Welcome back
I have some artworks on Deviantart, if you would like a better look at them please head there and search "theheroicseven"
First off. Thank you Elsaluver for the continued support and I'm glad you got a real kick out of that last chapter.
And Guest – Sure, but Varian won't need to ask Neoma about her arm. Everyone's going to see it in two chapters from now.
This chapter will introduce the story's main antagonist. Chernabog, an existing Disney character, if you haven't heard or seen him yet I advise looking up "Night on Bald Mountain, Fantasia (1940)" on YouTube. And you'll have an idea of what the Heroic Seven are up against.
There is also Yen Sid, another existing Disney character. He appears briefly in the beginning and end of "The sorcerer's apprentice, Fantasia (1940)." Fixing Mickey's miscasted spell.
And now please enjoy.
•••
The Mission
The audience dispersed and returned to their seats. Anna quickly grabbed Varian, Cassandra and Lady Caine.
"Let's join our two tables." Chirped Anna. "Since this story will be about all our children, then we should all sit together!"
Elsa and Rapunzel giggled, both women were heartened by Anna's infectious positive energy. The Arendelle queen was eager to get to know Cassandra and Lady Caine even more now.
"We're gonna be the bestest buddies, us three, Elsa and Rapunzel." Anna sang, looping her arms around Cassandra's and Lady Caine's.
Cassandra passed Rapunzel a look. 'Definitely your cousin.' Her expression spoke which made Rapunzel laugh.
Lady Caine just looked and felt incredibly awkward about the situation. The Stabbington Brothers and the King and Prince of the Southern Isles cringed at the precarious sight. The Prince Consort of Arendelle noticed the four.
"Well then, shall we take our seats." Kristoff offered.
The four agreed with him and took their seats. Elsa tapped Kristoff's shoulder.
"Kristoff. Eugene's father is seated a few tables back, perhaps we should invite him over too." She suggested.
"Good idea, Elsa." Kristoff replied. He then passed Eugene a smile and made his way over to King Edmund.
Moments later, a large table was set consisting of Anna, Rapunzel, Elsa, Eugene, Kristoff, Cassandra, Varian, Lady Caine, Frederic, Arianna, Willow, Edmund, The Stabbington Brothers, Prince Mathew and King Marius.
The movie continued.
The victory had been euphoric, people embraced laughed and cried. They have weathered a massive Unquiet assault and slew four major enemy commanders.
But there was no time for celebration, nor time to grieve the fallen. A task of astronomical importance needed to be briefed and so in the middle of the ruined compound, the battle weary princes and princesses were summoned before the two queens.
They did not take kindly to this task.
"What do you mean we five must leave?" Aidan asked, shocked by his mother's command.
The remaining defenders and shamans present balked at the idea of sending the princes and princesses away. They too looked to the two queens for answers.
The audience were just as confused. Why would they send away Northuldra's greatest heroes.
"Aidan, listen. There is nothing more you can do for us here. There is another place that needs your help, and I believe you will do far more good there." Explained Anna.
"You can't expect us to just abandon everyone here in Northuldra." Wrenn argued. She looked to Rapunzel and Anna. "Mom, Aunt Anna. You still need us!"
"We just defeated a massive invading force." Amelia added. The hot headed teen raised her sword. "Whatever comes this way we will break them against our defences again!"
But Anna and Rapunzel shook their heads sadly.
"No Amelia, I'm afraid we will not be able to hold the next attack." Said Rapunzel. The Queen turned her head to the East, a faint gust blew against her face. "Something gigantic is approaching, with each moment the stench of ash and molten iron grows stronger."
Then Varian stepped forward, his expression grim. "It is Chernabog, he is coming." The engineer said.
In the blink of an eye the atmosphere changed, all who heard Varian paused, frozen, the colours drained from their faces. The sweet euphoria of a victory hard won suddenly forgotten, for the Engineer has spoken the coming of The Devil of Bald Mountain.
Many in the audience too were stunned into blanch horror. Hushed mutterings quickly began to circulate within the crowd like wild fire, though they furiously whispered to one another all gave pause and extreme trepidation before mentioning the devil's name.
There were few who have not heard of Chernabog.
"Uh, who is this Chernabog that I speak of?" Asked Varian, one of the few.
Everyone on the table turned to look at Varian, then at each other. Eventually it was Frederic who cleared his throat.
"Varian, the being known as Chernabog comes from legends of old. He is what you might call the demon, not a demon, the demon. The Devil if you will." Frederic explained.
"Devil?" Asked Varian.
"Aye, Frederic speaks the truth." Edmund agreed. "The Dark Kingdom has kept records and manuscripts of many great evils of the world. The one named Chernabog is known as the King of Demons, The God of Evil, the list of names go on, but all sources regarding Chernabog have the same conclusion. Chernabog is the greatest force of evil the world has known."
Next, Arianna leaned in. "It is said he was imprisoned in the blasted lands somewhere in East Europe. That an ancient hero bound him on the top of Bald Mountain. Some say he is the top of Bald Mountain, such is his immense size."
"Guess he's not bound anymore." Said Kristoff.
The kids have been shocked into silence, as had the fortress defenders.
"K-k, I guess it was only a matter of time before he decided to come for us himself." Flynn cursed.
"We cannot defeat Chernabog." So saith the queen. And this time Anna received no arguments.
Being the most level headed member in the group, Eri stepped forward.
"You mentioned you wanted to send us somewhere else, a place that needed our help." Eri narrowed her eyes. "If Northuldra is now a lost cause, all because Chernabog has finally cast his sights upon us. Then how long before that place becomes Chernabog's next target?"
"That would all depend on you, Your Highness." This time it was the wizard who spoke. A tall bearded elderly man wearing blue robes and a pointy blue hat made himself known. "If you are successful in your mission, then that place and all places will never suffer the predation of Chernabog or any of the Unquiet's."
Was such a place possible? All eyes were wide and on the Wizard.
"Greetings, heroes of Northuldra. I am Yen Sid, and it was I who proposed this endeavour." Yen Sid bowed.
At last Rapunzel spoke. "It is not where we are sending you. But when."
Then it was Anna's turn. "Master Yen Sid provided us with this plan. That he would enact a great ceremony to open a gateway through time. You will be transported to the past, to the days before the Unquiets invaded our world." Anna explained.
"Why don't we take everyone?" Asked Wrenn.
"The portal cannot take so many, Princess Wrennetta." Yen Sid shook his head. "By my estimations, I can only transport seven."
Rapunzel approached the group, her features softened as she gazed at each of the teens.
"I know you are all undyingly loyal to your subjects and you loathe to leave them. But please do not think you are abandoning everyone." Said Rapunzel.
"This isn't some chance for you to run away or escape. Far from it in fact." Anna sternly clarified. "As Master Yen Sid stated, only seven individuals may cross the time portal. Therefore we have chosen our best and most competent heroes to take this mission."
"Us seven?" Amelia asked.
"Yes Amelia. You, Aidan, Wrenn, Flynn, Eri, Neoma and Novak." Said Anna.
She then extended her arm gesturing at the ruined landscape, the never-ending night, the suffering people.
"You will travel back in time to prevent it all from happening, to save the world!"
"But what about all of you?" Eri asked. "What will it mean for everyone here in this time?"
"Nothing you do in the past can change what happens in this very spot, for time travel does not work that way." Said Yen Sid. "What was done here is already done, our fate has already been sealed. We are now preventing another timeline, another world if you will from sharing that fate."
"Us!" Anna gasped. "They're talking about saving us!"
"Okay, it all makes sense now." Kristoff said.
"Looks like you actually did meet Amelia that day." Eugene raised his eyebrows.
The princes and princesses were about to protest, Neoma and Novak were about to speak up too. But then the Lieutenant stepped in.
"Your Highnesses." The Lieutenant said. "You know as well as we all do, that this is no longer a fight for survival, it is a last stand. Northuldra has been the final bastion of light standing inviolate against the sea of darkness, but we all know in the back of our minds. One day, inevitably, it will fall."
The young man removed his helmet, revealing his familiar face to the audience.
Elsa narrowed her eyes. "Wait, is that...?" Her eyes suddenly widened.
"On the night Arendelle fell to the Unquiets, I was the last evacuee to escape our doomed kingdom. But I would not be here today nor any of us from Arendelle, had Queen Elsa not given her life to destroy our pursuers." The Lieutenant, now revealed to have once been little Robert spoke of Elsa with reverence. "Now it is our turn."
"My princes and princesses and masters Neoma and Novak, as much as I would honour me to die at you side. I believe it is a far worthier end to die knowing in our hearts that another world will be saved for our sacrifices. And that you will live on." Robert lowered himself on one knee, and he wasn't alone.
Slowly, one by one the soldiers of Northuldra removed their helmets and lowered themselves on one knee.
It then became apparent to the audience that the seven heroes were not the only underaged soldiers, many among them were also in their early teens, while others were probably too old to fight. Some were at the right age but in the end Northuldra was desperately defended by any who were willing to fight. This could not go on.
Everyone present joined the defenders on their knees, the Northuldran shamans, medical crew, Varian's forces, Varian himself, Lady Caine. At last Rapunzel and Anna lowered themselves to their knees.
So many in the audience were moved by the devotion and loyalty of the people of the future.
•••
And with that the seven chosen heroes could no longer find it in their hearts to refuse. The mission was accepted. Now at the start of the mission came the seven's hardest trial, to say their goodbyes to their loved ones.
"I want you to have these, Neoma."
Varian handed his daughter a leather cylindrical case
They are the designs and schematics of all my works, I know they will serve you well in your travels. They won't do me much good here." Varian laughed.
"You knew about this mission all along didn't you dad?" Neoma asked. "That's why we packed everything when we left home, it was a one way trip."
Her father smiled at her. "Yes Neoma."
Varian looked upon his daughter with pride and admiration. The girl had reverted back to her base form. With black raven hair and light blue eyes. Like Flynn and Wrenn, Neoma has also learnt to deactivate her powers at will.
"You have grown stronger than your mother and smarter than me, but the one greatest quality of all is you having become a good young woman." Varian place a hand on his daughter's shoulder. "I am so proud of you and I know your that mother is proud of you too."
"Thanks dad." Neoma buried herself in Varians arms.
Present Varian wrapped his arm around his wife, Cassandra allowed herself to lean into her husband wrapping her arm around his waist.
"So how's the arm?" Future Varian asked.
The girl used her right hand to pull her cloak aside revealing her left arm. With the Moonstone powers deactivated, the black rocks of the arm have fallen away leaving just a steel skeletal frame dangling limply. It consisted of a hand, a forearm and half an upper arm connecting to the STUMP of Neoma's left upper arm!
"WHAT!? How the hell did that happen!?" Both Varian and Cassandra cried.
Rapunzel's hands flew to her mouth, everyone else gagged in horror.
"It's still holding together, but it was damaged during the Obliterane blast." Neoma replied.
Future Varian only smiled, as though it was the most natural thing.
"Well we can't have you going to the past with that, can we? Let's give you one last fix up before you go." He pulled out his tools and the father and daughter began to tinker.
Cassandra and Varian were left speechless.
•••
"Mom." Novak said.
The boy with dark auburn hair approached his mother. Yet Lady Caine spoke not, she observed the boy with a blank expression on her face and narrowed eyes. Novak stopped, he was slightly saddened. This would be the last time he'd ever see his mother and yet she showed only her disinterest in what would be their final goodbye.
"Oh would you stop looking so glum. I'm trying to imprint a candid image of you in my head. I'd rather not remember you frowning." Lady Caine berated.
Novak's face lit up.
"There we go. Okay I'm all done." Lady Caine smiled. She approached her son.
"You know I normally wouldn't do this in front of so many people." Lady Caine sighed, she placed her hands on Novak's shoulders. "But what the heck! For this occasion, I will make an exception."
Lady Caine planted a kiss on her son's cheek, then pulled him in for a tight hug. Novak returned the hug, savouring the rare moment.
"I love you, mom."
"Awww." The Stabbington Brothers, Eugene and Rapunzel cooed. Cassandra and Varian breaking out of their previous shock also joined the doting.
Lady Caine kept her face low, her cheeks glowing bright red. Though deep inside, the hardened woman was feeling butterflies in her stomach. The words of her son meant a lot to her.
•••
Future Rapunzel approached Flynn and gingerly placed her hands on her son's cheek. But then with an evil glint in her eye being her only warning, Rapunzel squeezed and stretched the boy's cheeks. Flynn squirmed while Wrenn giggled.
"Do you think I'm blind and deaf boy? I know all about how you and Aidan defeated Brad the Defacer!" Rapunzel admonished.
"Oh he got off easy." Commented Rapunzel.
Slowly Rapunzel softened her grip, and her expression.
"You need to take better care of yourself, you and your sister." Rapunzel said.
"I think it's just him that needs looking after. Don't worry mom, I'll keep a leash on him." Said Wrenn.
"You are every bit as wild as your brother, I swear the both of you! It...it, why it reminds me of me when I was younger." Rapunzel sighed. "Oh I sure gave your grandfather more worries than he deserved."
Frederic and Rapunzel shared a glance to one another, Rapunzel looked apologetically at her father but Frederic just sighed and waved it off.
The twins and their mother hugged. Rapunzel caressed her children's heads, her eyes fell.
"The day I learnt that you two possessed the Sundrop's power I was both glad and terrified. Glad because I knew the Sundrop would protect you, scared because I knew it meant you would endure and suffer more than anyone else." Rapunzel pulled away, her eyes glistening.
She ran her fingers along Flynn and Wrenn's torn and bloodied battle garbs.
"It tears into my soul everytime the two of you are hurt in battle. You must promise me that you will look after yourselves, and your cousins and friends."
"We promise." Flynn and Wrenn said in unison.
Rapunzel leaned into Eugene
"Good. Now I have one last thing to give you for your journey." Future Rapunzel fished out a leather backed journal. "Plus Est En Vous."
•••
And last was future Anna and her two children. Anna noticed Eri standing alone and was quick to pull her niece into the embrace as well.
"I... I don't think I can do this mom." Amelia whimpered. "I am not afraid of battle, I am not afraid of death. But I am not ready to be without you."
Anna wiped a stray tear from her daughter's cheek.
"I will always be with you, no matter where you go or when you go I will always be there to watch over you. All of you." Anna patted her children and niece.
"And besides. You'll see me again, I'll be much younger and cleaner looking, and that's for damn sure." Anna laughed. The kids joined her.
Kristoff patted his wife on the back. Anna swatted back.
"I'm so glad you three will finally be seeing the world as it should be. The world before the Unquiets was a sight of true beauty, when you see it, both the lands and the people. You will understand why it is all worth saving."
•••
With that, the master wizard Yen Sid conducted the final incantations for the ritual. The circle on the ground lit up and great column of amber light shot up into the sky.
"The portal is ready, your Highnesses. It is time." Said Yen Sid.
Slowly and tearfully the families separated. Each of the seven teenagers joined hands and stepped onto the circle.
"Umm?" Aidan questioned, puzzled as he noticed Neoma's metal arm for the first time.
"Oh. I can't move my left hand as it is right now, sorry you'll have to hold tighter for both of us." The raven haired girl apologize. She raised her left shoulder to move the motionless metal appendage slightly closer for him to reach.
"That's alright." Aidan laughed. But instead of taking the metal hand, Aidan moved in even closer and looped his right arm around Neoma's waist. Surprising the girl.
Unbeknownst to Aidan, the boy's boldness was being watch by the girl's parents. Varian and Cassandra turned to give Anna and Kristoff questioning looks.
"Umm. He's really really friendly?" Kristoff suggested.
Even future Varian raised an eyebrow.
Amelia scoffed and swatted her grinning brother upside the head, then took his other hand in hers. Everybody else in the ring laughed.
The ground they stood on lit up and a great pillar of amber light shot into the heavens. The seven teenagers were gone, passed through the tunnel of time.
"Are they?" Varian asked, a hint of quiver in his voice, staring at the empty spot.
"It is done." Rapunzel exhaled. Anna placed a comforting hand on Rapunzel's shoulder.
"Yes. Whatever happens to us now, we've won. Our children won't let this tragedy repeat."
A small tremor rocked the fortress.
"And they left not moment too soon." Lady Caine mumbled. "Lets get this over with.
•••
"He's here!" The scout yelled.
Not that it wasn't already obvious. Every few seconds a thunderous boom echoed from the East.
The dark silhouette of a titanic figure of incomprehensible dimensions could be seen beyond the Enchanted Forest's magical barrier.
The colours drained from the faces of the audience upon finally seeing what could only be Chernabog, the Devil of Bald Mountain.
"Inconceivable!" Varian gagged.
Chernabog's size defied all rational thoughts, the devil easily stood over four hundred feet tall, far taller than the earth giants Every step of its hell forged iron boot crushed trees, diverted rivers and created damaging tremors.
Anna watched parts of the ice fortress's wall crumble.
"It is time." Said Rapunzel, grimly.
Anna nodded and unsheathed a sword, Rapunzel drew a sword in her right hand and a raised a frying pan in her left. The two queens turned to address the remaining defenders for what will be their final speech.
"Brave warriors, last survivors of the world that was, my friends." Rapunzel began. "When we all first arrived in Northuldra thirteen years ago, we were broken people. Whether we came from Corona or Arendelle or which ever part of the world, that place was destroyed and not one of us arrived unscathed."
"But banding together we became strong. We survived." Rapunzel's voice boomed.
Next, Anna stepped forward to speak. "And not because of magic or steel, but because we stood by one another, believed in each other!"
"Though the sun will finally set on Northuldra today. Rapunzel and I call upon you to take up arms and sally forth with us to meet this great enemy!"
Hundreds of swords were drawn from there scabbards and raised high. Axes waved and spears stabbed at the skies as the gathered survivors cheered. The walls shook and the swelling roar spread throughout the fortress and beyond, taken up by every living soul in the resistance. Even the Earth Giants raised their great fists and roared with their human comrades.
From a distance the defenders watched Chernabog step through the barrier as easily as a man might walk through a paper wall.
A smirk formed on Rapunzel's lips when she saw the devil's wicked grin become that of confusion. He must have expected crowd of cowering rabble but instead a proud defiant army greeted him.
"We've been waiting for you, monster!" Rapunzel growled.
The picture vanished.
•••
"That can't be it." Frederic said. "What happens to Rapunzel, to Anna, the remaining survivors!?" He asked, pleadingly. The man was greatly concerned for his daughter and niece from the future.
"They fought bravely." Was the witch's only reply.
It was clear what that meant. Frederic sank back onto his seat and lamented, his grief was shared by many. Anna and Rapunzel though were not so saddened.
"But the time portal was a success." Stated Anna, she met Kristoff's eyes and placed a hand on his chest. "Our future children really are here. And they've been walking among us...to save us."
"Aye, your majesty." The witch confirmed. She grinned as a small group of people began to approach.
"Ariel?" Elsa acknowledged the red haired queen.
"Excuse me Elsa, Anna and Rapunzel. My daughter keeps insisting that she has met your children." Ariel explained.
"Really!? Is that true, Melody?" Asked Rapunzel.
"Yes your majesty. I have met all seven of them, and it was with their help that my grandfather and I were able to save the undersea kingdoms." Melody claimed, while her mother and father looked sceptically at her.
"And although I am horrifyingly shocked that my parents never realised it, they have been well acquainted with Eri." Melody smirked at Ariel and Eric. Elsa blinked.
More people showed up.
"Stalyan!?" Eugene gasped. Rapunzel tensed.
"Hi Flynn Rider. Long time no see." The slender brunette laughed cruelly.
"Who's she?" Elsa asked.
"A threat." Rapunzel mumbled and moved to stand by Eugene territorially.
Two men flanked Stalyan on either side; one was a giant of a man and the other...
"Woah, why are their two Eugenes?" Anna asked, noting the Eugene lookalike who casually wrapped an arm around Stalyan's shoulder.
"Greetings, royalties one and all. For all of those who sadly didnt have the pleasure of knowing me, I am Brock Thunderstrike. Nice to meet you." The once 'Flynnposter' greeted in a most unorthodox manner.
The large man on the other side of Stalyan just growled and glared at the real Eugene.
"Baron! You're looking well, no really." Eugene smiled nervously.
During the final battle against Zhan Tiri seven years ago, the Baron had been locked in his cell underneath Corona. And so when Rapunzel used her healing incantation to save Cassandra and everyone drained by the demon's hurt incantation. The healing magic restored the Baron from his spider poison ravaged flesh.
The Baron growled again and clenched his fists, he seriously looked ready to slug Eugene. Indeed Kristoff was preparing to jump in, but then-.
"Mistress Stalyan! I can't handle this little one any longer!"
It was Anthony the Weasel, the Baron's right hand man. But what really had the Tangled team shocked was the little laughing baby in the man's arms.
"Gah! Stop poking my face! Careful I only have one eye left!" Weasel pleaded.
Stalyan chuckled and walked over. "Alright hand him here."
Taking the baby in her arms. The little one snuggled against her. Then Brock placed an arm around Stalyan and together they turned and presented their child.
Rapunzel, Eugene and Cassandra gaped.
"We wanted to express our appreciation." Stalyan finally said. Her expression was no longer sassy, Stalyan with sincerity in her eyes explained. "We were in a bit of a bind a few months back, I was having complications birthing this little one. But your kids were there and they really helped us out."
For a short moment Rapunzel was left speechless, then slowly her eyes softened and she smiled at the sight of the family. Today has been full of surprises.
And more people came forward.
•••
"I think that should be enough for one night." The witch suggested.
True to her word it was indeed getting late and many of the attendants looked exhausted; physically and very much so emotionally. And so Anna climbed up the stage to address her guests.
With a quick "thank you" and "sorry" for the strange turn of events, the crowd slowly got up and dispersed. Retiring for the night.
•••
At the palace nursery.
"And that, children. Is the story of how Avatar Aang and his group of friends saved their world. The End." Olaf finished, closing the book.
The snowman observed his audience. Pleased to see little Aidan, Flynn and Wrenn passed out on plush pillows on the railed bed. And baby Amelia fast asleep in her crib.
"They're so adorable, they didn't understand a word I read the whole time." Olaf cooed.
A nurse chuckled as she began tucking in the children one by one.
Suddenly Anna all but burst in with Rapunzel a fraction of a second behind her. Olaf quickly shush the pair.
"Sorry." Anna and Rapunzel whispered.
The rest of their family quietly entered. Containing their excitement was certainly no easy task, but they really didn't want to accidentally wake up the children. They will have to save the excitement for the next day.
Anna and Kristoff gently collected Aidan and Amelia while Rapunzel and Eugene took Flynn and Wrenn and retired to their guest rooms.
That night many went to bed with greatly troubled hearts, fear of what is to come.
Yet they know there was hope.
•••
I know these last few chapters have been pretty grim and dark. But don't worry, things are finally about to lighten up as the kids will now explore the peaceful world that was.
Please leave me your thoughts and thanks for reading.