Chapter 4: The Army is Gathered

"Now, Aslan's camp is right across the river," Mr. Beaver said.

Sora looked out and saw a large body of water. "Well, I guess I could go for a swim."

"Oh no, dear," Mr. Beaver said. "That river's been frozen for 100 years."

"Guess that'll make things easier," Donald said.

"Yup," Goofy said.

"Shh!" Sora said. "I hear something!" They got very quiet and heard the gentle jingling of bells.

"It's her!" Mrs. Beaver cried.

"Run!" Mr. Beaver ordered. They all ran until they found a cave to hide. The bells came nearer, and then they stopped. Mr. Beaver scurried out of the cave, and Sora held his breath. Then quite suddenly, Mr. Beaver's head popped back in. "It's alright. You can come out. It isn't her; it's an old friend of yours!"

"Who?" Sora and the others said.

"Haven't you heard that in Narnia it is always winter and never Christmas?"

"And never Halloween," Sora added.

"Right," Mr. Beaver said, scratching his head. "Well, come and see!"

Sora and the others crept out cautiously, but then Sora's face brightened into a boyish smile. "Santa!"

"Ho ho ho!" the visitor greeted. "Sora, Donald, Goofy! It has been a long time!"

"We thought you were the Witch," Goofy said.

"Yes. I apologize for that, but in my defense, I have been driving one of these," he patted his sleigh, "much longer than the Witch."

"So, how is it you're here if it's never Christmas?" Donald asked.

"Well, Donald, the Witch's spell kept me out of Narnia for 100 years. But the presence of Aslan and all of you is weakening her power. Now, I have gifts for all of you. These are unusual gifts, not crafted by me or the elves, for they are tools, not toys. I give them to you on behalf of Aslan."

"And we'll be happy to accept them, Santa," Sora nodded.

He pulled them out one by one, a golden Keyblade for Sora, a jeweled wizard's staff for Donald, and a silver shield for Goofy. All three of the gifts bore a crest of a red lion. "What does this mean?" Sora asked.

"That is Aslan's royal crest, Sora."

"Why is it a lion?"

Santa just laughed his jolly laugh. "You will see when you meet him. For you, beavers, as I pass your house and dam, I will see to it that all damage done by the police is repaired."

"But it's locked," Mrs. Beaver said.

Santa laughed. "Bolts and locks mean nothing to me, madam. Oh, and before I forget," he pulled out two wrapped gifts, one small and in pink wrapping paper and one large and in blue wrapping paper, and handed them to Sora, "These are for two of your friends. You will know when to give them when you see them. Now, don't open the gifts for them until then."

"Two? What are they, Santa?"

"That's a surprise, Sora. You will see soon enough. And by the way, Jack sends his warmest regards. You might want to know that he and Sally will soon be wed in Valentine Village."

Everybody smiled. "Well, tell them I said congratulations!"

"You can tell them yourself. I'm sure he'll be contacting you because I would not be surprised if he wants all three of you to be his 'gloomsmen.'"

Everyone laughed heartily.

"Well, I must be off. Winter is almost over, and spring is soon on its way. Long live the True King, and Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" everybody called after him as Santa drove away. But then, Sora understood what Santa said, and his euphoria began to drain away.

"'Winter is almost over, and spring is on its way.' Oh no. That means the river is thawing."

They immediately ran to the river. Already the ice was breaking up into ice flows. "Well, like I said, I guess I'm up for a swim." But then they heard howling.

"Come on!" Goofy yelled. They ran down to the biggest, unbroken ice and tried to cross as quickly as they could. Then, unexpectedly, Maugrim leaped in front of him.

"Get out of the way!" Sora yelled as he drew his Keyblade.

"Put that away, kid," the wolf said. "Someone might get hurt."

"Yeah, you!" He charged forward and gave him a combo hit. The ice kept cracking underneath them.

"Is that all you got?" Maugrim snarled. He pounced on Sora and bit him. Sora got free, but he was worried about hitting the wolf again. He didn't want to break the ice. Donald started using spells, and Good tossed his shield at the wolf several times, but the wolf kept fighting back.

As the wolf pinned Sora down, he looked up and saw a familiar silhouette. "I don't believe it." He got free and yelled. "Mr. Tumnus! Down here!" He waved his arms to signal his friend. The faun dropped down, but then Sora saw that had colorless skin, dead eyes, and a familiar crest on his chest. "Oh no, he got his wish!" The faun swung his umbrella at Sora and kicked with his hooves.

"Badger!" Mr. Beaver called up. "Down here, old chum!" The Nobody of Badger came down, hissed, and clawed at Mr. Beaver. "Right, good to see you too!" he said.

More Nobodies came down. "Don't fight them, Sora!" Mrs. Beaver called. "These are our friends, and we don't want to risk losing them."

The ice cracked more under Sora's feet. It was even beginning to break in the frozen waterfall behind them. Maugrim laughed. "Well, this will be entertaining. You fight very well against your enemies, Keyblade Wielder, but how will you fare against your friends?"

"Everybody get in close!" Sora said. Goofy and Donald closed in. With a loud yell, Sora crushed the ice in front of them using his Keyblade. A wall of water crushed down behind them and sent them floating into the river. As they got out into the water, the Nobody Mr. Tumnus leapt behind them. "Come on!" Sora yelled. He jumped to the nearest ice flow, and there he used a Reaction Command to knock the Nobody into the water. Then, Nobody Badger jumped on, and he did the same thing. And it went on and on. Quite a few times, he missed the jump or the Reaction Command and fell into the water. Yet eventually, they all made it to shore. "Well, that was frustrating."

"At least we're alright," Donald said.

"Yup, we're all here," Goofy said.

"Hey, look at that," Sora said. He walked forward, and though there was still snow everywhere, a redwood tree in full bloom was right there. Other trees were dripping with melting snow. A light glowed around Sora again, and his winter gear reverted to his normal outfit, which was now dry. "I think spring's just around the corner. And to think, just an hour ago, it was Christmas!"

Just behind them, the Witch, the dwarf, and Riku were staring at the now unfrozen river. The temperature suddenly got much warmer. "Finally!" Riku said, starting to wiggle off his coat. The Witch gave him a cruel look. Riku defiantly looked back and shouldered his coat back on.

"This is no thaw," the dwarf said. "This is Spring! What are we to do, your Majesty? Your winter has been destroyed, and we can no longer drive the sleigh. This must be Aslan's doing!"

"If either of you mention that name again, he shall instantly lose his heart," the Witch declared.

"Your Majesty," Maugrim said as he approached. "We have found the traitor! He was gathering your enemies in the Shuddering Woods." A Nobody wolf dropped in front of her a fox.

"How nice of you to drop in," she said. "You were so helpful to my subjects last night, I wonder if you can help me now."

"Forgive me," the fox said as he sighed and bowed.

"Don't waste my time with flattery," the Witch sneered.

"Not to be rude, but I wasn't talking to you."

Riku was astonished. How could this fox be asking for his forgiveness when they had just now met?

The Witch pointed her wand at the fox. "Where are they headed?"

The fox looked up at her and wouldn't answer. The Witch raised her wand above her head.

"No!" Riku ran in front of the fox. "I remember the beavers said something about a Stone Table. They were talking about a war and a prophecy. I didn't pick up many details because that's when I left, but I'm pretty sure that's where they're going."

The Witch smiled at him. The fox looked at Riku sadly and shook his head. "Thank you, Riku. I'm glad this creature got to see some honesty . . . BEFORE HE LOSES HIS HEART!" Before Riku could stop her, she struck him with the wand, and he turned to stone. Riku screamed again, and the Witch struck him. "Let that be a lesson to you to ask for favors from spies and traitors!" He looked at the statue, and from it a colorless form of a fox stepped out of it. "Since you were gathering my enemies, I send you to gather every Nobody you can find. We will fight the one whose side you were originally on." The Nobody fox ran off without a word. "And you, Maugrim, find the Keyblade Wielder and his friends, and kill them."

"I obey, my Queen," he answered with a bow and left.

The Witch looked proudly ahead. "If it is a war Aslan wants, it is a war he shall get."

Meanwhile, our heroes have finally reached Aslan's camp. Sora spotted a Save Point by the entrance and quickly stepped on it. He didn't want to go through the Ice Flows game again if he could help it. Every creature Sora had ever seen or ever imagination, and some even beyond his imagination, were there. It looked like a mythical zoo. There were unicorns, centaurs, manticores, chimeras, dragons, dryads, nymphs, muses, and many others. Not on Nobody was among them. Sora, Donald, and Goofy all stared around them in amazement, and every creature met their gaze with respect.

"But which one of them is Aslan?" Sora whispered.

"Beats me," Goofy said. Donald just shook his head. The beavers just led on.

Sora finally faced the camp. He drew the Keyblade and held it out. The whole camp hushed and stared at the gleaming weapon. "I am Sora, the Keyblade Wielder," he announced. "In the name of King Mickey, I have come to see Aslan."

The opening of a large red tent in front of them fluttered. All of the creatures around the party bowed low. Then, slowly, a lion walked out of the tent and approached Sora. The team marveled at him. Sora had an idea that Aslan was a lion, even though he was never told. Perhaps it was the roar he heard before he entered the wardrobe. He thought he would be fine with it since he was such friends with Simba, but Aslan was much more majestic and intimidating than Simba. There was something about his eyes, his golden eyes. Sora bowed before Aslan as well.

"Welcome, Sora, Son of Adam," Aslan said in a surprisingly gentle voice. "Welcome, Donald Duck. Welcome, Goofy. Welcome, He-Beaver and She-Beaver. You all have my thanks. But where is the second Son of Adam?"

Sora said sadly, "He's been captured by the Witch."

"Captured? How could this have happened?"

"He betrayed us, your Majesty," Mr. Beaver reluctantly answered.

Sora spoke up, "It was probably my fault. We had a fight earlier, and I think he did it to spite me. Aslan, your Majesty, he's not the only one in the Witch's keep because of me. I know I can defeat her, but I can't do it alone. Please, tell us what needs to be done."

"All that can be done will be done, Sora, but it will not be as easy as you think," Aslan replied.

"I understand."

"Walk with me, Sora," Aslan requested. Sora followed the lion to a hill, which overlooked a great sea. Across the sea was a beautiful castle. "That is Cair Paravel, the castle of the prophecy. You will soon sit in its throne room as High King."

"King? Me? I-I-I don't think I can."

"You doubt the prophecy?"

"No, it's not that. I'm just a boy. Phil hasn't even named me a true hero yet."

"You must understand, Sora, that it may be out of your hands. Our world is governed by a Deep Magic written before the dawn of time. It split the light from the darkness, and it governs all of our destinies, yours and mine."

"And Riku's?"

"Yes, Sora, and Riku's."

Sora looked at the golden Keyblade that was still in his hand. "Is what they say true? Can the Witch really destroy this? Can she really turn my heart to stone?"

"She is indeed very powerful, and if she can, she certainly will. But Sora, I am more powerful. I promise you, if you trust in me, even in the darkest hour, you have nothing to fear of her."

Sora nodded. "I do trust you."

"Good. Now, if you'll come with me, I'll show you something that will lighten your heart."

"What is it, your Majesty?"

"Just before you came, King Mickey sent other reinforcements for the war."

He led Sora down to a purple tent. Donald was already waiting there, jumping up and down and saying, "Boy oh boy!" and Goofy chuckled loudly.

The tent flap lifted, and a familiar, black-haired, Ninja girl came out. "There you are, Sora!"

"Yuffie!" Sora said in surprise.

"It gets better!" she giggled.

A tall man in a leather jacket stepped out. "Hello Sora," he said cooly.

"Leon! How are you?"

Then behind him came another tall guy with spiky, yellow hair. "Hey Sora," he said quietly.

"Cloud? Hey!"

Behind him came a woman in a pink dress. "Hi Sora," she greeted meekly.

"Aerith? I didn't know you could fight."

"Well, I do a little. My expertise is in magic, especially healing."

"We can use that," Goofy said.

Aerith smiled and pulled back the tent flap one more time. A girl with shoulder long, brown hair stepped out and simply smiled.

"KAIRI!" Sora screamed.

"SORA!" She ran up to him and gave him a hug. Sora and Kairi both laughed hysterically.

"So, this is what your trip was all about? Gathering everybody together for this?"

"Well, that was one part," Kairi answered.

"What about the Radiant Garden Restoration Society?" Donald asked.

"Oh, Cid and Merlin are still holding down the fort on that," Yuffie answered.

"Besides," Leon said, "King Mickey told us that if we lose the Keyblade, they'll be no Radiant Garden to restore."

"That's why we all agreed to come and do what we can to help," Aerith added.

"Oh, Kairi," Sora said, "I just remembered. This is for you." He handed her the small, pink package. "Merry Christmas."

Kairi laughed. She tore it open. Inside was an ivory horn shaped like a lion's head. "Oh, it's very beautiful." She put it to her lips and blew. A low, and yet very loud, not came from it.

"Careful, Daughter of Eve," Aslan said. "You are only to blow that when you are in peril. Wherever you are, help will come to you immediately."

"Oh. Well, I'll use it when I need to."

But when Aslan said that, Sora realized something. He looked at Cloud and Leon. "Sons of Adam." Then he looked over at Aerith, Yuffie, and Kairi. "Daughters of Eve. The human race. We're it. We're going to fulfill the prophecy. We're going to destroy the Witch, together."

"Yes Sora, we will," Cloud said. "You can count on it."

A rich feast was prepared for all of Aslan's army. Everyone was given rich, new clothes, except for Sora who kept his enchanted garments. The party felt very relaxed after such a long journey. Then, around sunset, Sora heard Kairi's horn. Immediately, he leapt up and ran toward the sound, which was coming from a spring. Maugrim was stalking her. "Please, don't try to run, girl. I'm tired, and I want to kill you quickly."

"Leave her alone!" Sora demanded as he drew his Keyblade.

Maugrim turned to him. "No problem, Keyblade Wielder. You're who I came for anyway."

Donald and Goofy came running down the hill, as well as most of the army, but Aslan leapt in front of them and blocked the way. "Stay your weapons! This is Sora's battle."

"Great, I got to fight this alone?" Sora mumbled.

"That's right, kid," the wolf said. "It's just you and me. You may think you're a hero, but you going to die like a dog!"

"That's what you think!" Again, Sora charged at the wolf and hit the wolf with as many combos as he could. Maugrim was very quick and often attacked Sora from behind. Sora had to save his MP for Cure spells. He couldn't transform to any Drive form, and he didn't have any available summons. In the middle of the battle, though, he found a Reaction Command that allowed him to unleash a Specialty Attack. That helped out tremendously. He had another opportunity to unleash that, and finally he landed that last hit in slow motion. Maugrim collapsed. Sora took a few deep breaths. Then, he spotted a Nobody wolf watching from a nearby cliff. He charged after it.

"Wait, Sora," Aslan called. He looked at the army. "Follow that wolf. He will be returning to his mistress and will so lead us to Riku."

"I'll go," Yuffie offered.

"Very well, Yuffie. Godspeed." Yuffie leapt up into the nearest tree and disappeared. Aslan turned to Sora. "Hand me your Keyblade."

"But Aslan–"

"I know the charm of your weapon, but it will make an exception for this." Sora presented the Keyblade to Aslan. "Now kneel." Sora did so. Aslan put the Keyblade between his teeth and gently touched both of Sora's shoulder with its tip. "Arise, Sir Sora Wolf-Bane, Knight of Narnia."

Sora stood, and the entire army cheered enthusiastically. Goofy and Donald cheered the loudest of all. Kairi hugged Sora and said, "My hero!"

Sora was overwhelmed with pride, but his thoughts were still elsewhere. As the celebration subsided, he turned to Aslan and said, "You think Riku will be alright?"

"We will see, Son of Adam."