A/N: Hello, my wonderful readers! I have been working on this chapter for the past couple of days, but I think it is finally ready. I was debating with myself on whether or not to add to it and make it longer, or keep you in suspense for a bit. Anyways, I hope you like it!

Disclaimer: This is the 8th chapter of our little adventure, but I still don't own Kingdom Keepers or Disney. WTF? ;)

Chapter 8

By the time the sun was in the sky the next morning, the first "Wanted" posters appeared. Additional guards began patrolling the streets, banging on doors, and questioning passersby about Finn's whereabouts. The already anxious civilians grew even more nervous as security checkpoints began popping up all over the Kingdom.

They had no idea that the prey they were seeking was hiding in plain sight.

Finn had traded in his guard disguise for a simple merchant's uniform. The turban he wore was too large for his head, but that helped hide his face from prying eyes. It covered almost his entire head, leaving only a small gap to see from. The robe was hot in the summer sun, but at least no one could see the prison jumpsuit he was wearing.

Now, he just needed a place to hide before the Overtakers had a chance to question him.

Navigating through the crowded streets of the Marketplace, he finally saw an open back door of a nearby bakery. A tall, dark teen boy was busy unloading crates of supplies from a truck. When the boy's back was turned, Finn quickly slipped inside.

It was only once he was safely off the streets and inside the large kitchen that he finally removed his turban. The smell of warm bread baking in the oven made him realize that he was starving.

He felt bad about stealing from the shop, but he needed to eat. As he grabbed a Danish off a tray on the counter, he heard someone come in. Seconds later, something was poking him in the back.

"I hope you plan on paying for that."

Finn's heart leapt in his chest. He knew that voice all too well.

Slowly, he turned to face the boy who had spoken, grinning with relief.

"Maybeck?"

Terry Maybeck looked back at him in surprise, but still didn't lower the stun gun he was holding.

"How do you know my name? Who are you?"

Finn's hope faded as he realized that his fellow Kingdom Keeper had no idea who he was.

"It's me, Maybeck! Finn! We've known each other for years! You were-well, still are- a Kingdom Keeper, just like me! Come on, Man! You got to remember!"

"Dude, I have never seen you before in my life," Maybeck said. "I don't know who you are, or what a 'Kingdom Keeper' is, but I suggest that you leave now before I call the guards!"

"That would be a bad idea, seeing as I am kind of the reason for the extra patrols."

"Extra pa-…Wait a minute! You're the guy from the posters! The escaped prisoner!" Maybeck raised the weapon even higher. "There's a huge price on your head, and I could really use the cash. It's my ticket out of this town."

Finn sighed sadly.

"Even if you turned me in and received the money, it would do no good. Nowhere is safe. The same darkness in this kingdom is all over the world. Different town, same villains."

"What are you talking about?"

Finn looked into his friend's anxious face.

"It's kind of a long story…"

Maybeck gestured to Finn to sit at a nearby table.

"Then, I suggest you start talking, Whitman…"

Meanwhile, at the Dark Castle…

Hades sat on the throne getting more furious by the minute. It had been more than 12 hours since the guards had allowed Finn to escape from the dungeons. He had every Overtaker out searching for the boy, but he had yet to be found.

Time was running out. In less than two days, the Red Moon would be in perfect alignment for the ritual. The boy had to be in custody to ensure that the magic worked. Even though the boy no longer had access to his powers, the curse was only as strong as its source. To increase the likelihood of the ritual's success, Finn Whitman had to be captured.

Hades' thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Governor Ratcliffe.

"You better have some good news for me, Governor."

The man before him looked up from where he knelt on the floor and grinned.

"My Lord," he began, "we have a lead on the boy's whereabouts!"

Hades smiled evilly.

"Take me to my prize."

Finn Whitman would be in his clutches before sunset.

Meanwhile, at the Marketplace of Shadows…

Maybeck was silent for a long time after Finn finished telling his story. Finn had spent the last two hours explaining everything to his old friend. He started at the very beginning when they first became Kingdom Keepers, then moved on to speak of their numerous encounters with the Overtakers. Finally, he explained the true events of the past seven months and how he had escaped from the enemy at last. By the time he had finished his long tale, Finn was mentally and emotionally exhausted.

"That's…quite a story," Maybeck said in a quiet voice. He rubbed his temples as if fighting a migraine.

"I know it's a lot to take in at once," Finn replied. "But I swear: everything I have told you is the truth."

Before Maybeck could open his mouth to say anything more, there was a loud banging at the front door.

"KINGDOM GUARD! OPEN UP!"

Finn turned pale and leapt to his feet.

"They've found me!"

Maybeck, seeing the look of horror on Finn's face grabbed him by the arm and dragged him further into the back of the kitchen. They came to a small room that only had a large shelf of dry goods inside. To Finn's surprise, Maybeck grabbed the end of the shelf and pulled it towards him to reveal a hidden door. He knocked on the door three times and then shoved Finn inside the second it opened.

"Get in there! And keep quiet! I'll be right back."

The door closed behind Finn, and he heard Maybeck slide the shelf back into place.

"Well, don't just stand there, my boy! Come on in and meet our little family!"

Finn turned in astonishment to see who had spoken. He was standing in a large room that was filled wall to wall with people. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Peter Pan, the Princesses, and many other Disney characters were now staring at their newcomer in wonder. Merlin placed his hand on Finn's shoulder and led him into the room.

"I-I never thought I'd see any of you again."

"Oh, have we met before? Apologies, son. I'm an old man, and my memories aren't what they used to be!"

"Yeah…I know", said Finn sadly.

But I'm going to find a way to fix this.

"Looks like your vision came to pass after all, Jess!"

Finn thought his heart was going to burst out of his chest as he realized who was now walking towards him. He felt his eyes fill with tears as the rest of the Kingdom Keepers made their way to the front of the room.

Philby stretched out his hand.

"I have the strange feeling that you already know us. I'm Dell Philby."

Finn shook his friend's hand before immediately pulling him into a bone-crushing hug.

When he finally let go, a bewildered Philby spoke again.

"Welcome to the Resistance."

Outside in the Marketplace…

The guards were forcing civilians off the busy streets and into the various shops. People fearfully shook their heads when questioned about seeing Finn. The Overtakers were getting restless.

"Look, Man," Maybeck was saying to the guard at the door. "I've already told you: I haven't seen him!"

The pirate wasn't having it.

"See, now, why don't I believe you, Kid?"

"Beats me! Maybe you're deaf and stupid!"

This just made the pirate angry.

"Maybe some time in the dungeons will make you cooperate!"

"Enough!"

Captain Barbossa appeared at the door.

Great. Just what I need is the Chief of Police at my shop!

Barbossa put his face very close to Maybeck's.

"If ye have nothing to hide, then ye won't mind us having a look around."

Maybeck stepped to the side to welcome them in.

"Knock yourself out! But I'm telling you that there's no one here but me!"

As the guards entered the shop to begin their search, Maybeck let out a silent prayer to the universe.

I hope the old man's spell works!

A/N: And, that, my friends, is Chapter 8! The Kingdom Keepers are finally reunited, and Finn is about to become a member of the Resistance! But, he's not out of danger yet! The Red Moon is now less than 2 days away, and Hades will stop at nothing to have Finn in custody once more. Stay tuned for the next chapter, which will be ready soon! As always, thanks for reading!

Farewll, my pretties!

Love, Mickeygirl20 :)