SUPER DISNEY BROS.
Chapter 39: The Flight
Soon after Hiro and Baymax went off to scout the island, King Mickey wanted his team of heroes to be prepared for their next great battle. Mushu, in particular, was passionate about pairing students, teachers, and partners to hone their skills and instill some form of traditional Chinese discipline.
"We're gonna go through this one more time. I don't want limp chicken noodles. I want mean, too-spicy-for-your-mama, Szechuan soldiers!" Mushu pinched his claws and whistled. While standing on the back of Mulan's horse, he crossed his arms and observed Mulan and Merida, training with swords. Merida practiced defensive stances and blocked Mulan's attacks. Her patience and reflexes were tested. Mulan lunged and thrusted her sword from different angles. Merida managed her timing and protected her blind spots.
"Not bad, Merida. Keep it up! How you dumplings doing?" Mushu turned away to watch the brawniest heroes challenge wrestle each other.
"You got him! Keep him down!" shouted Mike from the sidelines.
"You're doing great! Don't give up!" cheered Belle, giving morale support for the Beast, who had been flipped over and slammed into the sand by Sulley. The Beast squirmed and pushed Sulley upwards with his back. He rolled over and tackled Sulley. Sulley slammed his massive paws into the Beast, rivaling his raw physical power.
"Don't look away, Sulley. Stare him down, then knock him back!" Mike had several years of experience with personally training Sulley as a top scarer. He enjoyed giving his best friend a worthy opponent while also rooting for him like his biggest fan.
"Hey, eyeball, you gonna get in the ring? I'm sure we can find you a lightweight partner," said Mushu.
"Nah, I'm good. I know what Sulley needs to keep in top shape. I don't think we've ever had a wrestling partner like this guy to push his limits. Stitch! How's it going, buddy?" hollered Mike.
Stitch stood against Jim's leg. They grasped their plasma pistols and waited for the batch of enemy targets. Elsa had become excited with using her ice magic to help train her new friends. She blasted the sand and created sculptures of ice, modeled after the Heartless she had previously encountered.
"Now!" signaled Elsa, waving her hand. Jim and Stitch pulled the trigger and shot rapid blasts of plasma. The sculptures burst into shards of ice and frost.
"Eeega, gabija!" squeaked Stitch.
"Hey now, don't get cocky. Let's see who can hit the most," suggested Jim. Stitch snickered with a competitive laugh. "Another round, please!"
Elsa nodded and waved her arms, summoning multiples rows of ice and shaping them into numerous Heartless sculptures. Feeling creative, she added barriers and pillars of ice as an obstacle. Jim and Stitch leaped forward to find their aim and shoot their targets.
"Nice work, Elsa!" Anna was overjoyed to see her sister, using her powers to help other people.
"Annaaa. Let's stay focused now," nagged Kuzco.
"Yes, sorry." Anna returned to stretching her legs and arms, following Kuzco as he hosted an informal, fitness class.
"That's better. So, if you're all ready to ready to flex, strut, and groove your way into battle, then it all starts with...EYYYEH! A niiice back stretch." Kuzco leaned forward with one hind leg back. "A limber spine is a good time."
Anna appreciated the chance to interact with the team of heroes. Rather than choose combat and worry her sister, she chose to train with Simba, Abu, and Jack Skellington and improve their flexibility. Simba struggled to keep his balance while Skellington displayed his extraordinarily impressive body, bending and folding into impossible positions.
"Hey Bone-daddy. No showing off. That's my job," critiqued Kuzco.
"Very well! I couldn't help myself," said Skellington with a wide, bony grin.
"A-ha. Don't forget about deep breathing, everyone. Hey Simba, you don't need to bare your teeth. It may scare children and small animals," teased Kuzco. They all shared a sweet, collective laugh. Abu stuck out his tongue and continued to stretch. As they turned into a new position, the shadow of a magic carpet passed overhead.
Aladdin and Peter Pan raced each other in the air. Peter Pan often took the lead but Carpet bested him in tight turns. Jasmine counted their time and settled the victories. Queen Minnie approached her after she had strolled along the beach to check on the heroes' progress. She expressed how happy she was to not only see how they were becoming stronger but also bonding as friends.
"Have you seen Donald?" asked Jasmine, looking both ways.
"He's training with Goofy. See? Over there." Queen Minnie pointed away from where Peter Pan and Aladdin were racing each other. Jasmine squinted her eyes and spotted Donald, swinging his staff. He cast multiple fire spells, which Goofy blocked with his shield. Donald swung low and used an ice spell to freeze the ice and trip Goofy.
"Nice one, Donald!" Goofy laughed and snorted out the sand from his nose. Donald helped him up and waved at Jasmine. She waved back only to be tapped on the shoulder by a rather competitive flyer.
"Soooo?" Peter Pan panted in between his words. "Who…was…faster?"
"Oh sorry, I was distracted. You can go again," said Jasmine.
"Oh man! I actually beat him this time!" Peter Pan groaned and pouted. Aladdin cruised around him while Carpet gloated by waving both its front tassels.
"In your dreams, kid. Want a five second head start?" teased Aladdin.
"Nuh-uh! I'm…ready." Peter Pan wiped his forehead and launched himself high into the air. "Catch me if you can!" Aladdin tugged on the Carpet, carrying him fast to catch Peter Pan.
"Those two are really pushing each other," said Jasmine with an impressed smile. "How's King Mickey?"
"Oh, he's making the flight plans with Captain Jack Sparrow. They're over on the Jolly Roger, coordinating everyone's positions so they have a strategy before heading for the island," said Queen Minnie
"You'll be staying behind, right?" asked Jasmine.
"I will. I want to be there for anyone else who doesn't feel fit for battle," said Queen Minnie.
"Right. I still haven't made up my mind. I know what Aladdin wants." Jasmine sighed and kept her eyes on Aladdin, moving extremely fast like a desert eagle.
"I understand. We all have our parts to play. Though, I wouldn't mind if you stayed with me" asked Queen Minnie.
"Huh?"
"Sometimes, you don't need to swing a sword or cast a spell to help someone. Sometimes, just being there with someone, when all seems so scary…and lost, is the greatest power you can have."
"You're right. Thank you, Minnie," said Jasmine, feeling more relaxed. She had a better idea of what she would say to Aladdin before he left with the others. Queen Minnie looked out to the horizon where the sun gracefully cast its twilight colors. It brought out the scarlet red of the Jolly Roger. King Mickey and Sparrow emerged from the captain's quarters.
"We have our heading and made rather bold plans for this vicious voyage," recapped Sparrow.
"Uh-huh! I appreciate your ideas for everyone. Now we just have to wait for Hiro and Baymax to get back."
"Well speak of the flying devil," Sparrow leaned and raised his hand over his eyes. He was the first to spot Hiro and Baymax. King Mickey turned around and smiled to see them return. When Merida recognized them from a distance, she lowered her sword and excused herself from training. Once Mulan joined her and Mushu gave a rallying cry, everyone stopped what they were doing and huddled to the shore. Merida was awestruck when Baymax descended with three unknown women in his arms.
"Welcome back Hiro. Do these lasses need help?" asked Merida.
"Yeah, they've been injured and inhaled dangerous amounts of smoke," said Hiro. He and Baymax helped Moana, Ariel, and Kida to stand. Kida tried to walk on her own but lost her step and fell. Moana and Ariel were quick to help her but winced from the pain on their arms. Donald hurried through the crowd of heroes to cast his healing magic. Merida called over Mulan to help Moana, Ariel, and Kida to find a place to sit and rest. Everyone had questions to ask. Instead, they waited and listened to what King Mickey had to say.
"Great job on rescuing them. Tell us. What happened on the island?"
"I have some good news. The storm is gone and the barrier is destroyed," reported Hiro.
"Wow! That's amazing! I knew I could count on you and Baymax!"
"Actually, I can't take the credit." Hiro gestured towards the new group of women who were sitting with Merida and Mulan. Merida decided it was best if she and Mulan fill them in on what was going on with everyone on the beach.
"Oh, did you find them on the island?" asked King Mickey.
"Your Majesty, I couldn't even scan the island with the barrier and the storm blocking us. Baymax and I were just up there until the storm disappeared and something struck the barrier. I'm willing to bet they handled it as an inside job."
"Whoa! Now that's talent. Right, Stitch?" asked Jim.
"Eh," greed Stitch. Hiro heard a little motor noise down on the sand. Wall-E scooted close to Baymax. Eve hovered beside him. Eve spotted the Beast and Peter Pan. Luckily for her, none of them recognized her as the phantom who had kidnapped Belle. King Mickey stared at her and thought she looked familiar. He shook his head and gave a warm, welcoming smile. Eve gently dropped, relieved that she was not going to be outcasted for her misdeeds.
"And what about those guys?" asked Goofy.
"Oh, they were also on the island. It was them and the three women who were fighting Maleficent."
"Oh my gosh. What happened? What did she do?" asked King Mickey, frightful.
"I'm not sure exactly. She did something to the Door to Darkness. Baymax, did you record what she said?" requested Hiro.
"Affirmative. 'Tell the King...if he wants to seal the Door to Darkness, he'll have to come here...HIMSELF!'" Baymax fast-forwarded the recorded dialogue, which also included harsh fire burning in the background, "'Do bring your bravest knights and heroes to face me…Should you dive into deepest darkness...you will lose your light'." The gathered heroes gasped and murmured.
"She's expecting us then. She must have awakened the darkness from beyond the door," reasoned King Mickey.
"What does that mean?" asked Hiro.
"It means the flow of darkness into this world will get worse. More Heartless. Less light. It won't be a slow spill like it's been so far. It's going to be a flood of darkness," explained King Mickey.
"In that case, we should head out soon." Hiro was raring to rally everyone over to the ship but Queen Minnie stepped forward in front of everyone.
"Let's give everyone a moment to make their final decision. I will stay behind with anyone who does not want to fight," announced Queen Minnie. Kuzco was first to approach her. He rambled on his reasons, such as not wanting to get in the way of the fighting or having a weak hoof. While the heroes had their private discussions with their friends and partners, King Mickey, Sparrow, and Hiro walked over to Merida, who stepped up to introduce them to Moana, Ariel, and Kida by name.
"Merida says you're King Mickey. You're the king that Maleficent spoke of. She mentioned you…a lot," said Moana.
"She thought we were working for you but nope! We traveled to the island all on our own," said Ariel with a perky smile. She and Moana went on to explain how they accessed the underwater tunnels; Ariel could transform back and forth as a mermaid while Moana had the help of the ocean. Sparrow was intrigued by their claims. He considered having strong swimmers with ocean-based abilities to be a major asset for their voyage.
King Mickey looked to Kida who was silent and shy. Unbeknownst to him, she was still trying to recover after yielding so much of the Heart of Atlantis to the Door to Darkness.
Moana nodded to Ariel and spoke to King Mickey on Kida's behalf. She revealed how Kida was captured from her home by Maleficent. Ariel continued by telling how she and Moana rescued Kida and had to knock out Jafar, which removed the storm. Eventually, they had confronted Maleficent with the help of the robots, Wall-E and Eve, and used her own destructive power against the barrier. Hiro recalled the event where Baymax had flown to strike the weak spot and shatter the whole barrier.
"It took great courage to accomplish those deeds. We owe you all a great deal of gratitude," said King Mickey.
"Thank you for sending one-I mean two-of your own to save us," said Moana, turning to Hiro and Baymax.
"So, what comes next?" asked Ariel, excited.
"If I understand everything, it seems we need to go in with the King's key and lock up the Door to Darkness, am I right?" asked Merida. She looked to King Mickey.
"Uh huh but we should expect a lot of Heartless. Maleficent and Jafar will be there too."
"Lucky for you, we've been prepping everyone for the final butt-whooping battle!" boasted Mushu.
King Mickey extended his offer to the three women to stay behind with Queen Minnie. Moana and Ariel had the same thought and asked to be left alone with Kida. King Mickey honored their request and walked away with Hiro, Baymax, Sparrow, Merida, Mulan, and Mushu. Moana and Ariel checked in with Kida who was breathing in the rich, salty air from the ocean. She was slowly finding inner peace with the Heart of Atlantis, still aching. Moana spoke calmly when she suggested that Kida should stay behind with those who did not want to fight. Ariel agreed, fearing that being near the Door to Darkness again would upset Kida because of her empathy. Kida listened and sensed their compassion. She gave Moana and Ariel and wide hug and agreed to stay on the beach.
Moana and Ariel brought Kida over to the group where Queen Minnie stood with Kuzco. Belle joined the queen after talking to the Beast about wanting her to be safe. She had expressed the same wish to the Beast, only to be interrupted by Peter Pan. The Neverland kid volunteered to keep an eye on the Beast, who snarled and teased him for being easily distracted.
Simba approached Aladdin who had settled a compromise with Jasmine. She would stay with Queen Minnie but she wanted to borrow a sword from the ship in case she needed to protect herself and others.
When Kida walked over to Queen Minnie who graciously introduced herself, she glanced over at Wall-E with Eve. They spoke with very little words but Kida understood them well enough. Wall-E wanted to go join Eve in the fight but she pushed him towards the beach group. Much like Aladdin and the Beast, she wanted Wall-E out of harm's way. Kida excused herself and came down to Wall-E. She offered to keep him company and not to feel bad. She convinced Wall-E that she needed him on the beach to help protect the queen. Wall-E squeaked with glee spun around Kida. They both waved goodbye to Eve who flew towards Moana and Ariel. Kida patted Wall-E's cube-shaped body and suggested that they could make sand castles together.
Anna predicted that Elsa was going to ask her to drop out of the next battle. She spoke to her sister about her accomplishments from saving Arendelle from an eternal winter. Elsa laughed, knowing how stubborn Anna would be. Elsa revealed how she truly wanted Anna by her side and as a token of love, she forged a sword from ice. With her gloves, Anna could hold it and swing it well enough to slay a Heartless or two. Anna jumped in with a hug and repeatedly thanked her. Elsa looked up where Peter Pan and Tinker Bell flew overhead. They arrived on the ship where Sparrow had finished designated the new roles for Moana and Ariel. They were thrilled to play a major part in their departure.
After confirming with Mulan that she could care for her horse, Queen Minnie stood beside those who agreed for staying behind: Kuzco, Belle, Jasmine, Kida, and Wall-E. Everyone else ambled along the walkway to arrive on the ship.
King Mickey and Sparrow stood in front of their final team of heroes: Donald Duck, Goofy, Mulan, Mushu, Aladdin, Abu, Carpet, Simba, Merida, Hiro, Baymax, Jack Skellington, Peter Pan, the Beast, Mike Wazowski, Sulley, Jim Hawkins, Stitch, Elsa, Anna, and Eve.
"Alright everyone! This is it. With Tinker Bell's help, we're going to lift this ship into the air and soar across the ocean," announced King Mickey.
"Wow, I didn't know you guys could do that!" said Moana.
"Indeed, Miss. This ship moves ever so swiftly, riding the wind over the waves." Sparrow strolled along the side and called forth everyone's attention. "This voyage will be unlike anything we have ever encountered. Our adorably-admirable king and I have anticipated several agonizing outcomes should we fail and Maleficent succeeds with her world-domination…what have you. WHICH is why we have devised the most…ingenious plan to counter any obstacle she has for us. Using our talents and abilities, we will have everyone pull their weight on this legendary route towards the enemy stronghold. Now then…listen very carefully…"
Jafar paced aimlessly through the castle. It was all he could do until he was summoned by Maleficent for another task. Hopefully, it would be a task that he could fulfill without failure, unlike the storm. Iago noticed how Jafar had a slower gait. His movement was lethargic. His wrinkles sagged. His expressions were empty. Iago cringed at how submissive Jafar had become. He could not even annoy him with his petty ranting. He just listened or at least refrained from snapping back. The only other person on the island was Maleficent. The last time Iago had seen her, she sat in her throne room and drummed her fingers over Jafar's lamp. Paranoia filled her sharp, narrow eyes. She had nearly reached the precipice of victory and yet anything could go wrong. What would she use her wish for? What more could Jafar do? When should she make her wish? Too soon? Too late?
Iago felt she had become too volatile to be trusted. Something was corrupting her and Jafar. Was it the loss of the last threads of their sanity? Or was it the Door to Darkness that pulsed with poisonous power?
Iago shivered when her voice echoed the corridor. Jafar stopped abruptly. They were called to meet Maleficent upon the highest balcony of the tallest turret. Jafar whipped his cape and transformed into a flat, shadowy serpent. He carried Iago within the shadow and travel smoothly and quickly up the stairs and hallways. Iago could tell the movement was rushed and frightened. When Jafar resumed his human form, he almost stumbled but caught himself with his snake scepter. Iago kept his beak shut when he saw Maleficent standing outside on the balcony.
She raised her finger and curled it forward. Jafar joined her where the wind was harsh and cold. Iago was almost blown off Jafar's shoulder. The stormy weather that lingered in the sky did not come from Jafar. The brisk wind carried a ghastly, faint moan. Iago wanted to be indoors badly. Even Maleficent's crow twitched uneasily.
"We have wonderful weather today, don't we?" asked Maleficent in a disturbingly, tranquil tone. Iago gulped and waited for Jafar to respond.
"Indeed, it is," conceded Jafar.
"I look forward to what will become of this world." Maleficent refrained from making eye contact with Jafar. Glancing from the side, Iago noticed how her skin had become greener and scalier.
"Is there anything you would like me to do for you?" asked Jafar, shackled by dutiful despair.
"Stay with me. Soon, our guests will cross the horizon. The Heartless will be restless for their light, of course," said Maleficent, tightening her grip on her staff.
"Very well," replied Jafar. Maleficent adjusted her gaze to glance at Iago. One look at her devilish eyes was enough to make Iago flinch. He had to stomach through the awkward silence until Maleficent sighed softly.
"Here they are. Come, Jafar. Let us entertain them. We cannot make their arrival be so...uneventful." Maleficent flapped her wide sleeves and conjured whirling winds to spiral up to the sky. Iago finally fell to the floor. He used the wind as an excuse to withdraw into the castle. No one seemed to notice or care for his absence.
Jafar stared at the horizon where the Jolly Roger flew through the air, over the water. Although tiny in the distance, Jafar knew it could travel with remarkable speed. It would soon advance and deliver its army of heroes onto the island.
"Together." Maleficent raised her staff and cast a beam of bright green magic into the clouds above. Jafar lifted his snake scepter and channeled his scarlet red magic into the same clouds, brewing with a mighty spell.
"Wailing winds, soaring high
I cast these bolts of death and doom
Blast my foes out of the sky
Let the savage seas be their tomb!" proclaimed Maleficent.
The restless sky rumbled flickered with red and green. Maleficent pulled by her staff back and then slammed it forward. Jafar also slammed his staff to match her timing. Together, they unleashed a barrage of the lightning bolts, directly striking the Jolly Roger.
ZZZZZAP-kkk-POOOOOOW!
It was a blinding impact. Fire sparked. Wood splintered into countless, tiny pieces. Large pieces of the main deck snapped apart. The tallest mast collapsed. Every room and every little compartment were effectively obliterated. The devastating details of the Jolly Roger were lost to Maleficent and Jafar. All they could hear was the thunderous explosion, which could have easily dulled the screaming. All they could see was a gigantic clump of smoke drift over the treacherous water.
"The folly of light. Bright...petulant...fleeting," preached Maleficent. She took in a deep breath and exhaled with delight. "It is done."
Jafar almost accepted her answer. When he spotted distant figures fly out of the smoke, he froze. Maleficent caught the stunned look in his eyes and looked ahead again. She covered her gasping mouth. She frantically shook her hand and created a magic lens, acting as a spyglass. She peered through the lens and sneered.
King Mickey had survived, racing through the air. Maleficent doubted their miraculous survival. She expanded her magic lens to search for casualties. More heroes gregariously flew by King Mickey's side: Captain Jack Sparrow, Tinker Bell, Elsa, Anna, Donald Duck, Goofy, Merida, Jack Skellington, Simba, Mulan, Mushu, Mike Wazowski, Sulley.
They all glittered with a golden sparkle. It had to be Pixie Dust, just as Hook had once explained. It granted the user the power of flight if they possessed faith and trust; which Maleficent believed were foolish but troublesome qualities.
Maleficent snuffed her veil into nothingness and grimly glowered. Her enemies were still alive. She was ready to cast another deadly bolt of magic but her eyes could not turn away from the ocean. Moving faster than the flying heroes, massive waves raged towards the shore. They grew with frightening crests of foam. Moana rode the terrifying torrents. Ariel swam beside her and leaped in her mermaid form. The meddlesome maidens who had freed the Atlantean girl were back.
"No! I will not have them ruin our plans again-Ahhh!" cried Maleficent as a flying foe swiftly passed her. Overhead, the King's fastest flyers had already entered the island's airspace.
"Yoohooooo!" taunted Peter Pan. His green attire helped Maleficent to track him against the dark sky.
"Cowardly snake!" shouted another flyer, darting behind Jafar. He managed to regain his former anger once he discovered it was Aladdin with his monkey Abu on the magic carpet.
"Over here!" Jim Hawkins dropped low on his solar surfer and fired blasts from his plasma pistols. He managed to land all of his shots at the balcony from where Maleficent and Jafar stood. It had been the Sparrow's plan to have him, Peter Pan, and Aladdin distract them and while the bulk of the team slowly flew over the water.
Jafar focused solely on blasting Aladdin while Maleficent decided she would try to eliminate Peter Pan who took great pleasure in pestering her. She hated missing her shots at Peter Pan, who had improved his sharp turns and steep dives.
The heavy waves crashed into the beach and destroyed the front line of Heartless. Moana was the first of King Mickey's allies to take the first step on the land. She charged and slammed her oar against the Heartless while the ocean covered her back and dragged the Heartless into the dark waters.
Ariel flipped into a midair somersault and transformed back into her human form. She let out a fierce cry and used her trident pendant electrocute the oncoming Shadow and Soldier Heartless. The airborne Heartless, Gargoyles and Wyverns, screeched and pursued Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Jim Hawkins. They were forced to dip and dodge the vicious Heartless. They knew they could not stay completely evasive. Once the opening was right, Aladdin, Jim, and Peter Pan turned around and fought back with their scimitar, plasma pistol, and dagger. Although they worked hard clear the sky of the Heartless, they were too preoccupied in midair combat to act as a diversion anymore.
Maleficent grinned, focusing her attention back on King Mickey. She allowed Jafar to continue antagonizing Aladdin. She spun her staff, rumbling the clouds to unleash another deadly bolt of green and red lightning.
King Mickey could see and hear what was coming at them.
"Elsa! Get ready!" alerted King Mickey.
"I see it!" Elsa had been assigned to the front on purpose by King Mickey's wishes. With her powerful magic, she was the right choice to counter other deadly magical attacks that would threaten the team.
The green clouds flashed. Elsa yelled as she pushed both hand and fired a glittering burst of dazzling ice magic.
Zzzzap-Kkk-FWOOOSH!
The plumage of magic turned thick with smoke and frost. No one was injured but the collision of magic was great enough to cause intense turbulence. Donald Duck squawked and spiraled away from the fractured group. King Mickey looked back and saw others were also helplessly scattered in the air,
"Stick with your shipmates!" shouted Sparrow with urgency. "Grab hold and fly on!" Earlier in their departure. Sparrow and King Mickey designated the novice flyers with a partner so that if one fell or their Pixie Dust wore off, the other could pull them back and carry them to the island.
"We're almost there!" King Mickey knew if they were too frantic, they would drop and become easier targets to be shot out from the sky. Ariel heard the blast of lightning and gasped when it appeared that her teammates were falling from the sky.
"Moana, I gotta go help them!" announced Ariel, stepping and splashing into the water.
"Do what you need to do. Hey, Ocean! Can you give her a ride?" asked Moana, resuming her close-quarters combat with the bulky Heartless thugs.
Ariel dove headfirst and used her trident pendant to turn back into a mermaid. When the transformation was complete, she could feel a current wrap around her body and launch her like an underwater missile.
Back in the air, Hiro and Baymax bolted towards Mike Wazowski and lifted him up to Sulley who took his hand and flew back to the group. Hiro and Baymax had been flying from the rear to ensure that no one strayed too far from the group in the event of an attack or sudden turbulence. Eve acted as support to their role. She zoomed in low and brought the Beast up high enough where Skellington could reach him.
"What a deathly thrill, wouldn't you agree?" asked Skellington with joy. The Beast continued to drop, dragging Skellington down with him. Skellington could not tell if it was the Beast's weight, his strength, or if the magic of Pixie Dust was fading away fast. Eve was ready to provide assistance but Simba and Sulley came through in time to save him. Simba flew under and pushed while Sulley flew over and pulled. Their strength helped the Beast to stay airborne.
Goofy dove down to catch Donald and fix his flight pattern.
"I always thought ducks were great flyers, A-hyuk!" joked Goofy.
"Not now, Goofy!" Donald ascended and came close to King Mickey. They were also getting closer to the island. Donald was already preparing to cast spells to halt Maleficent's attacks while Goofy was ready to block what he could from his shield to protect King Mickey.
"Who's going to save the snow queen?!" hollered Sparrow, recovering solely with Tinker Bell pulling on his coat. Everyone looked down where Elsa was plummeting towards the dark waters.
"Leave it to me!" Anna brought her arms together and darted downwards. Her faith and trust enabled her to fly extremely fast and catch Elsa.
"What would I do without you?" said Elsa, sitting with relief in Anna's arms as they ascended towards the group.
"It's what sisters do, remember?" teased Anna. She helped Elsa to rediscover her faith and trust. Her power of flight returned. They held hands together and flew side by side.
"Is there any other bloke that needs help? Do speak up!" asked Sparrow.
"I can't find Mushu!" shouted Mulan, frantically looking all over her body in case he was latching. Merida looked behind and below and tried to help Mulan.
"HELLLLLP!" cried Mushu, gargling huge gulps of salt water. Mulan and Merida knew he was in danger but they did not know where to look. With his small size and the vast ocean, it was near impossible to locate him.
Mulan diverted from the group and Merida joined her. Together, they searched over the water's surface.
"Mushu! MUSHU!" Mulan turned madly worried. Her flight weakened and lowered her place in the air. Merida pulled Mulan up and flew onward to continue their search. King Mickey saw that they needed help.
"We need to go back. We can't leave anyone behind," said King Mickey.
"You have strong friends, mate. They'll get done what needs to be done. We need you here. The shallows approach us," advised Sparrow.
King Mickey needed to trust that his team did not need constant guidance and rescuing. Especially when they had already planned for this kind of emergency. They were not helpless. They were heroes.
"Mushu! Where ar'yah?" hollered Merida.
"Who are we missing?" Hiro and Baymax flew to her position over the ocean's surface.
"Her wee dragon friend was blasted off. He's drowning!" said Merida.
"Okay. We can help! Baymax! Scan the water. Search for a heat signature," commanded Hiro.
"Patient detected." Baymax pointed down where a wave of water rose up. Hiro, Merida, and Mulan saw Mushu, rising from the water.
"Got him!" said Ariel. She swam fast with her mermaid flipper. Mushu was wet and disoriented but still breathing. Mulan reached down to pick him up.
"Thank you, Ariel! Thank you so much!" said Mulan, rising higher with her restored faith.
"Yup! I'll see you all at the shore!" beamed Ariel. She dove back underwater where the ocean created powerful rapids to push her faster towards the island. Hiro and Baymax helped to guide Mulan and Merida up to the group of flyers.
"Mushu, are you okay?" asked Mulan.
"Am I okay? Honey, I've been saved by a mermaid. Cross that off my bucket list!" boasted Mushu.
"Yeah. He be fine. Don't go drowning off again, ye slippery salamander," said Merida. Mulan cradled Mushu to help him get dry and warm. Merida glanced ahead and back. It appeared the whole group of heroes was reunited again in the air. They had made such unbelievable progress. They were close to the island. Maleficent was prepared to launch another attack from the thunderous sky.
"Hold tight, everyone" warned King Mickey, reaching out to hold hands. He held hands with Sparrow and Goofy. Goofy with Donald. Donald with Anna. Anna with Elsa. Elsa with Merida. Merida with Mulan and Mushu firmly holding onto her sleeve. Mulan with Simba. Simba with the Beast. The Beast with Sulley. Sulley with Mike. Mike with Skellington. Skellington with Hiro and Baymax. Finally, Baymax with Eve. Together, their faith and trust rose exponentially. They flew faster and higher than before.
High above the rest, Aladdin, Peter Pan, and Jim dueled with the swarm of flying Heartless. Abu screeched and pulled Aladdin's shirt.
"I'm...a little-" Aladdin was bombarded and bothered by the winged monsters trying to peck and scratch him. He slashed at two of them before facing Abu. "-busy!"
Abu pushed his face back to where Maleficent was whirling her staff to summon another powerful lightning bolt.
"They need our help!" shouted Aladdin.
PSSSSH! A scarlet beam grazed Carpet's seam. Meanwhile, Peter Pan swerved into a twisted trail, trying to sneak behind the Heartless.
"But who's gonna help us? Jafar and these creeps aren't giving up!" fussed Peter Pan. "Hey! Isn't your friend coming?" Peter Pan called out to Jim Hawkins, speeding in the air. He shot down a few Heartless and then curved back up.
"C'mon buddy. It's on you now." Jim tried to delay the attack by firing at Maleficent but she withstood the minor blasts. She was unphased. The flying heroes had been scrambled. The advanced flyers were overwhelmed as were the heroes who already on the beach. One more strike and all their noble efforts would have been thwarted.
All of her pride vanished when an obnoxious party horn blasted the sky behind her. It was a loud and unbearably awful sound. Maleficent lost focus. The bolt of lightning crashed on the beach, incinerating her own Heartless. As for Moana and Ariel, they were shielded by a wave that acted as a sturdy barrier. Moana turned back and thanked the ocean for saving them.
Maleficent lost her cool and shouted in frustration. King Mickey and the other heroes cheered when they all watched the red space cruiser zoom from the opposite end of the horizon. It leaned on its side, swooped over the castle, and opened up the front window.
"Alohaaaaaaa!" greeted Stitch.
"Stitch, you little abomination," said Jim, laughing. King Mickey and Sparrow had planned from the very beginning that Stitch would be their secret weapon. With his vessel's formidable firepower and ridiculous speeds, Stitch had been tasked with speeding across the ocean undetected and turning back to launch a surprise attack.
"Let'em have it, Stitch!" yelled Mike. Stitch swerved his space cruiser and faced Maleficent and Jafar. They panicked so hard, they were nearly petrified.
"NEEGA NANA QUISHTA!"
Stitch fired a barrage of plasma cannons and cackled like a little imp. The assault yielded an electrical explosion. Both Maleficent and Jafar were directly struck and blasted back into the castle. Under the smoke, Maleficent lay on the floor with rubble.
"Jafar, join me. We must venture through the Door to Darkness," commanded Maleficent. She noticed how Jafar did not move or respond to her.
"Jafar...did you...ugggh! Answer me!" screamed Maleficent. She could hear voices from outside the cloud of smoke. The heroes had just descended upon the beach. "You serve me!"
"Is that...your final wish?" grumbled Jafar.
"What?" snapped Maleficent.
"I've granted...two wishes for you. To abandon all intent to betray you. To no longer bear false witness. Do you still need me?"
Maleficent paused but needed to hurry to make her retreat while Stitch fired continuous plasma shots.
"If not...I would like to stay here. It's over for us," said Jafar, desperately.
"No. No, it is not! For my final wish, journey into the Door to Darkness with me. Our work is not done!" growled Maleficent.
"As you wish...Master," Jafar used what little strength he had to slither as a shadow and travel to the throne room. Iago remained in the corner behind the drapes. He did not know what else to do.
The smoke of the plasma cannons weathered away. Maleficent had one last glaring look at the survivors that marched over the shore. King Mickey glared back and stood triumphantly with his Keyblade in hand. His friends and allies gathered as a complete unit. Jim pulled out Stitch after he parked his space cruiser. Everyone who had left the mainland was accounted. Not a single casualty.
Maleficent ignited into a ghostly, green flame and flew through the castle corridors. Moana and Ariel knew she was headed for the throne room. They knew she was retreating into the Door to Darkness.
"Not a Heartless in sight, your Majesty," said Donald.
"That's good, right?" asked Goofy.
"Not exactly. They follow the strongest wielder of darkness. She must be conserving her power for something," said King Mickey.
"The Door to Darkness, huh?" asked Merida.
"Uh-huh. We need to get there fast before she obtains more power." King Mickey leaped over the sand and ran towards the castle bridge. Moana and Ariel ran the fastest to talk to him.
"We know where to find it," said Moana.
"Great! I'll follow you two!" replied King Mickey.
"This way, everyone!" rallied Ariel.
Everyone else followed behind. Eve also knew where to go but wanted to avoid revealing too much about herself and her past history as the phantom.
They stormed the castle doors and raced through the foyer. They were all forced to walk close into each other as Moana and Ariel guided the whole team into a cramped corridor. As they moved, one by one, each hero felt a tight, toxic pressure in their chests. Moana and Ariel were better adapted to stomach through the pain as they had experienced it before when the first met Maleficent in the throne room. They better understood it but didn't say anything.
"GYAH! What's this feeling in me heart? Is it somethin' in de'air?" asked Merida.
"No. It's the darkness. The closer we get, the stronger it tries to take away the light in our hearts," said King Mickey. "I should be able to lock it up."
"Let's get on with'it then," said Merida. Moana and Ariel were in front to open the doors. The throne room had disturbingly decayed since their last visit.
The floor fractured and dipped into a deep trench. The walls crumbled and cinders of green fire burned in various spots. The castle dust was sucked into a seven-foot-tall door. From the edge of the archway, inky wisps of green and purple oozed out. King Mickey could not stare too long inside the door itself. It was a pure and unnatural kind of black. It almost swallowed his vision and blocked out the surrounding light.
"Your Majesty?" squeaked the voice of a friend that tapped King Mickey's shoulder.
"I know Donald. Everyone! Stay close," advised King Mickey, shaking his head. It all came down to him. His friends and allies slowly edged into the throne room and took in the spooky atmosphere, conjured by darkness.
King Mickey walked off to stand close to the Door to Darkness. He averted his gaze but fixed his aim. He lifted his Keyblade.
"What's he doing?" whispered Peter Pan.
"He's gonna use that big key to lock the Door to Darkness," said Merida.
"Ohhhh. Then our homes should be safe."
"Aye. That'd be the goal."
Merida watched King Mickey point his Keyblade straight across towards the Door to Darkness. As he focused, eerie voices whispered into his ears.
"Despair...lost wishes... supreme power...only one...oblivion."
King Mickey hummed and blocked those voices. A gleaming ribbon of white light swirled over the handle of his Keyblade. It fired a piercing beam into the darkness. King Mickey strengthened his stance and continued to focus the Keyblade's locking powers. All he needed was the sound of a door lock and the door to disappear. Something was pushing him away. He tried to push back. The voices grew louder. No one else heard them except him.
"I have been waiting...it is my destiny...we can change everything...I will show them what I have seen."
"Your Majesty?" asked Donald. The others muttered and wondered what was happening. King Mickey could feel his hands shaking. The voices rang even louder.
"Surrender to me...it's all I can hope for me...what are you without...anyone to fear you? What are you? WHAT ARE YOU?!"
King Mickey was flung back. He dropped his Keyblade. The Door to Darkness was not sealed. It stayed open and unyielding.
Donald, Goofy, Hiro, and Merida hurried over to him.
"Did ye do it? Is it...closing?" asked Merida.
"I...couldn't...I'm sorry," lamented King Mickey.
"What?" said Donald, baffled by King Mickey's failure.
"Gawrsh! Does that mean nothing can close it?" asked Goofy.
"Not necessarily," said Hiro, scanning the Door to Darkness with his visor.
"Have ye got a solution for us?" asked Merida.
"All portals need a source of power to stay active. It has to be really powerful like a nuclear reactor. I know it's not like fusion or fission. It has to be whatever makes up darkness. It has to be whatever is on the other side," deduced Hiro.
"He's right," confirmed King Mickey. He stood back up and picked up the Keyblade.
"What's that mean? Where do we need to go?" asked Merida.
"There." King Mickey pointed straight ahead. Donald and Goofy gasped in horror.
"You don't mean..." Goofy gulped hard because he couldn't finish his sentence.
"This was definitely part of Maleficent's plan," said King Mickey. He turned around and faced his entire team.
"I realize what needs to be done. I can't lock the Door to Darkness just yet. It's too strong. I'll have to go and fight the darkness from the inside."
"We'll be joining you then," said Merida.
"No," muttered King Mickey.
"Wait, why not? We've come all this way," said Aladdin, disappointed.
"I didn't think it would come to this," King Mickey sighed deeply. "This is not going to be like fighting the Heartless in our world. Through there, it's another...dimension. If you're not careful, it will take over your whole mind, body...and heart. You'll need more than faith and trust. You need to bring with you whatever fills your heart with the strongest light. And keep it with you at all times. At every moment. The Heartless will be meaner, faster, and stronger."
"All the more reason for us to fight." Elsa had spoken out loud and stepped forward while holding Anna's hand.
"She's right. If it's that bad, then you're definitely going to need everyone one of us to get you to wherever you need to be," said Anna.
"This is what we've been training for. We're not afraid," said Mulan.
"Come on, Mickey! We're Team Honor! There's no honor in turning your back!" exclaimed Mushu.
"We've got Maleficent and Jafar cornered. We can't let them get away," said Aladdin. Abu nodded in agreement.
"They will pay for harming our friends," said the Beast.
"I wouldn't be a true king if I stood by and did nothing," said Simba.
"Hey, there! I know you're trying to be noble and all but you can't scare us monsters away from some creepy door. It's our turn to give THEM the hibbie-jibbies!" said Mike.
"It never hurts to have extra muscle on your team," said Sulley.
"I'm afraid your horrific warning has only made me more ecstatic than I was before. I won't pass this chance to see what lies beyond the door," said Skellington.
"And we're not exactly amateurs when it comes to exploring different dimensions. You're going to need our help, at least," said Hiro, patting Baymax on the back.
"Same here! I've gone to Lalotai and back to save my home. I'm not afraid of going anywhere," said Moana.
"Count me in! Land or sea, there's no stopping me!" said Ariel.
"Aye! Me ship may be blasted to bits but I've got me own score to settle. You mustn't underestimate us...especially when one of us is a brave and cunning pirate who's braved stranger tides before." said Sparrow.
"Hey! I'm the bravest one here. Let me come with you and I'll prove it to you," said Peter Pan. Tinker Bell sparkled and flew up to King Mickey's face. With her stubborn nod, he knew she was willing to come along too.
"Eekibaa-Ogana-chikiwa!" squeaked Stitch.
"Translation...we're not leaving either. Besides, what happens here affects not just this planet but worlds beyond. No one is safe unless we fight these guys on their turf," said Jim.
"Yeah! We're all in this together. I made a knight's promise to keep you safe wherever you go. And that covers spooky dimensions, a-hyuck!" said Goofy.
"And what would you do if you got hurt? Someone's gotta heal you up and keep you going!" said Donald.
King Mickey was overwhelmed by everyone's convictions. Different background. Different motivations. And oddly enough, their unity was too inspiring to deny. Still, he did not want to see any one of them get hurt.
"Oy!" hollered Merida. "Ye don't need to be everyone's nanny. Ye did fine with yer pixie magic to get us 'ere. Now lead us into their land. Maleficent needs to pay for everything she's done to us. We cannot forgive her for petrifying our friends, for destroying our homes, and for toying with our lives. Now is our chance to show her that we're not afraid to fight back!" Merida raised her sword and cheered. Everyone cried out in support of her words.
King Mickey sighed before raising his chin. To Donald and Goofy's relief, their king smiled. He smiled with pride and passion.
"You're right. This is something we all have to do. We'll defeat Maleficent and lock her inside the Door to Darkness. She needs to know that darkness isn't the path to power. It's the path of light that guides us...together. That's what makes us stronger." King Mickey turned forward and faced the dark void.
"Let your heart be your guiding key!" King Mickey sprinted across the throne room. Donald and Goofy followed right behind him. Hiro, Baymax, Merida and the others joined in their righteous run. Moana faced Ariel who had her eyes fixated on Eve. She remained at the very back, hovering by the door to the corridor.
"Come on, Eve. We could use your help." Moana and Ariel halted their entry. They waited for Eve to make up her mind while everyone else passed through the doorway.
"We'll stick together, if that makes you feel better." Ariel held hands with Moana and extended another hand to Eve. A choice had to be made. Eve looked away and stared at the impact on the floor where Maleficent had struck Wall-E. Her closest friend was safe and far from the island. She looked back to Ariel with her open hand. It reminded her of when Wall-E would try to hold hands with her. It was a simple gesture, one that represented love and trust. It moved her in ways she could not fully process.
Eve had decided. She floated towards Moana and Ariel.
"New...directive," said Eve, taking Ariel's hand. Her bright blue eyes curved, hinting a happy expression.
"Are we all ready?" asked Moana.
"Yeah, I think so," said Ariel.
Moana led the final few heroes ahead. She and Ariel stepped through the Door to Darkness. Eve was no longer unsure of her functions. As she entered a whole new dimension, she heeded King Mickey's words about finding the light to ward off the darkness. Memories of Wall-E helped her to understand what he really meant.
Her directive.
Her friends.
Her light.