"YOU INSOLENT LITTLE CUR!" Maleficent thundered as the back of her hand struck Belle's cheek with full force. "You've failed me AGAIN!" Belle trembled on her knees as her mistress raved and demeaned her botched attack on Traverse Town. As before, the pig-man horde was gathered around the platform, all growling in sheep-like agreement with the Mistress of all Evil. Some were laughing darkly at her misery and humiliation.
"It was no use, my mistress," Belle pleaded. "They were reinforced, that cursed keyblade-wielder brought more soldiers from another world. With even more powerful weapons!" another slap cut her off.
"SILENCE, YOU WRETCHED FOOL! You had that cursed rodent queen within your grasp! Do you truly think I was not watching? Of all things, it was that cursed transformed Prince who undid you!"
"I HATE HIM!" Belle hissed. "I hate ALL MEN!" This time it was a clenched fist that cut her off, clutching her throat and chocking the life from her.
"Then why did you COWER IN FEAR? Like the helpless little country girl you were when I found you! Helpless in the arms of that BRUTE! I made you STRONG! Hatred and all the powers of HELL made you strong! And you repay me by going weak in the knees at the first sight of that BEAST!" Belle twitched and writhed in her grasp, her lungs heaving for air. Soon her eyes rolled over.
"WHOA! About a nine on the temper-scale there, Mally!" Hades huffed as he appeared beside them. The horde of pig-men were barely ruffled by the sudden appearance, the god of death was making a habit of such intrusions and they knew they were powerless to stop him even if their mistress did order them. Maleficent sneered as she released Belle's throat and turned to her peer.
"A fine assistance you were!" she snapped. "Or will you lie to me again that you did not know the location of this world sooner? Otherwise how, pray tell, did you know to attack through the sewer system? Surely you don't expect me to believe this was blind luck!"
Hades blushed. "Mally, hunny, you're giving me WAY too much credit there! My word of honor I only just learned of it recently," he lied. "But if I were honest, I might have a certain ace in the hole at that particular table. An ace that's real close to the higher-ups, if you catch my drift," he flexed his eyebrows with a cunning grin.
Maleficent's hands tightened into fists. She knew for a fact he had known longer, but this spy of his would be useful. "Who?" she demanded. "And how do you know this informant can be trusted."
"Well, let's just say I've got an ace in the hole FOR my ace in the hole. A card I can play that is, shall we say, of great interest to my little ace," Hades grin brought a smirk to Maleficent's own face. He indeed had an ace up his sleeve for his spy; an ace of hearts. That smile dipped back into a frown.
"It doesn't matter!" she hissed. "Now they have not one but THREE princes of heart and will no-doubt soon realize how to undermine our plan! If they haven't already! And now, I've learned they've defeated Queen Elsa! Her fall into despair was among my greatest works. She might have even been able to joint OUR ranks once she'd taken her revenge. And now she's gone!"
"So the herd's been thinned out a little bit! More room at the top for the rest of us! Besides, need I remind you that now Arrendelle has gone from two princesses to ZERO! Zipadey Doo Dah! Zilch! NADA! So that little world, ain't getting locked off to us anytime soon."
"One princess can REPLACE another, you HALF-WIT!" Maleficent raged on. "If they haven't figured that out yet they soon will! Now they have three princes and a keyblade-wielder! We have to do SOMETHING!"
"Of course, my horned prima-donna!" Hades glided close to her with what he thought was a smooth and seductive tone. It did not have the desired affect. "I already have a full-proof plan to do something. I'm going to do...nothing!" The god of death chuckled as Maleficent's face reddened and trembled with rage. "Cool it, goth-queen! We tried going to them already. So now it's time to let them...come to us. Let's take it down a notch, let them just try and find their little paramours and when they do, we'll be waiting for them! I understand that grouching old hen you've been working on in that one world had a big windfall just a while ago. Naturally they'll underestimate her. Plus, who'd of thunk that dim-witted Granny Fairy would actually undo herself for you? Not to mention our sorcerer-sultan with a chin that could sink a cruise-liner is having fun busting up a charming little love-story in Old Dominion territory. Plus your side operations in both lands of the dragons, nice ones by the way; more subtle than you usually go for."
"Spare me the flattery!" Maleficent snorted. "If Laide can fall prey to the allure of love again I'm not convinced ANY of our work is full-proof!" She sneered down at Belle, who bowed her head in shame.
"Come on! Go easy on the little bookworm! It was that other big galoot who hurt her, not the furry one. Of course she'll get the little heart-flutter. No need to throw away your biggest success outright. Maybe just keep this pretty little tool tucked away in the work-shed a while. Then, when the opportune moment comes...she gets a chance to redeem herself. Meaning to US, not THAT kind of redeeming...err!" Hades cringed. "Just thinking of all that boring mushy stuff gets me going," he grumbled. "Besides, who knows, the furry prince might even make it easy for us, if you know what I'm saying," he said with a wink.
Maleficent understood. The hearts of men were easily corrupted, or at least distracted. For now she would keep Laide on guard duty. Let her stew in the humiliation. There would certainly be no kind words between them. And she could sleep in a bunk in the barracks, or a ditch for all Maleficent cared. Belle simultaneously trembled in fear and shook with wrath as Maleficent gave her the humiliating assignment. But she lowered her head and nodded in compliance.
"As for these little wenches she brought back with her…" Maleficent's voice trailed off as she eyed the girls, Olette and Fuu, both with bruised faces and trembling in the clutches of pig-men.
"Well," Hades scratched his neck. "According to my intelligence the err...Romeos to these particular Juliets are pretty low-profile, even if they'd like to think otherwise. So it's of no consequence. Hold em, kill em, your call. Got better things to do," he shrugged before vanishing in a puff of smoke. Maleficent scratched her chin for a moment than her lips curved in a menacing grin.
"My dear, servants," she addressed the pig-men. "You've been without entertainment for some time now. Enjoy them!" she finished with a wicked laugh.
To Olette and Fuu's horror, the pig-men all laughed lecherously and rushed them with hungry, hideous smiles. In seconds they were pawing and groping them. And snatching at their clothes. Both screamed in horror. Instants later a deafening roar reverberated through the chamber and a bear wearing a red pilot's cap and a flight jacket burst from the nearby doorway, his eyes fixed upon the two girls. He clawed and shoved pig-men aside as he waded through the horde in their direction. The girls were as horrified of him as they were the pig-men. Maleficent recognized him as a courier pilot, he usually ran packages between other members of their alliance. As well as inventions of Laide's pathetic fool of father and that money-grubbing duck industrialist. Yet now Baloo seemed ready to fight!
Another bear-like figure rushed up behind and snatched Baloo by the collar of his jacket with a mechanical hand. "HERE, SIMMER DOWN NOW!" the cyborg John Silver growled. "WON'T HAVE YOU MAKING A MESS OF THINGS WHILE OUR BENEFACTOR'S PRESENT!" The pig-men had all frozen in horror, remained still as the furry fury flailed in vain in the cyborg's grasp. After a moment's struggle, Baloo deflated with a reluctant growl. "A thousand pardons for me ship-mate, Mistress!" Silver turned to Maleficent with a bow. His artificial right eye flashed from red back to a friendlier yellow. "This one's been spoiling for a fight a long time, as eager as any of us to rip the pretty little, lubbers asunder!" he nodded towards the girls.
Maleficent blinked, Baloo was always a quiet one, never known for violent outbursts, especially against prisoners. But then bears, like all animals, were unpredictable. Even with as much intelligence as the bear needed to fly a plane, it seemed he was still a pathetic brute.
"And on that note, this gives us an opportunity the way I sees it ma'am," Silver went on. "I happens to be privy to some openings in our dear Queen's kitchen. What with the Princess Snow being...unavailable, as it were, she is without scullery wenches. Could do with a few extra hands in the kitchen me-self too, if I may say so. Now that, my poor pilot here has roared his peace and has his bearings, perhaps you'd wouldn't mind us departing for the Queen's castle with them as additional cargo?"
Maleficent blinked, she had rather liked the thought of those girls in such misery and pain. She had even stolen a glance at Belle and was delighted to see the alarm on her face as she watched the guards pawing the poor girls. Doubtless brought up bad memories for her. But then it was never a good idea to indulge her pig-men needlessly. And indulging the whims of her cohort, the Evil Queen, would have it's benefits. It was indeed pleasant to have another woman who shared her capacity for cruelty, and hatred for men.
"Very well, take her," Maleficent shrugged with a dismissive wave. The pig-men all sighed in deflation and grumbled at their lost fun.
"Thank you kindly, Mistress!" Silver beamed. "If you be desiring any meals or sweet treats, you just be sending word and your poor cook will see you haven't too long to wait," he promised graciously as he shoved Baloo back the way they came. "Come along now, little girlies! And fear you not, poor Mr. Baloo just let his temper get the best of him. Come along now as good young ladies and there won't be any need of his claws and fangs now," his tone was equally sweet and soothing to the girls. With considerable reluctance, the pig-men released their feminine prizes. And with equal reluctance, Olette and Fuu shuffled after the cyborg. A few more bruises and a few rips in their clothes but none the worse for wear.
"Makes them the luckiest little girls in all of creation," Maleficent chuckled darkly to her raven as it came swooping down onto her shoulder. "Make yourself scarce, and don't show your face unless I call for you!" she snapped at Belle before returning to her throne. Her tone made it clear she didn't even want to hear her speak. So Belle quietly left the chamber.
…
What had almost happened to Olette and Fuu truly had shaken Belle. The leering smile of that small-town bully, Gaston. The dirty trick he had played, trying to have that useless father of hers locked up. What she had to do to save him that day! What she had to let that PIG do to her! Like most girls she had dreamed of getting married when she was little. But never to a man like him! The only joy he had ever brought her was the look in his eyes as he bled out from the gaping wound in his throat!
Belle wandered the castle as if in a trance. Her stride was no longer proud and tall. No longer stomping strides with strength and purpose. The pig-men no longer shuffled aside in fear of her. Some even giggled as she passed. Shuffling timidly through the darkened corridors of Maleficent's castle. She no longer carried her club, fashioned from the very stick she had used to fend off the wolves that day in the snow. Before...NO! She would not allow that BEAST'S face to appear. Why did he let her go? Why did she leave? She was a prisoner, but she was happy! Why did she ever leave?
The answer to that question appeared before her as she entered the lower chamber, the factory where Maurice helped Scrooge McDuck tinker with various machines. Some were to produce sea-salt ice-cream. A legitimate business to keep the wealth flowing for Maleficent's empire. The duck tycoon had taken some convincing, but like all weakling money-lovers he gave in. Maurice was still dressed in that ridiculous jester costume as he pulled nobs and twisted gears. Only noticed her approach when she was very near.
"Belle!" her father gasped as he turned. "Daughter!" a hard slap cut him off.
"SILENCE YOU OLD FOOL!" she roared in his face. He looked to her pleadingly, only to have her firm palm strike him again and again and again, until he fell to the floor blubbering. "You simpleton FOOL! IT'S YOUR FAULT! IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT! WHAT DID YOU THINK THAT CARRIAGE WAS THERE FOR? ALL THOSE MEN WITH TORCHES? THEY HADN'T BELIEVED YOU BEFORE! DID YOU REALLY THINK THEY'D HAVE BELIEVED YOU THEN? You know what happens in lunatic asylums! What they would have done to you! Yet on you raved about the BEAST and on they laughed! They LAUGHED AT THE LUNATIC! A toddler could have seen it was a trap! How could you be so smart, yet remain so STUPID! Every breath you take, is because of me! NEVER FORGET THAT!" she finished before stomping off.
Some of her strength and purpose had returned to her step. She trampled right past Scooge McDuck, who had come running when he heard the shouting. Would have stomped him if he hadn't scrambled away in time. The duck rushed to the side of his weeping friend, patting his shoulder with his wing in a vain attempt at comfort.
"Belle, my daughter!" Maurice sobbed after her. "Please forgive me!"
…
Much to Olette and Fuu's surprise, the flight from the Forbidden Mountain to the Queen's castle was not an unpleasant one. John Silver sat in the co-pilot's seat the whole time and acted as a pleasant tour guide. Chatting the two of them up, finding out their names and where they were from. Every time the pilot, Baloo, tried to talk Silver cut him off. "Now no more harsh words for the little girlies! They is being good, they are! And they knows better than to try an escape, don't they?" he'd turn to the girls with a menacing grin. To which they'd both nod eagerly.
"This here aircraft was once aquatic, you see," Silver explained as they cruised through the void between worlds. "The 'Sea Duck' it's called. Baloo's own little babe it is. Very protective of it he is. But don't you worry, longs as you don't got tinkering with it your poor pilot won't lose his temper again, he won't," he paused for a throaty laugh and hard pat on Baloo's shoulder. Baloo still seemed angry, but more with Silver than with them.
The girls had plenty of time to gaze out in wonder at the void. All the debris fields, the floating mountains, the vast gas clouds. They passed by many worlds, landmarks on their surface magnified on the outsides. Each was far more than just a planet. An entire universe unto itself. For a while, Olette and Fuu almost forgot they were captives.
"Enjoying the view, you are?" Silver chuckled. "Yes, there be many worlds out there! Each with infinite possibilities! You play your cards right, please the Masters and Mistresses, and you might yet get to visit some of em, I'll tell ye!" as always he finished with a roaring laugh and hard slap to Baloo's shoulder, which prompted an indignant snarl.
Soon they approached a world with a castle superimposed atop it's globe. "Thar she blows, girlies! You're new home!" Baloo brought the Sea Duck in for a landing. With a flash of light, the plane landed with a splash in a lake beside the castle and taxied to a small dock built into a cave at the foot of the castle. "You may now disembark, Ms. Olette, Ms. Fuu," Silver stood to say as Baloo cut the engines. You just be hurrying your pretty little heads in. Into the tunnel, up the stairs, and you'll reach the kitchen eventually, can't miss it, you can't. I'll be up in good time. Just a few chores to help Mr. Baloo here with, is all." The girls nodded in unison and timidly shuffled to the hatch and opened it.
"Hey!" Baloo snapped, causing both to jolt to attention. His face was sincere, then after a brief glance to Silver he turned sour. "You just do as the Queen says and you won't get hurt, little britches. And no back talk!" he snapped. Fuu blinked and stomped closer in defiance.
"Two words!" she held up two fingers, snidely. Baloo bared his fangs with nasty growl. "Bye, bye," she said dully before pushing Olette out the hatch and rushing into the cave and up the stairs.
Several seconds after they were out of sight, Silver strolled up the hatch and swung it shut. He then turned slowly back to Baloo who was glaring daggers at him. "Tell me, Matey," he said before kneeling to pick up a wrench that had fallen loose in flight. He paused to eye it before glancing at Baloo, as if the out-of-place-tool reminded him of the bear. "Have you gone, completely, utterly…" he paused to slam the wrench against a cargo container. "STARK RAVING DAFT?" he roared.
Baloo roared as he stormed to his feet. "I had to do SOMETHING! They were gonna hurt the girls! And if you think for one minute I was about to just stand around while those animals did that to those poor kids..."
"And just what do you suppose you was going to do about it?" Silver cut him off. "One fat bear against the Mistress of all Evil herself! Even both of us together are not but barnacles to be scraped from her hull! You'd have been dead! Only difference would be those swine-lings would have a barbecue-bear dinner to recharge with after having their depraved way with em! And what of me, Matey? What good am I to them, without me first-mate? Even if they's didn't suspect me, I'd be done for!" Baloo's eyes fell as he realized Silver was right. "If you're going to play this little game, you'll have to learn to make priorities, you will!"
"Except this ain't no game, Silvy!" Baloo hissed. "It's all real! All we've done is pull those girls out of the fire and into the frying pan! Sure they'll be safe if they don't get on Queen Grouch's nerves, but it's just a matter of time before they step out of line. Oh, if anything happens to those kids I'll never forgive myself! We've just gotta get them out of here!" Baloo seemed on the verge of tears. When Silver's metal hand clasped his shoulder gently.
"We will, me corpulent compadre!" Silver soothed. "That we will, as soon as we wait out the...opportune moment…" his voice trailed off in mystery, but his scheming smile held strong. "But until then, it's nice to have a few friendly faces in a decidedly unfriendly place, yes? Now you hurry along with the cargo, and I'll get to honing me...culinary craft," he exited the plane with a scheming laugh. Baloo's experiences with pirates told him not to trust John Silver. But he hadn't steered him wrong yet. He sure hoped the cyborg knew what he was doing.
…
Riku blinked past Chip and Dale out the cockpit's windshield. There was something familiar about this new world. A tall, Gothic castle of pale white brick with four tall towers, one with a large clock. Standing atop a spherical rock. It boggled Riku's mind how ridiculous and serial these worlds looked from the outside! Familiar as it was, he could find no memory of having been there.
"YAY!" Dale yelped. "It's still here! And it hasn't fallen to darkness! Queen Minnie said she knew for a fact there was a princess of hearts here!"
"But she hasn't heard from the Fairy Godmother in ages! And look, darkness is building around the edges!" Chip shrieked. Riku tensed as he noticed dark essence building at the base of the castle. Something was wrong.
"Maybe it has something to do with that energy surge we detected a short while ago," Dale suggested.
"Whatever it is, we'll find out," Riku said firmly. "Take us in and scout out a place to put the Hawk down." The chipmunks chirped in compliance as Riku turned and left the cockpit. He arrived in the lounge area to greet his team. Aladdin and Beast stood casually on one side of the circular table, Hans and Kristoff on the other. The latter duo still looked tense.
It had been mere hours since defeating the Snow Queen. After some convincing, both the destined princeses accompanied them back to Traverse Town. Some of the Clones and Infantrymen stayed behind to make sure the area was truly secure and were picked up later by gummi ships. Riku still remembered the wide-eyed wonder on their faces as they traveled through the town. Seeing so many different people from vastly different worlds. The queen had been a particular shock to them. Upon hearing the whole story from Minnie, Hans and Kristoff were deeply troubled. Their world had lost both it's princesses!
The Queen assured them hope was not lost. That some worlds never had even one. "What's more, once prince could become guardian to a new princess!" she said cheerfully. The thought soured both their faces. Minnie's smile dipped into a frown as she realized the hurt she had caused. "I know this must be hard for both of you. You both loved Anna very much, but this is important! Our only hope of defeating the darkness is to nurture and protect the light. Something only you can do! You will try, won't you?"
Riku recalled their faces were grim but determined as they exchanged glances and nodded before pledging their lives to the defeat of darkness and the protection of the princesses of hearts. Though Riku couldn't doubt their sincerity, he questioned whether or not they'd be able to fall in love again. Riku wasn't even sure he had it in him!
On their way back to the hanger, they passed Major Dubois having an open classroom session in the conservatory throne room. Dozens were gathered around to hear his lecture. A blackboard was brought in with the words "History and Moral Philosophy," written in chalk on it. Dubois was captivating the crowd with his speech.
"War is not merely violence, for violence sake. It is violence with a purpose; to coerce people into a desired behavior. Whether it is total submission or merely to cease attacking you. A military is power, plain and simple. Coercive power. And, like any power, it can be self-destructive when wielded incorrectly or carelessly, which is one of the reasons why the Federation (the dominant power of my world) limits control of government to citizens who have performed a minimal service to the body-politic. While no one can rightly claim perfection, those who have proven their intentions for the good of all, through service, are deemed more worthy of the franchise by our system of government."
Hayner, still bruised and beaten from the battle stood up with clenched fists without even raising his hand. "That's not fair!" he snapped. Dubois turned to him without venom. "If it's a democracy, shouldn't everyone get a vote?"
"First of all, no where in all the annals of history has there ever been established a government capable of making life 'fair' as you said, young sir," Dubois explained calmly. "Many have tried, and even insisted they had, but rudimentary observation easily proves these claims false. In future lectures we will be covering such systems as Red China and Soviet Russia, I trust you will see my point on fairness there. As for voting rights, the simple fact is that every society in history has limited the vote to those it deems best suited. In monarchy, the authority is limited only to the King or Queen. In democracies it has been limited based on many different things; age, race, gender, etc. Even the 20th Century democracies of my world, at their most egalitarian, limited the vote to those of 18 years old and up. Some in my world argue that is the reason why the 20th Century democracies collapsed into ruin and chaos. They got it in their heads that they could just VOTE for whatever they wanted, and then get it without having to work for it! Without toil, without tears, without sweat!"
"But what makes soldiers better?" Seifer stood and sneered, his own face pocked with bruises.
"Absolutely nothing, young man," Dubois answered plainly. Seifer grimaced, dumbfounded. "I am pleased to see you have been paying attention, young man. But I did specifically say 'service'; not necessarily in the military. In my world there are many different options for Federal Service. Military, mining, law enforcement, postal. Though most do end up either military or mining. If you're asking why we limit voting based on service, really just because our system has been working and we have found no need to change it. Nor have we faced any rebellion or revolt significant enough to motivate change. Because most of the populace is happy, or at least content. Especially with so many freedoms available to them without the addition of the vote. Plus, admittedly, it might have something to do with the existence of a common enemy in the arachnids. Indeed many societies have come together in alliance against a mutual foe. Oddly enough, violence can have a unifying effect on people."
Riku and the others hadn't been able to help but stop and listen. The man had a way with words. "But sir?" Pence raised his hand beside Hayner. Dubois nodded for him to continue. "My parents taught me that violence doesn't solve anything." A round of chuckles went up from scattered Infantrymen and women among the audience.
"Well, I'm sure the city fathers of Carthage would love to hear that," Dubois huffed. "You might tell them that, young man. If the Roman Legions hadn't wiped them out over two thousand years ago. Violence certainly solved Rome and Carthage's dispute! As it did our problem just days ago with the heartless. Violence is the number-one, time-tested, solution to all problems. Though, as mentioned before, should be handled with care." Hayner and Seifer both sat back down, looking sullen.
Riku knew it was best to get a move on. If Hayner or Seifer spotted him, he knew they'd try to volunteer themselves for the journey. The Queen told them that Prince Philip was also eager to join the crew of the Ebon Hawk, but would need more time to recover. Under better conditions, healing magic spells would cure most wounds far faster, but until more worlds were reclaimed for light, injuries would need time to heal.
Kristoff was bitter about having to leave his reindeer, Spen, behind. But he knew Pabby and the other trolls would take care of him. Hans had left the captain of his guard in command of the kingdom until his return. Riku could tell they were both grateful to be along for the journey. Their own world had seen so much destruction. It hurt them even to think on it. Positioning himself between both duos, Riku cleared his throat.
"We've reached a new world and will be landing in a moment. It seems to be ruled by light, but darkness is already eating at it. Not sure if we'll be jumping right into combat or not."
"I'm ready to fight," Hans grunted.
"Here, here," Beast growled.
"Let's not jump to any conclusions yet. The queen said herself she'd like us to be subtle if we can."
"No problem," Aladdin smiled. "Subtlety is my specialty."
"But," Riku eyed Aladdin for the interruption. "She'll understand if we have another Arrendell situation. In short, keep a low profile if possible, but don't hesitate to fight if need be."
"Nice speech," Kristoff said with a mild applause. "He sure talks like a leader, doesn't he?" he nudged Hans.
"We'll see," Hans sighed.
"You think you could do BETTER?" Beast snapped across the table at Hans.
"He did just lead the charge to pull your tail out of the fire!" Aladdin huffed. "That is to say, the ICE!" Both duos glared daggers at each other.
"Will you all just SHUT IT!" Riku snapped. All eyes went back to him. "Pretend we're all on the same side or something," he sighed. With visible reluctance, tempers cooled and tense silence prevailed. Riku found himself hoping for a fight. Anything for Hans and Kristoff to throw their frustrations at! It couldn't be easy for them to jump from one war into another. No rest for the weary.
Soon Chip and Dale chirped over the ship's intercom that they were making their final approach. The Hawk landed in an open field beside a run-down Chateau of Gothic design. Riku sighed as he and his men descended the ship's ramp. At least Hans and Kristoff would have an easy time blending in. Aladdin and he would have to improvise disguises. Beast might have to stay behind and guard the ship, though.
The ship's engines were dying down as they exited. Within seconds after they went silent, a new sound echoed in the air. A woman screaming! Without a word all five of them darted in the direction of the crying damsel. For all they knew it could be the very princess they had come to protect. But even if it were a common woman, not one of them would have hesitated. They crested a grassy hill and looked down on the source of the scream. A girl with light-brown hair, with slight reddish tinge. She wore only a simple house-maid's dress, but her form and figure betrayed beauty beyond birthright. Her gorgeous face was twisted in horror at the dozen heartless surrounding her, closing in for the kill.
With a mighty roar, Beast bound forward into the fray. Riku and the others rushed after, but couldn't hope to keep up. The heartless and their prey turned in horror to the oncoming brute. The girl fell to her knees trembling, unsure if she was being rescued or falling prey to a new predator. Fangs and claws dispatched three heartless in as many seconds. By then Riku leapt in strike down another with his keyblade.
More heartless emerged like oil from the ground, only to be pounced on by Beast. Hans and Aladdin hacked down foes with their swords while Kristoff split inky heads with his ice-axe. After minutes of vicious melee the heartless ceased to emerge. Bringing a collective sigh from the champions of hearts. Victory was theirs.
Riku was about to congratulate them when the girl screamed again. "No! Stay away!" she pleaded, shielding her face with both hands. Beast's hunched figure froze in shock before her. An awkward grunt escaped his maw as he realized he had frightened her and took several paces back.
"I didn't mean to-" Beast growled.
"We know, Beast," Riku cut him off. "It's alright." He turned to the girl, dispelled his keyblade and held up his hands, as if in surrender. "It's alright, we're not going to hurt you," he said as he approached. "Don't worry about him, he looks scary and can have a temper, but he has a good heart." Her panting breaths eased and her calloused hands stopped trembling. Soon she lowered them and two dazzling blue eyes gleamed up into Riku's. His own eyes bulged with recognition. The last his namesake had seen of this girl, she was being held comatose in a glass tube at Hollow Bastion. A captive of Maleficent and the evil mage, Ansem; who had possessed Riku's body. "Cinderella?" he gasped.