Chapter 121: The Coronation

Well, happily ever after seemed just around the river bend, as the saying goes.

Oh certainly there was the pesky problem of the Otherland and its wandering eyes. But all that seemed very far away. After all, Fantasia had been taken, broken hearts were mended, and goodness the Fantasians new how to throw a party!

Students, shivering in their summer clothes, warmed with huge, gooey slices of Tony's cheese pizza (and Joe even permitted Tiana to offer complimentary tobacco sauce without too much Italian slur). Elsa froze the cobblestone and Olaf lead the ice skating races. There was music for every ear, dancing for open arms, and enough laughter to blow the lanterns high.

Yes. It seemed that the prophesy had been fulfilled! Everyone had a story to tell. And although there wasn't a professional story teller to document the taking of Fantasia, it seemed that each story would be sealed with a big, fat, quintessential 'happily ever after.'

So…it seemed.

Because as the Fantasians celebrated, they failed to notice the Wishing Star throbbing behind the lanterns' glow.

Aladdin scampered up the stairs. Ignoring the stunned professors and licensed-to-kill Cobra Bubbles, he spun to face the crowd.

"Hey! Students of Fantasia School for the Magically Skewed! Listen up peeps! I have an announcement!"

The crowed turned. Peter swung Michael onto his shoulders. Ariel and John smiled, standing on tiptoe to see.

Aladdin held up two fingers. "Two things! First! We just freaking saved Fantasia!"

It was received well. The students jumped up and down, never tiring of those wonderful, hard earned words. Peter floated as he jumped, and Michael bounced happily against his red head. John raised a triumphant first. And Ariel, unable to cheer, applauded instead.

Aladdin grinned. Then, he silenced the crowd by holding the golden lamp over his head.

"Second! I still have one wish left! All thanks to Ariel!" Aladdin rubbed the lamp. "Right Genie?"

The lamp sputtered. Genie spiraled form the spout."Corrrrrecto-mundo Al!"

The crowd went absolutely berserk as Genie threw an imaginary tidal wave into the sky. Peter's shadow and the pixies scattered as the tidal wave suddenly dripped apart into rain sparkles.

Genie smiled at the happy upturned faces. Returning Aladdin's high five, he pointed at a star. The star wobbled as Genie focused its glow on Ariel like a spotlight.

"That's right heroes and heroines! Arrrrrrrrrriel Trrrrrriton! She rocked-em-socked-em-roboted-them bad guys to smithereens to save my ever loving magic lamp! Shake it up for the littlest mermaid, folks! Come on ev-ray bod-ay! Shake it up!"

"Yay Ariel!" Rapunzel danced. "Yay!"

"Silent but not unspoken!" Flynn tossed his frying pan in the air. "Ouch!" he said as it fell and bonked his head.

"Ye deserved that, ye doober!" Merida laughed, returning Robin's bear hug. "Daffy doober. All's well. Go Ariel!"

Ariel grinned. Then, after an encouraging nod from Peter, she jabbed her trident overhead. Blue, turquoise, and emerald lighting splintered into the sky. Admiral Triton smiled, please with his daughter.

Aladdin hopped up and down, vying for attention.

"Yeah! Go Ariel! But hey listen up! I have one more wish to make! So – Genie: I wish for your freedom!"

"One order of curly fries coming right up, I – " Genie stopped. His voice dropped. "—what?"

"Genie!" Aladdin beamed, holding up the lamp. "You're free!"

Even Headmaster Mickey and Master Merlin were awed. The lamp drifted from Aladdin's hands and approached Genie glowing like the sun. Magic sprouted from the lamp. It surrounded Genie in a whirl of colors, swirling faster and faster until –

Clank. The lamp fell, clattering with Genie's golden hand cuffs.

Delicately, Genie lifted the lamp. "I'm…I'm free." he whispered, laughing breathlessly because it was impossible to believe. "I'm free. Quick!"

Genie bounded, shoving the lamp into Aladdin's hands. "Quick! Quick! Wish for something outrageous!" he demanded, jittery in excitement and fear. "Say I uh – I want the pirate ship Chimera! Wish for the Chimera, try that!"

"Um." Aladdin smiled in bewilderment. "Um I wish for the Chimera."

"NO WAY!" Genie roared, hugging Aladdin with all his might. Then, laughing louder than he had ever laughed before, Genie blasted into the sky.

"Boy does that feel good! I'm free!" Genie yelled, flinging fireworks left and right. "I'm free at last!"

"Look!" Michael pointed, turning on Peter's shoulders. He giggled as the fireworks exploded into multicolored butterflies. "Look, lookie, look!"

"Ha ha!" Peter lifted Michael to the ground. "Go get em!" he laughed, watching Michael chase the glittering butterflies. "Let me know what you find!"

"Wendy!"

Peter looked up. Firework butterflies fluttered across his smile. "Wendy."

"Wendy!" Michael jumped. And as Wendy knelt to cover him in her arms, he started to cry.

Peter smiled. He didn't even mind when Jim Hawkins knelt beside Wendy to join them. As John rushed over to hug Wendy and shake Jim's hand, Peter glanced at Ariel.

Ariel grinned. It worked. She mouthed, nodding at Jim and Wendy, caught between the Darling boys' embrace. Secretively, she winked. Best friends forever again.

"Yeah." Peter said. He gazed. Then he decided to break up the dreamy moment. "Okay, okay enough with the lovey dovey. Rat Tail. Off my woman."

Ariel laughed. It was soundless, but she did it all the same. She couldn't help it. She was just so happy.

An arm took her waist. "What's so funny?"

Ariel knew it was Jim before looking. She could tell by his tone, smell, and touch of his scarred hand. Turning, she swung the trident over Jim's head. Bringing the shaft across his back, she pulled Jim to her lips.

Watching, Wendy grinned. Adjusted Michael in her arms, she suddenly caught the glint in Peter's eye. Peter looked at Ariel and Jim. His eyebrows raised.

"No." Wendy whispered. Her heart pattered, but she restrained, nodding meaningfully to Michael. "Not in front of my brothers."

Peter drifted over. "Okay." He covered Michael's face with one hand. Taking Wendy's sash, he looked back. "John. Look away?"

"Roger that." John saluted, dutifully shielding his eyes. "Carry on."

"Aye, aye." Peter grinned. Tugging her sash, he gave Wendy a kiss. Michael giggled under Peter's hand when she kissed him back.

"All right! All right! Congratulations Genie! I said congratulations!" Master Cogsworth shooed Aladdin downstairs. Taking a steadying breath, he signaled for quiet. The students obliged, but only because Genie had stopped spewing fireworks.

"All right. Goodness. Here we go." Master Cogsworth's timepieces settled. Nerves calmed, he began his speech. "Now. Once upon a time…"

The students groaned. Good-naturedly, they catcalled and joked. After all, this Once Upon a Time business was exactly how this whole adventure started!

Headmaster Mickey smiled sympathetically. Relieving Mater Cogsworth, he waved the students into silence.

"Students." he said, wasting not with Once Upon a Times. "Students. May I present, your king. Fantasia, please. Say hello…to King Arthur."

They say there has never been a more magical moment in Fantasia. Perhaps, and I suspect, that is quite an exaggeration. Nevertheless, as the Wishing Star twinkled over King Arthur, the moment was truly magical.

Fantasia knelt before it's new king. Then, someone whispered, "Hail King Arthur. Long live the king." The whisper turned into a voice, the voice turned into a cry, and the cry turned into a cheer. "Hail! King Arthur! Long live the king!"

Then, the cheer turned into a pause. Eagerly, the Fantasians waited for their king to speak.

"I…" Arthur swallowed. Excalibur trembled in his hands. He could hear his heart in his ears. "I…I…"

Panicked he wavered back. He felt Merlin's hand, gently on his back.

"It's all right, boy." the old wizard smiled. "Arthur. My boy. It is all right."

Arthur stared. Then, closing his eyes, he took a deep, deep breath.

"Long live…" King Arthur said, voice clear in the night. "Long live Fantasia. And all her heroes."

A smile spread across Fantasia. Deciding that they approved King Arthur's christening very much, the party continued.

King Arthur smiled. With one hand he adjusted his crown (it was a little too big). He rose the other hand, drawing for attention. He had more to say. And more to honor.

"I pulled the sword in the stone, set by the Wishing Star long ago. So I am your king. But, I was surrounded by heroes and heroines that took Fantasia so I might make it a better land." King Arthur swept his arm. "I would honor all of you. Right now. So…first…Elsa."

Elsa jumped. The snowflakes in her hair melted as she blushed up the steps to King Arthur's side.

"Elsa the Snow Queen." King Arthur said. He paused to peek at a note card. Elsa smiled, charmed by his novice. "Elsa the Snow Queen. You were hurt and you were imprisoned, inside and outside of your head. The villains tried to take your powers for evil. But you never gave in. You only let it go when you could fight for Fantasia and your friends."

Elsa's smile faded. Impressed she gazed at the young king.

"Thank you Elsa." King Arthur smiled. "Thank you for saving Fantasia.

Elsa touched her chest. She curtsied to King Arthur, wiping away icy tears.

"Oh…and er. Just one more thing." Stopping Elsa, Arthur searched the crowed. "Anna? Olaf? Could you come up here a second please?"

Anna and Olaf ascended the steps. Curiously, they waited beside Elsa.

"I think…" King Arthur said, smiling at Edna Mode. "…that it's time to end this winter. So. Elsa. Anna. Would you…?"

"Yes!" Anna gushed, seizing Elsa's hand. "Yes, yes, yes! Don't you worry we can do it! Right, Elsa?"

Sweetly, Elsa smiled. She raised Anna's hand. "I think so."

Then, with combined powers of winter and summer, the two Arendelle sisters brought spring to Fantasia. Blossoms bloomed. Birds sung. And snow melted like butter.

"So this is why we had to wear the sundresses!" Merida said. She laughed as her aviator jacket (and all other models of Edna Mode's winter clothes) evaporated into rainbows. "Cool, yeah! Okay, now can I change back into jeans?"

"Hands down!" Olaf beamed, dripping like a popsicle. "This is the best day of my life. And quite possibly the last…."

"Oh Olaf." Snowflakes swirled from Elsa's fingertips. "Hang on little guy!"

"Oh! Oh! Oh!" Olaf spun in the snowflakes then – poof! Elsa's magic sparkled into an cotton-candy colored cloud hovering above Olaf's head. "Oh! My own personal flurry!" the snowman danced, giggling bashfully at Elsa. "Warm hugs for everybody!"

King Arthur smiled. And after honoring both Anna and the little snowman, he called each student to thank them for saving Fantasia. The names were numerous, but the time passed quickly as each student was accompanied with vibrant memory.

"B.E.N. You are a new face, but we all welcome you to Fantasia. And I thank you for your help. We are honored. Thank you for saving Fantasia."

"Robin Hood. You used your craft and cunning to help Fantasia in her poorest hour. Thank you for saving Fantasia."

"Merida. Your bravery lead Fantasia to a fate that would have been a dark one without you. Thank you for saving Fantasia."

"Mulan. Or Captain Fa. The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all. Thank you for saving Fantasia."

"Flynn Rider. You learned to trust, to have friends trust you, and to fight for something you believe in. And, no villain stands a chance against that frying pan. Thank you for saving Fantasia."

"Rapunzel. You fought for your dreams. And your dreams came true. For all of us. Thank you for saving Fantasia."

King Arthur paused as the crowd cheered. He waited for Rapunzel to skip down the steps, brunette bob bouncing.

"Four more." he said, rubbing Excalibur's hilt. "And these four endured above all for Fantasia. First…Peter Pan."

Peter flew to King Arthur. He knelt, waiting with uncharacteristic deference and quiet.

"Peter Pan. You were taken by the pirates. Accused of being the Chosen One. But…you fought like a man beyond your years. Your heroism will be remembered forever. Thank you for saving Fantasia."

Peter practically levitated, so full was he of happy thoughts.

"Wendy Darling." King Arthur called. "Please. You're next. Don't be shy."

But Wendy Darling, was not shy. Not this time. Secretly, she exchanged smiles with Peter before curtsying for the king.

"Wendy Darling. You were also taken by the pirates. And accused of being the Chosen One. But…you believed. You believed not only in your friends, but in yourself. Fantasia is blessed to have you, Lady Shadow Worker. Thank you for saving Fantasia."

Peter, Jim, and Ariel lead the applause for Wendy. Behind King Arthur, Headmaster Mickey smiled. "At last." he murmured, remembering his old master's misunderstood shadow working ways. "Magic is back."

King Arthur followed Wendy into the crowed. His blue eyes fell on Jim. "Jim Hawkins."

Jim stiffened. Then, Ariel rubbed his back. It's you she mouthed, eyes sparkling. Go.

Jim nodded. Then, facing the castle, he strode up the stairs and into the starlight. Solemnly, he knelt. Clenching his fist to hide the scar, he stared at the tip of King Arthur's sword.

"Jim Hawkins." King Arthur's voice was soft. Understanding. "Jim Hawkins. I met you in a dirty kitchen at an angry time. But, today. Right now, I see a different man. A man that was accused of being the Chosen One. A man that was tortured, mind, body, and soul. A man that gave his heart for his beliefs and his life for his friends. And any man like that will fly to and from the stars."

Gently, King Arthur touched Jim's bent head. "Thank you Jim Hawkins. Thank you for saving Fantasia. Please…rise. For your friends. And for Fantasia."

Jim breathed. Then, he heard something.

Applause. Not polite, thin applause, but an enraptured response. Rising, Jim looked into the firework lit night. No one glared. No one glowered. And no one growled. Peter, Wendy, and Ariel beamed from the crowd. His mother wiped tears of pride. And for the first time in his life, Jim Hawkins felt…at home. Like he belonged.

Then, he saw someone else. And it made his heart stop.

Long John Silver. The cyborg was shackled behind the professors and guarded by an entourage of dwarves overseen by Captain Amelia. A blaster was pressed to his temple. A blade pointed at his throat.

But somehow, Silver snatched Jim's eye. And with a crooked smile, the cyborg nodded.

Jim couldn't move. His mesmerized half fought with the rebellious half. And had King Arthur not beckoned Ariel Triton up the castle steps, Jim doubted he could have broken Silver's gaze.

Peter peered as Jim slumped down the steps.

"Sentimental?" he guessed.

Jim looked up sharply. "What?"

Peter raised an eyebrow. "Silver. The cook- turned - villain." He nodded past Ariel as she ran up the steps. They could just see Silver through his chains. "I saw that look. And if you're getting sentimental, forget it. He's a pirate."

Jim glared. Stonily he stared at Silver, trying to fight the battle in his head. "Why the Hell would I do that?"

Peter hacked. Leaning from Wendy he hissed in Jim's ear. "Come on. I saw the cyborg pirate save you from the whirlpool."

"...what?"

Peter grabbed Jim's palm. His fingernails dug into the red scar. "Not a pirate my ass. I owe you one Rat Tail, but I'm not stupid. I'm onto you. One wrong move. That's all the chance you get. Hero of Fantasia or not."

Jim pulled away his hand. But he did not retaliate. Voice harder than whiskey, he stared at Silver. "He…saved me?"

"Ariel Triton." King Arthur took Ariel's hand. They shared a smile, and Ariel winked. King Arthur laughed. "Ariel Triton! You helped me most of all. Just like your trident, you are a fierce spirit that ignores all boundaries. And although you have sacrificed greatest of all…" King Arthur gestured Ariel to her feet. "…Fantasia will always sing about the little mermaid that helped take back her world. Ariel Triton… thank you for saving Fantasia!"

Monumental celebrations mixed with singing lead Ariel's descent. Smile expressing her happiness, Ariel ran straight to her sisters. Then, swiftly hugging Wendy and Peter, she jumped into Jim's open arms.

King Arthur sighed. He glanced up at the Wishing Star. Then, rubbing his hands, he turned. "Headmaster Mickey? Merlin? Is…is it time?"

The wizard and ancient mouse exchanged a secret conversation. Then they nodded. "Yes. It is time."

"Time for what?" Flynn yelled, eating pizza from Rapunzel's hand. "What? What? What?"

King Arthur smiled. Then, he accepted from Headmaster Mickey and Merlin two items. The crowed quieted.

It was the Once Upon a Time book. And the Magic Bag of Tricks.

King Arthur turned. Head erect, and crown (for once) sitting gallantly on his head.

"Once upon a time…." he read, opening the magical storybook. "…Fantasia was a magical land governed by magical guardians. These magical guardians nourished the land and sustained peace in concert with Fantasia's rulers. And with Fantasia's people."

King Arthur breathed. He held out the book. "I offer this system of leadership to Fantasia. No more separation of West, East, North, South, and Center-Point sectors. No more banishment of magic. I propose a new era. An era where magic and non-magic gifts drive Fantasia into a future that represents the best in all of us. A balance. A peace. I propose…."

Lifting the Magic Bag of Tricks, King Arthur gazed at the Wishing Star. "…that we open the four magical realms. And that we – all of us – tonight witness the rise of the guardians."

Silence.

"The guardians will be Fantasians. Fantasians that you now. Chosen by the Wishing Star." King Arthur waited as faces swiveled, searching for the star. "Headmaster Mickey and the masters have gathered likely guardians for each realm. For the Skyworld: Master Donald, the pixies, Dumbo, Orville or Wilbur the albatross brothers. For the Underworld: the Seven Dwarves, Megara, Kida, or Lord Kashekim Nedakh. For the Seaworld: Admiral Triton, Attina, or the great blue whale. And for the Outterworld: Long John Silver."

The crowd gasped. Jim's heart lurched.

"The guardians…" King Arthur spoke quickly, dispelling the cries. "…are chosen with the greatest severity and care. They are chosen to protect Fantasia. They are devoted to their realm, and cannot leave it for other things. You will not see the guardians, but will feel and see the wonders of their magic. So…I beg you. Fantasia. Trust the Wishing Star. One last time."

Utter silence.

"Raise your hands." King Arthur whispered, falling back on his educational familiarities. "If you agree."

There was a pause. A flicker of eyes, looking for the first hand.

Then, Ariel, Peter, Wendy, and Jim made eye contact. And together, they raised their hands.

Every Fantasian followed. The hands rose, waving across the crowd and reaching for the stars.

King Arthur smiled. "Okay." he said, heart thundering in excitement. "Let's do it."

Excitement buzzed across the crowd. It was electric, and amplified as King Arthur flapped open the Magic Bag of Tricks. Slowly, he reached inside.

"So… the guardians can't ever leave their realm? Unless the king needs them?" Sadly, Rapunzel puckered her lip. "That's sad."

"That's horrid." Wendy glanced at Ariel. She rubbed her shoulder. "Ariel? Are you all right?"

Ariel bit her lip. She gazed at her father and sister, awaiting the Wishing Star's decision. Then, she sighed. And taking Jim's hand, she nodded.

"Yeah." Jim stroked Ariel's cheek. "I think we'll manage."

"You kidding?" Hugging Wendy's waist, Peter danced to Ariel and Jim. "Come on Ginger girl. I mean look at us! We're a family! A family! Imagine the adventures we're going to have!"

Ariel brightened. Laughing silently she agreed, laying a cheek against Jim.

Jim rubbed Ariel's shoulder. "Wishing Star. Good thing it gets into everybody's business." Together, they watched King Arthur. A soft, pastel light was glowing from the Magic Bag of Tricks. "But it looks like it picked the right Chosen One."

For once Peter agreed. "Yeah. Hilarious, though? Hook thought we were the Chosen Three?" Laughing away a dark expression, Peter rubbed Wendy's injured arm. "Stupid codfish."

Quizzically, Ariel looked up. She cocked her head as if to say 'huh?'

Jim sighed. "Hook thought we were the Chosen Three. It was a stretch. Something about being born on the first. It was in the prophesy."

"Four seasons turned all are cursed…" Wendy recited quietly, shuddering at the memory. "…find the one born on the first. Dreadful. Silly though, I quite agree. How can there be three Chosen Ones? But still…I was born on September twenty first. First of autumn."

"First of spring! " Peter said, thumping his chest. "March twenty first!"

"December twenty first." Jim said, lifting a finger. "Winter solstice."

Ariel turned. Ignoring the lights swirling from the Magic Bag of Tricks, she suddenly laughed, snapping her fingers for sound. She mouthed excitedly, but Wendy and Peter could not understand.

"What's up, babe?" Jim said, naturally reading her lips. "What's funny about that?"

Ariel shrugged, amused at the situation. I was born on the first of summer she mouthed, holding up fingers to demonstrate. June twenty first.

But that time, even Jim could not translate Ariel's message. Because as starlight exploded from the Magic Bag of Tricks, Peter, Ariel, Wendy, and Jim were covered in the brilliant light.

And when the light faded, each was wearing a circlet glittering with lingering star dust.

"Well." Headmaster Mickey joined King Arthur. Astounded, he held out a hand to Peter, Ariel, Wendy, and Jim. "The Wishing Star has chosen. Fantasia. I give you…your guardians."

sultal's note: Good news -long chapter. Bad news - another clinic starts tomorrow (weekend updates). And guys I'm scared shitless. I know that some of you are fighting your own battles on the other end of the computer screen. So, I get it. And I can tell you this - be strong. Katniss Everdeen your way through life. And fortune will be in your favor. See you next weekend. ty.

keep writing.