Disney World: The Age of Tears

By Any Means


"Give it everything you've got!" The Sheriff of Nottingham bellowed in his weak and shaky voice. It was many things but commanding and inspiring were not on the list. The fact that he had still yet to draw his blade was even further proof of the old wolf's incompetence.

Scar made a note of this while he stalked past the Sheriff to get a good look at the magical shield Mickey had created. If the battle got hectic enough Scar could simply kill the Sheriff and takeover Nottingham's forces. Captain Crocodile and the others would fall in line without much effort and then he'd have control over two great kingdoms, Nottingham being ruled in the face by that halfwit fur ball King John of course. Until Scar saw fit to end him as well of course.

Scar decided to put those thoughts aside and focus on the now. Every arrow that flew bounced off Mickey's magical barrier and Jafar's spells were not damaging as well.

"We'll have to bring in a catapult!" The Sheriff shouted and sent a few men running off back into the forest. In the fiery forest, it would take them at least half an hour to make their way back to the castle, if they made it at all. Robin's forces were still holding out in many places and it was likely the men would be killed before even making it to the castle. And even if they did it would take a team of men several hours to roll a catapult from Nottingham and through the flaming forest.

"What an idiot," Scar mumbled to Jafar.

"Agreed. What do you suggest?"

"We save our strength and arrows until they let the shield down. They have to come out eventually." Scar laid on the ground, staring at Mickey and the others.

"A siege then?" Jafar sounded disappointed. "I hate sieges."

Scar chuckled, "Yes but at least if it takes long enough we can watch the Sheriff hurl boulders at the shield instead of arrows."


"When I drop the shield leave Jafar and Scar to Donald and Goofy," Mickey instructed. "They've grown too powerful for anyone else to handle."

Robin nodded, "We've heard the tales and from the magic, I've watched him do just now I'm even more grateful for your arrival. So…" he smiled. "…what would you have of the Merry Men?"

"The hyenas are cowardly and easily slain but dangerous in a pack," Goofy pointed to the grouping of laughing hyenas to their left. "If they see enough of their own fall most will run from fear. Attack them head-on and show no fear and they will falter."

"The soldiers of Agrabah are a different story, however," Donald pointed out. "Strong, skilled swordsmen without fear of death for they believe Chernabog will reward them in the afterlife for serving honorably."

"Those with swords protect our archers," Mickey said. "Archers, concentrate on their flanks and try to group them so I can finish them will spell. Robin, I need you to take out their bowmen as quickly as you can or we'll be shredded. I will provide cover until you do." Mickey looked to Dumbo. "Stun them with another call then take Robin and four archers into the air for a better vantage."

"Alright, you heard the mouse! Get moving!" Little John slapped his sword on his shield and everyone began falling into place.

Mickey looked around and run alternate scenarios through his head to make sure he was leading them down the best course. He'd faced insurmountable odds since Walt went to sleep all those years ago. This was not the worst thing he and his companions had faced before but the night would soon be upon them and with it Chernabog. They could not defeat the dark forces if their God rose to fight with them. Over the years they had taken to daytime strikes with precision raids and attacks at night in small numbers.

Chernabog would have to travel or send his forces and that gave Mickey and his men time to do damage and getaway. With the keyblades and Sorcerer's Hat, Mickey, Donald, and Goofy could do battle with Chernabog for some time but they could not finish him and unless they had a stout army in the field with them they could be swarmed by his forces while focusing on attacking Chernabog. Without proper reinforcements, this was not an ideal situation Mickey wanted to be in when night fell.

There was no other course of action for them to take. If they could win here and escape they could rest in the night and begin battle anew tomorrow. Reinforcements could arrive in two to three days once sent for and if they held they might be able to reclaim Nottingham. It would be a great blow to the dark god's power. Slowly but surely he was chipping away at Walt's forces, claiming lands and kingdoms under his dominion.

Mickey absently wondered for a moment how things would have turned out if King Richard had never left on the foolish quest for the fabled Sword in the Stone. Leaving Prince John in charge had proved disastrous as he soon sided with Chernabog in hopes that his armies would kill King Richard if he ever returned. John's greed had deeply hurt Mickey and the others but Robin and the Merry Men had refused to give up hope. It had inspired them to fight back and Nottingham had been in a seemingly perpetual state of war ever since.

Minnie must have sensed the trouble in his mind because she walked up behind him and placed a loving hand on his shoulder. Mickey gazed at her and smiled even in this dire moment. She nodded her head and stepped back, as Mickey felt renewed energy. "Alright. Here we go."

Mickey waved his hand and the shield shimmered twice before fading away, seemingly absorbed back into his hands.

"The shield's down! Fire! Fire! Charge! Charge!" the Sheriff of Nottingham frantically jumped from foot to foot and shouted.

A volley of arrows curved upward from the left, the hyenas all laughed and rushed while the soldiers of Agrabah gave out their battle cries. Mickey made a circular motion with his hand and a smaller version of the shield appeared deflecting all the arrows from the left. Dumbo rose with two flaps of his ears and trumpeted, his cry stopping everyone in their tracks but his allies. He continued to fly up giving Robin and the other archers on his back excellent vantage.

Donald and Goofy used the momentary pause and ran directly for Jafar, Scar, and the Sheriff of Nottingham. Donald swung his keyblade to the left and a wave of water surged from the ground tossing hyenas and soldiers out of their path clearing the way to their foes.

Scar recovered and saw them. With an angry growl, he lunged forward and unleashed a roar so powerful it sent out a shockwave at Donald and Goofy. They were ready and Goofy slammed his keyblade into the ground causing a massive chunk of earth to sprout up blocking Scar's shockwave. He swung again and steps began to form in the back of the earth mound allowing them both to the run-up.

"Let's finish this, Goofy!' Donald said as they sprang nimbly up the earthen stairs towards the top of the mound.

"Damn those keyblades!" Scar growled while his allies came up beside him.

"Look out, Scar!"

Scar glanced up and saw Donald and Goofy coming directly at him from the top of the chunk of earth. He managed to jump back just as the duck and dog drove their keyblades into the ground sending an explosion of water and rock into the air. Scar roared, sending a shockwave out that pushed him backward and saved him from the area effect of their combined attack.

Jafar rushed upright as Scar landed on his back and sprang to his feet. "Almost had me," he said cheekily.

"Next time we won't miss!" Donald and Goofy charged as one. Their bond was forged over countless battles giving the two of them and Mickey an almost eerie ability to communicate through movements and eye glances. Each one reading the other and following gracefully without need to speak.

Jafar shot a fireball at them from his staff but it was deflected swiftly by a rush of water from Donald. Goofy dragged his keyblade in the ground and flung several rocks at Scar and Jafar but both rolled from harm's way. Razoul jumped in front of Jafar just as Goofy was upon him and swung a hard strike that Goofy deftly blocked.

Jafar came from around Razoul's back and began conjuring another fireball but a burst of water lobbed him several feet away. Donald and Goofy locked eyes for a brief moment before Goofy returned to battle with Razoul and Donald attacked Scar.

While this was happening Mickey was moving between blocking volleys of arrow fire from above, keeping any soldiers near him at bay, and damaging the large clumps of enemy combatants with area effect spells. Nothing could get near him with Minnie, Daisy, and Pluto watching his back. Minnie and Daisy were armed to the teeth and as familiar with warfare as Mickey, Donald, and Goofy. Pluto had developed pounds of muscle over the years and grown in size. Pluto lunged onto a hyena and bit down on the back of its neck causing the beast to yelp in pain before Pluto slammed it into the ground and flung it back into the crowd.

While Minnie slashed and stabbed with her sword and dagger, Daisy fired off her rifle with deadly precision, tearing chunks of flesh and blowing holes into enemies. The weapon was somewhat slow to reload but Daisy had spent time training with John Smith and Pocahontas, fighting with them against Chernabog's forces in their land. It was there she'd fallen in love with the weapon and learned to master it.

While Mickey and the others held the bottom alongside the Merry Men, Robin Hood was killing Wolf Archers swifter than should be possible. With the backup from the other archers on Dumbo's back, they were cutting down the enemy archers and would be finished with them in record time.

As the arrows below began to fall less and less Little John pulled his bloodied sword from the gut of a Rhino Guardsman and shouted, "We've got them, men! Hold your ground!"

It was then that two Rhino Guards came bounding forward on all fours, charging towards Little John and the swordsmen with him. Two of their own leaped in the way and attempted to cut the rhino's down but they were mercilessly trampled and gored.

"Move!" Little John jumped in front of the men and charged the rhinos fearlessly.

Up above, Robin took notice, "John…no…" he quickly drew two arrows and shot them at one of the rhinos catching the beast twice in the base of its neck.

Little John stepped aside from the charging rhino's horn and slapped the growling beast hard in the face with his shield. The impact rang out and the Rhino Guard screeched in pain then fell on its side. Little John jumped on him quickly pressing his sword down through the throat finishing it off. John drew his sword free and saw the two arrows in the other rhino. "Thanks, Robin!" he called out before returning to battle with a mighty cry.

Goofy and Razoul's weapons locked together and the Captain of Jafar's armed forces grinned. "I've heard so much about the great, Goofy and his prowess in battle." He kneed Goofy in the stomach and jumped backward. "I find myself unimpressed."

Goofy snorted, "Say hi for me…"

"Say hi to whom?"

Goofy swung his sword and a pillar of earth shot up and sent Razoul sailing off into the forest with a quick yelp of surprise. "Whoever greets you in the afterlife…"

Donald's keyblade met with Jafar's staff once, twice, three times before they both sprang backward. Scar jumped at Donald with his claws glinting in the sunlight but Goofy drove his shoulder into Scar tossing him aside.

"You ok, Donald?" Goofy asked.

"Just fine. Thanks for the assist."

Jafar and Scar stood together. "This ends today." Jafar tossed his snake staff to the ground and a swirl of wind and red flickered around it making the snake eyes glow red like his armor. The wind and red pulsed and the staff grew into a giant anaconda.

Goofy and Donald backed away a bit. "That's new," Goofy murmured.

The Sheriff of Nottingham stood in mute silence watching the bout between the four dynamos. He took a step back, scared inside at this display of power before him. He shook his head to regain his composure and surveyed the field.

Mickey and his forces were holding stout and all of his Wolf Archers were nearly down. Jafar and Scar were deadlocked against Donald and Goofy and Razoul was presumably dead. He had to get his wits together and bring this battle back around.

"Captain Crocodile! Lead reinforcements against Mickey! If we can kill the magic-user we'll win the day!" he pointed frantically.

The large crocodile stared at the Sheriff for a moment then drew his sword. "With me!" he cried out, charging forward without a sign of hesitation. Several Rhino Guards and Agrabah soldiers nearby let out battle cries of their own and charged after him toward the battle in the center.

With the last of the archers down Mickey turned his attention to a clump of hyenas at his left and unleashed a sparkling burst of magical energy at them. It landed right in the center and detonated in a brilliant purple explosion filling the air with hyenas and screams.

Little John bashed his shield into the face of a large Rhino Guardsman before catching a glimpse of Captain Crocodile bounding down toward him. He quickly ran the rhino through, pulling his sword free from its belly just in time to block Captain Crocodile's strike with his shield.

"Been a while, Crocy…" Little John teased with a grin.

Captain Crocodile stepped back and lashed out with his sword again, trying to cleave Little John's head from his shoulders. The bear blocked it, "This ends today!" he bellowed before attacking Little John again. Behind him, the reinforcements started to close on Little John.

"Not liking these odds…" Little John grunted and pushed Captain Crocodile back a few steps, giving him time to gather his thoughts and footing.

Several Agrabah soldiers walked beside Captain Crocodile. "Kill him…" the croc said.

The men charged with a shout and Little John prepared himself for another fight but then he heard a cry come from behind him and saw Marian, Lady Kluck, Friar Tuck, and a few soldiers leap forward at the Agrabah soldiers, engaging them in a fierce battle.

"Now that's more like it!" Little John bounded forward into the fray.

He bowled over a smaller man of Agrabah with a vicious shield bash then sliced the arm off another that was near him. Little John let out a roar that seemed to stop several enemies around him and his allies for a brief moment. In that time he killed two more and engaged a third. His sword and shield were slick with blood and his eyes were deep with concentration but there was no hatred or barely even anger comings from Little John. Even in this, the fiercest of battles he'd had in a while, Little John still had his usual jovial air about him.

That's what Captain Crocodile hated the most about him.

Little John knocked another soldier down and the Crocodile leaped at him swinging with all the anger and hatred he could muster. Little John was forced on the defensive, parrying with his sword when he could and his shield when he couldn't. Little John could see the rage in the Captain's eyes and knew that this fight was different than their previous encounters.

Stopping dead in his tracks and swinging his sword wide, Little John forced the Captain to stop and at that moment he switched the momentum of the fight and forced the Captain into the defensive. Little John lashed out with attacks from the left, right, up and down driving the Captain back several yards. However, the Captain's green armor was much heavier than Little John's and he was tiring fast.

Little John could see the sweat beginning to develop on his foes forehead and rage turn to worry so he pressed the advantage. He drove the Captain back a few more steps before brilliantly knocking Captain Crocodile's sword from his hand causing the croc to stumble backward and fall to his back.

Little John raised his sword for the finishing blow.

"No…" the helpless croc held up his arm.

Little John noticed a glint of light in his peripheral vision and instinctually ducked in time to dodge a heavy blow aimed for his neck. He quickly turned and engaged the angry rhino while behind him Captain Crocodile crawled away to regain his breath.

Robin and the few archers with him had slain all but a few of the enemy bowmen and had begun to pick off soldiers at random while Dumbo floated them safely above the range of swords and spears. The massive armored elephant flapping its ears sounded like the flapping of dragon wings. It almost took Robin back to the first time he'd faced Maleficent in battle and seen her transform into her dragon form. They had lost many good men that day.

Robin stopped firing for a moment to survey the battlefield from his vantage point. Thanks to Mickey's magic and Donald and Goofy keeping the enemy heavy hitters distracted they had dwindled the enemy numbers significantly. He noticed small packs of hyenas in the back that had been watching the fight began to turn and flee but there were numerous others still hungry for a possible meal.

He watched as Mickey conjured sparking, shifting electricity in his hand before unleashing a wave of lightning that ripped through a dozen or more of the enemy. While this happened, Donald and Goofy were clashing with Jafar and Scar in an epic display of swordplay, magical attacks, and battle awareness. While Scar may have been lacking in thumbs and magic his size, claws, and sonic roar more than made up for it.

Robin had heard rumors of Jafar and his military prowess on more than one occasion from Mickey and the others as well. Seeing him clash with them now gave even more credence to the whispers. Still, it was more his and Scar's ability to not be killed by the ferocity of Donald and Goofy than them winning because they weren't.

Seeing that Mickey and his were alright Robin found Little John and Marian fighting against Captain Crocodile and a sortie of energized Agrabah warriors fresh on the field. Robin quickly sent three arrows down, taking the lives of as many men. He fired again taking care of two Rhino Guards attempting to swarm Lady Kluck. The wily hen stabbed the two rhinos for good measure then went in for more combat.

"Love that old nutter," Robin whispered fondly as he watched Lady Kluck take the head off a soldier of Agrabah.

She and Friar Tuck still wore their robes underneath the tightly fitting leather armor over their midsections. Matching leather greaves and braces covered their forearms and shins giving them some protection against lighter weaponry but nothing against heavy. A choice most of the Merry Men made. Survival for them depended on being swift and lightweight.

Robin scanned the field for the Sheriff of Nottingham, knowing that the fat fool would be somewhere that no fighting was happening but close enough to shout orders. It took him a moment but he singled out the old wolf's brightly colored armor and rotund stomach.

"Got ya'." Robin shot an arrow straight and true.

It lodged itself right in the Sheriff's shoulder and Robin got what he wanted. The Sheriff cried out in a feminine yelp that made him laugh joyously. He could have killed the Sheriff but this was much more entertaining.

The Sheriff gripped the left side of his armor and flopped onto his back howling and shrieking as if being tortured. "Um hit! Um, hit! Retreat! Retreat!" he wailed out over and over again. After a moment the call was picked up and carried around Chernabog's forces. Many looked surprised as the battle was still relatively stalemated but others, many hyenae included, turned tail and began to flee. The call of the retreat was being carried all through the forest now. In moments all of Nottingham's forces would be running home for no reason at all.

Jafar glared at the Sheriff who was being hoisted to his feet and carried off by two of the Rhino Guard. "That idiot has cost us the battle!"

Scar snarled, "We have to go." He roared again and the shockwave tore up the ground sending large chunks of earth cascading towards Donald and Goofy.

The giant anaconda turned back into Jafar's staff and slipped back into his hands. "Until next time," Jafar growled and then he and Scar vanished in a puff of sparkling red and black smoke.

Little John looked to Mickey, "What do we do?"

"The same," Mickey said, resolute. "Send out the call to retreat. The day is ours." A resounding whoop of victory came from Little John and was picked up by the survivors around them.


"How many were lost?" Robin took a seat behind his medium-sized brown desk in his office. They had made it back to the Merry Men's hideout some time ago now.

Hidden away deep within the Sherwood Forest it could only be found by those who knew where to look. The base of operations was hidden underground in a facility that Robin and Little John had stumbled upon by chance early in their war against Prince John. It was a bunker of some kind likely built before long ago by the ruling family and forgotten about over time. Over the years they had refitted and repaired what they could to make it livable and had expanded on it in little ways like new tunnels giving more entrances and exits to the Merry Men throughout the forest. New ventilation had to also be added so that air could circulate freely throughout.

Robin's office was attached to his sleeping chambers and offered little in space so only the top leaders amongst the Merry Men were allowed in. For grander meetings, they gathered in the mess hall. The entire bunker was lit by candle and torchlight as none of the Merry Men had any magic at their command. What it lacked in comfort and beauty the base made up for in safety, space, and climate. Being underground with the majority built from stone it was cool in the summers and warm in the winters.

Currently in the room were Robin, Little John, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and one other member of the Merry Men. Daisy, Minnie, Marian, and the others were seeing to the injured and making sure all who arrived were not followed.

"Can't say for sure yet," the Merry Man told Robin. He was a rooster with a dirty black eyepatch over his right eye. His voice was hoarse and he was dirty like everyone else in the room. Though they had been back for hours now the work hadn't ceased. Sick and injured were still coming in as well as men who had escaped or scouts that were coming with updates on enemy movements.

Donald had used his keyblade to flood portions of the forest and cut off the fires but reports of smoke in smaller areas still came in. it would be some time before the fires were completely quelled and even longer before the forest could recover from such damage.

"What do we know?" Mickey asked the man who seemed almost in awe.

"I'm sorry," Robin chuckled, "I didn't introduce you. There's been some change since you were last here. This is, Alan-a-Dale." Robin motioned to the rooster that had just spoken. "He leads the Merry Men with Little John and me."

"Pleased to meet you," Mickey and the others said cheerfully. They were used to having soldiers be sort of star-struck around them. The stories about the three of them were too numerous to count and many of them were embellished beyond what had happened. Several of them however were not.

"You too, sir," Alan replied. "As best I can tell right now we lost about fifty men or more."

"Damn…" Robin rubbed his forehead, hating to hear such grievous news.

"Maybe more, maybe less honestly," Alan continued. "About thirty injured so far but most not too serious. Don't know if any were captured yet. It'll take time to find that out."

"Yes. I know." Robin's voice was grim. "For now, get some rest and make sure your men do as well. Update on anything important."

"Of course." Alan turned to leave.

"Thank you, Alan," Robin said the rooster closed the door. "Please tell me there's some good news out there." He looked at Mickey and his companions.

"Not much, I'm afraid," Mickey said grimly. "We've lost much ground over the past few months. Smaller victories like these don't mean as much when we're losing major battles all over."

"The loss of the Pridelands and Agrabah significantly decreased morale amongst all of Walt's followers," Donald added.

"So all is lost then?" Robin whispered.

"No. John Smith has taken over since Pocahontas fell in battle and still holds firm against Governor Ratcliffe," Goofy told them. "We still hold the seas through Ariel and Prince Eric and Neverland as well. Like Walt once said, Pan, will forever be the bane of Captain Hook." Goofy tried to bring life to the diminishing hopes in the room. "And let's not forget the latest rout of Shan-Yu by Mulan and Li Shang."

"Aye, that is good news." Robin smiled. "Any word from Snow White and Prince Charming?" Mickey, Donald, and Goofy silently shook their heads. "Then they may still be alive somewhere. We have to keep the faith." Robin exhaled deeply and stood to his feet. "I think for now rest is in order then we can plan our next move."

"I could use a bath and a drink." Little John stretched. "You with me, Goof?"

"That I am." Goofy smiled. "Donald? You in?"

"Aye." Donald got up and left with Little John and Goofy while Mickey and Robin hung behind.

Mickey started to leave but Robin stopped him, "Mickey," he said. "How are you?" his eyes held great concern.

Mickey forced a smile. "I'm fine, old friend. Just need a hot meal and a few hours of sleep."

Robin nodded, seemingly assured by Mickey's words. "Food will be in the mess if anywhere. The resupplies have begun to slow down."

"I'll make due." Mickey left Robin's office, closing the door behind him. He started down the hall before a jolt of shocking pain racked his body. He clenched the stone wall next to him for support and gritted his teeth. The pain passed as quickly as it had come but sweat was still beaded on Mickey's forehead and had an odd feeling in his chest. He wiped the sweat from his forehead on the back of his robes and then continued walking down the hall.

Using so much magic at once had been dangerous. Certain magic taxed the body of the user, the more magic used the more chance one stood of severely damaging or even killing themselves. Mickey had known that when he made up his mind to fight but they couldn't afford to lose another hero in this war. With every one of the Princes and Princesses that fell a little light seemed to die inside Walt's forces. If Robin Hood and the Merry Men should fall then so too would Sherwood Forest and Mickey weren't about to allow that. No matter the cost.


Jafar and Scar stood in the courtyard of Prince John's castle in Nottingham watching the influx of troops returning from the recent battle. A battle they could have won and finally ended the threat to Chernabog's power in this land.

The castle itself was a massive stone construction made to withstand great sieges. The banner of King Richard had been taken down and replaced with a new one Prince John had fashioned for himself when he'd taken over the throne. The childish Prince had demanded that anything that was a reminder of his brother is torn down and destroyed, replaced with visages of himself and his esteemed loyalists. The Sheriff of Nottingham chief amongst them.

"That idiot cost us more than just the battle, Scar."

Scar sighed. "Only time, Jafar. Only time." He eyed who he had been looking for, "Come with me and we'll take steps to see a possible change in leadership here."

The two of them walked over to Captain Crocodile who had just entered the gate with a batch of soot and ash covered warriors. "How fare you, Captain?" Scar asked.

Captain Crocodile stopped and nodded his head in respect. "Well, sir. Thank you for asking." His voice was like the grinding of wood chips.

"Walk with us, Captain." Scar started in a direction away from everyone else so the Captain and Jafar followed. They walked at a slow pace, "I'm beginning to see why the Merry Men have remained a problem for so long." Scar almost whispered. "Seems the leadership here is worse than reports stated."

Captain Crocodile stopped in his tracks and glared at Jafar and Scar for a moment. "I follow orders and do as I'm told. I don't have an opinion either way." An obvious lie but it only increased Scar and Jafar's respect for the man as he displayed such loyalty.

"Of course, of course," Jafar said playfully. "I would expect nothing less from the esteemed, Captain Crocodile. If nothing else word of your exploits has reached our ears."

The Captain seemed to raise an eyebrow, intrigued by the thought of fame for his battle prowess. "I'm going, to be frank with you, Captain." Scar said. "Your friend, the Sheriff cost us a significant victory today. One can only assume this isn't the first time something like this has happened." The Captain didn't say anything. "Well, I will say this. After seeing you in battle today we're impressed. Should a higher station open in Chernabog's forces I'd happily recommend you for the position."

"I as well," Jafar added with a faint smile.

"I thank you for your compliments, sirs." Captain Crocodile didn't give much away in how he felt about the conversation but he seemed intrigued. "Any word of the Sheriff's condition?"

"Ah yes, I'm told he passed out during the arrow removal and has been asleep in his quarters ever since." Jafar snickered a little.

Captain Crocodile rolled his eyes but said nothing. "If you'll excuse me, sirs. It seems I'll have to report to King John since the Sheriff is indisposed."

Jafar and Scar nodded and Captain Crocodile turned on his heels and began heading towards the castle. "He seemed interested," Jafar said.

"Indeed." Scar replied. "But this is just the beginning. The seed was planted and now we wait for it to grow."

"My lord Jafar…" came a voice from behind them.

Scar and Jafar turned to see Razoul in a wagon being pushed by a few men. His leg was twisted into an unnatural angle and swollen puffy pink but otherwise he was conscious.

"My lord Jafar…" he repeated weakly, "…tree broke my fall…"

"Good to see you still alive, Razoul." Jafar interrupted him. "Take him inside and see whatever he needs. I'll need him back on his feet soon."

The soldiers rolled Razoul away leaving Jafar and Scar in the courtyard alone again. "Let's go meet with King John and get the pleasantries over with," Scar told Jafar and they went in the direction Captain Crocodile had gone in a few minutes ago.

The interior of the castle was richly decorated with the most extravagant of paintings, tapestries, and other lavish beautifications. The servants rushed about as servants usually do but dressed in fine clothing trimmed in the colors of Prince John and stamped with his chosen sigil upon the breast of every garment. Guards were all along the halls and at every corner, Prince John's paranoia seemed to be more than a rumor Jafar and Scar both noted.

"The royal coffers must be empty," Scar joked as they took in the useless spending that had gone into such design and glamor.

They arrived at the throne room and could hear Prince John shouting through the large wooden doors. Two guardsmen bowed and tugged on the ring hoops that were used to open the door and allow entry. Scar and Jafar entered silently.

"What do you mean defeated!?" Prince John bellowed in a shaky and weak voice. Captain Crocodile was down on one knee looking at the ground while his King shouted at him. Prince John was wearing a lavish red robe with white fur along the neck and down the length of the trim. His fingers were adorned with jeweled rings and his whiskers seemed to curl up into a seedy mustache. He had no mane and Scar immediately lost all respect for him. "And why was the forest on fire!?"

"The Sheriff ordered-"

"Where is the Sheriff?!" Prince John cried out, and the crown atop his head jiggled and threatened to fall off for it was much too big for him.

"Injured in battle before calling for the retreat…" Captain Crocodile did not lookup.

"Retreat!? What in the bloody hell!?" Prince John bounced up and down on his throne for a moment before a snake wearing a red feathered hat and matched cape slithered up to the throne next to him.

"Sssire, it would ssseem we have guestsss…" the snake smiled at Jafar and Scar.

"Ah yes, Sir Hiss. Thank you." Prince John stood. "Welcome, Jafar and Scar rulers of Agrabah and the Pridelands." He said formally.

Captain Crocodile stood and quickly left the room while Scar and Jafar approached the throne. The room was lined with heavily armored guards all armed with greatswords. A dozen of them or more easily but still not enough to stop Scar and Jafar should they chose to do something rash. If rumor proved true Prince John was an idiot and a coward just like the Sheriff of Nottingham. And Scar could never stand a male lion with no mane. It was a sign of weakness.

"Your majesty." Jafar bowed his head in respect.

"You have the full hospitality of my home." Prince John said cheerfully. "Be welcome. Be welcome."

"Thank you." Scar fought to hide the contempt he felt. "But I fear we are not here for a joyous occasion. The war for Nottingham grows fierce and Chernabog felt it necessary for us to come aid in the finishing of Robin Hood and his Merry Men."

Prince John seemed to turn pale but Jafar and Scar couldn't tell if it was from the mention of Chernabog or Robin Hood. John gathered himself and cleared his throat, "I thank you for your aid then." His voice cracked and he cleared his throat again. "But my loyal Captain Crocodile informs me that we have the Merry Men on the run," he tried to lie. "No such assistance is required I can assure you."

Scar snickered. "We heard you shouting out in the courtyard."

"And above that, we were there in the battle earlier. If not for our timely arrival either the Merry Men or the fire the Sheriff started would have eradicated your army." Jafar added.

Prince John visibly tensed. He was not used to anyone speaking to him in such a way since he took power. "Are you calling me a liar?" he snapped.

Scar laughed out loud at this. "Oh my dear, John. I know that your powers of retention are as wet as a warthog's backside. But thick as you are, pay attention. My words are a matter of pride. It's clear from your vacant expression, the lights are not all on upstairs. But we're talking Gods and successions. Even you can't be caught unawares-"

"Enough of your rhymes and song!" John hollered. "I will not sit here and be spoken down to! I am a King!"

"We're all Kings," Scar snarled. "You're just the only one who feels the need to be addressed as such."

"Sultan." Jafar grinned and pointed at himself. "I'm a Sultan. Has a much nicer ring to it."

Prince John was furious now and Sir Hiss slithered lower to the floor next to the throne. "I will not be disrespected by a desert man and a lion who can't even walk upright!"

Scar's roar echoed through the throne room and sent John roughly back into his throne whimpering. All of the guards gripped their swords and stood ready for their King's order to attack but Scar slowly stalked towards the throne with murder in his eyes.

"Do not think for a second that you are above us. You hold title out of convenience only you petty twit. The moment that convenience is up so is your usefulness." Scar stopped, pouncing distance from Prince John, and bared his teeth. Jafar held his staff firmly in his hand, prepared to take care of the guards should Scar truly attack.

The doors burst open behind them and a calm voice rang out, "Enough of this."

Prince John looked past Scar, Jafar, and his guards and saw who had entered. His heart sank deeper into his stomach then he thought possible. "C-Claude Frollo…"

Being tailed by his two guards known only as Oafish and Brutish, Claude Frollo walked slowly towards the throne. The elderly, slender man had pale skin with gray hair and matching eyes. His face was careworn and stern. He wore a black robe trimmed in dark purple with soft leather pauldrons hanging from his shoulders and a matching hat atop his head. The three rings on his finger signified his position of power in Notre Dame.

Claude Frollo was Chernabog's most devoted follower and believer. He'd been among the first to answer the dark God's call and his actions during his rise to power in Notre Dame had elevated him to be second in command of the dark armies. During the day it was Claude Frollo that reigned in place of Chernabog. Only Oswald held as much sway, usually guarding Chernabog or only going on missions directly from the dark god himself.

"Enough of these petty squabbles," Frollo snapped softly at the three but with longer stares at Jafar and Scar.

"Lord Frollo…" Jafar bowed his head in respect, the tension quickly leaving the room. Whatever Claude Frollo ordered would be followed out regardless of who ruled in whatever land he was in. Even ones ambitious as Scar and Jafar knew not to press limits with him. "…We weren't made aware of your arrival."

"I felt the need to be here for the final days of the Merry Men," Frollo replied smoothly.

'You mean to take credit for the victory,' Scar thought jealously.

"Seems it's a good thing I arrived when I did." Frollo continued. "Our God would be even more upset to learn that the leaders who failed him then fell to squabbling amongst themselves." Frollo thumbed his rings a little, his voice always levels and cool but hiding veiled threats.

Prince John sat up straight in his seat and pointed at Scar. "This one was threatening me! In my own home no less!"

Scar opened his mouth to speak but Claude Frollo waved his hand to silence him. "As far as I'm concerned everyone here is at fault. You..." he pointed to Prince John. "…for allowing the menace of Robin Hood to trouble us for so long. And you…" he pointed at Scar and Jafar. "…for failing to do what you were sent here to do."

"But the Sheriff-"

"I have heard what the Sheriff did and I'll be speaking with him," Frollo assured them all. "For now, our next course of action is to draw out the weakened enemy to finish them off."

"Draw them out? But how?" Prince John asked.

"By offering them bait." Frollo smiled. "You will take to the field," he said to Prince John.

"Me!? But, but…"

Frollo ignored the whimpering, cowering John, and turned his attention to Jafar and Scar who now seemed overly pleased. "Robin and his men will never be able to resist the opportunity to take him out. When that happens you will be waiting to spring our trap on them."

"A sound plan," Scar complimented. "But how do we cut off their escape to make sure they cannot flee before nightfall?"

Claude Frollo smirked. "We won't have to worry about that. I brought a company of my troops to reinforce Nottingham. They will flank around and cut off their routes. If they're not overwhelmed by our sheer numbers, they won't be able to escape before nightfall and Chernabog will finish them off for good."