Chapter 12: The Aftermath.

After the events of last night, the Magic Kingdom was left in a state of fear, panic, and confusion. Under the current circumstances, Queen Minnie announced that all future activities are postponed until further notice. Yen Sid called an emergency meeting for the Royals and Wizards to discuss a plan of action.

The meeting was going to begin soon, and some of the Royals and other guests were preparing to depart soon after to their homes.

"Now kids, me and your mother have been talking," said King Roland.

"And we decided that it would be best to return home for the time being," said Queen Miranda.

"We're really leaving?" asked Sofia.

"I'm afraid so honey." sighed Miranda.

Disappointment crossed the faces of the three royal children.

"I can't believe this," said Amber.

"There were so many things I wanted to do," said James.

"We're sorry kids, but with whoever this evil wizard is on the loose, it's important that we ensure the safety of our home and our family," said King Roland.

As the rest of the family continued packing their belongings, Sofia gazed out the window and let out a sad sigh.

"What!? We're leaving!?" cried the Darling boys, Lost Boys, and the Neverland crew.

"I'm sorry, but we must return home, father and mother must be worried sick about us," said Wendy as she finished packing another suitcase.

"But why?" asked Michael.

"Because Michael, Queen Minnie thought that it would be best to send everyone home during this time. It's not safe here.

"We're not afraid of anything!" said one of the Lost Boys.

"And neither are we!" said Jake of the Neverland crew.

Wendy let out a frustrated sigh and looked to Peter for support.

"Aren't you going to say anything?"

Peter thought for a moment then looked at Wendy and the other children. He then remembers the conversation he had with Mr. and Mrs. Darling.

"I do not want you putting them in danger for the sake of one of your adventures, that goes especially for my daughter!"

"We just want your word that you'll protect them with great care."

"I would put my own life down before I let anything happen to them,"

Peter then spoke up.

"I've never been the one to stand in the way of an adventure!"

The children cheered, but Wendy glared at him.

"However, Wendy is right, it's not safe here. You all should head back home."

The children let out disappointed "awws" but Wendy sighed in relief.

"Children, why don't you all go enjoy the rest of the time here outside."

The children nodded and went out of the room.

"Be sure to be back by late afternoon!" Wendy told them.

Peter was about to join them but was stopped by Wendy.

"Peter, May I have a word with you?" asked Wendy.

"Sure thing Wendy," said Peter.

Wendy closed the door and walked back to Peter.

"Peter, I just wanted to say thank you for stepping up and being responsible," said Wendy.

"Thanks," said Peter as he scratched the back of his head.

"Well, I should finish packing, you better go keep the others out of trouble. All of us should be ready to leave by this evening," said Wendy.

"Wow! Wait a minute Wendy. I'm not going with you." said Peter.

Wendy turned around and gave Peter a confused look.

"But you just.." Wendy started.

"I meant that you guys should go home, but I'm staying behind," said Peter.

Wendy tried her best to wrap her head around what Peter was trying to say.

"Peter, why would you think about staying behind?"

Peter sighed and took Wendy's hands in his own.

"Hear me out Wendy, I've been thinking a lot about what's been going on, and I want to stay and help Mickey and the others," said Peter.

"But Peter, did you see what he did to Mickey and the others!?" said Wendy.

"I know Wendy, but I can't just sit back and do nothing if this villain is as powerful as he seems then everyone is in danger," said Peter.

"What about the other? They need you, Peter," said Wendy.

"Tinkerbell will watch over The Lost Boys, and Jake is a captain now, he'll look after his crew," said Peter

"Don't even joke about that Peter!" said Wendy as she sat down and put her hands to her tear stricken face.

"Peter. I'm worried that one of these days you'll get yourself killed on one of your "adventures"." Wendy said through her sobs.

"Don't worry Wendy. I've always come back," said Peter as he tried to comfort her.

"But Peter, What if you don't come back this time!?" said Wendy.

"I'll be fine Wendy, trust me," Peter said as he stuck out his chest.

Wendy wiped the tears from her face then sighed in defeat knowing that nothing she could say could convince the boy otherwise.

"Are you absolutely sure about this Peter?" Wendy asked for the last time.

"I've never been more sure in my life!" said Peter.

Wendy let out another sigh.

"Alright, what do you want me to do?"

On the far side of the castle, Mickey Mouse laid unconscious in his bed with a worried Minnie sitting beside him along with Pluto who was on the floor moaning in worry. The door opened and Daisy duck walked in with a tray of tea.

"Minnie, I brought some tea," said Daisy

"Thank you Daisy," said Minnie

Daisy looked to Minnie as she put the cup to her lips and saw the bags under her eyes.

"Minnie, you should really get some rest, we can have one of the servants come to get you when he-"

"No, I want to be here one he wakes up," said Minnie.

Daisy sighed knowing that there was no use in convincing her friend otherwise.

"So how long has it been?"

Minnie sighed and placed a hand on Mickey's forehead. "Too long."

"Why would someone do something like this to Mickey? He's always looked out for others and cared for everyone."

"It's probably jealousy. You heard what that evil wizard said before," said Daisy.

"I know, but still," said Minnie.

"Speaking of which, has Yen Sid said anything to the others?"

"Not yet, he wanted to wait a little while for you and Mickey," said Daisy.

Minne placed an ice pack on Mickey's head.

"I'm not sure when he'll wake up, just tell them to proceed without us."

"I'm sure they'll understand," said Daisy as she made her way to the door "I'll come back later to check on you."

After Daisy left the room, Minnie turned back to Mickey. Pluto rose up and placed a paw on the bed and whined in worry. Minnie patted Pluto's head.

"He'll be okay Pluto."

Minnie placed a hand on the bed.

"Please get better," she whispered.

Zen stepped through the gates to the villain's castle. The guards, out of fear, moved aside to let Zen past, not wanting to provoke the wizard's wrath.

As Zen made his way down the corridor to the main hall, various villains saw him and moved away, while others pointed and whispered to each other.

"Is that the one who nearly brought that old wizard to his knees?" asked Shere Khan.

"It is," said Shan Yu "I recognize that armor from earlier,"

"What business does he have here?" asked Governor Ratcliffe.

"I have no idea," said Professor Ratigan.

"No one has no idea like Gasto-mph!" Gaston didn't get to finish his sentence as some of the other villains jumped to cover his mouth and shush him, not wanting to draw Zen's attention.

Zen made it to the main hall, with many villains following behind him. He looked around the room and saw that all the villains were gathered there.

"Since you are all gathered here, I won't waste any more time," said Zen.

"I have come to offer all of you a proposal of sorts."

Various murmurs rippled through the crowd of villains.

"What kind of proposal?" asked Jafar.

Zen was about to answer but was interrupted by sudden rubbing and a flash of fire.

"WHO ENTERS MY DOMAIN." Boomed Chernabog.

Zen looked over the hulking demon with a raised eyebrow.

"The mighty Chernabog, I've heard quite a lot about you, It's a pleasure to be in the presents of a powerful being such as yourself." complemented Zen.

"State your business!" demanded Chernabog.

"Very well, As I was saying before, I have come with a proposal for all of you," said Zen

"How would you like to be free from the bonds that have imprisoned you here, to have the ability to move freely and use any magic you want without rules, consequences, or restrictions?"

Murmurs and whispers rippled through the crowd of villains until one of them was brave enough to ask the question.

"And how do you plan on accomplishing that?" asked Hans.

"By destroying the seal on Shadow Vault and releasing my master," Zen answered.

"Hold on a sec, excuse me! Hi there! Hades: Lord of the dead. Question. What exactly do you get out of all this?" asked Hades.

"I only wish to assist and witness the Magic Kingdom's rebirth," said Zen

"And what if we refuse?" asked The Evil Queen.

"I assume you all have witnessed my power beforehand?" said Zen

Everyone wondered what Zen was referring to then realized what he meant.

"So that's why the others suddenly disappeared. Fascinating." said the Horned King.

"However, if you join me, you will be given knowledge of powers you have never known before," said Zen.

Chernabog had finally heard enough. The demon stood up and roared.

"YOU TRESPASS INTO MY LANDS AND THINK YOU CAN TAKE MY RULE FROM ME!?" boomed Chernabog.

Zen looked to the demon then sighed in amusement.

"So it seems that defeating you is the one true way to secure the allegiance of the others."

"YOU DARE CHALLENGE ME, MORTAL!? THE MIGHTY CHERNABOG!?" The demon let out a roar that shook the castle.

"I do actually," said Zen as he summoned his staff and readied himself.

Chernabog spread his wings and lunged toward Zen with his claws out, teeth bared, and his eyes ablaze.

"I WILL TURN YOU TO ASH!" he roared.

Zen's Staff hummed with magic.

The Villains moved back, not wanting to get between the two.

Chernabog threw a barrage of fireballs at Zen who moved from side-to-side to dodge them. Zen went on the offensive and sent forth his own magic attacks.

As both Zen and Chernabog clashed in battle, the villains stood by and watched in amazement.

"Remarkable," said Jafar as he rubbed his chin.

"I'll say," said Pete.

"Look at him go."

"Not even Yen Sid alone could face Chernabog head-on without the aid of the other wizards," said Skar.

As the other villains watched, Maleficent paid specific attention to Zen's use of magic. She was fascinated by the way he quickly summoned spell after spell with such precision.

"Interesting." she thought out loud.

Chernabog finally had enough and decided to end this battle.

"ENOUGH! I WILL NOT WASTE ANY MORE TIME WITH YOU MORTAL!" shouted Chernabog as he channeled magic in his hands shot a beam of fire straight at Zen.

Zen held up his staff in front of him to block the oncoming blast. He struggled against the wave of magic. Zen conjured as much of his own magic as he could into his staff, and with full concentration, he managed to tip the scale in his favor. Chernabog noticed this and tried with all his might to push back.

"IMPOSSIBLE!" he shouted.

Chernabog tried one last time but it was no use, Zen's magic had hit him square in the chest knocking the demon back into its throne which caused it to collapse.

A glowing aura of magic surrounding Chernabog's form then caused him to start shrink

"NOOOOOOOOO!" screamed Chernabog as he was rendered powerless to stop Zen.

When the aura cleared, there was nothing but a small stone statue of Chernabog. Zen approached the statue, picked it up, and examined it with a satisfied smirk. He then turned back to the other villains.

"Is there anyone else who doubts my magic."

The room was filled with silence and shock at what they had just witnessed.

"Very well then. Now that things are settled, it is time to make preparations," said Zen.

Mickey opened his eyes and found himself in a bright white empty space.

"Hello?" He called out through the emptiness.

"HELLO…..?"

Mickey looked around and saw a lone tall figure in the distance with his back turned to him.

Mickey

The figure turned his head to the side when he heard the voice.

Mickey gasped and stood up in his bed, Shot

Minnie pounced on Mickey and wrapped him in a tight hug.

"We were so worried about you, I was afraid that you wouldn't wake up." said Minnie as her eyes filled with tears.

Pluto barked then leaped onto the bed and covered Mickey in wet licks.

"Easy boy, I'm okay," said Mickey as he patted Pluto's head.

Mickey turned back to Minnie.

"How long was I out?"

"For 24 hours," answered Minnie.

"Really? It doesn't seem that long," said Mickey as he rubbed his head.

"Where is everyone else?"

"Goofy went with Max to drive Roxanne home, Clarabelle is making sure the castle is ready for anything, and Donald is just stocking up the food," said Minnie.

"And what about Master Yen Sid?" asked Mickey.

"Well, Yen Sid organized a meeting and wanted you to be there," said Minne.

"I should go, I need to talk to him about something," said Mickey as he tossed the covers off and stood up.

"Mickey, wait. You should rest, you took an awful hit to the head," advised Minnie.

"I'll be fine Minnie. Everyone needs me."

Minnie sighed.

"You should at least eat something."

Mickey was about to say something but heard his stomach growl.

"I guess you're right," he said

"I'll go to the kitchen and make you something personally."

"Aww thanks Minnie," said Mickey as he kissed Minnie on the cheek and left the room.

Yen Sid had organized an emergency meeting for the Royals and Wizards to discuss a course of action.

"With this evil wizard on the loose, there is no safe place in the Magic Kingdom," said Merlin.

"Surely if we all used our magic against him, we could banish him back to wherever he came from." proposed Merryweather.

"That sounds like it would be unwise," said Flora.

"Indeed," added Cedric.

"As much as I hate to admit it, but his power seems to be beyond even our comprehension."

"Exactly, even the more powerful villains wouldn't be able to cross over the barrier," said King Trident.

"Speaking of which, do we know if he has had any contact with the other villains?" asked Belle.

"I have sent some aids to find out, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has," said Merlin.

"Well I say we take the fight right to em," said King Fergus as he slammed his fist on the table.

"FERGUS!" said Elinor in disapproval.

"I agree, maybe with enough of us, we could over well him," suggested Prince Adam.

Anna leans over and whispers to Elsa who sat next to her.

"Do you think that this Zen person can really endanger Arendelle?" asked Anna.

"Anna, you saw what happened last night, that magic is too strong even for me," said Elsa.

"Do you think we have a chance to stop him?" asked Anna again.

"I don't know Anna, all we can do is just be ready for whatever happens," said Elsa.

Everyone went back and forth until Yen Sid shouted annoyance.

"ENOUGH!"

The room went almost instantly quiet.

"Listen, Zen is dangerous both with and without his magic. It won't matter how many of us we throw at him. He has grown in power during his imprisonment to the point where even I'm not sure I could stop him this time. I dread to imagine what evil he plans to unleash on The Magic Kingdom."

"Is there anything we can do?" asked the Blue Fairy.

"Without the book, we have no clear path forward. There is no telling what Zen is trying to accomplish," said Yen Sid.

As the Royals and Wizards continued to discuss possible battle plans, Daisy walked into the room.

"How is Mickey feeling?" asked Snow White.

"He still hasn't woken up yet, and Minnie refuses to leave his side even for a minute. " sighed Daisy.

"Is he going to be alright?" asked The Fairy Godmother.

Daisy was just about to answer but was interrupted by someone clearing their throat

"Um, hello everyone," said Mickey as he just walked.

"MICKEY!" everyone said in surprise.

"You took a nasty blow to the head there Mic," commented Aladdin.

"We were so worried about you," said Cinderella.

"Are you okay to be out of bed?" asked Aurora.

"I'm fine. Thank you everyone for your concern," said Mickey.

"Master, may I talk to you for a minute?"

"Please excuse me for a moment," said Yen Sid as he stood up from his seat to follow Mickey.

Mickey and Yen Sid walked a short distance from the others.

"Who is Zen? And what did he mean when he said I was your second apprentice?" Mickey asked his -master.

Yen Sid sighed.

"I knew that my past mistakes would come back to haunt me, but I never thought that it would be this soon."

"What do you mean?" asked Mickey.

Yen Sid let out another sigh and ushered Mickey to follow him back to the meeting.

"It's time that you all know the true lost history of the Magic Kingdom.

While questions were buzzing in everyone's mind, they remained silent, as Yen Sid began his tale.

END OF CHAPTER 12

A/N

Hey guys! Really sorry this is late, I just started school and I have 4 classes to manage so be a little more patient with me. I wanted to get two chapters out this month, but life came up. I'm glad I was able to have this chapter ready for you guys. The next chapter will be the origin of Zen and the lost history of Fantasia. This chapter is long so it should tie you over for a while Thanks again for your patience, please tell me if there are any grammatical or spelling errors. Please also share any ideas you may have. Until next time!