Chapter 6: The Beginning of the End
It's been about two years since that first night, and every day was more eventful that the last. The Helper of the Kingdom had grown up to a height of four feet, her wings became tattered at the ends as she grew up (when resting, they still hooked onto her shoulders to resemble a sinister black cape), and her once tiny black tail had grown in, long and skinny. Other than that she remained mostly the same; perfectly fitting black skin suit, tattered silver skirt, white work gloves, shiny black boots, ghost white face, dark holes for eyes and teeth as sharp as ever, and she was still so skinny that she almost made Jack Skellington jealous.
The few months following Helper's adoption, Ortensia was as good as her word and better, nursing her to health, and Helper helped out around the small house as best she could as a way of thanks. She was mainly a babysitter for the endless amount of kids; playing with them, reading to them, cleaning up after them. She was the only one besides Ortensia to get them to eat their green and do their homework. She was more of a big sister, or a friend, in the little ones eyes.
Oswald often went out at night to 'search' (for what, no one told her yet), and always came back with fresh new stories to tell. Finally, when she was all healed, Helper insisted on going with him to explore the Kingdom. She met new characters and saw worlds that were once beyond her wild imagination.
On these adventures, Helper discovered (and used) a hidden talent of hers. Besides her genetically enhanced agility and speed, she had chameleon tendencies. No matter what the scenario, she could adapt herself to the culture, language, and common way of thought…not perfectly, but she got the general inkling. Though she has never shown it to anyone, she can even shape shift, but it's a HUGE drain on her energy, so she never dose it (unless it's an absolute emergency).
Also, when an adventure was finished, not only did she make new friends, but she made new gadgets as well. She had two main tools: one was a remote, her MultiTool. At first glance, it was a piece of junk; a hodgepodge collection of buttons, wires, and antennas. Every time she saw a new, useful remote type thing, she studied it and added her favorite feature of it to her MultiTool. The second tool that she cherished was her staff. It was a simple white, telescoping cylinder; about the size of a soda can, with a black 'touch' screen that only responded to her gloved hand and no one else's. It hooked onto her skirt for easy accessibility. It, too, responded to the environment and the language written on the screen adjusted accordingly. When expanded to full length, it was five extra feet on either end. She used it as a sword, staff, javelin, you name it, and it's there!
She had seen just about all the characters that lived there, except for this illusive Mickey Mouse. His image was literally everywhere (even as hidden icons in random places), but the toon himself was nowhere to be found, and every mention about him brought a sadness to Oswald, so she never mentioned him. She was clever and early into these adventures, she made the connection. From the late night searches, to Oswald's depression, to the MIA Mouse, she discovered the truth…Mickey was missing. Sometimes they actually searched and other times Oswald would casually ask around about him. But the way he phrased the questions gave her the impression that this investigation was a strict need-to-know bases; in other words, no one else knew about his disappearance.
Helper had declared these talks with the characters 'boring' and would explore on her own, generally causing trouble. No matter how many scolding she would get after the mess was cleaned up, and no matter how many promises of 'I won't do it again' she claimed, she continued her antics. At first they were exploratory accidents, but even after she knew better, she kept up the mischievous behavior for three main reasons: 1) general curiosity often gets the better of her 2) to keep Oswald's worry (for Mickey at least), at bay and 3) she loved it. Just causing general problems, getting thrown into danger, learning new to fix situation, it was all very exciting to her.
They were traveling home, coming from one such 'talk' that was 'spiced up' by Helper. In the Starcade in Tomorrowland, there was a meet-and-greet for the Wreck-It Ralph characters and the backdrop was a plug that resembled the gateway from one game to another. The characters used that (and a bit of magic technology) to get from Game Central Station to Tomorrowland, and Helper had somehow 'accidentally' unplugged it from within the Station, trapping them inside…but that's a story for a different time.
As they crossed the futuristic bridge, Helper pulled out her compact staff and started tapping and sliding her fingers along the neon blue screen. Oswald had his arms crossed, contemplating yet another new way to tell her to knock off the whole 'troublesome kid' thing (however that was easier said than done, for he had the same mischievous personality). He looked over at the blue light and gave up his current train of thought.
"Hay, what'cha doing there?" he asked suspiciously.
"Notes, Taking notes." She stated simply, so as not to lose her concentration. Her voice had matured a little, though she still sounded like a little girl, and she had lost the British accent (only when she felt the need to sound more impressive did it came back). "So much info. Don't wanna lose any"
"What am I gunna do with ya?" Oswald shook his head. They had reached the Hub and her screen changed from neon blue alien language, to a light brown background with black typewriter font. Just as they were about to turn down Main Street, there was a sudden powerful gust of wind and a purple and black slit formed in front of the drawbridge. Somehow, Oswald's white face bleached even further.
"Uh-oh. Hide, fast!" he demanded.
"What!? Why? What if you need help?" she asked, completely confused.
"Then wait till I ask for it, but for now I want you to be my emergency backup." He said hurriedly, marching to the castle.
"Yes Sir!" with a salute, she launched herself into a nearby tree.
On that very branch she chose to crouch on was another character, which was also hiding from the sudden appearance of the black slit in the air. She had flown in so fast, it was a miracle that she didn't squish the little bug! He looked from around his black umbrella which he put up in a feeble attempt at a shield. On his green head were two large eyes and a black top hat. Unfortunately, they hadn't met before now.
"Shhh!" Helper shushed his frightened yelp "I'm not gunna hurt ya, I'm hiding too."
Still stunned, the toon nodded and closed his umbrella. He was dressed finely in a simple shirt and perfectly tailored black jacket. Together, they stared down at the events unfolding at the castle…
Oswald gulped, trying to gather courage for what came next. He had never actually met her, but the stories were enough to discourage his curiosity. Besides, the title of 'Mistress of All Evil' was a great big warning sticker all on its own. When she came into full sight, Oswald put on a cocky smile and started clapping.
"Wow, when it comes to over exaggeration, ya really take the cake!"
"Silence, rodent!" Maleficent snapped "I am here to accept your surrender."
"Surrender?!" he shouted in surprised anger "Why would I do such a stupid thing like that? Want me ta give ya the entire Kingdom next?"
"Yes." It was the fairy's turn to wear the smirk now "and I shall tell you why. As you have probably noticed by now, your leader is missing and we have a vast majority of power and strength on our side. There was also help sent to the Kingdom, desperate, pathetic help, mind you, but they have perished at sea, and if they haven't, we will take care of them. Now, if those simple facts haven't diminished your hopeless image of peace in this Kingdom yet, I shall ask you this…Where, exactly, is that so-called 'brother' of yours?"
"You've got him, don't you?!" Oswald shouted, his face turning form white to red, steam whistling from his ears in rage "I'll get 'm! I'll fight every last one of ya if I have ta!"
He marched towards the Wicked Fairy as he pushed up imaginary sleeves, head down and fists balled. When he was close enough, he stood, back straight, fists still tight, chest out and ears back. He stared at the figure towering over him with unwavering hatred. Her response to his bravery and anger was an amused chuckle.
"Since you refuse to listen to reason at the moment, I shall give you time to clear your head and rethink my peaceful offer." She leaned into his face and sneered softly "However, no matter the choice, this moment is the beginning of the end of everything you hold dear to your little…toon…heart."
With that she stood to full height, raised her staff and vanished in the same way she entered, her cackling echoing in the night air…
The Helper was practically strangling the tree branch the entire time. When Maleficent smirked and threatened Oswald, the only thing that (only just) kept her back was a small voice in her ear, telling her to be patient and remain calm. Once the Fairy left, she ignored the advice and rocketed out of the tree, grabbing her staff and activating it. Once her feet touched the ground, she attacked the nearest innocent bush in a whir of motion. When the poor thing was completely demolished, she took a few deep breaths, calmly deactivated the staff, and slowly walked over to Oswald.
He was a bit shell shocked. Mostly, he didn't know what to do except stand there and let it sink in. They had Mickey, or at least that was what she was hinting at. …End of everything you hold dear… his friends, the Family… and those innocent people who were coming to help, who were they?...
"Hay, are ya…are you okay?" Helper asked intending the question for Oswald. Instead it was that small voice in her ear that responded.
"Well, I've…*gulp*… I've been better."
Looking on her right shoulder, she saw the well dressed bug from the tree clinging onto her and colored a little greener than normal.
"Oh, gosh! I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were there!" Helper exclaimed. She gently picked him up off her shoulder and held him in her hands. Luckily he was only a bit dizzy. "I am truly sorry. If I knew you were there, I wouldn't have taken you on my little…rage ride."
"Hmm…" Oswald snapped out of his thoughts and inspected the bug "I know ya, but I can't remember your name…"
"Sir Jiminy H. Cricket at your service" said the bug with a tip of his hat.
"Oh, thanks. I'm-" Oswald started his introduction when Jiminy interrupted with a cough.
"I know you, your Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. It's a pleasure to meet you acquaintance, at last. Now, I've got a few questions. The first one is who this young lady here is?" he asked politely, looking over to Helper.
"I am the Helper of the Kingdom, at your service and command sir." She announced, performing her signature bow before adding "but, you can call me Helper for short."
"Well, alright. It's nice to meet you, Helper." Jiminy replied with another tip of his hat. Then he addressed Oswald once again. "Now then, what's all this about Mickey gone missing?"
"Well, he's been gone for a while now, and we have been lookin" Oswald explained sadly "I didn't tell anyone 'cause I didn't want people ta panic."
"Now, now, that's perfectly understandable." Jiminy said, hopping onto Oswald's head and patting his large ear in sympathy "But my last question is, what are we gunna do about this situation? Now I know that you're not going to take this lying down."
"A search party." Helper piped up. When she was met with confused looks, she rolled her eyes and proceeded. "We need a full on search party to find him. Madame Green Bean never told you that they actually had him; she just said that he was missing. Not to mention those people 'perishing at sea'. We could probably find them too, with the right tools."
"Okay, but who's gunna help us?" Jiminy asked
"I've got an idea or two…" Helper responded with a sly grin.
A/N: Okay, not much to comment about, I think you all know each character mentioned. Don't be shy about any ideas, comments, suggestions or questions you may have, either.