Chapter 19: Steps To Victory Part 1

"What do you mean by learning forbidden magic?" Mickey asked in confusion.

"I know this is sudden, but you need to listen to-."

"But Zen is way more powerful, not to mention he took away my magic!" said Mickey.

"Apprentice."

"I don't know if I can even wield it anymore, let alone be as powerful as Zen in a short amount of time."

"Apprentice."

"I'm useless here, how can I protect any of my friends if I can't even protect Minnie."

"MICKEY MOUSE!" yelled Yen Sid.

Mickey went quiet after hearing his master yell. It wasn't often when Yen Sid used his actual name other than "Apprentice."

"Listen, I know the timing and situation aren't right, but we have no other option."

Yen Sid stood up and set his hands on the desk.

"I'm going to be honest with you, you are the greatest chance we have against Zen."

Mickey was even more puzzled.

"But he has decades' worth of knowledge of that ancient magic, and mine was taken from me. Couldn't you stop him? You know a lot more than I do" said Mickey,

"Using that power has taken a lot out of me over the years, I merely fended him off, but I cannot face him head-on. While I have studied and practiced forbidden magic, I still cannot use it as well or efficiently as Zen," said Yen Sid.

"While Zen did take the magic you have mastered, he hasn't taken all of it, it's impossible."

"What do you mean?" asked Mickey.

"Apprentice, this world was created through a dream and magic, it comes from within one's very being. Zen would have to do a lot worse to prevent you from practicing magic again."

"But why didn't he?" questioned Mickey.

"Because Zen wants to crush your spirit. He knows that you have the potential to become just as strong as him, or even stronger. He will assume that I won't teach you forbidden magic, but he's wrong." explained Yen Sid.

"But wasn't Zen and Wildroth corrupted by forbidden magic?" asked Mickey.

"What if I turn bad as they did?"

"You won't because you and Zen defer from each other," replied Yen Sid as he walked over to the window.

"In another lifetime I would have become just like him. Walt Disney created Zen after the attributes he saw in me when I was young. In a way, Zen is a mirrored version of myself, or at least my curiosity, ambition, and need to become stronger. However, you Mickey Mouse were modeled by Walt Disney, created with care, kindness, and other parts of him. You were then reshaped to be able to ascend to greater things to help all those in the Magic Kingdom."

Mickey took a moment to digest everything that was said.

"I still don't fully understand why you waited so long to tell me this."

"As I said before, it was my error in judgment. I underestimated, thinking that Zen would probably never return," said Yen Sid as he returned to his desk.

"I will take full responsibility for what is to come, but the Magic Kingdom needs you more than me Mickey."

"I still don't know if I can do it, it took me years to even get a few spells right, and I don't have my magic hat," explained Mickey.

"How can I start all over again, as well as learn all this new magic in this short amount of time?" asked Mickey in worry.

"We do not have the time to decide. we must make do with the time we have left," said Yen Sid.

"I will teach you as much as I can to prepare you for the battles that lie ahead of us."

"What about Zen and the villains?" asked Mickey.

"I will manage that. We will start your training in an hour. For now, you should say goodbye to some of your friends while you can." Yen Sid suggested.

Mickey let out a sigh and silently left the room. Once Mickey was gone, Yen rubbed his tired face.

"What are you doing you old fool," he said aloud.

He turned his gaze to the picture of Walt Disney and Mickey walking down a stone path holding hands.

"I wish you were with us now old friend."

It was late in the next morning, and many of the ships had almost finished loading up to go home. While some of the younger kids played together, Wendy, along with her friends Alice, Eliowy, Arthur, Taren, and Melody were all in the garden talking amongst each other.

"I can't believe we have to leave so soon." said a disappointed Alice.

"Indeed, it's been so long since we saw each other in person," added Arthur.

"Don't feel bad everyone, surly when this is over everything will go back to the way it was," assured Eliowy.

"But will it ever though? I mean, even Mr. Yen Sid and Mickey were no match for that evil villain," said Melody.

"Don't worry, they will figure out a way to beat him, like they always have," said Taran with confidence.

While her friends were discussing the situation, Wendy was lost in her thoughts. Wendy and Peter had formed a plan so that he could stay and help while Wendy went with everyone else home. The idea was that Peter would fly with them part of the way when they were at least close to Neverland, then he would return here. The more she thought about it, the more she began to reconsider.

"Do you think, we should stay?" asked Arthur.

"Surly Mickey will need all the help he can get."

"But would Merlin allow you?" asked Alice.

"I'm sure if I talked to him, I can convince him to stay, besides-"

Arthur stood up and pushed his chest out.

"I'm still the king!" he said in a deep voice that made everyone laugh.

"What about your Kingdom?" asked Eliowy.

"Surely Merlin can't help you govern people and keep you out of trouble at the same time."

"I can take care of myself," Arthur assured,

"Besides, I've greatly improved my swordsman skills."

"Is that so?" asked Taran in a challenging tone.

"I'll be the judge of that."

Taran picked up a nearby twig and held it up like a sword.

"Engard!"

Arthur in turn picked up a twig as well and did a pose.

"Challenge accepted!"

The two boys then engaged in a pretend sword fight, much to the girls' amusement.

"While we're on the topic, do you think we should stay as well?" asked Melody.

"I don't know," said Eliowy.

"I too want to stay and help, but I worry that I'll be in the way. I'm not much of a fighter."

"I agree," added Wendy as she reentered the topic.

"It would probably be safer to go back to our homes. We're just people, not soldiers like some of the others here, and we couldn't possibly stand against what's to come with how delicate we are."

"Well actually, I've been learning how to better defend myself," said Alice.

"Really?" asked Wendy curiously.

"Yes, my other self has been teaching me how to handle myself in a fight. Ever since she told me how she fought and defeated a powerful beast, I was inspired to also become stronger like her," said Alice.

"While I have had a bit of difficulty using a sword, I've become quite efficient with a crossbow."

"What a coincidence," said Melody.

"A while ago, I asked my grandfather to teach me how to battle, ever since I was tricked and captured by that Sea witch, I thought it would be smart to learn. He was a bit unwilling at first, but I used my granddaughter's charm to convince him."

"Do your parents know about it?" asked Wendy.

"N…Not yet, but I'll tell them eventually. Next time that old Sea Witch tries to mess with me, I'll be ready." Melody said with a smile.

"What kind of weapon do you use?" asked Eliowy.

"A small trident that my grandfather gave me. It's a little old, but I can handle it almost perfectly," said Melody.

"Well I guess I too should admit that I've been learning to fight as well," added Eliowy.

Wendy was surprised at what she was hearing.

"Not you too."

"I thought you weren't a fighter?" asked Alice.

"I'm not, but it seems everyone here is sharing I guess I will too," Eliowy replied.

"For a while, Taran has been showing me how to use a pair of daggers. Not to brag, but I came close to beating him at one time, but I do feel like he was going easy on me just to build my confidence."

"Wow, we've all grown a lot over the past," commented Melody.

"What about you Wendy? asked Alice.

"Have you been learning any new arts?"

After hearing how some of the other girls were learning how to fight, Wendy felt a little embarrassed.

"I…Um."

Much to her luck, she was interrupted by a triumphant "HAHA" from Arthur as he stood over Taran with his twig sword pointing at his chest.

"Told you I've gotten better," said Arthur with a smirk.

"Well fought," said Taran.

Taran noticed that Arthur had slightly let his guard down. Seeing an advantage, Taran picked up a small bit of sand from one of the plants and tossed it in Arthur's direction. Arthur moved his arm to cover his face, but that allowed Taran to sweep Arthur's legs which cause Arthur to fall on his back. As Arthur tried to sit up, he was greeted with Taran's stick to his chest with him smirking down at him.

"You should know that your opponent will not always fight fair," he said with a mocking smile and an offered hand.

Arthur sighed in frustration then took Taran's hand. As Arthur stood up, the boys noticed a small crowd of kids had gathered around them. Then a sudden cheer erupted from them.

"Well done boys! Well done," said Peter who was sitting in a nearby tree.

Peter dropped down and put an arm around each of the boy's shoulders.

"But we all know that I could've beaten the both of you."

"Yeah right."

"But could you last long in the jungle?" asked another voice that belonged to the jungle boy named Mowgli.

"I beg your pardon, I've lived on an island for as long as I could remember, I can handle myself pretty well," said Peter.

"Oh, Peter." thought Wendy as he began to boast.

"Have you ever fought a tiger or been almost eaten by a snake?" asked Mowgli with a smirk.

"NO…..But I have fought a crew of cutthroat pirates and beat Captain Hook many times," said Peter as he stuck out his chest.

"Boys boys, now while I'm sure you all had adventures and fought against "small" foes, but that pales in comparison to some of the dangers that we had faced and defeated," said James as he put a fist to his chest.

"James, it was mostly Sofia who did all that." Correct Amber much to James's dismay.

"But you guys and our friends helped me so many times!" said Sofia trying to avoid all the praise.

"Is that true Sofia?" asked Shanti.

"Well yes, but not by myself. Almost every time my family and friends gave me their support," said Sofia.

"So it was Sofia who did most of the work." teased Taran which made James feel embarrassed.

"Hey now, don't be mean," said Captain Jake.

"Yeah, when you're on a crew everyone is equally important, no matter how big or small," added Izzy.

"Everyone can be helpful, even me," said Cubby.

"But Peter is still the best," said the lost boy named Slightly which caused the other lost boys to cheer in agreement.

"Peter is the bravest, strongest, and the most daring person there is!" said the Twins.

"Now, now, you shouldn't put that much pressure on Peter," said Alice.

"Yes, he already has a big enough Ego," joked Arthur.

"He just insulted our leader!" shouted the lost boy in the bunny skin.

"Let's get 'em!"

The group of lost boys all piled on to Arthur, Taran tried to come to his aid, but he was dragged into

the brawl.

"Peter, do something!" said Wendy.

At her request, Peter intervened to break up the fight.

"Alright troops!" he yelled.

At the sound of Peter's voice commanding voice, the lost boys immediately got up being lined up at attention.

"Hey Jake, do you and the crew mind making sure everything is ship-shape before we set off?"

"Sure thing Peter!" replied Jake.

"You can count on us," added Izzy.

"Now boys, Jake is in charge until I come back, do exactly what he says, alright?" ordered Peter.

"Yes Sir!"

"Come on gang, let's get to work!" shouted Jake as he lead the others away.

Once some of the younger ones left, the others joined the girls around the garden benches.

"So what have you guys been talking about," asked James.

"We were sharing how we all have been learning how to fight," said Melody.

"I assume this has something to do with what happened last night and the current announcement?" asked James.

The girls nodded to confirm.

"Well I hardly want to imagine myself in a situation where I would need to fight for my life," said Amber.

"But learning how to fight could save yourself and others," said Eliowy

"That could be true, but princesses aren't meant for battle," Amber countered.

"Have you seen Princess Mulan, or even Princess Merida?" asked Arthur.

"Okay so there are a few exceptions, but we are still children. Only a few of us have ever. experience combat before, and even then have been very lucky." replied Amber.

"Funny thing, we were just talking about that," said Alice.

"Each one of us has been sharing our experience in learning combat."

"Really?" asked Sofia.

"That's impressive."

"Yep, as a matter of fact, we were just about to ask Wendy if she too was learning any sort of defense," said Melody.

Wendy was just about to answer but was interrupted when Peter burst out laughing.

"Wendy would never want to learn how to fight. I offered to teach her, but every time she turned me down, she is gentle as a kitten."

While what Peter was saying was true, the way he said it in a mocking sort of tone embarrassed her.

"Would you please excuse me," said Wendy as she stood up.

Alice couldn't help but noticed the small tear that streaked down her friend's face as she hurried away. She turned to look at Peter with a frown.

"That wasn't very nice of you Peter."

"Yeah, that was uncalled for," said Sofia.

Peter's giggling smirk was replaced with a look of confusion.

"What do you mean, it's the truth."

"That may be, but you said it in a way that made her feel you were making fun of her," said Arthur.

"Yeah I didn't realize that until I hurt Shanti's feelings when I told Baloo to scare her," added Mowgli.

Peter looked down in shame when he understood what his friends were saying.

"I'll go talk to her."

Peter followed Wendy to where she walked off across the gardens, Peter found her sitting by the fountain with her face in her hands weeping.

"Wendy?"

Wendy looked up to see Peter, but she turned away.

"Wendy, I'm sorry for what I said," said Peter as he sat next to her.

"Oh, Peter." Wendy whipped her eyes.

"It's not your fault, I was crying because you were right."

"Regardless, I embarrassed you in front of everyone, I spoke out of turn on that," said Peter.

Wendy couldn't help but let out a light chuckle "You're starting to sound more grown-up."

Peter pretended to be offended by her remark "Hey now, don't say that! I have to keep up appearances."

They both shared a laugh.

"It's just that everyone has been able to accomplish and grow more. Meanwhile, I've done nothing of the sort," said Wendy sadly.

"Don't say that, we've had tons of adventures you don't need a use a sword or bow to be brave. You make the hard decisions which are what makes you just as brave as the rest of them," said Peter.

"Do you…Do you think maybe I should stay here with you?" asked Wendy.

Peter didn't want to say "yes" but he knew he had to refuse.

"As much as I would like that, I don't want to put you, John, Michael, and the others in unnecessary danger. Nobody will judge you for protecting your family first."

"But you're family too and we care about you," said Wendy.

"I appreciate that more than you know, and I also care enough to put myself in danger so you guys can continue enjoying life," said Peter

"I need you to trust me on this Wendy,"

Wendy gazed at the fish in the water of the fountain for a second, then turned back to Peter and gave him a tight hug.

"I guess you're right., but you better swear to me that you'll come back alive okay, this isn't like any of your usual adventures," said Wendy.

Peter flashed his cocky smile. "I'm Peter Pan, I always come back!"

"Oh, Peter." Wendy smiled and shook her head.

"Come on, let's get back to the others," Peter said as he offered a hand which Wendy accepted.

"Speaking of which, have you told Tinkerbell about what you plan to do?" asked Wendy.

"Without pixie dust, you won't be able to fly as much,"

"Don't worry, I'll talk to her and have it all taken care of," said Peter.

"If you say so," Wendy said with a hit of disbelief.

While Peter and Wendy were away, the others resumed the conversation.

"So have any of you guys been learning anything new?" asked Taran.

"Not out of the ordinary, just a few lessons on royalty here and there, quite exhausting really," said Amber.

"The same with me as well. Although I have been improving my fencing," said James.

"I almost beat my father a few times."

"As for me, my magic has gotten a lot better for the last few years," said Sofia.

"Mr. Cedric even said that I might even be close to his first level of magic. Not only that, Elene and Mateo have been training me as well."

"It's more that you are learning with me," said Elena as she and her friends approached the group.

"Princess Elene, fancy seeing you here!" said Eliowy.

"Sorry if we intruded on your conversation," said Gabe.

"It's fine, you are welcome to join us," said Shanti as she beckoned them to sit down.

"We were just discussing, recent events," said Arthur.

"So Mowgli, I noticed you finally wore close to the party." Taran chuckled.

Mowgli rolled his eyes "I've worn clothes before, I just don't wear them often because it makes me feel uncomfortable."

"It took us a while, but Baloo was able to convince him." giggled Shanti.

"Baloo, oh you mean the big talking bear that usually has that hat and jacket?" asked Isabel.

"Yes," Shanti confirmed

"So Mowgli was it? Back to the topic at hand, have you learned anything?" asked Mateo with interest.

"Well Baloo has been busy balancing between spending time with me and being a pilot, but when he's away I've been meeting with Tarzan," Mowgli explained.

"For a while, he's taught me about survival and other tricks he learned while in the jungle."

Does Baloo know about this?" asked Alice.

"Oh he does, he says he's okay with it, but I can tell he's jealous." Mowgli giggled.

"But aren't you jealous of that boy named kit?" asked Shanti.

"I am not!" Mowgli denied, but the rest snickered knowing he was.

"What about you Shanti?" asked Naomi.

"Well, I've gotten used to the jungle, nowadays I've been practicing how to make remedies and healing ointments out of the various jungle plants."

After a minute, Gabe decided to ask the more serious question.

"So what exactly prompted this discussion?"

"With possible danger coming, and this new evil wizard on the loose, we thought hypothetically speaking what if we were to stay and help," said Melody.

"Really?" asked Elena.

"Why?"

"Because if things are as bad as Yen Sid has described, then wouldn't it be best if we all worked together?" said Alice.

"That's a good point, but we're still technically kids, not soldiers. Besides, we barely know what this evil wizard is capable of." James pointed out.

"And did you see how he made many of the others disappear?" added Amber.

"That is true, but I'm sure each of us has in some way overcome odds that seemed impossible," said Naomi.

"Yeah, I thought I wouldn't be able to beat Shere Khan again, but with the help of my friends, we beat him!" said Mowgli

"But it would be unwise to confront such an evil directly," said Mateo.

Arthur stood up and walked to the center of the group.

"Listen, maybe I'm thinking way over my head, but what if we stay and help," he said.

"But what would our parents and guardians think, surely they wouldn't allow such a thing," said Shanti.

"What if we all asked together?" suggested Isabel.

"That wouldn't hurt, my parents trust Baloo and I'm sure he can convince them," said Mowgli.

"Maybe you should ask him first," whispered Shanti.

"Well I'm willing to stay to keep my family and friends safe, I'm a protector of the realm and will be there when people need me" declared Sofia.

"Me too, as future king I'll willingly put myself in the line of danger to protect our home alongside others," added James.

Amber sighed "As dangerous as all this is, as family we need to stay together."

"What if we were to make some sort of an oath?" suggested Taran.

"What do you mean?" asked Eliowy.

"Like if we were to make a promise to help Mickey and save the Magic Kingdom?" he said.

"That's a big promise Taran, a promise that we shouldn't be pressured to keep, especially since our parents will most likely not permit such a thing," said Alice.

"But we could still try," said Melody.

"Well, whatever happens, I am willing!" declared Arthur.

"We are too!" said Sofia.

"I'll do my best," added Alice.

"If we do this, it will be together," said Mowgli.

"I'll help as much as I can, even if it's from behind everyone," added Shanti.

Elena looked at her friends "Well guys, what do you say?"

"You're the royal here Elena," said Gabe

"But you guys are my friends, I don't want to drag you into this if you don't want to," said Elena.

"We can't let you save the kingdom alone, you should know that by now." Naomi pointed out.

Elena sighed happily "Well I guess that means we're in this together with you guys."

"I'm surprised you let me in on this," Isabel told her sister.

"Would I be able to stop you if I didn't?" Elena smirked.

"Good point." Isabel returned.

"What's going on?" came the voice of Peter as he and Wendy returned to the group.

"We're making a promise to help Mickey and protect the Magic Kingdom," said Isabel.

"Will you join us?"

"I was planning on staying anyway," said Peter with his chest out.

"What about you Wendy?" asked Shanti.

"As much as I would like to, I have to look out for my brothers and the others," said Wendy.

"We understand Wendy," said Taran.

"Yeah, there is no shame for putting the safety of others first," said Alice.

"Thank you for understanding everyone," said Wendy.

Peter then heard the voice of Jake from a distance.

"PETER...WE'RE ALMOST READY!" called Jake.

"AYE JAKE!" Peter replied.

"I just need to make sure my crew gets sailed off safely, then I'll return."

"Goodbye everyone, I wish you all luck and safety," said Wendy as she waved to her friends.

"Goodbye Wendy!" said Elena.

"Have a safe trip!" added Sofia.

"We'll work extra hard for you," said Arthur.

Once their friends were out of sight Wendy let out a heavy sigh.

"I hope they'll be safe."

"Don't worry," said Peter "They have me!"

"That's why I'm worried." joke Wendy which earned her a glare from Peter.

END OF CHAPTER 19 PART 1

A/N

Okay so due to the size of this chapter, I decided to cut it in half. I wanted to touch on some of the character's perspectives of the events that went on, I hope I didn't drag it out too much so I want you guys to be the judge of that. If some of you feel like this portion could be adjusted or shortened in a way, please let me know how I should do it. Another thing I want to point out is the possible confusion between Cubby from JATNP and the original Peter Pan film, I decided to just reframe from mentioning the name of the original one to keep it simple for now. Other than that, thank you for all your patients following this story. Please continue to give me feedback to improve. Until next time! (All properties belong to their associated owners)