(A/N)

I would like to take a moment to apologize for the ridiculous amount of time between updates. Without going into much detail, I had a lot of things happening in my life that required immediate and full attention. However, now that I have taken care of it, I will be working diligently to complete my current works. Thanks for sticking with me. I appreciate it.


Disney World: The Age of Tears

Sacrifice & Survival


"I'll not be sacrificed to that false deity!" Marian cried out defiantly, gripping her daggers and taking a defensive stance though the blow to the head had dazed her moments go. She was surrounded and worse by a mix of Rhino Guards, Notre Dame, and soldiers of Agrabah. Altogether some two dozen were now on the field with Nutsy and Trigger. Twelve soldiers plus their leaders had been able to hide from her though she had thought the area properly surveyed. "Damn it…" she cursed her brash foolishness in not doubling the scouting. An error made in her hurry to secure her beloved husband's body. Even if they had been invisible as said she could have seen signs of movement.

"Damn it, indeed." Scar snarled, crouching low. "Surrender or die."

Jafar held up his staff to calm the situation. "Now, now there's no need for further bloodshed. Surely you can see there is no escape. Surrender and we shall spare the lives of you and your friends. You have my word."

Scar's head snapped to Jafar, "Again with the offers of peaceful surrender." He mocked lightly.

Jafar ignored him, "What do you say, Maid Marian? Do we have a deal?"

Marian spat at Jafar's feet, "I'd sooner see my corpse to the crows before working with you lot." With those words, Marian glanced one last time at her friends Minnie, Daisy, and Lady Kluck. Then swiftly to her husbands' body, resounding herself to her fate. There was no escape now. She was surrounded and nightfall would soon be upon them. Once Chernabog arose Any left above ground would be slaughtered.

"So be it." Jafar started to step back and Scar began to step forward.

"My lords," Sheriff Crocodile drew his steel. "If you would permit, I wish to kill this treacherous cur."

Jafar and Scar both laughed, "Alright, Sheriff." Scar replied as he gave way to the massive, armored crocodile.

"Sheriff?" Marian whispered. Then she noted with a cursory glance that the Sheriff of Nottingham was nowhere to be seen. Surely, he would be here to gloat at what should be a great moment for him.

"Aye," Sheriff Crocodile grunted. "Sheriff Crocodile too you, scum."

"So, someone finally got to that old soggy fool." Marian began to step lightly in a circle around her opponent. If the croc thought this would be an easy kill, he was sorely mistaken. Marian might not be able to escape but she was more than capable of taking a few down before she joined Robin.

"Was a sad passing indeed," Sheriff Crocodile scoffed, and this drew laughs from those present that knew the truth of the old Sheriff's death.

"And whose hand was it that killed him?" Marian inched ever closer to her goal, her sword that was a few feet to her right. If she could get to it, she could make short work of the supposed new Sheriff. His death would rob Chernabog's forces of a skilled warrior and leader.

"The same that will bring yours!" Sheriff Crocodile lunged forward with a shout aiming to cleave Marian's smaller frame in two. Marian instinctively went low and rolled beneath the burly frame before her coming up just near her sword.

In an instant she had tossed one of her daggers at the Sheriff, the blade sinking deep into an exposed point in his armor between the arm and waist, then picked up her sword and stood ready. The Sheriff growled, yanking the dagger free with a grunt of pain before coming forward with murder in his eyes.

Again, the Sheriff swung wild and powerful, and again Marian nimbly dodged, this time slash across the Sheriff's exposed thigh making him growl but more from frustration than anything else. "Face me!"

"Do I look a fool to you?" Marian remarked cheekily.

"Every day since I first laid eyes on you." The Sheriff replied through ground teeth.

"Must be like looking in a mirror then." Marian smiled and her friends cheered behind her.

Jafar looked displeased, "Sheriff if you wouldn't mind speeding things up."

"You're next, Jafar." Marian snapped.

"I look forward to it, my lady." Jafar sneered.

"Enough of this!" The Sheriff came at Marian with new speed swinging more precise and reserved than before. The anger now tempered by the skill of a warrior used to fuel his powerful strikes that forced Marian to begin dodging more than she could parry.

She gave ground with a backward roll before coming up to her knee and slapping the Sheriff's sword aside with her own. The Sheriff countered with a downward slash, but Marian rolled right and was back on her feet dodging again with a backward step before parrying the Sheriff once more. It was clear who held superior speed in this duel but also apparent who held better strength and skill. Now that the Sheriff was focused Marian could do nothing but dodge and parry to save her life. She needed an opening and fast.

She sprang backward and attempted to quickly look around with her eyes.

A mistake.

The Sheriff burst forth with great speed and drove the back of his mailed fist into Marian's head. The blow sent Marian twisting through the air, her weapons flung from her grasp as she slammed roughly into the ground.

"No!" Marian heard a voice cry out, but which of her friends she did not know. Her vision was blurred, and she could taste the blood pooling in her mouth. She opened and spat out the glob while crawling forward and attempting to rise. A harsh kick into her side from the Sheriff drove her back down to the ground coughing up more blood.

"Say hello to, Robin for me." The Sheriff taunted as he raised his sword preparing to drive it down into Marian's writhing body.

Before the blow could be struck however the Sheriff was flung backward through the various troops before slamming into a tree and hitting the ground. A strong wind began to surge and pull at everyone present mere seconds before Donald, Goofy and Mickey crashed into the ground in front of Marian with authority. Mickey flicked his hands and immediately Minnie, Daisy, and Lady Kluck was lifted to him as the soldiers holding them were tossed aside.

Everything happened so swiftly that Jafar and Scar were caught off guard momentarily. A few men rushed to check on the downed Sheriff while the two leaders stood before Mickey and the others. Jafar said nothing, just held his staff aloft sending a bright sparkling burst into the sky.

While Goofy helped Marian to her feet, Pete and Oswald came walking from the forest with another dozen soldiers. Jafar grinned, "There will be no retreat this time, mouse." He sneered.

Mickey rolled his hands together while mumbling a swift incantation. He pushed the magical energy he had gathered outward and forced it to circle the entire clearing they were in. The energies picked up in speed until it was like a cyclone was surrounding them trapping everyone inside.

"We didn't come here to run," Mickey replied sternly. The three of them drew their keyblades and took their stances between their unarmed friends and their foes.

Mickey had surrounded them with a powerful barrier or magical wind. None but the most powerful magic users would be able to enter or leave cutting Jafar and the others off from reinforcements. He would have to use only his keyblade in this battle to maintain focus on the spell, but the tradeoff was worth the decrease in overall power for a time. As they killed foes the others would arm themselves and join the fray evening the odds.

Oswald, Pete, and some dozen soldiers to the right. Jafar, Scar, and another two dozen in front and to the left. Robin's body behind them underneath the wagon. Goofy was making note of everything and he knew that his best friends were doing the same. They need not speak a word. Goofy would go left, Donald straight, and Mickey to the right. There would be no holding back, no attempts to spare the lives of lesser soldiers as usual. No. They had come here for three things. Save Marian and the others, retrieve Robin's body and kill whoever was here when they arrived.

A palpable silence fell over the clearing though the borders around were being violently whipped by Mickey's magic. None present seemed to even breathe as they all stared one another down.

Then as one, the three wielders of the keyblades leaped forward.

Pete was quick to react and attempt to step between Mickey and Oswald. The brave brute was flung into one of the wagons near Robin's corpse, crashing into the side. Oswald drew his keyblade, surrounded in bright flame, and clashed with Mickey's weapon. The explosion of wind and fire around the two combatants killed four of the men behind Oswald.

By the time Jafar and Scar reacted to the sudden dash, Donald had unleashed a quick burst of water their way splitting them. He then attacked Jafar head-on with three powerful blows, each unleashing bursts of water that struck out at Jafar. The other soldiers and Scar charged forward so Donald kicked Jafar onto his back then caught all but Scar in a sudden and brutal wave that flung them down. Scar managed to leap upward and unleashed a sonic roar down at Donald.

Donald barely had time to concoct a thin shield from water that held for a moment then burst just as Scar landed on the ground. The immense lion sprang at Donald with claws bared for the kill, but Donald deflected with his blade and rolled onto his back, kicking Scar in the belly and tossing him head over heels.

Goofy was brutal in his attack.

At the same moment, Donald had begun his assault Goofy had summoned earth around his left arm and began laying into the soldiers. With one hand he dealt death with his keyblade while the other he deflected strikes with his rock covered arm. The soldiers fell swiftly just as Donald unleashed his wave. Seeing this, Goofy thrust his keyblade into the ground causing an eruption that surely finished off those remaining soldiers.

With a glance, Goofy saw Donald toss Scar head over heels and turned his attention to Jafar who was getting to his feet. "Arm yourselves!" Goofy gave a rousing cry and charged at Jafar. "we finish this now!"

Marian, now feeling renewed rushed toward the dead soldiers with Daisy and the others. They quickly grabbed swords and were on the remaining soldiers in moments completely freeing Donald and Goofy to concentrate on Jafar and Scar.

A soldier decked in the garb of Nottingham reached to his hip and yanked off his water skin. He deftly opened it and poured the contents on the face of Sheriff Crocodile. The croc sputtered and coughed, swinging his fists as he regained consciousness. It took no explanation for him to see what was transpiring.

With a grimace, the Sheriff pulled himself to his feet, "My sword." He called and it was given to him. "Charge!" he limped at first but then found a rhythm and ran toward Marian and her damned warrior women.

"Look out, Marian!" Minnie shouted. Without her warning, Marian would have lost her head to the Sherriff's sweeping blow. Minnie skillfully finished the opponent she was facing and was beside Marian in an instant. She had seen the previous battle between the two and knew it would take both to defeat such a strong foe.

"Together," Minnie said firmly as she glared at the Sheriff.

"Together." Marian chimed.

Sheriff Crocodile grinned, "This should be fun."

The three of them clashed, the Sheriff blocking Minnie then Marian before going for a thrust at Marian that was parried away by Minnie. He noted Marian's slash and blocked it before stepped away from Minnie's attack and regaining his footing. The two then came at him together so the Sheriff spun left as they came forward and if not for Lady Kluck barreling into him would have taken Minnie in the side easily. The Sheriff now stood facing Lady Kluck along with Marian and Minnie. Daisy was nearby engaging what remaining of the few troops. The situation looked dire.

Oswald glared hatefully at Mickey as their keyblades locked, wind belting against the crackling flames. Oswald's flames flickered and a surge spouted forth turning a nearby guard to ash. After this, the remaining few turned and charged toward the Sheriff of Nottingham's position.

It seemed for the moment that the two were evenly matched and would be unable to kill one another. But Mickey knew Oswald was not capable of wielding his keyblade to its full potential. Mickey unleashed the full might of his keyblades power causing a twister to rip upward pushing Oswald into the air before slamming him back down into the ground.

The impact of Chernabog's guard hitting the ground reverberated throughout the clearing causing dust and dirt to encircle where Oswald had landed.

The clash around him raged fiercer by the second and with a cursory glance Scar could tell they were losing. He could see a solitary soldier trying to rouse Pete but even with that added might, there was no victory to be had here. Oswald could not defeat Mickey nor could he and Jafar best Donald and Goofy. Most of their soldiers were either dead or injured and the Sheriff was barely holding off Marian, Minnie, and Lady Kluck.

"Jafar, you must breach the mouse's barrier! We need reinforcements! Quickly!" Scar bounded in front of Jafar and unleash the greatest roar Donald or Goofy had ever heard. The sonic burst from it ripped the ground to shreds tossing the two of them backward.

Jafar used that moment to dash for the barrier, all the while summoning every ounce of magic he could muster. His staff was glowing a vibrant red by the time he reached the wind wall and as Jafar thrust it down into the ground forcing the magical energies outward at the barrier. The two magics collided and for a moment seemed that nothing had changed before Jafar's magic exploded causing a large rift to appear.

"Mickey!" Goofy bellowed above the din of the combat around him.

Mickey heard Goofy's call and then saw what Jafar was doing. "The damned sorcerer has grown powerful." Mickey swung his keyblade and sent a strong burst of wind toward Jafar.

Before it could connect a wall of flame shot upward blocking it and Oswald spat to the side, "You haven't won yet mouse." The two clashed again sending off dazzling bursts of wind and fire with every strike of their keyblades.

Soldiers began to rush in through the gap in great numbers while Jafar stood grunting from focusing on maintaining the breach. After a few moments more he fell to one knee causing the breach to close, killing several soldiers midway through. One of the Agrabah troops helped Jafar to his feet.

Through labored breathing, he surveyed and saw a good number amongst them. With a glance, he saw the sun would soon be setting. They had enough men to hold until Chernabog arose. Jafar could feel the exhaustion in him and knew that he would need to rest soon. "Aid, Scar!" Jafar ordered the troops.

Donald and Goofy attacked as one with water and earth but Scar's swiftness and precision with his sonic roar had kept their attacks at bay long enough for more soldiers to pour in. Pete was back on his feet as well and moving toward Marian and the others to aid Sheriff Crocodile.

A few archers took up position behind their fellow troops and unleashed arrows over Scar toward Donald and Goofy. Donald easily blocked them with a swipe of his sword creating a watery barrier above them.

"Charge!" Scar boomed and together with the soldiers ran at Donald and Goofy.

Donald fired off water while Goofy charged in with his rocky arm and keyblade. Scar blocked Donald's water with a swift roar before diving at the duck with jaws wide for the kill. Donald dodged but before he could attack had to defend himself from the halberd of a Rhino Guard and Notre Dame soldier. Scar pounced again but caught a slap to his face from water that felt as solid as stone.

Scar fell but got up quickly, "The night is soon upon us, duck. You and your friends will be dead soon and with your death comes my rise!" he shot forth another sonic cry this time without regard for the two men fighting Donald. All three of them were flung high into the air and off into the distance.

"Donald! No!' Goofy stopped and surrounded himself in a ball of earth then began rolling toward Donald. As he neared the ball melted back into the ground and Goofy knelt quickly down. "Are you still with me?" he asked while using an earthen shield to deflect arrow fire from the enemy.

Donald grimaced and sat up, nodding as he did. "Aye, I yet live. But I'll be damned if that didn't hurt like hell."

Goofy extended an arm and helped Donald to his feet. Donald immediately used water to counter Scar's sonic roar and protect them both. "What shall we do now? The night is almost here."

Donald spared a quick look to Mickey before saying, "We have no choice but to fight until all can escape."

"Then come and let us see these fools to their graves," Goofy said sternly before the two of them rushed at Scar and his soldiers.

Sheriff crocodile was breathing heavily and sweating profusely. Had they been alone he could have taken any one of them but together it was all he could do to stay alive. Once Daisy had disposed of the last men with him the four had engaged him in battle together. He suspected this outburst of vigor came from losing Robin and not wanting to lose Marian as well. He held his sword aloft slowly stepping in a circle, keeping all of them in his field of vision.

Without a word, Minnie and Lady Kluck came forth in a dash while Daisy and Marian attempted to flank. Before Daisy could reach Pete had sprung into action cutting, she and Marian off from the others. He said nothing just attacked them with his broadsword swinging in deadly arcs. Seeing this the Sheriff pressed Lady Kluck and Minnie with swift blows forcing them to give ground to regain the lost advantage.

Pete was monstrous upon the battlefield, brandishing his sword with precision and intent. Daisy and Marian were no slouches in battle either and while they could not overtake him for the moment their speed and skill allowed for dodges and parries when required. Pete could not finish them, and perhaps he was not trying. The opportunity to see what wrath Chernabog would bring down upon them was tempting.

The Sheriff however was attacking with great force, his blade slamming into Minnie and Lady Kluck's weapons with loud clangs. "You two will die this day!" he cried out, his anger at having been so challenged apparently.

Minnie and Lady Kluck both sprang backward several steps from the Sheriff to give themselves some room. "Night will be here soon, lassie." Lady Kluck said between deep breaths. Her feathered brow was matted with sweat.

Minnie looked at the sky then nodded, "If we don't do something fast, we will be in an even worse position."

"We can start by getting a sword out of, Daisy's hand and putting her rifle back in it." Lady Kluck gestured to her friends who were still engaged with Pete. "Won't be long before the brute overpowers her."

"Your fight is with me!" The Sheriff swung wide and both dodged away.

Minnie motioned her head toward Daisy and Lady Kluck nodded. The wily old hen tossed her sword to Minnie before breaking at full speed toward Pete's unprotected back. Seeing this, Sheriff Crocodile leaped with a slash to stop her, but Minnie blocked the strike with the two swords.

She glared at the Sheriff while grumbling, "Your fight is with me." And attacking him from two directions with ferocity.

Lady Kluck rushed headlong and jumped into Pete's back with her full weight. The burly man fell forward being rolled over by Lady Kluck who shouted, "Your rifle, lassie! Now!"

Daisy tossed her sword to Lady Kluck and by the time Pete had stood to his feet had her rifle in hand scrambling to remove her shot pouch from her hip. Pete enraged went toward her but was met by Marian and Lady Kluck whom he swiftly engaged once more. He was swinging wildly to kill them before Daisy could load her rifle properly.

Too late.

A shot rang out and Pete felt the sting of something hot dig into his left arm. He nearly dropped his sword but managed to stumble backward barely dodging the second shot Daisy fired.

Seeing this, Sheriff Crocodile pointed his sword, "Men with ranged weapons! Fire on her!"

A few wolf archers near the battle between Scar, Donald, and Goofy broke away and removed bows from their backs. Daisy turned in their direction and opened fire just as they released a few arrows. Both parties moved to dodge, and the firefight was on. During the distraction Pete had retreated to his lines with the other soldiers, glaring at the women the entire way.

With Jafar weakened Goofy and Donald put all their focus into Scar and the fresh troops that had come through the wind barrier.

Mickey and Oswald squared off against one another. Their battle had been so fierce the backlash of their powers had been killing men left and right. So much so that the living soldiers had taken note and gone to join Scar against Donald and Goofy or aid against Daisy and the others. The two powerhouses met again, their keyblades clashing once, twice, three times, each contact casting out bursts of wind and fire.

The fourth time their blades touched Mickey could tell Oswald was weakening. Given more time he would be much more effective with the keyblade but for now, Mickey had the advantage. He stepped backward to give Oswald an opening. The armored rabbit took the bait and came at Mickey with a downward swipe that was easily dodged.

Mickey unleashed a burst of wind that sent Oswald tumbling. He then used another gust to lift Oswald twenty or more feet into the air before causing a final wind to slam Oswald back down into the ground.

Mickey approached cautiously and saw Oswald lay on his back, eyes closed, and legs sprawled. Now was his chance to take away one of Chernabog's most dangerous allies. Mickey lifted his keyblade to deliver the finishing blow.

Then the sunset behind him.

There was a momentary unnatural silence before both sickening and deafening roar carried across Disney. Eardrums burst and bled. Men and beast cried out in agony, those that could clutch at their ears and falling to their knees. All who heard the cry knew the meaning.

Chernabog had risen.

In the distance, two massive black arms lifted from the horizon hauling up the monstrous dark God. Skin of the deepest ebony covered the muscular form that seemed at times to be nothing more than a slender black blotch on the horizon. The beast's form looked to be shifting between visibly muscular and a slender black space with eyes of horrific glowing yellow eyes that pierced the very soul of those they looked upon, telling the dark God your every secret and desire. Great black wings spread out from its back and flapped causing trees to crack and fall.

All upon the battlefield froze at the otherworldly sight before them for many had never seen Chernabog rise.

The great wings beat again and began to pick up the rhythm, ripping at the landscape as Chernabog slowly rose into the sky. The monster was flying straight toward them with shocking speed.

"Together!" Mickey bellowed while charging.

Across the battlefield, Donald and Goofy fell in line beside Mickey, each of their keyblades surrounded by an ever-growing concentration of their elements. They stopped as one and lobbed their three attacks forward, each combining into a massive swirl of elemental power. The elemental ball collided with Chernabog detonating in an enormous burst. Mickey released the wind spell and focused all his magic into his palms creating a lightning-like crackling sphere. He charged it for a moment before unleashing everything he could muster headlong at Chernabog. The destructive magic was so powerful the discharge arced here and there, catching soldiers and killing them instantly. It slammed into Chernabog sparking brilliantly while surrounding his body in the energy causing the monstrous being to stop in its tracks and roar loudly.

"All of you! To us!" Mickey shouted to Minnie and the others.

Together they began to carefully move backward toward the forest and away from the numerous troops around them. All of whom for the moment was frozen in place gazing upon the Dark God writhing in pain from the magics cast upon him. It would take but a moment for the effect to be shrugged off and then the wrath of a God would be unleashed on them in full. Mickey looked around the area noting Jafar, Scar, Pete & Oswald were down but soldiers still lingered, and with the wind barrier no longer active reinforcements from Nottingham would soon be upon them as well.

They had to escape now. "Marian, take them and flee to the nearest passageway!" Mickey instructed.

Marian looked toward Robin's body, "I have to try…" she whispered, knowing full well the danger they were currently in.

"Lassie," Lady Kluck began to protest.

Donald wrapped a wing around Marian while saying, "Come then." Before water swirled around them and they sped toward Robin's body, bowling over some soldiers in the way.

Marian quickly grabbed Robin's body and began dragging it into the forest while Donald defeated the guards near the wagon in a quick skirmish. As soon as they were dead, and Marian was out of sight Donald returned to his allies.

"Marian has gone now the rest of you follow!" Donald quickly said.

Daisy kissed Donald, "Be well my love." She said before moving toward the forest with Lady Kluck, ready to flee. "Minnie." She called, her cherished friend still standing with Mickey.

"I'm not leaving you," Minnie stated firmly, her tone telling all who heard this was not up for negotiation. She did not come here to help Marian save Robin's body only to lose her husband in the process. If he fell this day, she would fall with him.

"I cannot protect you," Mickey said.

"But I can protect you," Minnie replied, and Mickey's heart fluttered as it had when he first laid eyes upon her. To still love someone so deeply after such a long time. This was what they fought for. This was what Chernabog and his forces could never comprehend.

Donald looked to Daisy, "We will only linger long enough to assure your escape." Daisy took one last glance at Minnie then went into the forest with Lady Kluck.

Chernabog strained against the binds and with a massive expulsion of fire ripped free with a mighty roar of dominance. Mickey could see Scar recovering and Jafar was again standing. They would be overwhelmed soon and with Minnie staying he had to keep her safe from the more powerful magics.

What could he do? If only they had reinforcements. If only they had, "…the heroes, Walt showed me." Mickey whispered and Walt's words returned to him clear as day.

"When the time comes you will know." Walt had said.

Mickey gripped Minnie by the shoulders, "Do you remember the dream I shared with you? About the other world and its heroes?"

Minnie looked confused and stammered, "Yes but why are you-

Mickey cut her off, "I'm going to open a portal to that world. You must go there, gather these heroes and bring them here. It is the only way we will win this war."

Minnie's eyes filled with tears for an unknown reason. "B-but how will-

"You will," Mickey assured her. It was his turn to use the no-argument tone. "Goofy, Donald, I need time."

Goofy, ever ready, nodded "Then you'll have it." The duo took steps forward and began unleashing elemental powers at Chernabog's hulking form. The attacks would only serve to slow him at best if that.

Mickey pulled Minnie a few steps away then closed his eyes to focus. If Walt's only instruction was that he would know when the time comes that meant everything, he needed was inside him already. Mickey focused on his desire, to locate one of the heroes shown to him. He tasked all his conservable mental abilities from studying magic for centuries to the task. It took a moment, but he began to feel a sort of ping, a speck of light in the distance that called to him in a minuscule voice.

"There," he smiled and opened his eyes. Mickey began to weave his hands through the air, trails of magical energy stretching from his fingertips. The energy coolest into a swirling purple void that sparked once, twice then ignited forming a purple portal with a black void centered in the middle.

Scar shook the cobwebs from his head trying to regain his muddled senses. The battle against Goofy and Donald had been fierce, to say the least. He could see Chernabog's great form coming close, only being slowed by an assault from Donald and Goofy. But where was the mouse? He saw Mickey with Minnie, standing near a portal of some kind and the others nowhere in sight. Scar sniffed the air attempting to identify the spell to no avail. How had so much been allowed to transpire during his momentary lapse in consciousness? A quick look at the soldiers gave him his answer. The men stood gawking like simpletons at Chernabog.

This is what commanding officers were for. "Don't just stand there you fools! Attack!" Scar growled. The soldiers seemed to be brought back to reality, looking around as if they had been lost and suddenly returned. They drew their weapons and moved to attack. "Jafar! The mouse! Can you get him?"

Jafar, still looking wobbly on his feet, turned to Mickey and the eyes on his snake staff glowed red.

Minnie stared into Mickey's eyes. "My love I don't know…I'm afraid." She said softly.

"As am I but I believe in you," Mickey replied lovingly.

Minnie wrapped her arms around Mickey's neck. She opened her mouth to say something but would not get the chance. A reddish explosion detonated near them launching both up into the air.

Mickey was flung head over heels, the burning sting of fire hot upon his flesh. The collision with the ground pressed the air from his lungs and caused his vision to blur. He groaned and tried to ignore the pain, forcing himself to climb to his feet. He had to get up or he would die here. And Minnie, Walt's sake, Minnie!

He groaned as he stood and blinked his eyes to gather himself. Through hazy vision, he first saw his keyblade and grabbed it quickly while looking around. "Minnie?" there was no sign of her. "Minnie?!" he began to grow frantic. "Minnie! Minnie!" he used every ounce of his will power not to cry. Had she been obliterated?

And the portal, now that he took stock of the area the portal was gone. Mickey's eyes widened and he attempted to open the portal again. It was then he noticed something that made his heart drop. Not since Walt first went to sleep had Mickey felt panic like this.

The Sorcerer's Hat was gone and, like Minnie, nowhere in sight.

But the hat was too powerful to have been destroyed by what Mickey presumed was a fireball. The only other outcome was-

"On your feet, Mickey! Now!" he heard Donald call out.

Then the true depth of danger he was in became apparent. He saw Goofy and Donald fighting off troops with Chernabog nearly upon them. Mickey's body moved without command and in a blink, he was beside his brothers, slaying a portion of men with wind and blade.

"Where is, Minnie?" What happened to the hat?" Goofy asked as he cut down a soldier.

"I don't know," Mickey replied.

"Without them…" Goofy let his words trail off.

"We will survive this, Goofy," Mickey said sternly.

Donald and Goofy exchanged looks and nodded to each other. The three of them had slain the soldiers just as Chernabog's hulking form touched down causing dirt and gravel to rise. Scar and Jafar were closing in and from the left, the fires of torches could be seen in the forest. Reinforcements from Nottingham were on their way and the three would soon be overrun.

If they fell…

The loss of Robin was a burden to bear and he had o idea where Minnie or the hat was nor did he know if she was alive. To compile that with the deaths of Donald, Goofy, and himself would be a blow Walt's forces could not recover from.

But what could he do?

Donald suddenly launched Goofy into the air with a jet of water. Goofy flew high and toward Chernabog. With a mighty shout, Goofy came down and slammed his keyblade into the ground causing the earth to quake violently and then break open, splitting into a growing chasm that separated them from Chernabog. As that happened Donald began to spin his keyblade around his head causing an expanding swirl of water to spin around his feet. He began to spin faster and faster until the water was twisting like a gale-force wind and had grown over his head.

Chernabog flapped his wings once and began to fly over the chasm. As his taloned feet touched the ground Mickey heard Donald say, "Goodbye, my friends." Before rocketing upward, jettisoned forward at incredible speed by the arrowhead-like wave of water surrounding him.

"No…" Mickey whispered as he watched Donald, keyblade pointing forward, slam into Chernabog's chest like a spear, the water exploding in an enormous burst.

Chernabog cried out in pain and stumbled backward tipping and beginning to fall back into the chasm. Mickey looked to Goofy who, with tears in his eyes waited until Chernabog and Donald had vanished into the chasm then yanked his keyblade free causing the chasm to slam closed with a sound that echoed throughout all of Sherwood Forest.

"NO! DONALD NO!" Mickey ran forward toward Goofy. "What have you done?! What have you done, Goofy!?"

Goofy, still staring at the spot where the chasm had been whispered, "Bought us time. It was a plan he and I had made long ago. We knew you'd never agree to it."

Mickey's eyes welled with tears and rage began to burn inside his chest. Only the sound of a voice bellow, "Charge!" stopped him from giving in to grief.

Scar, a newly risen Oswald, Sheriff Crocodile, and the reinforcements from Nottingham were charging toward Mickey and Goofy. The two of them gripped their keyblades and gritted their teeth. If this were to be their final moments, they would meet their end with honor as Donald had. They both knew that Chernabog would survive such a move, but Donald could not.

Goofy and Mickey readied themselves as Scar pulled in front and they could tell was about to unleash a sonic roar. Then from above them came a sound that filled the two of them with hope.

Dumbo's call trumpeted so loud everyone froze in their tracks, paralyzed by fear and magic. The great elephant landed next to Mickey and Goofy.

Little John sat atop the behemoth, "Hurry!" he waved them over.

In seconds Mickey and Goofy were seated on Dumbo and the elephant was flapping his ears taking off into the sky leaving the clearing slowly behind them.

"Where is Marian and the others?" Little John asked when they were a safe distance away.

"Escaped with Robin's body into the forest along with Daisy and Lady Kluck," Goofy reported.

"And what of Minnie and Donald?"

Both Mickey and Goofy fell silent for a moment. "Donald didn't make it," Goofy murmured weakly.

Mickey said nothing for a long time, just stared out into the star-filled night sky. The moon was a spectacular blue, casting low light over the forest. To see something so beautiful amidst all the chaos and destruction they just endured. Mickey silently wept as he finally said, "And I don't know what happened to, Minnie."


Sherwood Forest

The light of fire danced along the tree trunks and shrubbery of the battle-scarred terrain. In the past fortnight, more than a few skirmishes and battles had damaged the landscape. Not to mention the fire set by the now-dead Sheriff. Soldiers moved about hauling bodies while others held torches and set pyres. With so many dead and of various backgrounds the cleanup of Claude Frollo's trap was going painfully slow.

There was also a gaping hole in the ground where Chernabog had broken free from his brief entrapment. Donald's body had not been recovered, however, likely crushed in the closing chasm.

The clearing was a mess of dead and injured with sorted body parts were strewn about here and there. Aside from the carnage around the clearing, the night was clear and quiet. The moon was shining a particularly spectacular blue while the stars twinkled here and there. Scar took it all in while exhaling slowly. His fur was dirty with blood caked into it, but it did not bother him. His wounds were superficial compared to Oswald, Pete, and the soldiers.

Oswald and Pete had been wheeled off some time ago while he and Jafar oversaw the current goings-on. Jafar had properly healed and stood nearby giving some directions to Sheriff Crocodile and the men.

Chernabog had broken free from the earth he had been entrapped in, his rage bolstered by the news that Mickey and the others had escaped.

Scar however saw much more positive than negative in these recent events. Slowly but surely, they were whittling away at their foes. Robin Hood was dead and so was one of the keyblade wielders. Without Donald, they could never stand against Chernabog in defiance as they previously had.

Jafar's fireball had missed Mickey and Minnie by a hair but the resulting explosion had sent Minnie and the Sorcerers Hat into the strange portal. They did not know where she was for the moment but that still meant that Walt's forces had been severely diminished in power. Whether or not Minnie was dead was irrelevant as she was not here, and neither was that accursed hat.

On top of that, this entire fiasco was on Frollo's shoulders. He and Jafar had just been following his orders and that was why Chernabog had chosen to speak with Frollo alone.

Yes. Scar was starting to feel incredibly pleased with what had transpired.

'Come…to…me…'

Scar felt a familiar cold chill creep down his spine when he heard Chernabog's voice speak in his mind. The Dark God did not talk verbally but directly into the mind of whomever he desired wherever they may be. It was as if everything negative had come together as one gaining sentience and form. A deep echo trailed every word and he spoke deliberately slow, pausing and letting the echo burrow deep into the psyche. The only indication that Chernabog's attention was on you were his giant eyes looking in your direction.

Scar looked to Jafar to see if he had been summoned as well. Jafar nodded and they both began to make their way into the forest. Not far off a fire burned and Claude Frollo stood expressionless before their master.

Chernabog form had shrunken down to some twelve feet and was surrounded by an ashen black smoke that veiled much of him from sight.

Jafar and Scar stood a few steps behind Claude on either side of him and bowed their heads but did not speak. One did not speak to Chernabog unless spoken to.

Claude Frollo's deeply wrinkled face was made eerie by the way the shadows of the fire played upon it. Somehow, he maintained a calm and controlled demeanor even here being completely submissive and meek before the Dark God.

Frollo's eyes darted upward to meet Chernabog's and Scar knew he was being addressed. After a moment, the weathered ruler turned to Jafar and Scar. Notre Dame had been but a church before with Frollo as its head but after joining Chernabog it became Follo's seat of power from which he lorded over the city with an iron grip.

"Explain what transpired, if you will," Frollo said patiently.

Scar almost scoffed but refrained. As if they had any choice but to explain. "The trap worked as planned, Lord Frollo," Jafar said. "Maid Marian accompanied by Daisy, Minnie, and Lady Kluck attempted to stealthily reclaim, Robin Hood's body. Everything went smoothly but while bringing down, Marian the keyblade wielders arrived."

At the mention of Mickey and the others, Chernabog's smokey form shifted and churned. Frollo turned to their God before asking, "Oswald and Pete?"

"The two fought honorably, as did all present, but their power was too great." Scar replied.

"Perhaps anger over, Robin's death spurred them so," Jafar explained. "Whatever the reason, without your almighty assistance our deaths were assured."

"Indeed. Your servants are eternally grateful." Scar chimed in with a bow. "At some point, Mickey opened a portal. Jafar attacked and Minnie and the Sorcerers Hat were lost inside."

Claude Frollo raised an eyebrow while asking, "Do we know where to?" it was rare for Walt's forces to use portals.

Scar shook his head, "No, I was unable to identify the magic. It looked like no portal I have ever seen before. Purple color with a black void."

At those words, the mist and smoke around Chernabog coalesce into him so that he stood before them in his full and terrifying majesty. Standing at some thirteen feet, for the time being, Chernabog's eyes flashed brightly for a moment and then he let out a cry of rage that shook the forest.

It was then that Scar and Jafar were spoken to along with Claude Frollo, "Long ago…Walt sought to create…a world hidden from my view…free of my influence…The creation of the world weakened him…allowed the blow that defeated him…But we are connected…I have touched those realms…my darkness spreading…"

The three mortals stood in awe, taking in the words as best they could, simply trying to fathom the power of such a massive scope. Another realm? 'Untapped potential,' Scar thought gleefully.

"Somehow…Mickey knows this too…Minnie has been sent there…to gather allies…"

"Allies? From where?" Claude Frollo's eyes narrowed.

Chernabog's hand waved and before them appeared a clear mirror of shimmering silver liquid with dark mist radiating from its sides. The liquid swirled until a clear picture appeared on it. It was of a girl, no older than nineteen, with golden hair that flowed on seemingly forever. She brushed it slowly and hummed a melodic tune. The liquid shifted and upon it appeared a barren, frozen land being assailed by a brutal snowstorm. Within the snowstorm shined a bright light coming from another young woman, she stood in the forest among the snow looking regal in her mannerisms.

Again, the liquid moved before displaying another young woman standing on the shores of the beach. The clear waves lapped at the sandy shore but then folded up into a sort of tendril that reached for the girl. She held out her hand and took from the watery finger a small green gem that glowed. Jafar found himself entranced by the wondrous item. The liquid seemed to shudder and then a young woman with an unkempt bushel of red hair could be seen riding a horse through the forest. As she rode, she fired off arrows from a bow at targets. Every single one struck true.

"Forgive me master but all I see is children." Claude Frollo said after the mirror had vanished. "Surely four young girls can't turn the tide against us. We edge closer to victory with every day."

"Be not fooled by appearance…if Walt's forces sent for aid…they must be a threat…"

"What should we do?" Scar asked, sincerely baffled by the situation.

"You will go…kill, Minnie…kill all who stand in your way…" Chernabog pointed a finger at Scar then Jafar.

"We will need allies if she is gathering her own," Jafar said.

Chernabog waved his hand again and created the silvery liquid mirror again. This time they saw the same golden-haired girl but with an old woman, skin deeply wrinkled and hair ashen gray, combing the beautiful golden hair while sweetly singing. As she sang the golden hair glowed and the old woman seemed to absorb it regaining a youthful appearance. The mirror then showed them the forest the red-haired girl had been practicing archery in, but it was dark, and a deep fog hung over the ground. Through the fog lumbered the biggest bear any of them had ever seen.

Its jaw was twisted, one eye was dead and blood red-colored, arrows and spears hung in its back, and as it stood and roared it stood fifteen feet tall. The mirror changed from there to a Prince, entering a ball and meeting the Princess. He sweeps the beautiful Princess off her feet with skillful dance and charm. The entire time Chernabog's darkness could be seen radiating from the man like a cape made of fingers. It stretched out around him corrupting all.

The last vision they were shown was of what seemed to be a volcano from a distance but then it began to rise. Rocky limbs laced with veins of molten lava stretched upward as the flaming monstrosity spat out a river of lava at the sky.

The mirror vanished and Chernabog said, "You will have them…and more…"

A few feet in front of Chernabog appeared a black plume of smoke through which walked a large, powerfully built tiger. Its muscles rippled with every step and it carried itself with an air of superiority that rivaled that of kings.

"Shere Khan," Claude Frollo greeted him.

"Lord Frollo," Shere Khan replied respectfully. "Scar, Jafar. It has been a while."

"So, it has," Scar nodded his head. He was not overly fond of Shere Khan, but they were not enemies either. "How fairs your war in the jungle?"

"All but complete," Shere Khan walked and took place behind Frollo but next to Jafar and Scar. "Mowgli holds a small band of resistance fighters, but all others have submitted to, Chernabog's will. Kaa will see to maintaining the status quo in my absence."

"Absence?" Jafar questioned.

"He knows what is happening…he will accompany you…Cruella will finish off, Mowgli…" Chernabog commanded.

"As you wish." Shere Khan bowed his head again.

"How will they find them?" Claude Frollo asked what everyone was thinking.

Chernabog pointed a finger and from it shot a ray of the purest ebony. It hit Shere Khan in the head causing him to roar in pain. He was momentarily surrounded by the energy from the ray before it vanished, and the pain subsided.

"Your roar will open the portal…focus on my darkness….my rage…concentrate on it…" Chernabog spoke to Shere Khan.

The tiger closed his eyes and tuned out everything around him. He could feel the power Chernabog had bestowed upon his swirling through his body. He did as he had been instructed and tasked the power with focusing on the rage and darkness. In the blackness of his mind, he saw a spark or burning yellow like the eyes of Chernabog.

"There…" Shere Khan whispered. With all his might he roared; the magical energy unleashed from his mouth in a burst that detonated into a portal a few feet away. The portal was the opposite of Mickey's in color. It was a whirling black void of energy with dark purple at its center.

"Do not fail me…"

Shere Khan, Scar, and Jafar all kneeled before Chernabog, "We will see this done," Jafar said as he stood. "Until we meet again, Lord Frollo."

"Chernabog's darkness cover you all." Claude Frollo said to them in blessing.

Jafar looked to Scar who nodded that he was ready. Together with Shere Khan, they walked through the portal.