Fantasia Crisis

By Lord Akiyama

Inspired by "Crisis on Infinite Earths" by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez

Chapter Fifteen

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Helga sat leaning on the rail of the ship, letting one leg dangle precariously over the edge. "Some battleship," she muttered under her breath. All they had were cannons and pistols and only one shot each. At least the swords were decent enough and in good supply. Captain Hook really wasn't much of a pirate though. She had riffled though what 'treasure' was stored below decks and there was barely anything at all. Enough that she was able to pull out a bearable set of clothes, but hardly what she would have chosen for herself given the choice and not a decent pair of gloves in the mix. Oh sure, a pair or two of those delicate little ladies tea things, but those weren't likely to do her much good.

Subconsciously, she stroked the bare spot on her finger where her ring had been. Yeah, she should be grateful for having her life, but that unholy excuse for a judge had stolen her ring and that was not likely something she would forgive anytime soon. She let out an irritated sigh as she realized a pair of small eyes were still focused on her.

"What?" she spun around staring back at the little girl.

Lilo just stared at Helga, hands behind her back. She blinked just once before she finally said, "You look like someone from one of those comic books."

Helga stared for a moment before blinking herself a couple times. "What?" she asked thoroughly confused.

"Comic books," Lilo said. "They're kind of like books but with lots and lots of pictures. I take it you never read any."

"Sorry, forgot to pencil picture books in-between the Machiavelli and Voltaire," Helga replied drolly, turning her attention back to the water.

"Oh, the cat woman wanted me to tell you that they want you in the galley," Lilo said. "I think I saw a big mouse in there wearing a red robe."

"Swell," Helga muttered jumping off the rail. "You know, a couple of years ago, that sentence would have seemed very odd to me..."

"The lion told me that you turned into a mouse one time," Lilo said, following Helga. "What was it like?"

"A lark compared to this," Helga rolled her eyes as she kept walking.

"Stitch said you were on this ship before fighting a boy who was flying," Lilo continued. "Was he difficult to deal with?"

"Not as much as you," Helga mumbled.

"Ah, there you are Helga," Amelia said as they reached the door. "Thank you for retrieving her for me, Ms. Pelekai. Stitch will be out shortly." Lilo waved as Amelia closed the door behind Helga.

"Isn't she such the cutest girl?" Ariel said.

Helga glared for a moment. "Oh yes, delightful..."

"The apprentice is here because we did him a favor," Simba said. "Clopin happens to be one of the sages who are gonna fix the alterations made by the balance disruption."

"You have got to be joking?" Helga nearly choked on her own words glancing over at the smug little gypsy.

"Quite a shock to me as well," Clopin said with a grin. "Then again, maybe it has to do with my wonderful tricks, like this." He threw dust on to the table, a light explosion made as a result. The dust clear and Clopin picked up an object. "Hmmm... a ring... I thought I was grabbing one of Frollo's treasures..."

Helga stared in astonishment for a minute before reacting. "Give me that," she muttered hurriedly reaching for it.

"My, my, a little touchy aren't we," Clopin chuckled. "I suppose that is your belonging that Frollo 'took as evidence' I bet. Goes to show how useful I am to you."

"Clopin won't be actually staying on board the ship," the apprentice said. "We need him back with the others who are in the mystical plane."

Helga glared for another minute before snatching the ring. "Good," she glanced back at Mickey. She had already started to walk away when a nagging bit of conscience forced her to pause and mutter a barely audible "thank you," to Clopin. Annoying or not, he had helped her twice now. Maybe that was what was so irritating.

"So what happens next?" Simba asked.

"From here on out, your mission gets more difficult with each passing day," Mickey said. "Even the water you are crossing will be just as difficult. And you all no doubt know that Maleficent has complete control over the five you are to rescue. Use all that you have learned from freeing each other and apply that knowledge into learning how to break the spell. But be weary of your surroundings. Even those not in favor of Chernabog will no doubt be a threat."

"The ocean we are sailing upon will allow us five days at best before we reach land," Amelia said. "Do all you can during that time to prepare and heal if need be."

"Though the master is recovering, so is Chernabog," the apprentice said. "We have once again engaged in a race against time. These deeds must be done as swiftly as possible."

"And here I thought we were going to take a nice holiday," Helga tossed back sarcastically as she leaned back on the wall.

"As you have received, Amelia," Mickey continued, "the device has been upgraded to provide a greater range in finding the others. You will be able to see the entire island and where specifically they are, so that you can better strategize your plan of action. In addition, the upgrade has included a blue dot which will identify potential threats. Granted we do not know all the threats you shall encounter, but you will at least be a little more prepared."

"I can trade this off whenever I am not needed for a specific rescue?" Amelia asked.

"That's correct," the apprentice answered. "Well gang, that's all the news I have for you. Any questions?"

"Just one," Simba said. "Anybody seen Robin?"

"Probably still lost in the overly romantic moment," Helga rolled her eyes.

"Then I guess we shall be seeing you all soon," Mickey said. Moments later, clouds engulfed him as well as Clopin. Seconds later, they were gone. The others sighed as Amelia opened the door.

"As I said, we have five days worth to rest up and prepare for the journey ahead," she said. "Spend them well." Everyone began to step out one by one. Just as Helga began to step out, Lilo appeared in front of her with something in her hand.

"I found this with one of the crew," she said. "This is a comic book." She held up the comic book in front of Helga, showing her the middles pages inside.

Helga jumped backwards slightly not expecting the overly enthusiastic child at that precise moment. "Thrilling..." she muttered. "Who needs to waste time with symbolism and subtle irony when you've got colorful pictures?"

---

"The moon is so beautiful tonight," Marian sighed, resting her entire weight upon Robin. "It has been so long since we ever got to enjoy its presence."

"It has indeed, my darling," Robin said, cradling her in his arms.

"I've been afraid, Robin," she said. "I've been afraid these past two years that you had died and that I never had the chance to say that I loved you."

"I'm sorry if I put you through such misery," he said. "I truly am. When this is all over, I will do everything I can to make it up to you, my love."

"You don't have to hurt yourself over this, Robin," she said. "I could see in your eyes that you were afraid that you wouldn't rescue me in time. That you would fail."

"I cannot bare the thought of having to watch you die," he said, holding her tighter. "Yesterday was the very day I was truly scared. I don't want either of us to feel that way again."

"I know," she sighed. "And that is why you have to do what you have been called upon to do. But I know you will find a way to succeed, my dearest."

"I don't have much of a choice," he said. "If I fail, I fear I will relive what has happened. Only the end won't be the same. I say to you what you said to me, 'I couldn't live me life without you.'"

"And I owe my life to you, my darling," she smiled. She gently turned and wrapped her arms around his neck. The two lovers stared into each other's eyes, lost in their gaze. They soon leaned in for a kiss.

Down below on the deck, Simba watched with a smile.

to be continued...

Thanks to GoblinQueeen, who provided the dialogue and some action for Helga.