Fantasia Crisis
By Lord Akiyama
Inspired by "Crisis on Infinite Earths" by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez
Chapter Five
---
"I do apologize, Merlin, old mate," Robin said as his group reappeared in the mystical plane with the wizard. "I sincerely doubt those brutes were quite the expectation we had in mind when we arrived to retrieve you."
"That's quite alright, my dear boy," Merlin said. "I take it that if it is a situation that involves the master of masters then one should expect the unexpected."
"Oh, it's Robin and his Merry Men," Ariel giggled to The Spring Sprite. "And they have the wizard with them. It appears that things are coming along just nicely."
"It would've been had we not ambushed," Aladdin said, feeling unhappy. "And just because you were the leader, Robin, doesn't mean you should tell me what's best."
"We were not the only ones there, Aladdin," Robin said. "Our mission was to retrieve the wizard, yet Wart is an innocent in the middle of action and someone needed to get him out of danger as quickly as possible."
"So I'm the guy for the job?" Aladdin responded, his voice getting louder.
"I know it's unfair," Robin tried to say as calmly as he could, "but once Wart was out of danger then you could return to the fray and battle those brutes."
"Oh, I see," Aladdin said sarcastically. "Only when the kid is out of danger can I get back into the action."
"Calm down, Aladdin," Tarzan said. "Robin only meant--"
"You stay out of this, monkey man!" Aladdin snapped. Ariel gasped as this happened before her.
"Are you alright, Aladdin?" Robin said with an arched eyebrow. "You're acting quite strangely."
"What are you insinuating now, oh fearless leader?" Aladdin said, his hand gripped on his sword. Robin saw this and positioned himself should the young man strike.
"Aladdin," Robin said, "please be calm..."
"What, so I won't do this?" Aladdin then, and then lunged at him with his sword drawn.
Everyone gasped and watched as Aladdin and Robin engaged in a sword fight. Robin could see in the young man's eyes the fire of determination. There was going to be bodily harm if he didn't act quickly. Robin quickly dropped back and flipped Aladdin over with his feet. Aladdin landed on the ground, sword knocked out of his hand upon contact with the ground. He was about to get up when the tip of Robin's sword was placed upon his neck.
"I do not wish to harm you any more than I already have," Robin said. "I believe there's something wrong with you, Aladdin."
Before Aladdin could say anything, he made a minor scream as gripped his head with both hands. Robin backed away, not sure what was happening. Aladdin laid on his side, breathing heavily and still holding his head.
"There was something wrong with him," a familiar voice said. Everyone turned their attention to the speaker. "Young Aladdin was overtaken by magic," Yen Sid said as he stepped closer to the group. "I sense the work of Maleficent, truly one of the strongest and more dangerous among those gifted in the mystical arts."
Aladdin opened his eyes and looked about. "Wh-What happened?" he said.
"It is alright, young man," Yen Sid said, "the pain is over. Ah, so glad to see you Merlin."
"That I can see," Merlin said, still looking confused. "I must say, you sent quite an odd group to retrieve me. And they say I'm the cookie one."
---
"That was completely unnecessary, my dear Maleficent," Chernabog said. "There was no need to take hold of one of the twelve."
"You can say it was for my own amusement," she grinned.
"Even still, Yen Sid is now aware of our watching them and providing him additional caution," he said. "The Hun was enough, but now they seem to be completely aware that I know of their plans."
"Appears things are not going smoothly as you want them to be," a voice said. The Hun appeared with his falcon rested upon his shoulder and his followers behind.
"Perhaps or perhaps not, Shan Yu," Chernabog said. "Nonetheless, this forces me to call upon the rest of the council. Come forth, my servant." The Firebird appeared before his master and screeched his flames. "Summon the vizier, the sea witch, and The Horned King. And do not forget that bumbling captain being chased upon the waters by his adversity."
The Firebird screeched in compliance and vanished to perform his duties.
"The Horned King, eh," Maleficent said. "He will become our greatest asset in our little war against Yen Sid and the twelve."
"No doubt," Chernabog said. "And once he claims The Black Cauldron, our resources will grow in number. Had Hades not become a wild card, our advantage would be tremendous even for the master of masters."
"Speaking of which," she said, "Hades has granted Hercules to be able to travel to other worlds with no trouble."
"Yes, but for a price," he said. "I would not worry as Yen Sid will no doubt be forced to perform the deed Hades asked for. When that happens, we will be given a great opportunity to delay their strike."
---
Stitch was floating upside down, trying whatever he could to land on the ground. He pushed himself as if he was jumping, which in his current state would mean he is trying to create force to push him toward the ground. He wasn't having much success.
"Do you ever wonder where this quadruped came from?" Amelia asked Helga.
"I've seen stranger," Helga shrugged.
"I asked Yen Sid about it and he said that he was living with a little human girl," Amelia said.
"You don't say," Helga mildly feigned interest as she adjusted her lipstick.
"Don't take my word for it," Amelia shrugged. "If you ask me, the creature is like a materialization of my eldest daughter's behavior. An extirpative nature behind a dainty look."
"If you ask me that creature is a disaster waiting to happen," Helga shifted her weight to her other hip. "But then, it's not really any of my concern, as long as he doesn't get in my way."
"Like that young Mr. Pan?" Amelia said with a small grin.
"If I ever get my hands on him..." Helga mumbled.
"We shall attend to his request later," Yen Sid said to Hercules. "Right now, I am more concerned with getting started with our action against Chernabog. If everyone would please gather." He waved his hand for the table and chairs to appear. Two extra chairs appeared, one of which would seat Merlin. All took their seats as the master and his apprentice sat at the ends of the table.
"Chernabog has become aware of our actions," he spoke. "His sending an ambush upon the group in Camelot is one proof, another was a bewitching of young Aladdin. From what I have been told, Chernabog has summoned the services of Shan Yu and his warrior Huns."
"Shan Yu?" Mulan said. "But what would someone like Chernabog want with him? Shan Yu isn't exactly... well... magical or anything."
"No, but he is a skilled warrior," the master said. "Sometimes magic is not a necessity in action, as you will all no doubt come to understand. Few are able to bewitch someone to the point of controlling their thinking. Young Aladdin had been bewitched recently by Maleficent, almost causing him and Robin to engage in a rather lethal battle. We must beware her as she is among the more powerful of adversities we shall encounter."
"I imagine there will be more," Beast said.
"I am sure he has his council called," Yen Sid said. "Among them is The Firebird, a great enemy of The Spring Sprite. He is very dangerous, especially to her. I fear that wherever she goes, he will sure to follow. And speaking of her going somewhere, that brings me to the first world you are to venture to destroy an influence of Chernabog."
The Spring Sprite's eyes widened and paid attention to what her duty shall be.
"Simba shall be leading The Spring Sprite and Stitch to his kingdom," the master spoke, "where an influence lies in hiding. It has yet to truly reveal itself, so be cautious."
"My home is first?" Simba said, surprised yet sad at the same time. He would get to go home, but it would be to battle a threat. He looked back up with determination on his face. "I'll do what I can."
"And so you shall, Simba," Yen Sid said. "There is another world that will be attended to, but we need to see the chosen three off first. Something tells me Chernabog will be anticipating whatever attack upon his influence very swiftly, which is exactly how we need to act."
---
"I see you have summoned quite a council, Chernabog my friend," said The Horned King. "You seem to have placed yourself in quite a predicament to call upon us."
Chernabog grinned. "It seems I have, Horned King," he said. "Yen Sid has summoned the twelve and have already begun to set about their plight to defeat me, as Captain Hook will no doubt attest to."
"That blasted feline woman!" Captain Hook yelled. "I will surely seek my revenge upon her yet for what she has done to me and my pride! Just as worse as that blasted Peter Pan!"
"You will have to teach me someday how you managed to overtake that street rat," Jafar said to Maleficent. "It would prove very useful once I have gotten full control of my world."
"So Triton's brat is one of the twelve," the familiar irritated tone of Ursula said. "She should be rather easy to eliminate, I'd say. I don't see her posing any kind of threat any time soon."
"Do not be quick to make that judgment, Ursula," Chernabog said, quieting the entire room. "There is a reason why the twelve are the twelve. We shall all perhaps see their true power in time. Until then, we must prevent them from taking action against me before I am ready to make my claim."
"Once I have The Black Cauldron in my hands our work shall become more tolerable," The Horned King said. "Until then, I shall watch and offer my services when they are deemed a necessity."
"Very well," Chernabog said. "Now then, let us get down to business. The twelve will arrive upon worlds where I have placed my influence upon to build my strength and power. The twelve must not be allowed to destroy them. If I know the master of masters, he will be sending the first group as swiftly as possible."
"Shall we consult the sphere for their location?" Maleficent asked.
"No, my dear Maleficent," he replied. "I know exactly where they will be going. For wherever The Spring Sprite goes, so shall The Firebird. Horned King, I wish for you to rendezvous with my servant in The Pride Lands."
to be continued...
Thanks to GoblinQueeen, who provided the dialogue and some action for Helga.