the map.
"That's an impressive robot you've got there. You build him yourself?" asked Jim.
"His original caregiving functions come from my brother. I added the upgrades for combat," said Hiro.
"Nice!" Jim was grateful to have found someone with whom to chat about technology. Had there been more time, Jim would have asked many questions. Even Hiro wondered what Jim had meant when he had said solar surfer.
"I hope ya know what yer flying into. Do bring Baymax back," said Merida.
"Hey? What about me?" joked Hiro.
"What? We got another toy-tinkering lad. Yer services are no longer needed." Merida snickered. Hiro could not help but laugh along with her. Baymax was silent but pleased by their friendly humor, which he knew from his programming had physical and psychological benefits to their overall health.
"Oy Baymax!" cried Merida.
Baymax turned and blinked.
"Don't let this know-it-all lad steer ya deep into this tempest. I'll be needing yer hearty hugs again."
"Of course. I'm programmed for maximum safety protocol...optimal data retrieval...and medical assistance. Warm hugs…are also included," reported Baymax.
"Hey, guys?"
Merida, Hiro, and Jim turned around. Mike rubbed his arms while standing against Sulley's fuzzy leg.
"So, it sounds like you guys have a sweet recon plan but what about us? Are we just gonna wait here in this winter wasteland?"
Elsa shrugged and frowned. She rather enjoyed the calm, snowy environment; however, she had to be considerate of others who would be fairly uncomfortable in freezing temperatures. As for her, the cold never bothered her anyway.
"We can train! Ready ourselves for whatever nasty devils we'll be facing at the island," suggested Merida with daring excitement.
"But I'm guessing we should get everyone someplace more...hospitable." Jim slipped his hands into his coat pockets.
"What about the beach? I saw a coastline from the map. You all can bring everyone there while we're scouting," said Hiro. "I'm sure they'll appreciate that."
"Oh yeah! That's the ticket!" cheered Mike. "Hey, Sulley. I gotta prep you with a whole scare regiment. You could use it after being stuck in stone for so long."
"That's not a bad idea. I'd like to get to know everyone else we haven't met yet," said Sulley. His voice was deep yet groggy. Mike had to train his best friend back into fighting and frightening shape before they could handle another brawl.
"Now, now. Let's not hoist our anchors so soon," mumbled a cautious voice.
Elsa and the others looked up where Captain Jack Sparrow waved his filthy hand while strolling down the steps.
"What's wrong?" asked Elsa.
"It seems I've failed to include a most important detail to your eager endeavors, of which only one is aware," said Sparrow, nodding at Elsa.
"Care to share with us?" asked Merida.
"This vessel is in my possession. I aim to relocate far off and be on my own merry way, as soon as...the child...is ready." Sparrow pointed at Peter Pan who was flying and playing with Tinker Bell. He had been keeping his eye on Peter Pan to guarantee his assistance with bringing the enchanted ship back into the sky, and then eventually to reach the sea.
"What? Yer not gonna come and help us get to the Door t'Darkness?" scolded Merida.
"My dear lass, I see no reason to do so. You have plenty of spry volunteers for your crew. I shall chart my prize off to pillage and plunder, as I please," announced Sparrow.
"So, this guy is actually a pirate, right? I'm willing to believe it at this point," said Hiro.
"He definitely looks the part," mumbled Jim. His voyages across the galaxy had led him to act very vigilant when engaged with pirates, human or alien. He had only met one, a cyborg named Long John Silver, who had earned his trust. Jim would often privately think of the sly scalawag whenever stargazing.
"I do not like the idea of chauffeuring a whole private army without a proper incentive," said Sparrow.
"So ya haven't a quarrel with the Heartless or how they'll come after yer loved ones?" asked Merida, peeved by Sparrow's blatant selfishness.
"I only have one love and she cannot be tamed. The sea will take me from one island to the next. No beastie will ever know the wiser. So then, I think I've been a rather gracious host, allowing you all to reunite and strategize your heroic plans on my ship. Off you go now." Sparrow flaunted his arms at everyone. Hiro and Jim knew where to find the island but if they wanted to get everyone else to help, a sea-faring or flying vessel was crucial to fighting the Heartless forces.
"Jack." Elsa faced Sparrow. He was taken aback by hearing his first name. Her sensitive yet stern eyes seized his full attention.
"Your Majesty, I'm certain you've got another bargain in mind but I'll take me winnings while it's still mine to claim." Sparrow proceeded back to the stairs. His hands were ready to grasp the helm of his ship.
"Are you sure? You'd pass up the chance...for glory?" Elsa smirked. Jim was intrigued by whatever plan she had hatched.
"What now?" mumbled Sparrow. He paused before setting his foot on the first step. He turned around with a smidge of interest.
"If you leave now, all of us will go back home and tell the tale of the cowardly…selfish…dull Sparrow. One who flees when the battles turn brutal. True, we could find another vessel." Elsa turned back and winked at the others who were watching her play into the pirate's pride.
"But, if you provided your vessel and aided our cause, you'll surely reap from the victory. Think of the stories that will spread across land and sea when we return to our kingdoms. Just imagine, all of us knowing how the whole world was saved by the brilliant...Captain...Jack Sparrow." Elsa walked away from Sparrow, leaving him to ponder a most tempting offer.
"I do suppose...I could use the publicity. Legends do spread by themselves, mind you." Sparrow danced around his words, refusing to give an immediate answer.
"And I thought you had an eye and ear for an opportune moment," teased Elsa.
"It seems Your Majesty has been paying close attention to me. Very well. Bring your friends aboard, boys…girls...or whatever."
"And surely you wouldn't mind if we stopped up there. I need to bring someone along before we all head out," Elsa gazed upon her ice palace, still gleaming from the summit of the snowy mountain.
"You may handle your business briefly while I determine our bearings with these scholarly lads." Sparrow pointed at Jim and Hiro. "And will someone bring the child back here?"
"Ya mean Peter Pan? I've got it." Merida cupped her hands. She was ready to bellow out her lungs at Peter Pan. Her eyes dropped down when King Mickey slowly stepped off the ship. She was thrown off. The others on the ship immediately gathered at the railing to watch him.
King Mickey silently made his way over to the last petrified hostage. He listened to Elsa who had made a priority to save someone while persuading a pirate to loan his ship. He knew what mattered to him. It was never just his kingdom or other lands that were devastated by Heartless attacks. Even Donald and Goofy recognized what King Mickey was feeling by how steadfast he walked.
Queen Minnie, still imprisoned in stone and locked in fear, faced King Mickey. He pointed his Keyblade forward. Both hands clenched tightly. This time, for the last revival, he had to muster the light from his own heart.
Everyone turned silent out of respect. Pete saw a chance to escape while they were distracted. One step into the snow alerted Simba. He snarled, petrifying Pete into place.
FWSHSHSH!
White light radiated from King Mickey. Gusts of wind twirled around him, cautioning others into stepping back. They could not see what happened next. Many were not expecting such blinding power. Only Donald and Goofy were prepared to witness the impressive power of light that resided in the heart of their king.
The white light vanished instantly. The spectating heroes leaned to see the second mouse-like character to appear. Jasmine gasped out of pure joy. Her dear friend was back to normal. King Mickey fell to his knees. She was back.
"Mickey? Mickey!" cried Queen Minnie. She picked him up and embraced him. They both spun together until they tumbled and shared a tender laugh with snow on their faces.
"Where, in the world, are we? What's the matter?" asked Queen Minnie.
"You were turned to stone...and then taken away. I wish I could have saved you sooner. Maybe if I was stronger or smarter, I could have-"
"Mickey. I never have any doubts about you. You know that, right?" said Queen Minnie softly.
"Gosh, I mean." King Mickey struggled to find the right words to explain himself.
"I knew I was taken. I could feel something awful...trying to take my heart," revealed Queen Minnie. King Mickey was hasty to apologize again but she raised her gloved hand. "But I knew you'd be there with your light. You're already so brave and kind. That's why so many look up to you when they're scared. I guess I'll have to be there for you when you get scared. And you know what? That's okay. We're all connected, no matter how far apart or how different we are."
"Awww. That really means a lot to hear. There's still plenty to do," added King Mickey.
"And it looks like we have plenty of help to get the job done." Queen Minnie basked in the presence of noble people, standing from both the snow and the ship. King Mickey blushed from all the attention. He looked away and gave Queen Minnie another long hug.
"Uhm...I hate to pop this precious bubble buuut-"
King Mickey twitched his ear. He followed the whiny, impatient voice to the raised llama hoof. Kuzco asserted himself through the gathered heroes and arrived in front of King Mickey. As emperor, he felt rightfully entitled to voice his urgent needs.
"I'm all for helping everyone get their happy ending and it looks like...we're good. Can we go home now? Like what's your plan? If it's dropping off people at their homes, then I fully endorse that plan," rambled Kuzco.
"Actually, we do have a plan. And if we all work together, then we'll really have our happy endings."
"Great 'cause I'm ready and my people need me and I need a bath," replied Kuzco with a cheeky laugh. No one else shared his humor.
King Mickey cleared his throat. He was ready to elucidate everything to his new team.
"We're inviting everyone to come with us to fight the Heartless at their stronghold. First, we'll take everyone aboard and land by a beach where we'll train. There's a lot we can accomplish if we can coordinate our strengths. Our friends, Hiro and Baymax, have volunteered to scout for us. Once they return, we'll go in, defeat Jafar, Maleficent, and anyone else who's guarding the Door to Darkness. I'll lock it with my Keyblade and we'll get you all home afterwards."
"Uhm okay...not what I was going for. What if we do all that buuut, you drop me off first at my empire? It's not that far from here," suggested Kuzco.
"I'm afraid that wouldn't be fair to everyone. And we've already spent too much time here while the Door to Darkness is probably growing stronger. If you don't feel up for the fight at island, I completely understand. You're free to head home but I can't promise your safety. There's no telling when and where the Heartless will appear next."
"I have an idea, Mickey," said Queen Minnie.
"What's that?"
"Everyone is welcome to come with us and stay at the beach while others go out and fight. That way, they can be wait in safety."
"That sounds terrific," said King Mickey. Meanwhile, the Beast favored the idea, which he thought would be best for Belle. Aladdin glanced at Jasmine who was quick to catch on to his intentions. They could already tell they would have a lot to discuss during the flight to the beach.
"Fiiine. I suppose we can...compromise. I could use a mini-vacay." Kuzco was quick to hurry up the bridge in case the best seats were limited. Upon the deck, he saw Elsa, with whom he was ready to chat.
"Hey Elsaaa! How you doin'?" Kuzco froze when Sulley reached out to greet him with his massive claw. Kuzco rolled back his eyes and fainted.
"I hope it's not like this with everyone," said Sulley.
"Don't sweat it, pal. You're a natural nightmare. Remember?" Mike chuckled when Stitch carried Kuzco off the floor. King Mickey and Queen Minnie were the next passengers to arrive on deck. They stood at the point of entry to thank each person or animal onto the ship. Aladdin, Abu, Jasmine, and Carpet came up next. Jasmine gave Queen Minnie a long, tight hug while Aladdin watched where he stepped to avoid a splinter on his bare feet. Goofy and Donald arrived and gave a loyal, respectful bow to their Queen. Jack Skellington took only two long steps to reach the spacious main deck and approach Merida. Soon the ship was crowded, prompting Elsa to bring passengers through the hallway and settle into rooms below the deck. Mulan's horse and the Beast, neither of whom could fit through the hallway door remained outside. The final ally to travel up the bridge was Simba.
"We still have the fat one down there, what do we do?" Simba nudged his head. King Mickey and Jim looked over the edge of the ship where Pete sat on the snow and pouted. He considered having Pete locked up and monitored.
"Oh him? Yeah, Stitch, Mike, and I ran into him before. We already got him to talk but his bosses didn't tell him much, so...your call." Jim raised his hands casually and walked away. King Mickey felt pity for leaving behind someone, even a second-rate villain who no longer posed a threat.
"Oh, go on without me, you punks! I don't wanna be anywhere near your lion or that spooky island. I'm not worried. Maleficent is gonna come fetch for me anytime now. Then you'll be sorry. Ha-ha!" Pete had made King Mickey's decision much easier. King Mickey sighed and turned around. Everyone had a choice to make. Which side to fight. Which friends to keep. Being a leader was tricky with trying to rally a large group together. He glanced at Queen Minnie. She was a reminder that he had indeed performed his best. With a deep breath, he moved across the deck to pull up the bridge with Sparrow's help.
"We're ready to go, Captain!" said King Mickey with a sunny burst of energy.
"But is he?" Sparrow pointed up where Peter Pan was still hovering high. He was lounging in his own oblivious world. Even Tinker Bell had paid enough attention to head over to the helm. She crossed her arms and shook her head. She was ready to pull Peter Pan's hair. But before she could fly off, he received a nasty call.
"OY! Get yer buzzing-bum over here, ya goose-flapping, Neverland-nitwit!" hollered Merida.
"Hey!" Peter Pan swooped down and sneered at Merida. "I thought we were done with name calling!"
Merida scowled at him. She then pointed at Sparrow and Tinker Bell.
"Oh right! Uhm…what's the plan again?"
"JUST GET THIS SHIP OFF THE GRAUND!" Merida's furious voice immediately sent shivers down Peter Pan's spine. He bolted off to Tinker Bell's position. Sparrow could only hear half of the conversation between Peter Pan and Tinker Bell. She nodded and spiraled in a glittering trail. Those on the ship were treated to a dazzling display of pixie dust. Sulley sneezed and hopped off his feet.
The glitter blended into the hull and the sails, enabling the ship to lift off the snow. There were gasps of excitement. Simba leaned over and relished in the wind through his mane. He watched as Pete paced and shrunk in the distance. Stitch was hardly impressed and found himself a cozy spot inside his space cruiser.
Peter Pan helped Sparrow to steer the flying vessel. With Elsa's wishes in mind, they ascended along the snowy mountain. While the heroes marveled at the ice palace, Elsa went across by forming another ice bridge. King Mickey confirmed that she only needed a few minutes to retrieve someone.
Sparrow was unaware that Elsa had a sister named Anna who had been a target for the Heartless long ago. Peter Pan was tempted to follow Elsa but he remained on the ship where he explained who she was to Tinker Bell. Jealous at first, Tinker Bell changed her mind when Elsa emerged from her palace. Her arm was wrapped around the shoulders of another person, a young woman with reddish blonde hair in braids. Only Kuzco, who was still unconscious, knew that Anna had asked Elsa to freeze her heart in order avert the Heartless. And still, no one else knew that Elsa, invigorated with faith and trust, was able to thaw her sister's heart with no difficulty whatsoever.
Peter Pan was beyond thrilled to see a shining smile from Elsa. She guided Anna over the new ice bridge to arrive on the ship. King Mickey approached her with a welcoming hand shake. Anna wasn't nervous in the slightest to meet new people, even if they weren't entirely human.
"Oh my gosh, that's a lion!" cried Anna, unable to conceal her glee. "Can I pet him?"
Before Elsa could advise a wise warning as the older sister, Simba looked up to Anna and said, "Sure but try not to mess up my mane too much."
"IT TALKS?! Elsa?! How did you meet all these cool friends?" asked Anna, excitedly.
"That's a...long story. I'm sure they have their stories as well," said Elsa, gently.
Anna picked Simba to befriend. He would be the first of many that she would meet while sailing across the sky. King Mickey counted over twenty individuals aboard the flying pirate ship. He smiled and thought to himself, "You never know who you'll run into next."