Sarah had never heard Dreamer sound like that before… Not once during their journey. Even though she was hidden, she found that they were close like never before. She was able to hear every word, feeling the pure despair and courage her dearest friend was going through. She had to put a hand over her mouth as if to keep it from falling to the floor. The Toys were rendered silent as well, not entirely sure at first about what was really happening.
"Jackie, don't be holding back on us—" Woody told her, hoping that the news wasn't terrible.
"He did it… They— I don't know how but they did it…" Sarah spoke to them while that necklace began to feel extraordinarily warm.
"What do you mean, kid?" Potato Head murmured.
"Jafar's been… beaten— Oh my God, where is Quasimodo?"
Before they even had a chance, the horrible realization that there was a certain pack scratching and banging on the door on the other side of them.
"You have nowhere to hide!" Shenzi's voice bellowed as scratches began to sound. "Thought you'd be safe in there? Where are your friends!?"
The Toys kept the girl from screaming and beckoned her to come with them. Those beasts kept taunting them. "YOU HAVE NO FRIENDS! Not anymore!"
The banging got louder and even worse. Traumatized and even more hopeless, Sarah backed into a corner holding that flower in her hand. She felt all alone deep inside… Her family was gone, her friends were being attacked and she couldn't do anything. When she thought they were all alone, there was someone else in this room with her. They shuffled close, clearly wearing hard armor as each Toy was swept into a lone bag much to their dismay. They happened to the frozen girl in the dark with a faint whisper coming from inside their helmet. This was no cast member… This was the Knight Quasimodo knew… And she knew who it was.
"Please! Let them go! I'll do anything!" the girl begged, although she was cornered.
"I am afraid I cannot." was the baritone voice that sent a chill down her spine and made her blood run cold. Especially when he seemed to stare down at her necklace. "… this for your safety, child."
Although deeply frightened by this strange man's sudden appearance, Sarah remembered Quasimodo's words, concerning that once injured stallion that their Imaginaries had the honor of healing just in time. "… It can't be you."
"Now rise." the Knight encouraged with exhaustion. "Let us not give into hopelessness. Do you not trust the words of those who protected you? Has my son proven that to you?"
"S-son…?"
Even though the lot of them were suddenly contained inside a sack of sorts, the Toys were able to listen in to every word that was spoken by the two.
"Her arrival is nigh, so you must come with me. If we acquire that staff, this suffering will end."
"H-how do we do that!? To do that, we have to trick her out of it…"
"Perhaps you don't trust in your own Imaginary?" he finished as the banging on the door started to sound more like shattering than knocking.
Sarah blinked at first, knowing that good news was flowing through as of this moment. Just then Dreamer's own whisper was heard once again in her head, which was a comfort beyond words…
"Who is this guy? I don't like him…"
"Now you talk?" she whispered back, much to the Knight's surprise.
"My attempts to bring you this far will not be in vain,"
"Getting that staff? And shattering it, you think it'll be that simple?" Woody pressed, not all right with being shoved into a bag for starters. "This started with those we care about just disappeared… What are you thinking? How can we trust you, of all people?"
The Knight gave a deep sigh before slowly and weakly taking off the black helmet. The Hyenas were too stupid to even open that door and he had to have this child's trust. To her, he was an animated character just like the rest. A man like how Quasimodo was, only tall, limber with a thin, frail careworn face that was bruised and his deep-set dark circled eyes looked tired and saddened. He had light grey hair that was messed up and nearly tangled. Dry blood (or what looked like it) trailed down from his nose. His appearance had the entire group go completely silent in shock.
"I know why you would question my allegiance. For I too was intended to bring you to Her Excellency, I regretfully used to believe… Especially the pure creature you had in your presence who hadn't any idea of the power he possesses."
"… you wouldn't." Sarah sobbed.
"I didn't." he corrected.
"But… you hate Quasimodo. You lied to him and you… you fell."
The term hate was clearly disturbing to the man as his eyes sharpened with disdain. "Hate? God forbid!"
"Th-then why…Why did you do all those things?"
"Questions coming from a child who has no knowledge of the life and toils of an ancient society…" he shook his head. "It was I who was responsible for the safety of that city. Such things of witchcraft, the crimes of gypsies… My life with that only blessing, it was the only joy I had at the time. The fact that he sided with a gypsy… Well, I will express that I do not remember a great portion of those moments before my own death. I am not a good man. No. I have many regrets that I cannot fix. Things I will spare for your pure hearts… I am not who I once was."
Woody gazed down, regretting his gruff words. "… you're not like other Villains."
"Villain? Ha! What does a Villain mean to you? They are evil simply because they do things that are considered evil. Indeed! I am not like them."
"Quasimodo was clear about it… That he cares about you." the girl softly spoke.
The man's cold eyes suddenly changed before they began to well up with tears. Oddly, he slightly smiled. "…does he now? I have little hope of him forgiving me for the things I've done…but helping him help you all, I can live with that joy."
"You helped us all along?" Woody continued.
"The Mouse. When Pete had you. He was in the woods, confused. I was entrusted to bring him to her, as the rest of my peers were entrusted with. I picked him up."
"But … he was in the tent with us…" Sarah furrowed.
"You put him back." Woody realized.
"It would have turned out to be much worse because those Hyenas were not the only ones in the forest that night… Once when the Fox had gotten inside, I observed and I had the Mouse before it was discovered upon my person by someone I regret calling my cohort. My dear horse warned me and counted a hoof when those cheers came loudly from that old tent. The trees rustled behind us,"
Master. To my left flank!" the Horse warned as something or someone near.
There was not a way to see the expression of the Dark Knight, it was not even known if this mysterious being was immortal or a mere human, still, there was a smile hidden under his helmet. The gesture was not only because of the recompense that was to hear such joyful cheering from the heroes, but also the satisfaction of having defied her. After the failure of that incompetent cat, Her Excellency had sent the Black Rider to retrieve that mouse, and unlike some others, the knight had succeeded... only to return the small creature to freedom, as it should be. Law and order on the world shall be restored; such was the Lord's Will.
Alas, the dark warrior had committed a great mistake. His confidence and pride were still so grand, that distracted with the good deed, he had his guard lowered. Yes, as his faithful steed had warned, there was a danger lurking near, so close perhaps, that possibly their movements were observed.
"Indeed, my beloved... unfortunately..." the Rider replied softly, gratitude in his tone for the warhorse. Then, he tensed and readied himself for a confrontation. Whoever was there, the companions were to face, and they will not run, not yet. Turning to his left, the knight raised his voice.
"Who is there? Identify yourself at once!" commanded the Knight, his voice quiet, yet firm.
There was a rustle in the trees, although the air was tightly still. Besides the insane laughter of the hyenas a distance away, there was a deep, long growl. Two eyes glinted from the dark before a rather limber old lion with a dark mane set paw out from behind a tree…
"Oh. Sir Scar," the Rider spoke, sounding calm despite him being upset by the horrible laughter echoing around, perhaps closer of what he could fathom. Nonetheless, the peaceful tone of the knight had a noticeable note of disdain for the lion. The creature hesitated not to commit the dreadful crime in the name of self-glorification and proclaimed himself to be a king while he was no more than filthy scum.
"For what reason, you grace us with your illustrious presence, may I inquire?"
The old Lion sneered at the Knight with a growing satisfaction.
"Fancy seeing you, of all, dawdling on useless matters..." Scar spoke, thickly. "Hadn't the Mistress demanded your presence?"
"Useless, you said? You should mind your words, Sir! the Rider responded, still with a calm tone but he gently caressed the side of Snowball's neck in order to soothe the warhorse.
"Know we appreciate your solicitude, but you should be more concerned when her Excellency summons for your presence."
Oh, contrary, I have no mind in that..." the dark feline lightly walked his way towards the uneasy steed and his mount. A tail flung from side to side, indicating irritation and disdain from the great cat. "Come to think of it, she has sent me this way."
The dark knight's grip on the reins tensed. He did not like those words from Scar, at all.
"Indeed? This is very... peculiar. Well, know that I require no assistance, so it would be in your best interest to retire." The Rider and his faithful steed were on guard. The lion of ebony mane was vain and full of pride, and at this moment, in quiet anger. There was this ominous sense of an imminent confrontation, but the companions could not battle here, they must lead Scar and his hyenas away from the innocent souls.
The yelps and cackles of this Lion's minions could be easily heard as they were sent to capture anyone who neared this mysterious tent, mainly a magical prison... Presumably, Scar was ensuring that.
"Oh, my friend, why are you so worried? We are partners, are we not? I saw that you had ensnared a small snack." Scar proceeded to smile, indicating that he knew something.
Rider growled quietly, it was probably imperceptible because of the helmet he sported, but the armored headgear allowed him to still see and hear with precision. Those dreadful sounds revealed that the close area around the magical prison was surrounded by the hyenas and it was probably Scar the one leading an upcoming assault. This situation endangered the mission; perish the thought of having Imaginary, the bell ringer and all those innocent souls captured! Drastic measures had to be set in motion.
"A small snack?" The knight retorted, unable to prevent shuddering in disgust to be referred as a partner by the old lion.
"Of what you are talking about I have—no idea..." he added tonelessly, but such could not hide a shade of provocation on that deep voice.
The enchanted skies above them showed no mercy, rumbling loudly with power. Of what appeared green, lighting flashed illuminating the dark lions face. He arched his back up against one of the trees thick roots, giving himself a very unwelcome treatment of a back scratch.
"It is the reason you have come. Isn't it, Minister? After all, with my keen eye, I had witnessed you collecting something of use. Rather, someone, of use."
As he spoke, likened to a house cat, he rolled over on his back and stretched. That was before he smashed his paw down on a tiny forest chipmunk.
"One to another." He replies after to have eaten it. In one swallow, no doubt. "Now would you be so kind, Frollo?"
Scar's tone made a drastic change as he stood up again, this time he was digging his claws into the soil. Even though it was dark, it was certain that he was ready to pounce.
The firmament was stained by the imminent storm of miasma that could very well be an announcement of the Dark Fairy's arrival. There was no time to lose. Rider examined the surroundings to locate a route to lead these vermin away from the heroes. The Knight promptly returned his attention to Scar; he could not understand why, but being referred by his real title and name, after all this time, made him startle. Nonetheless, his features hidden by the helmet remained stern. What a pitiful display Scar had presented. The lion had swallowed a small rodent on a pathetic exhibition of superiority as if power was to replace the concept of cowardice!
"Your keen eyes had not deceived you. Sir..." Minister Frollo stated with explicit repugnance for the lion.
"Indeed, this 'someone' you spoke about is on my grasp and I have no intentions to return him. If you desire to retrieve him, you will have to take it from me!"
With that, the stallion reared up before turning on the direction Frollo indicated, galloping at high speed, hoping that Scar and the hyenas would give chase.
With that done, his eyes and instincts were absolutely correct. Scar sneered with glee knowing that he would be richly rewarded for the capturing of a traitor. His senses would never deceive him when he had seen the Knight deliberately release that enchanted vermin back into the enemy's hands. The fact that this traitor had fled was proof enough.
Readied downward, into a poised crouch, Scar chuckled deeply.
"Your time is up, Claude..." he growled under his breath before bolting quickly after the fleeing Knight and his great steed.
The companions stormed so fast as the lightning from the storm above. Steering the reins of the warhorse, they journey across the woods; the once beautiful forest, by an evil spell, now dark and sinister, like a nightmare. Hastening forward, without hesitation, a turn to the left and the companions had left the carnival of terror behind. Praised Heaven, the plan had achieved the desired effect and Scar was following them, this would grant tome for the heroes to escape and yet, there was fear on the heart of Claude Frollo. There was no return from this task; this race was the last card. Frollo did not fear for his life, but for his beloved steed.
"We are closer to the Border! That means our mission has come to an end."
With those words, the Knight made the warhorse to halt, swiftly descending before his actions could be questioned. Glancing over his shoulder, the old man knew that Scar and his servile subordinates would reach them soon. Removing his helmet to set it aside, and then Minister Frollo gently placed both his hands at the sides of Snowball's head, staring right into those crimson eyes.
"Snowball, my son! Listen well- say nothing and listen: the Border, you must go to it..." he commanded solemnly and with those words, he drew out his sword and turned to face the feline.
"Do as I say!" he warned the warhorse one last time.
Minister Frollo was on guard, with the blade at the ready, he waited for the lion to appear. However, hearing the sounds of hooves racing further and further away, made the man sigh with relief. Freedom was within their reach. Staring up for a moment, just for an instant, he was able to see, like if the enchanted storm had faded, the starry night above. The threads of fate had been pulled, yet there was still hope. Claude Frollo had no fear anymore.
In silence, the old man prayed one last time for his remaining strength not to falter so that he could battle on the Lord's behalf. With all his might he fought against the wild feline. Trying to elude those claws, no matter the wounds, Frollo as well delivered his share of attacks with the sword, and he would hesitate not on releasing something resembling a controlled set of flames, called Sea Fire, if the situation called for it, and set the entire forest ablaze.
Scar was so close to getting his claws into the man, only have his face nearly burned by the enchanted fire! Giving out a roar, Scar backed up a little and chose to climb over a set of rocks to dodge the sudden blaze. Of course, it continued to grow far too great! As these great flames began to spread like a snake through the grass, the distant estranged tent on the safest side of the wood at the foot of the Forbidden Mountains was suddenly freed from the dark spell unleashed inside. Two deer fled as quickly as they could before a girl accompanied by another creature that held a fawn in its arms. Neither entirely elephant or feline, but that bright color was as sharp as a glare in the darkness of the wood. Offset behind them, flames grew thus cornering the cowardly lion. He got a good burn across his face, having him give a great roar. A roar the Rider could hear as he followed the tracks of his own horse, away from those terrible mountains.