Naveen blinked, "So, you are from Enchantia? The war is up there.", and Mulan nodded, "Yes...It was a trap...Gods, what will Jason think?", sighing.
Naveen was about to reply when a roar came from the shadow, and he groaned lightly, "It's time. We can talk while we pull.", before pulling forward with a grunt, and Mulan blinked in confusion before following his example, hearing sounds from the contraption, looking up to see gears and strange things up there.
"W-what's going on?", Mulan asked, and Naveen sighed as the donkeys in front and back stomped on, pulling with groans and grunts, muttering in their human voices yet sounding like brays, just like Mulan and Naveen, "We control the Ferris Wheel up there. We need to continue pulling all night for in a matter of minutes, there will be a swarm of kids up there...Boys and girls, baited by either Coachman or Slim, depending on their turn...At the end of the night, they will be donkeys too, thanks to the potion in the smoking tobacco, root beer, everything they eat or drink...".
"Tobacco? Root beer?", Mulan said in confusion and surprise. "Yeah, it's exotic kind of stuff; this whole place is a little more... forward progressive, I would say, compared to lands in Enchantia. Adds more to the curse and all when you lure those that never have seen this kind of stuff.", Naveen scoffed.
Mulan widened her eyes in horror, "But, but that's not fair!", and Naveen snorted, "Fair? You talk about fair when you are forced to watch your wife become a donkey, hearing her screams, hearing her sobs at night when she can't sleep, seeing her cry when she has a breakdown, seeing the whip marks on her back, the smell of blood, the dismayed looks when she tastes the hay and dried grass, and embarrassed/humiliated in public when she is on the ground with me on her as the Coachman is forcing us to mate, and worst of all, unable to comfort her with human touches, kisses, hugs, and more.".
Naveen cries with a hiccup, "She's expecting our second child while working under those conditions!". Mulan shook her head. She realized how foolish she sounded there, and Naveen had every right to be upset with her there, "I'm sorry.".
"Not your fault; it's no one's fault here except for our cruel overlords. I swear, if I could just have five seconds to be human again; even if was to die in that time, it would be slitting that Coachman's throat before death would claim me.", Naveen growled.
Mulan was surprised to hear a growl from a donkey through it sounds like a burr to human ears, perhaps, and she nodded, "I couldn't blame you there...I think you might get in line for that...Jason, I know him...He will find out that I'm gone...That could cause him to change...Yes, I have a strange feeling that he did it...".
"Did what?", Naveen asked in confusion, and Mulan gave a small smile, "There must be other victims like me, right, from Enchantia?", and Naveen nodded, "Yeah, we have a bunch of them over the past few weeks. Why?".
Mulan chuckled, "You must then know about the United Talons, yes?", and Naveen blinked, "Bits and bobs of that, yes. Is your Jason one of them?".
"Yes... he's part of them. I can hold on to hope that he and the others will come soon.", Mulan said. "I'd warn against you about hope.", Naveen gave a depressed tone. "It dies very quickly here.".
Mulan slowed down, stopping abruptly, "I believe in them, especially him! He's my true love!", before crying out as a whip scored her back, hearing a rumbling growl, and Naveen sighed, "Just keep pulling, Mulan, or you will have more whips. Coachman gets really angry if one of his precious amusement rides stops for no reason, and the children will question sooner or later.".
Mulan was about to reply when her back got whipped once more, and she sighed, pulling with a grunt, pounding her hooves as Naveen nodded, snorting, "We can't stop until all the kids are all transformed...", hearing his other donkey friends agree with words, "Keep walking! Keep pulling! Keep dreaming!".
Naveen huffed, "You hear that? We are donkeys, just surviving to live, dreaming to be human again.", and Mulan nodded, realizing that there's no escaping from this dreadful place...
Her donkey ears can faintly pick up the sounds of human laughter and shouts, the amusement park sounds hiding the sounds of screaming and braying..."There's no way out, is there?", Mulan asked somberly, and Naveen snorted, "Not if you can survive swimming in Kraken-infested waters around Pleasure Island. You neither get caught by the Kraken, or by Captain Hook when he's around at summertime.".
"And even if you managed to somehow get past all that... which you can't no one has ever achieved...", Naveen added. "There's the issue that you're still a donkey... you'd never be able to convince anyone you were human and currently cursed.".
Mulan's heart sank deeper. Naveen sighed as he leaned against her for a moment, "Still, if those stories I've heard about those Talons are true... I guess it wouldn't be right of me to help crush all hope you have right now. I guess I'm being too much of a jaded realist at the moment."
"What stories have you heard?", Mulan asked. "Something about seizing a stronghold that could've withstood the largest army ever formed for years... taking it and killing its leader and wiping the army in it in less than an hour...", Naveen replied.
Mulan smiled faintly, "Oh, that was Tremaine, in Andalasia. Almost all the lands are freed of the war, thanks to the United Talons. Right now, they are in the Congo, helping the rebels take their homeland back.".
Naveen widened his eyes, "Wow...That is incredible...Oh, I haven't asked for your name, how stupid of me...", and Mulan chuckled, "You can call me Mulan...I was the General of the Narnian army as of an hour ago...".
"Oh, that explains why you know the war deeply.", Naveen replied, and Mulan nodded, "Indeed.", realizing that she may have found a new friend to help her to know the ins and outs of Pleasure Island. She may be a donkey now, but she's a soldier at heart, and the wits of a General. If she knows Pleasure Island, she will help Jason and the others once they get here...
"I hope you are right about the Talons finding us, Mulan... but after all this time, I've just lost all sorts of hope.", Naveen said. "I understand... it'll take a while before they break me. I might die before that'll happen.", Mulan told him.
"You are more defiant. Others have said the same and at least proved it.", Naveen nodded. Mulan grinned and gritted her teeth as she pulled and walked on, figuring that she'd be done at sunrise. She prayed that she won't be on Pleasure Island too long as she heard rumors that Pleasure Island is like a month's journey on ship one way, and two months' journey another way.
Elsewhere, back in the Congo, after a long, hard sleep, Jason woke up, exhausted and red-eyed, clutching Mulan's blossom flower necklace in his hand, he saw the rest of the team grabbing breakfast...He managed to get up and walk over to the others, and Silver noticed him coming, grabbing Emma's attention with a whisper.
Emma spoke carefully and anxiously, "Jason?", and the rest of the team looked up in concern and curiosity. Jason exhaled, "We need to get rid of Scar today. He was the one behind it all...He asked for Mulan to disappear...I can't...I can't leave Mulan to a place like Pleasure Island...".
"I know, none of us want to...", Emma rubbed his back as she tried to comfort him. "If you wish; we can survive a bit longer without your assistance if you feel it is needed to do what must be done to Pleasure Island.", Khan spoke up. "We've survived for years... and plan now to strike at Scar... whom my scouts have reported that they spotted him at our former home... it would be foolhardy to rush in now.".
"Khan may have a point. If Scar thinks we're here now; he'll be putting out all the stops.", Pippa pointed out. "It might be an ever-stronger fortress than Tremaine's; and impossible for us to sneak in and do the same plan we did before.".
Zuri frowned lightly, "Maybe it's time to canvass our options. Adam, ask your mirror to show the camp where Scar is at.".
Adam nodded, asking the mirror to show, and smiled, "It's not a fortress, but rather a fort of sorts with huts and tents behind it, and in the middle of it is the treehouse. There's no shield or any dark magic of sorts, but there are spots where archers are stationed at, in the platform towers of the fort fence, and the treehouse itself.".
Zuri then replied, "Our enemies don't know about our gifts, only the rumors that we are dragons, and that we are quick and calculating. If we take Scar by surprise by portal, Jason can kill him with his spikes. By the way, congratulations, Jason, you're a Deadly Nadder.".
Jason said nothing in response to that. Not even a small thanks. His mind was still so preoccupied with getting to Mulan and saving her from the hell that awaited her. He didn't know how much time he would have... or if she even was still alive for all he knew, but he just had to leave now.
"I still say we might be pushing our luck with this one.", John said. "Scar's certain to put up a dangerous fight; and a quick rush, even if we calculate it... things could still go very badly in hurry.".
Emma sighed, "I'm sorry, Jason, but when this comes to different opinions, we must vote. If you think we should stay and help the rebels, lift your right hand. If you think we should leave and head for Pleasure Island, lift your left hand.".
There was a clear hesitation amongst all in terms of a vote. Logan especially as he didn't want to vote against his own brother's wishes and cause him further pain.
"Would it not be possible...", Khan spoke up. "To perhaps split the group? Have some go along to find Pleasure Island and some stay here with us and finally free the Congo from those butchers that have tried to tame us?".
Haku nodded, "That's reasonable. I need to stay here, and besides, the prisoners in camp would need a healer once we take care of the goons and Scar.".
Pippa smiled, "Count me in, and besides, my fire as a dragon is pretty hot, I can help free the cages open.", and Adam nodded, "Punching the goons would be quite enjoyable for me.", with a smirk.
Silver grinned, "I have a ship stored away in a secret cove down in Narnia, and besides, we would need perhaps more light magic in case if Pleasure Island were truly enveloped in dark magic.".
"I think now that Khan has pointed it out, that we might be better off splitting into two groups. We can both rescue Mulan as well as take the fight to Scar at the same time.", Emma said.
"Plus keeping him guessing; make him wonder if we're all going to Pleasure Island or staying here.", Zuri smirked.
"Well, there's no way I'm not sticking with Jason for this... so I guess I'm heading to the island too.", Logan said. "And someone has to watch your back.", Jasmine chuckled.
Emma nodded, "It's settled then. I, John, will go with Jason, Logan, and Jasmine will go to Pleasure Island while Zuri, as my second in command, along with Haku, Pippa, Adam is staying here to assist you and the rebels, your majesty.".
Khan smiled, "That's very acceptable, Emma. You must get going to Narnia, then.", and Jason sighed, "There's one thing I have to do...Adam, show Emma Cair Paravel, so she can make a portal for us...King Mickey has to know...", with a frown.
"As you wish.", Adam said as he pulled out the mirror again and quickly gave the view of Cair Paravel on it. "We'll try not to be too long.", Logan said. "If we're all needed for Scar, just keep harassing him for the time being until we get back."
"Got it; same as what they were doing before.", Zuri smirked. Emma nodded, "Good. Give them hell for us.", before focusing on creating a portal, to a spot near Cair Paravel, and the chosen team went through, with Emma as last, and saluted to the Congo team, before the portal vanished.
Logan widened his eyes in amazement as he stared at Cair Paravel, "This is where you worked?!", glancing at Silver who gave a nostalgic and warm smile, chuckling, "Indeed. I was the head chef, and I was one of the sailors for his royal ships.".
Jason gestured with a hand, "Come on, let's not dawdle.", guiding them to the gates, and told the guards sharply, "Tell King Mickey that Jason Valkara is here with more of the United Talons. I have news about...General Fa Mulan.".
"You're sure about this?", Mickey sighed a few minutes later after the others quickly gained an audience with him.
"Without a doubt.", Jason said as he had anger in his voice. Not directed at him, but just at the situation and how powerless he felt at the moment.
Mickey nodded, "Okay. Silver, it's very good to see you again. Amelia and Delbert have just arrived a few days ago, on the Benbow Pirate. I wish I could go with you, but I have to keep hope here. See if you can ask Amelia and Delbert to join you, and if you can, you get my old friend off his arse. Eric has done enough moping, even if the anniversary of Ariel is coming up in a matter of weeks...He needs to do something.".
"We'll try.", John said as Mickey shook his head, "I should've imagined something like this might have happened… that Pleasure Island would come into play for one of them but certainly not like this…".
Minnie patted his hand, "It's not your fault or anyone else's fault, darling. We will get Mulan back. She's one of our most dear friends, and Jason's true love.".
Mickey nodded with a soft smile, "I know. You can find Amelia and Delbert down in the village, but before you go, I believe you would want to see Sarah down in the kitchens, Silver. She has been missing you a lot, and would need to know about Jim's whereabouts, and you can introduce Emma. Rest of you, I'm sure you need a snack to tide you over before the walk down to the village.".
"Thank you, your majesty.", Emma gave a respectful bow as the group left the throne room. Jason still didn't feel good. The sooner he could find Mulan, the better and more at ease he would be.
Sarah was beyond happy and surprised as she literally ran across the kitchens to hug her older brother, "John Silver, have you known how long you were gone?!", and John laughed heartily as he hugged her in a bear hug, "It's good to see you too, Sarah.".
Sarah gasped softly as she looked at his cyborg arm, "I heard stories and rumors, but this...Are you okay?', and John smiled, "Don't worry, sis, I'm good as ever, all thanks to my wonderful true love and wife, Emma.", glancing at Emma with a loving look as Emma came over with a warm smile.
"Sarah, this is Emma Silver, nee Fischer. Emma, meet my little sister, Sarah Hawkins, mother of Jim.", John introduced happily with a chuckle at Sarah's awed and surprised look.
"Finally pleased to meet you, Sarah. Jim and John have said many good things...", Emma said as Sarah slapped John in the face. "You jerk!", she yelled in his face.
"What did I do?", John shouted at her. "You got married and didn't invite your own sister?!", Sarah huffed with a raised eyebrow.
Emma spoke quickly, "Sarah, please don't be angry...I was pregnant, and I was anxious to give birth to them in a world where war is going on, but John distracted me with his proposal that came out of nowhere. But you should be proud of John. Why, Jim was his best man.".
"It's still upsetting you didn't let me know!", Sarah pouted as Emma rubbed her back. "I'm sorry... we just didn't want to put all of us at risk and all...", Emma said.
"I know, I know, we're still under threat out here in this area...", Sarah sighed. John sighed, touching Sarah's shoulder, "I'm sorry, can you forgive me?", and Sarah nodded, "You are forgiven. Where's Jim?".
Emma smiled warmly, "He's in Atlantis, partly taking care of our five children. He's so happy to be a cousin, and you are an aunt, Sarah, to three boys and two girls.".
Sarah widened her eyes in shock, "Oh, by Aslan, you are so going to owe me a favor, John, for not inviting me. It is a night of babysitting, deal?".
John rubbed the back of his neck with a sheepish grin, "Don't worry, that day will come sooner or later. You are gonna love them, sis. They're amazing...", glancing at Emma with a smile as she giggled softly, "They were surprises for us, that's for sure, but I don't have regrets.".